News Alert (Parents and Students)

Parents:

On the right-hand side of this webpage you will find our most recent newsletter. Simply click on “Current Newsletter” and read away. We have bios of each teacher and a welcome to our team. We will update this as the year goes on.

Students:

On the right-hand side of this webpage is something for you too! Earlier this year, you each submitted a list of traits you bring to Team 8 South. Maybe you are someone to offer help with math, science, or literacy. Maybe you are a good listener or willing to offer advice. The link on the right will show you what other team members have to offer the team. Read the list and you can find out who to seek for those reasons.

8-31-07 Team Homework Post (B Day)

Science:

Students in the morning class have been magically transformed into researchers from a foreign land. In class, they were given an piece of material Earthlings know well, but they, as foreigners, are unfamiliar with. Their task in class next week will be to observe, in as great of science detail as possible, every aspect of this thing and convey their information to the class. A minimum of 50 observations will be made. Their “homework” for the weekend will be to familiarize themselves with this “thing” and be prepared for their assessment in class next week.

The afternoon class did not get this far today and will complete this work next week.

Literacy:

“B” day students: Take time to revise the essay that you began today in your Writer’s Notebook. The final draft needs to be typed (double spaced) or neatly handwritten on looseleaf paper. This assignment is due on Wednesday for “B” day students. If you need a copy of the essay assignment, see the link below.

essay prompts

“A” day students will begin this on Tuesday.

Social Studies:

Rough draft of timeline project card due in class on Wed. Sept. 5 for B day students and Thur. Sept. 6 for A day students. The rough draft can be worth up to 15 points of the 75 points for the project. The final timeline card is due on Fri. Sept. 7 for B day students and on Mon. Sept. 10 for A day students. Rough drafts must be done and reviewed before a final timeline card can be turned in. No credit will be given for rough drafts that are late.

Mathematics:

Algebra 8-

Today in class, we checked and discussed ACE(2) # 1, 8-10. Then we discussed and finished Problem 2.2 and Problem 2.2 “Follow-Up.”

Students had time to work on homework for the last twenty minutes of class.

Homework:

• ACE (2) #2-4, 11
• WS # 1

8-30-07 Team Homework Post (A Day)

Science:

Students have a three-part assignment. Part One: Translate/Convert their temperature data into heat. This should give the student one value (the heat we obtained from the sunlight). Part Two: Students should compare their data to that of a classmate. How are they similar and different. Did one temperature fluctuate and the other stay steady? Part Three: Students should (with their partner or alone) analyze their design for flaws. There data is most likely very different from that partner. Why? What was different about their design and how did that affect the results.

Literacy:

Please see the homework posted on 8/29/07.

 Social Studies:

Please see the homework posted on 8/29/07.

Mathematics:

Algebra 8-

Today in class, we checked and discussed selected homework problems in class. Then, we completed Problem 2.1, Problem 2.1 “Follow-Up,” and Problem 2.2 in class.

If you still need to check any homework answers, all previous homework answers will be posted by 4:00pm today.

Homework:

Finish any part of the in-class work that you did not complete. Then, Try ACE (2) #1, 8-10.

Challenge Algebra- 

Take notes on Lesson 1.5. We will start next class with a discussion of Domain and Range.

Homework: Lesson 1.5 # 8, 10, 12, 13-22, 24, 26, 27-34

8-29-07 Team Homework Post (B Day)

Mathematics:

Algebra 8-

Today in class, we checked ACE (1) # 3, 6-12a, 15-18. We will continue discussing Problem 12 b and c next class. Then, we completed Problem 2.1, Problem 2.1 “Follow-Up,” and Problem 2.2 in class.

Homework:

Finish any part of the in-class work that you did not complete. Then, Try ACE (2) #1, 8-10.

Social Studies:

Begin research on timeline card topic. Mr. Baugh suggests that students begin with the textbook to take notes.

Literacy:

Write independently in you WNB (and/or keep working on the “Big Red” contest piece)

Also, read your independent reading book.

Science:

Students have a three-part assignment.  Part One:  Translate/Convert their temperature data into heat.  This should give the student one value (the heat we obtained from the sunlight).  Part Two:  Students should compare their data to that of a classmate.  How are they similar and different.  Did one temperature fluctuate and the other stay steady?  Part Three:  Students should (with their partner or alone) analyze their design for flaws.  There data is most likely very different from that partner.  Why?  What was different about their design and how did that affect the results.

8-28-07 Team Homework Post (A Day)

Science:

PART 1: Students should complete their concept inventory and return it on Wednesday. Please give thought to each concept and do not simply rush to get done. I am looking for solid data. If you feel you thoroughly understand the concept, please mark a plus sign (+). If you have no clue what the concept is, please mark a minus (-). If you feel you are somewhere between the two, mark a check sign. I am not analyzing or judging you personally, but the class as a whole so please be as honest and analytical as possible.

Did you lose your concept inventory? You can find a printable copy here.

PART 2: Students need to design a device that will allow us to calculate the amount of heat recieved from the sun. I cannot give more details or description without ruining the process. The only part I would suggest all models have is a thermometer to measure temperature. Remember…temperature and heat ARE NOT THE SAME!! Is there a right and wrong design? Yes, a wrong design would be one you can’t explain why you made it the way you did. A “right” design would be one you can explain. Students simply DESIGN this at home and bring supplies. We will CONSTRUCT at school.

Math:

Challenge Algebra -

Today we checked our homework from Lesson 1.1, took notes on Lesson 1.2, worked on completing and graphing a Warm0Up table, and finished by previewing Lesson 1.3.

Homework: L1.2 8 – 18E, 20 – 23

Algebra 8-

Today in class, we discussed expectations for graphing points and functions in math and science this year. Next, we checked over the homework ACE(1) # 1, 2, 4, 5.  After we finished checking homework, we worked on Problem 1.2, and we learned about the Algebra 8 Online Journal.

Homework (due Thursday): 

ACE (1) # 3, 6-12, 15-18  note: for problems 15-18, use the excel spreadsheet data that is found here.

8-27-07 Team Homework Post (B Day)

Science:

PART 1: Students should complete their concept inventory and return it on Wednesday. Please give thought to each concept and do not simply rush to get done. I am looking for solid data. If you feel you thoroughly understand the concept, please mark a plus sign (+). If you have no clue what the concept is, please mark a minus (-). If you feel you are somewhere between the two, mark a check sign. I am not analyzing or judging you personally, but the class as a whole so please be as honest and analytical as possible.

Did you lose your concept inventory? You can find a printable copy here.

PART 2: Students need to design a device that will allow us to calculate the amount of heat recieved from the sun. I cannot give more details or description without ruining the process. The only part I would suggest all models have is a thermometer to measure temperature. Remember…temperature and heat ARE NOT THE SAME!! Is there a right and wrong design? Yes, a wrong design would be one you can’t explain why you made it the way you did. A “right” design would be one you can explain. Students simply DESIGN this at home and bring supplies. We will CONSTRUCT at school.

Literacy:

Remember to return your Independent Reading Contract, if you have not already done so. Make a 15-item “Things to Write” list on page 5 of your writer’s notebook. Read your independent reading book. If you need a book recommendation, see Ms. Baker.

Please remind your parents to send in (or email) their “Million Words or Less” assignment.

Social Studies:

B day/ August 27; A day/ August 28

We worked in class on timelines and chronology.

Homesork: Study for a quiz on timelines. Read the section at the beginning of the book entitled “The Big Picture.” (This section has a purple outline at the top of the pages and will be found on pp. xxiv – xxxiii.)

Mathematics:

Today in class, we discussed expectations for graphing points and functions in math and science this year. Next, we checked over the homework ACE(1) # 1, 2, 4, 5.  After we finished checking homework, we worked on Problem 1.2, and we learned about the Algebra 8 Online Journal.

Homework (due Wednesday): 

ACE (1) # 3, 6-12, 15-18  note: for problems 15-18, use the excel spreadsheet data that is found here.

8-24-07 Team Homework Post (A Day)

Science:

The following observations and comparison should be written into each student’s comp notebook.

Observe a sunny place outdoors. What do you see (naturally)? Use your best observational skills to find the small details of wildlife activity and plants.

Observe a shady place outdoors and write down all he natural activity going on. Remember: humans are considered part of nature (cars, buses, air conditioners are not).

Once these observations have been made, compare the activity in the sun and shaded areas. Are the animals all in one or the other. Are the bugs here and not there, flowers here and not there. Are big animals in one and small in the other…

Again, all of this should be recorded in your comp notebook.

Math:

Challenge Algebra -

Today we looked at problem solving strategies, we learned how to form a conjecture, and we learned why we need to test a conjecture out – to make sure it will always work.

Homework Due Tuesday: Lesson 1.1 #1, 3-5, 6-22 evens, 25-34

Optional Challenge: Today we learned about Gauss’s method for finding the sum of an arithmetic sequence of numbers. We formed the conjecture (n(n+1))/2 gives us the sum of all of the digits in an arithmetic sequence. But then we ran into problems when we had the arithmetic sequence 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 . So first off, what is the way to solve for the sum of this arithmetic sequence? Then, what is the general formula for finding the sum of all of the numbers in any arithmetic sequence? We will be looking into problems such as these as we study “Moving From Patterns to Algebra.”

Algebra 8 –

Today we finished up computation testing, and we started Clever Counting. We read and discussed the setting for Investigation 1, and then we competed Problem 1.1 and the follow-up. Two vocabulary words were introduced today (counting trees and organized list). As a result, we received our math dictionaries so we can document the definition and an example of each key vocabulary word. The definition should be in your words, not the authors’ or your teacher’s words. After class, I noticed that organized list was not included in the math dictionary, but please define the phrase in your math journal.

Homework: (Due Tuesday)

• ACE(1) # 1, 2, 4, 5
• Define counting trees in your math dictionary

Social Studies:

Students received their textbook in class today 8/24 (A day).

Homework: Complete scavenger hunt worksheet.

Literacy:

Complete your Independent Reading Contract (and get a parent signature). These will be collected on Monday. Read for at least 30 minutes, five nights a week. This will be a Literacy expectation all year. If you have not already chosen an independent reading book, see Ms. Baker for help.

8-23-07 Team Homework Post (B Day)

Science:

The following observations and comparison should be written into each student’s comp notebook.

Observe a sunny place outdoors. What do you see (naturally)? Use your best observational skills to find the small details of wildlife activity and plants.

Observe a shady place outdoors and write down all he natural activity going on. Remember: humans are considered part of nature (cars, buses, air conditioners are not).

Once these observations have been made, compare the activity in the sun and shaded areas. Are the animals all in one or the other. Are the bugs here and not there, flowers here and not there. Are big animals in one and small in the other…

Again, all of this should be recorded in your comp notebook.

Mathematics:

Today we finished up computation testing, and we started Clever Counting. We read and discussed the setting for Investigation 1, and then we competed Problem 1.1 and the follow-up. Two vocabulary words were introduced today (counting trees and organized list). As a result, we received our math dictionaries so we can document the definition and an example of each key vocabulary word. The definition should be in your words, not the authors’ or your teacher’s words. After class, I noticed that organized list was not included in the math dictionary, but please define the phrase in your math journal.

Homework: (Due Monday)

• ACE(1) # 1, 2, 4, 5
• Define counting trees in your math dictionary
• Define organized list in your math journal

• Note: Please remember that your political issues paragraphs are due tomorrow.

Social Studies:

Students received their textbook in class today (B day) and tomorrow, 8/24 (A day).

Homework: Complete scavenger hunt worksheet.

Literacy:

Complete your Independent Reading Contract (and get a parent signature). These will be collected on Monday. Read for at least 30 minutes, five nights a week. This will be a Literacy expectation all year. If you have not already chosen an independent reading book, see Ms. Baker for help.

8-22-07 Team Homework Post

Science:

Students should still be working on their write-up and graph of the “Win As Much As You Can.” A small piece of advice. First figure out what system of voting wins the most money for the table. Is it all X’s, all Y’s, half of each? Once you know the method, calculate the scores for the table over the 10 rounds. Then, multiply that by two (because there were two tables in class). this should help you with your write-up and graph. When completed, let someone else read the work. Does the write-up make sense to them or are you skipping steps. Can they understand the graph or is it sloppy and hard to read? A little editing goes a long way.

Math: Both Challenge Algebra and Algebra 8

The homework tonight is the same as last night.

Students should be working on “Your First Assignment of the Year.” The presentation from class and the actual word document for the assignment is online here. This assignment is due on Friday.

Also, students were given a sheet of paper describing how their math binder should be organized. They are expected to have their math binder organized appropriately by Thursday.

Literacy:

The homework tonight is the same as last night.

Check out Ms. Baker’s website. Read the “Why Are We Here?” page and then look at the weblinks.

Click here to go to the website

Social Studies:

The homework tonight is the same as last night.

1. Welcome Letter to Mr. Baugh

2. Review Classroom Procedures

3. Bring in a picture of yourself (from childhood)

8-21-07 Team Homework Post

Science

Using the “Win As Much As You Can” worksheet, devise a plan for how our class (as a whole) could have won the most money. This should be a written explanation. How should each group have voted (assuming no one cheated and changed their mind)? Once you have a plan written out, drawa graph demonstrating the money increasing over the ten rounds. This is due Thursday for B day students and Friday for A day students.

Math: both Challenge Algebra and Algebra 8

Students should be working on “Your First Assignment of the Year.” The presentation from class and the actual word document for the assignment is online here. This assignment is due on Friday.

Also, students were given a sheet of paper describing how their math binder should be organized. They are expected to have their math binder organized appropriately by Thursday.

Literacy:

Check out Ms. Baker’s website. Read the “Why Are We Here?” page and then look at the weblinks.

Click here to go to the website

Social Studies:

1. Welcome Letter to Mr. Baugh

2. Review Classroom Procedures

3. Bring in a picture of yourself (from childhood)