The first quarter has flown by!

Both 7th and 8th grades have completed a unit on the Scientific Method.

8th grade is finishing up their Physics (Motion and Forces) Unit-- they have had several hands-on labs demonstrating Newton's three Laws of Motion (many of which involved toy cars, and a big "Thank you!" to those students that brought in cars that were superior in quality to the ones I provided), and many word problems involving nuts, goats, cliffs, and gravity... not to mention pennies, bowling balls, and the Empire State Building.

Remember, even as we finish up this unit and move on to Chemistry, those equations and definitions for speed, acceleration, force, and momentum need to have found a permanent place in your brains! Extra credit for this quarter was a timeline of Sir Isaac Newton's life and achievements, and many students did an excellent job of finding out about an extraordinary and historically significant scientist.

7th grade is still studying Astronomy-- we've covered the rotation of the Earth on its tilted axis, the phases of the Moon, eclipses, the structure of the Sun, and (most) of our solar system. Once we finish up the solar system we'll be expanding into conversations about stars, the galaxy, other galaxies, and the universe at large. There are several small opportunities for extra credit if students would like to spend some time outside of class investigating Astronomy.

As a reminder, here is the Science Supply List for this year... anything that students can bring in would be much appreciated.

• 1 box Kleenex
• 1 pack 3x5 lined index cards
• 1 roll of tape (Scotch, packing, duct or masking)
• 1 pack of post-its (any size or color)
• 1 pack of Expo white board markers
• 1 pack of ballpoint pens (red, blue or black)
• 1 pack of pencils
• 1 pack of plastic cups (6 or 9 oz)
• 1 roll of paper towels

Students are expected to come each day prepared with at least one (preferably two) writing utensils for their personal use, and paper to write on. Students should also have a folder or notebook that is dedicated to Science; if the student is using a spiral notebook, one with perforated pages is appreciated.

During the second semester students will be expected to purchase a 36”x 48” tri-fold board for the Science Fair. Students must have this board by the beginning of the third semester, and will be asked to bring a note from home proving they have the board; boards will not be stored at school.

Students can expect to participate in two labs a month-- behavior permitting; any contributions towards the cost of those labs would be much appreciated—if each student can manage $10 then the cost of all the labs for the year will be covered. Lab supplies are purchased mainly at Target and Albertsons, so gift cards to those venues would be greatly appreciated if that is an easier method of payment.