Wednesday, March 27

Science: watched "Raging Planet - Lightning". No homework

Geometry:Took notes on 10.1 (Properties of circles), homework is 10.1 worksheet.

Course 3: We worked on percent increase and decrease. Homework is worksheet 7.5, #2-12 evens, and 21-24.

Tech 8 (Stein): Using functions in Excel.

Technology 8 - Orlando: What we did today: Students continued on their monthly budget sheet. Those who were finished with their car costs added in the cost of food.  Homework: No homework. *We will continue working on this project after break, so we have plenty of time to continue quality research. Discussion topics: How much does it cost the average adult (aged 19-50) to eat each month? Did this surprise you?

ELA - Students continued learning how to "Persuade" (like they need that :) with Writer's Workshop Day 3. We viewed multiple articles and a video on the controversial topic of raising the driving age. We found reasons each reporter gave and discussed how to refute the opposing side's view.

video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txx85sytDeU

article - http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/debate/index.asp?article=d0508

article - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/10/national/main4433994.shtml

article - http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-09-09-teen-drivers_N.htm

We then reviewed validity of resources resulting from an online search on this topic. I urged students to do a little research over the break to see if their argument or topic was valid and had enough research to back it up or if it was more of a flimsy topic.

Humanities:Students presented their editorial cartoons and discussed current events in class. No homework.

Spanish 1: No homework over break, except study vocab and verbs for the test on April 12th. 

Tuesday, March 26

Science: Presented circuit projects, no homework!

Geometry: Discussed tessellations assignment. No homework!

Pre-Algebra: We are finishing up our Scale Model Projects (due by Thursday) and starting probability. 

Algebra: We did a review of section 9.1 (which we discussed 1st semester) and combined 9.2-9.4 which is multiplying polynomials.  Remember FOIL!!!  (First - Outside - Inside - Last).  Students received a big packet (seems big, but will not take too long to do) which is due Tuesday 4/9.  I have attached a copy. 

Humanities: Students worked on political cartoons in class. Homework is to complete political cartoons.  Remember, students are expected to have research, the cartoon and a written explanation of the cartoon (and issue) by tomorrow.

Spanish I: No homework, other than studying for the test on April 12th

Technology 8 - Orlando: What we did today: Students worked to finish finding their monthly car costs today.  I continued doing an individual check of research.  I also showed students how to begin their budget using a basic template on Microsoft Excel. Homework: No homework. *We will continue working on this project after break, so we have plenty of time to continue quality research.  Discussion topics: According to the budget sheet, how much money do you have left once you factor in your housing, your utilities, and your car?

ELA - Students turned in their Journals today for a Summative Assessment grade (as the in school entries were part of either Reader's Workshop or Writer's Workshop).  We continued on with our Persuasive Research Writer's Workshop and spoke about Point of View.  We read "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!", The Lost Generation (video on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRG4ySdi_aE) and read "If games had come before books http://odewire.com/52301/if-games-had-come-before-books.html. Attached is the Teaching Point and the activity for Day 2. Homework: READ! 4 more books due for 4th Marking Period (one will be a Historical Fiction read in class)

Tech 8 (Stein): Modifying and formatting cells and working with tabs in Microsoft Excel.

Monday, March 25

Science:Today was the last project work day, final projects (circuits and paper) are due tomorrow. 

Geometry: Investigated tessellations, homework is to complete the tessellation activity (pg. 616-618). 

ELA - Students started their next Writer's Workshop today, they should enjoy this one!  Persuasive Research, students pick a controversial topic, research it, and write a paper backing their opinion. AR quizzes were due today, hope everyone got theirs in, I had a few emails of students admitting they put it off until the end and aren't done yet. Homework: Journal entry 36 (Journals are due tomorrow, counted and table of contents complete with 36 journal entries)

Spanish I: Begin studying your verbs on the 2.3 study guide for the test after the break.

Tech 8 (Stein): We learned how to modify cells, row and columns in Microsoft Excel. The link to the video and step-by-step exercise we did in class is on edmodo.com.

Course 3: Today we worked on finding the percent of increase or decrease of two numbers.  Homework is 5 story problems involving percent of change.  Most students finished in class.

Technology 8 - Orlando: What we did today: Students worked to find their monthly car costs today, factoring in gas, oil changes, car washes, and insurance.  I began checking in with individual student progress today.  I will continue to do this tomorrow. Homework: No homework. * We will continue working on this project after break, so we have plenty of time to continue quality research.  Discussion topics: Did you have sufficient evidence for all of the numbers you have found so far?

Pre-Algebra: We worked on our scale model projects.  Projects are due on Thursday.

 

Algebra: We took our Chapter 8 test today.  No homework.

Friday, March 22

Geometry: Took the chapter 9 test, no homework.

Science: Project work day for the "What is Safe" circuit project. Attached is the project planner and rubric. Monday will be another project work day, final projects are due on Tuesday!

Spanish I: Menus are due today. If you were in March Madness, it is due Monday.

Pre-Algebra: We took a quiz today over sections 6.1 to 6.4.  Students were allowed to use their notes.  Scale Model Project is due next Wednesday.

Algebra: We did review stations today in class.  Attached are both reviews (chapter 8 practice test and review stations) and the answers to the review stations. Chapter 8 test on Monday.

 

Course 3: We worked on making candy bars 3,4 or 5 times their original size.  Of course we at them afterwards:).  March Miracles.  No homework.

ELA - Students were encouraged to bring a novel to class this week to catch up on their AR books (4 total due Monday).  Grammar Packet 4.8-4.9 due Monday. Homework: Grammar Packet and READ  

Humanities: Students turned in homework folders, shared current events, and were introduced to westward expansion in class. No homework.

Technology 8 - Orlando: What we did today: Students continued to find utilities costs and print out proof.  It seems some students are rushing the tasks and will need to redo work to find sufficient evidence to prove the costs are appropriate. Homework: No homework. Discussion topics: How much will you lively spend on heat/gas each month?

Tech 8 (Stein): Created basic formulas in Microsoft Excel to convert currency.

Thursday, March 21

Science: Took the Electricity unit test. Homework is to work on projects and come prepared for tomorrow's project work day. Monday is another project work day, project & paper are due on Tuesday, March 26.

Geometry: Went over the practice test. Homework is to study for tomorrow's test!

Course 3: We took our quiz on lessons 7.1 - 7.4.  We then worked on a proportion sheet in class.  No homework. 

Spanish I: Menus are due tomorrow.

Tech 8 (Stein): Finished learning keyboarding shortcuts and started working with Microsoft Excel (cell basics).

Humanities: Students took our "Jackson Quiz," and shared current events in class. No homework.

Pre-Algebra: We talked about scale drawings today.  This will help them with their Scale Model projects that are due next Thursday (Wednesday for those going on vacation early).  Homework:  6.6 Practice (multiples of 3).  I have also attached a copy of the Scale Model Project.

Algebra: We spent the hour preparing for our test on Monday.  I have attached the 2 reviews (Review Stations & Practice Test) that students have received or will be receiving.  No official homework tonight.  Go Blue!

ELA - Students were encouraged to bring a novel to class this week to catch up on their AR books (4 total due Monday).  Grammar Packet 4.6-4.7 were handed out today and are due Monday. Homework: Grammar Packet READ and Journal entry #34

Technology 8 - Orlando: What we did today: Students worked to find a home and calculate the monthly mortgage or rent payment.  If they finished and printed their evidence, they began researching average monthly utility payments for gas, heat, cable, internet etc... Homework: No homework. Discussion topics:

How much does your house cost per month?

Wednesday, March 20

Science: Went over the Electricity Test Review, test is tomorrow. Friday and Monday are project work days, "What is Safe" project is due on Tuesday, March 26.

Geometry: Went over the 9.7 homework and worked on the chapter 9 practice test. Homework is to finish the practice test. Chapter 9 test is Friday. 

Technology 8 - Orlando: What we did today: Students determined the ages of their children.  Based upon their income and their children, students began looking for housing for rent or to own.  They continued to print out information to support their findings.  Homework: No homework. Discussion topics: How old are your children?  How many bedrooms do you need to have in your home?

Spanish I: Exercises #12,13, &14 pg 156, Study 2.3 vocab (part 2) for a quiz tomorrow. The vocab packet that goes with these words is also due tomorrow.

Course 3: We did review for our quiz tomorrow.

Tech 8 (Stein): We finished up the brochures and turned them in via Edmodo. We started looking at keyboarding shortcuts.

Humanities: Students checked chapter 12 assessment and reviewed the good and bad of Andrew Jackson. Homework is to study for our "Jackson Quiz."  The one question is: "Was Andrew Jackson a good president?  Why?/Why not?" You must provide a minimum of three supporting details for your argument. Current events are due tomorrow.

Pre-Algebra: We continued our discussion of similar and congruent figures.  Homework: 6.5 (all)-(attached). Students should also be working on their Scale Model Project.

 

Algebra: We started reviewing today.  We did a graphic organizer to summarize the chapter.  Homework is Chapter 8 Practice Test (attached)

ELA - We finished with the sample common assessment that the District has asked us to pilot.  The IRRB - Informational Reading and Research-Based Argument Essay Writing Performance Assessment.  This may not be made up at home.  If students missed Monday, yesterday or today  they will need to come in at lunch to make it up or forgo the sample all together, it is not critical or graded.  It is meant to be a pre and post test - I will be taking a sample of each class to the next Department meeting to assess if this is a good indicator of our student's skills/knowledge.Remember: AR books/quizzes are due Monday, March 25th.  No late submissions this marking period. I am open every lunch for students to work, take AR quizzes, or read.Homework: READ! Journal #33

Tuesday, March 19

Science: Played Jeopardy to review for Thursday's test and continued to work on the review that was started yesterday. The review is due tomorrow. Friday and Monday are project work days, "What is Safe" project is due on Tuesday, March 26.

Geometry: Went over the 9.6 homework and took notes on 9.7 (dilations), homework is the 9.7 worksheet. Chapter 9 test is Friday. 

Spanish I: Finish conjugating the 26 verbs on pg 167. Due tomorrow. Study 2.3 vocab (part 2) for a quiz on Thursday, March 21st. The vocab packet that goes with these words is also due the same day.

ELA - We continued with the sample common assessment that the District has asked us to pilot.  The IRRB - Informational Reading and Research-Based Argument Essay Writing Performance Assessment.  This may not be made up at home.  If students missed yesterday or today (or will miss tomorrow) they will need to come in at lunch to make it up.  This will not be graded as it is meant to be a pre and post test - I will be taking a sample of each class to the next Department meeting to assess if this is a good indicator of our student's skills/knowledge. Remember: AR books/quizzes are due Monday, March 25th.  No late submissions this marking period. I am open every lunch for students to work, take AR quizzes, or read. Homework: READ! Journal #32

Tech 8: Worked on brochures.

Humanities: Students checked 12.4 and continued to work on chapter 12 assessment in class. Homework is to complete chapter 12 assessment. Current events and Jackson quiz are due Thursday.

Pre-Algebra: Homework: 6.4 Practice B (evens only)

Algebra: Homework: Chessboard and Radium Decay problems Chapter 8 test is next Monday!

Technology 8 - Orlando: What we did today: Students found out if they are married or divorced, what their spouse's occupation is and how many kids they have.  They should have printed the income for both themselves and their spouse and figured their take-away income after taxes are taken out.  Homework: No homework Discussion topics: What is your monthly income after taxes are taken out?

Course 3: Today we worked on decimals, fractions, and percents.  Homework is worksheet 7.4, evens + 25 & 26.