Gibson, Everett » Mr. Gibson's 8th Grade Science Newsletter

Mr. Gibson's 8th Grade Science Newsletter

Week of 3/4 through 3/8 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we continued our study of plate tectonics by reviewing convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. We then began learning about how to read a topographic map to observe Earth's changing surfaces. 
 
After we return from Spring Break we will prepare for CBA #5 by reviewing Global Weather Patterns content on Monday and then Earth's Changing Surface content on Tuesday. The test will be on Wednesday.
 
Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that will be covered in the unit:
Week of 2/19 through 2/23 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we began our study of Unit 6 - Global Weather Patterns. We learned about the process of convection and how to read a weather map. 
 
Next week we will close our study of Global Weather Patterns by learning about how hurricanes form.
 
Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that will be covered in the unit:
Week of 2/13 through 2/16 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we completed our study of Unit 5 - Components of the Universe by taking CBA #4, which covered both the Earth, Moon, and Sun unit as well. 
 
Next week we will begin our study of Unit 6: Global Weather Patterns. The upcoming unit of study covers convection currents, how to read a weather map, and ocean currents. Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that will be covered in the unit:
CBA #4 will take place on Thursday, 2/15
 
Hello TMS parents and students,
 
8th grade science students will be taking CBA #4, the final grade for the 6 weeks, tomorrow during class. CBA #4 covers the material learned during our "Earth, Moon, and Sun" unit as well as our "Components of the Universe" unit.
 
Below is a list of links to review quizzes if you would like to study for the test:
 
 
Go, Roos!
 
Sincerely,
 
Mr. Gibson
Week of 2/5 through 2/8 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we continued our study of Unit 5 - Components of the Universe. Students studied how to read the HR Diagram, how the Sun compares to other stars, and how to read the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Below are the assignments completed during class this week:
 
  • (8.8A) Exploring the HR Diagram
  • (8.8A) HR Diagram CERs
  • (8.8B) Comparing the Sun to Other Stars
  • (8.8C) Electromagnetic Spectrum Introduction
 
Next week we will wrap our study of Unit 5: Components of the Universe with a 6 weeks test next Wednesday, leaving us two days for test review next week. The test will cover Unit 4: Earth, Moon, and Sun and Unit 5: Components of the Universe. Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that will be covered on the test:
Week of 1/29 through 2/2 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we closed Unit 4 - Earth, Moon, and Sun, by taking a unit test. We then launched into learning about the Components of the Universe, our new unit of study, by studying the life cycle of a star. Below are the assignments completed during class this week:
 
  • (8.7ABC) Earth, Moon, and Sun Test Review
  • (8.7ABC) Earth, Moon, and Sun Test
  • (8.8A) Components of the Universe Engage Activity
  • (8.8A) Components of the Universe Explore Lab
 
Next week we will further explore the life cycle of a star by learning about the relationship between star color and star temperature and star size and star brightness as shown on the HR Diagram. Refer to the links below for more information on our upcoming 8th grade science concepts: 
  1. How to read a HR Diagram
  2. The Sun compared to other stars
  3. Understanding the Electromagnetic Radiation Spectrum
Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that we will cover during this unit:
 
Week of 1/22 through 1/26 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we completed our study of Unit 4 - Earth, Moon, and Sun, by learning about the relationship between the lunar cycle and ocean tides. Below are the assignments completed during class this week:
 
  • (8.7ABC) Earth, Moon, and Sun Cheat Sheet
  • (8.7B) Lunar Lunar Cycle Quick Check
  • (8.7B) Lunar Cycle Diagrams
  • (8.7C) Ocean Tides Article Analysis
 
Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that we will cover during this unit:
 
 
Next week we will take our Unit 4: Earth, Moon, and Sun Test on Tuesday, and then will launch right into Unit 5: Components of the Universe for the rest of the week. Our new unit consists of three major topics: 
  1. How to read a HR Diagram
  2. The Sun compared to other stars
  3. Understanding the Electromagnetic Radiation Spectrum
Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that we will cover during this unit:
 
Week of 1/15 through 1/19 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we entered the next phase of our unit of study: Unit 4 - Earth, Moon, and Sun, by beginning to learn about the Lunar Cycle and exploring the relationship between the Moon's location relative to the Earth and Sun and what it look's like from our position on Earth. Below are the assignments completed during class this week:
 
  • (8.7ABC) Earth, Moon, and Sun Cheat Sheet
  • (8.7B) Lunar Cycle Engage Activity
  • (8.7B) Lunar Cycle Explore Lab: Part 1
  • (8.7B) Lunar Cycle Explore Lab: Part 2
 
Next week we will continue learning about the Lunar Cycle by taking a more in depth look at its predictability. Students will be using their knowledge of the Lunar Cycle to predict the dates of future moon phases as well as when Spring and Neap ocean tides occur. 
 
Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that we will cover during this unit:
 
Week of 1/8 through 1/12 Newsletter
 
Welcome back, Tison Roos! What a wonderful holiday break. Between spending time with family, catching up on sleep, and setting goals for the new year, I am so excited and ready to hit the ground running in 2024! Below you will find a recap of the current week as well as a look ahead into next week. Please feel free to email me or text me through remind with any questions you may have:
 
This week in 8th grade science we began our new unit of study: Unit 4 - Earth, Moon, and Sun. We wrapped up our study of Earth's rotation on it's axis and Earth's revolution around the Sun. We learned that Earth's rotation on a tilted axis causes us to experience an unequal number of day and night hours depending on our location (Northern or Southern Hemisphere) and that Earth's revolution around the Sun on a tilted axis causes us to experience different seasons depending on our location (our location on Earth as well as Earth's location in relation to the Sun). Below are the assignments completed during class this week:
 
  • (8.7ABC) Earth, Moon, and Sun Cheat Sheet
  • (8.7A) Earth's Rotation Introduction and Closure Quiz
  • (8.7A) Earth's Revolution Introduction and Closure Quiz
  • (8.7A) Earth's Rotation and Revolution CERs
  • (8.7A) Earth's Rotation and Revolution Quick Check
  • (8.7A) Earth's Rotation and Revolution Performance Assessment
 
Next week we will begin learning about the Lunar Cycle by exploring the relationship between the Moon's location relative to the Earth and Sun and what it look's like from our position on Earth. 
 
Below are links to review quizzes for each concept that we will cover during this unit:
 
Week of 12/11 through 12/15 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we reviewed for and then took CBA #3, which covered our Force and Motion unit. We then began our end of semester project, which requires students to develop a slideshow concerning the most important aspect of Newton's three laws of motion. 
 
Next week we will be finishing our end of semester project, which is due on Tuesday, 12/19 at the end of class.
Week of 12/4 through 12/8 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we reviewed for and then took the Science MAP Test. The list of assignments completed in class this week may be found below:
 
  • Unit 1: Atoms and the Periodic Table Review
  • Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions Review
  • Unit 3: Force and Motion Review
 
Next week we will be taking CBA #3 on Wednesday. CBA #3 covers how to differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration and Newton's laws of motion. Next week's schedule, along with online review links, may be found below:
Week of 11/27 through 12/1 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we wrapped up our study of Newton's Laws by learning about the Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. We then began working on our Newton's Laws Comic Strip, which allowed students to apply each of Newton's laws to an everyday activity of their choice in comic book format. Below are the assignments completed during class this week:
 
  • Explore Lab Part 3: Newton's 3rd Law
  • Newton's Laws Comic Strip
  • Force and Motion Diagnostic
  • Periodic Table Cheat Sheet
 
Next week we will begin by studying for the Middle of the Year Science MAP Test, an academic growth measurement assessment, by reviewing one unit of study each day:
  • Monday - Unit 1 (Atoms and the Periodic Table)
  • Tuesday - Unit 2 (Chemical Formulas and Reactions)
  • Wednesday - Unit 3 (Force and Motion)
  • Thursday - Science MAP Test
  • Friday - Science MAP Test
 
Week of 11/14 through 11/17 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we took a deep dive into the 2nd law, the law of Force, Mass, and Acceleration. Newton's 2nd Law of Motion states that the acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object. Below are the assignments completed during class this week:
 
  • Newton's 1st Law Lab
  • Newton's 1st Law Quick Check
  • Newton's 2nd Law Notes
  • Newton's 2nd Law Lab
  • Newton's 2nd Law Reading
  • Newton's 2nd Law Quick Check
  • Newton's 2nd Law Flip Book
 
When we return from Thanksgiving break we will jump right back into the swing of things by taking a deep dive into Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, the law of action reaction. Newton's 3rd Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
 
Below you will find some review material that has been aligned to our upcoming unit test. I HIGHLY recommend taking these review quizzes regularly until the date of our next unit test (12/13/2023):
 
 
Week of 11/6 through 11/10 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we will launched into learning about Newton's Law of Motion by taking a deep dive into the 1st law, the law of Inertia. Newton's 1st Law of Motion states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. The following assignments were completed in class this week:
 
  • Newton's Laws Reading (Honors only)
  • Newton's Laws Engage Activity - Coin Drop Lab 
 
Next week in 8th grade science we will wrap up our coverage of Newton's 1st law of motion by taking a Quiz, and then we will begin taking a deep dive into the 2nd law, the law of Force, Mass, and Acceleration. Newton's 2nd Law of Motion states that the acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
 
Below you will find some review material that has been aligned to our upcoming unit test. I HIGHLY recommend taking these review quizzes regularly until the date of our next unit test (12/13/2023):
 
 
Week of 10/30 through 11/3 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we began learning about our latest topic, how to differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration and how to recognize different types of motion on a distance and time graph. To investigate these concepts we conducted the Graphing Motion Lab, which allowed for students to record and then graph their own motion and relate new vocabulary terms to their actions. The following assignments were completed This week:
 
  • Graphing Motion Lab
  • Graphing Motion Quiz
  • Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration Stemscopedia (Honors only)
  •  
Next week in 8th grade science we will continue studying Unit 3: Force and Motion, wrapping up learning about speed, velocity, and acceleration by taking a quiz on Monday. We will then launch into learning about Newton's Law of Motion by taking a deep dive into the 1st law, the law of Inertia. 
Week of 10/23 through 10/27 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we completed our latest new unit of study, Balanced and Unbalanced Forces. We learned how to calculate net force, the difference between a balanced and an unbalanced forces, as well as the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. We finished the week by taking our latest Unit Test, listed on Skyward as "CBA #2." For students that received a grade below a 70 on the test, please be advised that to raise the test grade, the assignment titled "CBA #2 Test Reflection" must be completed and turned in by November 7th (when the 5 day makeup grade window ends).
 
Next week in 8th grade science we will continue studying Unit 3: Force and Motion, by learning about the difference between speed, velocity, and acceleration, as well as how they are represented on a distance and time graph. 
Week of 10/16 through 10/20 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we began learning about our new unit of study, Unit 3: Balanced and Unbalanced Forces. We learned how to calculate net force, the difference between a balanced and an unbalanced forces, as well as the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. We completed the following assignments in class (all are available on google classroom):
 
  • (8.6.A) Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Engage Activity
  • (8.6.A) Net Force Doodle Notes (On level only)
  • (8.6A) Unbalanced Forces Linking Literacy (Honors only)
  • (8.6A) F = ma Mini-Lab
  • (8.6A) F = ma Practice
  • (8.6A) Net Force and F = ma Quiz (Honors only)
 
Given questions regarding my late and makeup work policies, I wanted to provide the link to my Grading and Absent Work Policies page, which states that late work and makeup work will be accepted for the maximum grade of a 70, and that students have up to 5 days after the due date to turn in late work or makeup work. 
 
Next week in 8th grade science we will wrap up Unit 3: Balanced and Unbalanced Forces. Please see the schedule below, which leads up to taking our next major assessment on Thursday, "CBA #2", which covers two most recent units of study, chemical formulas and reactions, and balanced and unbalanced forces:
  • Monday -
    • On level classes will take the "(8.6A) Net Force and F = ma Quiz" (I recommend studying the review quizzes linked below for practice)
    • Honors classes will be analyzing and evaluating net force and F = ma prompts.
  • Tuesday - All classes will review chemical formulas and reactions
  • Wednesday - All classes will review balanced and unbalanced forces
  • Thursday - All classes will take CBA #2
  • Friday - CBA #2 Test Reflection
 
For extra practice, click on any of the following links to access practice quizzes related to current science content:
Week of 10/9 through 10/13 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we completed our new unit of study, Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions, by taking one day to review how to count atoms in chemical formulas using coefficients and subscripts, and one day to review how to identify a chemical reaction using evidence. On Thursday we took the Unit 2: Chemical Formulas, Equations, and Reactions Test, with the test data reflection occurring on Friday. We completed the following assignments in class (all are available on google classroom):
 
  • (8.5D) Chemical Formulas Review
  • (8.5E) Chemical Reactions Review
  • (8.5DE) Chemical Formulas, Equations, and Reactions Test
  • (8.5DE) Chemical Formulas, Equations, and Reactions Test Data Reflection
 
Next week in 8th grade science we will begin learning about our new unit of study, Unit 3: Balanced and Unbalanced Forces. In this unit we will learn how to calculate net force, the difference between a balanced and an unbalanced forces, as well as the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. 
 
Click on any of the following links to access practice quizzes related to current science content:
 
The videos and practice quizzes from the previous unit will remain in the space below until after our upcoming 6 weeks test (which contains chemical formulas, reactions, and force questions)
 
Click on each of the links below in order to access informative videos and review quizzes for each of the concepts that we cover during Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions. The review quizzes are the same ones that we will be using in class.
 
 
Week of 10/2 through 10/6 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we completed our new unit of study, Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions, by learning about how to identify a chemical reaction using observable evidence. We completed the following assignments in class (all are available on google classroom):
 
  • (8.5E) Chemical Reactions Engage Activity
  • (8.5E) Chemical Reactions Notes
  • (8.5E) Law of Conservation of Mass Lab
  • (8.5E) "Reaction in a Bag" Lab
  • (8.5DE) Chemical Formulas and Reactions Quick Check
 
Next week in 8th grade science we will begin reviewing for the Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions Test. On Tuesday we will conduct a review over chemical formulas and on Wednesday we will conduct a review over chemical reactions. The test will take place on Thursday. 
 
Click on each of the links below in order to access informative videos and review quizzes for each of the concepts that we cover during Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions. The review quizzes are the same ones that we will be using in class.
 
 
(10/6/2023) Parent-Teacher Conference Information
 
Hello TMS parents and students!
 
As you may be aware, Friday, October 6th is Parent-Teacher Conference Day. Please be on the lookout for a phone call from me between the hours of 8am and 11am on that day. These meetings by phone will generally take no longer than 10 to 15 minutes, and the intention is to communicate one or more of the following things:
 
  • Celebrations for your child
  • Concerns for your child
  • Pave the way for optimal future communication
 
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to further clarify how Parent Teacher Conference Day will work. I am happy to do so!
 
Sincerely,
 
Everett Gibson
 
8th Grade Science
Science Department Chair
Tison Middle School
817 382 7343
Week of 9/25 through 9/29 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we began our new unit of study, Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions, by learning about how to count the number of atoms in chemical formulas using coefficients and subscripts. We completed the following assignments this week (a slideshow for each assignment may be found on google classroom):
 
  • (8.5D) Chemical Formulas Engage and Explore Activity
  • (8.5D) Chemical Formulas Stemscopedia Article Analysis
  • (8.5D) Chemical Formulas Notes
  • (8.5D) Chemical Formulas Practice
 
Next week in 8th grade science we will continue our study of unit of study, Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions, by learning about how recognize evidence of a chemical reaction. 
 
Click on each of the links below in order to access informative videos and review quizzes for each of the concepts that we cover during Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions.
 
Week of 9/18 through 9/22 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we finished Unit 1: Atoms and the Periodic Table, took our first unit test, and completed a test reflection. 
 
Next week in 8th grade science we will begin our new unit of study, Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions, by learning about how to count the number of atoms in chemical formulas using coefficients and subscripts. 
 
Click on each of the links below in order to access informative videos and review quizzes for each of the concepts that we cover during Unit 2: Chemical Formulas and Reactions.
 
Week of 9/11 through 9/15 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we learned -
  • The elements on the Periodic Table are organized in the following ways:
    • By atomic number
    • By atomic mass
    • By number of valence electrons
    • By energy shells
    • By element classification (metal, nonmetal, and metalloid)
  • Group numbers with the letter "A" represent the number of valence electrons found in atoms of every element beneath them (in the vertical columns). 
  • Period numbers represent the number of energy shells present in the electron cloud surrounding an atom's nucleus (in the horizontal rows). 
  • Group # = # of Valence Electrons and Period # = # of Energy Shells
 
We completed the following assignments in 8th grade science this week (Each assignment and corresponding slideshow may be found either in your child's science binder or on google classroom):
  1. Periodic Table Color Coding
  2. (8.5C) Periodic Table Article Analysis - Honors only notes extension
  3. (8.5C) Periodic Table Quick Check
  4. (8.5ABC) CBA #1 Atoms and the Periodic Table Review
Next week in 8th grade science...
  • Tuesday - we will use our completed CBA #1 reviews to analyze and evaluate STAAR style questions that we will see on CBA #1. It will be hugely beneficial if the review is completed before this day
  • Wednesday - We will take CBA #1 on this day. Students will be allowed to create a Periodic Table Cheat Sheet  before beginning the test.
  • Thursday - We will analyze CBA #1 data and evaluate common misconceptions that may have occurred. This day will be used as an opportunity to makeup the test grade as well.
  • Friday - Students will complete the Unit 1 Performance Assessment on this day.
 
Click on each of the links below in order to access review quizzes for each of the concepts that we cover during Unit 1: Atoms and the Periodic Table:
 
Week of 9/4 through 9/8 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we learned -
 
We completed the following assignments in 8th grade science this week (Each assignment and corresponding slideshow may be found either in your child's science binder or on google classroom):
  1. Explore Lab Parts 1-3
  2. (8.5B) Protons and Electrons Article Analysis - Honors only notes extension
Next week in 8th grade science we will take the (8.5AB) Test over atomic structure and the relationship between protons and valence electrons. We will move on to our final concept for Unit 1, wherein we break down the organization of the Periodic Table.
 
Click on each of the links below in order to access review quizzes for each of the concepts that we cover during Unit 1: Atoms and the Periodic Table:
 
Week of 8/28 through 9/1 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we learned about how to utilize the APE MAN method to calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons present within an atom by using an element tile on the periodic table. We then utilized our knowledge of atomic structure, the APE MAN method, and the 2-8-8 rule for electrons to develop accurate Bohr models of atoms. Lastly, we completed the Science MAP Growth Assessment. Be on the lookout for an update regarding the Beginning of Year MAP scores. More information to come soon!
 
We completed the following assignments in 8th grade science this week (Each assignment and corresponding slideshow may be found either in your child's science binder or on google classroom):
  1. Atomic Structure Notes and APE MAN Method Practice (Google Classroom)
    • Honors only notes extension (Google Classroom)
  2. Linking Literacy (Google Classroom)
  3. Subatomic Particle ID Chart
  4. APE MAN Quick Check (Google Classroom)
  5. Frayer Model Vocabulary
Next week in 8th grade science we will learn about how the relationship between protons and element identity and valence electrons and element reactivity, as well as how to determine those things while using the Periodic Table.
 
Click on each of the links below in order to access review quizzes for each of the concepts that we cover during Unit 1: Atoms and the Periodic Table:
 
Week of 8/21 through 8/25 Newsletter
 
This week in 8th grade science we learned about the three subatomic particles found in an atom:
Subatomic Particle Proton Neutron Electron
Charge Positive (+1) Neutral (0) Negative (-1)
Location Nucleus Nucleus Electron Cloud
Mass 1 AMU 1 AMU 1/2,000th AMU (basically 0)
Special Traits Identifies the element   Determine element reactivity
 
We completed the following assignments in 8th grade science this week (Each assignment and corresponding slideshow may be found either in your child's science binder or on google classroom):
  1. Hoop Glider Challenge
  2. Atoms Family Album
  3. Explore Student Journal (slideshow found on google classroom)
  4. Subatomic Particle Chart (slideshow found on google classroom)
  5. Atomic Structure Quick Check (quiz found on google classroom)
  6. Frayer Model Vocabulary
Next week in 8th grade science we will learn about how to calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons are present in one atom of an element using the Periodic Table and the APE MAN Method. 
Week of 8/16 through 8/18 Newsletter
 
The 2023-2024 school year is finally here and I couldn't be more excited! In order to hit the ground running and maintain a high level of success in Mr. Gibson's 8th grade science class, your child will be needing all of the following school supplies listed below:
 
  • 1.5" Binder - dedicated to science class only (1)
  • Dividers (1 pack)
  • Notebook paper (at least 200 sheets)
  • #2 Pencils (2 packs)
  • Colored Pencils (1 pack)
  • Eraser
  • Highlighters (1 pack)