March 4 2009
Dear Students and parents:As FCAT quickly approaches next week I want to urge you to get plenty of rest, practice and remember the test taking strategies we have practiced all year long, and get a good breakfast the morning of the test. For us, that will be Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Remember to bring your AR book both days.
I will try to provide a light meal before my homeroom tests. If you are eating at home, you should have a complex carbohydrate such as a bagel, doughnut, or toast and jam. You should also consume a simple sugar such as unsweetened fruit juice, or raw fruits. (not canned as they usually added complex sugars to the syrup.)
I also want to thank you with your patience with this website. Mr. Kelly and Mr. Smallridge have been incredibly supportive of my efforts to jump forward in the use of technology. Over the next couple of months, I will be testing several new programs that I hope to have in place for next year's science classes. These programs will help students incorporate blogs, podcasts, video blogs, and wiki editing into their repertoire of skills. I will announce
each of these as I add them.
I sent home permission slips for students going on the NASA trip. These forms as well as all payments are due no later then next Thursday. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to E- mail me. This is still the best way to get in touch with me.
Looking forward, we will be doing some really neat activities: watch for triangulation and mapping of a simulated sea floor, transect studies of an archaeological dig, and a trip to Mars that will coincide with our rocket launch contest. If students want to participate int he rocket launches the cost will be $100. Students DO NOT have to purchase a rocket to pass the class. They are welcome to be in the gallery and watch the launches with the rest of us.
Posted by thomas on 03.05.09 @ 06:01 AM CST [link] [No Comments]
Thursday February 19, 2009
I may be back in school today. If I am not, your lessons are below:Thursday February 19, 2009 (In case I am not back in time for class today.)
1. Give students 10 minutes to study their vocabulary words from last week. (25 copies of the test, I am sending will need to be copied. Students ARE NOT TO WRITE ON MY CLASS SET)
2. Following study time, give the test to the students and allow them 30 minutes to take the test.
a. If they finish early, they should read their AR book until everyone else is done.
3. When everyone has finished collect my tests AND their answers.
4. Next, have them take out the purple and white “ACHIEVE FLORIDA” book.
a. Read and complete the questions for the story, “
Thursday February 19, 2009 (In case I am not back in time for class today.)
1. If I can find a way to convert or print and send my puzzles, students can spend the first part of the period working on the two puzzles.
a. In the event I cannot, students should take out their Red Earth Space Science Book.
i. Students should complete the Chapter 12 Chapter Review AND the SAT Test Prep guide for Chapter 12.
ii. Students are to write out each question, then record their correct answer.
1. Students do not need to write out the answers.
2. Following the above activity, student should begin reading Chapter 10.
a. Students should complete a 1st sentence outline for each section
i. For each topic or paragraph, write out the first sentence.
ii. Using an outline format, find supporting details from the paragraph or topic and put those under the first sentence.
iii. Turn in all completed work by the end of the period
Posted by thomas on 02.16.09 @ 08:32 PM CST [link] [No Comments]
Wednesday February 18, 2009
I will not be in schol due to a family emergencyWednesday February 18, 2009
1. Students take out the red FCAT practice book from their desks.
a. Have students read through the three poems on page 28 and do the questions.
i. Go over the questions with students AFTER collecting the assignments.
b. Following this, have students read the story, “Lawn Crazy” and answers the questions.
i. Go over the questions with students AFTER you have collected the questions.
Wednesday February 18, 2009
1. Students should study their notes from chapter 11 and 12 for 10 minutes.
2. After they study, have them put away all notes and books.
a. Give each student a copy of my test.
i. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO WRITE ON MY CLASS COPIES!
3. Give students the remainder of the period to take the test.
a. If they finish early, students should read their AR book.
b. Collect all answer sheets and tests before the end of class.
i. Any paper without the proper heading will receive a “ZERO”
Posted by thomas on 02.16.09 @ 08:31 PM CST [link] [No Comments]
Tuesday February 17, 2009
I will not be in school due to a family emergencyLanguage Arts
Tuesday February 17, 2009
ALL WORK SHOULD BE DONE ON THE STUDENT’S OWN PAPER! Do Not write in the books.
1. Students should take 15 minutes to read their AR books. If they do not have AR books, please write their names down for me. NO ONE IS TO BORROW BOOKS FROM MY SHELVES.
a. Alternative assignment for students with no AR book. Instead, have those students write an explanation why they do not have an AR book and three steps to how they will fix this. This should be in a 5 paragraph essay form and will be graded. Remind them to have an introductory paragraph, one paragraph each with their strategy for having an AR book, and a concluding paragraph. They should write for the entire 15 minute AR time.
2. Vocabulary: Write these words on the board. multilingual, bloated, shrill, retrospect, shard, sidled, penicillin, prudent, interval, cackle, diabolical, dread, abdomen, commotion, competition, escort, flexible, foe, hoist, maximum, mobile, paralysis.
i. Students are to define the words and use them in a correct sentence. This will be collected on Thursday or Friday with LAST weeks Assignment.
3. When they have copied the words, they are to take out the purple ACHIEVER book from their desk.
a. Complete Unit 2, Skill 7: Chronological Order on pages 22-25.
b. Collect this at the end of the period. Papers MUST be properly headed for credit.
Earth Space Science
Tuesday February 17, 2009
1. Students should take 15 minutes to read their AR books. If they do not have AR books, please write their names down for me. NO ONE IS TO BORROW BOOKS FROM MY SHELVES.
a. Alternative assignment for students with no AR book. Instead, have those students write an explanation why they do not have an AR book and three steps to how they will fix this. This should be in a 5 paragraph essay form and will be graded. Remind them to have an introductory paragraph, one paragraph each with their strategy for having an AR book, and a concluding paragraph. They should write for the entire 15 minute AR time.
2. Students should break into pairs and take out 1 Earth Space Science Book.
a. Using the book, take turns reading Chapter 12. (Beginning with Section 1)
i. As one person reads, the other takes notes. (Use Cornell Notes strategy.)
1. Trade after each paragraph or topic and repeat the process.
a. Each pair should staple their notes together and turn in at the end of the period.
Posted by thomas on 02.16.09 @ 08:29 PM CST [link] [No Comments]
Monday, February 16th, 2009 President's Day
There is no school today! Enjoy your extended weekend and think about why we celebrate President's Day.Posted by thomas on 02.14.09 @ 07:32 AM CST [link] [No Comments]
Friday February 13, 2009
Quote of the Day
"The Fates lead him who will; him who won't, they drag."
Vocabulary
Vocabulary for the week
Due to a fmaily emergency, I have been called away from school.Earth Space Science: Students were left the assignment to Use part of the period for AR time. Following that, they were to begin reading chapter 12. Studens should write out the bold faced terms for vocabulary, define the word and give examples from REAL LIFE where they might find these. EXAMPLE: 1. run- to move fast, as in not walking. REAL LIFE- You would see a horse running around a track.
For chapter 12, they are to complete the section assessments for the chapter. If they finish this, they are to go on and do the extra activities from the chapter, ie the math activities and "sidebars" (I have used these terms before in class and therefore students should know them or check with a classmate for help.) If they finish this they are to continue and do the Chapter 12 section assessment. For each question, write out the question then answer it.
Language Arts- Students are given notice that their vocabulary quiz will take place when I return. I will also collect the vocabulary assignments from this week. If they have not done it they should do it now. If we did not finish reading "Teach Your Dog The Name Game" from the Red FCAT book, students should finish it today AND answer the questions. Don't forget the extended response questions!
Posted by thomas on 02.14.09 @ 07:31 AM CST [link] [No Comments]
Thursday February 12, 2009
Quote of the Day
“The male is a domestic animal which, if treated with firmness, can be trained to do most things.”
Earth Space Science bell ringer- extended response using data table. AR time Quiz or continue serial dilution labLanguage Arts- Bell ringer- Appetizers. SQ3R and read: “Teach Your Dog The Name Game.”
vocabulary for quiz
Posted by thomas on 02.14.09 @ 07:18 AM CST [link] [No Comments]
Wednesday February 11, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Always tell the trurth, that way you never have to remember anything." - Twain
Vocabulary
swaggered, glean, opulent, ostentatious, pretentious, atmosphere, tentacles, mane, hideous, homely, stammered, timid, acquire, conceal, disguise, gasp, hibernate, imitate, imposter, portion, reference, terminal.
This is pretty much a rehash of yesterday since we were on block schedule due to FCAT Writes. Today will be a normal day and we will continue with what we did yesterday. SEE the ADDED NOTES BELOW!
Homeroom
We are selling Teddy-gram bears for Valentines day. The cost is $2.00 each and benefits the vocational program.
Language Arts
Bell ringer:Word Squares.
Since today was a block day for the school, we had to switch up our plans on what we were doing. Students read the following story Teach Your Dog The Name Game.
This is an FCAT prep story and was collected for a grade at the end of class. If students are absent they will need to make it up.
I have had to discontinue the online grading program since I can no longer afford to keep it running. Also, I told all the students that it is ok for them to record my lectures if this helps them learn. We now have the use of laptops, one for each student in the class. Students cannot save to the computers and therfore need a method of saving. I suggested they go purchase a 1gb (or higher) flashdrive to facilitate this. There are other ways this can be accomplished as well. Students are aware of what those are.
Since we had to switch block days we also did our art appreciation today by viewing this painting and doing the assigned activities.Kiowa Apache by John Nieto.
ADDED NOTE: We did not get to the story, so we will do it today.
Turn in:
Homework: Use the assigned vocabulary words from Monday in complete sentences and define them. Prepare for the quiz on Thursday or Friday.
(Accepted up until 9:00pm via e- mail)
Earth/Space Science
Bell ringer: Maps and Keys.
Since it was a block day, we did our Reading in the Content Area story today. Food Chains.
Following the reading we continued with our lab starting with a pop quiz then moving into a discussion of parts per million PPM and parts per billion PPB.
Hold ALL lab sheets and turn them in together.
ADDED NOTE: Photos have been added to the online album showing the serial dilution lab we began. The idea we are trying to get across is that chemiclas and pollutants are measured in parts per million (ppm), and parts per billion (ppb). Even at these small amounts they can prove toxic or even deadly to living organisms. We will continue the lab and then begin to analyze what is cauding the citizens of Fruitvale, Co to become ill.
Homework:
Turn in:
Remember:
(Accepted up until 9:00pm via e- mail)
Posted by thomas on 02.11.09 @ 09:01 AM CST [link] [No Comments]
Tuesday February 10, 2009
Quote of the Day
Journey to the Spirit World
Vocabulary
rushed
Homeroom
We are selling Teddy-gram bears for Valentines day. The cost is $2.00 each and benefits the vocational program.
Language Arts
Bell ringer:Word Squares.
Since today was a block day for the school, we had to switch up our plans on what we were doing. Students read the following story Teach Your Dog The Name Game.
This is an FCAT prep story and was collected for a grade at the end of class. If students are absent they will need to make it up.
I have had to discontinue the online grading program since I can no longer afford to keep it running. Also, I told all the students that it is ok for them to record my lectures if this helps them learn. We now have the use of laptops, one for each student in the class. Students cannot save to the computers and therfore need a method of saving. I suggested they go purchase a 1gb (or higher) flashdrive to facilitate this. There are other ways this can be accomplished as well. Students are aware of what those are.
Since we had to switch block days we also did our art appreciation today by viewing this painting and doing the assigned activities.Kiowa Apache by John Nieto.
Turn in:
Homework: Use the assigned vocabulary words from Monday in complete sentences and define them. Prepare for the quiz on Thursday or Friday.
(Accepted up until 9:00pm via e- mail)
Earth/Space Science
Bell ringer: Maps and Keys.
Since it was a block day, we did our Reading in the Content Area story today. Food Chains.
Following the reading we continued with our lab starting with a pop quiz then moving into a discussion of parts per million PPM and parts per billion PPB.
Hold ALL lab sheets and turn them in together.
Homework:
Turn in:
Remember:
(Accepted up until 9:00pm via e- mail)
Posted by thomas on 02.10.09 @ 09:36 AM CST [link] [No Comments]
Monday February 9, 2009
Quote of the Day
Big Band Jazz
Vocabulary
Tired
Today's Quote: "People seldom become famous for what they say until they have become famous for what they have done."- HightowerEarth Space Science: Students got a chance to work with our new laptops today. Since nothing can be saved to the computer, I strongly suggested that they purchase a flash drive. These are available at Wal- mart for anywhere from $5 to $20. I recommended at least a 1gb drive, but 2 or 4 would be fine. It all depeneds on your budget.
I also reminded the classes that any cell phone, MP3 player, PSP, or other external hard drive that plugs into a computer will work as a storage device too. Please be reminded that MCPS code of conduct states specifically that these items are prohibited in school and I will in NO way assume responsibility for any item students choose to bring to school!
We went over how to use the laptops and proper techniques for storing them. If a student breaks a laptop due to carelessness, horseplay, or otherwise not using the computer in an appropriate manner, it will go on their list of fines and could prevent them from graduating.
Language Arts: Students worked with the computers today as well.
I also gave them their vocabulary words which are to be taken home for homework. they are to define each term and use it in a correct sentence. Thrusday and Friday we will have a quiz over the vocabulary words.
swaggered, glean, opulent, ostentatious, pretentious, atmosphere, tentacles, mane, hideous, homely, stammered, timid, acquire, conceal, disguise, gasp, hibernate, imitate, imposter, portion, reference, terminal.
Posted by thomas on 02.09.09 @ 02:23 PM CST [link] [No Comments]