Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thursday, September 30 (B Day)

Science: Lab Re-Do's were returned. Began planning "How Fast Am I" lab, click here for the lab planner. 1st & 5th hour will be collecting data tomorrow, so any supplies that students need must be brought to school with them tomorrow. 4th & 6th  hours will collect data on Wednesday, October 6 (F Day). Unit 1 quiz is Monday, October 4.

Geometry: 2.1 Notes (inductive reasoning). 2.1 worksheet is homework. 2.1-2.4 quiz will be Thursday, October 7.

Pre-Algebra: Students worked on a practice test. Finish for homework. Test on Monday.

Algebra 1: Hours 2, 4, 5. Correct 2.4 HW, Begin 2.6 Assignment: 2.6 p. 106, 5, 7, 11, 15, 17, 19, 25, 31, 35, 39, 45, 53

Social Studies: Students received homework grades, checked 2.2 guided reading and read 2.3 in class. 2.3 paragraphs (see questions below) are due Monday. What was the Columbian Exchange? In your answer be sure to include items exchanged as well as the effect of the exchange on both “worlds” involved. Why were Africans brought to the "New World"? In your answer be sure to explain the process by which Africans arrived (i.e. What led to African slavery? How did Africans arrive? and what was the effect of slavery on the African people?). C day current events are due tomorrow.

LA- I returned students writing process quiz and their compare/contrast paper. We went over and discussed both the quiz and paper. We continued discussing our poetry unit. They answered the IB question "How do words create emotions?"  Students were introduced to Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks.  Students learned about feeling poems and how to write one. Homework: write their own feeling poem

Art 7/8: Continuation of "Name in a Circle ." Color family introduction. Students begin coloring circles with their choice of 2 color families.


Advanced Art grade 8: Students are working on still life #2 and "Shattered Values."

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wednesday, September 2 (A Day)

Science: Power-point notes on section 1.3. Speed problems are homework. Students must use the problem solving boxes and at least TRY each problem by filling out the left side of the box.

Geometry: Hexagon Train Task (problem solving methods). Tests were returned, the class had a 92% average! 2.1 notes are homework.

Pre-Algebra: We worked on scatter plots and graphing fun pictures with coordinate grids.  Homework- finish your graph picture. Chapter test on Monday.

Algebra: Hours 2, 4, and 5 Checked 2.3 Took quiz over 2.1-2.2. Notes on 2.4. Worked on assignment 2.4 p. 91, 3, 9, 13, 17, 19-23, 29, 31, 33, 37, 39, 41, 45, 51, 54

Social Studies: Students checked atlas and 2.1 review, turned in homework folders, were introduced to 2.2 and worked on 2.2 guided reading in class. Homework is to complete 2.2 review. Current events due "C" and "F" days.

LA - Students shared their "feeling poems" with the class. Today they learned about Cinquain's and Clerihews.  They also answered the IB question "How do Words Create Emotions?" 1. adjectives, 2. imagery, 3. figurative language, 4. punctuation and font. HW: write your own Cinquain and Clerihew

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tuesday, September 28 (F Day)

Science (4th & 6th Hour): We practiced  using the Ladder method  for conversions of metric units. Jigsaw notes pages 13-16. Lab Re-do's are due tomorrow for ALL classes!

Geometry: Took the chapter 1 test. 2.2 notes are homework.

Algebra 1 Hours 2 and 4: 2.3 p. 82, 3-13 odd, 17-25 odd, 29, 33, 37, 43, 44. Studied for tomorrow's quiz over sections 2.1 and 2.2


LA (Hours 2, 4 & 6) - students finished the reading strategies for the MEAP. New unit starts tomorrow which is Poetry. Homework - reading their accelerated reading books.

Social Studies: Students shared current events, finished atlas work and continued to work on 2.1 in class. Homework folders are due tomorrow.

Technology: Students began the Moodle run portion of Careers/Tech. Each was to Review the information in the "Start Me" Module; "Getting Along in Cyberspace - Netiquette", and post an appropriate response to the Forum; "Rules of the e-Road". http://moodle.oakland.k12.mi.us/berkley/

Art 7/8: All sketch books should be turned in for grading at this time. We have now started "My Name in a Circle" project. Students are incorporating their name with the elements and principles of design into a 9" diameter circle.


Advanced Art grade 8: Students continue "Shattered Values" assignment. We are now past the "shattering" and adding value to our pictures. A few students still have not brought portfolios. Please get those here as soon as possible!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Monday, September 27 (E Day)

Science: Went over Scientific Processes homework. Investigation 1B- Energy & Systems as a class. Lab Re-do's are due on Wednesday.

Geometry: Went over practice test. Chapter review (page 60-63 odds) is homework. Test #1 tomorrow!

Pre-Algebra: We took notes on the coordinate plane, lesson 1.8. Homework-worksheet 1.8, # 1-18.

Algebra 1: (Hour 2 and 4) 2.2 p. 77, 3-23 odd, 26-31, 33, 37, 41, 43, 53. (Hour 5) 2.3 p. 82, 3-13 odd, 17-25 odd, 29, 33, 37, 43, 44. Quiz over 2.1 and 2.4 Wednesday for all Algebra courses.


Social Studies: Students completed atlas work and began to read and work 2.1 in the text. Homework is to complete 2.1 worksheet and finish current events if I see you on "F" days.

LA - students took their writing process quiz and we checked it in class. We then continued with our reading strategies for the MEAP.  Wednesday we will start our Poetry Unit. Homework - reading their accelerated books

Friday, September 24, 2010

Friday, September 24 (D-Day)

Science: Completed lab 1-A practicing collecting time data on the track. Labs were also passed back, lab re-do's are due on Wednesday, September 29.

Geometry: Worked on the Chapter 1 Practice Test. Practice test is homework. Chapter 1 test is Tuesday, September 28.

Algebra: Hour 2 and 4 (2.1 p. 67, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 21, 29, 33, 35, 43, 45, 47, 49, 53). Hour 5 (2.2 p. 77, 3-23 odd, 26-31, 33, 37, 41, 43, 53).  Passed back 1.1, 1.2, 2.7 Quiz.

Pre-Algebra: We took notes on lesson 1.7 (multiplying and dividing integers). Homework- worksheet 1.7 odds only.

LA - Students continued with MEAP reading strategies. They answered relevant questions and discussed them in class. We also discussed how to answer multiple choice questions as well. Homework: Study for the writing process quiz for Monday. Students should be reading their accelerated reading books.

Social Studies: Students checked 1.3 and took notes on an exploration video in class. No homework. Homework folders are due Wednesday.

Choir:  concert dates are as follows for the Intermediate Girls Choir, Advanced Girls Choir and Boys Choir.

Thursday, December 16 at BHS, 7:30 pm & Wednesday, May 4 at BHS, 7:30 pm

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thursday, September 23 (C Day)

Science (1st & 3rd Hour): We practiced  using the Ladder method  for conversions of metric units. Jigsaw notes pages 13-16. Scientific process homework is due tomorrow (see yesterday's post for a link to the worksheet).

Pre-Algebra: We went over lesson 1.6 (subtracting integers). Homework- worksheet 1.6, evens only.

LA  (3rd Hour)- Today students practiced reading strategies for the MEAP. They read certain selections and answered questions relevant to the reading. Monday 9/27 students will be taking their "writing process" quiz. Homework: reading their Accelerated Reading book.

Social Studies: Students shared current events and completed atlas work in class. 1.3 section assessment is due tomorrow.

Advanced Art grade 8: Students have transferred drawings onto larger grid. Today we will "shatter" them by adding line. Then onto adding value.


Art 7/8: Collaged sketch books due today and tomorrow!

Technology Periods 1,3,5: Students received their first assessment worth 4 points.  Attached is the Crossword and Rubric that is to be turned in with their printed Buzzwords Database.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Wednesday, September 22 (B Day)

Science: Continued working on Investigation 1A, getting to know the timers and tracks. Scientific Process worksheet is homework (due Friday).

Geometry: 1.7 notes (perimeter, area & circumfrence). 1.7 worksheet is homework. Chapter 1 test is Tuesday, September 28.

Pre-Algebra: Today we finished notes on lesson 1.5 (adding integers). Homework-worksheet 1.5 all (they did have time to work in class).

Algebra: Discussed section 1.4 and answered all questions. Moved to section 1.5 Pg 31 #s 3,4,5,8,9,21

LA - students handed in their final draft of the "Writing Process." We went down to the media center to take the Accelerated Summer Reading Quiz. Student's had to choose a new book for the semester. Homework - none.

Social Studies: Students checked 1.2 cultures chart and read 1.3 aloud in class. Homework is to complete 1.3 section assessment (p. 43). Current events are due "C" and "F" days.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tuesday, September 21 (A Day)

Science: Investigation 1A (using the CPO timers and photogates).

Geometry: 1.6 notes (Classify Polygons). 1.6 worksheet is homework.

Pre-Algebra: We took a quiz on lesson 1.1 - 1.4. We started notes on lesson 1.5. No homework.

LA - Student's continued with the writing process "proofreading and publishing."  Accelerated Reader quiz will be tomorrow 9/22. (Summer reading books). Homework: finish final drafts.

Social Studies: Students completed a group read and took notes on 1.1 in class. In addition, students were introduced to 1.2 and began to work on a cultures chart for 1.2.  Homework is to finish reading 1.2 and complete the cultures chart for tomorrow. Current events are due "C" and "F" days.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Monday, September 20 (F Day)

International Day of Peace Celebration

Science (Hours 4 & 6): "Get to know your Science Book" activity, students also choose either a traditional textbook or E-Book to bring home. These books should stay AT HOME please. We also began our first jigsaw notes.

Geometry: Took the 1.1-1.4 quiz and took notes on 1.5 (Angle Pair relationships). 1.5 worksheet is homework. Chapter 1 test is Tuesday, September 28.

ALGEBRA Hours 2 and 4. 1.3 p. 18, 1-29 odd, 31, 33. Took quiz over 1.1, 1.2, 2.7


Social Studies: Students shared current events, were introduced to the "meeting of the three worlds," and completed atlas work in class. Homework is to complete the reading from chapter 1.1.

LA - Students were to have completed their rough drafts for today. They then did peer conferencing and started on their next draft. This applies to only hours 2,4,6 since today was an F day. Homework - Finish draft #2

Technology - Assessment on the Buzzwords Database will be given on Either "C" Thursday, or "D" Friday - which ever day is my next meeting with students.  All students have their database completed and should have a hard copy in their Technology Folder on Assessment Day.

8th grade band practice cards will begin on Tuesday and will be due each "A" day.  Band handbook contracts need to be signed and returned to Mr. Bosma by Thursday.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Friday, September 17 (E Day)

Science: Peer reviewed the "Candy Coated Lab", click here for rubric. Final draft is due Tuesday, September 21.

Geometry: 1.4 Notes (Classify and Measure Angles). 1.4 worksheet is homework. 1.1-1.4 quiz on Monday.

Algebra: Hour 2 & 4: 2.7 p. 113, 3-21 odd, 35, 59, 41. Hour 5: 1.3 p. 18, 1-29 odd, 31, 33. The quiz over 1.1-2.7 will be next Monday for hours 2 & 4, and Tuesday for hour 5

Pre-Algebra: We went over last nights homework. We took a practice quiz on lessons 1.1 - 1.4. We also reviewed for the quiz. Quiz on Tuesday 9-21.

Social Studies: In honor of Constitution Day, students explored the document via text, video and song. Homework is to share what you have learned with your parents this weekend.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Thursday, September 16 (D Day)

Science: Students wrote rough drafts of the "Candy Coated Lab". Rough drafts must be ready for tomorrow's peer review.

Geometry: Midpoint activity and 1.3 notes (midpoint and distance formula). 1.3 worksheet is homework. 1.1-1.4 quiz on Monday.

Pre-Algebra: We went over lesson 1.4 on integers, absolute value, and opposites. Homework- worksheet 1.4, #1,2, and 5 - 30.

Algebra: Hours 2 and 4 begin 1.2, Assignment: p. 10, 1-29 odd, 35. Hour 5, start 2.7: p. 113, 3-21 odd, 35, 59, 41 MEAP Review opener.

LA - Hours 3,5, continued with the writing process. They are writing their rough drafts and they should be completed for tomorrow's assignment. Hours 2,4,6, - finished the "Lost at Sea" activity and then took notes on the writing process.  Homework for only hours 3,5 - rough drafts are due tomorrow.


Art 7/8: Continue creating collaged sketchbook.


Advanced Art grade 8: Continue first still life drawing. Begin "Shattered Values" drawing assignment. Demonstration of grid transfer process continued.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Wednesday, September 15 (C Day)

MYP Curriculum Night 7:15-8:30

Science (1st & 5th Hour): "Get to know your Science Book" activity, students also choose either a traditional textbook or E-Book to bring home. These books should stay AT HOME please. We also began our first jigsaw notes.

Pre-Algebra: We went over order of operations. Homework-worksheet 1.3, # 1 - 9, 12 - 17 (try not to use calculators).

Algebra 1: Correct/Discuss 1.1. Begin 1.2, Assignment: p. 10, 1-29 odd, 35. TI Graphing Intro

LA(3rd Hour): Finished our "Lost at Sea" activity and then moved on to MEAP practice. Today we took notes and discussed the writing process. Homework - none

Social Studies: Students shared current events, discussed exploration and completed atlas work in class. No homework from today, but geography handbook questions from yesterday are due tomorrow.

8th Grade Tech - Practices and Expectations signature sheet is due by Thursday, Sept 23rd.  Students began their TechMom's Buzzwords Database and will continue working due Next C day. 

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Tuesday, September 14 (B Day)

Science: Worked on graphs, data analysis, conclusions & critique reflections for the "Candy Coated" lab.

Geometry: 1.2 notes (segment congruence) in class, 1.2 worksheet is homework.

Algebra: Finished Shapes of Algebra Project. Started 1.1, Assignment: p. 5 #s 1, 3, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25, 27, 39, 41, 49, 51. Signed syllabus due Thursday

Pre-Algebra: We took notes on lesson 1.2. Homework- worksheet 1.2, # 1-6, 18, 21 - 28.

Social Studies: Students checked K.W.L, were introduced to current event expectations and began to work on the geography handbook questions on p. 20 of the textbook. Current event expectations and geography handbook questions are due Thursday (D Day).

LA - Students completed their summer writing prompt; "Compare and contrast your summer reading books." Students worked on an "icebreaker" - Lost at Sea. Students ranked the importance of the survival items they salvaged from best to worst then broke out into groups to decide as a team what is the most important to least important. Tomorrow we will discuss who survived in their life raft according to the US Coastguard. ;-) Homework - none

Art 7/8 grade: Continue organizing collage items for sketchbook. May still bring collage items from home.

Advanced Art grade 8: Sketch books and portfolios still needed from some students. Please get sketch books as soon as possible. Beginning advanced study of "value." Students are working on "value" grids incorporating "texture."

Monday, September 13, 2010

Monday, September 13 (A Day)

Science: Collected data for the "Candy Coated" Lab. Students were also provided with research information. We will continue working on this lab for the remainder of the week and will do our first peer review on Friday.

Geometry: Today we began our study of geometry with an introductory activity and the 1.1 notes. 1.1 worksheet is homework. 1.1-1.4 quiz Monday, September 20.

Pre-Algebra: We did MEAP review. We took notes on lesson 1.1. Homework-Worksheet 1.1 # 1-25.

Language Arts: LA- Students took the Botel Word Opposites test today. They also started their summer writing prompt which was, "Compare and contrast your two summer reading books." Homework - none

Social Studies: Students reviewed notes and were introduced to textbooks in class today. Homework is to complete the K.W.L worksheet distributed in class today.

ART 7/8: If students forgot their collage items for their themed sketchbook today....PLEASE remember tomorrow! We will start designing sketch books today.
Advanced Art grade 8: If students forgot sketch books and portfolios today....please remember for tomorrow. The sketchbook is needed right away since we will be starting still life drawings today.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Wednesday, September 8

Science: Introduced the "Candy Coated Lab". Students wrote the purpose, hypothesis and methods section for this lab.  We will begin data collection on Monday.

Geometry: Introduced logic and reason with the "Comic Proof". Students were also assigned books.

Pre-Algebra-We did Getting to Know You. Due Monday.

Language Arts -  "Ice Breaker" activities involving adjectives and compound words. Classroom writing assignment: "What do you want Ms. Klein to know about you." Homework - bring signed syllabus. Up and coming: Student will take their summer reading book quiz on Tuesday Sept. 14th.

Advanced Art 8th grade 3rd hr: Remember your sketchbook and portfolio for Monday.


Art 8 2nd, 4th and 5th hrs: Remember to pick your theme and bring collage items from home for your sketchbook cover. Refer to the list I passed out for collage item ideas.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Tuesday, September 7

Science (Mrs. Petersen): Today in science we went over the course syllabus and general expectations for class. The syllabus must be signed and returned by Tuesday, September 14. Please click here for a copy of the syllabus.

Geometry (Mrs. Petersen):  Today in geometry we went over the course syllabus and general expectations for class. The syllabus should be signed and returned by Wednesday, September 8. Please click here for a copy of the syllabus.

LA (Ms. Klein) - We went over the syllabus and expectations of my class. Homework - return the syllabus with student and parent signature by Monday. Click here for a copy of the syllabus.

Social Studies (Mr. Lyskawa): It was a pleasure meeting all students & it is going to be a great year.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Welcome Back!

Welcome to the 8th Grade Blog for Norup International School! Posts are made daily for each core academic area as well as for many elective courses and often contain attachments to homework assignments and handouts. Check back often for other important information, such as details on 8th grade events.
-The 8th Grade Team
Mrs. Petersen
Ms. Klein
Mr. Lyskawa
Mr. Payton
Mrs. Burroughs
Mrs. Kennedy