Total Eclipse of the Class

Hello everyone,

I know it’s been four weeks since my last update, but the last time I was about to send this out, our team newsletter went out too, and I didn’t want to flood your inbox with emails! So here’s a fresh look at what’s been happening in our science classroom lately.

Where We Were

We recently wrapped up our exploration of solar and lunar eclipses and examined how atmospheric interactions cause the beautiful changes in color and light we see during those events. Students completed our Milky Water Lab, which modeled how particles in Earth’s atmosphere scatter light, helping them visualize why the sky looks blue and why sunsets and eclipses display those stunning red and orange hues.

Where We Are

Right now, we’re learning how scientists study space using the electromagnetic spectrum, focusing especially on visible light and infrared waves. Students have been connecting how tools like telescopes and satellites detect different types of light to help us understand objects in our solar system and beyond, even when we can’t see them with our own eyes.

Where We’re Going

Next, we’ll begin investigating orbits and gravity, specifically how gravity holds everything together, from keeping planets in orbit around the Sun to maintaining the structure of entire galaxies. This topic will help us connect all our previous learning about motion, light, and space into one big picture of how our universe works.

If you have any questions or want to connect further, please don’t hesitate to contact me at curtis_catwood@conestogavalley.org. You can also follow our journey on Instagram at @classwithcatwood, where I share updates and snapshots of our exciting classroom activities.

Stay Gold,

Mr. Catwood

PATTERNS IN THE SKY

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to share that this year I’ll be posting updates every two weeks to keep you connected to what’s happening in science. Each post will follow the format of Where We Were, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going, so you can see the story of our learning unfold.

Where We Were

We’ve been getting into the swing of things with science by practicing CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) writing, strengthening our observation and inference skills, and reviewing class procedures. We also spent time discussing the importance of communication in science, laying the foundation for collaboration and critical thinking throughout the year.

Where We Are

We’ve now begun investigating our anchoring phenomenon: Manhattanhenge. This striking event—when the setting sun aligns with the streets of Manhattan—has sparked rich discussion about patterns in the sky. Students have also been exploring stories from astronomers across cultures and considering what first sparked their curiosity about the sky and its connection to the human experience.

Below: Image of Manhattanhenge

Where We’re Going

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll begin exploring sun patterns and seasons, using our work with Manhattanhenge as a guide. This investigation will help us build a deeper understanding of how Earth’s movements create the rhythms of daylight and seasonal change.

Meet Mr. Roberto

I’m happy to introduce Mr. Roberto, our student teacher from Millersville University. He will be with us Wednesday through Friday in the fall and every day in the spring as he works toward his certification in Secondary Earth Science. He’s already been a wonderful addition to our classroom, excited to engage with students and share his love of science.

Below: Image of Mr. Roberto on his first day!

Team News

A quick reminder: CTC Permission Slips are due by September 24th. The trip is scheduled for Thursday, October 1st. Please complete the permission form here: CTC Permission Slip Form.

This year’s group is full of great thinkers, and I know we are going to have a wonderful year of learning together.

If you have any questions or want to connect further, please don’t hesitate to contact me at curtis_catwood@conestogavalley.org. You can also follow our journey on Instagram at @classwithcatwood, where I share updates and snapshots of our exciting classroom activities.

Stay Gold,

Mr. Catwood

THREE CHEERS FOR THE END OF THE YEAR!

Can you believe we’ve made it to the end of the school year? It feels like just yesterday we were learning about Astronomy, and now we’re wrapping up a fantastic year of science, growth, and many memories. Before we jump into summer mode, I wanted to share an update on what’s been happening in our science classroom, the POD, and a link for family feedback.

Where We Were

We recently wrapped up our Earth’s Resources unit with a project that brought real-world thinking into our classroom. Students were tasked with creating community resilience plans for Lancaster, PA, where we rank among the worst in the nation for air quality. Their mission? To create innovative, realistic solutions that could help improve the air we all breathe. From green spaces to carpool incentives to stricter emissions policies, students dug deep and showed just how thoughtful and invested they can be when it comes to making a difference in their community. This was a perfect opportunity for them to combine thoughts and ideas from this unit and the previous Weather & Climate unit.

Where We Are

We are in the home stretch and the last week of school! While we didn’t take home the trophy for Color Wars (we came in third — red team took first, blue in second), we still had a blast competing, cheering each other on, and showing our 8 Gold pride! We’re keeping the fun going with special schedules, a surprise visit from Mr. Mumma’s 1-year-old son, Boston (check out the photos on my Instagram!), a birthday celebration for Mrs. Stoltzfoos, and our End of the Year Superlatives — which we’ll reveal this Friday! Students are also experiencing the bittersweet side of the end of the year. As tradition goes, I’ll be playing some of my most emotional graduation songs, and let’s just say… tissues may be required!

A quick reminder: iPad collection is tomorrow (June 5). Students must bring their iPad, charging block, and charging cable. 8th graders will keep their student ID this year.

Below: Some photos pre-outside at Color Wars (more on Instagram!).

Where We Are Going

To high school — YOU DID IT! 8 Gold, 8th grade is "officially" (1.5 days! left) in the books. I am beyond proud of every one of you. Your personalities, humor, compassion, and resilience made this an unforgettable year. It’s going to be tough to top such an awesome group, but I know you’re all off to do great things in high school and beyond. To our families: Congratulations to you as well! Your support, encouragement, and care have made a huge difference in helping these young people thrive. Thank you for being part of the journey! You’ve helped guide them through one of the most formative years of their lives.

Families, last year I asked for your feedback, and I’m doing it again! If you have a few minutes, please consider filling out this survey (link to your survey here). It helps me better understand what you’ve enjoyed about these blog posts, what could be improved, and how I can make them even more helpful in the future. Your input truly makes a difference.

Thank you for following along with us throughout the year. I hope these updates helped spark conversations at home and gave you a window into our class. If you ever want to reach out, you can contact me at curtis_catwood@conestogavalley.org, and feel free to follow along on Instagram at @classwithcatwood — especially if you have younger students who’ll eventually land on 8 Gold!

It’s been a privilege to teach your child(ren) [for those with twins on the team]. I’m going to miss them all! Thank you for all your time and support!

Stay Gold,

Mr. Catwood