Weekly outline

  • General

    Welcome to a new and exciting year in Science. My name is Dani DiPietro and I am your 8th grade science teacher for this school year. Attached is a copy of the Science Informational letter about 8th Grade. Please be sure a copy is signed and attached in your lab notebook. If you have lost this, reprint a new one and attach it in your lab notebook!

  • 14 March - 20 March

    1. Due Tuesday, March 15th - Look up!!!! This homework will be done at night, approximately same time, approximately the same place (if possible), every night. I want you to spot the moon each night at around the same time (30 minute window). Either write a few sentences about what you see and where it is located or include a picture of what the moon looks like, but please have this someplace you can turn it in from and use in future classes (lab notebook, google doc, word doc, etc).

    2. Due Tuesday, March 15th - APOD #1 - be sure to read the directions carefully and do not cut-and-paste your answers - that is plagiarism!!!! A link to the site is below!

    3. Due Friday, March 18th -
    1. Label the four following places in pencil on your seasons drawing we started in class - summer solstice, winter solstice, autumnal equinox and vernal equinox. Make educated guesses!
    2. How many divisions of NASA are there and where are they located?
    3. What does the ESA stand for, where is it located and what countries are involved in it?

  • 21 March - 27 March

    1. Due Tuesday, March 22nd @ 8am via email - APOD #2 - be sure to read the directions carefully and do not cut-and-paste your answers - that is plagiarism!!!! A link to the site is below! The example we went over in class is also linked below, as is the rubric and directions for this assignment.

    2. Due Thursday, March 24th - go to TED (www.ted.com) and watch any Astronomy-related presentation of your choice (Earth, Universe, constellations, dark matter, etc.). Send me an email with the name of the presenter, the title of their talk and five things you learned from their presentation (paragraph form or complete sentences). Please also let me know if you feel they are a good or not so good presenter and why you feel that way. I do not care if people watch the same presenter, but I would like everyone to do their own homework! This is due by class time!

    3. Due Thursday, March 24th - please answer the following questions:
    • How many Apollo missions were there to the moon?
    • How many men officially walked on the moon?
    4. Due Friday, March 25th @ 1600 - Last blog comment for the third quarter! Keep in mid if you need to do one for the seventh grade blog or the eighth grade blog.

  • 28 March - 3 April

    1. Due Tuesday, March 29th @ 8am - APOD #3. Be sure to email it on time to Ms. D.

    2. Due Tuesday, March 29th - Phases and Eclipses Lab (you can turn it in early if you want to!) Be sure to follow all directions and look through the rubric before turning it in! Remember we do NOT have class, so be sure to drop this off sometime today!

    3. Due Thursday, March 31st by class - Your reflection post to the blog -
    • Remember to label it with your name, Reflection Post and 3rd Quarter
    • Tell me how you feel you improved as a scribe writer and what you feel you need to do to improve even further for the last quarter
    • Tell me the benefits of using a class blog are and what you do not like about this project
    • Lastly, I would like you to email the link of the blog to one person outside of this school community (no parents, siblings if they are at AISZ or friends at AISZ or anyone already following the blog) for them to show them what you are working on in science - please CC me on this email so I know you did it!

    • 4 April - 10 April

      Bring in your money for the Planetarium/Planet Walk Field Trip by Wednesday, April 6th - 25 kuna!

      Field Trip on Thursday, April 7th - bring money for lunch!

      No APOD Due this week!

      Celestial body Teaching Project Information:

      What to Turn In and When:

      § Visual Presentation (Due date of presentation - starting Tuesday, April 12th!)

      § Typed set of notes for the class when you present (can be emailed or printed & turned in) Due Monday, April 11th @ 8am– we do not have class this day!

      § Typed five (5) questions about your celestial body for the test we will be having, including a copy of answers to your questions! Emailed & Due Tuesday, April 12th!

      § Typed copy of your bibliography – Emailed & Due Tuesday, April 12th!

    • 11 April - 17 April

      1. Due Monday. April 11th - email your Celestial body Teaching Project note sheet to Ms. D. by 8am. This is a homework assignment. Please be sure to do this even though we do not have class this day! It's VERY important!

      2. Due Tuesday, April 12th @ 8am - APOD #4. This APOD can come from any date of 2011 & 2010. If you have any questions or would like to turn in a rough draft of your work, please do do by Monday, April 11th so we can talk about it during lunch on Monday.

      3. Due Tuesday, April 12 - by class time - email Ms. D. the copy of your bibliography (APA format!) and your test questions & answers! Please be sure I get these on time.

      4. BLOG - You must do a scribe post about your particular Celestial Body. The post will be due the class after you present. It is ONLY on your presentation, not anyone else's. Present Tuesday - post by Thursday; present Thursday - post by Monday; present Friday - post by Tuesday. Be sure to read through the rubric for what I am looking for in your post!
      Celestial Body Teaching Starts this week!
      Blogging for the start of the fourth quarter - directions & rubric below!
      Due dates for scribe posts to keep in mind (due in the morning):
      Viktor - Thursday, April 14th
      Sophie - Thursday, April 14th
      Terez - Monday, April 18th
      Reza - Monday, April 18th
      Fabi - Monday, April 18th
      Dan -
      Val -
      Noam -
      Ms. D.

      Blog Comment Dates to keep in mind: Due at 4pm (1600)
      Friday, April 15th (must be a comment to 8th grade)
      Friday, May 6th
      Friday, May 20th
      Tuesday, May 31st

      Reflection Post for 4th Quarter - Due Tuesday May 31st by 4pm (1600) - this may be written after you have done your Scribe Post and have gotten some comments from others or Ms. D.

      Reflection post must focus on the following things:
      *How do you feel you have improved as a blogger over the past year or two?
      *How do you feel blogs contribute to learning for a class in school?
      *What else do you think a blog could be used for?
      *How has blogging helped your overall writing?
      *How has blogging helped your commenting to others about their writing?
      *What is the most important thing you have learned from blogging?
      **** Don't forget to label your post with your name, Reflection Post, 4th Quarter!****

    • 18 April - 24 April

      1. Due Tuesday, April 12th - APOD #5. Remember, your picture can come from 2009, 2010 or 2011, any date! This is due at 8 am.

      2. Blogging for the fourth quarter - directions & rubric below!
      Due dates for scribe posts to keep in mind (due in the morning):

      Val - Thursday, April 22nd
      Ms. D. - Thursday, April 22nd
      Cip - Thursday, April 22nd
      Gio - Tuesday, May 3rd
      Antonia - Tuesday, May 3rd
      Calvin - Tuesday, May 3rd
      Noam - Thursday, May 5th
      Iva -
      Vance -
      Bryce -

      Blog Comment Dates to keep in mind: Due at 4pm (1600)
      Friday, May 6th
      Friday, May 20th
      Tuesday, May 31st

      Reflection Post for 4th Quarter - Due Tuesday May 31st by 4pm (1600) - this may be written after you have done your Scribe Post and have gotten some comments from others or Ms. D.

      Reflection post must focus on the following things:
      *How do you feel you have improved as a blogger over the past year or two?
      *How do you feel blogs contribute to learning for a class in school?
      *What else do you think a blog could be used for?
      *How has blogging helped your overall writing?
      *How has blogging helped your commenting to others about their writing?
      *What is the most important thing you have learned from blogging?
      **** Don't forget to label your post with your name, Reflection Post, 4th Quarter!****

      • 25 April - 1 May

        smile NO HOMEWORK! ENJOY SPRING BREAK!!! big grin

        • 2 May - 8 May

          No APOD Due this week.

          1. Blogging for the fourth quarter - directions & rubric below!
          Due dates for scribe posts to keep in mind (due in the morning):

          Gio - Tuesday, May 3rd
          Antonia - Tuesday, May 3rd
          Calvin - Tuesday, May 3rd
          Noam - Thursday, May 5th
          Iva - Thursday, May 5th
          Vance - Monday, May 9th
          Bryce - Monday, May 9th

          Blog Comment Dates to keep in mind: Due at 4pm (1600)
          Friday, May 6th
          Friday, May 20th
          Tuesday, May 31st

          Reflection Post for 4th Quarter - Due Tuesday May 31st by 4pm (1600) - this may be written after you have done your Scribe Post and have gotten some comments from others or Ms. D.

          Reflection post must focus on the following things:
          *How do you feel you have improved as a blogger over the past year or two?
          *How do you feel blogs contribute to learning for a class in school?
          *What else do you think a blog could be used for?
          *How has blogging helped your overall writing?
          *How has blogging helped your commenting to others about their writing?
          *What is the most important thing you have learned from blogging?
          **** Don't forget to label your post with your name, Reflection Post, 4th Quarter!****

          2. Blog Comment #2 is due by 1600 (4pm) on Friday, May 6th. You may comment to either the 7th grade or 8th grade blog.Remember to include criticisms, compliments and comments to their science writing! Be specific with your science aspect of the comment.

          OPEN NOTE TEST IS ON TUESDAY, MAY 10TH! We will review in class on Thursday, May 5th!

          ***EXTRA CREDIT: Find the planets in Zagreb. If you use the link provided below you will find pictures and maps for finding Saturn, Neptune, Uranus & Pluto's plaque (dwarf planet is still missing). You must take a picture of yourself + the planet as proof you were there - cell phone, digital camera - and these must be shown to me. 1st Planet = 1 pt., 2nd Planet = 2 pts., 3rd Planet = 3 pts., 4th Planet = 4 pts. If you find them all they are worth 10 extra credit points for the fourth quarter. These pictures must be presented to Ms. D. by 3pm (1500) on Friday, May 13th - you have two weeks to find them!

        • 9 May - 15 May

          OPEN NOTE TEST IS ON TUESDAY, MAY 10TH! If necessary there will be a review session during lunch on Monday, May 9th! Please come to the review with questions you have about the test!

          1. APOD 6 !!!! Due Tuesday, May 10th @ 8am. This picture choice can come from 2000 - 2011. Be sure to follow all directions for this assignment. Next week is the last one!

          2. Blogging for the fourth quarter - directions & rubric below!
          Due dates for scribe posts to keep in mind (due in the morning):

          Vance - Monday, May 9th
          Bryce - Monday, May 9th

          3. Due Friday, May 13th - email Ms. D. questions you have about Astronomy that you would like answered. We will discuss life cycles of stars and constellations in class. Let me know what else you would like to discuss.

           4. Reflection Post for 4th Quarter - Due Tuesday May 31st by 4pm (1600) - this may be written after you have done your Scribe Post and have gotten some comments from others or Ms. D.

          Reflection post must focus on the following things:
           *How do you feel you have improved as a blogger over the past year or two?
          *How do you feel blogs contribute to learning for a class in school?
          *What else do you think a blog could be used for?
          *How has blogging helped your overall writing?
          *How has blogging helped your commenting to others about their writing?
          *What is the most important thing you have learned from blogging?
          **** Don't forget to label your post with your name, Reflection Post, 4th Quarter!****

          ***EXTRA CREDIT: Find the planets in Zagreb. If you use the link provided below you will find pictures and maps for finding Saturn, Neptune, Uranus & Pluto's plaque (dwarf planet is still missing). You must take a picture of yourself + the planet as proof you were there - cell phone, digital camera - and these must be shown to me. 1st Planet = 1 pt., 2nd Planet = 2 pts., 3rd Planet = 3 pts., 4th Planet = 4 pts. If you find them all they are worth 10 extra credit points for the fourth quarter. These pictures must be presented to Ms. D. by 3pm (1500) on Friday, May 13th - Good Luck!

        • 16 May - 22 May

          Rough Drafts of Speeches for teachers due - Friday, May 27th!
          Please email them!

          1. LAST APOD! Due Tuesday, May 17th @ 8am. This picture choice can come from ANY DATE on the website. Pick a good one!

          2. Blog Comment #3 is due by 1600 (4pm) on Friday, May20th. You may comment to either the 7th grade or 8th grade blog.Remember to include criticisms, compliments and comments to their science writing! Be specific with your science aspect of the comment. (Keep in mind all of you will be on the Switzerland trip - do this before you leave!)

          Reflection Post for 4th Quarter - Due Tuesday May 31st by 4pm (1600) - this may be written after you have done your Scribe Post and have gotten some comments from others or Ms. D.

          Reflection post must focus on the following things:
           *How do you feel you have improved as a blogger over the past year or two?
          *How do you feel blogs contribute to learning for a class in school?
          *What else do you think a blog could be used for?
          *How has blogging helped your overall writing?
          *How has blogging helped your commenting to others about their writing?
          *What is the most important thing you have learned from blogging?
          **** Don't forget to label your post with your name, Reflection Post, 4th Quarter!****

          Constellation Project - Written part needs to be in the Public Folder for 8th Grade by Thursday, May 26th by 8am. Please be sure to save it with your name (\\Server\student public folder\Gr. 8\Science Constellation Projects ). Artistic part needs to be turned in by class on Thursday, May 26th. Directions, constellation list and rubric for Ms. D. is below.

          • 23 May - 29 May

            Rough Drafts of Speeches for teachers due - Friday, May 27th!
            Please email them!
            1. Due Thursday, May 26th - Constellation Project - Written part needs to be emailed to Ms. D. and in the Public Folder for 8th Grade by Thursday, May 26th by 8am. Please be sure to save it with your name in:
            \\Server\student public folder\Gr. 8\Science Constellation Projects

            Artistic part needs to be turned in by class on Thursday, May 26th. Directions, constellation list and rubric for Ms. D. is below.

            Reflection Post for 4th Quarter - Due Tuesday May 31st by 4pm (1600) - this may be written after you have done your Scribe Post and have gotten some comments from others or Ms. D.

            Reflection post must focus on the following things:
             *How do you feel you have improved as a blogger over the past year or two?
            *How do you feel blogs contribute to learning for a class in school?
            *What else do you think a blog could be used for?
            *How has blogging helped your overall writing?
            *How has blogging helped your commenting to others about their writing?
            *What is the most important thing you have learned from blogging?
            **** Don't forget to label your post with your name, Reflection Post, 4th Quarter!****

          • 30 May - 5 June

            1. Due Tuesday, May 31st - LAST Blog comment for the year! Be careful about doing it for the correct grade. please talk with me if you do not know who you can write the comment to.

            2. Due Tuesday May 31st by 4pm (1600) - Reflection Post for 4th Quarter!

            Reflection post must focus on the following things:
             *How do you feel you have improved as a blogger over the past year or two?
            *How do you feel blogs contribute to learning for a class in school?
            *What else do you think a blog could be used for?
            *How has blogging helped your overall writing?
            *How has blogging helped your commenting to others about their writing?
            *What is the most important thing you have learned from blogging?
            **** Don't forget to label your post with your name, Reflection Post, 4th Quarter!****

            3. Due Wednesday, June 1st - Final Teacher Speeches - emailed to Ms. D. by 3pm (1500). Thanks!

            Tuesday, May 31st - Review in class for Final Exam on Astronomy information!

            FINAL EXAM - THURSDAY, JUNE 2ND - 1ST EXAM OF DAY!

          • 6 June - 12 June

            Monday, June 6th - 8th Grade Promotional Dinner - 1900-2130 (7pm - 9:30pm)
            30 kuna due to Ms. D. for Observatory Trip tomorrow!

            Tuesday, June 7th - Observatory Trip - leave school at 2pm (1400). Make sure to have money for pizza dinner. We will return after midnight!

            Wednesday, June 8th - NO SCHOOL!!!!!

            Thursday, June 9th - Samobor Pool Party - 8am - 3pm (800 - 1500). Make sure to bring a towel and change of dry clothes. There is a beach volleyball court, soccer field, pool, basketball court, and a snack bar with food available. Bring your own packed lunch or money to buy lunch at the snack bar!

            Friday, June 10th - LAST DAY OF MIDDLE SCHOOL FOREVER!!!! Noon dismissal!
            cool Have a terrific summer and good luck in life! big grin