May 24: Physics Exam & Building Machines

We had a block schedule for testing on Monday and Tuesday. We finished talking about our CSI unit, and then spent a lot of time reviewing for the physics final. Before CRTs we took 3 small quizzes on our physics unit, but ran out of time to take the final before taking the CRTs. Therefore - we're took the test either Monday or Tuesday depending on what period I have your student. During the last half of the week, students will be building complex machines that have 3 different simple machines. The goal is to move 20 marbles from one container to another (they can only touch the machine once). This will be the last thing we put into the grade book for the year (yay!).

May 17-21: Machine Design & CSI

Unfortunately, the most important part of this week is kind of taking a place on the back burner - we're building complex machines. Students will be planning this week, building next week, and then testing their machines on the last full day of school. The machine needs to have at least 3 simple machines (I have pulleys - they need to bring everything else they might use as levers, inclined planes, wheels, etc.). The machine must move 20 marbles from one container to another over a distance of at least 12 inches. These need to be built in class - so they will be made of very simple materials - nothing should be bought from the store.

Dun Dun Dun.... we are hosting a murder in the G100 pod! We're doing a unit on CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). All the 8th graders in the building are "on the case." Students will be looking at evidence, analyzing interviews, "the crime scene", and doing some simple laboratory tests to help determine "who dunnit." This year, our victim was Leslie Allen (a 7th grade science teacher who has gone to a different district), and our main suspects are (Principal Shaw, Mindy - the hall monitor, Mrs. Dowdle (science), Ms. Davis (English), and Mrs. Thackeray (foreign languages). Our story centers around a baby shower for Mrs. Nelson (history/geography) gone wrong. We hope the kids enjoy being detectives this week (while we're trying to make it as "real" as possible, please remember this is just for fun, and Mrs. Allen is just fine:))

May 10-14: Energy Posters & Lagoon Day

This week students are finishing the small research project that we've been working on about energy sensing technology. They will be making a small poster in class and then they will grade each other's work.

Friday is Physics Lagoon Day for those students who are eligible. Students had to have C- or above, and H or S for citizenship in all their classes through first, second, and third quarters. Students who are not coming are still expected to be at school on Friday - they will be doing a small assignment about roller coaster physics in my class, and will be doing regular work in all their other classes (do not let them assume that they don't need to be there). Lagoon will be closed to the public on Friday, so please don't take them on your own expecting to get in to the park (if they're not on my list, they're not coming... sorry).

For students going to Lagoon:

• Check in with your first period teacher (we will be called down after they take roll).
• Choose a bus and check in with the adult at the door - if you're not on the list, you're not coming.
• If you are going home with a parent, give your written permission slip to the adult you check in with on the bus.
• Bring $26 to get into the park (it is not free, just reduced price).
• Bring money to buy expensive Lagoon food, or a packed lunch.
• Bring money to get a small locker if needed for your food/belongings.
• Bring money for the rides that cost money - if you want to do them... the slingshot, free fall, etc.
• Wear school appropriate clothing - no swimming suits, tank tops, or short shorts. (If you change at the park and we find you - you will be sitting on the bus for the rest of the day).
• The park closes at 5:00pm - the bus is leaving at 5:15pm (if you are not on the bus, we are leaving you - and a parent will have to come to pick you up).
• We should be back at the school around 6:30pm.