After you’ve written your lyrics and created your song, you’ll need to record it (using a computer and microphone or a phone), edit the audio file in Audacity or Voice Recorder to take out long pauses, etc. Then convert the file to MP3 format (this can be done easily by importing into Audacity and then […]
Author: mrsculverwell
The Life and Times of a Star!
Today we learned about the sequence of events in the life of a star, as well as the many different types of stars. The video we watched in class: https://study.com/academy/lesson/star-formation-main-sequence-dwarf-giant-stars.html#[0:50] The assignment was to choose a type of star and to tell the story of the star’s life in a 6 (or more) panel […]
Defining Life, Solar Ovens and Tetrahedral Kites
While 5th and 8th graders tested for the Science MSP, 6th and 7th graders collected specimens outside and pondered the nature of life. We explored what makes something living – and we found that the answers can be complicated. Merely growing, reproducing, moving, consuming energy and oxygen may not constitute a living thing (think of […]
The Moon, Tides and Eclipses
This week in 7/8 STEM we continued our study of the Moon. We looked at various origin hypotheses, experimented with crater formation simulation using sand, and then we examined the Moon’s effects on tides and the Moon’s interactions with eclipses. Here are the videos we utilized:
Note Taking, Phases of the Moon, Planet Distance scaling and more…
In class this week, we discussed the research showing that students who take notes by hand tend to remember and “know” the material better than students who type. See this article outlining the evidence in Scientific American. The most effective note takers utilize certain methods such as reviewing and reflecting on notes, adding color, and […]
This week – Smarter Balanced testing & using shadows to measure the height of a tall tree
In 7/8 STEM this week, we completed our Smarter Balanced math testing. Afterward, we used math, problem solving and teamwork to estimate the height of a large cedar tree, using 4 different methods. The 4 strategies utilized: Using a Piece of Paper; By Comparing Shadows; Using a Pencil and an Assistant; and Using a Clinometer. […]
Reasons for the Seasons
Today our guest, Ms. McClintic, introduced the new calculator tool and some practice problems for the Smarter Balanced math test, coming up on Tuesday, May 2nd. Next, we learned about the factors that influence seasons. In our lab, we examined how the angle and intensity of sunlight contribute to temperature differences on Earth. Homework this […]
PARADE Talent Event Showcases 7/8 STEM Students
At the PARADE Talent Show on Thursday, April 20, 7/8 STEM students Amy, Kari, and Henry each performed solo musical pieces. Amy sang the song “Careless” with poise and sensitivity: Kari performed “If I Die Young” acappella (with no instrumental accompaniment!). Amazing vocals, Kari! Henry wowed us with “Imperial March” (Darth Vader’s theme) on viola: […]
Astronomy
As we transition to the 4th Quarter of 7/8 STEM, we begin a new unit on astronomy. Carl Sagan‘s extraordinary work is exemplified in this beautiful, short video: Here is a Crash Course video introducing the Solar System: In class this week, we began work on the OneNote assignment “Create the Solar System”. We learned […]