September 10, 2008
Dear Parents,
As mentioned at the Open House, we are beginning preparations for our Science Fair projects. Students have received a booklet of information that contains requirements and they are broken down into smaller assignments so that students will not be overwhelmed or wait until the last minute.
On September 5, students went to the computer lab to research possible topics. Many were successful in finding ideas that interested them. There are also about 25 books in my classroom that students were encouraged to borrow and look through. This Friday, September 12th, I have asked students to give me their topic and the investigative question. In the weeks following they will be expected to form a hypothesis, list materials and begin figuring out how they will carry out their investigations (Procedure). I have required that they also get the "OK" from you on their choice of their project so that if you see problems with it, you can advise them on how to change or modify it. I have encouraged them to find an idea that does not require specialized equipment. Most of those chosen last week used household items or simple items we have in our science lab that they can borrow. The value of this assignment is in the process of completing all the parts.
It is important that they carry out an experiment, with at least three separate trials. They will need to keep track of their data for the final presentations. I will have a couple of disposable cameras with which to take pictures if needed for their presentations. Our goal is to have them completed and ready to present and display during Catholic Schools Week at the end of January.
Though we can do some of the written and display work in school, the actual experimentation portion will need to be done at home and data accurately recorded.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email or call and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your help and cooperation with this project.
Mrs. Keller
Grades 7 & 8 Science Teacher
Back to the 8th Grade Web Page
Back to the St. Lawrence Home Page