Keystone Exams to be taken May 16 & 17

The 8th graders who are enrolled in Integrated Math I (Algebra), will take the Keystone Exams.

On May 16 & 17 (Periods A through D) each of the 2 modules have 23 multiple choice questions and 4 constructive response questions. Students may use a graphing or scientific calculators on this test. For more information on the Keystone Exams, please go to www.pde.state.pa.us.

Free Online Learning Class Available for Students through Stanford University starting June 17th

How to Learn Math is a free self-paced class for learners of all levels of mathematics. It combines really important information on the brain and learning with new evidence on the best ways to approach and learn math effectively. Many people have had negative experiences with math, and end up disliking math or failing. This class will give learners of math the information they need to become powerful math learners, it will correct any misconceptions they have about what math is, and it will teach them about their own potential to succeed and the strategies needed to approach math effectively. If you have had past negative experiences with math this will help change your relationship to one that is positive and powerful.

The course will feature Jo and a team of undergraduates, as well as videos of math in action - in dance, juggling, snowflakes, soccer and many other applications. It is designed with a pedagogy of active engagement. The course will open in mid June and stay open indefinitely

Spring Break Math PSSA Prep

There is a PSSA Math Preparation Test available on the google classroom for all students interested in preparing for the Math PSSAs.  For every 5 questions the student answers correctly, the student will earn 5/5 points.  Students should write down their answers on a piece of paper and submit to Ms. Costantino by April 24 for points.  

Bridges to STEM Careers Project Planned

The 8th grade team is looking for bridge engineering experts to assist with the bridge building project this spring!

More information can be found on the science website:
https://sites.google.com/a/avonworth.k12.pa.us/sci8/bridges/bridge-design-day

Welcome Mr. Casey, Math Student Teacher!

March 9, 2017

Hello parents.

My name is Matthew Casey and I have the pleasure of student teaching your child at Avonworth Middle School for the next six weeks! I plan to grow professionally throughout this placement and to allow your child to reach their maximum potential in the classroom. In the short time I have been here, I have felt like a regular member of the classroom, thanks to the children and Mrs. Costantino.

Some things about myself: I am currently in my final semester at La Roche College. I am involved in Student Government Association as the Director of Student Activities, which pertains to the club that I am president of: La Roche Activities Forum.  The club is responsible for planning a bulk of the events that happen on La Roche’s campus.  I have also been an orientation leader for the previous three years, allowing me to help people transition into their college career.

To end, I just want to let you know that this experience at Avonworth will hopefully better your child and I hope to grow along with them. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will respond as soon as I possibly can. Thank you and here is to a blessed next six weeks!

Matthew Casey

You can contact Mr. Casey by emailing Mrs. Costantino (mcostantino-poruben@avonworth.k12.pa.us). 

Math Tutoring After School

NOTICE:

Starting next week, December 8, math tutoring will be moved to Thursdays after school from 3-4PM. 

Layered Curriculum in Math Class

We started our Layered Curriculum in Graphing Linear Equations today (12/1/16) in math. Students will work with their assigned groups through the layers. See the linked document for all assignments through Dec 19.

Math Layered Curriculum 

Save the date! Middle School Engineering Day at Univ. of Pitt SWE

This event is not sponsored by Avonworth School District.

Is this science or math class?

The students in the eighth grade are participating in a series of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities in their math and science classes. First we are working through Ramp It!, which is an investigation into principles of motion. Student teams in the different science classes are independently investigating what happens to an object as it rolls down a ramp. As the unit unfolds, students learn about classical physics problems and some of the history behind so many of the discoveries of the 17th century. They are then applying those principles to everyday problems using scientific investigation.

This unit is also exploring the "gamification" of the math and science classrooms. Students will have opportunities for enrichment or review as needed. Students can earn digital badges for completing certain activities. Read more on the science website.

How Do They Grow?

Many parents ask why we start the year out with the Patterns Unit in math class.  Many parents remember their elementary math students using very similar problems.  Using patterns provides an engaging way to strengthen algebraic reasoning skills and structural algebra.  This week, we will finish this unit with a problem solving lab titled Stacking Cups.  Read more about the benefits of using patterns in the classroom! 

Patterns using stacking cups. 

Keystone Exams to be taken Next Week!

The 8th graders who are enrolled in Integrated Math I (Algebra), will take the Keystone Exams.

On May 17 & 19 (Periods A through D) each of the 2 modules have 23 multiple choice questions and 4 constructive response questions. Students may use a graphing or scientific calculators on this test. For more information on the Keystone Exams, please go to www.pde.state.pa.us.

IM1 Students to take Keystone Exams in May

Mark your calendars!  The 8th graders who are enrolled in Integrated Math I (Algebra), will take the Keystone Exams the week of May 16.  For more information on the keystone exams, please go to www.pde.state.pa.us or see the page on the AMS Grade 8 Blog.

Math News

In math, we just finished up our unit in graphing linear equations.  This is a very important topic in the Pre-algebra and Algebra class.  Our adventure in linear equations will continue in Algebra with systems of equations in November and Inequalities in December.  Pre-Algebra will move into their number sense unit, beginning with exponents and scientific notation.   This unit will continue through mid-December.  

There is currently a study island assignment that is due November 13th.  The assignment is a great review of our unit in graphing linear equations, reinforcing many topics completed in the past 6 weeks.  All students are encouraged to do at least 10 questions to earn at least a 60% overall grade.

Is this math or science class? It's both!

The students in the eighth grade are participating in a series of STEM, also known as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, activities in their math and science classes. First we are working through Ramp It Up!, which is an investigation into Newton's principles of motion. Student teams in the different science classes are independently investigating what happens to an object as it rolls down a ramp. As the unit unfolds, students learn about classical physics problems and some of the history behind so many of the discoveries of the 17^th century. They are then applying those principles to everyday problems using scientific investigation.

Students working on the Ramp It Up! activity in a combined math and science class. 

2015-2016 Back-to-School Supply List

Textbook Return

Science books are past due.

Math books are due tomorrow.

Reading & English books are due June 2. 

Civics textbooks will be collected on June 4.  Replacement cost for a lost textbook is: $70.47

Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

Math Textbook Return

Math IM1 Textbooks to be Returned May 29

Read about more end of the year information from the Grade 8 Blog.

REMINDER: Math PSSA Test

Read more about Grade 8 PSSA testing here.

PSSA TESTING:

April  20  -22   - Math (Mon., Tues., & Wed.)

April  27 & 28  - Science (8th grade) (Mon., & Tues.)

ELECTRONIC DEVICE NOTICE:

Testing regulations prohibit the use of all electronic devices, including Kindles, Nooks, iPads or other electronic readers during testing times. If you are currently reading a book on an electronic reader, please make the necessary arrangements to find your novel at the library in the old fashioned book form. All cell phones, pagers, portable listening or recording devices, or any device with photographic capability must remain at home or in your locker.

The school will not assume any responsibility for electronics stored in lockers, so it best for students to leave them at home. 

Calculators Needed for Math PSSA

   

Students will be responsible for bringing their own calculator to the testing sessions.  Available calculators are limited!  Please speak to your student about what they will use during our 3 days of math testing.  Students are not permitted to use the calculator feature of their phones. Calculators will be collected by PSSA proctors for their use on April 20-22.  

Calculators may be Used on the Math PSSA

PSSA Math Test:

Students will be responsible for bringing their own calculator to the testing sessions.  Available calculators are limited!  Please speak to your student about what they will use during our 3 days of math testing.  Students are not permitted to use the calculator feature of their phones. Calculators will be collected by PSSA proctors for their use on April 21-23.