February 2, 2026
Monday (first day of 3rd marking period)
Warm-up: Unscramble the Phrase (1), Create the Equation (2)
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
Challenge #1: How to Shuffle Cards
Tuesday
Warm-up: Connect The Shapes (3), Intro to Sudoku (4-5)
Discuss what STEM is
"cool" engineering... OUR FUTURE!
Amazon Future predictions (link)
Spinning Coin Challenge: Penny vs Quarter
Wednesday
Spinning Coin Challenge: Penny vs Quarter
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
Thursday
Warm-up: Make As Many Words As Possible.. in 2 minutes (6)
Join Google Classroom
Card Stacking Challenge: (partner)
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE... build for strength as well as height
Testing will begin tomorrow for (MAJOR) grades!!!
Friday
Shuffle Cards
100: smooth shuffle; 92: chunky shuffle; 85: thumb roll w/ both hands; 80 single thumb roll
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
February 9, 2026
Monday
Warm-up: Total 21 (7)
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
Tuesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Rocket science concepts slideshow
Newton's 3 Laws of Energy
Rocket design and building... Origami Rocket
Find and create two variations of an origami rocket... one by each partner
Redesign one as a "larger" version
decorate rocket
Grade 8: Water Bottle Cars
analyze toy car designs and features
axles, wheels, ability to roll straight
Research how to build your car... take notes and illustrate features
Itemize ALL materials you will need based on what is available
Wednesday
Warm-up:
Grade 8: Water Bottle Cars (slideshow)
balloon inflation and release... most potential energy?
Balloon Car Project (guide)
materials you will need, organize in bag
design your vehicle.. to be included in your presentation
Thursday
Grade 7: Rocket science concepts slideshow (slide 9-10)
finding angles in the real world using a protractor
Test "best" angle for optimal performance of your rocket when attached to the straw, RESULTS?
begin working on slideshow presentation
Grade 8: Water Bottle Cars (rubric)
Plan for holes and cuts to water bottle
assemble vehicle and begin testing for movement; make adjustments as needed
begin working on slideshow presentation
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7:Rocket science concepts slideshow
Continue to test rocket designs and make sure content is ready for slideshow... adhere to rubric requirements (rubric)... document all work via Slideshow
presentations will be on Wednesday
Grade 8: Water Bottle Cars
Continue to test car designs and make sure content is ready for slideshow... adhere to rubric requirements (rubric)... document all work via Slideshow
presentations will be on Wednesday
February 16, 2026
Monday
No School... ENJOY!
Tuesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7:
absent... complete puzzle packet
Grade 8:
absent... complete puzzle packet
Wednesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7:Rocket science concepts
finalize presentations and testing.... grade as per rubric (submit in Google Classroom)
make presentations... test rocket on string course
Grade 8: Water Bottle Cars
finalize presentations and testing.... grade as per rubric (submit in Google Classroom)
make presentations... test car on ramp
Thursday
Grade 7:
Mini-Golf: interactive
play against a peer, then demo in front of class explaining strategy
Putting challenge... hit ball into box (for class falcon feathers)
Science behind Mini-Golf
Force: factors that influence the amount of force needed... Holey Moley
Angles: adjusting angles for a specific outcome (bounce ball off wall)
Observe mini-golf holes made from prior classes
Grade 8:
Stopping Challenge: slide a chip as close to target as possible; first to 10 points
discuss sliding friction
Rolling Challenge... stop ball closest to wall without hitting it
Friday (Day of Service)
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Mini-golf course (grading requirements)
Golf Course: Begin Construction
determine a theme for the course
design where/how you would like to place the hole
lay out the ramp as well as the hole, lay out the obstacles that'll be used, begin designing
Grade 8: Parking a car (Ramp Project)
Slideshow for Science and Math behind ramp design and rolling friction
basics of slope and pythagorean theorem
Ramp Project description
Choose partner(s) and a toy vehicle for activity
Create ramp to test ability to park a car at a set distance in a given location
Test first design and record results... what modifications need to be made? Document
February 23, 2026
Monday
Snow Day
Tuesday
Snow Day
Wednesday
Warm-up: Memorize The Pattern (9)
Grade 7: Golf Course: Construction (grading requirements)
finalize design idea and theme
Cut out pieces for design
if time, begin assembly
Grade 8: Car Ramps
Modify Ramp design... make modifications until successful description
document changes... once successful, take apart and reassemble (consistent results)
be specific on your data collection so you can easily convert values as shown in class
Thursday
Warm-up: Sudoku (10)
Grade 7: Golf Course: Day to Assemble (grading requirements)
Start assembling... try to add some of the decorations
test for functionality, modify if needed
Work on slideshow presentation... Make sure you are documenting progress with photos
Grade 8: Car Ramps
Finalize Ramp design... are you able to repeatably be successful?
Finish slideshow (adhere to rubric)... please share any videos with me via Google Drive
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Golf Course: Building Day (grading requirements)
Complete construction today
Work on slideshow presentation... Make sure you are documenting progress with photos
Tomorrow you will submit slideshow/doc in Google Classroom...5 minutes tomorrow
Grade 8: Car Ramp
Present Ramp Projects
all grading done according to rubric
March 2, 2026
Monday
No School... ENJOY!
Tuesday
Grade 7: Golf Course: Building Day (grading requirements)
Complete construction today
Work on slideshow presentation... Make sure you are documenting progress with photos
Tomorrow you will submit slideshow/doc in Google Classroom...5 minutes tomorrow
Grade 8: Animation Project
Create a digital animation using Google Classroom (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
Wednesday
Grade 7: Golf Course: Presentations (grading requirements)
Finalize documentation of course progression... submit slideshow/doc in Google Classroom
Begin making course presentations today
GMO: Create your own genetically modified organism details and grading criteria
Individually identify what attributes you would feel could make the "perfect" organism
genetic modification (slides 1-8)
research/identify living organisms whose traits are "good"...
Grade 8: Stop-Motion Animation
Continue your animation project (rubric and requirements)
samples: dancing, super mario, mega man, sonic, sponge bob, powerpuff girls
Thursday
Warm-up: Make As Many Words As Possible (12)
Grade 7:
Complete the Golf Course presentations... play each hole briefly
GMO: Create your own genetically modified organism details and grading criteria
research/identify living organisms whose traits are "good"...
Create a digital collage (Google slide) that identifies all the "best" traits an organism can have
Utilize AI to create the creature in its environment
Grade 8: Animation Project
Continue your animation project... digital or hand-drawn (rubric and requirements)
Finalize project today... presentations tomorrow
Friday
Warm-up: Total 21 (13)
Grade 7: GMO: Share your Genetically Modified Organism with the Class details and grading criteria
Finalize slideshows in preparation to share on Monday
Grade 8: Animation Project (rubric and requirements)
Share class presentations
March 9, 2026
Monday
Warm-up: Make As Many Words As Possible (14)
Grade 7:
Share GMO presentations with the class
Catapult Challenge
Lego Challenge: create a structure based on a peer's description
building according to directions
Strategy behind the game of Angry Birds "harmful birds"
Slideshow explaining the science behind catapults
Grade 8: Table Top Game
Lego Challenge: create a structure based on a peers description
building according to directions
Brainstorm with partner a game you could build for the class (examples)
Tuesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge: moving a projectile for a specific purpose
popsicle flick and catch challenge... catch a popscile in a cup when flipped by a partner
Research how to build a catapult... look up different ideas/designs (handout)
determine your materials and how many you will need for your design:
we have popsicle sticks, rubberbands, plastic spoon
create notes for design steps and try to assemble catapult to make sure your design is buildable
Grade 8: Table Top Game (requirements)
Begin creating the table top game
Plan Design, materials needed, rules, cover for design
organize materials, begin making.. make sure it fits your chosen box
Wednesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge: moving a projectile for a specific purpose
look over your design plan for building, with the set materials (handout)
assemble catapult AGAIN!!!! Show me you can build it without the computer
write directions as to how to build, take photos of building steps... create sldieshow
Grade 8: Table Top Game (requirements)
continue assembling table-top game
Thursday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge: moving a projectile for a specific purpose
Finalize catapult details... directions, assembly images
type directions as to how to build, take photos of building steps... create sldieshow
Post slideshow in Google Classroom so I can print out for you (due at end of class)
Grade 8: Table Top Game (requirements)
continue assembling table-top game
create game/assembly instructions, include photos
design a cover for the game box... include a game title/name
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge
1st half of class... Test for ability of launching the projectile
can go over a stack of 6 cups (1st challenge)
knock over at least 3 out of the 6 cups (2nd challenge)
2nd half of class... Create catch a projectile
Try to catch the projectile at least 5 times in your cup
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
March 16, 2026
Monday
Warm-up: Spot The Difference (18)
Grade 7: Catapult Challenge
share your catapult with another group... they will build it according to your directions
test launching ability compared to how the creators did when they built it
can the new catapult launch a projectile for you to catch
Grade 8: Table Top Game requirements
Finish building your games... This is your last day to work on this
Finalize your game... get feedback from a class peer for any recommendations
Tomorrow you MUST complete your slideshow... presentations will begin approximately 10-15 minutes into class
Tuesday
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Learn how to fold and make shapes with paper
create a cube (rectangular prism)
sketch the faces (sides) of each shape and then cut out and tape together
Tomorrow we will be making these (start at 2:00)
Grade 8: Table Top Game
Finalize your slideshows
Begin Presentations today (rubric and requirements)
Set up and share via a class demonstration
Wednesday
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
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
If needed, finish the class presentations
Class will play a couple of the table top games by rotating around the room every few minutes
Thursday
Warm-up: Sudoku (19)
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Finish cutting out the head and torso.
Design the arms and legs and cut out as well
fold all parts along the lines
Grade 8: Paper Airplane (distance vs accuracy vs hangtime)
Science behind creating a paper airplane
Create a plane of your own design.. test it out (distance, hangtime, accuracy)
Research and fold a second plane
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
March 23, 2026
Monday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Finish your figure today
Begin designing your platform
Grade 8: Paper Airplane Testing... distance (2) vs accuracy (3) vs hangtime (2)
Test your airplane... in each of the 3 categories (plane designs)
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
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggins (requirements)
Finish your platform and attach your figure
Make sure rubric is met
Grade 8: Plane Testing (distance and hangtime)
Finish plane tests and determine "place" grade
1st place:100; 2nd place:96; 3rd place:92; 4th place: 88; 5th place:84; 6th-8th place: 80;
Wednesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Box Noggin
Share your figure and platform with the class
Sailboat (rubric)
Introduce project
Grade 8: Maze Designs
complete mazes in class... to be used as inspiration
digital versions (link) target time is 60 seconds or less
inspiration from Survivor: option 1 (2:50), option 2 (1:00), option 3 (3:40)
design a maze that you would like to create... sketch out ideas
create a platform to balance on as well as a theme for your maze
Thursday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Sailboat (rubric)
what allows something to float vs sink?
design a sailboat that floats with a "load" and has a sail that must raise and lower
illustrate the boat and then label and identify materials
materials: aluminum foil, wax paper, cardboard, string, wooden stick, paper, tape,
organize materials, measuring and cutting pieces, and assembling
Grade 8: Maze Designs (rubric)
begin to assemble your maze... delegate roles: base platform and maze
document progress using chromebook
Friday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Sailboat (rubric)
finish assembling the boat
test the ability to raise, lock, and lower sail as well as ability to float
Grade 8: Maze Designs (rubric)
continue to assemble and decorate your maze
does the base allow th eplatform to move in all directions?
March 30, 2026
Monday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Sailboat (practice) (rubric)
Try to finish building the sailboats
Make any adjustments and conducts tests:
Grade 8: Maze Designs (rubric)
Finalize the assembly and decorating of your maze
practice to make sure it works
Tuesday
Warm-up:
Grade 7: Sailboat (rubric)
Finalize boat assembly
Test sailboats in water
how many breaths? How many marbles?
Grade 8: Maze Designs (rubric)
Present your maze project.. demonstrate in front of class
As a class we will try the different mazes that were made
Wednesday
Grade 7 Make Me "Something"
If needed, finish boat testing
Research an inspirational item to build (ideas)
Identify "cool" features that you may want to include
take notes, sketch ideas... what materials will you be using for its construction
drawing and plan(s) MUST be approved prior to any building to occur
may be done independently or with a partner
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension
If needed, finish Maze project presesentations
design an idea that allows for two features to connect magnetically while allowing for one two give the illusion of being suspended in air
reseach and sketch out plan
Thursday
Warm-up:
Grade 7 : Make Me "Something"
Gather and organize materials, begin cutting out and organizing parts
Use your research as inspiration as you design your project
Once pieces are ALL cut you may begin assembling
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
design should be approved by today
begin sketching out pieces and coloring them
Friday (1/2 day: Color Run)
Grade 7: Make Me "Something"
finish cutting out and organizing parts
Assembling the structure/thing should be a focus today
Grade 8: Magnetic Suspension (rubric)
continue sketching out pieces
begin cutting out pieces and planning how to assemble (store pieces in a bag)