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 17^th century. They are then applying those principles to everyday problems using scientific investigation.

Students using the ramps in science class.

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!