Congratulations to the following students for submitting the correct answer with a written explanation for the January Problem of the Month.
Emma Bolinger
Trista Lawson
Lillian Atchison
Krishi Korrapati
Evan Race
Ke'Aira McDowell
Eliott Neal
Auden Hinz
Michael Fitzgibbon

In the book, "Quantum Physics for Poets", the authors write, "We have also realized that the micro world - the world of the quantum - is weird...strange...bizarre. "
Nanotechnology science ties together the various science domains. It focuses on the building blocks - atoms and molecules - of biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences and physics.
The different and unique chemical and physical properties allow scientists and researches to develop new materials with properties designed for specific needs. This is Nanotechnology.

WOW!!!! We had a total of 20 students submit the correct answer to the October IMSA problem of the month. We also had 2 students receive Honorable Mention.
CORRECT RESPONSES AND EXPLANATIONS:
Lohitha Guntupalli
Krishi Korrapati
Jenna Kokkat
Brady Dane
Isabel Miller
Michael Fitzgibbon
Cooper Duke
Sadie Stults
Agastya Brahmamdam
Simon Wyss
Seth Hansen
Tim Strawn
Christian Lochbaum
Autumn Lowery
Samantha Macke
Lizzie Bartels
Sophia Ashebir
Rishi Kathiresan
Sarah Ashebir
Goeffrey Datz

HONORABLE MENTION:
Austin Duffie
Trista Lawson

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a science inquiry on Wednesday, November 16 at IMSA. Students should be bringing home a field trip form for you to sign with dates and times. Lunch will be provided, but they usually have items such as t-shirts, pencils, notebooks, etc. that students can purchase. If you have any questions, please call or email myself of one of the other IMSA teachers.

All parents of new IMSA students are required to attend an informational meeting on Monday, September 12 from 5:30-7:00.
Students who have not received an application, may pick one up at the Sept. 12 meeting. Applications/Essays are due to Mrs. Kocis by Thursday, September 15. No late applications will be accepted. Students will be notified by Tuesday, September 20 and the first meeting of the year will be Wednesday, September 21. Students will meet in the library at 2:45.

We are excited about the units we will be doing next school year: Biotech Basics and Nanotechnology. Our Fall unit was actually written by 2 former Franklin teachers: Christie Jones and Rachel Jachino.

BIOTECHNOLOGY BASICS: From Basic Genes to Designer Genes is a unit designed to develop in students a basic understanding of the genetic aspect of the emerging fields in biotechnology. The students will engage in observation and data collection to understand basic concepts in genetics. They will also learn that although the term biotechnology is a relatively new term the processes of biotechnology have been employed for centuries.
 Through the activities of the lessons in this unit students will:
gain an understanding of the field of biotechnology, how it has developed, and  the breadth and scope of the field
learn about cell structure and function
explore genetics and how genes provide for an organism’s heredity
learn that DNA is the origin of heredity and that this material provides the basis for human traits and also is chemically the same in one organism versus another
explore some applications of biotechnology
Beginning with an exploration of historical milestones and ending with a debate of an issue involving biotechnology, this unit comes full circle from past to present understanding of genes, cells and DNA and applying that knowledge to understanding a biotechnology issue.

NANOTECHNOLOGY:
A basic definition: Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale. This covers both current work and concepts that are more advanced.
In its original sense, 'nanotechnology' refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, using techniques and tools being developed today to make complete, high performance products.
http://nanoengineer-1.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=46

Here are the IMSA Fusion webpage addresses you may need:

Students: https://www3.imsa.edu/programs/fusion/forstudents

Parents: https://www3.imsa.edu/programs/fusion/forparents

*Everyone is a mystery with unknown and unknowable limits.
*All people have equal intrinsic worth
*Personal success is internally defined
*A person's potential is most fully actualized through physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual harmony
*No one's path in life is predetermined
*All people have choices and are responsible for their actions
*Human progress depends on personal growth
*Everyone can lead
*Meaning is constructed by the learner
*Learning never ends
*The ability to discern and create connections is the essence of knowing
*Belonging to a community requires commitment to the common good
*Indifference diminishes individuals and communities
*Trust and respect are vital for any relationship to thrive
*Diversity in community inspires discovery and creativity
*Diverse perspectives enrich understanding
*We are all stewards of our planet
*Great leaps forward require bold ideas and actions
*Change is natural and necessary for greatness

*Maintain or increase students' interest, involvement and literacy in science and mathematics
*Enhance the knowledge and skills of teachers in science, mathematics, and technology
*Stimulate excellence in schools' science and mathematics programs
*Help increase access to programming for students who are historically underrepresented in science, mathematics, and technology and for all areas of the state
IMSA Fusion learning experiences focus on helping students "learn how toe learn" and emphasize logic, inquiry, problem-solving, mathematical thinking and experimental scientific thinking. Topics relate to the students' lives arouse their curiosity and increase their motivation to learn in mathematics and science.

IMSA Fusion is designed for talented and motivated middle school students who are committed to challenging themselves in math and science. Students should demonstrate an interest in learning, independent thinking, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. Students should understand that making a commitment to participate in IMSA Fusion means ongoing participation until they finish eighth grade.
CRITERIA for STUDENT SELECTION:
1. In the top 5%-10% of his/her class academically and "Exceeds Standards" in math and/or science on the ISAT.
2. Student-written statement of his or her interest in the study of math and/or science.
3. Teacher recommendation
4. Signed commitment to full participation by both student and parent or guardian.
5. Currently a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student at Franklin Middle School.