A Moment of Science w/ Mrs. McGrath

2012-02-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

This is pretty cool....try it!!!
http://images.4channel.org/f/src/589217_scale_of_universe_enhanced.swf

MM

2012-01-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

A belated 'Happy New Year' to all...!
Updates:
8th is finishing up their study of earthquakes and volcanoes...they will have a Volcano Presentation for N-7 on 1/24...always a bit of excitement!!!
7th is continuing to work on Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle research project as well as the Geologic Time Scale
6th is working on their Newton's Laws of Motion booklet along with our Sciencesaurus note-taking skills activity
5th is due to begin Unit C, Ch 4 Astronomy...always a favorite!! They will write a letter to NASA and include a 'mission patch' of their design

On a personal note, many thanks for all your well-wishes, thoughts, and prayers for my new baby grand-daughter, Zara...I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me....

MM

Teens | StopBullying.gov

2011-12-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

Teens StopBullying.gov

This is a great site....you might want to take a look!
MM

Oxygen on the Moon Game

2011-09-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

In a free computer game designed by NASA, Moonbase Alpha, you assume the exciting role of an astronaut working to further human expansion and research.

NASA has once again landed on the lunar surface with the goal of colonization, research, and further exploration. Shortly after the return to the Moon, NASA has established a small outpost on the south pole of the moon called Moonbase Alpha. Utilizing solar energy and regolith processing, the moonbase has become self-sufficient and plans for further expansion are underway. Returning from a research expedition, you witness a meteorite impact that cripples the life support capability of the settlement.

With precious minutes ticking away, you and your team must repair and replace equipment in order to restore the oxygen production to the settlement. Team coordination along with the proper use and allocation of your available resources (player controlled robots, rovers, repair tools, etc.) are key to your overall success. There are several ways in which you can successfully restore the life support system of the lunar base, but since you are scored on the time spent to complete the task, you have to work effectively as a team, learn from decisions made in previous gaming sessions, and make intelligence decisions in order to top the leaderboards.

Oxygen on the Moon Game

Welcome Back...!!

2011-09-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

My goodness, September already!!! I hope everyone had a pleasant and restful summer... Middle School is eagerly planning our upcoming academic year...so mark your calendar as I have booked a trip to the AMNH on October 11 for the exhibit, The World's Largest Dinosaurs. Students will be receiving the 'info' letter in next Tuesday's folder.... Also, I will again be ordering both Current Science magazine (grades 5-6) and Science World magazine (grades 7-8) for the school year....I will probably get that letter out to you this week.... Looking forward to another rewarding year... MM

Science Fair: Brain, The Inside Story

2011-03-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

We just getting underway w/ our plans for this year's Science Fair...
Our theme, Brain: The Inside Story, will be in conjunction w/ our visit to AMNH...
The students are beginning to decide upon groups, job roles, themes, guiding questions, topics, etc. using the pre-visit packet I sent home as well as the Activity Questions completed at the exhibit...
Once I have received all their proposals, I should have a pretty good idea of timelines, materials due, and so on...
No 'presentation' date yet- will keep you posted!
Regards-
MM

Young Scientist 2011 Challenge...

2011-03-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Young Scientist Challenge is designed to encourage the exploration of Science and innovation among America's youth and to promote the importance of Science communication.
Students will be challenged to create a one to two minute video about a specific scientific concept which they will select from a list of concepts provided by the Young Scientist Challenge judges.
For information about the Young Scientist 2011 Challenge, please visit:
http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/11challenge/index.html

Good Luck!!!
MM

AMNH trip:

2011-02-15T06:09:00.000-08:00

Please note:
A 'pre-visit' packet will be given to the girls this week...
There is a set of Guiding Questions w/ a list of online resources to help prep them for the Museum visit on 3/3...
Also included in the packet is some background info on brain imaging technology that may be interesting...
A floor plan Map of the Exhibition will show exactly what we will be seeing, visiting, etc...
Enjoy a pleasant and restful Feb. break...
MM

Science 8

2010-12-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

This is your January Science World magazine activity and project:

Science 8

Earth: Volcanoes
Fire in the Sky
What happens when a volcano erupts in an area covered by ice and snow?

How can a volcanic explosion in Iceland disrupt air travel all over the world?

What does the name Eyjafjallajokull mean?

Iceland has more than 130 volcanoes crammed into an area about the size of Kentucky. Why? What happens?

Project:

What volcanoes erupted in 2010? Check out this Smithsonian web site that lists worldwide volcanic activity:

www.volcano.si.edu/world/find_eruptions.cfm

• Click on each volcano to find its latitude and longitude.
• Plot the locations of a world map.
• Where were 2010’s eruptions located?
• Which country had the most volcanic activity?

This is you January Science World magazine activity due the week of 1/24/11-1/27/11.

6th/7th Yale Road Trip!!!

2010-11-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like we are all good to go...!!!
Our luxury coach bus will be leaving VA at 6:45AM sharp...
My 'ballpark' guess is that we will return late afternoon @ 5:00-ish???
The girls have all the info as to clothing, snacks, phones, etc...
Weather forecast is for a beautiful sunny day-yeah!!
xo-MM

Girl's Science Investigations, Yale University

2010-10-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

The mission of Girl's Science Investigations (GSI:New Haven) is to motivte, empower, and interst girls in developing the skills they need to pursue careers in Science. University students and professors act as mentors and provide a context for exploring and understanding the various disciplines of Science through hands-on activities in a laboratory environment. Through student scientific-engagement and parental awareness, GSI strives to close the gap in Science found between males and females today.
The topic is The Material World and our theme-based program visit will take place on Sat. November 13, from 9:00AM-2:00PM in the Sloane Physics Laboratory at the Yale University Dept. of Physics in New Haven, CT.
You can visit the GSI website at:
www.yale.edu/physics
Under "Featured Links", click on "Girl's Science Investigations"
This should be an extraordinary experience for our students and we are all very excited to participate in such an opportunity!!
Regards-
MM

2010-09-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

Happy September and Welcome Back!!!
I am delighted to see everyone and look forward to a wondeful year w/ my 'new girls'...
Just a few notes:
All students will be required to have a Science Journal by Monday 9/13...I know it can get hectic trying to fulfill that Supply List!
I am considering adopting a new Science magazine- Science World- for 7th & 8th...I think it might be a nice change from the "Tuesday Times" assignments of past years...I will possibly keep TT as extra credit?? Will let you know for sure...If indeed I do decide on the magazine, I will get a letter out to you early next week w/ the overview, cost, etc....
The Current Science magazine for 5th & 6th is still in place and a letter was sent home in this week's Tuesday Folder...
Please feel free to contact me w/ any questions and/or concerns...
MM

2010-04-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Middle School will present their Silk Road project presentations on Thursday May 13th in the Alumnae Room @ 1:30 PM.
All parents/guardians are invited to view these truly remarkeable works!
Looking forward to your visit...MM

2010-03-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

What an extraordinary day...!!!
Our AMNH trip was wonderful and the exhibit was truly amazing...the girls had a terrific time and we were all so very proud of them!
Look for details on final projects w/ info to follow....
xo-MM

The Silk Road - Ancient Pathway to the Modern World | American Museum of Natural History

2010-02-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

The Silk Road - Ancient Pathway to the Modern World | American Museum of Natural History

A wonderful way to begin...!!!

8th Grade- please pre-visit the 'Interactive Map':

Travelers
Mountain ranges
Deserts
Cities

A Flight to Mars

2010-02-03T10:58:00.001-08:00

A human expedition to Mars has been the dream of space enthusiasts for years. Probably within the next 25 years, a human flight to Mars will be launched. As the baby boomers witnessed the moon landings, their children will see astronauts walking on Mars. Even today, long before that flight becomes a reality, we can speculate what it will be like. So our 8th grade will be planning a 2 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot cube that they will be taking with them "to Mars". They can pack anything they wish, but the spacecraft will be providing them with food, communication, and other personal hygiene needs. They need to convert the measurements of their desired items to fit into a scale drawing of their cube. It will be interesting to see what they feel they need to take to space. iPod anyone?

2010-02-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Volcano projects are underway!!!
Research will begin in school with 'creation/production' started at home...
Final due date to be announced, probably the week after February break?
Thanks- MM

2010-02-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Ccongratulations to Grades 5-6 !!!
The NY International Year of Astronomy contest committee was "impressed with the creativity of the entries" and recognized both grades for their efforts.
All students received a certificate of participation and are encouraged to continue to learn about Astronomy.
Well done, my dears, well done...!!
xo-MM

2010-02-03T10:17:00.001-08:00

American Museum of Natural History Trip:
Middle School students grades 5-8 will visit the AMNH exhibit 'The Silk Road' on Thursday March 11, 2010.
Please visit their website pre-visit in order to appreciate this truly rich and rewarding opportunity.
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/silkroad/

Great Web Resources!!

2009-10-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

The following websitess have some great resources that dealw/ a variety of Science topics and emphasize the use of hands-on learning activities...Enjoy!
MM
Metric Mania:
http://www.sciencespot.net
How to use a Triple Beambalance:
http://www.wisc-online.com/objects
http://www.ohaus.com/products/education/weblab
Countertop Chemistry:
http://www.science-house.org/learn/CountertopChem

2009-10-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

The New York International Year of Astronomy Contest is a great way to challenge students in the study of Astronomy and address learning standards while being creative and having fun!
All students in grades 5-6 will participate in the contest w/ an individual entry. Information and official entry form have been sent home-please return the signed copy as soon as possible.
Tasks, due dates, etc will be posted as well as in each student's homework pad.
Task #1: Bring in to school an actual 'travel brochure' from a travel agency by Monday, 10/26.

Census 2010

2009-10-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents and Students! Next year is an exciting year because the Census 2010 is being conducted...and we're around to experience it! I know we've been working on what the census is and what it means to you, and we've been having tons of fun in class. If you would like to continue the fun at home, click here. Enjoy!

2009-10-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Tues 10/6...
The Channel 13 Nova series is presenting a special @ Charles Darwin at 8:00 PM...
It looks interesting and, especially for my last year 7th, you might want to 'take a look'...
MM
PS- for any LOST fans, Ian Holm (Desmond) plays CD!!

2009-09-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back!!! Hope everyone's summer was pleasant and peaceful...
Delighted to see the happy faces on my new '5th'...
Looking forward to a healthy and productive year and to seeing you all on Open School night, 9/29
xo-MM

2009-05-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Let the sun shine in!!!

Check out this short animated film to learn how plants use solar energy to produce what keeps you alive...!

www.weeklyreader.com/currentscienceanimations

2009-05-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

FYI:
Middle School Science Fair Thursday June 4th-
Will advise as to 'viewing' times for parents!
MM

2009-05-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

This is a 'fun' website offered by the National Institute of Medical Sciences (NIGMS):
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Publications?NAT0409

Multi-media presentations, publications and interactive games, puzzles, quizzes, etc...
Enjoy!

2009-04-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is a great website to view National Goegraphic 'mini' videos of recent events...
The videos on the discovery of a baby mammoth are particularly interesting, so enjoy!!
http://video.msn.com

2009-03-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Your Water Cycle papers/drawings/illustrations were gorgeous!!!
I shared them w/ Mrs. Figaro and she was, indeed, impressed...well done!

2009-03-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

Reminder:
Your 'Week of Weather' is due Monday 3/9...

2009-03-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Reminder:
Your Darwin research paper is due Friday 3/13...

2009-03-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

My Science 5th and 8th are working together in cooperative groups for this year's Scienc Fair. The 8th will act as 'mentors' and peer-leaders in order to guide the 5th through the process (5th is very excited to be their 'worker women'!).
We had our first 'meeting' this morning in the Media Center and everyone seems good to go...
I have always wanted to try something like this and these 2 particular classes/grades seem the ideal 'experiment'!!

2009-03-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

A terrific website-enjoy!!
www.galaxyzoo.org

2009-02-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

February 12-
Charles Darwin's 200th birthday!!!

2009-01-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

Science Review Book, Ch 6
Chapter 17, week of 2/2
Science Times due 2/26

2009-01-30T07:13:00.000-08:00

Darwin exhibit @American Museum of Natural History
We will research and investigate Darwin's voyage on The Beagle to Galapagos Island and his major (and amazing!) discoveries...
http://www.amnh.org/
Science Times due 2/27

2009-01-30T07:12:00.000-08:00

Newton's Laws of Motion project due week of 2/9-
this classroom activity visually presents a way to understand and 'see' Newton's Laws...

2009-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

Fossil Activity due week of 2/9-
We are creating 'mummies' and 'fossil' samples in the classroom-awesome!

Volcanoes

2008-11-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.crystalinks.com/volcanoesactive.html
This is a great site to check out some famous volcanoes...MM

2008-10-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/musicalplates3/en/index.shtml
This is a fun website in re: Earthquakes...!!

2008-10-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

'Growth of Fungi' Lab report due Thurs 10/9

2008-10-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

'Extra Credit' lab due Mon. 10/6

2008-10-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

'Mini' quiz Lesson 4 Tues. 10/7

2008-10-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4 Test Mon. 10/6...
Women in Science research project is on-going- due the week of T'giving break

2008-09-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Wonderful to see so many of you last night-thanks for coming!!!
My plan is to try and 'post' each Friday afternoon any upcoming info/tasks/assignments/etc needed by my Middle School girls for the following week(s)...hopefully, this will keep everyone current/updated and if we do, indeed, need to 'tweak' as we go along, that's fine too!! Let me know, yes??
Now that Terra Nova is finished, we can begin again come next week...
Have a pleasant and peaceful weekend-
xo-MM

Parent 'Welcome' Night

2008-09-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Parent Night is Wed 9/24 @ 7:30....we look forward to seeing all of you!!
xo-MM

National Geographic website

2008-09-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Site

Welcome!!

2008-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!!!
Wonderful to see all my 'babies' and to welcome all our new girls!!
I look forward to an exciting and successful school year...
xo-MM