5/14/08 post (A day)

Carnival on Friday!!! Carnival on Friday!!!

The first annual 8 South Carnival will be held on Friday from 3:30 to 5:30. Student booths are planned and they are putting on the final touches. Parents, please feel free to stop by. Bring younger children or chaperone a small group of elementary students around.

Literacy:

We started reading Act II of The Miracle Worker and learned some new vocabulary.

Homework:

Read your independent reading book. When you finish a book, start a new one, but, before you do, POST to COL under your class’s BOOK BINGE! It’s a class versus class challenge and, apparently, 5-6B is favored to win. However, we all know that the underdog sometimes emerges triumphant, to the surprise of all! Prizes will be awarded to the winning class during the last week of school.

Mathematics:

Challenge Algebra 8 (1-2A)

Today. students took the State Algebra Exam which will be used by the state for norming purposes for next year’s Algebra students.

Homework:

• Lesson 13.2

Algebra 8 (5-6A)

Today. we checked over our work from Investigation 3 and we took a pop quiz over the investigation. Students then had time to work on Problem 4.1 in class.

Homework:

• Problem 4.1 and 4.2

Science:

How are you progressing through the workload? The “assignments” are listed below. Save yourself some last minute stress and turn it in early rather than late.

Homework:

• Reflection and COL post for Chapter 1 Cartoon Guide to Environment (I)
• Pros/Cons and article for Chapter 10 Cartoon Guide to Environment (I)
• Reflection for Chapter 14 Cartoon Guide for Environment (I)
• EC #7 Summary Questions (from sheet I gave you)(I)
• Your Group Lab Presentation (at Symposium) (G)
• Garden mass comparison (I/G)

Social Studies:

Homework: Read and notes, Chapter 14, Section 1 (pp. 344-349)

A day students- Read pp 353-357; answer questions 1-5 on p. 357

5/8/08 post (A day)

Literacy:

We finished reading Act I of The Miracle Worker and learned some new vocabulary.

Homework:

Read your independent reading book. When you finish a book, start a new one, but, before you do, POST to COL under your class’s BOOK BINGE! It’s a class versus class challenge and, apparently, 5-6B is favored to win. However, we all know that, in life, the underdog sometimes emerges triumphant, to the surprise of all! Prizes will be awarded to the winning class during the last week of school.

Mathematics:

Algebra 8 (1-2A)

Today. students took the Chapter 12 Test, which is the last big test of the year.

Homework:

• Home

Algebra 8 (5-6A)

Today we took our GGG Investigation 1 and 2 quiz and then we started studying the difference between a growth rate and a growth factor.

Homework:

• Finish Problem 3.2
• ACE(3) #1, 2, 4, 24–30

Science:

Students are well into their end-of-the-year projects. I would like to remind them to plan ahead and make sure to start their work ahead of the deadline. NEWS ALERT!!! Anyone who has a Cartoon Guide needs to bring it back so I can re-distribute them to those who have not had a chance to read the book yet. Thanks!

Homework:

These are just the assignments DUE (not the small checks) by May 22:

• Reflection and COL post for Chapter 1 Cartoon Guide to Environment (I)
• Pros/Cons and article for Chapter 10 Cartoon Guide to Environment (I)
• Reflection for Chapter 14 Cartoon Guide for Environment (I)
• EC #7 Summary and Extra Questions (I)
• Your Group Lab Presentation (at Symposium) (G)
• Garden mass comparison (I/G)

Social Studies:

Homework: Read pp. 210-214 and answer 1,2,3,4, and 6 on p. 214 (B Day);

Middle Ages test: A day ( Monday, May 13); B Day (Tuesday, May 14).

5/2/08 (A day)

Don’t forget that Tuesday night is Portfolio Night on 8-South. Remember to invite your parents for a 15-minute time period (between 3:30 and 5:30) and join them in the 8-South area. If your parents cannot come, ask another adult, even an 8-South teacher, to be the audience for your portfolio presentation. We hope to see ALL 8-South students there.
Literacy:

Homework:

Typed To Kill a Mockingbird essay is due on Monday–all classes. Essay must be proofread carefully and a minimum of five paragraphs.

Mathematics:

Challenge Algebra 8 (1-2A)

Today we presented our graphs from the 12.3 worksheet. Then we discussed the answers from 12.4. Next class we will be checking our answers from 12.5 and the first three sections of the Chapter 12 Review.

Homework:

• First three sections of the Chapter 12 review

Algebra 8 (5-6 A)

Today we started by checking the homework from the previous class. Then we completed our math reflection for our portfolio.

Homework:

• Math Reflection for portfolio
• Make sure to have all homework completed.

Science:

Homework:

Social Studies:

Homework: For A day students, read pp. 210-214 and answer 1,2,3,4, and 6 on p. 214.

For B day – Read pp. 195-200; answer 2-6 on p. 200.

4/07/08 post (A day)

Math MAP testing starts Tuesday!

Make sure you have a scientific calculator and at least two #2 pencils for Tuesday!!!

Literacy:

Homework:

The following work needs to be completed by Monday (B day) or Tuesday (A day) of next week. We will be have work time in class to accomplish some of this:

1. Finish the novel. 2. Revise your letter to a classmate (directions on COL).

3. Respond to four new forums (all marked 4/7/08). 4. Find a poem for your pocket (directions on COL)

There are also enrichment options available on COL.

Essay outlining/writing will begin next week.

Mathematics:

Challenge Algebra

Today in class we completed a review for the MAP test and then we continued on with the notes from Lesson 11.5 and we started a practice mid-chapter 11 quiz.

Homework:

• Last page of review packet
• Lesson 11.5 #2-24 evens
• Practice Mid-Chapter 11 Quiz

Algebra

Today in class we checked our work on the Unit Review packet and we continued on with Problem 3.4.

Homework:

• Finish problem 3.4
• ACE(3) #1-7, 12, 16, 17, 27

Science:

I want to thank students for all their hard work on the MAP test this week. I say this not because you were taking the science portion, but because we are aware how much effort and energy this requires and, often, it can go without recognition.

Homework:

Students are to pray for no rain. Well, I can’t make you pray as a homework assignment, but I can ask you to hope for a dry spell. Students should have their carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water cycles drawn in their comps books already, but if not, that is the homework. We will be watching Inconvenient Truth when you return to class next week.

Social Studies:

Homework: Finish yellow sheet on Confucius. Read “Ode to Mulan” and answer the questions for the poem.

3/24/08 (A day)

Literacy:

Homework:

1. Letter to 8-South Student–Due Wednesday (A) or Thursday (B)– Directions on Clayton On-Line Learning (8-South Literacy)

2. New forums on Clayton On-Line Learning (8-South Literacy) –3/24– post to three of them–Due Friday

Mathematics:

Algebra

• Reviewed the topic from Investigation 1
• Explored square roots during Investigation 2 Problem 2.1 and 2.2

Homework:

• Finish Problem 2.2 & 2.3

Challenge Algebra 8

• Discussed addition and subtraction of polynomials and completed the 11.1 worksheet in class
• Learned the basics about multiplying and factoring polynomials

Homework:

• Lesson 11.1 #9-39

Science:

We are planning our gardens.  Weather permitting, we will be planting outdoors next week.  Students do not have to buy their own seeds.  I have a good selection available, but students are welcome to buy alternative selections if they wish.

Homework:

Students have chosen their own groups.  Upon entering class next time, they need to have diagrammed their garden plot, chosen their seeds, and itemized (with cost) how many of which seeds they would like to “purchase” from me.  I recommend considering spacing, which plants may block sun from others, watering (don’t put those that need lots of water near those that need none), and “cost.”  You should also think about which plants may need to be started indoors.

Social Studies:

Homework: Work on portfolio for World Religions Unit. Portfolio is due on Mon. March 31 (B day) and Tuesday, April 1 (A day).

3/7/08 post (B day)

Literacy:Homework for A Day Kiddos Only:

1. Read Chapter 10-11 by Monday. Take active reading notes (see handout). If you do not have a handout, see Ms. Millican on Friday. Ms. Baker will be absent.

3. Ms. Baker has put seven new forums on COL. You need to post to THREE of them by Monday morning.

4. There is an enrichment option on COL (Map Activity). This is optional.

Homework for 1-2B Day Kiddos Only:

1. Read Chapters 10 and 11 in TKMB.

2. Ms. Baker has put seven new forums on COL. You need to post to each of them by Friday afternoon.

3. There is an enrichment option on COL (Map Activity). This is optional.

4. 5-6B Only–You need to make contact with your partner in Hawaii.

Introduce yourselves. Also, you need to write the opening scene (at least)

of your story. You will get directions on how to post to the wiki on Friday.

Mathematics:

Algebra

• Worked on our MSA projects for the first half of class
• Discussed problem 1.1 and ACE(1) #1, 2
• Explored problem 1.2 & 1.3

Homework:

• Finish problem 1.2 & 1.3
• ACE question from first section on the LFP assignment sheet

Challenge Algebra 8

• Worked on an “Gauss’s method” extension question
• Discussed answers to the first half of the Chapter Review
• Had time to work on second half of the Chapter Review
• Ended class by discussing polynomials: standard form, adding, and subtracting

Homework:

• Finish the Chapter 10 review
• Study for the Chapter 10 test Monday

Science:

Good luck with all your studying.  If you have questions, do not hesitate to email me, IM me (Josh Wilmsmeyer), or Skype me (wilmsmeyer) over the weekend.  I will hopefully have a chat room open Sunday night for a few hours if you need to get a hold of me.

Homework:

1. Chemistry exam (March 10 and 11)
2. Lab Report (No later than March 13)
3. Chemistry Speed Dating (This will take place on March 13, but students will have a small script to prepare in the days before.

Social Studies:

Homework:

Study for the World Religions Quiz (A day-Monday, March 10; B day-Tusday, March 11.)

Complete daily log and continue research on 500 word essay.

WORLD RELIGIONS FIELD TRIP, WED. MARCH 12. Bring a sack lunch and dress appropriately.

2/19/08 post (A day)

Literacy:

Today in class, students participated in a Poetry Gallery, reading and analyzing poetry by writers such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Gwendolyn Brooks. We will start To Kill a Mockingbird next class.

Homework:

This work is due on Monday (A) or Tuesday (B)

1. In your WNB, write a response to the following:

What were the important messages (big ideas) in Twelve Angry Men?

2. Go on COL and follow the directions for “Poem: Family Member.” BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!

3. Write a free choice piece in your WNB. You might look on COL for ideas. There is a forum titled, “Writer’s Notebook: Ideas for Third Quarter.”

Mathematics:

Challenge Algebra -

• We took another look at Scientific Notation
• We did problems 6-39 from Lesson 10.4
• We Fininshed problem 1.2 and some f problem 1.3 from our Growing, Growing, Growing packets

Homework:

• Finish Problem 1.3 and the follow-up #3
• ACE(1) #1, 2, 3, 10, 13

Algebra 8 -

• Organized work to be turned in next class
• Took a look at homework Problem 5.4
• Started homework problems ACE(5) #5-14, 16, 17

Homework:

• Finish ACE(5) #5-14, 16, 17

Science:

Student, in class, completed a “Tootsie Pop activity.” This was a tactile way to learn chemical formulas inductively.

Homework:

Students have their Pen Pal Letter #2 due on Friday!!!  This should be far better than the last one and should be a lot more fun to write.  Go in depth and find the intricate history of your element.  Are you blamed for the destruction of our planet?  Have you been known to kill people?  Do people prize you for your beauty?  How were you discovered and by whom?

The only other homework would be to focus attention back on PS15. This lab was a difficult one and, as we have picked up more information, the students are able to give more effort and insight toward this work. Chemical formulas should now make a little more sense to us and we should maybe start to understand balancing equations.

I will post a lab report on Clayton Online Learning this week. It is not a sample of what I expect, it is a sample of corrections I am recommending for others. If one student is having trouble with CTQs and turning them into a lab report, many amy also be struggling from the same thing. Why not learn from others. Note: It takes a great person to submit their work for others to see corrected. Thank you to those volunteers.

Social Studies:

Homework: TEST ON AFRICA UNIT!!!!!!!!

A DAY – THURSDAY, FEB. 21

B DAY – FRIDAY, FEB. 22

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: Watch African American Lives 2 on Channel 9 Wed. Feb 13 at 8 PM. Write a two paragraph reflection, addressing the following: What did you find interesting or surprising in the show? What were the different ways in which idea of race was discussed?

The reflection will be due by Tuesday, Feb. 19.

2/08/08 post (B day)

Literacy:

Great job today with the Literary Tea Party!   We heard wonderful discussions about books.  Your 8-South teachers are proud of you.  Ms. Baker will post the photos this weekend to our team Flickr account, which you can access via Clayton On-Line Learning.  Jon Knohl is making an I-Movie, which we will post when he is finished.

Homework:

Go on COL (8-South Literacy) and click on “Black History Photos.” Follow the directions. This work is due in your WNB on Monday (A) or Tuesday (B).

Mathematics:

Challenge Algebra -

Homework:

Algebra 8-

Homework:

Science:

Today’s science class was the last to watch the infamous “Wilmsmeyer Voicethread.”  Currently, I am in the talks with Sony Pictures to turn this into a movie and Butterscotch is talking to Pixar about a cartoon deal.

Homework:

Students should be:

1. Revising/editing their CTQs and summaries for PS15.  There are no answers in science, only better questions.  As we discuss these thoughts and ideas, we find our original theses under scrutiny.  That scrutiny forces us to ask better questions and the cycle continues.
2. Researching for their 2nd pen pal letter.  Again, use the resources at hand (websites the librarians arranged, textbooks in class, library books, etc.)
3. Entering their pre-lab for PS16.
4. Memorizing their 50 most common elements.
5. Checking Clayton Online Learning for challenge opportunities.

Social Studies:

Homework: B day students: Complete the map started in class and complete he chart on West African trading kingdoms.

A day students: Read pp. 294-297 and answer questions 1-5 on p. 297.

1/25/08 post (B day)

Community Service Alert!!

The results of the caucus are posted to Clayton Online Learning. The “Team 8 South” area has a forum set up for the Dog Walking, Project Peanut Butter, and LifeStraw ideas. Please add your thoughts in the “goal setting” forums. Thank you for your hard work on community service projects so far. Now, let’s make these projects as successful as they can be.

Literacy:

During class, students worked on finishing their persuasive essays using Google Docs.

Homework:

Rather than writing in your WNB this week, you are going to write three posts to Clayton On-Line Learning. Go to C.O.L. and click on 8-South Literacy. You are to follow the directions under each of the following:

“8-South Reads…” “Sentence Imitations” and “Black History Month at Wydown”

2. You should be finishing your novel, as you will starting an assignment relating to that novel later this week.

Mathematics:

Algebra 8-

• We discussed constructing reflections of geometric shapes using an angle ruler in problem 2.1.
• Then we reviewed for our Investigation 3 quiz.
• We brainstormed ideas for how we could use ed.voicethread.com in our math class as online review resources.

Homework:

• Finish the review packet
• Study for the Investigation 3 Quiz Tuesday.

Science:

It was not easy, but we are mucking our way through the concepts of chemical and physical reactions. What separates them? Can both be “undone?” How can I tell one from the other?

Homework:

Students are to prepare for their PS15 experiment. This involves two tasks.

1. Complete the pre-lab write-up. The procedure, materials, and background are in a handout given to the students.
2. Students are to complete the research questions on the back of a handout given in class today. The “Chemistry” handout has a dozen concepts and vocabulary words that students will need to know to completely grasp what occurs during PS15. Find the answers. I have text sources if you would like to use them, but you have other research tools at your disposal as well.

Social Studies:

Homework:

Study for the test on Rome. Test will be Tuesday, Jan. 29 (B day) and Wednesday, Jan. 30 (A day). The study guide should include vocabulary words, as well as key people, dates, and events. You need to also write out 5 short answer questions and answers as part of the study guide. See the notice for the test below. EXAM ON ROME

WHEN? TUESDAY, JAN. 29 (B DAY)
WEDNESDAY JAN. 30 (A DAY)

WHAT TO STUDY: ALL CLASS NOTES; HOMEWORK NOTES,
CHAPTER 6, SECTIONS 1, 2, 3, AND 5 NOTES
ROMULUS AND REMUS WORKSHEET,
ROMAN REPUBLIC WORKSHEET
MAP OF ROME (AND QUESTIONS)
12 TABLES AND CODE OF JUSTINIAN WORKSHEET
ULTIMATE EMPIRE WORKSHEET

WHAT TYPE OF QUESTIONS?

THERE S A VOCABULARY MATCH, QUESTIONS CONCERNING IMPORTANT DATES, AND A SERIES OF SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THESE QUESTIONS MAY BE ANSWERED IN A FEW WORDS, A COUPLE SENTENCES, OR 4-5 SENTENCES. YOU WILL BE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS WITH EACH QUESTION.

IS THE TEST OPEN NOTE? NO. THE TEST IS CLOSED NOTES.

HOW MUCH IS THE TEST WORTH? THE TEST IS WORTH 60 POINTS.

THIS IS A LARGE UNIT THAT COVERS 1200 YEARS AND HALF THE GLOBE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO STUDY HARD FOR THE TEST, USING YOUR NOTES FROM THE BOOK AND CLASS AND THE VARIOUS WORKSHEETS.

GOOD LUCK!

1/24/08 post (A day)

Community Service Alert!!

The results of the caucus are posted to Clayton Online Learning. The “Team 8 South” area has a forum set up for the Dog Walking, Project Peanut Butter, and LifeStraw ideas. Please add your thoughts in the “goal setting” forums. Thank you for your hard work on community service projects so far. Now, let’s make these projects as successful as they can be.

Literacy:

During class, students worked on finishing their persuasive essays using Google Docs. Ms. Baker collected writer’s notebooks.

Homework:

Rather than writing in your WNB this week, you are going to write three posts to Clayton On-Line Learning. Go to C.O.L. and click on 8-South Literacy. You are to follow the directions under each of the following:

“8-South Reads…” “Sentence Imitations” and “Black History Month at Wydown”

2. You should be finishing your novel, as you will starting an assignment relating to that novel later this week.

Mathematics:

Challenge Algebra-

•  In class we checked our homework from Lesson 9.4. Then we discussed translating functions.
• Students took formal notes in class
• Students had some time to work on their homework in class.

Homework:

•  Lesson 9.5 #7-30

Algebra 8-

• Students received their KHM Investigation 1 Quiz and corrected them in class
• We checked Problem 3.2 and ACE(3) #1-4 in class.
• We explored the different congruent triangles in ACE(3) #5 and we learned how to organize an elementary geometric proof.

Homework:

• 1-2(B) Problem 2.1 (back to the future) Letters A-E. There were two lab sheets passed out in class for students to use with these questions.
• 5-6(B) Some students need to complete ACE(3) #5, while other students need to complete what they can from Problem 2.1 A-E. Please remember that I passed out 2 lab sheets in class that go along with this problem. If you received these sheets, that means that this is your homework.

Science:

Homework:

Today in class we completed the “Reaction in a bag” experiment. Our data was observational in nature and, therefore, our post-lab will be slightly different. Students should answer their CTQs, draw a diagram of the experiment, identify the independent and dependent variables, and list their materials. We will use this as a starting point to discuss chemical and physical properties and reactions. Quizzes have already started to include elements from the Periodic Table.

Social Studies:

Homework:

Prepare a study guide for the test on Rome. Test will be Tuesday, Jan. 29 (B day) and Wednesday, Jan. 30 (A day). The study guide should include vocabulary words, as well as key people, dates, and events. You need to also write out 5 short answer questions and answers as part of the study guide. See the notice regarding the test.
EXAM ON ROME

WHEN? TUESDAY, JAN. 29 (B DAY)
WEDNESDAY JAN. 30 (A DAY)

WHAT TO STUDY: ALL CLASS NOTES; HOMEWORK NOTES,
CHAPTER 6, SECTIONS 1, 2, 3, AND 5 NOTES
ROMULUS AND REMUS WORKSHEET,
ROMAN REPUBLIC WORKSHEET
MAP OF ROME (AND QUESTIONS)
12 TABLES AND CODE OF JUSTINIAN WORKSHEET
ULTIMATE EMPIRE WORKSHEET

WHAT TYPE OF QUESTIONS?

THERE S A VOCABULARY MATCH, QUESTIONS CONCERNING IMPORTANT DATES, AND A SERIES OF SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THESE QUESTIONS MAY BE ANSWERED IN A FEW WORDS, A COUPLE SENTENCES, OR 4-5 SENTENCES. YOU WILL BE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS WITH EACH QUESTION.

IS THE TEST OPEN NOTE? NO. THE TEST IS CLOSED NOTES.

HOW MUCH IS THE TEST WORTH? THE TEST IS WORTH 60 POINTS.

THIS IS A LARGE UNIT THAT COVERS 1200 YEARS AND HALF THE GLOBE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO STUDY HARD FOR THE TEST, USING YOUR NOTES FROM THE BOOK AND CLASS AND THE VARIOUS WORKSHEETS.

GOOD LUCK!