Bridges Kid's Club - Operation Santa 2015

Numerous CMS students volunteered their time and bought gifts for local children during their holiday vacation in support of the Bridges Kid's Club Operation Santa 2015 Joint Forces Military Family Christmas Carnival.  Below are pictures of some of the CMS students that volunteered for the event.  There were many Canon-McMillan students volunteering as part of the Bridges Kid's Club that are not pictured.

Additional Information - Bridges Kid's Club Website

Energy Research Debate Winners: 2015-2016

Period 1: Biomass
Period 2: Fossil Fuels
Period 4-5: Solar
Period 6-7: Geothermal
Period 8-9: Geothermal

Discovery Education: 3M Young Scientist Challenge

Website: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/

TOP TEN REASONS TO PARTICIPATE (According to the Website):

1. The grand prize is $25,000 and an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a Discovery Network taping!
2. Finalists get to work one-on-one with renowned 3M scientists – a mentoring experience they’ll never forget.
3. Friendship! Lots of competitors and finalists share a passion for science activities
4. Learning goes way beyond classroom walls and into the real world of innovating.
5. Competitors’ ideas and innovations can make a real difference in the world!
6. Finalists present their video competition ideas to a distinguished panel of judges.
7. No textbooks! This is original, outside-the-box dreaming, planning and innovating.
8. Finalists travel to St. Paul, Minnesota, and tour exclusive labs of 3M headquarters.
9. Being part of the science community is fun. Plus, this video competition is one science activity that makes a big impact on college résumés and essays.
10. You could be (drum roll, please)… America’s next Top Young Scientist!

Paris Climate Deal - What You Need to Know About the Climate Agreement (USA Today)

Students of the Month: December

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of December.

Science: Kaiya M.

English: Blake B.

Social Studies: Jeremiah B.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Ethan S.

Show that You Care this Holiday Season

There are two elementary students, Avery and Gregory, in our school district that are battling cancer. Avery who is battling liver cancer and Gregory who is fighting kidney cancer. If you could take some time and use the template, and make a card for each them, it could brighten their spirits this holiday season.

If you are interested in participating, you are to follow the directions below to complete your holiday cards.

Step 1: You are to click the link to the holiday card: Holiday Card Template.  You must log-in to your Google account for this link to work. (You can design your own cards if you wish!)
Step 2: Once the window opens, you are to click "File" and "Make a copy...".
Step 3: You must create a new document name. It should be: Your First and Last Name: Avery Card   The other card should be: Your First and Last Name: Gregory Card
Step 4: Design your cards. Be sure that you include a message to Avery or Gregory and that you put your first name in the card.
Step 5: Share your cards with me so that I can print them in color for you.

         
*You can also print these cards at home, and bring the cards in to Mrs. Porter.*

Additional Option: You can also get your own cards for Avery and Gregory.

All holiday cards for Avery and Gregory are due to Mrs. Porter by Monday, December 14th.

English 8: "Flowers for Algernon" Vocabulary Terms

The vocabulary list for "Flowers for Algernon" has been posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be on Wednesday, January 6th.

Science Class: 12/4/15 - Energy Videos

You will not be working in groups today.  Please complete all the steps in order.

You may complete some of the "Presentation Notes" that are located at the back of your "Energy Research and Presentation Notes" packet while watching the videos.

1. Watch - Hydroelectric Power - How it Works (Headphones Required)

2. Watch - Nuclear Power - How it Works (Headphones Required)

3. Watch - Chain Reaction - Nuclear Power (Headphones Required)

4. Watch - Geothermal Power Plant (Headphones Required)

5. Watch - Biomass in Pennsylvania (Headphones Required)

6. Watch - Fossil Fuels - Electricity (Headphones Required)

7. Watch - Solar Powered House - Bill Nye (Headphones Required)

8. Once you have viewed ALL the above videos, you may use the rest of the time to research your specific energy resource.

• Energy Debate Information and Useful Websites

Energy Debate Information and Useful Websites

Energy Research Debate (Digital Copy)
Energy Research and Presentation Notes (Digital Copy)

Google Presentation (AKA: Google Slides) Due Date: December 14, 2015

• Create in Google Drive
• Share with the following people and give them permission to edit: 
• Group Members: Power Companies Only 
• Mr. Wolf: wolfp@cmsd.k12.pa.us
• Mrs. Barbarino: barbarinoa@cmsd.k12.pa.us 
• Mrs. Killmeyer (Pd. 4-5 & 8-9): killmeyerm@cmsd.k12.pa.us 
• Mrs. Coffey (Pd. 1 & 6-7): coffeyc@cmsd.k12.pa.us 
• How to Name Your Google Presentation (AKA: Google Slides):
• Power Companies: classperiod_energyresource
• Example: 4-5_hydropower
• This would be the name of the file for the power company researching hydropower in my period 4-5 class.
• Panel Members: classperiod_energyresource_panel
• Example: 6-7_fossilfuels_panel
• This would be the name of the file for the panel member researching fossil fuels in my period 6-7 class.

Energy Pathfinder

Please use the following pathfinder to help you get started with your research.  The pathfinder can also be accessed from the library's website.

http://cmspathfinders.wikispaces.com/Energy

Energy Resource Quiz (15 Points) - December 18th, 2015

CMS Dodgeball Champions!

Congratulations to Supernova homebases 406 and 110 for being the CMS dodgeball champions!

English: "Robo-Legs" & "Eureka: Scientific Twists of Fate" Vocabulary Terms

The vocabulary list has been posted for "Robo-Legs" and "Eureka: Scientific Twists of Fate".  The test on these terms will be on Monday, December 7th.

Students of the Month: November

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of November.

English: Allison S.

Social Studies: Madison K.

Science: Korey K.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Madison D.

Ethan S. is the 2015-2016 Carson Scholar Nominee

 
     Congratulations to Ethan S. who has been nominated by Mrs. Porter as the Canonsburg Middle School's Carson Scholar Nominee. Ethan was selected because of his academic performance and his extensive list of service activities. He has been approved as a nominee by the Carson Scholarship Foundation and now has to go through an extensive application process. Please check back in March to see if he won the scholarship!

     For more information on the Carson Scholarship, or to see the qualifications that a student must have to be nominated, please check out the Carson Scholars Fund website.

Egg Drop Awards: 2014-2015

Frank Sarris Public Library Science Fair

Attention Supernovas!!! 

You can earn up to 5 bonus points in science class by participating in the Frank Sarris Public Library Science Fair.  Please read over the informational flyer and evaluation rubric below.  If you submit a project, please let Mr. Wolf know so you can be awarded bonus points.

Informational Flyer

Evaluation Rubric

English 8: "Hallucination" Vocabulary Terms

The vocabulary list has been posted for the short story, "Hallucination". The test on these terms and the short story will be on Tuesday, November 24th.

English 8: "The Monkey's Paw" Vocabulary Terms

The vocabulary list has been posted for "The Monkey's Paw". The test on these terms will be on Monday, November 16th:

English Class on Tuesday, November 10th

You are to use the follow the Ready to Research link to complete your research in class today.

The list of usernames and passwords is on the front table.

English Class on Friday, November 6th

If you are done with your T.D.A., you can complete the following tasks that are listed below.

If you are done with your novel, you can take your Accelerated Reader Quiz in class by clicking the link below.  Remember: The AR quiz will have to be taken on Monday in class. 

Accelerated Reader Quiz

Mrs. Porter has the list of usernames and passwords for the Accelerated Reader website. 

If you received a 90% or higher on your AR quiz, you can see Mrs. Porter for a sticker for your bingo card.

When you have finished the quiz, you are to complete your citation in NoodleTools by clicking the link below. 

NoodleTools

You are to follow the AR NoodleTools citation instructions. If you lost your copy, you can get a copy from the extra copies' bin.  

Remember: You need to share your citation with Mrs. Porter to receive credit. If you do not share your citation with the drop box for your class period, a point will be deducted from your AR quiz grade.

Drop box name: Period #: November AR Book
# = your class period (1, 4/5, 6/7, 8/9, or 10)

If you turned in your novel early, and did not record your ISBN number, you are to follow these instructions: You can look up your ISBN on Destiny. There's a link to Destiny on the Looking for a Book? page on the LMC website. Once you find your book in Destiny, you can click on the title link and you will see the title details for your book. One of the things listed is the ISBN #. You can even just copy and paste the ISBN number right into NoodleTools. 

You can complete the online textbook activity by following the directions on the sheet that you received when you came in today.  You will need headphones for this activity.  They are located in the bin at the front of the room by Mrs. Porter's desk. (You may have to use Firefox instead of Google Chrome depending on the computer that you have in the lab.)

If you get done with the online textbook activity, you are to go to No Red Ink and complete the assigned activities.

2015-2016 Yearbook Orders

The 2015-2016 CMS Yearbook is now on sale! 

Please order your yearbook online by clicking on the image below:

All orders are due by 11/13. 

Order now and save $12 when you order personalization - receive 4 free icons!

This is the lowest price of the year - price will increase from $25  to $30 per book on 11/14.

​

Students of the Month: October

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of October.

Social Studies: Kayleigh V.

Science: Zachary B.

English: Thomas S.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Maura O.

Girls Of Steel Robotics - FREE Workshop

Girls in 8th grade are invited to learn about safety, tools, mechanical parts, and the electronics at the Chassis Building Workshop with the Carnegie Mellon University Girls of Steel Robotics Team on Sunday, November 22, 2015, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a Girls of Steel FIRST Robotics Competition Chassis Building Workshop at the IU1 Fab Lab.

 Mentors from Carnegie Mellon University’s Girls of Steel Robotics Team will guide participants to assemble and drive the robot. Workshop goals include:

• Learning about mechanical subsystems
• Learning about electronic subsystems
• Assembling a robot chassis and driving it!

The workshop is free for all interested 8th grade girls and no prior experience or knowledge is needed! Space is limited so make sure to register today at the online registration form. Registration closes November 15, 2015.

Registration Form

Informational Flyer

Girls of Steel Robotics Website

Science Class: 10/23/15 and 10/26/15

Please complete the following items in order. Please remain quiet and on-task during the entire class period.

1. COMPLETE ALL LATE WORK THAT YOU OWE.  Below are the two assignments that some students haven't completed.

• Laws of Motion and Momentum (10 Points) - DUE 10/19/15
• CH 6: Forces in Motion - Test (40 Points) - DUE 10/21/15

2. Complete your "CH 8: Work and Machines" guided note packet:

• Open "Chapter 8 - Work and Machines" PowerPoint.
• Go to slide 38 and check your answers to the key questions for section 2.  
• Read through each slide in section 3 of the PowerPoint.  Complete the rest of your guided notes for chapter 8 as you view the presentation. Examine, in detail, how each simple machine (lever, inclined plane, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, screw) makes work easier. 

3. Check your answers on the following worksheets:

• Answer KEY: Mechanical Advantage - (Math in Science)
• Answer KEY: Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency 

4. Complete the "Work and Simple Machines" activity.  Once the electronic document loads, you can click on the link at the top of the sheet to take you directly to the website.  This handout was given to you earlier in the week.  Check the make-up folder if you were absent.  Ensure you fill in your answers on the answer sheet as you work through the activity. Turn in the activity sheet once you are finished.  (Due 11/5/15)

5. Complete "Webquest: Simple Machines".  Once the electronic document loads, you can click on the link near the top of the sheet to take you directly to the website.  This handout was given to you earlier in the week.  Check the make-up folder if you were absent. Ensure you write in the answers on your handout as you work through the activity.  Turn in the activity sheet once you are finished.  (Due 11/5/15 - Bonus)

6. Click on "Science Materials" under the "Helpful Links" on the right side of the blog.  Please explore the format of this website.  Try accessing the "Rube Goldberg Project" from the "CH 8 - Work and Machines" section.  Read through the project.

7. If you finish early:
Option 1: Click on the following link to explore some interactive websites on simple machines.
Simple Machines: Interactive Websites
Option 2: Complete a "Read and React" paper for bonus.

The Other Midnight Riders Cross-Curricular Project

   The students read and discussed the poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride” in English class with Mrs. Porter. While in social studies with Mr. Faith, the students studied Colonial America. For the project, the students were to research the other midnight riders who assisted in warning the people about the impending British attack. The students were to determine how accurate Henry Longfellow’s poem was as compared to the actual historical accounts. The students researched and analyzed the real-life accounts of the other midnight riders in order to gain a richer knowledge of the events that lead up to the American Revolution. After the research was completed, the students rewrote Longfellow’s poem. However, this time, the students were to be as close to the actual events as possible in their poems. By writing their own historically accurate poems, they gave each rider the credit that they deserved for their contributions to the American Revolution.

Standards Covered: Social Studies: 8.3 America History & English 1.3.8 A-F, H-L; 1.4.8.M-W

 Pictured above are students gathering research on the other midnight riders. 

Pictured above are group members analyzing the poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride”. 

 Pictured above are students composing their historically accurate poems.

The Hitchhiker Vocabulary Terms

The vocabulary terms for the radio play, The Hitchhiker, have been posted on Quizlet. The test on the radio play and these terms will be on Thursday, October 22nd.

English Class on Monday, October 12th

Today, you will be taking your Accelerated Reader Quiz in class by clicking the link below.

Accelerated Reader Quiz

Mrs. Porter has posted the list of usernames and passwords for the Accelerated Reader website on the front table.

If you received a 90% or higher on your AR quiz, you can see Mrs. Porter for a sticker for your bingo card.

When you have finished the quiz, you are to complete your citation in NoodleTools by clicking the link below. 

NoodleTools

You are to follow the AR NoodleTools citation instructions. If you lost your copy, you can get a copy from the extra copies' bin in Mrs. Porter's room.  So, if you did not complete the citation rough draft for homework, you are just to write your citation in NoodleTools.  I don't need the rough draft copy of your citation.

Remember: You need to share your citation with Mrs. Porter to receive credit. If you do not share your citation with the drop box for your class period, a point will be deducted from your AR quiz grade.

Drop box name: Period #: October AR Book
# = your class period (1, 4/5, 6/7, 8/9, or 10)

If you turned in your novel early, and did not record your ISBN number, you are to follow these instructions: You can look up your ISBN on Destiny. There's a link to Destiny on the Looking for a Book? page on the LMC website. Once you find your book in Destiny, you can click on the title link and you will see the title details for your book. One of the things listed is the ISBN #. You can even just copy and paste the ISBN number right into NoodleTools. 

Once you have finished both tasks, you are to turn in your library book to Mrs. Porter.

You can complete are to complete the online textbook activity by following the directions on the slip that you received when you came in today.  You will need headphones for this activity.  They are located in the bin at the front of the room by Mrs. Porter's desk.

If you get done with the online textbook activity, you are to go to No Red Ink and complete an activity on Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement. If you don't get this activity done, it is not homework even though No Red Ink labels this activity as an "assignment".

English 8: Bonus Opportunity

Challenge 1: Writing

"Nearby Nature Haikus"

Each of Mrs. Porter's students received an informational flyer on Thursday, October 1st, that explained the specific requirements for competing in the Fairchild Challenge that is organized by Phipps Conservatory. For more information on the contest, you are to use the link to the Fairchild Challenge.

Bonus Points for Competing: If you follow all of rules for the contest, you will receive 10 bonus points towards your grade in English class for the first nine weeks. 

Additional Rewards: If your project is submitted by Miss Moniodes, Enrichment Support Teacher, to be entered in the Fairchild Challenge, you will receive two free passes to Phipps Conservatory. 

If you are interested in competing, please see Mrs. Porter or Miss Moniodes with any questions. Miss Moniodes will be mailing all entries to Phipps Conservatory on Friday, October 23rd.  Your project is due to Mrs. Porter by Monday, October 19th.

Students of the Month: September

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of September.

English: Ethan S.

Science: Brianna F.

Social Studies: Taylor C.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Thomas S. 

Mrs. Porter's Penny Project

   Have you ever wondered where your money has been before it makes it to you?  The journey could be very interesting in some cases.  
   The students of Mrs. Porter's English 8 classes are imagining the first year of “life” that each of their pennies had and they are writing narratives to explain each of their pennies' journeys.  
   Each student selected a penny at random.  The year on the penny was the year that the student researched.  The students had to complete 13 research questions that were based on the popular culture of that year.  
   Before the students started their research, they participated in an interactive mini-lesson on effectively using Google with Mrs. Barbarino.  For the final stage of the project, the students will be incorporating their research into their narratives.  The students are writing their narratives from the perspective of the penny. 
   The projects are due at the end of class on Wednesday, September 30th. The students' narrative papers will be displayed in Mrs. Porter's room.

Mrs. Barbarino is assisting Natalie B. with citing her sources in NoodleTools.

Ethan S., Shelby S., and Evan O. are hard at work on the Chromebooks completing their research.

Girls Rock Science!: An Exploration of STEM

Additional Information: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/calendar/event-details/?eventID=2636&year=2015&month=10&date=3

To Scale: The Solar System

"The Tell-Tale Heart" Vocabulary List

The test on "The Tell-Tale Heart" is tentatively scheduled for Friday, October 2nd.

Science Class: Schoology Sign-Up

1. Sign-in to: Schoology

• Note: If you do not already have a Schoology account, you will need to create one using the access code listed below and your school email/password.  You will also need to enter your first name, last name, and your birthday.

2. Click on "Courses" and select "Join"

3. Enter the following access code: JC4J5-VKKZ5

4. Explore the Schoology site, the Supernova Blog, and/or the Science Materials page while the rest of the class completes the sign-up process.

English 8: Schoology & No Red Ink Instructions

Schoology Instructions

Step 1: Go to Schoology

Note: If you already have a Schoology account, you do not need to create a new one. You just need to log in using your username and password and click courses. Next, you will click join, add your class code from the list below, and click join. (If you created a Schoology account for another class and did not follow the directions that I have below for new users, you need to edit this in Schoology.)

Step 2: Click the blue sign up button in the top right-hand corner of the screen and click student.

Step 3: Enter the access code for your class period.

Class Codes for Schoology

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 15-16: Period 1:                BB5VZ-VSZH3

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 15-16: Period 4/5:             FK4MT-HFZFG

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 15-16: Period 6/7:             VRBKP-7NBPQ

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 15-16: Period 8/9:             JWJV4-4J3XR

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 15-16: Period 10:              734NH-8WTHX

Step 4: Type your first and last name

Step 5: Type your school email which is 20 your last name first initial (in most cases) @ cmsd.k12.pa.us

Step 6: Type your password which is your student I.D. number followed by cmsd.

Step 7: Select your birthday from the drop-down menu. This is just to verify your age for access to the site.

Step 8: Click the blue register button.

No Red Ink 

No Red Ink is a web-based learning platform that helps students to improve their grammar and writing skills. You are to follow the directions below to create an account.

Note: If you already have a No Red Ink account, you do not need to create a new one. You just need to log in using your username and password. If you had a No Red Ink account last year for another class, you are to remove yourself from that class. If you created a No Red Ink account for another class and did not follow the directions that I have below for new users, you need to edit this in No Red Ink.

Directions for Creating an Account with No Red Ink

Step 1: Go to No Red Ink

Step 2: In the center of the page, it says: "Sign up for free" and click student.

Step 3: Type in the class code for your specific class period. Be careful and use the correct class code.

Class Codes for No Red Ink

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 1: 15-16:                     d33wxwxx

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 4/5: 15-16:                  acdcekea

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 6/7: 15-16:                  8h48433f

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 8/9: 15-16:                  h8d49kxc

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 10: 15-16:                   837x8mmk

Step 4: Type in your username. It has to be 20 your last name first initial (You are to use whatever you use to log on to the student computers or the first part of your school email address.)

Step 5: Type in your password. It has to be your student ID number followed by cmsd.

Step 6: Type your first name, last name, and select your gender.

Step 7: Click the box to agree to the privacy policy.

Step 8: You are to select your preferences. The website will prompt you to do this.

Science Homework and Bonus Opportunity: Designing a Controlled Experiment

Required Homework:

• Complete the following paper: Designing a Controlled Experiment
• Due: 9/10/15
• This homework assignment is worth 2 points.

Optional Bonus Opportunity (4 Bonus Points Possible): 

• Actually conduct the experiment that you designed during the homework.
• 2 Bonus Points: Provide visual proof that you conducted the experiment.  
• This can be as simple as a photograph of your experiment. 
• 2 Bonus Points: Organize the data you collected in a chart, table, graph, or written paragraph.  
• This bonus work can be turned in with the homework, or it can be emailed to Mr. Wolf.  
• Due: 9/10/15 - (Unless arrangements are made with Mr. Wolf due to your experiment requiring additional time.)

Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium - KidScience Progam

Click the link below to learn about the program.

• http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/Education/teens

Welcome 2015-2016 Supernovas!

Welcome to the CMS Supernova team blog.  Please use the blog to view announcements and updates throughout the school year.  Utilize the "helpful links" on the right-hand side of the page to access commonly used team resources.  We hope you have an enjoyable 8th grade year!

Reminder - Beginning of the Year Forms to Turn-In:

• Handbook Form (Yellow) - Due 9/2/15
• Return to your homebase teacher
• Emergency Card - Due 8/31/15
• Return to your homebase teacher
• T-Shirt Order (Optional) - Due 9/4/15
• Return to Mr. Wolf

Mrs. Porter's & Mrs. Barbarino's Poetry Picnic Event

Pictured above are students in Mrs. Porter's class enjoying the Poetry Picnic

     On Monday, June 1^st, we held the Poetry Picnic event.  As the students entered the LMC doors, the students were provided with a “menu” and map of the different stations that they could visit.  Each station was decorated to resemble a picnic table.  The students were given thorough instructions for each of the stations that were focused on a different activity that incorporated poetry.  During the 44 minute class periods, the students were able to visit at least four of the eleven stations.  We also gathered feedback on the event by having the students complete a reflection form.  The students really enjoyed this enriching experience.   

Supernova Students of the Year: 2014-2015

The following students have been selected as the Supernova Students of the Year for the 2014-2015 school year.

Outstanding Citizenship: Elijah C.
Science: Lily O.
Social Studies: Lianna C.
English: Estee C.
(Pictured from left to right)

When Disaster Strikes

FINAL CLASS ACTIVITY: 

When Disaster Strikes (Student Copy)

• Helpful Websites: https://www.diigo.com/user/wolfpaul/natural_disasters
• Google Presentation (AKA: Google Slides) Due Date: June 5th, 2015
  
  • Create in Google Drive
  • Share with Mr. Wolf: wolfp@cmsd.k12.pa.us
  • Share with all your group members
  • Make sure your group members have permission to edit
  • How to Name Your Google Presentation (AKA: Google Slides):
  • classperiod_yournaturaldisaster
  • Example: 4-5_hurricanes
  • This would be the name of the file for the group presenting on hurricanes in my period 4-5 class.

Students of the Month: May

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of May.

English: Gia Y.

Social Studies: Bailey N.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Bella B.

Science: Lacey R.

English 8: After the Test Activities

Done with the test, and nothing to do...

If you owe me any work, or if you did not complete the homework assignment that was due yesterday, you are to work on this first.  When you have finished, you are to show me, and then you can complete the activities.

Activity 1: Graded Bell Work: Analysis of Anne's Diary Entry

The five questions that are part of this bell work will be collected and graded tomorrow.  If you get done with the test, you are to work on this and complete it.  When you have finished, you are to put the completed sheet with your name on it in the wire bin on the front table. 

Activity 2: Book Collection Tomorrow

Tomorrow, I will be collecting your literature book.  In preparation, you can remove your book cover and remove any papers from your book.

Activity 3: Touring the Secret Annex & Learning about Anne Frank 

You are to use the embedded links to explore the Secret Annex that Anne called home during her time in hiding. You will need headphones for this activity.

The steps below take you through navigating the Anne Frank website. You are to take your time and explore. Along the top of the page is a bar with different options for you.
1. Click on the "Enter the 3D house" link at the top of the page and explore the 3D house. This page can take a while to load. You can get to the 3D house by clicking the Secret Annex link.
2. Click on the “About the house” link and explore the page. Be sure to click on the link that says “See it on Google StreetView”
3. Click on the “Who is who?” link and explore the page by clicking on the arrow beneath the person's picture and caption.
4. Click on the “Outcome” link and explore the page by clicking on the various links.
5. Finally, you are to explore the timeline to gain an understanding of that time period.

This can be an emotional and mature topic. If at any time, you are uncomfortable with the subject matter, you are just to click on another link. You do not have to view the entire Anne Frank site.

Science Class: 5/27-5/29

Please complete all the steps in order when given time to use the Chromebooks during class.

1. Complete: Webquest: Tornadoes and Hurricanes - Due 6/1 

• This will be graded for accuracy.  Please take your time.

2. Complete any late work that you owe.  

3. Complete the "Volcano Research Activity" after reading the following information/instructions.  

• Helpful Websites: http://www.diigo.com/user/wolfpaul/volcanoes.  IMPORTANT: The links that state "research various volcanoes" will help you find information on specific volcanoes.  
• Google Earth might NOT be compatible with the Chromebooks.  You may use "Google Maps" instead of "Google Earth" when you reach step #9 if you can't find the location of your volcano using the helpful websites. 
• Due - 6/1 (Optional Bonus) - 2 Points 

4.  Once have completed all the steps listed above, please choose from the following options.  

• Explore: NOAA - Severe Weather 101
• Explore: Storm Surge Animation
• Explore: The National Hurricane Center
• Explore: Live Science - Tornadoes
• Explore: Inside a Tornado (Headphones Required)
• Explore: Chasing Tornadoes (Headphones Required)
• Explore: Interactives - Weather
• Explore: Natural Disasters
• View: CH 16-3 - Severe Weather (PowerPoint)
• Complete a "Read and React" paper.

Science Class: 5/15, 5/18, 5/20, and 5/21

Please complete the following steps in order. Please remain silent and on-task the entire class period.

1.  Complete the following anonymous survey to help Mr. Wolf improve his science class.

• Mr. Wolf's Science Class (2014-2015)

2.  Complete your paper copy of the guided notes using the link below.  Take your time and read through the PowerPoint.  See Mr. Wolf if there is something you don't understand.

• PowerPoint Notes - CH 8-1 and 8-2: Earthquakes

3.  Complete: "Webquest: Earthquakes."  Read the instructions listed below before starting the webquest!!!!

• Show your green certificate (4 points) to Mr. Wolf once you reach step 4.  If you complete this assignment outside of class, you must print or email your certificate to Mr. Wolf.  
• Due 5/22/15
• IMPORTANT: The link on the webquest to the National Geographic Forces of Nature website has NOT been working on some of the Chromebooks.  If it doesn't work for you, try the following:
• Option 1: Website Link - National Geographic Forces of Nature
• Option 2: 
• Type the following in the searchbar: National Geographic Forces of Nature
• Try one of the first two websites that show up.  
• When working on the National Geographic website, please take your time and read through each step on the lab.  DO NOT SKIP TO TAB 7.   
• Please turn in the webquest paper once it is complete.  (4 points)
• Due 5/22/15

4.  Go to Schoology to complete a short quiz on earthquakes: https://www.schoology.com/

• You are allowed to take the quiz up to three times. 
• Only your best score will be recorded in the gradebook.  
• You may use your notes, book, and the Internet to help with the quiz.
• Your final attempt is due before school on 5/28/15. 
• Your first attempt is due before school on 5/26/15.

5. If you finish early, please choose from the following options:

• Watch: Megaquake - The Hour the Shook Japan (Headphones Required)
• Explore Volcanoes (National Geographic):  (CLICK ON THE VOLCANO TAB.  DO NOT EXPLORE THE HURRICANE OR TORNADO ACTIVITIES because we will do this at a later date).  
• Explore Virtual Volcanoes:  http://kids.discovery.com/games/build-play/volcano-explorer
• Explore Additional Earthquake or Volcano Websites:
• Earthquake Websites
• Volcano Websites
• Complete a "Read and React" bonus paper

Precession of the Earth's Rotation Axis

Websites on the precession of the Earth's rotation axis:

• http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/time/precession.html
• http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=541
• http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solar/earthprecess.html
• http://astro.wsu.edu/worthey/astro/html/lec-precession.html
• http://www.astro.cornell.edu/academics/courses/astro201/earth_precess.htm
• http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question64.html
• http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150508.html
• http://www.columbia.edu/itc/ldeo/mutter/jcm/Topic2/Topic2.html

Pitt Bioengineering Summer Camp 2015

Camp Website: http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/TissueEngineeringCamp/

Camp Registration: http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/TissueEngineeringCamp/registration/

Dates:
Middle School: July 6-10
High School: July 13-17
High School: July 20-24

Cost: $300 which covers single use experimental materials, meals, and prizes

Students of the Month: April

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of April.

Social Studies: Tamara M.

Science: Elijah C.

English: Madison G.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Gia Y.

English 8, Advanced English 8, & Social Studies: Career Research Project Links

You are to use the LMC web resources to help you answer the questions to guide you in creating your résumé and presentation.  You can also use the career pathfinder link to assist you in gathering research as well.  You must answer each question and record the source(s) on the lines provided in your packet. You should also double-check each fact that you gather with another source. If the source that you use to check your fact has different information, you need to use a third source. You are only to list the source that is connected to the fact that you decide to use. You will use Noddle Tools to create your works cited pages for both your résumé and presentation . 

How the Universe Works: Black Holes

Video Link - How the Universe Works: Black Holes

Advanced English 8: "Art in the Style of ..." Project

For the next few weeks, Mrs. Porter’s Advanced English 8 students will be working on the “Art in the Style of…” project. Students will work in pairs or individually to complete their works of art. We will also be working with our building’s gifted support teacher, Miss Moniodes and our art teacher, Mrs. Angle, on this cross-curricular project.

As teachers with a variety of backgrounds, we believe in the importance of a holistic approach to teaching and learning. Incorporating art into the regular education classroom helps promote creativity and foster confidence within our students and their work.

The Task: Students will create a drawing, painting, or sculpture of a local structure, landmark, or feature found within our community and render it in the style of an artist they have researched.  Students will then create a PowerPoint presentation or Prezi that explains the style of the artist, his or her works, or a fundamental belief that he or she had. Students will also explain how they incorporated their artist’s style into their art work.

The student’s projects will be evaluated with a teacher-designed rubric that focuses on content and creativity. The project will conclude with some final products being displayed at Canonsburg Middle School’s “Celebrate the Arts Night”, held on Wednesday, May 27th.  Visitors to the event will be able to hear or see the students explaining their works of art through the use of QR codes that will be placed next to the students' works of art.  

ASSET STEM Education: Engineer Your Summer Fun Day Camp!

Information: www.assetinc.org

Science Behind Devastating Nepal Earthquake and Avalanches

Astronomy: Think-Tac-Toe - 2014-2015 (Optional BONUS)

Mr. Wolf's 8th grade science classes are conducting an optional student choice activity in which they choose and complete astronomy activities for bonus points.  The due dates for the optional bonus activities are listed below.  The students can complete up to two projects worth 2.5 bonus points each.

Project # 1 - Due Date: May 7th (2.5 Bonus Points Possible)
Project # 2 - Due Date: May 14th (2.5 Bonus Points Possible)

Helpful Astronomy Websites

Astronomy Think-Tac-Toe (Printable PDF File)
Note: Each project is worth 2.5 bonus points instead of the 25 points listed on the document.  This optional bonus assignment will be discussed in detail during science class on April 29th.

Student Song Examples from Previous Years (Option # 2):
Solar System Song
Space Story Song

English 8 & Advanced English 8: Class on Tuesday, April 28th

Activity 1

The vocabulary list has been posted for Act One, Scenes 1-3 from the play, The Diary of Anne Frank. The test on these terms will be on Thursday, April 28th.  You are to follow the steps below for class today. You will need headphones to complete the steps. You can repeat each step as many times as you want.

Step One: You are to click "Cards" and go through the flashcards.
Step Two: You are to play the "Scatter" and the "Race" games to review the terms.
Step Three: You are to click "Learn" and complete this activity.
Step Four: You are to click "Test".

Finally, when you feel confident on the terms, you are to complete Activity 2.

Activity 2

The vocabulary list has been posted for Act One, Scenes 4 & 5 from the play, The Diary of Anne Frank. The test on these terms will be on Thursday, April 28th.  You are to follow the steps for Activity 1.

Activity 3: Touring the Secret Annex & Learning about Anne Frank

You are to use the embedded links to explore the Secret Annex that Anne called home during her time in hiding. You will need headphones for this activity.

The steps below take you through navigating the Anne Frank website. You are to take your time and explore. Along the top of the page is a bar with different options for you.
1. Click on the "Enter the 3D house" link at the top of the page and explore the 3D house. This page can take a while to load. You can get to the 3D house by clicking the Secret Annex link.
2. Click on the “About the house” link and explore the page. Be sure to click on the link that says “See it on Google StreetView”
3. Click on the “Who is who?” link and explore the page by clicking on the arrow beneath the person's picture and caption.
4. Click on the “Outcome” link and explore the page by clicking on the various links.
5. Finally, you are to explore the timeline to gain an understanding of that time period.

This can be an emotional and mature topic. If at any time, you are uncomfortable with the subject matter, you are just to click on another link. You do not have to view the entire Anne Frank site.

English Class on Friday, April 24th

English 8

You are required to take your AR Quiz before the end of the period today unless you have special permission from me for a time extension to read your novel. If you read a novel that was not AR, your summary is due at the end of the period today.

You also need to complete your citation on Noodle Tools by the end of the period today.  The drop box for this citation is April AR Book.

Advanced English 8 

You must turn in your Anne Frank project by the end of the period today.  You are not required to complete a citation, but you must take the AR Quiz on Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.

English 8 & Advanced English 8: Act One, Scenes 4 & 5 Vocabulary List

The vocabulary list has been posted for Act One, Scenes 4 & 5 from the play, The Diary of Anne Frank. The test on these terms will be on Thursday, April 28th.

English 8 & Advanced English 8: Act One, Scenes 1-3 Vocabulary List

The vocabulary list has been posted for Act One, Scenes 1-3 from the play, The Diary of Anne Frank. The test on these terms will be on Thursday, April 28th.

English 8: Class on Tuesday, April 14th

You are to use the embedded links to explore the Secret Annex that Anne called home during her time in hiding. You will need headphones for this activity.

The steps below take you through navigating the Anne Frank website. You are to take your time and explore. Along the top of the page is a bar with different options for you.

1. Click on the "Enter the 3D house" link at the top of the page and explore the 3D house. This page can take a while to load. You can get to the 3D house by clicking the Secret Annex link.

2. Click on the “About the house” link and explore the page. Be sure to click on the link that says “See it on Google StreetView”

3. Click on the “Who is who?” link and explore the page by clicking on the arrow beneath the person's picture and caption.

4. Click on the “Outcome” link and explore the page by clicking on the various links.

5. Finally, you are to explore the timeline to gain an understanding of that time period.

This can be an emotional and mature topic. If at any time, you are uncomfortable with the subject matter, you are just to click on another link. You do not have to view the entire Anne Frank site.