Earth Science Rocks!

My goal is to communicate the exciting applications of science, engineering, and technology to the lives and future careers of young people, to their local community, to the national economy, and to the global ecosystem of which we are all a part.

Welcome Message to Students:

Students, You are the reason we are here, and the most important part of our school. I am looking forward to becoming acquainted with you during science class this year, and learning more about your interests and experiences. You already know so much, and practice scientific thinking every day (perhaps without even realizing it)! This year, you will work hard and learn even more. Please know that you will be challenged, and you are expected to do your best to succeed. In turn, I will also do my best to provide hands-on learning activities and academic support for you. Our classroom is a "learning arena" for us to practice obtaining, evaluating, and using scientific information. You and your classmates are on the same team, and I am your coach. I encourage you to look over the topics you will learn on subsequent pages of this website. I hope to help you cultivate a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Let’s have some fun!

Welcome Message to Parents:

Parents, I am looking forward to working with your child this year. Please know that I value your child's mind and spirit of curiosity! We’ll be following the rigorous PCSD 25 eighth grade science curriculum, which is based on the current Idaho State Science Standards and is detailed on the subsequent pages of this website. I recommend that you remain involved in monitoring your student's progress using the district's powerful Infinite Campus communication and reporting system. I encourage you to provide feedback and suggestions to help me better serve the educational needs of your child. His or her success is my goal. You are most welcome to visit our class at any time. I also welcome class presentations by parents or community organizations/businesses. Please let me know if you wish to share your expertise in a topic related to our curriculum. Email is the best way to contact me for any reason: novyel@sd25.us

Some Background on your Teacher:

I love my job! Other things about me that you might like to know:

• I grew up in the borough of Queens, in New York City (lost the accent, kept the moxie). I've lived in Pocatello since 1999.
• I was a plant genetics research technician before I began teaching, and worked on improving crops including blueberries, cranberries, alfalfa, forage grasses, carrots, onions, and grain amaranth.
• I am a student, just like you! I am working towards earning a second master's degree in educational administration, so I have homework, tests, and deadlines to meet. I know the value of setting goals and prioritizing tasks, and am willing to share tips. Let's do this!
• I'm married for 27 years to a great guy, Rich, who also happens to be a research geneticist working on improving potato varieties for use worldwide.
• I'm very proud of my two daughters, both educated by great teachers in PCSD 25. My eldest daughter Rebecca is an electrical engineer, specializing in power systems, for an international firm headquartered in Boise. My youngest, Jenna, is studying biomedical engineering, works on campus in a neuroscience lab, and would like to research and develop "smart" prosthetics.
• I have two rascally pit bull terriers, Stitch and Sego, who always love a good belly rub and a run in the hills.
• I have a queenly tortoise-shell cat named Dulce, who rules the house (in her opinion).
• I love to camp, hike, bike, cross-country ski, read, garden, cook, and eat pizza.
• I wish I wasn't scared of heights, roller coasters, and grasshoppers (the big ones).