American Studies

In Social Studies we have been studying the United States government. Current Events such as the Ebola Outbreak, Edward Snowdens' revelations of the United States spying program, and the election in the Senate have all spurred relation to different branches of government. Another way we have connected to the government is through current music. Mr Griffith has played songs such as "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (Youtube Link), Schoolhouse Rocks' "I'm Just a Bill" (Youtube Link), and even a rap of the Bill of Rights (Youtube Link). These songs and many more have helped enrich our learning on Team Sirius.

Bill from Schoolhouse Rock dreams of becoming a law someday.

Erin Malloy

Erin Malloy came to MSMS on Monday the 3rd. She explained how she tries to help others feel warmer in the winter. She works for VEEP (Vermont Energy Education Program).  Erin helps other by educating them in energy and how to store as much heat as possible. She is also trying to help people understand that if we conserve heat we will be able to save energy and this helps stop global warming. Erin Malloy will be returning next Monday, November 10th to finish the remainder of the groups that she missed last Monday.

Montpelier District Heat Plant

In team Sirius we took an adventure to the Montpelier district heat plant. When we were there our tour guide and Mr. Rosenburg taught us a lot about how different buildings and streets run heat to lots of important buildings in Montpelier. To heat they burn wood pellets and oil, and they create steam to help warm up buildings like U.E.S and the state house. That is what we did at the Montpelier district heat plant.
http://www.districtenergy.org/blog/2014/03/12/montpelier%E2%80%99s-pipe-dream-is-nearing-reality/

The 3rd floor compost

      Mr Griffith has started the 3rd floor composting, by giving out small compost buckets. Each day a pair of his TA students collect all the compost buckets and bring these down to compost bins. Mr Griffith wanted to do this because he thought that Team Summit had enough on their hands to help make a greener school. So far it seems successful by keeping out food out of the landfill and reducing trash waste in the school.

This week we are starting a project in science to help us learn about magnetism. For this project we will have to create two games that incorporate magnetism. The first game we have to create, in our design teams of two, is magnet fishing. We will have to figure out what number of batteries, coils on a nail, and other factors can be used to create the best electromagnet. The second game we will be creating is magnet hockey. Magnet hockey is similar to air hockey, but smaller and uses magnets to get a marble into a goal. We will be printing out plastic playing pieces on the 3-D printer, and then we will test the pieces to figure out which is the most effective.

Penny Wars Assembly

HFrom the money raised for apple picking team SIRIUS got to go apple picking a Burtt's apple orchard. One method we used was a penny war. Many teachers participated, one dollar made a teacher wear mismatch clothing five dollars made a teacher wear a student decorated lab coat ten dollars got you a pie in the face, and 20 dollars got you all. This fundraiser raised a total of $50.57. Mr. Rosenberg is wearing mismatched clothes. Mrs. Zurouski and Mrs. Giroux are wearing lab coats and Ronda, Ms.Helpine, and Mr Baginski are getting a pie in the face.

Police Cruiser

The Eighth grade algebra class took another outing to have more hands on experience with scale. This time we used stop watches to measure the speed of cars going up main street on, Wednesday the 15th of October. Two days later on the 17th, two Montpelier police officers came and let us use their laser and radar guns to record speed of cars going up and down main street. We wanted to see what method of recording speed was most accurate. This was a fun and enriching activity.

Luke plays cop with a laser gun

American Spirit Logo Project

In language arts we are creating logos featuring different aspects of the American spirit through reading texts like Emma Lazarus's poem on the Statue of Liberty, The Declaration of Independence, and Poor Richard's Almanac. After we finish the logos we add adjectives to our flag. Adjectives like hardworking and freedom that explain the American spirit. SIRIUS students are creating these for a deeper understanding of American spirit and a fun way to do it. When these logos and adjectives are finished they will be hanging in the LA room on the divider wall.

Daniel Webster: The Historical Figure

In honor of patriotism and other things related to the like, we are learning about a man named Daniel Webster. Daniel Webster is a historical figure mostly known for his occupation as a statesman.

Some other things we have learned/researched about Daniel Webster are the following:

+He was born on January 7th, 1782 (in Salisbury, New Hampshire) and died on October 23rd, 1852 (in  Marshfield, Massachusetts.)

+Was appointed the United States Secretary of States by/under three presidents.

+Served in the House of Representatives for 10 years (representing New Hampshire) and was in the Senate for 19 years (representing Massachusetts.

We have also recently started doing some work on a short story that has him in it called "The Devil and Daniel Webster." 

Time for Conferences!

Conferences are coming up! They are on Thursday 23rd starting at 12:30 and ending at 3:05 PM. They are also on Friday 24th starting at 7:30 AM and ending at 3:00 PM. Students remind your families! You will have your conference with  one core-subject teacher and a specials teacher. Call early if you want the time and teacher of your choice. First come first serve. If you are not available during these time periods you can contact a core teacher and schedule an alternative time. Remember kids must come to their conference. All the information and sign ups are on the MSMS website at http://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Main_Street_Middle_School.