Can any of you convert cubic-inches to gallons in your head? I didn’t think so. Can any of you convert liters to milliliters in your head? Yes, you all can! Metric conversions are actually very simple; you just need to learn the steps.

If you’re wondering you far 4 km is in meters, it’s a pretty simple conversion. First, find the starting point (kilometers are on the top step of the ladder). Second, count how many jumps downward are required to get to meters (three). And lastly, move the decimal to the right three times, just like your movement down the ladder. The answer? 4 km = 4000 meters.

This trick works with any metric conversion within the same family of units. You can convert meters to kilometers, or centimeters to millimeters. You can’t, however, convert meters to grams. That would be silly 😉

September 8 – Metric Ladder (pg103)
September 8 – Converting Units (pg104)

Today marked the first day of our review of The Metric System (also known as Standard International Units). Students were outside in the courtyard practicing the measurement of various things: their partner’s height, the width of a blade of grass, the volume of the entire courtyard, etc.

Of course, as the students quickly found out, different things require different units. You wouldn’t use meters to measure the width of blade of grass any more than you would use inches to measure the depth of the ocean. Part of being a good scientist is being able to choose the best units to use. Obviously this comes with practice; there are no rules about when to use grams vs. milligrams or centimeters vs. meters. Those decisions are made based on experience.

September 3 – The Meter (pg102)

Today wasn’t anyone’s favorite science class, but at least we got it out of the way. Students were randomly given one of the three 8th grade Trimester Exams and took them as a pre-test. Having a third of the cluster take each test is enough to compute a solid average to measure student growth. We won’t be able to see exactly how much each student improved in each subject area, but we will be able to track the group’s growth as a whole as the year progresses. And by doing it this way, we only lose one day of teaching, as opposed to three.

It was good to get the pre-tests over with; we won’t have anymore for the rest of the year. Tomorrow we will begin our study of the Metric System.

Welcome to Mr. A’s 8th Grade Science class and what promises to be an amazing year. Today in class, students were introduced to the various topics we will be studying in addition to the expectations for behavior and grading. For class, students are required to bring a three ring binder, paper and pencils, and a scientific calculator (when needed). Full explanations are on the Course Syllabus, below.

The last note I will make is about the course website. And you’re already here, so thanks for visiting! The website is where I post daily updates, pictures, and videos of all of our classroom experiences. It’s a great resource for parents and students to keep track of all of the lessons and assignments. Please make a habit of checking it often, like right now. Good job 🙂

September 1 – Course Syllabus (pg101)

Thank you all for a great year. This has been my favorite year of teaching so far. And most of that was because of all of you. It is rare to have such kind, focused students. And I’m afraid you have all spoiled me.

Today’s class marked the end of the year, and the end of our “Applying for Jobs” project. The winners are listed below. Have a happy summer, everyone!

Naval Engineer – Jeremy Curto
Doctor – Jamie Apgar
Forensic Chemist – Domenic DeSantes
Maritime Navigator – Ben Greer
NASA Aerospace Engineer – Kayley Stack
Evolutionary Biologist – Maddie Moeykens
Environmental Scientist – Nora Tracey

Today students finished their Applying for Jobs projects. Their resumes and cover letters were due today (Wednesday) at the end of the school day, unless arrangements were made to stay after. The reason for such a strict deadline is that today, around 4:00pm, I will be forwarding the resumes to our real world experts, who will decide who to “hire.” Winners will be announced tomorrow. Best of luck to everyone.

Today students were back in the library working on their resumes. After choosing which of the seven jobs they were going to apply for, each student was in charge of writing a resume and cover letter specific to their chosen career. Job applications must be submitted via email by the end of the school day on Wednesday. At that point, their work will be graded (by me), and their resumes will be sent to our real world experts, who will choose which applicants to “hire.” The winners will be announced on Thursday.