Mineral Reading Homework

We've been having trouble with students actually doing the reading homework so we decided to assign a directed reading packet.  We handed them out in class, but apparently some kids have lost theirs, so I have included a link so that kids (or parents) can print their own.  All of Mr Kretchmar's classes have had this assignment, but not all of Mr Hill's or Mr Streitz's so if your child gives you a blank look when you ask them about it, they might not have had it assigned yet. :)

This is due on Wednesday, November 23.  The last day day before the break. 
Chapter 3 Directed Reading Packet A

We will be assigning the next Directed Reading (Chapter 4) right after the break, but I am including the link for the packet here in case anyone wants to get a head start on it

Chapter 4 Directed Reading Packet A

Happy Thanksgiving!

from

Mr. Kretchmar and Mr. Streitz and Mr. Hill

Astronomy Night: Thursday, November 10, 8:30-9:30

Good Evening Fellow Astronomers,

Your children will receive a 1/2 sheet of paper on Wednesday explaining the following optional activity. If the sky is clear on Thursday evening, we should get an excellent view of the Full Moon.

Announcing! Astronomy Night!

Date: Thursday, November 11

Doors open from 8:30-9:30

Orientation: 8:45-9:00

Rooftop viewing 9:00 -9:30

Cleanup: 9:30- 9:40

Exit the building by 9:45

Requirements

1. Remember! The sky must be clear for Astronomy night. We will check for clear skies at 8:00pm. If it is cloudy or foggy or rainy, etc, Astronomy Night will be CANCELED! Don't come to school "just in case. "

2. We must have at least one Parent chaperone for every 5 students. It doesn't have to be your parent, but bring a parent and some friends. Chaperones must be a Parent, Grandparent or Guardian. No older siblings, cousins, etc can chaperone. Siblings may attend if their parent attends with them.

3. The front doors will be open from 8:30 to 8:45. We will be going upstairs at 8:45 exactly. If you arrive late and the doors are locked, go home. We will not come back down to open the doors. Students shouting from the parking lot will be having a discussion with Mr Young in the morning.

4.We will spend 10-15 minutes in orientation while we explain the rules of behavior while on the roof.

5. Dress for the weather. If it is chilly, wear a coat.

6.Students and Parents are encouraged to bring telescopes and binoculars to share.

7. To avoid being too crowded on the roof, we are limiting this star party to 50 students + chaperones. Sign up sheets are attached to Mr Kretchmar and Mr Streitz doors. If there is enough interest, we will start a waiting list and have another Astronomy Night within a few weeks.

8. Remember! If you can't attend, don't sign up. Other students will want to attend if you can't. If you have to cancel, let us know by Thursday morning so we can get some other kids signed up to go.

Questions: Ask Mr. Kretchmar in room 201 or Mr Streitz in 215

Hope to see you there.  We will try to do the next Astronomy Night on a Wednesday

Mr Kretchmar, Mr Streitz, and Mr Hill.

Astronomy Test

The Astronomy Test is this Thursday!  Study Hard...

Click on the link for your teacher's study guide

Mr. Kretchmar's Study Guide                                        Mr Streitz's Study Guide

We will be studying in class on Tuesday and Wednesday! Students have already been given the study guides.

Make studying fun.

• Play Astronomy Jeopardy.  Click on the picture of Alex Trebek to get back to the main screen.
• Astronomy Quizlet

Astronomy: Planetary Brochure

The link below goes to the Instruction page for the Planetary Brochure.  Please check it out if your child has not finished theirs. Planetary Brochure

Astronomy

Here are some links to help you study Astronomy.

Click on the following link to get to Astronomy flash cards and word games like Scatter. You should pracdtice these words 2 or 3 times a week throughout the unit.  All these words could be on the test.  Why wait! LEARN THEM NOW!

http://quizlet.com/7238083/astronomy-flash-cards/ 

Our textbook is available online at my.hrw.com.  Everyone was given a username and password at the beginning of the year, but if you can't remember it, let us know and we can look it up for you.  In the mean time, here is a temporary username for you to use.
Username                 Password
ttemp14                     t7a5m
ttemp102                   s5t6z
ttemp23                     j3j3j
ttemp34                     w9v9a
ttemp41                     v7y3p
ttemp52                     r9n5f
ttemp62                     h4m7p
ttemp7                       m4n5v
ttemp82                     x6w9h
ttemp92                     y2y3u

Chapters 19,20, and 21 are about Astronomy!  Read them!

A moon phase calendar: http://www.moonconnection.com/moon_phases_calendar.phtml

The rising and setting of our moon and other planets in our solar system at our lattitude. http://www.almanac.com/moon/rise/MN/Minneapolis

The size of the univserse: http://www.nikon.com/about/feelnikon/universcale/index.htm (TOTALLY COOL)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv6OtEnIAQk (Star Size Comparision HD)

http://stardate.org/ StarDate is the public education and outreach arm of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory.

The planets:  http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system/#

Flybys!  When cool things (like the International Space Station (ISS) are flying overhead: www.spaceweather.com/flybys/

Chemistry

http://quizlet.com/6297084/chemistry-flash-cards/  This is a specific link to the Chemistry flash cards that you (or your parents) can use to help you study for the Chemistry Retest.


http://quizlet.com/6297084/scatter/ This is a link to the chemistry scatter game. The information is the same as the flash cards but as a online game where you have to clear the screen by combining words with their meanings. It's fun too! Occasionally we will have class contests to see who can clear the page the fastest!

http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_mixtureex.html This is a link to Chemistry for Kids. There are lots of good examples chemistry concepts with attached quizzes and some excellent explanations. Sometimes have someone else explain something is just the thing you need to make it "click" in your mind!

Need to raise your grade?  Talk to Mr Kretchmar or Mr Strietz about taking a retest!  You can study with  one of us before school, during lunch, or afterschool.  Just let us know and we can set a group for you to study with!  We already have 3 versions of the test that you can take!  Just let us know!

Beginning of 2011-2012 School Year!

Welcome to all of this years students and parents/guardians!  Please uses this website to help stay up-to-date with things happening in science this year. 

You will notice that we have taken advantage of the Google's software, using their calendar and posting documents (google docs), by clicking on the links on the right hand side of the blog.  Also, we use a program called, QUIZLET, to help student with the vocabulary necessary for the class.  Most of the time they will be posted prior to the unit with very few modification or additions.  Links to the unit we are studying will be posted on this blog and emailed out if you are signed up to receive emails through campus.  Please take advantage of this as it is a great tool to be using throughout the unit to be successful!

8th Grade Science Quizlet Address: http://quizlet.com/user/bstrei/

As always, please feel free to email or call with any concern or questions!

Sincerely,
The 8th Grade Science Teachers