Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Supernova Egg Drop Competition: 2010-2011
The Supernova students will be utilizing physics concepts learned in science class to design and construct a capsule that will protect a raw egg (from breaking) as it is dropped from an elevated position. The top three students from each class will receive a certificate as a reward for their design and hard work. The top overall Supernova student will be awarded the egg drop trophy pictured above.
Science Enrichment: Science Connections
If you are interested in representing your team on a field trip that shows the way technology is used in the real world, here is your chance.
Write an essay (no longer than 300 words) explaining the importance of science education for your generation. Turn in the essay to your science teacher no later than Dec. 10th 2010.
If chosen, you will attend a field trip to a local company that specializes in technological development. Once the field trip has ended, you will create a presentation for your team that represents what you learned while on the trip.
Write an essay (no longer than 300 words) explaining the importance of science education for your generation. Turn in the essay to your science teacher no later than Dec. 10th 2010.
If chosen, you will attend a field trip to a local company that specializes in technological development. Once the field trip has ended, you will create a presentation for your team that represents what you learned while on the trip.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Art Inspires Narrative Writing
The Supernova Advanced English students traveled to the Carnegie Museum of Art for the third year in a row to explore the connections between art and narrative writing. The students prepared for the trip by analyzing and interpreting literature and discussing the similarities to analyzing and interpreting art work. While at the museum, the students were divided into small groups to discuss four specific pieces of art work. As a culminating project to this fabulous experience, the students wrote short stories with an emphasis on setting, character, plot, and theme. The students were instructed to select their favorite piece of art from the museum. When returning to school, the students received interpretation and analysis packets that focused on initial reaction, description, formal relationships of shapes and images, contextual examination, personal experience, and contextual judgment on the piece of art that they had selected. Based on this analysis, the students wrote short stories to reflect their selected piece of art. The students also designed book covers for their short stories. The students were permitted to use multiple forms of media to produce their book covers. Please check back soon for pictures of the students' art work.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is being held at the middle school December 1-10. The fair is also open in the evening on Thursday, December 9th from 6pm - 9pm which is before and after the winter band concert. The Supernova Team will visit the fair on Wednesday, December 8th. They will be accepting cash or checks made payable to the CMS Activity Fund.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
English 8: Stave One from A Christmas Carol Terms
The vocabulary list is posted on Quizlet for the terms from Stave One from the novel, A Christmas Carol. The students are encouraged to click on the link embedded in the title of the novel to study the vocabulary terms for the upcoming test.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 5
Extended Vocabulary List # 5 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, November 19th.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Rube Goldberg Project and Student Samples: 2010-2011 (Update 9)
Assessment Anchor - S8.C.3: Principles of Motion and Force
Below is a link to some sample videos from this year's Rube Goldberg project that was completed by the Supernovas for Mr. Wolf's science class. While working on the project, the students experienced forces such as gravity and friction. They also utilized simple machines to make their work easier by changing the size and/or direction of the applied force.
Rube Goldberg Student Sample Videos: 2010-2011
(Note: Additional videos may be added at a later date.)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
English 8 & Advanced English 8: "The Tell-Tale Heart" Terms
The vocabulary list is posted on Quizlet for "The Tell-Tale Heart" terms. The students are encouraged to click on the link embedded in the title of the short story to study the vocabulary terms for the upcoming test.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Chapter 9: Energy (PowerPoint Notes)
Click on the link below to view the PowerPoint notes for "Chapter 9: Energy".
Monday, November 8, 2010
Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 4
Extended Vocabulary List #4 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, November 12th.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Students of the Month: October
Monday, November 1, 2010
Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 3
Extended Vocabulary List #3 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, November 5th.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Enrichment: Simple Machines - Interactive Websites
Click on the link below to for extra enrichment websites on the topic of simple machines.
Simple Machines: Interactive Websites
Simple Machines: Interactive Websites
Mechanical Advantage & Efficiency (Answer Key)
Use the following link to check your answers on the "Mechanical Advantage & Efficiency" worksheet. The answers can be found on the 2nd page.
A Supernova Advanced English Class Tradition Continues
The students of Mrs. Porter's Advanced English class will be traveling to the Carnegie Museum of Art on November 17th. The students will be exploring diverse forms of artwork for the Art Inspires Narrative Writing Tour. This tradition was started three years ago on the Supernova team. With funds provided through a Canon-McMillan School District Mini Grant, the Advanced English class was able to travel to the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Mattress Factory. This year, the Sonic Boom Team and the Hurricane Team have been invited to join Mrs. Porter's Advanced English class for this cross-curricular experience.The students will prepare for the trip by discussing symbolism in literature. Prior to the trip, the students will visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York City through an online tour. The students will participate in online activities that focus on interpretation and analysis of literature.
When the students return from the trip, they will be creating their own art and writing a narrative. Pictured above is the art installation created last year by Mrs. Porter's class.
English 8 & Advanced English 8: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Terms
The vocabulary list is posted on Quizlet for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" terms. The students are encouraged to click on the link embedded in the title of the short story to study the vocabulary terms for the upcoming test.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Supernova T-Shirts Have Arrived!
The Supernova team T-shirts arrived just in time for the students to participate in Canonsburg Middle School's school spirit theme day on October 27th.
The Supernova team would like to thank Dynamic Creations (located in Washington, PA) for working into the midnight hours to make sure the students had their T-shirts in time for the theme day.
The Supernova team would like to thank Dynamic Creations (located in Washington, PA) for working into the midnight hours to make sure the students had their T-shirts in time for the theme day.
Chapter 8: Work and Machine (Notes)
Click on the link below to view the PowerPoint notes for chapter 8.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 2
Extended Vocabulary List #2 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, October 29th.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Science Bonus and Enrichment Opportunity: Read and React
The Supernova science students have the opportunity to earn bonus points throughout the year by completing open-ended "read and react" assignments. The students are to read about current events that relate to some of the science topics discussed in class. The written articles can be found in newspapers, magazines, online, etc. After reading the article, the students are to write a short reaction paper, at least one page in length, explaining how the article is related to the science topics discussed in class. This is an ongoing bonus opportunity offered throughout the year, up to a maximum of 10 points per nine weeks. Mr. Wolf has the discretion to determine the point value for each submission.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 1
Extended vocabulary list #1 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, October 22nd.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
English 8 & Advanced English 8: "The Landlady" Vocabulary Terms
The vocabulary list is posted for "The Landlady." You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.
Vocabulary List for "The Landlady."
Vocabulary List for "The Landlady."
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Great Opportunity for Our Artists and Writers!
The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers announces the NY Life Award sponsored by the New York Life Foundation. Creative expression can be a powerful way to manage the grieving process. Teens in grades 7-12 are encouraged to submit their works of art and writing that deal with loss and bereavement to the 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for the opportunity to earn recognition.
Six winners will be selected to receive $1,000 scholarships and top works will be shown as part of the annual national exhibition in June of 2011. Submissions can be made in 30 categories of art and writing. Registration opened September 15th. For more information, click here.
Six winners will be selected to receive $1,000 scholarships and top works will be shown as part of the annual national exhibition in June of 2011. Submissions can be made in 30 categories of art and writing. Registration opened September 15th. For more information, click here.
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