Solar Storm Lit Up Parts of Northern US with Auroras- last night

Solar Storm Lit Up Parts of Northern US with Auroras

RIP, Schiaparelli: European Mars Lander's Crash Site Seen By NASA Probe

RIP, Schiaparelli: European Mars Lander's Crash Site Seen By NASA Probe

Strange Waves Hint at Hidden Moons of Uranus -This just in!!!

Strange Waves Hint at Hidden Moons of Uranus

Remember, A day has a test on Monday and B day has a test on Tuesday. Study the info on the solar system in your book, review your cards and work sheets, and perhaps view this video

Update from e-Cybermission

HOW SHOULD STUDENTS CONDUCT RESERACH?

When it comes to research for an eCYBERMISSION project, this may be something new to some students. To introduce the idea of conducting research you can use “Video Lesson 4: Conducting Research,” found on the Team Resources page. Once they begin, there are many places that students can go to get information. We encourage them to use a wide variety of sources, not just Internet sources. Additional resources include:

·        Professional journals

·        Magazines

·        Newspapers

·        Books

·        Subject Matter Experts

There is no requirement on how many of each type of resource the students should use, and certainly reliable online sources are fine. Students are required to use AT LEAST 10 different resources, and they must be specific. So, for instance, “Google” is not considered a source. But the webpage they FOUND with Google could be. 

WHAT CITATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

It is very important that student cite their work in their Mission Folder, especially when they are completing the section about what they learned in their research. In addition, they should cite and give credit for any images they use in their Mission Folder. There is no specific format for these citations, so it’s up to you what format you direct your students you use. If you’d like some guidance you can find it in the Mission Folder Development section of the Team Resources in a document called “Conducting Research and Citing Your Sources.”

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?

·        Next CyberGuide live chat: October 26, 2016 at 7 PM EST. CyberGuides will be available to answer any eCYBERMISSION questions. Whether your team is just getting started or close to submitting a Mission Folder, the next Live CyberGuide Chat will focus on utilizing tools such as Team Talk and the Discussion Forums. Both resources are excellent for navigating IRB and Survey Approval form questions as well as questions specific to a chosen Mission Challenge.

Europe Lost Contact with Mars Lander 1 Minute Before Touchdown

Europe Lost Contact with Mars Lander 1 Minute Before Touchdown

If you missed class due to the PSAT or if you were absent. Penda update

Class went on without many of you - and you were missed.
Everyone should have a study guide for the test along with a guided notes page on small bodies.

Today students were assigned Achieve 3000: the Pluto article. It will count for your Lexile if you do it during school hours. Please have it completed before class next week. It's your first grade for the second grading period. If you need an Achieve sheet, you may pick one up or you can download one from Focus.

PENDA IS HOME LEARNING. YOU HAVE 10 DAYS TO COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS. YOU SHOULD BE FINISHED BY SUNDAY EVENING. THE REPORT IS FINALIZED AT 7AM ON MONDAY MORNING. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED.

IF YOU CAN'T DO IT AT HOME, YOU SHOULD TRY TO GO TO THE LOCAL LIBRARY. THE JLCP LAB IS OPEN BEFORE SCHOOL AND I HAVE TUTORING ON WEDNESDAYS WHEN THEY ARE NOT EARLY RELEASE SO YOU CAN COME AND WORK ON PENDA IF YOU MUST.

Did you know? High Stakes: Europe Aims for 1st Successful Mars Landing Today

High Stakes: Europe Aims for 1st Successful Mars Landing Today

APP Challenge Update

I have registered our school. Students can not register. However, you must get started.

Although the Challenge is due on November 18 it takes time to upload everything so you must be prepared to start uploading the essays in school on or before 11/15. You also must have Student Release forms SIGNED by your parents as soon as possible. I will have to scan these and include them with your entries. We can not upload your video in school so you will have to do that at home.

If your group is not able to meet the deadlines then you will be disqualified and your project will not be eligible for full credit.

Your team’s submission  will include essay and video components. By November 15, 2016, you must be ready to submit essay responses to the following four prompts:

1. Statement of the problem (200 words)
   • Clearly describe the identified problem or issue in your school or community. 
   • Explain how this problem affects your school or community. 
2. Your mobile app solution (200 words) 
   • Describe your team’s mobile app concept.
   • Explain how your concept solves the identified problem.
3. Uniqueness of your mobile app solution (200 words) 
   • Explain what makes your mobile app concept unique.
   • Clarify how your concept differs from mobile apps currently available.
4. Mobile app features (200 words) 
   • Describe the mobile technology features present in your app concept.
   • State how those features provide a viable mobile technology solution to the problem.

BEFORE November 15, you must submit a three-minute video demonstrating how your team’s mobile app concept will help users solve the problem you have identified. See the Make Your Video page for ideas and tips. In your video, be sure to: 

• Clearly articulate the identified problem and why it is important to address.
• Convey your team’s vision for how the key features of your mobile app solution will solve this problem.
• Use engaging visual elements, such as graphics, storyboards, role playing, and vignettes.

Upload your video link to either YouTube or Vimeo BEFORE November 15. In the title, include the hashtag #VZAppChallenge and provide the file link via the contest submission page. If you cannot upload to YouTube or Vimeo, exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Click here for contest-specific instructions on uploading your video.

Teams must also upload completed school/faculty/nonprofit authorization forms and student release forms:

• Download Student Release Form
• Have parents sign 2 copies. 
• Submit one copy to your teacher ASAP..

How can I raise my grade? - a question often asked by students. New Info : LAST CHANCE TEST CORRECTIONS

Here's the answer.

Have you done your Check up corrections? Any time you score less than a 3/3 you should do your corrections. The format is the same for Test Corrections. I will accept them if they are neat and organized on Wednesday or Thursday (or Monday and Tuesday). The Checkups you can correct are

• Earth's Evolution,
• E-M Spectrum,
• Plate Tectonics. 

If you did not receive your paper back due to an absence then you should look in the drawer. If it hasn't been passed back then it's probably in the drawer. If you don't have the Check up because you didn't put it into your ISN then it is what it is. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED. Remember, if I can't read it easily (too light, unformed cursive letters, incorrectly formed print letters, whatever!) then I won't grade it. This is very time consuming work and I will not waste time. Type it if you have to, but do your printing before you come to class. 

Remember, there is a bonus due on Thursday if you choose to do it.

LAST CHANCE TEST CORRECTIONS

If you scored 70% or lower on the Earth Sun Moon test  and did not turn in your test corrections when they were due you may submit them ASAP to me. I will not accept any after 3pm on Thursday, October 20. Remember to use the correct format. You can download the form from www.gearyscience.com or refer to the sample I gave you. The corrections must be complete and legible. Instead of the 50% for on time corrections, these corrections are worth 40% for each corrected answer.

Yes, I am trying to make sure that no student is left behind!!!!

This is the video I showed on Wednesday and will show on Thursday- a great visual of a scale model

http://www.space.com/30610-scale-of-solar-system-amazing-video.html#ooid=U5MGpsdzqUsodl9pakFlOOJYRaAB8XeT

Alternative Bonus Activity due no later than 3pm on Thursday, October 20

Design a poster to raise awareness of the harmful effects of Radon gas.  Create an 8.5″ X 11″ sized poster following the instructions .  You may  get a printed copy of the instructions from me in class. along with the form. You should also be able to download the directions and form from Focus or from One View.  You must fill out the artwork submission form and tape to the back of your poster.

This is worth up to 2 points added to your first 9 weeks grade.

Submit finished project to me by Thursday Oct. 20th @ 3:00 PM.  No late submissions will be accepted.

PENDA is due on Monday at 7AM - even though school is cancelled - and more info ;)

Yes, PENDA is due. If you lose power or have to evacuate then do it when you can. If you need more time because of the hurricane just bring me a note from the  'rents and I will catch your grade up with the late report. That gives you a few days grace period.  If you are at home streaming videos or playing games and the power is on and the weather is great - just do the PENDA!

Due to some confusion about due date/time for the PENDA due 9/19 I will use the late report to catch up some of your grades. Since the time was announced on the board after the 9/19 due date then all PENDA is due on time. Remember, late work is not accepted in 8th grade.

I don't know if the moon observing activity will occur at FSCJ and you will have to follow up on that on your own. Remember, it's an option not a requirement so no big deal if you don't or can't attend.


Yes, there will be a Science Project Log (journal) check next week. Make sure you have

• numbered your pages,
• left p. 1 for the title page,
• made pp. 2-4 Table of Contents pages
• written about what you have done, read, or thought about for your project. 
• written each entry in pen
• dated each entry.

Go ahead and work on your day 2 planet cards. Since you won't have all the info at your desk you may research at http://www.nasa.gov/content/planets-moons-and-dwarf-planets
or http://www.windows2universe.org/our_solar_system/planets.html.

Complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the written work if you have spare time. It will all be counted as classwork and yes there will be time in class to go over it with your group, but if you have time while we wait out the storm there's no reason not to move along.

Stay safe and dry - see you next week in class.

International Observe the Moon Night Event: Bonus Activity

This is an official bonus activity for all students in my classes. If you participate you will need proof of participation - photos would be great. A short written report might also meet the need. If you have already earned your bonus points for this grading period then you will not be able to get more for this event. It's one grade per term. However, if you do participate in this event also you may hold onto your supporting evidence and save it for another term.

I have a previous commitment, but you should check this out. Dr. Reynolds use to teach High School and I hear he is very informative.

Read all about it.

International Observe the Moon Night – FREE Event!

Are you looking for an educational, unique, and family friendly event that everyone will enjoy?Florida State College at Jacksonville, (FSCJ) would like to invite you to attend NASA’sInternational Observe the Moon Night, (ImNON) Saturday, October 8, 2016.

International Observe the Moon Night is a rare opportunity uniting our community together to view the moon like you have never seen it before. This will be a time that your children and loved ones will never forget!

Do you know what the best thing about it is? It’s absolutely FREE!

Telescopes will be set up and available for everyone to use and enjoy. FSCJ Professor of Astronomy Dr. Mike Reynolds will be hosting Moon Talks every 30 minutes. You will not want to miss out on this spectacular event!

Where do I go?

Florida State College at Jacksonville North Campus

4501 Capper Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Parking Lot 1

When is it?

Saturday, October 8, 2016

What time does it start?

7:30pm – 9:30pm

(Weather Permitting)

One Year Later: New Horizons’ Top 10 Discoveries at Pluto

One Year Later: New Horizons’ Top 10 Discoveries at Pluto: Where were you at 7:49 a.m. Eastern Time on July 14, 2015?

How familiar are you with Pluto? Learn more by watching.