April 13, 2026
Monday
Marking Period 3
Tuesday
Marking Period 3
Wednesday
Marking Period 3
Thursday
Marking Period 3
Friday (First day of 4th marking period)
Warm-up: Unscramble the Phrase (1)
Review class expectations
arrive to class "On-Time"
Be supportive and positive of peers (and Me)
Clean-up... leave room as it appeared when you arrived
Materials needed: notebook/binder (may be shared with another subject) and a pen/pencil
Join Google Classroom
Go over sample projects from Class Instagram
April 20, 2026
Monday
Warm-up: , Create the Equation (2)
Discuss what STEM is
"cool" engineering... OUR FUTURE!
Tuesday
Warm-up: Spin and Stop a Coin
Shuffle Cards
Science behind card building (link)
Card Stacking: try to build a rectangular shaped box (sides and top)
try building multiple boxes side by side and then atop of one another
Card Stacking: try to build triangle shaped structures (sides only)
try building multiple triangles side by side and then atop of one another
Wednesday
Warm-up: Wordle (3)
Card Stacking Challenge: (partner)... create teams randomly (organizer)
Build two layers
Build a single layer that can support a single textbook
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE... build for strength as well as height
Thursday
Shuffle Cards
keep practicing
Card Stacking Challenge: (partner)
Choose a strategy to build the tallest structure... Major Grade
tallest structure recieves a 100 plus 10 falcon feathers
3 or more levels is a 100
2 levels is a 88
1 level is a 76
Friday
Warm-up: Sudoku (4x4)
Shuffle Cards
100: smooth shuffle; 90: chunky shuffle; 85: thumb roll w/ both hands; 80 single thumb roll
Card Stacking Challenge: (partner)
strength test... single level... Major Grade
3 books is a 100
2 books is a 88
1 book is a 76
0 books but a stable structure is a 70
April 27, 2026
Monday
Grade 7:
absent...coloring sheet
Grade 8:
absent...coloring sheet
Tuesday (NJSLA: Reading... shortened classes)
Grade 7: Marble Coaster
Introduce project... go over (rubric)
Grade 8: Propelled Cars
Introduce project... go over rubric
Wednesday
Grade 7: Marble Coaster (description)
Instruct how to cut and fold curves for a coaster turn
With a partner continue designing a plan to build a two-person track
submit blueprint/plan for approval
one track will be "wide" and start at a high elevations, the other rack will be "narrow" and start at a lower elevation
the tracks must connect at a "v" intersection
Grade 8: Propelled Cars
Car Project Create teams randomly (organizer)
Research how to build your car... take notes and illustrate features
design your vehicle.. submit blueprint for approval
materials you will need, organize in bag
Thursday (NJSLA: Writing... shortened classes)
Grade 7: Marble Coaster (description)
With a partner continue assembling a two-person track
make sure requirements are being met... how did you incorporate the Bonus Challenges?!?
Grade 8: Propelled Cars (rubric)
Plan for holes and cuts to materials
assemble vehicle and begin testing for movement; does it roll?
Friday
Warm-up: Total 21
Grade 7:Marble Coaster (description)
Coaster should be taking shape today
"v" intersection should be built
one track should be completed with all turns needed
Grade 8: Propelled Cars (rubric)
Car should be able to roll today
car body should be at least 90% completed
Work on propulsion system
May 4, 2026
Monday
Grade 7:Marble Coaster (description)
both tracks should be completed today
try to finish building and test with a marble to see if any adjustments need to be made
Grade 8: Propelled Cars (rubric)
Test your car's propulsion system
Is the car able to go up, across, and down the ramp?
If needed, make adjustments to your car design to improve performance
Tuesday (NJSLA: Math... shortened classes)
Grade 7:Marble Coaster (description)
finalize slideshow and course
Make sure to have a starting mechanism that is not your hand
include pictures of course as well as a video of the marble traveling through tracks
Slideshow must be submitted as per requirements in Google Classroom
Grade 8: Propelled Cars (rubric)
Try to wrap up car designs
test for ability to work
finish up slideshow
Wednesday
Warm-up: Memorize The Pattern
Grade 7:Marble Coaster (description)
Make any last minute adjustments to course and/or slideshow
share projects with the class using the submitted slideshow and physical model
Grade 8: Propelled Cars (rubric)
Finalize car project and slideshows
Share ramp projects with class
explain the design of car using your slideshow and show video proving car "works"
test car on ramp... two attempts
Thursday
Warm-up: Sudoku (4x4)
Grade 7: Playground Building (requirements)
Puzzles: complete the provided puzzle
explain how you knew which pieces fit where
Playground exploration... what is at a playground (examples)
discuss features and components
determine teams for building (2-4 members)
Grade 8: Target Practice (rubric)
Finish presentations
2nd half of class:
Research and Design a target and platform/structure (angry birds) and a launching mechanism
Begin planning your launcher and targets
gather materials, begin assembling
take picture of all peices before assembling
Friday
Warm-up: Make As Many Words As Possible
Grade 7: Playground Building (requirements)
create a shared slideshow
decide on team roles and overall design with a theme
submit blueprint for completed park design (when approved... attach pic in slideshow)
submit individual plans for component designs (when approved... attach pic in slideshow)
include an inspiration photo from internet
Grade 8: Target Practice (rubric)
Continue assembling your launcher and targets
document all work via a slideshow
steps for assembly
video showing how launcher works when firing at targets
May 11, 2026
Monday
Grade 7: Playground Building (requirements)
if not completed, submit blueprints
cut individual base of puzzle
begin building features for individual park components
Grade 8: Target Practice (rubsric)
Finish assembling your launcher and targets
Test to make sure it works
If needed, you will have 10 minutes tomorrow to record demonstration and insert into slideshow
Tuesday (NJSLA: Science Day 1... Grade 8; Blocks 1&2)
Grade 7: Playground Building (requirements)
continue building features for individual park components
add color/theme features to your design
At least one feature MUST be assembled by end of class today
Grade 8: Target Practice (rubric)
Present Projects
all grading done according to rubric
Wednesday (NJSLA: Science Day 2... Grade 8; Blocks 1&2))
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Playground Building (requirements)
continue building features for individual park components
both individual features MUST be built/assembled today
take photos for finished product add to slideshow
individual slides should include finished parts
Grade 8: Animation Project
Brainstorm a digital animation using Google Slideshow (rubric and requirements)
with partner plan what story you will be telling... will it be digital or hand drawn?
samples: dancing, super mario, mega man, sonic, sponge bob, powerpuff girls
Begin your animation project
Thursday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Playground Building (requirements)
finalize the building features for individual park components
check rubric to make sure all parts are met
make sure slideshow is completed today and submitted in Google Classroom
Grade 8: Animation Project
Continue your animation project... digital or hand-drawn (rubric and requirements)
Friday
Warm-up: Total 21 (13)
Grade 7: Playground Building (requirements)
10 minutes to finalize slideshow presentation... review material
present projects to class
Grade 8: Animation Project
Continue your animation project... digital or hand-drawn (rubric and requirements)
May 18, 2026
Monday (No Tech)
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge... create teams randomly (organizer)
Aim and force challenge... putt a ball into a box
Strategy behind the game of Angry Birds "harmful birds"
Slideshow explaining the science behind catapults
Grade 8: Table Top Game (requirements)
Observe and Try Games from prior marking periods
Brainstorm with partner a game you could build for the class (examples)
Begin designing the table top game
Create a blueprint, the materials needed, the rules, and the game cover for design (AI)
Tuesday
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge: moving a projectile for a specific purpose
Research how to build a catapult... look up different ideas/designs (handout)
determine your materials and how many of each you will need for your design:
we have popsicle sticks, rubberbands, plastic spoon, small cups
create notes for design steps and try to assemble catapult to make sure your design is buildable
Grade 8: Animation Project
Continue your animation project... digital or hand-drawn (rubric and requirements)
Last day is today, we will share the projects tomorrow
Wednesday
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge: moving a projectile for a specific purpose
look over your design plan for building with the set materials (handout)
assemble your catapult today... today you must show me that the catapult can launch the projectile
write directions as to how to build, take photos of building steps
create your "how to assemble" slideshow...example in Google Classroom
Begin designing your target tower
Must have at least 2 targets to knock down
Grade 8: Animation Project (rubric and requirements)
Share class presentations
Table Top Game (requirements)
finalize plans and begin assembling
Thursday
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge: moving a projectile for a specific purpose
Warm-up: Voting Data (example of manipulation)
Finalize catapult details... directions, assembly images
type directions as to how to build, take photos of building steps... finalize slideshow
Continue designing your target tower
Must have at least 2 targets to knock down/hit
video of projectile hitting target
Grade 8: Table Top Game (requirements)
continue assembling table-top game
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge
Finalize catapults, slideshow, and target tower
we will present projects Tuesday so please check rubric requirements handout
Grade 8: Table Top Game (requirements)
continue assembling table-top game
create game/assembly instructions, include photos
Make sure to test the game out as your building to assess functionality
May 25, 2026
Monday
No School
Enjoy your day off!
Tuesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge
Finalize catapults, slideshow, and target tower
present projects
Grade 8: Table Top Game
continue assembling table-top game
create game/assembly instructions, include photos
design a cover for the game box... include a game title/name
Wednesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
We will be making these (start at 2:00)
Plan your character that you want to make (ideas)
identifythe shapes you will need for your figure... oversized head, torso (body), arms, legs
Begin drawing character on the net shapes.. head first, then torso/body
if time allows start to cut out and fold the shapes' nets (store in bag)
Grade 8: Table Top Game
Finalize your games... 20-30 minutes
Presentations begin today (rubric and requirements)
Thursday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Finish designing and cutting out the head and torso.
Design the arms and legs and cut out as well
fold all parts along the lines
Grade 8: Table Top Game
Finish presentations today (rubric and requirements)
Paper Airplane (distance vs accuracy vs hangtime)
Introduce the Science behind creating a paper airplane
Create/Research a plane of your own design.. test it out (distance, hangtime, accuracy)
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Tape and assemble your figure with brass fasteners and glue
create platform for your figure with asthetic decor
Grade 8: Paper Airplane (distance vs accuracy vs hangtime)
Research multiple airplane designs... your team may have up to 3 planes for testing
Try various designs: boomerang, longest fly, rubberband launcher
June 1, 2026
Monday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Finalize body design
arms and legs should be attached by end of class
Grade 8: Paper Airplane Testing... distance (2) vs accuracy (3) vs hangtime (2)
Test your airplane... in each of the 3 categories (plane designs)
boomerang plane (link)
Class spreadsheet will be recorded with points being awarded for each category from 1st-9th
grade will be based on final score (sum of your 3 test placments)
1st place:100; 2nd place:96; 3rd place:92; 4th place: 88; 5th place:84; 6th-8th place: 80
Tuesday
No School... Enjoy your day off!
Wednesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
begin your platform/background for your figure
Make sure it is thematic for your character
Grade 8: Plane Testing (distance and hangtime)
Finish plane tests and determine "place" grade spreadsheet
1st place:100; 2nd place:96; 3rd place:92; 4th place: 88; 5th place:84; 6th-8th place: 80
Thursday
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Finalize platform for your figure with asthetic decor
It should relate to a theme aligned with your character
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
design an idea that allows for two features to "connect" magnetically without actually touching while allowing for one two give the illusion of being suspended in air
begin drawing main feature
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Share your project with the class
Make sure rubric is met
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
continue sketching main feature and add color
begin cutting out pieces and planning how to assemble (store pieces in a bag)
June 8, 2026
Monday
Warm-up:
Grade 7 Car's Character Safety (requirements)
Introduce new project... features of making a car
Show part of Cars 2 as inpsiration
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
finalize main feature
begin working on background
Tuesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7 Car's Character Safety (requirements)
Design a Car's Character
Create a slideshow with the vehicle inspiration
begin drawing out all features
Grade 8: 8th Grade Field Trip
Enjoy the trip
Wednesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7 Car's Character Safety (requirements)
Design a Car's Character
continue drawing and cutting out ALL of the features; color pieces... take picture of model and place on slide next to the inspiration
car should be fully drawn, colored, and cut out today
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
main feature should be completed and placed on background
Finalize background design
Thursday
Warm-up:
Grade 7 Car's Character Safety (requirements)
Design a Car's Character
take picture of model and place on slide next to the inspiration
assemble the vehicle... axles and wheels should be attached
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
determine "perfect" placement for magnets to allow for the hovering appearance
Finalize project
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7 Car's Character Safety (requirements)
Design a Car's Character
finish assembling the vehicle
test on ramp and record... must be able to roll'-09
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
share projects with class
June 15, 2026
Monday
Warm-up:
Grade 7 Car's Character Safety (requirements)
Share project with class
test with a toy figure
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
if needed, finish presentations
Tuesday (Early dismissal)
Warm-up:
Grade 7:
Summer Fest
Grade 8:
Summer Fest
Wednesday (Early dismissal)
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Single Day Stem Challenge
create a way to fit your head through an index card without ripping the edges
how big can you make the card's perimeter?
Grade 8:
Yearbook Signing
If we meet, discuss plans for Summer/High School
8th Grade Dance Tonight
Thursday (Early dismissal)
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Single Day Stem Challenge
With only a pair of scissors, a glue stick or some tape, and one sheet of paper make the longest paper chain that you can in 20 minutes
you will need to transport and lay out their chain for measuring without it falling apart.
Grade 8:
8th Grade Picnic
Friday
Juneteenth... No School
Enjoy the long weekend!
June 22, 2026
Monday (Early dismissal)
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Single Day Stem Challenge
With only tape and two sheets of paper make a 3-Dimensional shape that can stand upright and support the most books
Grade 8:
Graduation Day... CONGRATULATIONS!
Tuesday (Last Day of School... Early dismissal)
Grade 7:
Plans for the Summer... goals for next year???
Grade 8:
Last Day of School
Wednesday
Summer Break... ENJOY!
Thursday
Summer Break... ENJOY!
Friday
Summer Break... ENJOY!