2/24/2009

Dear Parent or Guardian,

            In conjunction with receiving a MAC grant for hands-on science labs at Ingomar Middle School, the eighth grade science students will be instructed in radiation and in particular radon detection.  A guest speaker (Lung Health Manager) from the American Lung Association will speak on radon and the packet's usage. Part of the project is to have Ingomar science students actually monitor radon levels in their homes.  Students will bring home a radon packet type (donated by the EPA) to monitor for radon gas (inert gas that sticks to the surface of charcoal).  The radon packet/canisters will be placed in the lowest lived in level or as close as possible for four days.  Students will then immediately bring in the sealed radon packet the day the exposure ends to class to be mailed. 
             The kits will be mailed from school (no charge) to the Air Check Agency that will give the activity of radon in the air (www.Radon.com). See my web site at http://scied.net/MiniProjects/Radiation.htm  for more information. It will take about four days to test and then about the same number of days to receive the results.

             In an attempt to encourage all eighth grade students’ participation, no individual reports (We only use the numerical values) will be utilized outside the classroom setting.  The values will only be used to study the amounts and average in our western Pennsylvanian area. This activity in conjunction with other radiation topics during the year will lead to more exploration and inquiry.           

            If any parents or guardians would like more information or have more questions please feel free to contact us.                                                                      Sincerely yours,   

                                                                                                            Berchman Grinage & John Schaefers

I.M.S. Science Dept.
412- 348- 1470
Fax 366- 4487
jschaefers@northallegheny.org

      I have read the above requirements for my child’s science project and will agree to cooperate in assuring that s (he) completes it as assigned by the due date.

      _____________________             _____________________   ___/___/___

       Parent Signature                  Parent Signature         Date

            (Please return at your earliest convenience.) Thank you!!

PLEASE CIRCLE PERIOD & WRITE TEST KIT NUMBER.

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      Name of Science Student          Period                Test Kit Serial #