Great job on the first annual 8-South Carnival!
We loved watching the team work together to produce an event that was not only fun, but important. We raised about $1400 for our causes. That is amazing. The 8-South Teachers are incredibly proud of you. Thanks, too, for those who stayed and helped to clean up.
Ms. Baker just posted the “8-South Carnival Video” that she made onto YouTube! Check it out! This is Ms. Baker’s first-ever YouTube video! 
Reminders:
1. If you plan to go on the overnight or attend the Cardinals Game, don’t forget to bring back your Team Credit events permission slips by Monday.
2. Next week’s schedule: B A B A B
Literacy:
We read Act II of The Miracle Worker and then began our final writing assignment of the year: Writing as a Gift.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.
You will have an quiz over Act II and the 14 vocabulary words on Tuesday (A day) and Wednesday (B day) of next week.
Mathematics:
Algebra 8 (1-2B)
Today. we checked over our work from problem 4.1 and 4.2. Then students had time to work on exponential decay problems in class
Homework:
Algebra 8 (5-6B)
Today. we checked over our work from problem 4.1 and 4.2. Then students had time to work on exponential decay problems in class
Homework:
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
Brunch for Books! Please check out the attached article about a book fundraiser through our library.Did someone say “barbecue?” Read the attachment about the upcoming 8th grade Community Alliance BBQ!
Upcoming Events: Poetry Slam on April 23rd at 7 p.m. Be there!!! Taylor Mali will be the MC.
Literacy:
During class, we are working on outlining our Mockingbird essays. Students are conferencing with Ms. Baker about their ideas and their organization.
Homework: Get your 4th Quarter Reading Contract Signed. Dive into your independent reading book. You should be reading at least 30 minutes a night.
Mathematics:
Algebra 8 (1-2B)
Today we took a look at ACE(1) #1-7, and 31 and discussed exponential growth at length.
Homework:
- Finish Problem 1.3
- Test corrections for some
Algebra 8 (5-6 B)
Today we looked over problem 1.3 of Growing, Growing, Growing and then we continued on with Problem 1.4.
- Finish Problem 1.4
- ACE(1) #28-30,35-38, 50
Science:
Homework:
- Take the online carbon footprint quiz at www.myfootprint.org
- Write down the number of earths it would take… (your score)
- Complete the Experimental Challenge worksheet about Albert and his bats. The focus of this worksheet is the table and graph. How would you draw a good table for this lab? Would you use every data point? Would you use the average? Would you use the longest hit of each bat?
Social Studies:
Homework: Quiz on Confucius, Daoism, Chinese Dynasties, and Chinese Exploration – A Day – Wednesday April 23; and B Day – Thursday, April 24.
Brunch for Books! Please check out the attached article about a book fundraiser through our library.Did someone say “barbecue?” Read the attachment about the upcoming 8th grade Community Alliance BBQ!
Upcoming Events: Poetry Slam on April 23rd at 7 p.m. Be there!!! Taylor Mali will be the MC.
Literacy:
Homework: Get your 4th Quarter Reading Contract Signed. Post to COL (Darius Goes West), if you were in one of the classes that watched the film today.
Mathematics:
Algebra 8 (1-2 A)Today we took a look at 12.1 and the beginning of 12.2.Homework:
- 12.1 WS
- 12.2 #10-48 evens
Algebra 8 (5-6 A)Today we discussed problem 1.1 of Growing, Growing, Growing. After making some observations, we explored problem 1.2 which challenged students to write basic equations modeling exponential growth.Homework:
Science:
Homework:
Students have two tasks:
- Try the ElectroCity game on Clayton Online Learning. I am not taking a grade on this, but would like to see you try the challenge of balancing economics, pollution, and need for power.
- Read the article on ethanol from the recent Time Magazine. Try to find an article in favor of ethanol and bring the article in (find the claims and evidence).
Dead Zone in Gulf of Mexicoor this one with more pictures… Yeah, pictures!
Social Studies:
Homework: Prepare Dynasty Presentations (if you have not already done them in class.)
Brunch for Books! Please check out the attached article about a book fundraiser through our library.
Guitar Hero Tourney will be after school Wednesday!!!
Did someone say “barbecue?” Read the attachment about the upcoming 8th grade Community Alliance BBQ!
Upcoming Events:1. Poem in My Pocket Day on April 17th. Ms. Baker will order Chinese lunch for anyone who pays me by April 16th. Ms. Baker has the menu. Poetry Slam on April 23rd at 7 p.m. Be there!!! Taylor Mali will be the MC.
Literacy:
Homework:
Respond to three new forums by Wednesday (B) or Thursday (A). The new ones are dated 4/14
Bring your poem for your pocket by Wednesday–two copies. Be sure that your name is on the poem.
Mathematics:
Algebra 8 (1-2 B)
Today we checked our answers to the Unit Review packet. Then we did a guided review activity in class and checked our answers to the questions. We finished by starting a more difficult review packet, Review packet #3.
Homework:
- Finish both review packets that include smartboard slides. One is colored, the other is white.
- Study for your Looking for Pythagoras Unit Test
- Bring all of your work from LFP to make sure you get credit
Algebra 8
Today in class we checked our answers to the last review packet and we took the Looking for Pythagoras Unit Test.
Homework:
- Bring in any missing assignments by tomorrow for credit
- GGG Problem 1.1 (handout)
Science:
The soil has been turned over and is ready for the planting. I am hoping we will put plants in the ground tomorrow and Wednesday.
Homework:
Students have two tasks:
- Try the ElectroCity game on Clayton Online Learning. I am not taking a grade on this, but would like to see you try the challenge of balancing economics, pollution, and need for power.
- Read the article on ethanol from the recent Time Magazine. Try to find an article in favor of ethanol and bring the article in (find the claims and evidence).
Dead Zone in Gulf of Mexico
or this one with more pictures… Yeah, pictures!
Social Studies:
Homework: Read 314-320; Prepare for Dynasty Presentation;
A day – Tuesday, April 15 – finish Mulan worksheet; read 308-314.
Literacy:
Homework:
Write in your WNB–Free Choice.
5-6B Students Only– The final draft of your short story is due on Monday. Ms. Baker needs a double-spaced copy and you need to post a copy on the wiki.
Mathematics:
Algebra
Today we took another look at our answers to the questions from problem 2.3. After we came up with the conclusion that the side length of any square is the “square root” of it’s area, we did a warm-up worksheet to practice what we know.
Then, we looked at right triangles. We learned the vocabulary words “legs” and “hypotenuse” and we tried to find the relationship between the squares coming off of the legs and the square coming off the hypotenuse.
Homework:
- Finish Problem 3.1
- ACE(2) #7-19
Challenge Algebra 8
- Checked our answers from 11.1
- Took more notes on 11.2
- Did a practice worksheet on 11.2
- Took notes on 11.3
Homework:
- 11.2 #14-36 evens
- 11.3 #5-22
Science:
Seeds are in planters and, hopefully, on their way to germination. Not every group planted seeds. you can plant when you are ready or, if it is your choice, wait to sow directly into the ground in a week or two. We will be starting our garden work this Friday and into the next few weeks. Dress appropriately.
Homework:
Students have no homework.
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).
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 is the World Religions Field Trip. Students should dress appropriately and bring a sack lunch. We will visit the Islamic Center of St. Louis, the Hindu Temple, and the Cathedral Basilica.
Literacy:
Homework for B Day:
1.. Ms. Baker has put several new forums on COL for this week (These are different from last week’s forums, which are now “closed.”) You need to post to THREE of the new ones by Thursday morning. For 5-6B only, posting to these forums is optional. You are to be sure that you post your story to the wiki, if you have not already done so. You also must give feedback to your writing partner in Hawaii.
2. Read through the end of Chapter 16 by the Monday after spring break. Take notes on important details. Expect a quiz on Chapters 9-16 when we return from break.
3. There is an enrichment option on COL (Map Activity). This is optional. Due Thursday before break.
Mathematics:
Algebra
- Worked on our MSA projects
Homework:
- Finish MSA projects by Thursday (Due: Thursday Morning)
Challenge Algebra 8
- Checked the second half of the Chapter 10 Review
- Took Chapter 10 Test
Homework:
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:
- Chemistry exam (March 10 and 11)
- Lab Report (No later than March 13)
- 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: After the quiz, students had a choice of work on three stations: Hindu mandalas, Islamic design, or interpretation of the Quran.
Homework:
Study for the World Religions Quiz (A day-Monday, March 10; B day-Tusday, March 11.)
Complete daily log, continue research on 500 word essay, and complete reflections of work on stations.
WORLD RELIGIONS FIELD TRIP, WED. MARCH 12. Bring a sack lunch and dress appropriately.
Thank you for your flexibility today!
Literacy:
Homework for A Day Kiddos Only:
1. Read Chapter 9 by Thursday.
2. “Climb Into His/Her Skin” Creative Writing Activity due Thursday (in WNB).
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.
Mathematics:
Algebra 8 (1-2B & 5-6B)
Homework:
- Finish Presentation part of MSA project by Friday.
Algebra 8 (5-6A)
Homework:
- Finish LFP Problem 1.1 & ACE(1) #1,2
Challenge Algebra 8
Homework:
- Finish Lesson 10.6 homework
- Finish problems 1-13 for the chapter 10 review
Science:
We have changed several things to accommodate a dynamic schedule. With all the field trips and absences, dates and assignments have had to change. The third pen pal letter is now going to be a LEVEL II CHALLENGE. Students can take on this task if they want to, but it will not be required. The tasks remaining are all written below in the homework section.
Homework:
- Chemistry exam (March 10 and 11)
- Lab Report (No later than March 13)
- 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:
After watching a short video, students had a choice of different activities to use as part of their World Religions portfolio.
Homework: Complete the daily log for the portfolio, complete the reflection for the station activity from class, and check out 8 South Social Studies Clayton Online Learning questions.
I am posting a study session schedule. You will see lunches and after school times available. I do this for you, not me. Come or don’t…that’s your choice. I know your schedules are packed so there are lots of times to make this plan flexible to your schedules. Study Session Schedule
You can also reach me on AIM (Josh Wilmsmeyer) and Skype (MrWilmsmeyer) as you find difficulties in your work.
Literacy:
During class, students adopted a perspective other than that of Scout and wrote from his or her point of view. Then, students began to read chapter 4 of To Kill A Mockingbird.
HERE IS A LINK TO AN AMAZING SITE TO HELP YOU WITH SOME OF THE MORE DIFFICULT WORDS/REFERENCES IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD:
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Belmont_HS/tkm/
Homework: Finish Chapter 4 and 5 and answer the questions (see handout).
5-6B students need to remember to bring back their permission letter. 5-6B students also need to begin their storyboard.
Extra credit opportunities:
1. Memorize one of the poems from the bulletin board. Make an appointment to recite it to Ms. Baker
2. Find a “real” use of a TKMB vocabulary word. Xerox.
3. Post the poem that you wrote on COL.
Mathematics:
Algebra 8 -
- We reviewed the answers to the second half of the review packet
- Students took the KHM Unit Test
Homework:
- Finish your problem from MSA.
- While you are reworking the problem, brainstorm ideas about methods for teaching this concept on the internet to students all over the word.
Challenge Algebra -
- Students warmed up by practicing problems from 10.2 and 10.3
- Next, student received their Chapter 10 Mid Chapter Tests back
- Then, we discussed our answers to the Investigation 2 packet and started on the investigation 3 packet
Homework:
- Finish the Investigation 3 packet
Science:
Flame testing was a lot of fun and the learning was evident. Thanks for the wonderful behavior and inquiry effort.
Homework:
There is no homework. I do not want students to write CTQs for this lab. I would suggest working on memorizing the 50 elements and maybe researching for the third pen pal letter. But those are just suggestions.
Social Studies:
We have started the World Religions Unit today.
Homework: Read pp. 43-47 (Judaism) and 144-148 (Christianity) and fill in information on history, rituals, sacred texts, symbols, and beliefs on your paper or on the chart.
Roses are Red,Violets Are Blue
The Teachers were Excited about the Snow Day
What about you?
Monday will be an “A” day. Be sure that you bring your materials for A day classes. For Literacy, check the blog from February 19th to see the homework that is due tomorrow. Start the week off right; be sure that you do not come to class without your work and your supplies.
Other reminders:
1. Your community service artifact is due this Friday. EVERY student on the team is expected to show their artifact to the 8-South teacher who is helping to lead that particular service project. If you are unclear as to what is expected of you, then see an 8-South teacher on Monday.
2. Amanda, Kate, Nikki, and a few other students would like 8-South to try out a Project Peanut Butter mathematics game (like freerice) and give feedback by posting to the forum. To access the game, go to COL and click 8-South Team Area. Then, under Project Peanut Butter, click on Peanut Butter Game Version 5 and start playing. Thanks.
2. Wednesday is a late start day.
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