Middle School Science Newsletter
January 2019
Curriculum Updates
Teachers should be beginning 2nd semester with energy transfer & motion. Teachers can use activities and resources from the curriculum maps to have students use examples to explain the Law of Conservation of energy, both visually and linguistically. Teachers should have students conduct experiments that differentiate between potential and kinetic energy, measure speed, and graph the results of this data.
Gr 7:
Teachers should now be working into the internal and external sources of energy that have continuously altered the features of Earth. Teachers will want to provide opportunities for students to describe the layers of solid earth including the lithosphere, hot convecting mantle, dense metallic liquid and solid core. Teachers should help students make connections between identifying patterns within the rock cycle and how they relate to surface events and sub-surface events.
Gr 8:
Teachers should now be in space and working with students to deepen their understanding of Earth in space and time through learning about the influence of gravity and energy in the formation of galaxies. Lessons should aim to further student understanding of gravity by recognizing the effect gravity has on the motion of objects in our solar system. Teachers can have students create models of solar properties that show rotation, structure of the sun, speed, movement, temperature, and atmospheric conditions.
Science Fair Support Resources
Regional Fair -- Parent & Coordinator Information (Schedule, map, etc)
Linked below is a coordinator's memo as well as student letter with directions for the regional science fair. Please provide a copy to each of your school fair winners designated to participate in the district fair. A sincere thank you goes out to all of you that worked so hard to provide this opportunity at your schools. We know it is an immense amount of work and are so grateful for all you did to host a fair at your school.
Regional Fair -- Parent & Coordinator Information (Schedule, map, etc)
Urgent Request for Judges
If you would like to lend your expertise, we would love to have you judge out either or both our regional fairs (secondary or elementary). Judging criteria for the regional fair is fairly short and uncomplicated, but maintains emphasis on the scientific method as a problem-solving technique. If you are interested or know someone* who might be, you can submit your availability online through the digital judges form link.
*Judges from outside the district will also be asked to complete a Pasco Schools Volunteer Form
Professional Development Opportunities
Quarter 3 Science Academy Nights
Grade 6 Quarter 3 Science Academy Night:
DATE CHANGE Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 4-6pm at CCMHS (Register Here)
Grade 7 Quarter 3 Science Academy Night:
DATE CHANGE Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 4-6pm at CSRMS (Register Here)
Join us as we engage in a model lesson designed from the curriculum maps. See total participation strategies in action, deepen your understanding of the 5E model, network and collaborate with fellow Pasco Science teachers. This PD opportunity includes a stipend for your time and PD points for the follow up activity.
5E Virtual Science Academy
Register for the course through MyPGS (Course 2414) HERE to sign up to participate. Registration will remain open through Nov 30. MyPGS will automatically enroll you in the Canvas course. The courses are listed for 6th and 7th grade, as they are this year's identified grades, however it was built to support 6-8 Science Instruction. So all are welcome to join in our adventure. The course is 4 PD points if completed! See you Online!
Additional Information
Curriculum Map Feedback Form
#PascoDoingScience
Want to Contact Us?
Mark Butler
813-794-2452
Lesley Kirkley
813-794-2257
Jessica Maxwell
Stephanie Sheridan