November 1-5

November 1-5
Dear Students:
Your Volcano Project is due this Wednesday, November 3. Please review your rubric and make sure your mini-report is ready.
This week we will continue to learn and discuss about volcanoes. Your work pack for this chapter should be ready by Wednesday, November 3.
Don’t forget to start reviewing your key terms for these are the vocabulary terms you should be able to use fluently by the end of this chapter.
Your test will be next week. Reading the chapter completely as well as studying the chapter reviews is important.
Important Dates to keep in mind:
November 03 Project Due
November 03 Workpack Due
November 05 Carnival

School Picture Authorization Letter

Dear Parents/ Students:
Please print and complete this form if you do not want your child’s picture to be posted on any school publication. The form must be returned to your area Principal’s Secretary no later than Friday November 5, 2010.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.


Tegucigalpa D.C.
October 19, 2010

Dear Parents:

This year the school will renew the publication of newsletters, magazines, and will increase the amount of information presented on the school’s Web Page. Many of the pictures might include your children.

For example, our parent, Mr. Mark Wright currently donated a series of professional photographs he has taken over the school year of our campus, which includes students. However, we do not want to publish them in our Web’s home page without having our parents’ consent. PICTURES will NOT include students’ names.

Please print and complete this form if you do not want your child’s picture to be posted on any school publication. The form must be returned to your area Principal’s Secretary no later than Friday November 5, 2010.

For more information or any concerns don’t hesitate to contact Vicky Díaz at the Development Office, devo@amschool.org

Thank you.

Liliana F. Jenkins
Superintendent



Please refrain from including my son / daughter’s ____________________ picture in any school publication or Web page. My son / daughter is currently in Grade ________________.

_________________________________ ______________________________
Parent’s Name Signature

• The school respects completely parents’ decisions regarding the publication of pictures and will maintain this form confidential.









Tegucigalpa D.C.
19 de octubre de 2010


Estimados Padres de Familia:


Este año la Escuela renovará las publicaciones de periódicos, revistas e incrementará la cantidad de información presentada en la página Web de la Escuela. Muchas de las fotos pueda que incluyan a sus hijos.

Por ejemplo, nuestro padre de familia, el Sr. Mark Wright actualmente donó una serie de fotografías profesionales que ha tomado durante el año escolar en nuestro campus, las cuales incluyen estudiantes. Sin embargo, no queremos publicarlas en nuestra Página de inicio de nuestra Web sin tener el consentimiento de los padres. Las fotos NO incluirán el nombre de los alumnos.

Por favor imprima y complete este formato si usted no desea que la foto de su hijo(a) sea utilizada en ninguna publicación de la Escuela. El formato deberá ser regresado a la Secretaria del Principal de su área a más tardar el viernes 22 de octubre de 2010.

Para más información o cualquier pregunta no dude en contactar a Vicky Díaz en la oficina del Departamento de Desarrollo, devo@amschool.org

Muchas Gracias.

Liliana F. Jenkins
Superintendente



Por favor abstenerse de incluir la foto de mi hijo /hija ____________________ de cualquier publicación de la escuela o en la Página Web. Mi hijo /hija cursa actualmente el __________Grado.



_________________________________ ______________________________
Nombre del Padre Firma

• La escuela respeta completamente las decisiones de los padres en consideración a la publicación de fotos y mantendrá este formato en confidencialidad.

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

Earthquake Projects/ October 2010

October 25-29

We are starting a new Chapter: Volcanoes.
The eruptions of a volcano can be dangerous. Yet volcanoes and people have been closely connected throughout history. People often live near volcanoes because of the benefits they offer, from rich soil, to minerals, to hot springs. In this chapter, you will investigate how volcanoes have affected the people living in a volcanic region ans a wide variety of interesting topics related to Volcanoes
Section1
Key Concepts
• Where are most of Earth’s volcanoes found?
• How do hot spot volcanoes form?
Key Terms
• volcano
• magma
• lava
• Ring of Fire
• island arc
• hot spot

Section 2
Key Concepts
• Why is it helpful to know the physical and chemical properties of a substance?
• What causes some liquids to flow more easily than others?
• What factors determine the viscosity of magma?
Key Terms
• element
• compound
• physical property
• chemical property
• viscosity
• silica
• pahoehoe
• aa

Section 3
Key Concepts
• What happens when a volcano erupts?
• What are the two types of volcanic eruptions?
• What are a volcano’s stages of activity?
Key Terms
• magma chamber
• pipe
• vent
• lava flow
• crater
• pyroclastic flow
• dormant
• extinct

Section 4
Key Concepts
• What landforms do lava and ash create?
• How does magma that hardens beneath the surface create landforms?
• What other distinctive features occur in volcanic areas?
Key Terms
• shield volcano
• cinder cone
• composite volcano
• caldera
• volcanic neck
• dike
• sill
• batholith
• geothermal activity
• geyser

Important dates to keep in mind:
• October 25: Holiday
• October 27: Key Terms Due
• October 29: Band Presentation
• November 3: Project and Work Pack DueVolcano Project


Project Description: You will be researching a volcano. Using this information, you will build a model of your volcano and write a brief report of your findings.

Volcano Model:
1. Construct a model of volcano including any defining features of the volcano including craters and lakes.
2. Incorporate features of the surrounding area such as cities, oceans, forests, etc. into the model.
- Possible materials may include clay, Styrofoam, paint, plaster, paper, etc.
3. Attach a picture of the volcano to your model.
4. Attach a note card to your volcano following the model below:

Name of Volcano
Elevation (Height)
Age of Volcano: Country:
Date of Last Eruption: Nearest City:
Type of Volcano: (Cinder, Composite, Shield, Lava Plateau, Caldera, etc)
Three Interesting Facts: (complete sentences)


Student(s) Name(s):
Science Period: Date:


Volcano Mini Report
1. Type a brief report (1 page minimum) describing your volcano.
- Include name, date, period, volcano name, country
- Describe the benefits the volcano serves the surrounding town/area
- Describe the history of the volcano’s eruptions (how often)
- Describe the most famous eruption from this volcano and its effects
- Describe what measures the local population can take if there is a major eruption in the future

2. Helpful websites: http://www.volcano.und.nodak.edu/ and http://www.volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/glossary.htm

3. References – You must use at least two sources other than your textbook. You must cite sources correctly.
Online Bibliography Formatting Sources:
http://www.easybib.com
http://www.noodletools.com


Volcano Project Rubric

________ (30) Volcano Model

______ (10) Model resembles volcano
______ (5) Picture attached
______ (10) Features of surrounding area shown
______ (5) Creativity

_______ (23) Note Card

______ (14) Name of Volcano, Elevation, Age,
Date of Eruption, Country, City, Type of Volcano
_______ (6) Three interesting facts
_______ (3) Name(s), Date, Period

______ (40) Mini Report

_______ (5) Name, Date, Period, Volcano Name, Country
_______ (10) Benefits of the surrounding town/area
_______ (5) Eruption history
_______ (10) Famous eruption description and effects
_______ (10) Precautions for future eruptions

______ (7) References

_______ (2) At least 2 Sources
_______ (5) Proper information and formatting


______ (100) Total




Make sure you have everything included!!

October 18-22

Dear Students:
The Earthquake Walkthrough was a clear success. I must congratulate you for the effort placed and the quality of your work. We will continue to use the Oral Presentation rubric for future projects and will continue to learn how to communicate our Scientific findings.
Please don't forget that our Science Test for chapter 6 will take place Wednesday, October 20. As you prepare for it, make sure you read the chapter and then study details with the help of your work pack and key terms.
Your final grade for the First Quarter is already posted in Power School. There is always a chance for improvement!!!!

Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.
Salvador Dali

Important Dates to keep in mind:
Late Start 9:30: October 19
Chapter Test: October 20
AASCA Tournament: October 20-23

October 11-15

Dear Students:
This week you will be turning in your Project on Earthquakes. The due date is Wednesday October 13. Please make sure you go over your Rubrics. Two rubrics are being used to grade your Project: one for Oral Presentation and one for your board. These projects will be displayed in the Middle School hallway Friday October 15. It’s a good opportunity for others to learn from your work, so do your best!!!
Important Dates to keep in mind:
October 11: Holiday
October 13: Earthquake Project Due
October 15: Work pack Due
October 14: End of the 1st Quarter
October 20: Test Ch 06 Earthquakes
We will continue to work on this Chapter during class and to get ready for our test next week. Please check the following link for animations for Earthquakes, terms and concepts, as well as seismology fundamentals.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/search.php?sendLevelID=9

October 4-8

October 4-8
Dear Students:
This week we will continue learning about Earthquakes. It is evident that there is so much to learn from the world around us and the incredible forces of nature. Some important dates to keep in mind are:
October 6: Key Terms Chapter 6
October 13: Project/ Earthquakes (Details Below)
October 20: Test Chapter 6

Helpful HINT:
Have you ever seen your most important tasks being put off until later and then later and later, while you are getting busy with many not so important activities? Did you hope that you may have more time and better mood in the future to start the task and do it properly? Does an approaching deadline mean a crisis for you?
What is it?
A basic definition of procrastination is putting off the things that you should be doing now. This happens with all of us time after time.
Yet, what makes a big difference for your success is your ability to recognize procrastination reasons and expressions in their different forms, and to promptly take them under control, before this bad habit steals your opportunities, damages your grades and pride, you need to STOP IT!!!! Organize your time and make good use of opportunities.


Start working on your project NOW!!!


Earthquake Project Ideas
1) Earthquake prediction
Investigate and find out if anyone has a consistent successful way to predict earthquakes. If not, why were they not successful? Come up with your own idea for predicting earthquakes, and test it. Explain why it did or did not work.
2) Earthquake myths
Examine earthquake myths and interview people about these myths to find out what they think. What would be the best way to get rid of myths? Is there any group of people who tend to believe myths more? Older people? Younger people? Other groups?
3) Seismic waves
What types of seismic waves are there? What do they look like on a seismogram (recording)? What effects do different kinds of waves have on different kinds of buildings?
4) World-wide earthquake hazards
Which areas around the world are most vulnerable to earthquakes and why? What are the major problems dealing with earthquakes in different areas?
5) Earthquake preparedness
Find the most effective ways to prepare for an earthquake. Test the effectiveness of different types of earthquake brackets and straps, etc. Determine the safest places to be inside the house, outside, in car, etc. Prepare on earthquake plan for your family, class, school.
6) Earthquake risks
Investigate the current earthquake risks in your area. If there are none currently, have there ever been earthquakes there in the past? Why, and why aren't there any now?
7) Plate tectonic model
Build a model that simulates plate motions and their effects.
8) Tsunamis
Demonstrate how a tsunami is created.
9) Plate tectonics
Cut a world map along the plate boundaries, and try to fit the pieces back together like they were millions of years ago. Observe how each piece has moved to its current position.
10) Fault models
Make models of different kinds of faults and investigate the tectonic setting of each (where are these types of faults generally found?).
11) Earthquake-proof buildings
Try to design a building that can withstand an earthquake. What works? What doesn't work? Why?
12) Seismograph
Make a seismograph.
13) Monitoring earthquakes
Monitor earthquakes locally, regionally, or globally, and plot them on a map.
14) Locating an earthquake
Show how earthquakes are located. Create a fictional story about an earthquake and write a news story with a map showing the epicenter.
15) Stress & strain
Make a model to show how stress and strain affect different materials (wood, silly putty, etc.)
16) Earthquakes & volcanoes
Investigate how earthquakes and volcanoes are related.
17) Magnitude & intensity
Show the difference between magnitude and intensity. What controls the magnitude of an earthquake? What affects the shaking intensity?
18) Earthquakes on other planets
Do earthquakes occur on other planets? Which ones? Why or why not?
19) San Andreas Fault
Learn about the different segments of the San Andreas Fault. Demonstrate how each segment behaves differently and why.
20) Other ideas to brainstorm
Interior of the earth, earthquakes & roads, earthquakes & buildings, earthquakes and the Eastern US, "Ring of Fire".
Your project will be presented October 13 in a self standing poster board.

Board Rubric
Project Name:___________________________________________
Student(s):________________________________________

Objectives Outstanding Work Acceptable Work Needs Some Work Needs Lots of Work
1. Shows knowledge of the Scientific Method 4 - Can explain all 6 parts of an experimental science project; and justify conclusion. 3 - Can explain at least 5 parts of an experimental science project with understanding 2 - Can explain most parts of an experimental science project with the help of the display board. 1 - Tries to answer questions (posed by judge) and/or has some steps missing.

2. Shows enthusiasm and interest in the project 4 - Student eager to tell all about the project. 3 - Student is pleasant and willing to share information. 2 - Student tells about the project only when asked a question. 1 - Student answers some of the about the project.

3. Speaks knowledgeably about the project 4 - Student able to share many details about the project through the scientific process. 3 - Student shows an understanding of the project. 2 - Students knows about the project and offers minimal explanation. 1 - Student can answer some questions when asked.

4. Written document clearly demonstrates use of research, experimentation and analysis skills 4 - Booklet has Cover, Table of Contents, Research Data, Experiment Data, Bibliography. 3- Booklet has Cover, Table of Contents, Research Data and some of the Experiment Data. 2 - Booklet has Cover, Some Research, Some Data. 1- Booklet is minimal or does not exist.

5. Presents data on a board that is well organized and visually appealing. 4 - Board shows data in a organized, neat manner, complete with charts, tables and pictures that are labeled. 3 - Board is neat and attractive and has limited charts, tables and pictures. 2 - Board list major headings of the scientific process and some data. 1 - Board list major headings of the scientific process and limited data.