Thursday, May 28

Science:  Created mnemonic devices to remember the electromagnetic spectrum. Quest is tomorrow!

Geometry: Investigated volume of pyramids and cones. Homework is practice 10.2, 10.3 & 10.4.

RR Math: Students were given their test back today and their new homework packet that will be due 6/5/15. JG-E2020. Teal group- finish week 4 day 1 and 2 workbook pages for tomorrow. Red Group-Finish week 4 day 1 and 2 workbook pages for Wednesday.

RR ELA: Read daily. No new log this week! Turn in late logs.

Humanities: Students reviewed 19.2 and worked on 19.3 in class. Attached is a study guide for our chapter 19 test on Monday. Homework for the weekend is to study for the test.

ELA - Students handed in their take home quiz for Grammar Chapter 5. Students began their last project - a personal Credo in their "I Believe" Writer's Workshop. We discussed personal values and thought about what common values mean and which ones are important to each of us. Homework: Values and READ

Technology - With the internet down for most of the hour we discussed our last project and then worked on typing.com. Homework - email a picture of self to Mrs. Kennedy (face shot with minimal background) vkennedy@berkleyschools.org

Pre-Algebra: Today we learned how to write equations for parallel and perpendicular lines. The homework is 8.6, 1-14 all. Notes and homework are available at http://norupstein.weebly.com/pre-algebra-notes-and-homework .

Wednesday, May 27

 Final Exam Schedule 

• Friday, May 29: Spanish II Writing
• Monday, June 1: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Tuesday, June 2: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Wednesday, June 3: Algebra & Chinese Listening
• Thursday, June 4: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading, Algebra & Science
• Friday, June 5: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading & Geometry

Science: Investigation with diffraction glasses to observe what colors are present when viewing varying colors of light and the laser.

Geometry: Began discussing volume by analyzing cross-sections of three dimensional figures. Homework is the cross-section practice.

RR ELA: Read daily. No new log today. Turn in late logs.

RR Math: Test today. Turn in late homework that was not turned in today. JG-E2020

Humanities: Students checked 19.1 and began to work on 19.2 in class. Homework is to complete 19.2 free choice. Chapter 19 test will be on Monday.

Pre-Algebra: Today, we looked at how to create slope-intercept equations with the y-intercept and slope given, as well as when two points, one being the y-intercept, given. The notes and homework are available at http://norupstein.weebly.com/pre-algebra-notes-and-homework as well as the answers to yesterday's homework.

ELA - Students finished their study of modifiers with Grammar Chapter 5, Lessons 5 & 6. Each was given a take home quiz due tomorrow, students may use their packet to help clarify any questions. Homework: Grammar Quiz & READ (AR quizzes due June 5th)

Technology - Students were given the hour to catch up on their keyboarding, we will begin our final project in Photoshop when we are able to get back into the lab (M-STEP).

Algebra: We took a partner test today. Review assignment due on Friday

Tuesday, May 26

Tentative Final Exam Schedule 

• Friday, May 29: Spanish II Writing
• Monday, June 1: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Tuesday, June 2: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Wednesday, June 3: Algebra & Chinese Listening
• Thursday, June 4: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading, Algebra & Science
• Friday, June 5: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading & Geometry

Science: Completed our notes on Light & The Electromagnetic Spectrum. Quest is Friday!

Geometry: Linear & Area sectors of circles pop-group quiz.

Humanities: Students reviewed chapter 18 and were introduced to 19.1 of the text in class. Homework is to complete chapter 19.1 free choice. There will be a chapter 19 test on Monday, June 1.

RR ELA: Turn in late logs. Read daily. No new log this week- BUT read :)

RR Math: Test tomorrow and homework packet due tomorrow. Red group finish day 4 for tomorrow. JG-E2020.

ELA - Students continued their study of modifiers with Grammar Chapter 5, Lessons 3 & 4. Tomorrow we will complete the packet and students will take home their quiz to be completed for homework, students may use their packet to help clarify any questions. Homework: Grammar & READ (AR quizzes due June 5th)

Technology - Students were given the hour to catch up on their keyboarding, we will begin our final project in Photoshop when we are able to get back into the lab (M-STEP).

Algebra: Partner Test on chapter 13 tomorrow

Pre-Algebra: Today students learned slope-intercept form. The homework is 1-18 all due tomorrow.

Thursday, May 21

Tentative Final Exam Schedule 

• Friday, May 29: Spanish II Writing
• Monday, June 1: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Tuesday, June 2: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Wednesday, June 3: Algebra & Chinese Listening
• Thursday, June 4: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading, Algebra & Science
• Friday, June 5: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading & Geometry

Science: Took notes on the index of refraction to go with the investigation students completed yesterday. Homework is the refraction practice (due Tuesday). 

Geometry: Continued our discovery of how sectors of circles relate to circle length and area measurements. Homework is the circle linear & area review. 

RR ELA: Logs are due Tuesday. Read daily. 5 log responses will be due after the long weekend.

RR Math: Work on math packets that are due 5/27 (same day as your test.) JG-E2020. Red group, finish day 3 and 4 workbook pages if you did not in class.

Humanities: Students took the chapter 17 test in class today. No homework.

Algebra: 13.7 (#1, 4 and 8)

ELA - students continued their Grammar Study with 5.3 Other Words Used as Adjectives. Journals are due on Tuesday, May 26th with 50 entries for the 4th Card Marking. Homework: READ!

Technology - Students continued to work on their keyboarding and finished up their family budget evaluations. We will begin Photoshop when we return from the long weekend.

Wednesday, May 20

Tentative Final Exam Schedule 

• Friday, May 29: Spanish II Writing
• Monday, June 1: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Tuesday, June 2: Spanish II & Chinese Speaking
• Wednesday, June 3: Algebra & Chinese Listening
• Thursday, June 4: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading, Algebra & Geometry
• Friday, June 5: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading & Science

Science: Refraction investigation. Light & Electromagnetic Spectrum Quest is Friday, May 29.

Geometry: Went over the Unit 8 test, students interested in re-taking must do so by Thursday, May 29. We then began a mini-unit on length & area sectors of circles. Homework is the 1st two pages of practice. 

Humanities: Students had a second day of review for our test tomorrow. Homework is to study for our chapter 17 test.

RR Math: JG-E2020, Red and teal group work on packets due 5/27. Test 5/27.

RR ELA: Reading logs are due Tuesday- 5 days!

Algebra: We learned about Mean Absolute Deviation. No homework.

ELA - Students began their final Grammar Unit: Unit 5 Adjectives and Adverbs. We worked on Lessons 1 & 2 today and will move on through the packet tomorrow. Homework: Grammar 5.1-2, READ, Journal #4.49

Technology - due to M-STEP we were in the Media Center today, along with Elementary students. I had students work on other classwork and/or their keyboarding on TypingWeb.com. It will most likely be the same tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 19

Tentative Final Exam Schedule 

• Monday, June 1: Chinese Speaking
• Tuesday, June 2: Chinese Speaking
• Wednesday, June 3: Algebra & Chinese Listening
• Thursday, June 4: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading, Algebra & Geometry
• Friday, June 5: Spanish I, French I, French II, Chinese Reading & Science 

Science: Students worked together to take notes on reflection, which relates to yesterday's investigation. Homework is the Law of Reflection practice. I provided paper protractors for students, here's a link to print another one if they have lost it. Below are some links to help with the law of reflection:

• http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/optics/lr.cfm
• http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/refln/Lesson-1/The-Law-of-Reflection
• http://www.rpi.edu/dept/phys/ScIT/InformationTransfer/reflrefr/rr_sample/rrsample_05.html

Geometry: Practiced solving systems of equations involving circles & parabolas. 

RR ELA: Read daily. Turn in late logs that were due Monday. Your new log was passed out yesterday and will be due Tuesday 5/26 with five log responses.

RR Math: Red group finish day 2 workbook pages due tomorrow. JG-E2020. Red group and Teal group work on homework packets due 5/27. Study those math facts!

Humanities: Students worked on 17.3 and began to review for the chapter 17 test on Thursday. Homework is to list the positives and negatives of reconstruction.

Algebra: homework: worksheets 13.5 and 13.6 (all) we will discuss Mean Absolute Deviation tomorrow-so don't panic!

Pre-Algebra: Today students learned about slope. The homework is 8.4, 1-21 all due tomorrow. Notes and homework are available at http://norupstein.weebly.com/pre-algebra-notes-and-homework .

Monday, May 18

Science: Practiced drawing ray diagrams and observed the law of reflection, good protractor practice! 

Geometry: Took the unit 8 test- no homework.

RR ELA: Logs were due today. If you did not turn yours in, please do so tomorrow. New logs were passed out and will be due Tuesday 5/26.

RR Math: Work on homework packets. Please finish any workbook pages we did in class that you did not complete.

Humanities: Students checked 17.2 and began to work on 17.3 section assessment. 17.3 is due Wednesday. Chapter 17 test is on Thursday.

ELA - Students turned in their projects (or worked on a laptop to do the final turn in). We then looked through the writing folders that have housed their writing for as long as they have been in Berkley School District. Tomorrow we will be working on our Performance Task Spring Writing Assessment. Homework: READ!!! Journal entry #4.47

Technology - Today our Seniors returned to tell the truth. The horrible life of a successful High School Student presented on Friday was false, Adam does sleep and is going to a different school than reported. Marshall Deeds joined him to discuss his advice for incoming 9th graders. The students had very good questions and were relieved to hear that Adam is not quite so crazy :) Work on your TypingWeb account - you should finish all sections.

Algebra: We talked about surveying today. Homework: Come up with 1 survey question

Friday, May 15

Student Council - Next week is going to be busy with Spirit Point earning opportunities! With Penny Wars and Spirit Week we will know a final winner of the Spirit Trip very soon!

Science: Took the first section of notes related to light using the jigsaw method. No homework. The Light & Electromagnetic Spectrum Quest will be Friday, May 29.

Geometry: Went over the Unit 8 Review, test is Monday. 

RR ELA: Reading log due Monday. Follow the five responses with parents signature.

RR Math: JG-E2020, Math packets were passed out, students can start them but not due until 5/27. Red group finish workbook pages from Thursday if you did not in class, due Monday.

Humanities: Students reviewed 17.1 and worked on 17.2 in class. Homework is to complete 17.2.

ELA - Students were given the whole hour to work on their Civil War Journalism projects. All documentation is on the Google Classroom, this is also where projects should be turned in. From what I've seen the students are doing a great job! Homework: READ! Project Final Draft

Technology- We worked on Evaluations from the Family Budget and had a Senior from Berkley High come to talk about what 8th graders should do in High School to be successful in the future, namely getting in to the College of their choice. He and his Senior Project Partner will be returning on Monday to discuss the information presented in more depth and from another perspective. Love having former students return

Algebra: Finish notes from 13.3

Thursday, May 14

Science: Wrapped up unit on amusement park physics by taking the postest- hopefully everyone improved! Then we began our unit on Light & The Electromagnetic Spectrum by observing how different colors of light interact. 

Geometry: Worked on the Unit 8 Test Review. Whatever was not finished in class is homework. Unit 8 Test is Monday. 

Algebra: We discussed Permutations (arrangements of objects where order matters). Notes and assignment are attached

RR ELA: Logs are due Monday-5 days.

RR Math: Students will get their new homework packets today.

Humanities: Students were introduced to 17.1 in class today. Homework is to complete 17.1 free choice.

ELA - Day 9 reminded us that we need to cite all sources, images each need to be cited separately as they are each a separate source. We discussed formating each project choice with the citations. We then were given the rest of the hour to work on our projects on computers either in the Media Center or with COW laptops. Homework: Read, project work, Journal entry #4.46

Technology - Last full day to present projects. We will have visitors tomorrow from the High School to talk to us about High School and College expectations. If we have time we will present projects, otherwise students that have not presented need to see me before school or if I am free at lunch. End of the year events for 8th graders are being planned and that is when we meet :)

Monday, May 11

Science: Went over the schedule for Cedar Point tomorrow. Students need to arrive by 7:30.

Geometry: Solving systems of equation. Systems handout is homework.

Humanities: Students took our chapter 16 test in class. No homework.

RR ELA: Logs due today. New logs were passed out and are due on Monday. All five days. If you did not bring it, please turn it in tomorrow!

RR Math: JG-E2020. Math test today. Math homework due today. If you did not turn it in, please do so asap!

ELA - Students were given time to work in the Media Center on their journalism piece. We discussed the importance of revisions during Day 8 of our Writer's Workshop. Homework: READ! Journal entry #4.43

Technology - We continued with presentations and evaluations of our Family Budget Project. We will continue on Wednesday!

Thursday, May 7

Tomorrow is Legacy Day! Students must bring their own lunch, wear their 8th grade shirt, and dress for working hard outside (bring sunblock!).

RR ELA: Read daily. Logs are due Monday. All five days/activities.

RR Math: Test 5/11/15. Homework packet due 5/11/15. Study notes, homework if you turned it in early to be graded and workbooks. JG-E2020.

Science: Went over the schedule and plans for legacy day tomorrow and discussed the data collected on student made roller coasters. 

Geometry: 8.5 Notes, Slope & Perpendicular Lines handout is homework. 

Humanities: Students reviewed for our chapter 16 test that will be on Monday. Homework is to study for the test. A review sheet is attached.

Algebra: Chapter 11/12 Test today

ELA - I apologize for not posting yesterday - I was out. Day 6 discussed Allusions and how to work an allusion in to create an interesting documentary or article. Students did a great job with this lesson!

Today, Day 7 we discussed the ending of an article or documentary. Journalistic writing is different than writing an essay, the beginning has the bulk of the information - the lead. The ending includes a call to action and a bigger truth rather than restate a thesis in a conclusion. Homework: Read, Journal entry #4.41, work on Civil War Journalism project.

Technology - We again were displaced due to the M-STEP in 2nd hour, we were able to assemble our Design Folders and will begin our presentations on Monday. 3rd hour we were able to be in our lab and were able to begin presentations. We will continue presenting on Monday.

Wednesday, May 6

Science: Collected data on the roller coasters that were designed yesterday. We will analyze the data and discuss details for legacy day tomorrow.

Geometry: Notes on slope & parallel lines, slope and parallel lines handout is homework.

Humanities: Students worked on 16.5 and began to review for our chapter 16 test that will be on Monday. Homework is to work on the review sheet for the test.

RR Math: Test 5/11 when homework packets are due. Red group finish Day 4. JG-E2020

RR ELA: Read daily. Logs due Monday.

Algebra: Test tomorrow. Homework: extra review (1-6) . Answers to yesterday's practice test is posted

Tuesday, May 5

Be sure to vote today!

Science: Research and development (R&D) day for roller coaster building. We will re-create the coasters tomorrow and collect some data.

Geometry:  Took the quiz on equations  of circles & parabolas. No homework. 

RR ELA: Read daily. Logs due Monday.

RR Math: Teal group finish todays workbook pages. JG-E2020 practice. All groups, work on homework packet that is due 5/11 when your test is.

Algebra: Review today. Chapter 11/12 test on Thursday. Homework: Practice Test

ELA - Students looked at Mentor texts to compare to their rough drafts. We then identified the edits that needed to be made and worked on drawing our readers in during Writer's Workshop Day 5. Homework: Read, Journal entry #4.37 (sorry about the jump yesterday, looked at the wrong week)

Technology - Students worked on their Power Points for the Family Budget project. We will begin presentations tomorrow.

Design Folders should include the following when turned in:

Investigate - Spreadsheet, print evidence to back up numbers in spreadsheet, bibliography

Design/Plan - Task List and Rough Draft

Create - Print out of Notes Pages and Process Journal

Evaluate - Rubric (to be printed from the Google Classroom)

Humanities: Students reviewed 16.4 in class. Homework is to begin to work on 16.5 free choice. 16.5 free choice is due Thursday. We are going to review for our chapter 16 test on Wednesday and Thursday. The test will be on Monday!!

Monday, May 4

Science: Finished the NASA connection to Amusement Park Physics reading and discussed the changing g-forces riders experience on rides. Shirts were also distributed.

Geometry: Finished 8.2 notes, homework is the equation of a parabola handout. 8.1 & 8.2 quiz tomorrow.

RR Math: Packets due 5/11. Test 5/11. Red group finish day 3 workbook pages from class. JG-E2020.

RR ELA: Reading logs due today, if you forgot- you need to turn it in tomorrow. New reading logs were passed out and are due Monday 5/11. Read daily.

ELA - Students worked in the Media Center on any remaining research that needed to be finished. Day 4 is first draft of their project - Newspaper Articles should be a first draft of the article, Documentaries should be a first draft of the script with images planned out and what the viewers will see when the words are being spoken or displayed. Homework: Journal 4.45 (first draft) READ!!!!

Technology - Some missing Investigates were checked in along with Rough Drafts again :( Students will begin presenting on Wednesday.

Chinese: Test on this Thursday (May 7). That will be our last test before the final. It covers mini story 2.3, colors, shapes & places.

Humanities: Students checked 16.2/16.3 in class. Homework is to complete a 16.4 free choice. We will have a chapter 16 test on Thursday.

Algebra: 12.5A (2-18 evens)

Friday, May 1

Happy May Day! This also means that Legacy Day and the 8th Grade Trip to Cedar Point are just around the corner :) Students will be getting permission slips and information for Legacy Day later on this afternoon.

Science:Continued reading Amusement Park Physics with a NASA Twist and watched Discovery's Amusement Park Physics video. 

Geometry: Started 8.2- equations for parabolas. No homework. Circle & Parabola equation quiz on Tuesday.

Algebra: Homework: 12.4B (1-18)

ELA - Students researched their Civil Wars and discussed the difference between an "Introduction" and a "Journalistic Lead" during Day 3 of their Writer's Workshop. Due to the lack of access to computers for research I am asking that students do some research at home this weekend. I am sorry to ask for weekend time, please try as best you can to do a total of 2 hours. Homework: Research & READ

Technology - Students checked in their Plan (Rough Draft) and started their Power Points. We will begin presenting next week on Wednesday.

RR ELA: Read daily. Five reading log assignments due Monday.

RR Math: Red group finish any workbook pages we worked on today in class, due Monday. Red and Teal group- work on math packets. JG- E2020.