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Hello!

 I just changed my wall calendar over to March and I can't believe how fast the time is flying!  It won't be too long until spring is here!

Please read on if you are planning to attend the March 11 FORCES 8th grade Physical Science Virtual PD session (haven't registered? Click HERE) I know it's a bit early, but there are some not so common supplies on our list, and I want to be sure you have time to gather and assemble them before we meet.  

This session's content topic is CONTACT FORCES, and we will continue to use OpenSciEd as our curriculum source.  I want to let you know that I have not done this unit with my students.  Our focus for this session will be how to sort through the resources, tease out the content and practices, and modify and adapt the tools available to create a cohesive set of lessons for our students. 

Many of the unit activities center around using a ramp and cart apparatus throughout several lessons.  I have some of the supplies on hand, but I do have to make some modifications and visit the home improvement store for supplies.  I will need to use my shop to build it (nothing too detailed, but even the high school did not have what I needed).  The other lab-type activities in the unit require a few grocery store items, and then regular classroom supplies like tape, markers, meter sticks, etc.  Here is a link to the FULL list (provided by OSE), but I don't advise getting everything on this list for our time together.  I will be making the apparatus this weekend and I will send out pictures and schematics if you would like to build your own, but feel free to see how it goes during our session and go from there, if you like!  

Here is my recommendation for supplies for our session, beyond the ramp and car apparatus - I will send out a separate supply list for that this weekend once I have successfully built it. This is not required!  Please don't worry if you prefer to observe only!  

• A rolling cart (see OSE list)
• Some washers (to add mass to the cart)
• A balance
• A small amount of clay to secure the washers
• One package wide rice noodles
• A few soda crackers or a few CD cases
• A laser pointer (that can be mounted on a box to remain stationary)
• A small mirror that can be attached (with tape or velcro) to the wall
• A sponge
• Different sized balls (spherical objects - tennis, kickball or other rubber ball)
• 5N spring scale (push preferred)
• 10N spring scale (push preferred)
• A few strips of balsa wood
• A few strips of styrofoam
• A 3x3 in section of bubble wrap

Before logging on to our session, please go to https://www.openscied.org/ and register for an account.  It is free and gives you access to all their materials.  We will be working from Unit 8.1 - here is the main page link: https://www.openscied.org/instructional-materials/8-1-contact-forces/ Please also download the attached document - the Unit Storyline (it might be helpful to have a print copy).

Finally, if you can and feel comfortable doing so, I encourage you to gather with a few teacher friends and do this work together in person.  Region 11 is hosting an in-person gathering at Scott Highland Middle School in Apple Valley for this session. Please RSVP for this in-person event by sending Jill Jensen a message at JILL.JENSEN@DISTRICT196.ORG. (We want to make sure we have enough donuts!!) 

Please reach out if you have any questions!  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Dana