Wednesday, February 15
Social Studies: Presentation on Mayans, Aztecs, & Incas
Reading: Read chapter four of your novel
Tuesday, February 14
Social Studies: Haiti activity was due today
Reading: Read chapter three of your novel
Monday, February 13
Social Studies: Daily Geography and SQ3R was due Friday; analysis of Castro
article (identifying pros & cons) was due today; Haiti
activity due Tuesday.
Reading: Read chapter three of your novel by Wednesday; chapter 1-2 activity
in progress.
Friday, February 10
Social Studies: Daily Geography and SQ3R were due today; analysis of Castro
article (identifying pros & cons) is due Monday; Haiti
activity due Tuesday.
Reading: Read chapter two of your novel by Monday; chapter 1 activity was due
today.
Thursday, February 9
Social Studies: Online simulation of life in Haiti; write-up due Tuesday.
Daily Geography and SQ3R are due tomorrow
Reading: Read chapter one of your novel by Friday and complete the activity
handed out in class.
Wednesday, February 8
Social Studies: Students learned about the Cuban Missile Crisis and are
reading an article about Castro. While reading the article,
students need to list the pros and cons (good and bad) of his
leadership (as stated in the article) and write a paragraph
explaining their overall opinion of him (due Monday).
Daily Geography and SQ3R are due by Friday (at the latest)
Reading: Read chapter one of your novel by Friday and complete the activity
handed out in class today.
Tuesday, February 7
Social Studies: Today students took the map quiz and worked on their
Daily Geography and SQ3R activity. Daily Geography is due
Thursday; SQ3R is due Friday (at the latest)
Homework: None
Reading: Students received books for reading groups, which we will begin
tomorrow.
Independent reading logs are due tomorrow; please make sure they are
up-to-date and get an adult to sign off on your reading.
Monday, February 6
Social Studies: Today students reviewed for the map quiz and worked on their
Daily Geography and SQ3R activity. Daily Geography is due
Thursday; SQ3R is due Friday (at the latest)
Homework: Study the map of Central America and the Caribbean.
The map quiz will be tomorrow. Know all the
countries (only the large islands or Greater
Antilles of the Caribbean), the Sierra Madre Mts.,
the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans. 2nd, 4th, and 5th periods must
also know the capital cities -- see list with
memory hints (mnemonics) under "Other Assignments &
Hand-outs".
Reading: Today students took the lesson 1 vocabulary quiz; results are posted
on Pinnacle.
Friday, February 3
Social Studies: Students watched, discussed, and took notes on a film about
Cuba.
Homework: Study the map of Central America and the Caribbean.
The map quiz will be on Tuesday. Know all the
countries (only the large islands or Greater
Antilles of the Caribbean), the Sierra Madre Mts.,
the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans. 2nd, 4th, and 5th periods must
also know the capital cities -- see list with
memory hints (mnemonics) under "Other Assignments &
Hand-outs".
Reading: Today was silent reading day; Lesson 1 Vocabulary Quiz Monday
Thursday, February 2
Social Studies: Students took more notes on Mexico, began working on the new
Daily Geography (due next Wednesday - Thursday), and
continued working on the SQ3R reading assignment.
Homework: Study the map of Central America and the Caribbean.
The map quiz will be on Tuesday. Know all the
countries (only the large islands or Greater
Antilles of the Caribbean), the Sierra Madre Mts.,
the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans. 2nd, 4th, and 5th periods must
also know the capital cities -- see list with
memory hints (mnemonics) under "Other Assignments &
Hand-outs".
Reading: Vocabulary charades; to be continued.
Wednesday, February 1
Social Studies: Students took notes on Mexico, watched ships pass through the
Panama Canal, and continued to work on yesterday's assignment
using the SQ3R reading strategy.
Reading: Students continued to work on their "Robotic Nation" assignment from
yesterday.
Tuesday, January 31
Social Studies: Students were quized over what they learned in the vidoes
yesterday. Next, they learned the SQ3R reading comprehension
strategy and are applying it to a section in the textbook
(to be finished in class tomorrow).
Reading: Students read article "Robotic Nation" after writing about what they
already know about robots and then evaluated the author's vision of
the future of robotics. Finally, they were to comment on whether or
not the article changed their minds about robots.
Monday, January 30
Social Studies: Students began learning the major islands of the Caribbean and
their capitals, and we took notes on a video about the
Caribbean. Please memorize the location of Cuba, Jamaica,
Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico by tomorrow and
know their capitals.
Reading: Today students went to the media center to read or check out books.
No homwework. Lesson 1 vocabulary quiz next Monday.
Thursday, January 26
Social Studies: The Canada test was today; I should have the results posted on
Pinnacle by 6 PM at the latest.
The US - Canada compare-contrast chart (or Venn diagram) is
due tomorrow. Facts should include relationship with
England / the United Kingdom; government, economy,
multiculturalism (having people of different cultures living
within the same country), and at least one other topic of your
own choosing.
Reading: Today students completed a fact/inference activity for a grade and
were allowed to read independently afterwards. Tomorrow is silent
reading day.
Wednesday, January 25
Social Studies: Canada Test tomorrow - Study!
Canada podcast review session is complete and can be found on
my website. It runs about 15 minutes, and the last few
minutes are a hockey game, which you don't have to listen to.
Reading: Vocabulary pages 4 & 5; due Thursday.
Tuesday, January 24
Social Studies: Canada Test Thursday - Study!
Canada podcast review session is complete and can be found on
my website. It runs 18 minutes.
Reading: Student mythology presentations, continued.
Monday, January 23
Social Studies: Students added information on Canada's route to independence
and Canada's economy to their organizers.
Canada Test Thursday - Study!
Canada podcast review session is complete and can be found on
my website. It runs 18 minutes.
Reading: Student mythology presentations, continued.
Friday, January 20
Social Studies: Mock Henry Hudson murder trial; students took notes
First Period contiunes a project in which they are each
making a sign in French and English (like the ones in Quebec),
with the French larger than the English. Students are using an
online translator; project due Monday.
Second, Fourth, and Fifth Periods continue to work Quebec
independence project, reading articles & discussing them.
Canada test Thursday. It will mainly be on the information in
your yellow graphic organizer. I will try to make a podcast
either this weekend or Monday.
Reading: Silent independent reading today
Thursday, January 19
Social Studies: Today students took the Canada map test.
First Period contiunes a project in which they are each
making a sign in French and English (like the ones in Quebec),
with the French larger than the English. Students are using an
online translator; project due Monday.
Second, Fourth, and Fifth Periods continue to work Quebec
independence project. They began reading articles after the
test today.
Reading: Students contiued working on mythology mini-project (Due Monday).
A few students who finished early gave their presentations today.
Wednesday, January 18
Social Studies: Today students were introduced to the issue of the Quebec
independence movement and some of the efforts to preserve
French culture (especially language)in the province.
First Period has begun a project in which they are each
making a sign in French and English (like the ones in Quebec),
with the French larger than the English. Students are using an
online translator; project due Monday.
Second, Fourth, and Fifth Periods are beginning a project on
the Quebec independence movement. They will start reading
articles after the test tomorrow.
Homework:
Canada map quiz tomorrow - Study. (See map for details).
Reading: Students began working on mythology mini-project.
Due Monday.
Tuesday, January 17
Social Studies: Students continued working on daily geography (see last
Thursday's agenda below for details) and added information on
Canada's government and prime minister to their graphic
organizers (article given out in class today).
Homework 1:
Canada map quiz Thursday. Study daily until you know all
the required information (see map for details).
Homework 2 (2nd, 4th, & 5th period only):
Find out which Canadian cities have hosted the Winter Olympics
Reading: Students received mythology book; each student has been assigned a
chapter to read and do a presentation on (rubric & instructions were
also given out in class today). Students will begin the assignment
in class tomorrow; no homework tonight.
Monday, January 18 No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Friday, January 13
Social Studies: Students worked on daily geography (see Thursday's agenda
below for details) and added information on the Canadian
Shield and Canada's population distribution to their graphic
organizers. The Canadian Shield PowerPoint and a map showing
Canada's population distribution can both be found on this
website under "Other Assignments & Handouts".
Canada map quiz Thursday. Study daily until you know all
the required information (see map for details).
Reading: Silent independent reading day
Thursday, January 12
Social Studies: Students began a daily geography activity on Canada (due
Weds. for 2nd, 4th, and 5th periods; Thurs. for 1st) and made
a graphic organizer to which we began adding information on
Canada's environmental problems and natural resources.
Canada map quiz NEXT Thursday. Study daily until you know all
the required information (see map for details).
Reading: Health survey and read-aloud from The Odyssey in preparation for a
mini-unit on mythology.
No homework. Tomorrow will be silent independent reading day.
Wednesday, January 11
Social Studies: Students reviewed the Canadian provinces and territories and
their capitals using the Sheppard Software games in the lab.
Second qualifying round for the Geography Bee for those who
made it through the first round.
No homework; Canada map quiz NEXT Thursday.
Reading: We finished the read-aloud of Escape from Pompeii - students
finished and turned in their organizers in which they identified the
characters, setting, and theme and listed predictions.
No homework.
Tuesday, January 10
Social Studies: First qualifying round for the Geography Bee.
No homework; Canada map quiz NEXT Thursday.
Reading: New reading classes began today; introductions & we began a
read-aloud of Escape from Pompeii. No homework.
Wednesday, December 21
Social Studies: Students learned about Ontario today in preparation for a
compare/contrast assignment.
No homework unless you owe work or want to redo an assignment
or quiz to improve your grade. The grading period ends
tomorrow.
Reading: If you haven't already done so, please bring in your book and / or
reading log.
Tuesday, December 20
Social Studies: Students learned about Nova Scotia today in preparation for a
compare/contrast assignment.
No homework unless you owe work or want to redo an assignment
or quiz to improve your grade. This is the last chance.
Reading: Novel quiz was today. Please bring in your book to turn in.
Homework: Reading log due tomorrow. Have a parent sign for the books
you have read at home.
Monday, December 19
Social Studies: Today our councelor, Dr. DePetro, had our students for a
guidance lesson in the computer lab where they explored their
learning styles and investigated potential career paths.
No homework unless you owe work. Retests tomorrow for those
students who need to take it.
Reading: Novel quiz tomorrow. Please bring in your book to turn in.
Friday, December 16
Social Studies: Students got back the quiz on economics and government and we
went over the questions and answers. We reviewed the Canadian
provinces and territories and watched a short video about
Edmonton and the Calgary Stampede.
No homework unless you owe work.
Reading: Invitation to the Game group: Finish novel by Monday.
Number the Stars group: Finish novel by Monday.
The final novel quiz will be on Monday.
Thursday, December 15
Social Studies: Today students took the quiz on economics and government.
I just posted the grades on Pinnacle.
Homework: *Coffee Shop game and write-up due tomorrow for 1st period;
see Tuesday (last week) blog below for details.
Reading: Invitation to the Game group: Read chapter 10 for Friday.
Number the Stars group: Read chapters 15 and 16 for Friday.
The final novel quiz will be on Monday.
Wednesday, December 14
Social Studies: Canada unit continued, emphasis on geography.
Homework:
There will be a 17 question multiple choice quiz on economics
and government tomorrow. Study your governments packet. I
have also made a podcast review for you (See "Podcasts" page
on this website). It runs almost 14 minutes. -
*Coffee Shop game and write-up due today for 2nd
period, Friday for 1st period; see Tuesday (last
week) blog below for details)
Reading: Invitation to the Game group: Read chapter 9 for Thursday.
Number the Stars group: Read chapters 13 and 14 for Thursday.
Tuesday, December 13
Social Studies: Today we began our Canada unit, focussing on geography.
Homework:
There will be a 17 question multiple choice quiz on economics
and government on Thursday. Study your governments packet. I
have also made a podcast review for you (See "Podcasts" page
on this website). It runs almost 14 minutes. -
*Coffee Shop game and write-up due Weds. for 2nd
period, Friday for 1st period; see Tuesday blog
below for details)
Reading: Invitation to the Game group: Read chapter 8 for Wednesday.
Number the Stars group: Read chapters 11 and 12 for Wednesday.
Monday, December 12
Social Studies: We learned about how countries invest in their human and
capital resources and the effects this often has on GDP. We also reviewed
economics and government information for the test coming up on Thursday.
Homework:
There will be a 17 question multiple choice quiz on economics
and government on Thursday. Study your governments packet. I
have also made a podcast review for you (See "Podcasts" page
on this website). It runs almost 14 minutes. -
*Coffee Shop game and write-up due Weds. for 2nd
period, Friday for 1st period; see Tuesday blog
below for details)
Reading: Invitation to the Game group: Read chapter 7 for Tuesday.
Number the Stars group: Read chapters 9 and 10 for Tuesday.
Friday, December 9
Social Studies: Students got to see their graded economics test and ask
questions. We discussed different types of trade barriers,
including tariffs, embargos, and quotas. Some classes then
watched a brief video on Croatia and the economics of
over-fishing.
There will be a 17 question multiple choice quiz on economics
and government on Thursday of next week. Study your
governments packet. I hope to also have a podcast for you by
Monday.
Homework:
(Coffee Shop game and write-up due Weds. for 2nd
period, Friday for 1st period) see Tuesday blog
below for details)
Reading: Invitation to the Game group: Read chapter 6 by Monday.
Number the Stars group: Read chapter, 6, 7, and 8 by Monday.
Thursday, December 8
Social Studies: Economics test was today.
Homework:
(4th and 5th periods only: Coffee Shop game and
write-up due tomorrow; see Tuesday blog below for
details)
Reading: Invitation to the Game group: Read chapter 6.
Number the Stars group: Read chapter, 6, 7, and 8 by Monday.
Wednesday, December 7
Social Studies: Economics test tomorrow.
Use your pretest as a study guide; the economics
packet has most of the inforamtion you'll need. Also, check
out my brand new economics podcast on this website.
Homework: (All classes) Study
Reading: Read chapter 5 in your chosen novel.
Tuesday, December 6
Social Studies: Today students read pages 58-67 in the textbook and defined
the highlighted vocabullarywords in the section.
The economics post-test is scheduled for this coming
Thursday. Use your pretest as a study guide; the economics
packet has most of the inforamtion you'll need. Also, check
out my brand new economics podcast on this website.
Homework: (All classes) Study
(4th & 5th periods only) See below.
http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-coffee-shop/index.html (Coffee Shop; see
link on my website) Play the game and then write a paragraph or two summing
up your experience in the game. Include the factors of production (natural
resources, labor, capital, entrepreneurship) and how supply and demand
affected your coffee stand. Also, tell me how the game ended for you and why
you succeeded or failed. What is the main thing that the game teaches about
economics?
(1st and 2nd periods will get the same assignment on Wednesday, and I will
demonstrate how the game works in class. If you are game-savy, you are
welcome to get started early.)
Reading: Read chapter 4 in your chosen novel.
Monday, December 5
Social Studies: Today we reviewed the three basic economic questions and
the three major economic systems (traditional, command,
market, and mixed). We watched a short video about the role
of supply and demand and discussed inflation, opportunity
cost, and the difference between renewable and nonrenewable
resources.
The economics post-test is scheduled for this coming
Thursday. Use your pretest as a study guide; the economics
packet has most of the inforamtion you'll need. Also, check
out my brand new economics podcast on this website.
Homework: (All classes) Study
(4th & 5th periods only) See below.
http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-coffee-shop/index.html (Coffee Shop; see
link on my website) Play the game and then write a paragraph or two summing
up your experience in the game. Include the factors of production (natural
resources, labor, capital, entrepreneurship) and how supply and demand
affected your coffee stand. Also, tell me how the game ended for you and why
you succeeded or failed. What is the main thing that the game teaches about
economics?
(1st and 2nd periods will get the same assignment on Wednesday, and I will
demonstrate how the game works in class. If you are game-savy, you are
welcome to get started early.)
Reading: Read chapter 3 in your chosen novel.
Friday, December 2
Social Studies: Today we learned about the three basic economic questions and
the three major economic systems (traditional, command,
market, and mixed). We also took a quick look at outsourcing.
The economics post-test is scheduled for this coming
Thursday. Use your pretest as a study guide; the economics
packet has most of the inforamtion you'll need.
Reading: Read chapter 3 in your chosen novel by Monday.
Thursday, December 1
Social Studies: Students played free trade game.
Answer these two questions about the game: (1) How did
scarcity affect your group? (2) How did free trade benefit
your group?
Reading: Read chapter 2 in your chosen novel and write down 3 questions,
observations, or words you don't know from chapter 2.
Wednesday, November 30
Social Studies: We discussed trade barriers and the European Union (follow-up
on yesterday's investigation). Students also received an
economics packet, and we watched and discussed a video on the
factors of production.
No homework unless you owe work.
Reading: All students are to read the first chapter in their chosen novel.
Tuesday, November 29
Social Studies: Students explored the European Union's official website (see
link on this website) and answered questions.
No homework unless you owe work.
Reading: Students chose the novel that they will read for class and then had
the option of working on pages 114-115 in the Rev It Up book, completing the
"Robotic Nation" article and assignment, or reading independently.
Monday, November 28
Social Studies: Wrap-up of government unit; economics pretest.
No homework unless you owe work.
Reading: Lesson 12 vocabulary introduction; students are doing pages 114-115
(due Wednesday).
Thursday, November 17
Social Studies: Wrap-up of government unit; students in most classes began
government case studies, which will be finished tomorrow.
No homework unless you owe work.
Reading: Students read an article about the future of robotics. Then, they are
to list the pros and cons of using robots and write 2-3 sentences
giving their opinion of using robots. To be finished tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 16
Social Studies: Government unit continued (autocracy, oligarchy, & democracy)-
Students are taking notes on a graphic organizer.
No homework unless you owe work.
Reading: Watched video about the state of robotics today; this is in
preparation for our novel study.
Reading logs are due tomorrow (see details below).
Also, students should be halfway through their 9 week independent
reading goal of 6 books (or 900 pages) by the end of this week. This
means they should be up to 450 pages. I do allow extra pages/books
to carry over from the previous grading period.
Tuesday, November 15
Social Studies: Today we had our Cold War quiz and began learning about three
types of government (autocracy, oligarchy, and democracy) --
students are taking notes on a graphic organizer.
Homework: Cold War Activity is due for period 5.
Reading: Silent Reading and students worked on updating their reading logs.
Also, students should be halfway through their 9 week independent
reading goal of 6 books (or 900 pages) by the end of this week. This
means they should be up to 450 pages. I do allow extra pages/books
to carry over from the previous grading period.
Monday, November 14
Social Studies: Today we reviewed the Cold War and students made a Cold War
graffiti wall for review.
We will have a very short multiple choice quiz on the Cold War
tomorrow. I have made a podcast review that you can access
from this website (under "Podcasts").
Homework: Cold War Activity - Follow the directions on the
sheet of paper you received in class today.
You can also find a copy of it on this website
under "Other Assignments and Handouts".
Reading: Silent Reading; Lesson 1 vocab. quiz (already graded & on Pinnacle.)
Also, students should be halfway through their 9 week independent
reading goal of 6 books (or 900 pages) by the end of this week. This
means they should be up to 450 pages. I do allow extra pages/books
to carry over from the previous grading period.
Friday, November 11 Veterans Day
Social Studies: Students read and discussed an article about the Italian
financial crisis, and then worked on their Cold War homework
or letter to a veteran for Veteran's Day.
We will have a very short multiple choice quiz on the
Cold War on Tuesday of next week.
Homework: Cold War Activity - Follow the directions on the
sheet of paper you received in class today.
You can also find a copy of it on this website
under "Other Assignments and Handouts".
Reading: Silent Reading; lesson 1 vocab. quiz Monday
Also, students should be halfway through their 9 week independent
reading goal of 6 books (or 900 pages) by the end of next week. This
means they should be up to 450 pages. I do allow extra pages/books
to carry over from the previous grading period.
Thursday, November 10
Social Studies: Students read and discussed an article about the Berlin Wall
and then began writing a letter to a veteran for Veteran's
Day. We will have a very short multiple choice quiz on the
Cold War on Tuesday of next week.
Homework: Cold War Activity - Follow the directions on the
sheet of paper you received in class today.
You can also find a copy of it on this website
under "Other Assignments and Handouts".
Reading: Today students did vocabulary skits; lesson 1 vocab. quiz Monday
Wednesday, November 9
Social Studies: Students worked on Cold War timelines and Daily Geography,
and they read an article about the breakup of the Soviet
Union. We will have a very short multiple choice quiz on the
Cold War on Tuesday of next week.
Homework: Cold War Activity - Follow the directions on the
sheet of paper you received in class today.
You can also find a copy of it on this website
under "Other Assignments and Handouts".
Reading: Students had their choice of three assignments relating to the
lesson 1 vocabulary words in the Rev It Up book. They could either
make flashcards, write a short story using all of the words, or make
vocabulary cartoons. No Homework.
Lesson 1 vocabulary quiz on Monday.
Tuesday, November 8 No School - Teacher Work Day
Monday, November 7
Social Studies: We worked on our Cold War timelines, some classes began the
new Daily Geography assignment (due Friday), and others
watched a Brain Pop video on the Cold War and answered the
questions afterwards for a grade.
Reading: Anastasia's Album quiz was today and KWL sheets were turned in.
Friday, November 4
Social Studies: We watched part of a documentary about how Estonia was
affected when it was absorbed into the Soviet Union and how
they pushed for independence in the last years of the Soviet
Union.
Next, students began working on a timeline of Cold War
events.
Reading: Today was silent reading day. The Anastasia's Album quiz will be on
Monday, and KWL sheets will be due right after the quiz (It is open-
notes, but not open-book).
Thursday, November 3
Social Studies: Test over the European history standards was today. -
No homework
Reading: Students watched part of the Disney movie Anastasia and compared it
to what they have learned from reading the book, Anastasia's Album.
The book quiz will be Monday, and KWL sheets will be due right after
the quiz.
No homework
Wednesday, November 2
Social Studies: Test over the European history standards tomorrow. -
* Please note: You can find an audio review session on this
website in the section called "Podcasts".
Items 8 & 9 on the checklist will not be on
Thursday's test; we will have a separate quiz
over them the following week.
Reading: Today and tomorrow students are to finish Anastasia's Album and
finish filling out KWL their sheet. Students will be able to use
their KWL sheet when taking the quiz on Monday.
No homework
Tuesday, November 1
Social Studies: Today we discussed the Cold War and the rise of the US and
Soviet Union as superpowers following World War II.
Test over the European history standards on Thursday;
look over the study checklist and come to class with
questions tomorrow if you have them.
* Please note: You can find an audio review session on this
website in the section called "Podcasts".
Items 8 & 9 on the checklist will not be on
Thursday's test; we will have a separate quiz
over them the following week.
Reading: Students read chapters 3 & 4 in Anastasia's Album and continued
filling out KWL their sheet. Students will be able to use their KWL
sheet when taking the quiz on Monday.
No homework
Monday, October 31
Social Studies: Today students mapped Germany's conquests in World War II .
Test over the European history standards on Thursday;
look over the study checklist and come to class with
questions tomorrow if you have them.
* Please note: You can find an audio review session on this
website in the section called "Podcasts".
Items 8 & 9 on the checklist will not be on
Thursday's test; we will have a separate quiz
over them the following week.
Reading: Students read chapters 1 & 2 in Anastasia's Album and continued
filling out KWL their sheet. Students will be able to use their KWL
sheet when taking the quiz on Monday.
Pages 4 & 5 in Rev It Up were collected today.
No homework.
Friday, October 28
Social Studies: Today's topic was the Holocaust and we watched and listened to
survivors talk about their experiences. Students took notes.
No homework; we will have a test over the European history
standards on Thursday of next week.
Reading: Today we had silent independent reading.
No homework.
Thursday, October 27
Social Studies: We discussed how the Treaty of Versailles and a worldwide
economic depression following World War I helped contribute
to the rise of Hitler and the Nazis in Germany.
No homework; we will have a test over the European history
standards on Thursday of next week.
Reading: Students began reading Anastasia's Album filling out KWL sheet.
No homework.
Wednesday, October 26
Social Studies: We discussed the current recession and compared it with the
Great Depression that affected the world after World War I.
No homework.
Reading: Students received a copy of the book Anastasia's Album and began
filling out a KWL sheet on the subject of Anastasia and the Russian
Revolution.
Tuesday, October 25
Social Studies: We reviewed the causes of World War I and the Russian
Revolution. We also watched a short film about the Christmas
truce during World War I and learned about the Treaty of
Versailles. Finally, students (working with a partner)sorted
statements about WWI into causes and results.
No homework.
Reading: Today we finished The Faithful Friend and students completed their
organizers, including the theme and a list of characters,
predictions,and questions. If you did not turn this in today, please
finish it for homework and turn it in tomorrow.
Monday, October 24
Social Studies: We reviewed the causes of World War I and discussed answers
to some of the questions that went with the religion packet. We also
discussed the role that ancient Rome played in shaping events that would lead
to the holocaust. No homework.
Reading: Students toured the book fair and presented vocabulary skits.
Tuesday, October 18
Social Studies: Today students watched a short video tour of the Volga River
in Russia and read and discussed pages 268 - 273 in the
textbook (about Russia's transition from communism to
democracy). No homework.
Reading: We continued our read-aloud of The Faithful Friend and watched a
video introduction of the book fair. No homework.
Monday, October 17 (Today begins the second grading period.)
Social Studies: We reviewed and discussed three major environmental problems
of Europe (acid rain, air pollution, and the Chernobyl
accident) and looked at photographs and illustrations to gain
a better understanding. We also watched a cartoon about the
Crimean War and looked for similarities in its causes and
those of World War I (imperialism & nationalism).
No homework.
Reading: Introductions and discussed rules and expectations. We also began a
read-aloud of The Faithful Friend; students are writing down the
characters, their questions and predictions, and will identify the
theme by the end of the book.
No homework.
Thursday, October 13
Social Studies: Today we had a "guest speaker" on communism and the Russian
Revolution. No homework unless you owe work.
Reading: The Invitation to the Game quiz was today; reading logs are also due
-- please turn it in tomorrow if you did not today (unless you
already reached your independent reading goal for the grading
period).
Wednesday, October 12
Social Studies: We reviewed causes of World War I and role-played the events
that led to the war. No homework unless you owe work.
Homework: If necessary, finish European imperialism map and
question (and any other work that you owe). -
Reading: Finish Invitation to the Game by class time tomorrow; the quiz over
the second half of the novel will be tomorrow. Also, reading logs
are due.
Tuesday, October 11
Social Studies: Topic of the day: Causes of World War I
Homework: If necessary, finish European imperialism map and
question (and any other work that you owe). -
Reading: Finish Invitation to the Game by Thursday; the quiz over the second
half of the novel will be Thursday. Also, reading logs are due
Thursday.
Monday, October 10
Social Studies: No homework
Reading: Read chapter 9 of Invitation to the Game; the quiz over the second
half of the novel will be Thursday.
Thursday, October 6
Social Studies: Today students took capitals quiz and worked in lab on
environmental problems charts .
Eurpean environmental problems charts are due tomorrow;
please finish as homework if necessary.
Retests for the Eastern Europe map test are also tomorrow;
study if you plan to take it.
Reading: Finish chapter 8 of Invitation to the Game by tomorrow.
Vocabulary pages 114 -115 were due today; quiz Monday.
Wednesday, October 5
Social Studies: All classes began a project investigating three Eurpean
environmental problems (acid rain in Germany, air pollution
in the UK, and the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in the
Ukraine). Students are using links on this website to help
them identify the causes and effects of each as well as what
has been done to solve each problem.
Homework: (all classes) Spend at least 15 minutes working on
environmental problems chart.
Homework: (periods 2,4,&5 only) study Eastern European
capitals for quiz tomorrow.
Reading: Finish chapter 8 of Invitation to the Game.
Vocabulary pages 114 -115 are due tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 4
Social Studies: Today students took the Eastern Europe map test/quiz.
For periods 2,4,&5 there will be a capitals quiz on Thursday.
Reading: Finish chapter 7 of Invitation to the Game.
Monday, October 3
Social Studies: Today we had student presentations of Europe projects
followed by a discussion of the questions on the back of the
European colonization map (that assignment is due Weds.)
The map quiz over Eastern Europe is tomorrow.
For periods 2,4,&5 there will be a capitals quiz on Thursday.
Periods 2,4,& 5 need to finish color coding their European
imperialism / colonization maps by Tuesday; links to the two
websites that we've been using in class can be found on
the "links" page.
Reading: Finish chapter 7 of Invitation to the Game by Tuesday.
Today we had a quiz over the first half of the book.
Friday, September 30
Social Studies: Student presentations on Europe project (runs through Monday)
The map quiz over Eastern Europe is Tuesday.
For periods 2,4,&5 there will be a capitals quiz on Thursday.
Periods 2,4,& 5 need to finish color coding their European
imperialism / colonization maps by Tuesday; links to the two
websites that we've been using in class can be found on
the "links" page.
Reading: Finish chapter 6 of Invitation to the Game by Monday. There will be
a short multiple choice quiz over the first half of the book.
Thursday, September 29
Social Studies: Student presentations on Europe project (runs through Monday)
The map quiz over Eastern Europe is Tuesday.
For periods 2,4,&5 there will be a capitals quiz on Thursday.
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Reading: Finish chapter 6 of Invitation to the Game by Monday.
Wednesday, September 28
Social Studies: Today students finished a Columbus activity and began tracing
European empires in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Project presentations will run Thursday through Monday.
The map quiz over Eastern Europe has been moved to Tuesday
due to a conflict with the Jewish holiday.
Reading: Finish chapter 4 of Invitation to the Game; choice assignment due
Friday (letter to a character, summary of chapter 3, or list of the
characters with a short description of each).
Tuesday, September 27
Social Studies: Students worked on their country projects in the media center
today. Presentations will run Thursday through Monday.
The map quiz over Eastern Europe has been moved to next
Tuesday due to a conflict with the upcoming Jewish holiday.
Reading: Start chapter 4 of Invitation to the Game; read 5 or 6 pages.
Monday, September 26
Social Studies: European exploration presentation with emphasis on Columbus.
Students are examining Columbus' own writings to determine if
he was involved in various activities while he was in the
Americas. This will be continued tomorrow, plus we'll have
more time to finish the country projects, which should be
finished before class starts on Thursday.
The map quiz over Eastern Europe has been moved to next
Tuesday due to a conflict with the upcoming Jewish holiday.
Reading: Read chapter 3 of Invitation to the Game by tomorrow.
Friday, September 23
Social Studies: Students continued working on country projects in media
center. These will be due next Wednesday (see scoring rubric
for detailed information). We will have our final day for
doing research during classtime tomorrow (in media center).
The map quiz over Eastern Europe will be Thursday.
Reading: Read chapter 2 of Invitation to the Game by Monday.
Thursday, September 22
Social Studies: All classes worked on country projects in lab. These will be
due next Wednesday (see scoring rubric for detailed
information). We will have our final day for doing research
during classtime tomorrow (in media center).
The map test over Eastern Europe will be next Thursday.
Reading: Read chapter 2 of Invitation to the Game by Monday.
Wednesday, September 21
Social Studies: Periods 2,4,&5 began country projects in lab. These will be
due next Wednesday (see scoring rubric for detailed
information).
The map test over Eastern Europe will be NEXT Thursday (not
tomorrow).
Reading: Read chapter 1 of Invitation to the Game.
Tuesday, September 20
Social Studies: 1st period's European capitals quizzes are graded; grades are
posted on Pinnacle. Today students in all classes began Daily
Geography 4. Tomorrow we begin country projects.
Reading: No homework
Monday, September 19
Social Studies: 1st period has a quiz over the Western European capital
cities (+ Poland, Greece, and the Czech Republic)tomorrow;
study.
Reading: No homework; we will be beginning our novel study this week.
Thursday, September 15
Social Studies: Students turned in the ancient Rome questions (from last
Friday). Also, we had a Constitution Day activity. No
homework.
Reading: No homework
Tuesday, September 13 Mr. Wilson is still away on jury duty.
Social Studies: Students worked on Daily Geography #3, read pages 226-233 in
the textbook, and began constructing a chart describing
various religions as they relate to Eastern Europe.
Reading: Independent Reading
Monday, September 12 Please note: Mr. Wilson is away on jury duty this week.
Social Studies: Students began Daily Geography #3, read pages 219-225 in the
textbook, and had the choice of answering the review
questions, constructing a graphic organizer, or writing a
letter as though they are in Eastern Europe and that
includes at least 8 facts from the chapter. Since the books
cannot be taken home, this will NOT need to be finished as
homework.
Reading: Today students read article "The End of Cheap Oil" and identified
the topic sentence/main idea in each paragraph before summarizing
the entire article in five sentences.
No homework
Friday, September 9
Social Studies: Ancient Rome presentation and questions; no homework.
Reading: Today was silent reading day.
Thursday, September 8
Social Studies: The Europe map test was today; no homework.
Reading: Pages 4 & 5 in Rev It Up are due Friday..
Reading Homework: Read every day and make sure to fill in reading
chart. You should be up to 500 pages by Friday
(There will be a grade given on Friday for the
number of pages read so far.)
Wednesday, September 7
Social Studies: Study Europe map -- test tomorrow.
Reading: Pages 4 & 5 in Rev It Up are due Friday..
Reading Homework: Read every day and make sure to fill in reading
chart. You should be up to 500 pages by Friday
(There will be a grade given on Friday for the
number of pages read so far.)
Tuesday, September 6
Social Studies: Compare/contrast papers are due tomorrow; if necessary,
please finish for homework. Also, study Europe map --
test Thursday.
Reading: Today students began lesson 1 in Rev It Up.
Reading Homework: Read every day and make sure to fill in reading
chart. You should be up to 500 pages by Friday
(There will be a grade given on Friday for the
number of pages read so far.)
Friday, September 2
Social Studies: Students began writing their compare/contrast papers on two
European countries (some first period students are comparing
one European country with the US or another country; this is
not an option for periods 2,4,or 5). At least one paragraph
should discuss how the two countries are alike, and another
paragraph should explain differences. Try to support your
ideas with examples or evidence whenever possible. This
paper is due Wednesday.
Homework - Study Europe map (5-10 minutes); the Europe map
test has been moved to Thursday. See Thursday's
homework notes below for details.
Reading: Today was silent reading. Please be filling in the reading chart as
you complete books and have a parent sign off on each one. Students
should be up to 525 pages by Friday (this will count for a grade).
Thursday, September 1
Social Studies: Today students learned about Spain.
Homework - Study Europe map (5-10 minutes); if you know all
the countries, learn the capitals. The
sheppardsoftware games (see link on website) can
help. Test this coming Tuesday on countries,
capitals,and select land features (Alps, Pyrenees;
Scandinavian and Iberian Peninsulas; Rhine,
Thames, Seine, and Danube Rivers; North Sea,
Mediterranean Sea, English Channel)
Reading: Mythology project presentations were finished today
No homework, but please bring a book for Silent Reading tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 31
Social Studies: Students went to computer lab and could either play the
Sheppard Software geography games to learn the European capitals and
countries OR examine slideshows on particular countries in preparation for a
compare-contrast writing assignment that they will begin later this week.
Homework - Study Europe map (5-10 minutes); if you know all
the countries, learn the capitals. The
sheppardsoftware games (see link on website) can
help. Test next Tuesday on countries, capitals,
and select land features (Alps, Pyrenees;
Scandinavian and Iberian Peninsulas; Rhine,
Thames, Seine, and Danube Rivers; North Sea,
Mediterranean Sea, English Channel)
Reading: Mythology project presentations today - Thursday
Homework - If necessary, finish your project. Last chance!
Tuesday, August 30
Social Studies: Iceland presentation & discussion; students took notes
Homework - Study Europe map (5-10 minutes); if you know all
the countries, begin learning the capitals. The
sheppardsoftware games (see link on website) can
help. Test Tuesday of next week on countries and
capitals.
Reading: Mythology project presentations today - Thursday
Homework - If necessary, finish your project.
Monday, August 29
Social Studies: Today students worked on Daily Geography (if necessary),
reviewed the Europe map (adding the Alps, Pyrenees, Iberian Peninsula, and
Scandinavian Peninsul), and discussed current events in Norway and northern
Europe.
Homework - Study Europe map (5-10 minutes); if you know all
the countries, begin learning the capitals. The
sheppardsoftware games (see link on website) can
help.
Reading: Students worked on mythology mini-projects (due tomorrow, but I'll
accept them on Wedsnesday without taking away points for lateness).
Friday, August 26
Social Studies: Today students worked on Daily Geography and completed
questions on ancient Greece.
Homework - Study Europe map (5-10 minutes); if you know all
the countries, begin learning the capitals. The
sheppardsoftware games (see link on website) can
help.
Reading: Silent Reading; no homework
Thursday, August 25
Social Studies: Students played geography games in the computer lab to help
learn the European countries and capitals. These games can
also be played at home if you have an Internet connection
(see link on this website).
Homework - Study Europe map (5 minutes)
Reading: Students worked on mythology mini-projects (due by Tuesday).
No Homework. Tomorrow is silent reading day; bring book.
Wednesday, August 24
Social Studies: Today's topic was ancient Greece (to be finished in class
tomorrow).
Homework - Study Europe map (5 minutes)
Reading: Today we began continued the story of Pegusus and spent the period
working on the mythology mini-projects (on a chapter in the
mythology book). For details, please refer to the instructions and
scoring rubric, which can be found on this website under "Other
Assignments & Handouts."
No homework.
Tuesday, August 23
Social Studies: Homework - Study Europe map (5 minutes) and please ask a
parent to send me a quick email (or write their
email address on a piece of paper) so that I can
add them to the social studies distribution list
(if they haven't already done so).
Reading: Today we began the story of Pegusus. No homework.
Monday, August 22
Social Studies: Homework - Study Europe map (5 minutes) and please ask a
parent to send me a quick email (or write their
email address on a piece of paper) so that I can
add them to the social studies distribution list.
Reading: Today students received a mythology book and the instructions for an
assignment that we will begin in class tomorrow. No Homework
Friday, August 19
Social Studies: Today students turned in latitude & longitude assignment and
learned about Norway.
(1st period)If necessary, finish latitude & longitude
assignment for homework (due Monday). Many
students turned this in today.
Otherwise, no homework.
Reading: No Homework
Thursday, August 18
Social Studies: (1st period)Complete #3-6 on latitude & longitude assignment.
(Periods 2,4,&5) If necessary, finish latitude & longitude
assignment for homework (due tomorrow).
Reading: Summer reading contracts are due tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 17
Social Studies: (Periods 2,4,&5) Students began learning the countries of
Europe and started an assignment on latitude & longitude
that they will finish tomorrow. No Homework.
First Period was lost due to locker assignments and a fire drill.
Reading: Summer reading contracts are due Friday.
Tuesday, August 16 - Please turn in all forms from First Day Folder tomorrow.
Social Studies: Today, we reviewed grading policies and students began writing
a letter to me introducing themselves and letting me know how
they learn best. Students will have additional time in class
tomorrow to complete it.
Reading: Summer reading contracts are due Friday.
Monday, August 15 First Day of School
Parents, ONLY IF you did not complete the online form at Panther Day, please
take a moment and complete it using the link provided (we are trying to save
some paper as well as your time!). We greatly appreciate it as this will
help us better communicate with you! You will find a link to this online
form on the "Links" page of this website (with flying books icon). It is the
first link. Thanks so much!
Homeroom: Bring folder home and have parent fill out & sign all paper work.
Please return it to school by Wednesday. Students will be issued a locker
after all paper work is in.
Social Studies: Introductions & overview of what we will be studying
Homework: Parents and students, please review our course
syllabus, which is posted on this website.
Parents, please send me a quick email letting me
know that you've read it. This will also give me
your email address so that I can add you to my
email distribution list for updates, test
reminders, etc.
Reading (Literacy Applications): Introductions & overview
Homework: The summer reading project (book contract) is due
Friday (the 19th).
Parents and students, please review our course
syllabus, which is posted on this website.
Parents, please send me a quick email letting me
know that you've read it. This will also give me
your email address so that I can add you to my
email distribution list for updates, test
reminders, etc.
