Welcome Back!!
The first 3 days of school were great! I am so excited for the year and ready for SCIENCE!!!!!

We are learning how to use Cornell Notes in our science notebooks, making them more interactive and useful.

Parents: Ask your kids about Cornell Notes...pretty cool!

This week will focus on a practice lab, some new vocabulary, and group work. :-)

Final 4th Quarter Project:

We had the opportunity to see “Worldwide Skies (in the planetarium)” from the Pacific Science Center.

You will be choosing 3 constellations to research and explore.

For each constellation, you will need to:

·         Create a poster, model or some kind of visual display (this display can include all 3).

·         Describe or map where it is in the night sky in May or June).

·         Explain the history and beliefs according to at least 1 culture or group of people.

·         Present your project to your class in a creative/interactive way.

Grading:	4 – above and beyond expectations	3 – expectations met at 8th grade level	2 – expectations partially met, but below 8th grade level	1 – expectations not met, far below 8th grade level
Visual Display	The visual display is large enough to be clear, includes unique detail and was well-planned.	The visual display is large enough to be clear, includes some detail and was well-planned.	The visual display is too small to be clear, lacks detail and was not well-planned.	The visual display is small, lacks detail and appears unfinished.
Description or Map of location in the sky	Writing or diagrams and illustrations are neat, accurate and add to the reader's understanding of all 3.	Writing or diagrams and illustrations are accurate and add to the reader's understanding of all 3.	Writing or diagrams and illustrations are not neat and accurate and sometimes add to the reader's understanding of 2-3.	Writing or diagrams and illustrations are missing, not accurate OR do not add to the reader's understanding.
History and Beliefs of at least 1 culture or group of people for each constellation	Information clearly relates to history and beliefs. It includes several supporting details and/or examples for each.	Information clearly relates to history and beliefs. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples for each.	Information clearly relates to history and beliefs. No details and/or examples are given.	Information has little or nothing to do with history and beliefs.
Creative/Interactive presentation to the class	Uses vocabulary appropriate for the audience, is creative and makes learning fun/active.	Uses vocabulary appropriate for the audience, is creative and covers the information.	Uses most vocabulary appropriate for the audience, but lacks creativity or doesn’t cover information.	Uses several words or phrases that are not understood by the audience, and is not creative or fun.
Spelling and Punctuation	0 errors	1-3 errors	4-6 errors	7+ errors
Neatness and Effort	Wow!	Good	Needs work	Below 8th level

    Project Rubric = _____/24 points, + 6 point bonus if done on time = __________/30

M...S...P!!!  It's time to show what you know about Science!!
You can do it!!
Be confident!!
I believe in you!!!!!

Wow! Time flies!!!!
Your 3rd quarter science project, "Writing a Children's Science Book," is due Tuesday, March 27th!!
We will be gathering facts to use in our books during class tomorrow.
If you have anything from home that will help you, bring it to class :-)

Greetings! I can't believe Thanksgiving is here!
I hope you all have a wonderful break and continue to think about MATTER!
How is your research coming?
Remember, "Cubes" are due December 16...I am so excited to see what you create!

Welcome back 8th graders!
I am so excited for the new school year!
We will begin studying "Properties of Matter" on Tuesday!
Don't forget...your signed safety contract/grading policy is due Tuesday!

P.S. Congrats to last years 8th graders who passed their Science MSP! I am so proud of you!

The end of the school year is approaching...

REMEMBER- Your Children's Science Book is due Friday, June 3, 2011.
- We will be walking to Vale Monday and Tuesday, June 6-7, to read to the 2nd
graders.

We will have an end of the year test on Wednesday, June 8. It will cover Properties of Matter and Human Body Systems...aren't you excited to reflect on how much you've learning this year?

"The best angle to approach any obstacle, problem or task is the try-angle."