Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Students to track the ISS next week

Next week students in science class will be encouraged to track the International Space Station (ISS) as it appears in our night sky. This is a great way to think about the role of Newton's Laws, motion, and gravity. Finding the ISS is easy due to the various websites that post the location and viewing dates and times. However, there is a small window in which it can be viewed. Also, we will need a clear night to view the flyover. In class, we will explore the impact of sunlight reflection, the shadow of the Earth, and visibility of the ISS during our early evening or early morning.


Pittsburgh, PA - Dates, Times and Where to Look for the ISS: 
Night Duration Angle Start Direction End Direction
Tue Oct 7, 8:34 PM 3 min 65° 10 above WSW 65 above NNW       
Wed Oct 8, 7:45 PM 6 min 69° 10 above SW 16 above ENE       
Thu Oct 9, 8:35 PM 2 min 28° 23 above WNW 26 above N

The ISS can be tracked through several different websites and apps:
NASA Spot the Station - Pittsburgh
Astro Viewer  ISS website
ISS Spotter app available in app stores
Space Station being tracked using the Night Sky app on an iPhone.

Is this math or science class? It's both!

The students in the eighth grade are participating in a series of STEM, also known as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, activities in their math and science classes. First we are working through Ramp It Up!, which is an investigation into Newton's principles of motion. Student teams in the different science classes are independently investigating what happens to an object as it rolls down a ramp. As the unit unfolds, students learn about classical physics problems and some of the history behind so many of the discoveries of the 17th century. They are then applying those principles to everyday problems using scientific investigation.

Students using the ramps in science class.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

This week...

Sent 3:00 PM 9/29/14 via Remind to all subscribers

This week:

10/1: IM1 & Math8-quizzes

Science students must bring their science books to class all week!

Middle School Social

The next middle school social is scheduled for Friday, October 10, from 7:00-9:30PM.  It is the Halloween costume party!