Week of 8/27/12 - 8/31/12

This week, we will be learning about malleable intelligence, setting class and personal goals for the year, and observing safe science lab practices.  We will also further our knowledge of the scientific method by practicing writing hypotheses and forming observations and inferences. 

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Back to School Night is this Wednesday, August 29!  Classrooms will be open from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm to allow families to rotate through their student's schedule.  See the school website or the handout that was sent home with your student for more information. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

HOMEWORK
Monday (8/27): Scienceography (if not already turned in)
Tuesday (8/28): None
Wednesday (8/29): Was Goldilocks a Scientist?
Thursday (8/30): Hilarious Hypotheses and Observations & Inferences
Friday (8/31): Parents and students read, sign, & return Safety Contract for Monday

Week of 8/20/12 - 8/24/12

We successfully completed our first week of school and are off to a great start!  

Homework for this week is as follows:

HOMEWORK
Monday (8/20): (Signed Green Sheet due today); Supplies due Wednesday
Tuesday (8/21): Supplies due Wednesday; Parent/Guardian Letter & Survey due Thursday 
Wednesday (8/22): Parent/Guardian Letter & Survey due Thursday; Scienceography due Monday
Thursday (8/23): Student Survey due Friday; Scienceography due Monday
Friday (8/24): Scienceography due Monday

*All homework assignments are due the following day unless otherwise stated.

*Don't forget about the required class supplies that are due Wednesday 8/22!

TEXTBOOKS
Students were assigned their physical science textbooks during class last week. Each student is responsible for the care of his/her textbook.  It is up to the student and his/her family to replace any lost or damaged books. These books are only a few years old, so it is essential that we take good care of them to ensure they last for many more years!  The books are a great resource for studying and practicing new material.  They will be used frequently in class and will also be needed to finish homework assignments.

Welcome!

Welcome to 8th grade physical science!  

The science curriculum in grade eight emphasizes the study of physical science.  The standards in grade eight present many of the foundations of physics and chemistry, including motions, forces, structure of matter, reactions, and the periodic table.  Although these topics may seem challenging, we will learn how each one relates to daily life.  Students will have an opportunity to apply what we have learned by participating in relevant hands-on activities, making observations, and asking questions.

Week of 5/21/12 - 5/25/12

TOOTHPICK BRIDGES & TOWERS
On Wednesday, students will test the strength of their toothpick bridges and towers. Textbooks will be used to test towers, and bottles of sand will be used to test bridges. Projects should be finished over the weekend using only white Elmer's glue and flat toothpicks. Projects may be dropped off in Ms. TenBrock's room anytime before class on Wednesday.

DRAW THE LINE - RESPECT THE LINE
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday lessons will cover material from the Draw the Line - Respect the Line curriculum. Students will practice the skills needed to resist peer pressure so they are able to stick within their own limits. Students will also learn how to protect themselves from HIV, other STDs, and unplanned pregnancies.

Solar Eclipse!

There will be a great opportunity to view a solar eclipse this weekend! The eclipse is happening on Sunday, May 20th between 5:00 and 7:00pm. The San Francisco Bay Area will have 84% of the Sun covered at the peak at 6:33pm.  This is the first solar eclipse to happen in the US since 1994. Don't miss it! Because you will be viewing the Sun, be sure to see the eclipse safely.  Watching it directly can cause permanent damage to your vision.

Read the information below to learn more about this eclipse and how you can view it safely!

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/A-Preview-of-May-20ths-Annular-Eclipse-141037803.html

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Safely-View-the-Upcoming-Eclipse-and-Transit-150863835.html

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/15may_sunday/

Week of 5/14/12 - 5/18/12

TOOTHPICK BRIDGES & TOWERS
Students will work in groups to design and build a bridge or tower made out of toothpicks. All supplies and work time will be provided in class during the week. Students will have five class periods to work (Monday-Friday). A contest will be held next Wednesday, May 23 to determine which project can support the most weight.  Bridges will be tested by holding a load of sand, and towers will be stacked with textbooks.

Week of 5/7/12 - 5/11/12

SOLAR SYSTEM PROJECT
Students were assigned a solar system project last Friday. Each group of students is responsible for researching their planet, creating a project, and presenting their work to the class. Students will be given time in class to work, and they should be able to complete their project during the time provided. Projects are due this Wednesday, and presentations will take place in class that day.

HOMEWORK
Monday (5/7): Project; Study
Tuesday (5/8): Project due; Study
Wednesday (5/9): Presentations in class today!  Study!
Thursday (5/10): Quiz today!
Friday (5/11): None