Monday, October 31, 2011

One's own thought is one's world. What a person thinks is what he becomes.
Maitri Upanishads


Language Arts: Today we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of varying levels of intelligence. We also began reading our next short story, "Flowers for Algernon".

HW: None; Expository Essays were due TODAY

Math 8: Today we corrected "Combining Like Terms" HW. Jeopardy review on integer rules and algebraic expressions (including 1 and 2 step equations)

HW: None

Algebra: Today we finished group walk-a-thon posters in class and briefly discussed finding patterns between tables, graphs and equations when defining if a linear relationship is present

HW: No new HW, transfer any HW/notes to math spiral if not done already.

Social Studies: Today we played a game to help practice and review for the US Physical Map test next Tuesday, Nov. 8.

HW: Please bring a book, 2 pencils with an eraser, and a calculator to social studies Tuesday and Wednesday for the ACT test (non-Cognitive for all students will happen in Soc St and Cognitive testing will happen with all students in their 6th period classroom).

Science: Today we watched "Frankenweenie" by Tim Burton. We applied the components of Science Inquiry and wrote a hypothesis.

HW: Finish worksheet if not done in class. Here is the worksheet.

Friday, October 28, 2011

When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free. Charles Evans Hughes

Language Arts: Today we continued working on LIST 3 vocabulary by finishing Cornell notes on the chapter and beginning to summarize a section on "Eclipses".

HW: The third draft and Step 8 Assessment/Reflection are due on MONDAY, 10/31. Students are expected to turn in ALL drafts and Step 8 together.

Math 8:Today we finished distributive property posters from yesterday if not completed. Student were given class time to work on distribution worksheets (#11-14) as well as completing "Combining Like Terms"

HW: Complete Combining Like Terms worksheet (yellow sheet)

Algebra: Today we discussed dependent vs. independent variables and how they are related to identifying linear relationships in a table and graph. Students then worked in their groups from yesterday to complete a poster line graph including each group member's walking rate on the same coordinate axes.

HW: MSA pgs 6-7
1.1 B (use individual walking rate)
1.2 B (using group walking rates)

Social Studies: Today we listened to the Declaratio0n of Independence be read to us as we followed along. We looked at the different parts of the declaration and discussed who the men were that wrote and passed it.

HW: Optional: Review and study your US physical map for the test on November 8

Science: Today we identified how the tilt of Earth's axis creates seasons as influenced by direct and indirect sunlight.

HW: Finish worksheet, "Determining Hours of Daylight." This should take no more than 10 minutes. Have a great weekend.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” Dr. Seuss

Math:

Algebra

Today we checked out our new textbook entitled "Moving Straight Ahead", student were asked to store their Algebra textbooks in their lockers until we use them again. We started a "walkathon lab" where students timed how long it takes them to walk 25 meters in order to find their walking rate (R=D/T). We used this information to begin filling out a data table for each member of their group (included their own)

HW: Complete data table for their group

Math 8

Today we did an partner activity on the distributive property of equality, involving making a poster with both an algebraic and visual solution.

HW: Distributive property worksheet #'s 1-5

Language Arts:
Today we worked on vocabulary #3 and Cornell notes #3 while in class.

HW: Continue to work on your final draft of narrative paper.

Science:
Today we watched a video, "Journey to the End of the Universe," and filled out a KWL worksheet.

HW: None

Social Studies:
Today we continued our discussion on Natural Rights and how it applied to the Colonists and King George III of England. We took some notes and will add the Declaration of Independence tomorrow.

HW: study for the US Physical map test November 8

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

If you choose not to decide - you still have made a choice.
Neil Peart


Language Arts: Today we began building background knowledge for our upcoming short story, "Flowers for Algernon". Students read an article on multiple intelligences and practiced taking Cornell Notes in the format they are to use for tomorrow's upcoming opportunity in "Word Meaning" a.k.a. Vocabulary.

HW: The third draft and Step 8 Assessment/Reflection is due on MONDAY, 10/31. Students are expected to turn in ALL drafts and Step 8 together.

Math 8: Today we took our first quiz on "Solving 1 &2 step equations". After students were finished we reviewed the associative and commutative properties and continued work on the distributive property and organizing our spirals.

HW: NONE

Algebra: Today we took our first quiz on "Transforming Formulas". Students were asked to turn in their Algebra workbooks, as we will begin to graph linear equations. As an introduction, students were asked to copy a uniformed graph that is labeled appropriately as well as complete a preliminary vocabulary crossword.

HW: Complete vocabulary crossword

Social Studies: Today we watched a short video on Human Rights and discussed their significance globally and locally.

HW: 2-3 paragraph answer to the three questions on the back of the handout

Science: Today we defined key terms related to our study of the Earth/Sun/Moon System

HW: None!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. ~Albert Einstein

Algebra:
Today we studied for the quiz tomorrow on "Transforming Literal Equations". Students worked together in groups to correct last night's HW and make sure that ALL students in their groups was able to complete the assignment. Students were also given the option to work on Challenge Questions if finished with group review.

HW: Study for test. Students can use textbook as reference (pgs . 184-186), as well as any assignment assigned in class.

Math 8:
Today we completed a mock quiz covering one and two step equations as preparation for the quiz tomorrow on the same subject. We also reviewed properties of equality, reciprocals and like terms

HW: Finish Mock Quiz (study for test)

Language Arts: Today we reviewed our Reading Response 3 assignment, which was due today. Students had an opportunity to revise and/or re-write their responses if they needed or wanted to.

HW: The third (and final) draft of students' essay is due on Monday, 10/31.
*Note- There is one more piece (Step 8 of the Writers' Workshop process) that students will be introduced to TOMORROW and will also need to be submitted along with the 3rd draft on Monday.

Science: Today we had a lesson on how to take the ACT test.

HW: None

Social Studies: CHANGE OF TEST DATE: US Physical Map test is NOW November 8th. In social studies we reviewed some ways to study for the physical map test. Students who needed to make up the Road to Revolution test were given time in class to do so.

HW: none


Monday, October 24, 2011

He who stops being better stops being good.
Oliver Cromwell


Language Arts: Today we reviewd and discussed our progress reports.

HW: Reading Response 3 (Tell-Tale Heart) is due tomorrow!

Math 8: Today we took a practice quiz on solving simple equations including justifying each step of the process. We also worked on a mock quiz on solving 1 & 2 step equations (including checking your solution)

HW: Mock quiz (check solutions!)

Algebra: Today we those who had not yet passed "Operations with Fractions and Decimals" at a proficient level were given a 3rd opportunity to

HW: Workbook 3.8

Social Studies: Today we took the Road to Revolution short answer section of the test.

HW: None

Science: Today we used a reading guide to learn about stars, star formation, and the Hertzspring-Russell Diagram (H-R Diagram).

HW: Finish the worksheet on the H-R Diagram. This should take no more than 20 minutes.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Everything has got a moral if you can only find it.
Lewis Carroll


Language Arts: Today we continued work on our expository essays through editing, revising, and drafting.

HW: Periods 1, 6, and 7- 2nd drafts that have been revised and edited will be checked on Monday; be sure to bring your revised and edited essays to class. If students have not finished revising and editing, it is homework. **Please note: students who strongly desire to (and are capable of) typing their final drafts at home MUST save an electronic copy saved to their email or a thumb drive so they can work on it at school as well.
Period 8- 2nd drafts that have been revised will be checked on Monday. If students didn't finish revising in class, it is homework.

Math 8: Today we self corrected the quiz from Tuesday as a class and turned in HW from Thursday

HW: None

Algebra: Today we went over selected answers from HW and allowed for class time to finish/ask questions about the assignment. Students that were able to finish the HW were given an opportunity to practice out of their workbooks

HW: Homework from Thursday is extended over the weekend

Social Studies: Today we took the multiple choice part of the Road to Revolution test. Monday will be the short answer part.

HW: Review Sunday night for the short answer part of the test.

Science: Today we took a tour of the universe by looking at objects in space.

HW: Not a bit. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast. A wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.
Buddha


Language Arts: Today we continued revising our expository personal essays. Some students even began the editing process!

HW: Finish making revisions to your second draft. You DO NOT need to complete the editing of your paper.

Math 8: Today we continued solving one-step and two step equations, answering individual questions from students

HW: solving linear equation "maze" worksheet.

Algebra: Today we completed a guided practice on lesson 3.8 in class and continued work on rewriting and solving equation solving.

HW: Lesson 3.8 from textbook:
regular: pg187-188 #s 1, 2, 4, 6, 8-10, 12-18 (even), 20-30
challenge: pg187-188 #s 1, 7, 8, 16-31, 34-37
**remember to use your resources! (classzone.com, equation checklist, notes, parents, read instructions, etc)

Social Studies: Today we reviewed for the test tomorrow. Road to Revolution multiple choice part of the test is Friday and short answer section is Monday.

HW: review for test. No notes will be allowed on any section of the test.

Science: Today we learned how the Solar System may have originated according to the Accretion Theory. We made models of early space and conducted a procedure to illustrate accretion.

HW: Finish the lab questions if not done in class. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

How far that little candle throws his beams. So shines a good deed in a weary world.
William Shakespeare

Language Arts: Today we worked on completing the second draft of our expository essays and began the editing process.

HW: Students who do not come to class or leave class with their second draft completed, should get it done at home tonight! Also, Reading Response 2 on "The Monkey's Paw" is due by tomorrow.

Math 8: Today we: allowed 15 minutes to finish quiz from yesterday for those who could not finish within the period. We also answered questions on last night's HW and added a "justification" piece. Much of what we are covering on this particular lesson was covered in 7th grade as well.

HW: Finish filling out the justification worksheet started in class, also continue with Tuesday's homework if not finished. Use your tools and read directions!

Algebra: Today we: self corrected quizzes from yesterday in class. We began lesson 3.8 in our textbook, "Rewriting Formulas", but did not have much time to start HW in class. Students were given a choice on whether to try the regular (A) assignment or the "challenge" (B) version.

HW: Rewriting Formula worksheet A or B
A - "23rd Century Wristwatch"
B - "what to do with a dry lawn"

Social Studies: Today we took a note quiz to check how complete notes were after working on the notes for the past three days. The students then read about the start of the American Revolution and answered three questions.

HW: Study and review notes on the Road to Revolution. Test is Friday!!

Science: Today we learned about The Big Bang Theory, Galaxies, and Stars. We read a passage and highlighted what we thought were the important parts. We then answered questions about the reading and wrote a reflection on how well we highlighted the right parts of the text, or if we highlighted too much.

HW: Finish the questions and reflection if not done in class. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.
Seneca


Language Arts: Today we worked on Reading Response 3, which is based on "The Tell-Tale Heart".

HW: Reading Response 2 on "Monkey's Paw" will be accepted through Thursday. Students will also need to be sure to bring their expository essay draft(s) to class tomorrow.

Math 8: Today we had our second opportunity to show proficiency in "Interpret/Analyze Data" and our third opportunity show proficiency in "Translate Linear Functions"

HW: pg. 54, 3.4 A -D (show all steps, use equation checklist)

Algebra: Today we had our first opportunity to show proficiency in "Solving Linear Equations"

HW: Ratio Activity

Social Studies: Today we worked on completing the Road to Revolution chart. Ms. Linahan went around to tables to look at how students were progressing from last night three events. The handout should be completed for class tomorrow.

HW: Complete all ten events on the Road to Revolution chart.

Science: Today we watched a short video called "Power of Ten" to prepare us for our study of a light year. We read a short piece on what a light year is, and then we started our Summary paragraph. Click here for the reading.

HW: Finish the summary paragraph.

Monday, October 17, 2011

I am only one; but still I am one. I may not be able to do everything, but still I can do something.
Helen Keller

Language Arts: Today we discussed what a Reading Response (a.k.a. Literary Analysis) that is PROFICIENT in its organization and ideas/content looks like.

HW: Reading Response 2 on "The Monkey's Paw" will be accepted through Thursday, 10/20. Students should use feedback and discussion from today to revise their responses.

Math 8:Today we completed and reviewed practice quiz (started last Friday and given as HW over the weekend) to prepare for quiz tomorrow. Study pgs 34-37 ACE problems 5-10 (you can do any 2 problems you choose) as review

HW: Study!

Algebra: Today we did a Jeopardy review on integers, real #'s, and solving equations to prepare for the quiz tomorrow

HW: Study for quiz on solving equations. Can study pg 197 #'s 1-24 as review.

Social Studies: Today we worked on completing the next three events on the Road to Revolution chart. The first six events should be completed by tomorrow's class.

HW: Review the first 6 events. Road to Revolution test is this Friday. Also, DATE CHANGE: U.S. Physical map test has been changed by one day. It will now be given on Nov. 1, as I found out late Thursday that the ACT Test is going to be given Nov. 2.

Science: Today we looked scale models and walked through a scale model of our solar system. We had to calculate distance between the planets, and we had to compare and contrast scale models.

HW: Finish today's questions if you don't finish in class. This homework should take no more than ten minutes.

***NOTE: Tomorrow will be the last day I accept ANY missing work from the Density Unit.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

A reminder that there is no school on Friday, October 14th. It is a Staff Development day.

Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs.
Malcolm Stevenson Forbes


Language Arts: Today we began working on the second draft of our personal expository essays using feedback received from peer and teacher conferencing.

HW: Work on the second draft of your essay; it is due on Tuesday. Students who had not completed their pre-write OR a first draft should work on these first! I will not accept a second draft unless I have seen your pre-write and have completed a conference for your first draft.
**NOTE: 8th period Language Arts will not be working on their second draft over the weekend as they did not receive their essays back. 8th period students will receive an extension on this assignment.

Math 8: Today we took a practice quiz for a 3rd opportunity on Translating Linear Equations and a 2nd opportunity on Interpret/Analyze Data.

HW: finish practice quiz

Algebra: Today we explored the website www.classzone.com for useful interactive study material at home. The site is sponsored by our textbook's publisher and is free to all students. Students were given specific targets to work on based on their first two tests and current subject matter.

HW: explore www.classzone.com further as review

Social Studies: Today we started the Road to Revolution Cause and Effect matrix. In class we completed the first three events that led to war.

HW: Enjoy the long weekend! No HW

Science: Today we took a pre-assessment on Astronomy. We will take the same assessment at the end of the unit to measure our growth and learning. We also received "informal" progress reports to let us know what our mail-home progress report may look like. If work was turned in late, it may not be graded and posted yet.

HW: Look through binder and find any papers that don't have a grade on them. Finish and turn in on Monday.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.
Claudia Alta Taylor Johnson


Language Arts: Today we finished our reading of "The Tell-Tale Heart". Some classes had time to revisit the key literary elements in the story in addition to practicing using context clues.

HW: Reading Response 2 (based on "Monkey's Paw") is due tomorrow but will be accepted through next week.

Math 8: Today we reviewed the concept of "properties of equalities" and used a "checklist" to aid us in solving one-step equations

HW: Property of equality worksheet - need to show work, label property used and check solution

Algebra: Today we reviewed Mock Quiz from Tuesday and returned both test (yellow) and retake test (blue). Students were asked to identify missed problems and work on the correct answers (given in class or written on test). Students were allowed to take their tests home with them to supplement tonight's HW.

HW: On separate sheet of paper, the students are to rewrite/correct any problems missed on their retake (blue) test as well as from their mock quiz. SHOW ALL WORK

Social Studies: Today we took new vocabulary and put it into our own words that will be used during the Road to Revolution assignment.

HW: Scan and skim pages 132-139 in the textbook. Look for the ten events I placed on the board.

Science: Today we took a Density Assessment.

HW: None

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The world is but a canvas to the imagination.
Henry David Thoreau


Language Arts: Today we continued using context clues with "The Tell-Tale Heart".

HW: Reading Response 2 (based on "The Monkey's Paw") is due Thursday. Students who are unsure how to complete the assignment are welcome to a lunch study session tomorrow focusing on this assignment.

Math 8: Today we reviewed order of operations (PEMDAS) to prepare us for solving equalities

HW: Finish order of operations worksheet "Karate Pig"

Algebra: Today we took practice quiz on "Solving Equations with Variables". Reviewed solving equation with fractions as a class, continued with mini conferences regarding retakes from last week.

HW: finish worksheet "Solving Equations with Fractions"

Social Studies: Today we took a quick assessment on Life in the Colonies (about yesterday's topic) and then looked at Colonial Williamsburg, VA via a PowerPoint slide show.

HW: none

Science: Today we redid our graphs and answered the questions to our labs.

HW: Study for tomorrow's Density Assessment

Monday, October 10, 2011

The vast majority of human beings dislike and even dread all notions with which they are not familiar. Hence it comes about that at their first appearance innovators have always been decided as fools and madmen.
Aldous Huxley

Language Arts: Today we started reading Edgar Allan Poe's Tell-Tale Heart. We discussed context clues and what they are. We will use this strategy during the time we read Tell-Tale Heart.

HW: no homework

Math 8: Today we reviewed homework from the weekend and continued working on Exploring Equalities.

HW: Finish worksheet started in class (MSA pg #5-8). Must show work on diagram, solve algebraically and check solution.

Algebra: Today we reviewed lesson 3.4 and held mini conferences to discuss retake tests from last week.

HW: Complete worksheet, "What is the Advantage of Buying a Magnetic Bulletin Board?"

Social Studies: Today we went over Friday's homework and compared the three colonial regions.

HW: review handouts for quiz tomorrow

Science: Today we found the mass and volume of our second liquids. We are to graph our data from both liquids and then answer questions.

HW: Because there is a substitute today, there will be no homework. We will discuss our findings with VBerg once she's back at school.

Friday, October 7, 2011

No great thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.
Epictetus

Language Arts: Today we learned about how we could use our Cornell notes to create and organize a summary for a given section of text.

HW: Today, List #2 definition and Cornell Notes were due. These won't be accepted late. No homework over the weekend.

Math 8: Today we had a shortened period due to and assembly. Began lesson 3.2 "Exploring Equalities". Worked as a class on lab sheet 3.2 as a class.

HW: finish lab sheet 3.3

Algebra: Today we had a shortened period due to and assembly. We began lesson 3.4, "Solving equations with variables on both sides". Worked with partners in class to complete worksheet.

HW: Algebra TEXTBOOK, pg 157, #7-13 (odds) and #15-29 (odds)

Social Studies: Today in social studies we read about life in the 13 colonies. We answered a couple of questions and filled in a graphic organizer. It was turned in before class was dismissed.

HW: none

Science: Today we measured the mass and volume of a liquid. We had to use different volumes and measure the liquid at least five times. Monday we will measure the second liquid.

HW: None - Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

When you make the finding yourself - even if you're the last person on Earth to see the light - you'll never forget it.
Carl Sagan


Language Arts: Today we practiced identifying literary devices and explaining their effect. We used passages from "The Monkey's Paw".

HW : **PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*** The only assignment due tomorrow is the Vocabulary work (definition sheet and Cornell notes). This was extended from the original due date of Wednesday. Also, Reading Response 2 IS NOT due tomorrow. I will give students a new due date for RR2 next week.

Math 8: Today we finished our partner activity dealing with tables, graphs, equations and real world situations. Students presented their final drafts to the class in their groups.

HW: none

Algebra: Today we self corrected last night's HW and redid the ones that were missed. Students worked with partners or staff to fix/analyze mistakes and work to correct them. This did not allow for class instruction, so there is no new HW tonight.

HW: none

Social Studies: Today in social studies we looked at some new vocabulary for the colonies. Also, we played a Phys. Features map review game.

HW: none

Science: Today we compared the densities of different substances and decided which would sink and which would float. We then moved on to writing a procedure about how Archimedes found the density of a king's crown.

HW: Finish the worksheet which can be found here and here.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson



Algebra
Today we did an overview on Lesson 3.3, "solving multi-step equations", including a partner activity in which the students were asked to justify their step when solving equations, which included a checklist as to which mathematical tools are at our disposal.

HW: MDL wrkbk, pg 34 all, pg 35 evens

Math 8
Today we corrected HW and worked on a group activity focusing on taking information and translating it between tables, graphs, equation and real world situations

HW: No HW

Language Arts:
Today we finished our reading of and notes on "The Monkey's Paw". Students were also introduced to their Reading Response 2 assignment based on this story.

HW: Students have received an extension on their "Vocabulary" assignment (which had a definition sheet and Cornell notes). This Vocabulary work is now due Friday. Reading Response 2 is also due Friday.

Science:
Today we watched Bill Nye and learned more about density and buoyancy.

HW: Work on your Density Puzzlers. They are due Thursday (tomorrow).

Social Studies:
Today we took a quiz on the 13 Colonies and graded it in class.

HW: study and complete the US physical features map, test is Nov. 2nd

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

All grand thoughts come from the heart.
Vauvenargues


Language Arts: Today we began reading a short story, "The Monkey's Paw." Along with reading, students took notes on key ideas and literary elements.

HW: Completed definitions AND Cornell notes for list #2 will be due and marked off for completion on Wednesday.

Math 8: Today we corrected lesson 2.3 (A) together in class and started 2.3 B in class

HW: Finish 2.3 B (MSA pg 29)

Algebra: Today we had our second opportunity to reach proficiency (retake test) on first learning target. On Monday, there was a substitute and some mix-up as to which test to complete. Math Spirals were handed back to students and we addressed some of the student concerns with their reflections. Students who were able to finish the test with time left in class were to preview lesson 3.3. There was no time to go over the lesson in class, we will start fresh tomorrow.

HW: None, except to preview Lesson 3.3 if they were not able to in class.

Social Studies: Today we reviewed what went wrong on the 13 Colonies assessment. It will be given again on Wednesday. TODAY I handed out the US Physical map. Class time was given to locate and label the specific features.

HW: review homework for the 13 colonies assessment tomorrow

Science: Today we reviewed density and decided which two density problems to explain in pictures and writing.

HW: None unless you're missing work. All missing assignments for the density unit must be turned in by next Wednesday, or they will not be accepted.

Monday, October 3, 2011

In life you can never be too kind or too fair. Everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with.
Brian Tracy


Language Arts: Today we reviewed and reworked our Reading Response 1 assignment to make sure we turned in our best work possible. Also, we had time to continue the work that was started on Friday with "Vocabulary through Informational Text Study".

HW: Students needed to resubmit their Reading Response 1 today. No homework for tomorrow.

Math 8: Today we all retook our Math assessments from last week. The higher score will be counted.

HW: None

Algebra: Today we all retook our Math assessments from last week. The higher score will be counted.

HW: None

Social Studies: Today we reviewed about the three colonial regions. There was an in class assessment, notes were allowed to be used. Lastly, the physical map of the United States was assigned. Students were given in class time to start finding, and labeling, their study map. Test map will be announced soon!

HW: complete map of Physical Features in the US by tomorrow

Science: Today we discovered and explained the relationship between density and slope for a set of like objects. We then graphed the results and answered questions on the worksheet.

HW: Finish Density and Slope Set worksheet/lab.