Science:
Valerie Finnerty
Week of June 14-18, 2021
This week, students are taking the science MCAS test on Tuesday. We will be learning about the changes in life on Earth over the last 4.5 billion years and about natural selection, the mechanism that causes these changes.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 6/14-6/18:
Due Wednesday, 6/16: EdPuzzle "Cephalopods" (This is the LAST science homework of 8th grade!)
Week of June 7-11, 2021
This week, students are taking the science MCAS test on Tuesday. We will be learning about the changes in life on Earth over the last 4.5 billion years and about natural selection, the mechanism that causes these changes.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 6/7-6/11:
Due Wednesday, 6/8: EdPuzzle: "What is Evolution?"
Due Friday, 6/11: EdPuzzle: "Natural Selection & Selective Breeding"
Due by Friday, 6/11: All Redos & 2nd Chances for Term 3!
Week of May 31-June 4, 2021
This week, we only have four days of school, and students are taking the ELA and math MCAS test on Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, we will be finishing up with frog evolution and on Friday, we will explore the concept of Deep Time.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 5/31-6/4:
Due Friday, 6/4: EdPuzzle: "The Impossible Hugeness of Deep Time"
Week of May 24-28, 2021
This week, we are moving on to study evolution by first focusing on adaptations. We are fortunate to have a set of frog models from the Harvard Museum of Natural History. These models were 3D printed from their specimen collection. There are also online interactive 3D models.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 5/24-28:
Due Wednesday, May 26: EdPuzzle "Adaptations"
Due Thursday, May 27: EdPuzzle "Frogs!"
Week of May 17-21, 2021
We are finishing our study of genetics this week with a focus on mutations, genetic engineering, and a brief look at the interplay between genetic inheritance and environmental factors.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 5/17-21
Students should use the study resources (listed in the Homework section of their science Google Classroom) to prepare for the unit test.
The Genetics Unit Test is Friday, May 21.
Week of May 10-14, 2021
This week, we will explore the genetic code, create models of DNA, and use them to demonstrate how the DNA code is transcribed by mRNA and translated by tRNA to form proteins. On Friday, we have a special guest speaker, Dr. Mathew Pletcher, a geneticist!
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 5/10-14:
Due Friday: DNA Model (see instructions in Google Classroom)
Due by Friday, 5/14: Finish Geniventure through Level 3 (students should be able to do this during classwork time) and complete questions through Level 3 in the Geniventure Student Handbook.
Upcoming: The Genetics Unit Test is Friday, May 21.
Week of May 3-7, 2021
This week, we will study regular cell division (mitosis) and the cell cycle and learn about meiosis, a special type of cell division that creates gametes. We will extract DNA from cheek cells on Friday!
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 5/3-5/7:
Due Monday, 5/3: EdPuzzle: "Amoeba Sisters Mitosis"
Due Thursday, 5/6: EdPuzzle: "What is DNA? Stated Clearly"
CHANGED Due by Friday, 5/14: Finish Geniventure through Level 3 (students should be able to do this during classwork time) and complete questions through Level 3 in the Geniventure Student Handbook.
Week of April 26-30, 2021
This week, we will finish with Geniventure and will start to explore the role of chromosomes in inheritance.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 4/26-30 and Monday, 5/3:
Due Tuesday 4/27: "Chromosomes and Genes, Part 2"
Due Thursday 4/29: EdPuzzle: "Amoeba Sisters Chromosomes and Chromosomal Structure"
Due Monday, 5/3: EdPuzzle: "Amoeba Sisters Mitosis"
Due by Friday, 5/7: Finish Geniventure through Level 3 (students should be able to do this during classwork time)
Week of April 12-16, 2021
This week, students will continue to work with Geniventure, a fun computer-based learning game where they learn about basic genetics.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 4/12-16:
Due Tuesday 4/13: "Dominant and Recessive Alleles"
Due Thursday 4/15: "Chromosomes and Genes, Part 1"
Week of April 5-9, 2021
This week, we are using several computer models to explore the basic genetic patterns first discovered by Gregor Mendel. Students will breed mice and then will start Geniventure, a fun computer-based learning game that we have used in 8th grade science for the last three years.
After school extra help: I am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 4/5-9:
Due by Friday, 4/9:
2nd draft of science research paper
2nd draft of Science & Engineering Fair conclusion
Science & Engineering Fair Google Slide
Optional: Revised or late results or data analysis
Optional: SEF lab report (extra credit)
Week of March 29-April 2, 2021
We are starting to learn about genetics this week!
After school extra help: I will be available for a Google Meet help session for remote students on Monday from 1:45-2:30, and am available for after school help on Tuesday from 1:45 until 2:30.
Homework for week of 3/29-4/2:
Due on Monday, 3/29:
Strategies for Reproduction One-Pager (worth a small quiz grade)
Due by Wednesday, 3/31:
2nd draft of the SEF data analysis--ready to be graded
1st draft of the SEF conclusion--for editing in class
Friday, April 2 is a no-school day.
Week of March 22-27, 2021
On Monday, students will start a "one-pager" assessment for the reproduction unit. For the rest of the week, we will be focusing on the science and engineering fair.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 3/23.
Homework for week of 3/22-27:
Due by Wednesday, 3/24:
2nd draft of the SEF results--ready to be graded
1st draft of the SEF data analysis--for editing in class
Wednesday, 3/24 and Thursday 3/25 are early release days for student-led conferences.
Week of March 15-19, 2021
This week, we are learning about animal behaviors that help to ensure successful reproduction. Students will also learn how to complete the data analysis for their science and engineering fair project.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 3/16.
Homework for week of 3/15-19:
Due by Wednesday, 3/17:
1st draft of SEF Results--we will edit and revise this draft in class. The 2nd draft is due, along with the 1st draft of the data analysis, on W 3/24.
Due by Friday, 3/19:
All Redos & 2nd Chances for Term 2. (Term 2 ends today!)
Week of March 8-12, 2021
This week, we are learning about plant strategies for successful reproduction. These strategies include asexual and sexual reproduction.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 3/9.
Homework for week of 3/8-12:
Due by Wednesday, 3/10:
Finish and turn in "2021 Characteristics of Living Things" (from Friday 3/5).
Due by Thursday, 3/11:
Finish and turn in "One Goal, Two Methods" on PBS Learning (from Monday 3/8).
Week of March 1-5, 2021
This week, the students will work in their groups to complete their plans for their city of the future. Each group will share their city plans during Wednesday's class, and on Thursday/Friday, we will start to learn about asexual and sexual reproduction.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 3/2.
Homework for week of 3/1-5:
Due by Friday 3/5:
Climate Change Quiz Corrections
Science & Engineering Fair Project Proposal Revisions
Due Monday, 3/8:
EdPuzzle "Asexual & Sexual Reproduction"
Week of February 22-26, 2021
Before we move on to our next unit (life science), we are looking toward the future.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 2/23.
Homework for week of 2/22-26:
Due by Tuesday 2/23: EdPuzzle "Climate Justice"
Due by Thursday 2/25: EdPuzzle "The Sustainable City of the Future"
Due by Friday 3/5:
Climate Change Quiz Corrections
Science & Engineering Fair Project Proposal Revisions
Week of February 8-12, 2021
This week, we are finishing up our study of climate change by summarizing the evidence for climate change, looking at the projections for the effects of climate change, and most importantly, discussing what must be done to "fix" climate change.
On Friday, we have a quiz on the climate change unit.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 2/9.
Homework for week of 2/1-2/5:
Due by Wednesday 2/10: EdPuzzle "How to Save the Planet"
Due by Friday 2/12: Quizizz study to prepare for today's quiz
Friday 2/12: Quiz on climate change
Have a GREAT February break!
Week of February 1-5, 2021
This week, we are continuing our study of climate change by examining the evidence for anthropomorphic (human-caused) climate change.
On Wednesday, we will go over how and when to start the science and engineering fair projects. Students will create a data table and will use a planning calendar to develop a schedule for completing their project.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 2/2.
Homework for week of 2/1-2/5:
Due by Monday 2/1: 2nd draft of the SEF project proposal (for grading)--students should just turn in their edited draft on Google Classroom.
Due by Friday 2/5: On Newsela, students choose TWO articles to read carefully and take a quiz. To get credit, they need to spend enough time to read the article and score at least 60% on the quiz.
NEXT Friday 2/12: Quiz on climate change
Week of January 25-29, 2021
This week, we are continuing our study of climate change by learning about the greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases.
On Wednesday, students will edit and revise their science and engineering fair project proposal.
Guided inquiry "kits" for the science and engineering fair will be sent home with cohort A on Monday-Tuesday and with cohort B on Thursday-Friday. Fully remote students will pick up their kits on Wednesday, 1/27.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 1/26.
Homework for week of 1/25-29:
Due Tuesday 1/26: EdPuzzle "Greenhouse Effect"
Due Wednesday 1/27: 1st draft of the SEF project proposal
Due Monday 2/1: 2nd draft of the SEF project proposal (for grading)
Week of January 18-22, 2021
This week, we are starting our study of climate change by learning about how to evaluate sources of information and spot misinformation.
On Wednesday, we are working on the science and engineering fair project proposal.
After school extra help: Students can email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 1/19.
Homework for week of 1/11-1/15:
Due Tuesday 1/19: 1st draft research paper
Due Thursday 1/21: EdPuzzle "Fake News"
Week of January 11-15, 2021
This week, we are continuing to write science and engineering fair (SEF) research papers and will start drafting the project proposal for the project.
It is important that students keep up with daily classwork and dedicate some homework time to working on their papers. It is equally important that they contact me with questions or for extra help before they get too far behind.
After school extra help: Students should email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 1/12 or Thursday, 1/14. I will set up a Google Meet.
Homework for week of 1/11-1/15: Continue writing the first draft of the SEF research paper. It is recommended that students dedicate at least two or three days after school to writing, editing, and polishing. By Tuesday, 1/19, the first draft of the research paper should be turned in. A complete paper includes an introduction, three body paragraphs (with parenthetical citations and works cited), a conclusion, and works cited.
Due by F 1/15: (Optional) Quiz corrections on the What is the effect of oceans on climate? quiz.
Week of January 4-8, 2021
This week, we are conducting research for the science and engineering fair (SEF) research papers.
Homework for T 1/5 and W 1/6: Continue SEF research--enough information for three body paragraphs is needed by Thursday 1/7.
Homework for Th 1/7 and F 1/8: Continue writing three body paragraphs. Three body paragraphs (with parenthetical citations and works cited) are needed by Monday 1/11.
Due by F 1/15: (Optional) Quiz corrections on the What is the effect of oceans on climate? quiz.
Week of December 21-23, 2020
This week, we are finishing our study of the effect of oceans on climate.
Due by Monday 12/21: Quizizz practice for quiz
Wednesday, 12/23: Quiz on the effect of oceans on climate
Week of December 14-18, 2020
This week, we are learning about the effect of oceans on climate.
Due Tuesday 12/15: EdPuzzle "Oceans & Climate"
Due Thursday 12/10: EdPuzzle "The Global Ocean Conveyor Belt"
Due by Monday 12/21: Quizizz practice for quiz
Tuesday, 12/22: Quiz on the effect of oceans on climate
Week of December 7-11, 2020
This week, we are starting to learn about climate. Differences in climate are caused by latitude (which causes different parts of Earth to have different solar angles), proximity to the ocean, and altitude.
Due Tuesday 12/8: EdPuzzle "What is climate?"
Tuesday 2:15-3:00: After school test corrections help
Wednesday 12/9: Remote, ASYNCHRONOUS science work. Students should use the Daily Classwork Doc to guide their work.
Due Thursday 12/10: EdPuzzle "How does the climate system work?"
Due BY Friday, 12/11: Weather Unit Test Corrections
Friday 12/11 is an early release.
Week of November 30-December 4, 2020
This week, we are finishing our weather unit as we learn about the use of probability to forecast. We will review for Friday's unit test on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tuesday 2:15-3:00: After school test review
Due Wednesday, 12/2 (an early release): Quizizz review game (linked on Google Classroom)
Friday, 12/4: Weather Unit Test
All Term 1 Redos and Second Chances (late and redone assignments) must be turned in by Friday, 12/4.
Week of November 23-25, 2020
This week, we are starting to learn to use weather maps to make forecasts.
There is no science homework due this week!
Wednesday, 11/25 is an early release.
No school Thursday, 11/26 and Friday, 11/27
Week of November 16-20, 2020
This week we are learning about weather fronts and storms.
Wednesday, 11/18 is an early release.
Due Wednesday, 11/18: "My Cloud Collection" project
Week of November 9-13, 2020
This week we are learning about air masses and weather fronts and their relationships to clouds and storms.
Due Tuesday, 11/10: EdPuzzle "How Clouds Form"
NO SCHOOL Wednesday, 11/11 for Veteran's Day
Thursday, 11/12 is an early release day for conferences
Due Thursday, 11/12: EdPuzzle "The Three Main Clouds..."
Due Wednesday, 11/18: "My Cloud Collection" project
Week of November 2-6, 2020
This week we are focusing on the water cycle and the three ways that clouds are formed.
No school for students on Tuesday, 11/3
Wednesday, 11/4 AND Thursday, 11/5 are early release days for parent-teacher conferences.
Due Wednesday, 11/4: EdPuzzle "The Water Cycle"
Due Friday, 11/6: "The Water Cycle, Clouds, and Storms" (a worksheet that goes with an assignment on Discovery Education Techbook.
Week of October 26-30, 2020
This week, we are expanding our understanding of the relationships between air pressure, wind, and clouds.
Due Tuesday 10/27: EdPuzzle "1. Temperature and Density"
Due Wednesday 10/28: EdPuzzle "2. Density and Temperature" AND "3. Understanding Air Density"
Week of October 19-23, 2020
This week, we are learning about the relationships between density, air pressure, and wind.
Wednesday 10/21 is an early release day. During today's class, students will have a choice to attend a Meet to go over their quiz corrections or to complete an asynchronous assignment.
Friday 10/22 there is no school for students.
Due Wednesday, 10/21: Finish the activity "Gizmo: Density Lab SE" that we started in class on Monday.
Due Thursday, 10/22: "Temperature & Density Experiment"
Due by Monday, 10/26: Seasons Quiz corrections
Week of October 12-16, 2020
Tuesday, 10/13: Quiz on the reasons for the seasons
This week, we are starting our first major unit on weather.
Homework due this week:
Due Wednesday, 10/14: EdPuzzle: "5 Facts about Density"
Week of October 5-9, 2020
This week, we are studying the scientific causes of the seasons.
Homework due this week:
Due Tuesday, 10/6: On NewsELA: "Changing Seasons"
Due Thursday, 10/8: On EdPuzzle: "Seasons--Here Comes the Sun"
Friday, 10/9: Quiz on the reasons for the seasons
Quiz on the reasons for the seasons moved to Tuesday 10/13!
Week of September 28-October 2, 2020
This week, we will learn more about the nature of scientific inquiry as we engage in an epidemiological study.
Homework due this week:
Due Thursday, 10/1: On EdPuzzle.com: "John Snow and the Broad Street cholera outbreak"
Due Friday, 10/2: Viruses and Vaccines project (started in class on Tuesday 9/29)
Week of September 21-25, 2020
This week, we learned about viruses and vaccines and the nature of science.
Homework due this week:
Due Wednesday, 9/23: "What is a Scientist?"
Due Thursday, 9/24: On EdPuzzle.com: "Amoeba Sisters Viruses"
Week of September 14-18, 2020
Welcome to 8th Grade! Although this year is unlike any before, I know that together we can make this a wonderful year!
Week of December 14-18, 2020
This week, we are learning about how ocean affects climate.
Due Tuesday 12/15: EdPuzzle "
Due Thursday 12/17: EdPuzzle "How does the climate system work?"
Week of January 18-22, 2021
This week, we will be starting our unit on climate change with a focus on evaluating news sources to identify misinformation.
After school extra help: Students should email me for an appointment after school on Tuesday, 1/19. I will set up a Google Meet.
Homework for week of 1/11-1/15:
Due Tuesday, 1/19: 1st draft of research paper
Due Thursday, 1/21: EdPuzzle "Fake News"