The Great Photon Escape: James Webb Telescope- if you were absent

Letter from e-Cybermission

I received this letter today. Perhaps it will help you get started. Pay attention to the criteria for a viable mission. This is a SCIENCE Project. Use the links to get information for your group to use.

Hello Pamela!

Welcome to MISSION POSSIBLE, Issue 2! This weekly Team Advisor newsletter is designed to keep you up to date on what’s happening with eCYBERMISSION, and help you and your team through the process of competing this year! If you ever think of something we should feature in a future Mission Possible, drop us a line. We LOVE to hear from our TAs!  This week, we’ll help answer the questions:

·        WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

·        REGISTRATION TROUBLES?

·        WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?

·        DID YOU KNOW?

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Let’s talk about identifying a problem. One of the most challenging parts of the competition is the first big decision that you and your team will make together – selecting a topic. The team will need to identify the problem in their community they want to investigate (with science) or solve (with engineering).

To get started, guide your team through some of the Mission Folder Resource sheets found at the bottom of the Team Resources page of the website (http://ecybermission.com/TeamResources). Specifically, take a look at:

·        Selecting a Topic - http://ecybermission.com/files/helpdocs/Selecting%20a%20Topic.pdf

·        Selecting a Topic Worksheet - http://ecybermission.com/files/helpdocs/Selecting%20a%20Topic%20Worksheet.pdf

It’s important to note that this project needs to be a science or engineering project. This may sound obvious, but students may look at a problem in their community like pollution or people who are hungry and try to SOLVE the problem with a park clean-up or food drive. While these are GREAT community service projects, they don’t fit the mold for eCYBERMISSION. An eCYBERMISSION project poses either a hypothesis and tests it through data collection OR a design statement that is fulfilled through the development of a device/prototype. Remember, science is about answering a question and engineering is about solving a problem!

REGISTRATION TROUBLES?

Some TAs and students have told us that the registration process is too long! Believe it or not, this is all very valuable information that helps us make the program better and make sure funding for the program continues. We appreciate your patience with the process.

If you are having trouble getting your students’ parents to read the Privacy and Evaluation Policies and sign off because they do not have access to an email address or computer, you can use a hard copy sheet we have created to get their signature and then complete that part yourself. Reply to this email and ask for a copy of that sheet and the instructions. Remember, your Point of Contact is here to help any time you need it!

All students completely registered (and on a complete team) by Nov. 2^nd will receive a free STEM kit courtesy of the Army Educational Outreach Program.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?

Here are some more things that are happening with eCYBERMISSION:

·        We have a blog! If you haven’t checked out the eCYBERMISSION Blog, head on over and see what other teams are up to. And send us your story so we can feature YOU! http://ecybermission.blogspot.com/.

·        Discussion Forums and Team Talk – Remember you can always get help from CyberGuides and other TAs through the Discussion Forums (accessible via your homepage). And you and your students can communicate remotely through Team Talk. Ask your Point of Contact to set up a room for your team, and you can even add a CyberGuide to your Team Talk room if you like!

·        Next CyberGuide live chat: October 12, 2016 at 6 PM EST

·        eCM on the road  - During the first week of October, you can find eCM at the Virginia Military Institute’s STEM Education Conference in Lexington, VA and the National Indian Education Association Convention in Reno, NV. Stop by to say “hello” and send your friends and colleagues to see us!

DID YOU KNOW?

Many TAs ask how long their students should spend on their eCYBERMISSION projects. One national finalist Team Advisor told us “I estimate that students spent about 5 hours per week or more, for the 5 months that they were involved in the project. It may have been more towards the end.” That means students should get started now choosing that problem!

As always, if you (or your team) need assistance, please contact Mission Control Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm EST at 1-866-GO-CYBER or missioncontrol@ecybermission.com.

Also feel free to contact me through email or at the number below. Good luck!

Kathleen Kelly

eCYBERMISSION Project Manager

National Science Teachers Association

1840 Wilson Blvd.

Arlington, VA 22201

703-312-9387

www.usaeop.com

www.eCYBERMISSION.com

Home Learning and test corrections

Home Learning for the entire week includes the PENDA due on 10/03/2016 at 7:00 AM. So, it needs to be finished by Sunday, 10/02.

Students are now able to make corrections to recover assessment grades. Each completed answer is worth partial credit to raise their grade.  All students present in class received their test papers. We debriefed the test. They were introduced to test corrections and provided with one visual aid. If students want to download the master and print their own copies to complete they may do it from
Mr. Geary's blog which is www.gearyscience.com and has a down load feature. Of course, students may just write out the work on lined paper. All work submitted must be correct, complete, and legible.

B day corrections are due on Monday, 10/3.
A day corrections are due on Tuesday, 10/4

Each correctly completed response is worth 2 points.

Additionally, for home learning, students have science projects. It is time to develop a question and to put it into their Science Project Journal (the 2nd composition book that was on the required supply list).

All pages should be numbered.

p. 1 Title page - leave blank for now.
pp. 2-4 Table of Contents
p. 5 Start with a description of what type of project you are doing and then write down your question.

Early Dismissal - Aday

Today is early dismissal and some students may not have finished today's assignment.

FUSION pp. 240-253 read and complete the following 1-3; 5-12; 14-15; 17-22; and Lesson Review 1-10. This is considered a practice and will not necessarily be graded; however, it is to help the student learn and to reinforce how the EM spectrum is used to gather images of space.

I just found another option that you may choose for your science project. It is a team project.

Here's the info for the newest project choice. It's called Bright Schools. There are options within this option.

https://app.reviewr.com/s1/site/BrightSchools2017

Science Project Options: Presented to A day on 09/16 and B day on 09/19

SCIENCE PROJECT OPTIONS

■      8^th grade science 2016/17

■      Yes, you have to do a science project

■      Science projects are REQUIRED by the district for all students taking advanced classes.

There are a number of different options for you to complete this requirement

■      Traditional Science Project

■      Individual project (no team projects in Middle School)

■      Follow ISEF/NEFRSEF Rules

–      Identify your question, design experiment, backboard, etc.

–      Complete & Print forms from NEFRSEF: 1, 1A, 1B, Typed Research Plan (separate paper)

–      Approval for special projects is from SRC @ NEFRSEF or IRB@JLCP

■      ONLY OPTION ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL, DISTRICT AND/OR REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR

■      Turn IN:  Forms and Abstract December 7

–      School science fair Dec. 20^th

■      Verizon Innovative App Challenge

■      Team project (5-7 Students)

■      …”  a nationwide contest in which middle and high school students are challenged to develop concepts for mobile apps that solve a problem in their community. ”

■      Concept Submission = essay responses and a 3 minute video. 

■      Registration opens August 1, 2016.

■      Submission deadline November 18, 2016.

More information found at http://appchallenge.tsaweb.org/

■      Toshiba ExploraVision

■      Team project (2-4 Students)

■      …” pick a current technology, research it, envision what it might look like in 20 years, and describe the development steps, pros & cons, and obstacles.”

■      Submission = Exploravision Entry Form, Abstract, Project Description, Bibliography, and 5 sample Web Pages.

■      Project must be received by NSTA on Feb. 6 2017

More information found at www.exploravision.org

■      eCybermission

■      Team Project (3-4 students)

■      “… pick a Mission Challenge. eCYBERMISSION is all about using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to solve a real problem in your community. Your team will research and conduct experiments to find a solution.”

■      Online collaboration w/your team and “CyberGuide” experts

■      Submission = complete an online mission folder showing all your work throughout the process.

■      Teams sign up by Dec. 7, 2016.  Mission Folders due Feb. 22 2017

More information found at www.ecybermission.com

■      Note:

■      This is an outside of class project – you will be expected to work independently or collaboratively to complete your project.

■      You (and your team) will present your finished project to the class.

■      In order to get credit for your submission you must complete and submit it fully to the different competitions.  You should also submit a copy to your teacher.

■      For the national team competitions you must follow all the rules and regulations set out. 

■      Due to the different deadlines the Science Project grade will be in the 3^rd 9 weeks for all students.

Progress Report Grades - Students and Parents please read

Progress reports are a snapshot into your progress. If you are not satisfied with your grade, examine your scores in the portal. Ask yourself these questions

• Am I on time for class?  Why or why not?
• Am I prepared to work with my ISN and other supplies? Why or why not?
• Did I complete all assignments? Why or why not?
• Did I submit all assignments? Why or why not?
• Did I do well on assignments? Why or why not?
• When I am doing PENDA do I try again if my score isn't the best? Why or why not?
• Do I use my agenda to write down home learning or work I need to finish? Why or why not?
• Am I staying in the moment in class? Why or why not?
• Do I waste time in class? Why or why not?
• Do I check the blog? When I am doing PENDA do I try again if my score isn't the best? Why or why not?

Parents, have a conversation with your child. Use the questions as talking points. I am the guide on the side; not the sage on the stage. I am not able to answer the why or why not parts of the questions; but your child should be able to explain their thinking. I think it's important for you to work with your child to establish consequences for their behaviors. Don't forget that success is worth a few mentions. Don't just focus on negatives. Do keep an eye on the portal. There are many more grades coming this grading period.

Bonus Opportunity for Anyone .This is worth 2 grade points at the end of the

You are invited to participate in the Clean up this weekend. If you bring in a service certificate for your hours they will earn you 2 grade points that I will add to the top of your grade at the end of the grading period. Yes, two grade points will be added on.

I will also approve Scout ecology projects or other events on a case by case basis to substitute for this event.

Sorry about the short notice, but I just found out about it today!!!

2016 Calendar Of Annual Projects And Events

International Coastal Cleanup

Saturday, September 17, 2016
Various locations/times
Click here to view flier.  
Volunteers needed for this annual event. Pre-registration is not required. Participants must be over 18 or accompanied by an adult. Service hour certificates will be provided for students.

PENDA is now Home Learning

Periodically, PENDA assignments are assigned automatically by PENDA/DCPS. These will now be your standing home learning assignment. Currently you have some due by 9/19. PENDA sends me a report after the due date with your scores. You must complete PENDA at home or at the library, I suggest you do some every day to meet the deadline.

You will have other home learning assignments as we go into the Science Project Cycle starting tomorrow and Monday.

Home Learning Assignment: Connecting Spheres

Read through the FAQ page from Hopewell Rocks Park. Can you make connections of some of Earth's Spheres that are discussed Write your response using the RACE format. Write your final response on a clean sheet of paper or you may type it if you want. A day due Wednesday, 9/14. B day due Thursday, 9/15.

Fast Rising Tide at The Hopewell Rocks: Watch how fast it rises!!

Week of Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Please register for Gizmos using the info I am providing in this post.

Today, Tuesday, I checked  the 2 Reason for the Seasons activities. Each was to be completed and put into your ISN. One should be on p. 11 and the other should be on p. 13. A day students have all been given the Lunar Cycle Calendar. If it's not finished you will have to finish it and put it into your ISN. This should be on or near p. 19 (some of you may be off by a page or more. That's OK.). All A day students should have received a warm-up questions for today's Bell Ringer and a graphing activity. You also should have finished the A3K article "Cold, Cold Moon).  The home learning for Tuesday, September 6 is to complete the PENDA assignments due 9/8 and 9/9. ,

Wednesday, which is tomorrow will find me checking the same assignments for Seasons. Students had an opportunity to complete the A3K article last week on Thursday, This will be recorded and you will also put it into your ISN. All B day students will receive a Lunar Cycle calendar to complete. Additionally, you will get the warm up and the graphing activity. The calendar and graphing activity will be finished in class. Any PENDA assignments will need to be completed by the due date.

Enrolling at ExploreLearning.com

Follow these simple steps to enroll in the appropriate class: 

Step 1: Go to https://www.explorelearning.com 

Step 2: Click on the “Enroll in a Class” button in the upper right hand corner of the web page.

Step 3: Type in yourclass code: Click “Continue” and follow the directions on the site to complete your enrollment.

If you are new to GIZMOs you must use your student ID as your log in and your student password as your password. (If you used a special log-in or password in the past; that's where it belongs - in the past. Use your correct info.)

Class Codes for Gizmos

1A          PHDJYKFX2H

2A          TYRFCJHNRM

4A          LDGPLBV6TF

5B          NGDTGBX8CR

6B          CGZFGUQBMP

8B          VUMTKFAUN3

Thursday, I will be at a meeting. I will provide meaningful assignments for each class. 

Friday and Monday I will also be out. I am going to visit my mother who has been in the hospital and now is in skilled nursing as she recovers. It's also her 85th birthday on 9/11. My siblings and I are having a dinner for her.  Don't worry, learning will continue and I will provide the sub with appropriate assignments for each day.