It's the middle of second quarter and...

The 7th grade has finished their Astronomy Unit and commenced studying Plate Tectonics. We ended Astronomy with a number of demonstrations involving balloons, and I would like to congratulate the 7th grade classes on showing responsible behavior with their lab supplies. Continue showing me that same responsible, mature behavior and we will continue to explore science in hands-on activities.

The 8th grade has been introduced to the three states of matter, the three laws governing the behavior of gases, and the law of conservation of energy. 8th graders have also demonstrated admirable behavior in labs and with lab supplies during class time-- remember to turn in the essay persuading me to continue offering labs despite the recent vandalism and lab-supply destruction that occurred in the classroom!

A number of students have been requesting extra credit: there are bonus points available on every test and quiz (is there a word in English that rhymes with "orange"? how many cards are in a full deck-- not counting the jokers?), but it's important to study and do well on regular class work; don't depend on last-minute extra credit to improve your grade. A small extra credit project will be offered to each class at the end of the term, but will not impact students' grades more than 5%.

Progress Reports will be going home 12 November (Thursday).