Life in the environment

Spring break is over and it is back to the daily routine. Just think...June will be here before you know it!

Our lessons this week are focusing on the interactions that take place in the environment. We have discussed succession (how the environment changes over time) and food webs/chains. We will continue these ideas tomorrow by using the Smartboard.

The third marking period ends tomorrow. All missing work is due and will not be accepted past this date.

NJ ASK 8 Science

You should have received an informational booklet regarding state testing in April. Yes, there is a science state test (April 30). We will be reviewing concepts the week before state testing. I also am more than happy to put together material on concepts you know you need help in.

Check out this site to practice some concepts.
http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078778115/student_view0/standardized_test_practice.html

Also, access Study Island from the district site for more online practice!

Biological organization

In class we acted out how the living and nonliving factors are organized in our world. In your notes you should have the 4 words defined with a picture/diagram.

Your homework this week is to have 6 MOS logs for Thursday. They are a quiz grade!

Also, if you still owe me a textbook or project NOW would be a great time to turn them in :)

Classification

PD day today so class was a quick one. We went over notes on taxonomy. The notes were the homework from last week.

Reminder~ Tomorrow is the LA trip to see Arsenic and Old Lace.

HW Tonight! Create a sentence to help you remember the 7-layer system of classification.

Music and Organisms

What is the link? They both can be classified. In class we listened to various artists and discussed how to classify the music. Scientists do the same thing with all the organisms. Scientists classify living things based on their traits. We also discussed why a system of classification is needed.

Tomorrow we will review notes on taxonomy (this was your homework from last week).

There is no homework tonight. (Yes, I know my website says yes but we did not get as far as I anticipated).

Reminder~ PD day tomorrow. School starts at 10:30am

Organisms!

We are moving into our last unit....ORGANISMS!

Starting last week we began looking at various types of organisms. We then discovered what all living things must do (called life processes).

In class we looked at how scientists name organisms. Tomorrow we will go a little further into naming and look at TAXONOMY! (This is where you will need to bring in your MP3/CD).

HW! Complete the Martian and Car worksheet. (See class links if you left it in school)

Calculating efficiency

Friday we discussed finding the mechanical advantage. Today we went a step further and looked at the efficiency of our machine (the inclined plane). If you would like practice click here. Use the links on the left hand side for practice problems on efficiency (Math Practice #1) and mechanical advantage (Math Practice #2). Tomorrow will be your quiz.

Also, cafe projects are due by 3/17 (Wednesday!). So far the projects coming in look great!

Reminder that Friday the boys will be attending the Young Men's Conference. The girls will be staying back and doing activities within each class period. For our class on Friday, girls are requested to bring in a plain white T-shirt (or a very light colored, such as yellow or pink) to be used during a color changing event!