PSSA TESTING

Hello everyone,

I hope you are doing well! As a reminder, in 8th grade, students take the science PSSA. Students will take both test sections on Wednesday, May 1st. The test will cover topics such as Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Technology Education. I have not required students to do IXL to practice for the PSSA, but students can use the IXL lessons posted on my Schoology course to help refresh their knowledge in any subject area they don't feel comfortable with.

WHERE WE ARE:

Last week, students presented their Weather Preparedness PSA projects. They did a fantastic job! Those who did podcasts or videos included parents in their projects, and I'm beyond thankful to those who contributed their time! I love that! Now, on the days intermingled with PSSA testing, we have been focusing on the difference between Weather and Climate. We have done some activities to learn about climate zones and how they differ based on many factors.

BELOW ARE SOME VIDEOS FROM THIS YEAR'S PSA PROJECT

(Click the menu icon in the upper right-hand corner to see the other videos in this playlist)

WHERE WE ARE GOING:

Next, we'll examine global warming, the Greenhouse Effect, climate change, natural and man-made climate influencers, and ways of reducing human environmental impact. After we finish covering these topics, we'll begin review for our Weather & Climate unit test. During the review, I'm going to conference with students and do check-ins with them about missing work and what they need help with as we finish up the year and move into our final topics. My goal with the last month and some change of school is to ensure everyone feels confident moving into high school!

If you have any questions, please contact me (curtis_silverwood@conestogavalley.org) or follow Science With Silverwood on Instagram (@sciencewithsilverwood).

Thank you,

Mr. Silverwood

WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Hello everyone!

I hope you are doing well! The year feels like it is flying by! I can't believe that PSSA testing is almost here. As a reminder, in 8th grade, students take the science PSSA. This year, the science PSSA is all new. It will have 25% Earth Science, 25% Life Science, 25% Physical Science, and 25% Technology Education. I have not required students to do IXL to practice for the PSSA, but students can use the IXL lessons posted on my Schoology course to help refresh their knowledge in any subject area they don't feel comfortable with.

WHERE WE ARE:

For the past two weeks, we focused on many weather-related factors. Check out some of the demonstrations we did in class on my Instagram page: www.instagram.com/sciencewithsilverwood.

This week, we had our Watching the Weather class discussion to finalize the Watching the Weather project, where students were making daily observations (without technology) of the sky conditions, temperature, humidity, wind speed/direction, and precipitation. We discussed weather patterns and trends they noticed over the past three weeks, and many students had great things to contribute to the discussion! They probably never focused that much on the weather before!

We have been looking at Weather Maps & Symbols as well. Students worked with partners on reading and analyzing different types of weather maps (some from a newspaper, some from the National Weather Service). They had a mini-quiz on this, and now we are looking at Severe Weather.

WHERE WE ARE GOING:

Students will be introduced to their Weather Preparedness - PSA Project as we move into Severe Weather. Students can work independently or in groups of up to 3 people for their severe weather public service announcement. Students will research one of five possible severe weather events (a tornado, hurricane, flood, drought, or blizzard) and give a 3-minute, no more than 5-minute presentation on their event, providing details on how to stay safe and be prepared for their event. Students will receive the rubric, be introduced to the project tomorrow (4/11), and have three full work days in class to complete their project. They can create a video, podcast, brochure, or slide presentation. Next week, students will present. After the presentations, we will move into the final part of our Weather & Climate unit. We'll focus on the difference between weather and climate, climate zones, and climate change.

BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF A GROUP'S PSA PROJECT FROM 2 YEARS AGO:

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me (curtis_silverwood@conestogavalley.org) or follow Science With Silverwood on Instagram (@sciencewithsilverwood).

Thank you,

Mr. Silverwood

SPRING BREAK!

Hello everyone!

I hope you are doing well! I'm sure your student is excited for the Spring Break! Unfortunately, the weather seems like it's going to be rainy. Luckily, Easter Sunday should be pretty nice! I'm going to keep this post short and sweet.

WHERE WE ARE:

Over the past two weeks, we finished up our Heating & Cooling Inquiry, started our Watching the Weather project, and learned about the Atmosphere, Clouds, Relative Humidity, and Precipitation! The Watching the Weather project involves students making daily weather observations using NO TECHNOLOGY. They observe clouds/sky conditions, precipitation, temperature, humidity, and wind speed/direction. At the end of the project, on April 8th, we'll have a classroom discussion about trends they noticed in the weather. Yesterday (3/26), students had a quiz on the topics we covered within the last two weeks. Students are expected to make their daily observations over the spring break. It should only take them 1-3 minutes a day. If your family is going away, I asked that students make a note of where they were when they made their observations.

Below: Students outside during the Relative Humidity Lab.

WHERE WE ARE GOING:

After Spring Break, students will learn about Air Pressure, Global and Local Winds, Air Masses, Fronts, Weather Maps and Symbols, and Severe Weather. After covering these topics, students will finish with the unit covering topics related to Climate. There will be a couple of additional quizzes before a cumulative Weather & Climate test.

If you have any questions, please contact me (curtis_silverwood@conestogavalley.org) and follow Science With Silverwood on Instagram (@sciencewithsilverwood).

Thank you,

Mr. Silverwood