Dear Students:
This is the last week before the Second Quarter ends. It has been a quarter with a lot of work, marvelous projects and infinite activities.
Now that we have come to the end of the second quarter, it is a good time to look back at your progress. An ongoing goal for teachers should be to develop a constant process of evaluation to improve student skills. I am asking you to identify areas of improvement and areas you need to work on throughout the rest of the year. Then use the questions below to guide your thoughts.
• What areas/ skills did you focus on this quarter?
• Did you show improvement in these areas/ skills?
• What can you do to continue to improve in Science?
• What is your strength in Science class?
• How can you use your strength to help you in other areas?
We've worked tirelessly to not only teach skills and objectives, but establish relationships. Reflection is the mirror into which we can be honest with ourselves, with our triumphs and defeats and continually strive to be truly outstanding.
This week will still be full of activities and deadlines. Your Alternative Energy Resources’ Project should be ready by Tuesday, December 14, as well as your Work Pack. Your Test on Chapter 11 is Wednesday, December 15. Finally your diagrams are due Thursday, December 16.
It has been a pleasure working with you, a group of talented and energized individuals. I look forward to continue in this learning journey in our Second Semester.
Enjoy the Holidays!!!!
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Science through the Earth Science Course for eighth grade. This course is widely described as a journey through Planet Earth and beyond our atmospheric boundaries. Students will study basic principles of Earth Science and will continue to use science tools, expand and build on their knowledge base, and work on their ability to comprehend science reading and to write clearly and coherently in the context of science.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
December 6-10
Dear Students:
This week we will continue to learn fascinating facts about Fossil fuels and Alternative Energy Resources. You will explore the different options that could be used instead of fossil fuels. We continue to work in our project as well as in the differentiated methods to present this topic.
Important dates to keep in mind:
December 14 Work pack Due
December 14 Project Due
December 15 Test chapter 11
Please make sure your binder is kept organized and that your textbook is covered.
Project Guidelines:
In order to create an "Alternative Energy Resource" poster for your class, you will need to select an energy resource that is not commonly used (no fossil fuels) and then seek information about the resource you select using books, magazine articles, web resources, encyclopedias, et cetera. This pathfinder will guide you to the materials that will help you to become knowledgeable about the energy resource you chose and prepare you to design and create a poster or a model or an essay displaying the information you learn.
http://gms.goshenschools.org/departments/media/energy.html#Websites
You will then use this poster to educate your classmates. Be thoughtful as you look through information and organize your thoughts well.
Books will be wonderful resources for your project. Because you will want very up-to-date information, you will want to first look for resources published after 2000. Even then, you will find that some information found in a book published in 2001 will be out-of-date already. It is important for you to access a variety of resources with a variety of publication dates. With a research topic like this, you will find electronic resources to be very useful. Online databases and websites can provide you with the most current information available. The resources available in this pathfinder were selected because they are current, informative, and reputable. This list does not include all the good resources available, but it will lead you to a good variety of information and diverse sources that will help you produce a quality project.
As you begin, it is good to understand the purpose of exploring alternative energy resources. Alternative energy resources are "derived from nontraditional sources or sources that are renewable and do not deplete finite mineral resources. The majority of countries are heavily dependent on fossil fuels as sources of energy, but with the decline in reserves and contribution made to the enhanced greenhouse effect by releases of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion, alternative energy sources are being increasingly used and developed. Examples include wind power, solar power, wave and tidal power, biomass energy , geothermal power, and hydroelectric power. World primary energy sources include only about 7% from renewable sources, most of which is hydroelectric." With 93% of our energy coming from non-renewable resources, it is important for us to look at renewable resources to protect and prepare for our future energy needs.
(Smith, Jacqueline. "alternative energy." The Dictionary of Weather and Climate. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2001. Facts On File, Inc. Science Online ..)
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES
This week we will continue to learn fascinating facts about Fossil fuels and Alternative Energy Resources. You will explore the different options that could be used instead of fossil fuels. We continue to work in our project as well as in the differentiated methods to present this topic.
Important dates to keep in mind:
December 14 Work pack Due
December 14 Project Due
December 15 Test chapter 11
Please make sure your binder is kept organized and that your textbook is covered.
Project Guidelines:
In order to create an "Alternative Energy Resource" poster for your class, you will need to select an energy resource that is not commonly used (no fossil fuels) and then seek information about the resource you select using books, magazine articles, web resources, encyclopedias, et cetera. This pathfinder will guide you to the materials that will help you to become knowledgeable about the energy resource you chose and prepare you to design and create a poster or a model or an essay displaying the information you learn.
http://gms.goshenschools.org/departments/media/energy.html#Websites
You will then use this poster to educate your classmates. Be thoughtful as you look through information and organize your thoughts well.
Books will be wonderful resources for your project. Because you will want very up-to-date information, you will want to first look for resources published after 2000. Even then, you will find that some information found in a book published in 2001 will be out-of-date already. It is important for you to access a variety of resources with a variety of publication dates. With a research topic like this, you will find electronic resources to be very useful. Online databases and websites can provide you with the most current information available. The resources available in this pathfinder were selected because they are current, informative, and reputable. This list does not include all the good resources available, but it will lead you to a good variety of information and diverse sources that will help you produce a quality project.
As you begin, it is good to understand the purpose of exploring alternative energy resources. Alternative energy resources are "derived from nontraditional sources or sources that are renewable and do not deplete finite mineral resources. The majority of countries are heavily dependent on fossil fuels as sources of energy, but with the decline in reserves and contribution made to the enhanced greenhouse effect by releases of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion, alternative energy sources are being increasingly used and developed. Examples include wind power, solar power, wave and tidal power, biomass energy , geothermal power, and hydroelectric power. World primary energy sources include only about 7% from renewable sources, most of which is hydroelectric." With 93% of our energy coming from non-renewable resources, it is important for us to look at renewable resources to protect and prepare for our future energy needs.
(Smith, Jacqueline. "alternative energy." The Dictionary of Weather and Climate. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2001. Facts On File, Inc. Science Online .
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
November 29- December 03
Dear Student:
This week we are going to begin a new Chapter. We will begin to explore the alternative energy resources that are so important to conserve our environment.
Energy conservation refers to efforts made to reduce energy consumption. Energy conservation can be achieved through increased efficient energy use, in conjunction with decreased energy consumption and/or reduced consumption from conventional energy sources.
These are some of the alternative energy resources we will be studying:
Solar Energy for heating water, generating electricity and concentrating solar energy to create fuel for your vehicles.
Biomass Energy Discover ways to use corn, corn stalks, wheat, pine cones, twigs,bark....to generate fuel to heat your home or drive your vehicle. The technology has been around for over 100 years. Basically, anything that decomposes or burns can be used to generate energy for your home or car
Wind Energy Another of the more popular alternative energy resources. Though not a reliable resource for every household, it is a viable option, depending on your location. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy and see if it will be an asset for your energy needs.
Hydrogen You will see that this is my favorite. The must abundant element in the universe is Hydrogen. H2O. Ever think about driving your car on pure water? Apparently, it has been done.
Fossil Fuels
Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• How do fuels provide energy?
• What are the three major fossil fuels?
• Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable resources?
Key Terms
• fuel
• energy transformation
• combustion
• fossil fuel
• Hydrocarbon
• petroleum
• refinery
• petrochemical
Section 2 Renewable Sources of Energy
Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What forms of energy does the sun provide?
• What are some renewable sources of energy?
Key Terms
• solar energy
• hydroelectric power
• biomass fuel
• gasohol
• geothermal energy
Section 3 Nuclear Energy
Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What happens during a nuclear fission reaction?
• How does a nuclear power plant produce electricity?
• How does a nuclear fusion reaction occur?
Key Terms
• nucleus
• nuclear fission
• reactor vessel
• fuel rod
• control rod
• meltdown
• nuclear fusion
Section 4 Energy Conservation
Reading Preview
Key Concept
• What are two ways to preserve our current energy sources?
Key Terms
• efficiency
• insulation
• energy conservation
This week we are going to begin a new Chapter. We will begin to explore the alternative energy resources that are so important to conserve our environment.
Energy conservation refers to efforts made to reduce energy consumption. Energy conservation can be achieved through increased efficient energy use, in conjunction with decreased energy consumption and/or reduced consumption from conventional energy sources.
These are some of the alternative energy resources we will be studying:
Solar Energy for heating water, generating electricity and concentrating solar energy to create fuel for your vehicles.
Biomass Energy Discover ways to use corn, corn stalks, wheat, pine cones, twigs,bark....to generate fuel to heat your home or drive your vehicle. The technology has been around for over 100 years. Basically, anything that decomposes or burns can be used to generate energy for your home or car
Wind Energy Another of the more popular alternative energy resources. Though not a reliable resource for every household, it is a viable option, depending on your location. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy and see if it will be an asset for your energy needs.
Hydrogen You will see that this is my favorite. The must abundant element in the universe is Hydrogen. H2O. Ever think about driving your car on pure water? Apparently, it has been done.
Fossil Fuels
Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• How do fuels provide energy?
• What are the three major fossil fuels?
• Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable resources?
Key Terms
• fuel
• energy transformation
• combustion
• fossil fuel
• Hydrocarbon
• petroleum
• refinery
• petrochemical
Section 2 Renewable Sources of Energy
Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What forms of energy does the sun provide?
• What are some renewable sources of energy?
Key Terms
• solar energy
• hydroelectric power
• biomass fuel
• gasohol
• geothermal energy
Section 3 Nuclear Energy
Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What happens during a nuclear fission reaction?
• How does a nuclear power plant produce electricity?
• How does a nuclear fusion reaction occur?
Key Terms
• nucleus
• nuclear fission
• reactor vessel
• fuel rod
• control rod
• meltdown
• nuclear fusion
Section 4 Energy Conservation
Reading Preview
Key Concept
• What are two ways to preserve our current energy sources?
Key Terms
• efficiency
• insulation
• energy conservation
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Christmas Baskets
November 23, 2009
Dear Parents (Nursery – 12th):
As another holiday season nears, many of us will enjoy our time with loved ones and celebrate the joyous memories of the past year. As we give thanks for the blessings and gifts in our lives, we also have an opportunity to appreciate those people who make the American School outstanding, but who rarely get the recognition they deserve.
On behalf of all American Schools students, we would like to extend our gratitude to the maintenance workers, the bus drivers, the nannies and their families by preparing food baskets for them as gifts at Christmas. Students in each grade level are asked to contribute the following items:
Nursery Bar Soap
7th grade Ketchup
Pre-Kinder Detergent
8th grade Beans
Kinder Toilet paper
9th grade Cooking Oil
1st grade Rice
10th grade Maseca
2nd grade Pasta
11th grade Soup
3rd grade Sugar
12th grade Oatmeal
4th grade Tomato Paste
5th grade Cereal
6th grade Flour
Thank you for participating in this event, and for involving your children in the charitable activities of the American School. Please send the item with your child to his homeroom teacher (Pre School and Elementary School) and to their Class Advisors (MS / HS) before Friday, December 10. We hope that we can foster in all students a spirit of generosity and compassion which will, in the end, make our world a better place.
Sincerely,
Claudia Pereira
Elcenora MartÃnez
Ricardo Belgrave
Maria Francisca Motz
Dear Parents (Nursery – 12th):
As another holiday season nears, many of us will enjoy our time with loved ones and celebrate the joyous memories of the past year. As we give thanks for the blessings and gifts in our lives, we also have an opportunity to appreciate those people who make the American School outstanding, but who rarely get the recognition they deserve.
On behalf of all American Schools students, we would like to extend our gratitude to the maintenance workers, the bus drivers, the nannies and their families by preparing food baskets for them as gifts at Christmas. Students in each grade level are asked to contribute the following items:
Nursery Bar Soap
7th grade Ketchup
Pre-Kinder Detergent
8th grade Beans
Kinder Toilet paper
9th grade Cooking Oil
1st grade Rice
10th grade Maseca
2nd grade Pasta
11th grade Soup
3rd grade Sugar
12th grade Oatmeal
4th grade Tomato Paste
5th grade Cereal
6th grade Flour
Thank you for participating in this event, and for involving your children in the charitable activities of the American School. Please send the item with your child to his homeroom teacher (Pre School and Elementary School) and to their Class Advisors (MS / HS) before Friday, December 10. We hope that we can foster in all students a spirit of generosity and compassion which will, in the end, make our world a better place.
Sincerely,
Claudia Pereira
Elcenora MartÃnez
Ricardo Belgrave
Maria Francisca Motz
Friday, November 19, 2010
November 22-24
Dear Students:
We will be attending school for three days this week; nevertheless, these will be some very busy days. Our test is scheduled for Tuesday. Your work pack to Chapter 10 should be finished by that same day. Your project is due Wednesday, Don’t forget to turn in your rubric with your project and be creative!!!!!
Please refer to the following web site to help you clarify concepts for your test:
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/time/visualizations/geotime.html
Our Traditional Thanksgiving Luncheon will take place Wednesday, November 24. We will be enjoying a delicious meal catered by Gourmet Grill. If you have not paid for it yet, make sure you do so before Wednesday.
Remember, like Bryan Tracy once said:
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
We will be attending school for three days this week; nevertheless, these will be some very busy days. Our test is scheduled for Tuesday. Your work pack to Chapter 10 should be finished by that same day. Your project is due Wednesday, Don’t forget to turn in your rubric with your project and be creative!!!!!
Please refer to the following web site to help you clarify concepts for your test:
http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/time/visualizations/geotime.html
Our Traditional Thanksgiving Luncheon will take place Wednesday, November 24. We will be enjoying a delicious meal catered by Gourmet Grill. If you have not paid for it yet, make sure you do so before Wednesday.
Remember, like Bryan Tracy once said:
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
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