Second Quarter

Congratulations 8th grade students you have completed the first quarter. Now time to reflect create a new Interactive Science Notebook, this time on page zero instead of writing all about you. Write about your first quarter experience. Describe what worked, what did not? Set new goal and describe your plan to reach it. Remember that the Science Fair is due this quarter on by December 14th unless your project is going to need more time because you are going to go to the school science fair. If that is your particular case then you need to have a written approval from me for the extension. Please see me during class anytime for that approval. VERY IMPORTANT http://nefrsef.org/ go to the student tab for all of the required parts of your science fair project.

My reflections are wow I have enjoyed watching your work ethic and appreciate you allowing me to facilitate your learning experience. I too learned about what worked and what needs some revision. First the Gizmo's exploration guides are to be completed for each gizmo this quarter I highly recommend you do them before you attempt to answer the assessment gizmo questions. They will have due dates as well we will do 2 a week and I will check for your exploration guides during FCAT bellringers on the due date. I will then close the gizmo's and open 2 new ones.

WE will have http://www.fcatexplorer.com/ again this quarter you should complete another 25% and remember your scores do count.

You are encouraged to do the education.jlab.org Who wants to be a millionaire. Science game for 100 points. You have to have proof of winning during the second quarter to earn your 100 points.

We will have a progress monitoring assessment from the county that will count as an assessment grade, however I am going to curve that test score. So the points earned will depend on the results.

I am sure we will have the 8th grade science benchmark testing in December and when the results are in I will post them on the grade portal. Hopefully everyone will show gains and this score should benefit you.

We will have my.hrw.com chapter activities and quizzes. These chapters are worth 100 points each chapter will have concept maps and the quizzes written and answered correctly in their interactive notebook, occasionally I will require additional activities for a particular chapter in order for a student to earn full credit they must have it complete and with them when we conference.

We will have Genetic classroom activities and films related to the curriculum. In which the student will take Cornell notes and write a summary or exit slip based on what they have learned and we will have classroom discussions on these topics students are graded on their on task participation with both the film and discussion.

Prioritize your time, come to class with a positive attitude and the tools to do your very best and your success rate in this science class will improve. Write you assignments in your agenda book as I will not be posting them on this blog.

Remember that you must record data accurately in your interactive science notebook as that is an 8th grade science standard that I am assessing as well. Before you know it the second quarter will be over, and you will only have half a year left before you have EARNED your PROMOTION to HIGH SCHOOL. So make yourself and your parents proud and do your very best.

Sincerely,
Ms. Miller
8th Grade Science Teacher