Back to Classrooms Page | Back to PCS Web Page
Author: Mary Ellen Zdanys Last Updated On: 3/24/08
This coming year, we will explore
matter, heredity, motion, the solar system and bridge construction.
Science Sites: Click here to visit some sites on
related topics.
Algebra 1
Students will begin with a brief review of pre-Algebra concepts and delve right into Algebra 1. I have put together a series of web sites that will help students review basic Pre-Algebra skills to prepare for their 8th grade Algebra 1 classes. Click here for a basic tutorial review of percents: http://www.math.com/school/subject1/lessons/S1U1L7DP.html. This site introduces and simplifies graphing equations: http://mathforum.org/library/topics/graphing_equations/
Also click here for a review of basic geometry concepts: http://www.aaamath.com/B/geo.htm, http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/vlibrary.html
Here is a site that provides some homework help with math from the Prentice Hall Math Series. It reviews concepts and formulas as well as examples: http://ph.infoplease.com/homework/
Homework is very important. It prepares you for the next day and helps you remember and learn information.
Keep reading. Everyone can have a different goal. Reading improves your vocabulary and grammar. It also makes new brain cells and pathways grow. It even makes you a more interesting person! Summer reading includes the two books that were assigned to you and will include some book reports in September. Try to read a variety of books that are of interest to you as well. Don't leave your books to read until the last minute.
Balance your after school activities. Try to plan ahead if you have projects or assignments such as book reports due. Don't leave them until the last minute.
Make sure that you keep track of your assignments due in your assignment notebook or planner. Plan ahead and try to be more organized for the coming year. Remember to stock up on those writing utensils.
Try to get enough sleep every night and bring a healthy snack to school. Remember this year there is no candy or gum allowed at all. Lunch is at 12:30 again so make sure you bring a good snack to keep you going. Sorry 8th graders - No jolly rancher rewards for those wonderful vocab words! We will find another reward system.
Read your summer reading books. Write a summary or make some notes so you can recall what the book is about. Also don't forget to write down your summer reading list. If you lost your sheets, a regular piece of paper will do.
Bring a smile and a positive attitude! 8th grade is a whirlwind of activities, fun and many decisions to make. See you soon!
As the year continues, keep working hard and do your best! Some tips to keep you organized:
1. Keep up with your assignment notebook
2. Check the web site for homework assignments if you are absent. Homework is your responsibility.
3. Every so often, clean out your locker and binders. If you don't want to throw things out, keep a box of things to save until the end of the year.
4. Periodically check with your teachers to see how you are doing. Remember, you earn your grades! Ask for help when you need it and find out what you can do to improve.
5. Find ways to organize yourself. It has to be the right approach for you. Binders, notebooks, file folders, sticky notes etc. only help you if you use them.
Projects Due and News Updates:
Planet research and projects have been completed successfully! Results will be on display once again during the EXPO evening in May. We were delighted to view Saturn, a growing nebula as well as other celestial delights when author Bob Crelin and his crew of amateur astronomers visited our school. Check out Bob's book There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars and his web site:
Field Trips:
DNA Epicenter in May/June. Students will have the opportunity to help solve a crime be performing gel electrophoresis in a real lab setting. Gel electrophoresis is a common technique used with DNA, RNA and proteins in a modern biology laboratory. The purpose of using it is to separate molecules by charge, shape and size.
Back to Top | Back to Classrooms Page | Back to PCS Web Page