We have started studying for our test on Elements and the Periodic Table that is scheduled on Friday, December 2nd.  Students should review these key concepts in preparation for the test.  (Students have been given a study guide with these concepts.)  Good luck, students!

• Atoms are made of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• An element can be identified by the number of protons in the nucleus of its atoms.
• Because atoms are so small, scientists create models to describe them.
• Mendeleev noticed that a pattern of properties appeared when he arranged the elements in order of increasing atomic mass.
• Each square in the periodic table includes the element’s atomic number, chemical symbol, name, and atomic mass.
• The properties of an element can be predicted from its location in the periodic table.
• The physical properties of metals include shininess, malleability, ductility, and conductivity
• The reactivity of metals tends to decrease as you move from left to right across the periodic table.
• Elements that follow uranium in the periodic table are made—or synthesized—when nuclear particles are forced to crash into one another.
• Most nonmetals are poor conductors of heat and electricity and are reactive with other elements. Solid nonmetals are dull and brittle.
• The most useful property of the metalloids is their varying ability to conduct electricity.

Our first math test will be on Tuesday, October 18th.  It will cover lessons 1-5 in math.  Students will take home the work they did on lessons 1-5 in their homework folders tonight.  They should review their work to help them prepare for tomorrow’s test.

For reference, the first five lessons are included at the beginning of this document: Lessons 1-10.

Hello Students and Families,

I wanted to let you know that we have some tests coming up in math and science.

Our first math test will be on Tuesday, October 18th.  It will cover lessons 1-5 in math.

Our first test in science will be on Friday, October 14th.  It will cover Matter, including Describing Matter, Measuring Matter, Changes in Matter, and Energy and Matter. Here is a study guide that we will use in class this week: Science Study Guide – Unit – Introduction to Matter.

PLEASE let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Ms. Migdon

Welcome, parents and students, to the 2011-2012 School Year.  I am delighted to teach another talented group of 8th graders!

I love your comments, questions, and feedback.  Please feel free to post feedback here, or email me directly at hmigdon@kingsbury.org if the question or comment is private.

This week, we will continue our study of factoring polynomials in Algebra.  In science, we will experiment to determine preferred conditions for earthworms, and conclude the week with an earthworm dissection.    For more detail, please see Weekly Learning Guide.

Dear Families,

 We will end our year of life science study with a nine week unit on Animals.  We have many interesting activities planned for students.  Most of the materials, including all live organisms, are provided by the school.  Still, it would be a big help if you help us out by donating any of the following items. Hopefully, some of you will have these items already in your house.  In addition, if you have any small animals at home (rodents, birds, turtles, etc) that you or your student would like to share with the class, please email or call me in advance, and I will be glad to arrange a visit  during the week that we are scheduled to study that particular variety of animal. 

 The items we need for this unit include:

• Poland Springs water (any size, but no other brand)
• Clean, empty margarine or cool whip containers (with lids)
• Cornflakes (unsweetened) – stale cornflakes are great!
• Lettuce (needed before April 25^th)
• A few tablespoons of ground meat of any kind (this item is needed on May 3^rd)
• Small paintbrushes or make-up brushes
• Natural sponges
• Artificial sponges (the kind used for dishwashing)
• Bleach
• Aluminum foil
• Large glass jar (can be returned)

As always, thank you for your support! 

Sincerely,

Heather Migdon

Maurice Stevenson

As a reminder, the Middle School Science Fair is April 26th.  Projects are due that day at 9:00 am.

Weekly Learning Guide Algebra Week of April 18th

Weekly Learning Guide, Week of April 11th

DC-CAS testing will conclude on Monday with the Science portion of the test for 8th graders.

DCPS funded students will take the DC-CAS beginning on April 4th, which is the day students return from spring break.  The week of March 21st will be focused on review for the DC-CAS.  Students will practice with authentic items from previous administrations of the 8th grade DC-CAS test. 

One resource that might be helpful to parents is using released MCAS questions to review concepts.  The DC-CAS is modeled after the MCAS, and the standards are identical.  These questions are great for review and practice. 

In addition, during spring break, 8th grade students are expected to complete a spring break packet to review concepts taught this year.  Packets will be distributed on Thursday, March 24th. 

 As always, we thank you for your support!