08Mar

Making March Memories

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Chag Sameach!

Can you guess which one is Mrs. Rosenmann?
Can you guess which one is Mrs. Rosenmann?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What an amazing trimester of accomplishments for our middle school students! Congrats to all of our PSIA and Science Fair participants. Here are some of the highlights from the Science and Innovation Center.

Sixth Grade Earth Science

This month the sixth grade students were immersed in their study of Earth’s history, investigating sedimentary rock and erosion. They enjoyed an afternoon on Mount Bonnell learning about the formation of the Edwards Plateau from a local geologist.

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Thank you to Jackie Coplin who treated us to ice cream afterwards!

YUMMY!
YUMMY!

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In the lab, students use models to understand how erosion shapes the land.

Daphna observes the stream table.
Daphna observes the stream table.
Erosion happens quickly in the lab!
Roy is making sandstone and learning about the Principle of Horizontality.
Roy is making sandstone and learning about the Principle of Horizontality.
Daphna and Lue explore the chemistry of sandstone, adding a matrix to the mix.
Daphna and Lue explore the chemistry of sandstone, adding a matrix to the mix.
Shira uses the syringe for exact measurements.
Shira uses the syringe for exact measurements.
Madison blows carbon dioxide into the solution of lime water. A calcium carbonate precipitate falls to the bottom.
Madison blows carbon dioxide into the solution of lime water. A calcium carbonate precipitate falls to the bottom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After creating a geological time scale, the students will begin to date fossils found in the Grand Canyon.

***On March 26th the students will travel to Longhorn Caverns. Drivers are needed. We will leave the school at 9:30 and return by 3:30. Please let me know if you are able to drive.

Sixth Grade Math

Last week the students presented their data collection projects. Students presented data on a variety of self-selected topics such as changing fuel prices, costs of flights to Israel, PC versus Mac, and soccer team stats.

Lue teaches the class about variations in gas prices.
Lue teaches the class about variations in gas prices.
Nir is interested in computer analysis.
Nir is interested in computer analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week we are working on building a topographic scale model of the Grand Canyon.

 

EIGHTH GRADE PHYSICAL SCIENCE

The students in eighth grade spent the trimester learning about energy, forces, motion, work, and power! Our CPO physics stands allow the students to conduct experiments using ramps, roller coaster, and pulleys.

This team is investigating potential and kinetic energy using the CPO timer and roller coaster.
This team is investigating potential and kinetic energy using the CPO timer and roller coaster.
Kinetic energy increases as the marble moves downhill.
Kinetic energy increases as the marble moves downhill.
Hannah, Kendall, and Emily determine the mechanical advantage of a pulley system.
Hannah, Kendall, and Emily determine the mechanical advantage of a pulley system.
Federico demonstrates conservation of angular momentum.
Federico demonstrates conservation of angular momentum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students were challenged to build a roller coaster that demonstrated the energy conversions.

Benji wonders if his paper roller coaster will have enough potential energy.
Benji wonders if his paper roller coaster will have enough potential energy.
This roller coaster is strategically placed.
This roller coaster is strategically placed.
Avi and Federico are determined to succeed.
Avi and Federico are determined to succeed.
It works!
It works!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next week we will continue our study of simple machines and begin building our Rube Goldberg machine. Stay tuned…

***On Friday, May 1st, the eighth grade students will travel to Six Flags in San Antonio for Math and Physics Day. We will spend the day, not only enjoying the rides, but engaged in amusement park physics activities.  We will need two chaperons/drivers for the day. If you are interested, please let me know.

 

ENGINEERING

 

Our last three challenges this trimester included building a waterwheel and calculating the work and power involved, and inventing two different transportation systems with limited materials.

Benji and Federico transport radioactive golf balls.
Benji and Federico transport radioactive golf balls.
This challenge was all about energy!
This challenge was all about energy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

****Lol or Love our Land lunches begin this week. What is it? Winter is almost over and our beautiful Innovation and Science Center needs some sprucing up. Students and parents are invited to grab a shovel and help! Every Tuesday during lunch and recess from 11:45 to 12:30, volunteers can help by pulling weeds, adding mulch, planting and path restoration. If you like to get your hands dirty and help our school at the same time, lol is for you! Have any extra outdoor plants, flowers, or seeds? Please consider donating to our landscaping project.