Some students struggle with math, while others breeze right through. How can all students do their best? What follows are a few suggestions…

HOW TO SUCCEED IN MATH

1. Pay attention during class.
2. Take notes; copy examples.
3. Study for tests and quizzes.
4. READ the book--Go over the examples and give reasons for the steps of a problem.
5. Explain how to do a problem to someone.
6. Look over the sections before they’re explained in class.
7. Do periodic review.
8. Keep notes in order and use them.
9. Correct homework problems that were done incorrectly.
10. Do more than what’s assigned when necessary.
11. See your teacher for extra help 7:30-7:55, 3:00-3:25, or at lunch.
Don’t wait until you’re totally lost!
12. Work with other kids in the class--Have a study partner.
13. Have confidence in your math background.
14. Complete assignments on time using the proper form.
15. Think in a logical step by step manner and transfer this to written form.
16. Understand the importance of the process rather than just getting the answer.
17. Be persistent--don’t give up easily.
18. Find errors in your work on your own.
19. Keep in mind there are no gender differences in math ability!
20. Good spatial relationships may enhance math ability.
21. Ask more "WHY" questions than "HOW" questions.

During the first quarter in science, students learned about the scientific method. This includes defining the problem, stating a hypothesis, collecting data, experimenting, and drawing conclusions. Students learned that in their everyday life they can be Sherlock Holmes and use the scientific method without even realizing it. They also learned that measurement is an integral part of science. One activity students did was to measure various parts of their body in centimeters and, using the scale of 1cm=10cm draw their body to scale.

Students were taught that matter is made of atoms, has mass and takes up space. Phase changes in matter was discussed and water was used to demonstrate this concept through freezing, melting, and evaporation. They then wrote a poem or descriptive paragraph about a phase change of their choice and illustrated these changes. Their definition test for this section was to choose any ten of the twenty-three words and write a story demonstrating their knowledge of the terms.

Finally, students began their research of a scientist from another country. The purpose of this project is to let the eighth graders know that people (past and present) from all cultures and backgrounds helped to contribute to the lives that they have today. The people being researched are not just "pure" scientists. They range from Stephen Hawking, physicist, to Masaru Ibuka, founder of Sony Corporation. Hopefully, by sharing their research with their classmates, students will realize that science is used all the time, every day, to make life more fulfilling.

After their research is completed, they will organize their research into a book. Books will be displayed around the school for all to read. I will send some books to Benson and Franzen Schools to be shared with the students there. After all this has been completed, students will do a speech on their scientist. I will videotape this activity.

What teenager hasn’t felt like he/she doesn’t fit in at one time or another? The Outsiders is the story of teens who have a difficult life and how they find their place in life. The journey is dangerous and long, full of misunderstandings, heroes, gallantry, cowardice, and honor. Discussions have been very lively!

Don’t forget that spelling homework is due on Thursdays and we take the test. Common Time takes a spine-tingling twist for the next few weeks as we work on creating a suspense narrative. Students will study many literary examples to learn how to create a sense of terror in the reader as opposed to horror, which cheapens the plot and makes it too predictable.
Do YOU know a creepy tale… even better, a true one? Perhaps you’d like to share your most terror-filled story with your son or daughter!

We are continuing our study of the Constitution this month. Students have studied the importance of the Bill of Rights
in relation to their lives as future adult citizens of society. Please take the time to discuss the unique quality of our country and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans with your child.

Our next focus will be an examination of the Preamble and Article I (executive branch) of the Constitution. Exposing your students to current issues regarding these topics would be greatly appreciated. For example, the proposed legislation found in the newspaper.