Sorting by NYSLS MST & Grade Level 8
 

Title
Synopsis
  Student-made Web Pages...Show Off Their Work! Designed to teach students how to create a web page using Netscape Communicator's Composer and can be used by students in grades 3-12 to present their projects or research on their school's web page. Designed to be taught in a lab setting and will be used by the technology teacher in coordination with the classroom teacher.
  Speak To Me Integrating presentation software into Middle School Science.
  Curiosity Does Not Kill The Cat: student based res Students will work in groups of three, entering into a data chart the identify of the organism, the physiological response and the units tested. Then the student groups will create another data chart that answers "How many different ways could you test a guinea pig, a dandelion, and your brother (or sister)?". Create a data chart in your group that lists the organism, what you could measure, and how you could change that measurement
  Inching Our Way Into the Metric System Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry.
  How Much Pie Can I Eat? Cross-Cirricular unit between Health and Math A. This is a nutrition unit where students learn about what is a healthy diet and how to create personal nutritional outlines.
  The World Beyond My Back Yard To broaden the student's general global knowledge to the fact that a whole world exists outside their door -- not just their immediate community or country.
  Introduction to graphing linear equations This unit is appropriate for accelerated junior or senior high students to be used as an introduction to graphing linear equations using a graphing calculator.
  What Causes the Weather? What are some relationships between atmospheric variables that can be observed locally? What air mass characteristics can be determined from synoptic observations? How does the atmosphere acquire moisture and energy? How is moisture and energy transferred in the atmosphere? How are moisture and energy released within the atmosphere? How are moisture and energy released from the atmosphere?
  Computer Graphing Students will make a line, bar, double line, double bar and circle graphs using information obtrained from the Internet or by surverys.
  Dry or Wet? Comparing Relative Humidity and Tempe In a Regents Earth Science Lab, students will collect data on how humidity changes as temperature changes.
  Genetics Students will be shown the introduction from a laser disc mystery series, "Science Sleuths", called "Twins or Not?".This mystery asks students to apply knowledge of genetics to decide whether a person is the "long lost" triplet of a set of fraternal twins.
  Probability & Statistics The focus of this unit is to not only show students how to do things such as simple probability, count outcomes, and calculate and display statistics, but it is also to show students how these things apply to their lives.
  May The Fastest Toy Win This learning experience best fits into the intermediate level physical science course.
  Yeas and Nays: Parilamentary Procedure Essential Questions: What internal structure enables officers of varied groups to conduct business in a consistent and orderly manner? Which international, national, local groups apply the principals of parliamentary procedure? What are the ingredients necessary for a smooth running meeting? What vocabulary is associated with parliamentary procedure? What are the established authorities on parliamentary procedure?
  Stocking Up Essential Questions: How does the Stock Market work? What did it feel like to be trading in a Stock Market that crashed? What contributed to the Crash of 1929? What were some of the effects of the Crash of 1929?
  Show Me the Way to Go Home You are an immigrant. To enter your new country, you will need to take the following test. You may discuss the test with your partner and you will have 5 minutes to write the answers.
  What is Good Information Students recognize/use electronic information useful in learning and critical thinking. Emphasis on finding and using "Good Information" (whether objective or subjective) can be recognized/applied in appropriate contexts. Flexible, collaborative unit that overlays content-area in English, Art, Home & Careers, Social Studies taught by faculty when bringing classes to the Library Media Center for instruction. Students find answers to content challenges in parallel units, and use technological aspects to refine research abilities in Library Skills.
  The Path Less Followed Students will be learning about the Adirondack Mountain Region. They will learn about trees, rocks, survival skills, and maps.
  Numbers a la Mode In what ways can statistical data be organized? How can you use statistics to demonstrate a particular point of view? What makes statistics valid and reliable?
  Geometry in the Real World Geometry is a difficult unit for grades 6-8. This unit is designed to make the concepts easier to understand and tie in real life examples.
  Powerpoint Presents: Poetry Builds students' knowledge of poetic devices, exercises library research skills. They work in collaborative pairs to prepare/present oral interpretation/analysis of poem, biographical information about poet, enhanced by Powerpoint presentation. Integration of English, library, and technology skills provides evidence of having achieved several NYS Learning Standards. (ELA #1-Using Language for Information/Understanding: Speaking/ writing to acquire and transmit information; MST Standard #5-Technology-Using technological knowledge/skills to design, construct, use, evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.
  Building Bridges In grades 5-8, the mathematics curriculum should include extensive concrete experience using measurement so that students can- Estimate, make, and use measurements to describe and compare phenomena; Extend understanding of the concepts of weight and mass.
  Pooling Around & Building Bridges Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
  The Earth's Dimensions Tools for earth models.
  Inventions: Natural & Man-made What is evolution? How did Native Americans use legends to explain natural discoveries/adaptations? How did inventions/inventors in Industrial Age impact on the growth/development of the US? Are processes/procedures that can contribute to creation of an invention? What is the Information Age? What invention(s) have been critical to arrival of the Information Age? How do you imagine it will impact on the growth and development of the US? Can the computer assist with inventive processes?
  Highway design for the Future This is a problem solveing unit for grade 8 technology students. The students will design a controlled system to better understand system designs.
  Area, Surface Area and Vol of 3-D Shapes What is the relationship between area and volume? What is the relationship between a 3-D shape and its surface area? What is the relationship between volume and surface area? How can you use a spreadsheet to create a budget?
  McCadan's Quarterly Report Community Research: This learning experience is part of a larger learning unit called Data Analysis Interpreting Tables and Graphs. In this learning unit, fourth graders were presented with an authentic problem from a local business and were challenged to solve the problem using experimental inquiry. Students were expected to analysis data, generate graphs, draw conclusions and submit their findings in a business letter format. In partnership with the local business, the students each received a personal response from the company’s plant manager.
  The Geometry of Sports Students will pick a sport and show how all of the terms and ideas are represented in that sport. Students will display their findings in a book, presentation software, a series of poster, a video, etc.
  The Sculpture of Henry Moore This unit is designed to provide students with an understanding of the processes involved in creating sculpture as well as an in-depth study of the defining characteristics of Henry Moore's sculpture. This unit also addresses the NYS Standards in the Arts, ELA, MST, and Social Studies.
  Women in the Civil War Grade 5-8 ELA women of the Civil War
  Amortization Table: How and Why This learning experience will connect the areas of mathematics, technology, occupational studies and social studies (economics). Students will learn why they should use an amortization table, and how to apply the information to make informed decisions when applying for loans.
  Did Somebody Say…? Where to Work? Technology
  Polluting the Environment In this learning unit students will *construct a mini-ecosystem *pollute the ecosystem *observe, collect, and record data on the effects of these pollutants on their ecosystem *share their findings with others *draw conclusions. Students will have ample opportunity to access technology as they collect data, organize data on a spreadsheet, create graphs, and design presentations for the Scientific Convention using Microsoft/PowerPoint.
  Polygon Search What is geometry? How does geometry affect our everyday life? How are geometric figures classified in our world? What are the characteristics of a geometric figure? "Children who develop a strong sense of spatial relationships and who master the concepts of language and geometry are better prepared to learn number and measurement ideas, as well as other advanced mathematical topics." (NCTM 1989a, P.48)
  Web Page Construction- 3 Easy Ways Students will learn to make web-pages by using a template found on the Internet.
  Describing Motion Helps to define the concepts of frame of reference, speed and velocity as they relate to acceleration.
  It's a Light, Bud Essential Questions: Why is the speed of light different in different media? Why do we see colors in nature? How would a scientist describe light? Which type of telescope is superior, a refracting telescope or a reflecting telescope?
  Data Analysis Essential Question/Data Analysis: How can graphs be used in almost every aspect of society to make us a more efficient, productive, and informed society?
  Info Access in the Library for Electronic Resource Library Reference, Research: Information technology is used to retrieve, process, and communicate information and as a tool to enhance learning.
  Elements and the Periodic Table Essential Questions: How does the structure of an atom relate to the periodic table and bonding? How do elements affect our everyday lives? How do elements affect economics?
  How Dense Is It? Essential Question: How does density play a role in building a raft? How would the world change if the density of water were changed to 10g/ml?
  Waves, Light, and the Elements Using previous knowledge of atoms, compounds, and bonding, the student will gain knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum and how it can be used to identify elements and compounds. A variety of activities as well as class lecture and web site visits will help the students in thier endeavors.
  Family Search: We All Came to America How can we use an integrated software program to generate text and graphic material in a meaningful way? How can we access and explore multi-media technology (internet, CD's, and videos) in order to learn and create additional material?
  All The Water In The World And Not A Drop To Drink This is a unit that focuses on water and the need to recycle and reuse it in a responsible manner. Students initially learn the distribution of water throughout the world and the finite amount of freshwater available for human use. They then learn and investigate threats to our water supply. As a culminating activity, students are asked to make decisions about the use of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin waters.
  What Should We Do With This Land? This unit challenges students to think about the pros and cons of land use and development. Students also learn about the introduction of non-native species and the havoc they can produce. As a culminating project, students become civil engineers and design a town including a modified Environmental Impact Statement. . Students then present their town to their class and guests.
  Web Page Creation Essential Questions Internet as an effective means to communicate information? What are the advantages and disadvantages of presenting information via an Internet Web page? Since technology is advancing rapidly, what must an individual do to keep current? Can the information being presented via the Internet be colored by the techniques used by the individual creating the page?
  Reconstruction to Civil Rights To study Reconstruction to Civil Rights and its effect on society
  Parabolas in Our Lives Unit introduces students to quadratic equations by having them find the equation of the axis of symmetry and the coordinates of the vertex.
  Sources of Energy To examine societies sources of energy and how their use effects our everyday lives and the environment. To raise awareness.
  Energy To explore the "World of Energy" as it pertains to our modern day society. Useses and impacts.
  Birds of the Northeast - An Environmental Unit Learning about the environment is paramount if mankind is to survive on the planet earth. The efficient use of resources and the ability to co exist with the other inhabitants of the planet is essential. The effects of human existence on other species, such as birds often indicate how well we are doing. We must all discover what each of us can do to become part of the evolution of humankind and the evolution of the planet. What will we leave behind? A major theme behind this unit is the understanding and appreciation of the other species of plants and animals that we share this planet with. This is done in an effort to help us, and students, better understand ourselves, themselves, and therefor live a happy and fulfilling life. The only thing we really have is time.
  Rocks Develop a working knowledge for distinguishing between rock types Identify rocks based on physical characteristics Explain how rocks were formed and their environment of formation based on physical characteristics.
  Graphing State Populations Enable students to develop a line, bar and circle graph for the population of their assigned state in a series of 21 years (1970-1990) using Microsoft Excel
  Element Internet Search The purpose of this experience is to introduce students to the use of the Internet to search for scientific information. The acquisition of needed information is crucial in science since the information is often needed to complete calculations. Research is an important step in the Scientific Method that is used throughout science.
  Measurement & Data Collecting Using* Essential Questions: How and why do we locate maps on the World Wide Web? How do we set the scale, determine coordinates on a map, plot the coordinates, and measure distances using NIH Image? How could you use the tools of NIH Image to create a trip of your own design? What can we use these Image processing skills for in our everyday world?
  Equality For All Where do we see equality in life? Why is it important to recognize and preserve equality? Why is equality important in Mathematics? When can we use solving equations to solve real world problems?
  Causes of Civil War Students learn the causes of the Civil War by constructing their own graphic organizers, by using Inspiration 6.0. This activity is an example of Constructing Support, which is part of the extending and refining process. Details included in the graphic organizer must relate to each specific cause. Students print an outline and write the Document Based Question essay on the causes and results of the civil war; helps students realize that there is a variety of views and perspectives when it comes to what caused the Civil War.
  Understanding the Struggle Leads to Appreciation: The English and social studies teachers will introduce the Civil Rights unit through a DBQ and literature. After the hook, the students will be placed in groups and will focus on one of four topics to teach to the class. In other words, the students are teaching this unit with extensive guidance from the two teachers. The following are the four topics to be addressed in this unit: 1) Civil Rights: Leaders/Groups 2) Civil Rights: Protests 3) Civil Rights: Political/Trials 4) Knowledge and Appreciation is the Path to Tolerance. The students will attain the information from books, articles, videos, and the Web. The final presentation will include a Power Point presentation, interactive student participation, and lecture. After all topics have been taught, the individual students will create a pamphlet that includes information taught by all four groups.
  Economic Systems and the Stock Market Introduce students to different economic principles using the stock market as a hook. Connect math and social studies through the numbers of the stock market.
  Circle Graph Learning Expereince This experience was prepared for an eighth grade math class. It lets the students create their own circle graphs by hand and with the aid of a computer spreadsheet program. It can be adapted to any grade learning similar concepts. This experience can be used in a number of ways. (Refer to Reflection) Two forty-minute class periods with students doing finish up work on their own should be sufficient. If the computer-generated graph were also developed it would require an additional period. (Dependent, of course, on the availability of computers.
  Polygons, Pi and Pools Essential Questions:How has the use of geometric shapes affected our lives? What are the historical roots of geometry? How do we use Math skills to solve problems of work, school, and play?
  Eating Healthy / Staying Fit This learning experience can be integrated into the academic subjects of Health, Science, Math, Language Arts, Life Skills, and Technology. It fits into the curriculum area of Health and Nutrition.
  Spreadsheet & Graphing: A Picture is Worth a Thous The unit was designed within a 20-week course titled Computer Applications – Grade Seven. Students need little if any computer knowledge to complete the unit. The instructor needs thorough knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and graphing software. Specific computer activities were co-developed with core area team teachers. Although schools may not have a specific computer course, many of the included learning experiences could be used within specific curricular subject i.e. math (This may be the "preferred" mode of delivery).
  Writing an ecology children's book This is an activity packed unit with laboratory skill, cooperative groupings and lecture formats intermingled together. The purpose of this unit is to get students to learn about ecology in a fun and interesting way. Using technology, science skills, their imagination, and creativity,the students will produce a children's story book about food chains and food webs.
  Creating a Geometry Resource Booklet Creating a resource booklet for basic definitions and diagrams of angles and triangles.
  The Pythagorean Theorem The Pythagorean Theorem





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