Students of the Month: February

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

Social Studies: Crescenzo G.

Science: Tanner R.

English: Jonathan Q.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Madison S.

English 8: After the Test

1. You can read your independent novel. The next A.R. quiz is on Tuesday, March 22nd.  

2. You can also log on to No Red Ink, and complete the activities that I have "assigned" to you.  If you need to create an account for No Red Ink, you can follow the directions from my post on 9/3/15.

3. You can work on the bonus assignment that was posted on Tuesday, January 26th, on the Supernova Team Blog.

CH 10: Weathering and Soil Formation - Vocabulary

Help Your Classmates Win a Contest!

Dear Supernovas,

This fall, a few of our seventh grade students decided to participate in a contest to make a video that advertises a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career-based company. For this project, students traveled to a company and were able to learn about manufacturing and STEM related careers.

While on the tour, students received a first-hand experience on the many different faces of manufacturing. For the competition, our students were selected to film for AUMA Actuators.

AUMA Actuators is a company specializing in making actuators, a device whose job is to move and control a system. This company has locations throughout the world, but the factory in Southpointe is the only one in the United States!

One of the components of the project is a mini-competition to see how many views and likes the students’ video will get. In order to win, we would like everyone to watch and vote for our video.

Voting starts on Monday, February 8th, and goes until Friday, February 12th!

Here is the link: http://bit.ly/videocontest2016

We appreciate your help!

Miss Moniodes, Enrichment Support Teacher

The Supernovas are Using Metacognitive Strategies While Reading The Giver

The Supernovas started reading The Giver today in class! In preparation for today, the students completed a web quest to gather background information on the author, Lois Lowry. The students specifically focused on Lowry's childhood experiences, her relationship with her ailing father, and her focus on the importance of memories. The students also researched utopian societies, dystopian societies, and euphemisms.  A pre-reading exercise was also completed where the students were asked to focus on the novel's three main themes: the importance of memories, the importance of being an individual, and the importance of having a sense of family. 

Pictured above is Ethan S. who is using his metacognitive reading strategies bookmark that was specifically created for reading this novel.  The students are also using a pros and cons chart as they read as a way to connect with the text and with the main character, Jonas, and his experiences in the novel.  A detailed reading guide is also being utilized to assist the students with focusing on the symbolism in the novel.  

English 8: The Giver: Chapters 1-5 Terms

The terms have been posted on Quizlet for Chapters 1-5 of the novel, The Giver.  The test is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 9th.  The terms in the link are the 14 terms that are specifically on the test.  You will not be assessed on the entire list that appears below in the flashcards.

English Class on Monday, February 1st

The Giver Web Quest

To complete The Giver web quest, you can use the research resources available on the LMC webpage. The passwords to the LMC sources are located on the top of the chromebook cart. You can also use the Scholastic website for information on the author of our novel, Lois Lowry.

If you are having difficulties answering the questions by using these options, you can do a general search on the web.  However, you need to be sure that you are using credible sources for your information.

Students of the Month: January

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

Science: Maura O.

English: Natalie B.

Social Studies: Logan C.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Nazarine P.

Done with your T.D.A?

Online Lesson Instructions

You will need a set of headphones for this activity. You can use your own or get them from the bin at the front of the room.

Step 1: Type in http://my.hrw.com or you can click the link provided on the right-hand side of the Supernova Team Blog.

Step 2: Enter a user name and password for the online English and science textbooks (There is a link to a  list of usernames and passwords on the right-hand side of the Supernova Team Blog.)

Step 3: Click on the link that says, “Go to the Online Textbook”.

Step 4: Click on blue tab that says, “Student Resources”

Step 5: Select from the first drop-down menu “Unit 4: Theme and Symbol”

Step 6: Select from the second drop-down menu “Text Analysis Workshop: Theme and Symbol”

Step 7: Click the blue button that says, “Go!”

Step 8: Click on the “Student Resources” tab.

Step 9: On the left-hand side of the page under “Online Extras” click “Level Up: Theme”

Additional Options:  

1. You can read your independent novel.  The next A.R. Quiz is on Tuesday, February 16th.

2. You can also log on to No Red Ink, and complete the activities that I have "assigned" to you.
3. You can work on the bonus assignment that was posted on Tuesday, January 26th, on the Supernova Team Blog.

If you do not complete the online activity or the  No Red Ink "assignment(s)", they are not homework.  

The Supernovas Are "Super-Focused" on Their Text Dependent Analysis Papers

The students of Mrs. Porter's period 8/9 English class are hard-at-work on their text dependent analysis papers. For the project, they are to write a five-paragraph, persuasive essay explaining their view of technology and its impact on traditional ways of life and the world. The students were required to use at least one piece of evidence from a selection of four different texts in each of their three body paragraphs. This essay was challenging because the students were required to connect the four texts that they read during Unit 2. The students also practiced identifying credible sources by finding a fact or statistic to use as the "hook" for their introductory paragraphs. The papers are due on Friday, January 29th, by the end of the period. The outstanding student work will be posted on Mrs. Porter's bulletin board in room 403!

Mr. Wolf's Scientific Scholars - 1st and 2nd Nine Weeks

The first half of the school year has come to a close.  This year's entire Supernova class has been doing a fantastic job! I'm confident that their hard work will continue throughout the rest of the school year.  Below are Mr. Wolf's Scientific Scholars from the 1st and 2nd nine weeks based on overall grades.

English 8: Bonus Opportunity for the Third Nine Weeks

The 2016 MLB Breaking Barriers Essay Contest is open to all students in grades 4 through 9. This is a chance for students to submit an essay about barriers or obstacles they have faced or are currently facing in their lives and how they used the values exemplified by Jackie Robinson (citizenship, commitment, courage, determination, excellence, integrity, justice, persistence and teamwork) to deal with those challenges.

For more details on the contest, you are to visit www.scholastic.com/breakingbarriers. To enter, please follow the instructions listed on the website. All entries must be either mailed or submitted digitally no later than Monday, March 14th. If you would like Mrs. Porter to review your work or mail your submission for you, it is due by Monday, March 7th.

Prizes for winning entries include trips to the 2016 MLB All-Star Game in San Diego, laptops, classroom visits by Jackie’s daughter Sharon Robinson and more. In addition, the Pirates will provide two complimentary tickets to a 2016 home game (based on availability) to all students who submit an essay and the school with the most entries will win a “Pirates Day” at their school!

If you would like to participate, you must submit a hard copy of your entry to Mrs. Porter by Monday, March 14th. If you follow all of the directions, you could earn up to ten bonus points for the third quarter. 

The Science of Tsunamis, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes

English 8: Creating Your Hook for TDA # 2

For this paper, you are required to include a fact or statistic from a primary source other than the four pieces from our textbook to create your hook. You are encouraged to use the search engines that are found on the LMC website. The fact that you select for your hook must relate to the point(s) that you are discussing in your paper. You must incorporate the fact that you select into your writing and use an in-text citation. You must include the source of this fact in your work cited page that you will create using by NoodleTools. Remember: You are to access NoodleTools through your Google account.

CH 7 Vocabulary - Plate Tectonics

English Class on Wednesday, January 6th

When you finish the test, you have the following options:
- You can read your independent novel.  The next AR Quiz is on Tuesday, January 19th.
- You can complete the "assignment" on No Red Ink by following the given directions.
- You can complete the online textbook activity by getting an instruction sheet from the front of the room and a set of headphones.

If you get done with this, you are to go to No Red Ink and complete the "assignment" that has been shared with you.  This is not for a grade.  If you do not get to complete the No Red Ink activity in class, it is not homework.

If you joined the Supernova Team later in the year, or did not create a No Red Ink account at the beginning of the year, you are to follow these directions:

Creating a No Red Ink Account

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.

Layers of the Earth Rap Song

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