May Update:
I would like to thank all of the parents who made donations or volunteered for the “Spring Fling” dressy dance held on Friday, April 27th. It was a huge success and the kids had such a wonderful time (As the 8thGrade Advisors, Ms. Mitchell and I had a great time as well). Thank you again for all of your support this year!!
We started our Chemistry Unit on April 23rd. Students have learned about classifying matter as either a pure substance (elements and compounds) or a mixture. Students were given some common elements and their chemical symbols as well as some common compounds with their chemical formulas to learn. Students were able to create models of different elements, compounds, and heterogeneous and homogenous mixtures within the classroom.
We are currently working on the concept of Atomic Structure and how to read thePeriodic Table of Elements. Students will be creating atomic models in class and will be able to find the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons by using the information provided in the “Periodic Table”. As an extension students will also be able to create models of ions and isotopes of different elements.
To help students understand the many trends and patterns within the Periodic Table of Elements, students will be creating a “Periodic Packet”. Students will be creating 6 different tables that will break down the parts of the Periodic Table and make it easier to understand and use. Students will organize each table by Periods, Families, Element Key, States of Matter, Metals and Nonmetals, and Radioactive elements. Students will then be able to use the table they created identify patterns and trends amongst the properties of the various elements.
May Dates to Remember...
May 1st - Freshmen Honors Physics Night @ WRHS - 7:00 pm
May 2nd - 1/2 Day for students (Professinal Development Day)
May 9th - Grade 8 Math MCAS Testing
May 11th - Grade 8 Math MCAS Testing
May 16th - Grade 8 Sciene and Technology MCAS Test
May 17th - Grade 8 Science and Technology MCAS Test
* Homework is posted daily - click on the "Homework" link on the left of this page.