Thursday, December 20, 2012

Thursday, December 20, 2012

General Announcements:
  • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
Humanities:
  • Over Vacation: Revise fiction story according to rubric
  • Cook your recipe, serve it to family and friends to make sure that it's a good recipe and written clearly.
Math:
  • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
  • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
  • Grade 7
  • Due Fri., 12/21: textbook, p. 204, #1-3, 8-11. Challenge: 16
  • Grade 8
  • Due Fri., 12/21: p. 81, #11, 13, 15, 16 and 2 problems of your choice from either 2.5A or 2.5B Practice sheet.
Science:
  • Due Fri., 12/21:
  • Complete organizing science binder (notes from last unit, oldest→newest)

  • Finish questions about lab activities in packet handed out today.

Spanish
    Grade 7
  • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
  • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
  • Grade 8
  • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
Music:
  • Practice at your level using either the new sheet with C' and D' or with an older sheet including songs with fewer notes.
Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/19: Second draft of cookbook border due.


  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready


  • Moment of Zen

    Wednesday, December 19, 2012

    Wednesday, December 19, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    Humanities:
    • Test Wed., 12/19 on Islam
    • Due Thurs., 12/20: Finish first draft of fiction piece (3-12 pages)
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Thurs., 12/20: Complete R&P Journal, p. 111-113. You can cut out and use the shapesets in the back of the R&P journal to help.
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/20: In textbook, finish p. 78, #1 and 2 (if not done), then do p. 80, #1, 2, 8-10, 14. Challenge: 17
    Science:
    • Due Fri., 12/21:
    • Complete organizing science binder (notes from last unit, oldest→newest)

    • Finish questions about lab activities in packet handed out today.

    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at your level using either the new sheet with C' and D' or with an older sheet including songs with fewer notes.
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/19: Second draft of cookbook border due.






  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready







  • Moment of Zen

    Therapy Chickens?

    The University of Minnesota St. Paul brought in a troop of therapy animals to help soothe finals-stressed college students. Most of the group were of a more canine persuasion, but then there's Woodstock (pictured above). Woodstock is a therapy chicken. He is not the only therapy chicken. In fact, as places concerned with dog allergens become more interested in the positive effects of therapy animals, chickens are becoming increasingly popular. Click above to read more.

    Tuesday, December 18, 2012

    Tuesday, December 18, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    Humanities:
    • Test Wed., 12/19 on Islam
    • Due Thurs., 12/20: Finish first draft of fiction piece (3-12 pages)
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Nada
    • Grade 8
    • Nada
    Science:
    • Nada.
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at your level using either the new sheet with C' and D' or with an older sheet including songs with fewer notes.
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/19: Second draft of cookbook border due.




  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready





  • Moment of Zen


    Thursday, December 13, 2012

    Thursday, December 13, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still outside until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Due Fri., 12/14: Finish at least one (single-spaced) page in your ficai
    • Work on fiction piece about religious conflict.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Thurs., 12/13:
      • L1: p. 198-199, #1-4, 7, 13-17, 20
      • L2: p. 198-199, #1-4, 8-10, 14-18, 19-27
    • Grade 8
    • Nada
    Science:
    • Quiz Fri., 12/14: Quiz on density/practical applications of heat.
    • Due Fri., 12/14: Complete Physics Worksheet.
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at your level using either the new sheet with C' and D' or with an older sheet including songs with fewer notes.
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/12: Second draft of cookbook border due.




  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready





  • Moment of Zen


    Minimum Wage Machine

    This piece by artist Blake Fall-Conroy, who describes the purpose of his work as being, "...More about communicating ideas and less interested in making art," is a tactile illustration of the minimum wage. The user turns a crank, which dispenses a penny every 4.97 seconds, 725 per hour, equaling the NY State minimum wage of $7.25.

    Wednesday, December 12, 2012

    Wednesday, December 12, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield. Wear clean, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and clean socks. Boys should wear or bring a tie. Girls should bring a scarf or large piece of fabric to cover their head. Everyone needs to bring a lunch.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Due Thurs., 12/13: Read remaining chapters in Tasting the Sky. Summarize each chapter in 3-4 sentences and answer the questions about the section.
    • Work on fiction piece about religious conflict.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Thurs., 12/13: Record & Practice Journal, p. 107-109 - all problems.
    • Grade 8
    • Quiz Thurs., 12/13 on Ch. 2.1-2.4
    • Due Thurs., 12/13:
      • Reg.: p. 72-73, #1, 5-21 odds
      • Adv.: p. 72-73, #1, 8-14 even, 13-23 odd
    Science:
    • Quiz Fri., 12/14: Quiz on density/practical applications of heat.
    • Due Fri., 12/14: Complete Physics Worksheet.
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at least one song using B, A, G, E, D . If you've mastered one, pick another to work on or write your own!
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/12: Second draft of cookbook border due.



  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready




  • Moment of Zen

    Monday, December 10, 2012

    Monday, December 10, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield. Wear clean, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and clean socks. Boys should wear or bring a tie. Girls should bring a scarf or large piece of fabric to cover their head. Everyone needs to bring a lunch.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Due Wed., 12/12: Read "Jerusalem," "Jericho" and "Accident" chapters of Tasting the Sky. Summarize each chapter in 3-4 sentences and answer the questions about the section.
    • Study for Geography Test on Southwest Asia (on Friday, 12/7). Revise cookbook story. Final draft due!
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Tues., 12/11: Complete construction worksheet handed out today examinging 6-divisions and 12-divisions.
    • Grade 8
    • Due Tues., 12/11: R & P, p. 39; textbook, p. 72, #3 and 4, p. 69 #25
    Science:
    • Nada
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at least one song using B, A, G, E, D . If you've mastered one, pick another to work on or write your own!
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/12: Second draft of cookbook border due.


  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready



  • Moment of Zen

    Christmas, Japanese Style

    Although the majority of Japanese people aren't Christian, Christmas has become an important holiday to many people in Japan. They have their own unique ways of decorating which have aspects of the familiar but with a uniquely Japanese twist. The image above, an installation in a Tokyo mall, seems to sum this up particularly well.

    Thursday, December 6, 2012

    Thursday, December 6, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Due Mon., 12/10: Read "Pastries" and "Return" chapters of Tasting the Sky. Summarize each chapter in 3-4 sentences and answer the questions about the section.
    • Study for Geography Test on Southwest Asia (on Friday, 12/7). Revise cookbook story. Final draft due!
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Fri., 12/7: Chapter 5 Fair Game Review. Record & Practice Journal, p. 107
    • Grade 8
    • Due Fri., 12/7: Textbook, p. 66-67 #1-6, 13-17, 24
    Science:
    • Nada
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at least one song using B, A, G, E, D . If you've mastered one, pick another to work on or write your own!
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/12: Second draft of cookbook border due.


  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready



  • Moment of Zen

    Old School Gameboy

    Did you know that prehistoric Gameboys were giant and made of cardboard? Actually, this giant, strikingly detailed cardboard model was built by an art student at the University of Delaware. Now, if only you could get games on it besides Tetris.

    Wednesday, December 5, 2012

    Wednesday, December 5, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read "Hospital" and "Lentils" chapters of Tasting the Sky. Summarize each chapter in 3-4 sentences and answer the questions about the section.
    • Study for Geography Test on Southwest Asia (on Friday, 12/7). Revise cookbook story. Final draft due!
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Nada
    • Grade 8
    • Nada
    Science:
    • Nada
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at least one song using B, A, G, E, D (the sheet with the "Simmon Tree" song). If you've mastered one, pick another to work on or write your own!
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/12: Second draft of cookbook border due.


  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready



  • Moment of Zen

    A Portrait in Jello

    New Zealand artist Henry Hargreaves likes creating sculptures using unique materials. He did a series of portraits of US presidents in jello. He's also done portraits in colored rice, and bacon. He also did a series of deep-fried gadgets. Click above to see more.

    Tuesday, December 4, 2012

    Tuesday, December 4, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 4: Coffeehouse Planning Meeting! Prisms 3rd Floor Classroom, 6:30-8 PM.
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Read first 3 chapters of Tasting the Sky. Summarize each chapter in 3-4 sentences and answer the questions about the section.
    • Study for Geography Test on Southwest Asia (on Friday, 12/7). Revise cookbook story. Final draft due!
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Nada
    • Grade 8
    • Nada
    Science:
    • Nada
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at least one song using B, A, G, E, D (the sheet with the "Simmon Tree" song). If you've mastered one, pick another to work on or write your own!
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/5: First draft of cookbook border.

  • Tech
  • Have flash drive at the ready


  • Moment of Zen

    It's the catbus from My Neghbor Totoro! One creative Ghibli fan put together this charming costume for her cat, Yun Yun. Click the photo to read more about the creation of the costume, or click here to read more about the movie. If you're a fan of this or any other of Studio Ghibli's work (Castle in the Air, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, etc>), it's worth knowing that Amherst Cinema is having a Studio Ghibli festival in late March/early April.

    Monday, December 3, 2012

    Monday, December 3, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 4: Coffeehouse Planning Meeting! Prisms 3rd Floor Classroom, 6:30-8 PM.
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Study for Geography Test on Southwest Asia (on Friday, 12/7). Revise cookbook story. Final draft due!
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Tues., 12/4: Bring to class
      • compass
      • ruler
      • colored pencils
      • Angle Review Sheet (both sides)
    • Grade 8
    • Due Tues., 12/4: In R & P Journal, graph only 2, and answer all other parts. Text p. 63, #13, 14
    Science:
    • Nada
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Due Thurs., 12/6 Ch. 2 Grammar ser & estar
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 12/6: Read Chap. 4 Piratas
    Music:
    • Practice at least one song using B, A, G, E, D (the sheet with the "Simmon Tree" song). If you've mastered one, pick another to work on or write your own!
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/5: First draft of cookbook border.
  • Tech
  • Bring in Flash Dive ASAP

  • Moment of Zen

    Radioactive Toys?

    In the 1950s, American pop culture was certain that nuclear energy would soon take over the trouble of powering most things. Car companies drew up plans for cars that would contain their own nuclear reactor, and the radioactive lab kit shown above was only one of several available. Click to see a gallery of "Atomic" Toys.

    Thursday, November 29, 2012

    Thursday, November 29, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Sat., Dec 1: Winter Fair! Prisms are performing on recorder and other instruments in the PE Space (formerly the CDSS offices) at 11:30 AM.
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Study for Geography Test on Southwest Asia. Revise cookbook story. Final draft due!
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Fri., 11/30: Pick one of the end of Ch. 2 problems handed out today: Either the bookcase problem or the party planning problem.
    • Grade 8
    • Nada
    Science:
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Grade 8
    • Chap. 5 grammar book (Reg. Present Tense) Quiz Fri. 30th
    Music:
    • Practice your part for "Step Back Baby" and show up to the Winter Fair ready to play! Also, practice one song in
    Atelier
  • Due Wed., 12/5: First draft of cookbook border.
  • Tech
  • Bring in Flash Dive ASAP

  • Moment of Zen

    Birds on Twitter

    Latvian artist Voldemars Dudums set up a Twitter account for hungry birds outside his house. The setup is a keyboard overlaid with squares of bacon fat. When the birds peck at the food, they press the keys. Their messages are uploaded to the Twitter account @hungry_birds.

    Wednesday, November 28, 2012

    Wednesday, November 28, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Study for Geography Test on Southwest Asia. Revise cookbook story. Final draft due tomorrow.
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Thurs., 11/29: p. 89, #1-16
    • Grade 8
    • Due Thurs., 11/29: p. 61, #23, 24, 26, 27
    Science:
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Grade 8
    • Chap. 5 grammar book (Reg. Present Tense) Quiz Fri. 30th
    Music:
    • Due Thurs., 11/29:
      • L1: Practice "Simmon Tree" song until comfortable playing it.
      • L2: Learn more than one song on the sheet of songs using the notes B, A, G, E, D
      • L3: Write your own short recorder composition in the staff space provided on the B, A, G, E, D sheet
    Tech
  • Bring in Flash Dive ASAP

  • Moment of Zen

    Candle Powered Electric Candle

    Totally pointless, but using really interesting technology that converts heat into electrical energy.

    Tuesday, November 27, 2012

    Tuesday, November 27, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Due Wed, 11/28: Finish reading "Moslems Hear and Obey" and continue to create study guide.
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Test Wed., 11/28 on solving for a variable in equations and inequalities.
    • Grade 8
    • Nada
    Science:
    • Due Wed., 11/28: Read 4.1, then answer p. 81, #1-3, 5-9 on separate paper.
    Spanish
      Grade 7
    • Chapter 2 Vocabulary Quiz 12/4 (Tues.) Pobre Ana
    • Grade 8
    • Chap. 5 grammar book (Reg. Present Tense) Quiz Fri. 30th
    Music:
    • Due Thurs., 11/29:
      • L1: Practice "Simmon Tree" song until comfortable playing it.
      • L2: Learn more than one song on the sheet of songs using the notes B, A, G, E, D
      • L3: Write your own short recorder composition in the staff space provided on the B, A, G, E, D sheet
    Tech
  • Bring in Flash Dive ASAP
  • Moment of Zen

    8-Bit In Real Life

    This fluorite crystal looks something like images from the Hubble Space Telescope rendered for old-school Nintendo. That said, it's strangely entrancing.

    Monday, November 26, 2012

    Monday, November 26, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tue., Dec. 11: Trip to Islamic Society in West Springfield.
    • Fri., Dec. 14: 6-7-8 Dance
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE), and warm clothes that you can still move in - we are still going up to the field until further notice.
    Humanities:
    • Due Wed, 11/27: Finish reading "Mohammed Speaks for Allah" and box in about 20 key terms (look for important people, places, events and concepts).
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Tues., 11/27: Record & Practice Journal, p. 87 A & B, #1-15 odd.
    • Grade 8
    • Due Tues., 11/27: textbook, p. 59-60, #1-11 odd, 15, 17, 21
      Challenge: p. 61, #27 (Graph it!)
    Science:
    • Due Wed., 11/28: Read 4.1, then answer p. 81, #1-3, 5-9 on separate paper.
    Music:
    • Due Thurs., 11/29:
      • L1: Practice "Simmon Tree" song until comfortable playing it.
      • L2: Learn more than one song on the sheet of songs using the notes B, A, G, E, D
      • L3: Write your own short recorder composition in the staff space provided on the B, A, G, E, D sheet
    Tech
  • Bring in Flash Dive ASAP
  • Moment of Zen

    Geek Chic: Circuit Board Nails

    Monday, November 19, 2012

    Monday, November 19, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • Tuesday, November 19: Students from Springfield Renaissance School visiting to discuss Anne Frank, see the school and eat pizza for lunch.
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    Humanities:
    • Due Tues., 11/20: Finish Diary of Anne Frank and reading Log.
    • Test Tues., 11/13 on Countries of Europe
    • Due Wed., 11/21: Final draft of "Why Do People Practice Religion?" essay. Revised, 750-1000 words.
    • Work on writing story for cookbook spread (300-400 words), and making sure you have all ingredients and instructions for the recipe you collected from your interview subject.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Tues., 11/20: On Practice Sheet begun in class today, complete the following: #1-6, 10, 13, 15. For Level 2, also do #19.
    • Grade 8
    • Due Tues., 11/20: textbook, p. 52, #2. 9, 10, 16, 19, 22
    Science:
    • Nada
    Music:
    • Due Thurs., 11/29:
      • L1: Practice "Simmon Tree" song until comfortable playing it.
      • L2: Learn more than one song on the sheet of songs using the notes B, A, G, E, D
      • L3: Write your own short recorder composition in the staff space provided on the B, A, G, E, D sheet
    Moment of Zen

    Squashleektato: A "Turducken" for Vegetarians

    Extravagantly festive, the squashleektato is a sweet potato inside of some leeks inside of a squash, and is a vegetarian answer to the classic turducken: a chicken stuffed inside of a duck stuffed inside of a turkey.

    Friday, November 9, 2012

    Friday, November 9, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    Humanities:
    • Due Thurs., 11/8: Complete prewriting for essay on "Why people practice religion" which you will begin writing in class tomorrow.
    • Test Tues., 11/13 on Countries of Europe
    • Due Wed., 11/14: Read pp. 171-208 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Nada:
    • Grade 8
    • Nada:
    Science:
    • Nada
    Music:
    • Due Thurs., 11/15: Become comfortable playing the notes of the "Step back, baby, step back," response of "Step Back Baby." If you're feeling bold, try the other line or any of the other 3 songs on that sheet which use the 4 notes we've practiced (B, A, G, E).
    Moment of Zen

    Veterans' Day Wreath

    Originally called Armistice Day and celebrating the end of the "Great War" (WW I), Veterans' Day was later expanded to commemorate veterans of other conflicts. The wreath is made of toy soldiers, melted together, and decorated with a poppy, the use of which as a symbol commemorating veterans also dates back to WW I.

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    Humanities:
    • Due Thurs., 11/8: Complete prewriting for essay on "Why people practice religion" which you will begin writing in class tomorrow.
    • Test Tues., 11/13 on Countries of Europe
    • Due Wed., 11/14: Read pp. 171-203 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • Due Thurs., 11/8:
      • L1: textbook, p. 79, #4-6
      • L2: textbook, p. 79, #4-6 and R & P journal, p. 48
    • Grade 8
    • Nada:
    Science:
    • Nada
    Moment of Zen

    Nate Silver: Statistics Superhero

    Nate Silver had his own sort of big victory on Tuesday, predicting the outcomes of all 50 states to within just a few percentage points. Yes, Florida is too close to call right now and recounting, but Silver's Monday prediction in Florida suggested Obama would take the state by hundredths of a percent, which is exactly what is playing out. The former baseball statistician started an election statistics blog leading up to the 2008 election (where he predicted 49/50 states), which quickly gained many followers for his statistical rigor and clear explanations of his process. The blog, FiveThirtyEight (named for the number of electoral votes) was picked up by the New York Times in 2010.

    Tuesday, November 6, 2012

    Tuesday, November 6, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Tues., Nov. 6: Field trip to Springfield Renaissance School. We will be leaving before hot lunches arrive, so please send a bag lunch.
    Humanities:
    • Test Tues., 11/13 on Countries of Europe
    • Due Wed., 11/7: Read pp. 147-171 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    • Interviews should be done by Nov. 7th
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
    • Grade 7
    • ничего:
    • Grade 8
    • Test Wed., 11/7: on material in Chapter 1. The end of unit test will look a lot like the pretest, so the best way to study is to review the questions on the prestest
    Science:
    • Due Wed., 11/7: Finish Physics of Heat Worksheet 1 that you began in class today.
    Atelier:
    • Due Wed., 11/7 Self Portraits, if not done
    Moment of Zen

    512 Paths to the White House

    This New York Times interactive feature shows a tree diagram of election outcomes. It leaves nine states (FL, NC, OH, WI, CO, IA, NH, NV, VA), those where the polls suggest a less than 99% certain outcome, up to you. Assigning a Dem/Rep outcome to any of those states updates the tree diagram, shows how many paths to victory each candidate has given those circumstances, and also shows what percentage of the outcomes lead to a victory for each. Use in conjunction with your predictions of choice, and see what might happen! There are, given those nine states up for grabs, 5 possible outcomes where Obama and Romney each receive 269 electoral votes, thus tying and sending the matter to the Congress. The House decides the president, the Senate the VP in these cases, which could lead to a puzzling Romney/Biden or Obama/Ryan ticket.

    Monday, November 5, 2012

    Monday, November 5, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Tues., Nov. 6: Field trip to Springfield Renaissance School. We will be leaving before hot lunches arrive, so please send a bag lunch.
    Humanities:
    • Test Tues., 11/13 on Countries of Europe
    • Due Wed., 11/7: Read pp. 147-171 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    • Interviews should be done by Nov. 7th
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
      • Grade 7
      • Due Tues., 11/6:
        • L1: textbook, p.74, #13-19 odd; Record & Practice Journal, p. 44, #1-6
        • L2: Finish Record & Practice journal, p. 44; Read examples on p. 73 in the textbook, then do p. 74, #26-28
      Grade 8
    • Due Tues., 11/6: textbook, p. 42: do all odds in Chapter 1 test
    Science:
    • Due Wed., 11/7: Finish Physics of Heat Worksheet 1 that you began in class today.
    Atelier:
    • Due Wed., 11/7 Self Portraits, if not done
    Moment of Zen

    Reasons to Have a House

    Tuesday, October 30, 2012

    Tuesday, October 30, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Tues., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space, 6-7:30. Bring a dish to share!
    Humanities:
    • Test Tues., 10/30 on Judaism
    • Due Wed., 10/31: Read pp. 83-118 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    • Interviews should be done by Nov. 7th
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
      • Grade 7
      • Due Wed., 10/24: Organize notes
      Grade 8
    • Test Wednesday, 10/31
    Science:
    Español:
      Grade 7
    • Read p. 2 of Pobre Ana aloud.
    • All
    • Bring in materials for Day of the Dead ofrendas
    Moment of Zen

    Family on the Moon

    Astronaut Charles Duke left this photo of his family on the moon at the end of the Apollo 16 mission in 1972. Conditions on the moon mean that the photo, just like astronauts' footprints, is preserved exactly as it was 40 years ago. Click to read Duke's reminiscences about his three days on the moon.

    Tuesday, October 23, 2012

    Tuesday, October 23, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Tues., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space, 6-7:30. Bring a dish to share!
    Humanities:
    • Test Tues., 10/30 on Judaism
    • Due Wed., 10/31: Read pp. 83-118 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    • Confirm your interview subject if not already done.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
      • Grade 7
      • Due Wed., 10/24: Organize notes
      Grade 8
    • Test Wednesday, 10/31
    Science:
    Español:
      Grade 7
    • Read p. 2 of Pobre Ana aloud.
    • All
    • Bring in materials for Day of the Dead ofrendas
    Moment of Zen

    Baby goes Back to the Future


    This baby's parents made a remarkably faithful cardboard replica of the time-machine car from the 80's sci-fi movie Back to the Future. It's really remarkable what you can do with cardboard and paint.

    Monday, October 22, 2012

    Monday, October 22, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Tues., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space
    Humanities:
    • Due Wed., 10/14: Read pp. 40-83 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    • Confirm your interview subject if not already done.
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
      • Grade 7
      • Due Tues., 10/23:
        • L1: textbook, p. 65, #1-9, 15, 19
        • L2: textbook, p. 65, #1-9, 15, 19, 25, 31
        • Challenge: #36, 40
      • Grade 8
      • Due Tues., 10/23: R&P journal, p. 22; texbook, p. 36, #29, 30. Try 31.
    Science:
    • Due Tues., 10/23 Draft of folder cover. Must include your name, title, "River Ecosystems Studies" and an image related to the study. Put notes & assignments in order from oldest to newest.
    Español:
      Grade 7
    • Read p. 1 of Pobre Ana aloud.
    • Grade 8
    • Translate p. 7-10 of Piratas
    Moment of Zen

    Photoshopping before Photoshop

    It was very shortly after the invention of photography that people realized how to make it lie, or at least tell only partial truths. The picture above dates from the 1890s and is composed entirely using darkroom techniques. Click to read an interesting history of photo editing, from the subtle to the absurd.

    Thursday, October 18, 2012

    Thursday, October 18, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Bring in Citrus Packet if you haven't already! They were due on Friday!
    • Wed., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space
    Humanities:
    • Due Fri., 10/19: Read pp. 1-40 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    • .
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
      • Grade 7
      • Due Fri., 10/19: Complete p. 57, Example 3 (Account Balance)
      • Grade 8
      • Due Fri., 10/19: p. 36 in textbook, #19-27 odd
    Science:
    • Due Thurs., 10/18 Finish food chain poster/diorama and written piece to accompany it (see format on Google Docs).
    Español:
      Grade 7
    • Read p. 1 of Pobre Ana aloud.
    • Grade 8
    • Translate p. 7-10 of Piratas
    Moment of Zen

    The Secret Life of Rocks

    Brazilian Painter Andre Muniz Gonzaga finds "personality" of one sort or another in rocks, walls and more, then paints in the expressive faces he sees. Click to see more of his found faces.

    Wednesday, October 17, 2012

    Wednesday, October 17, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Bring in Citrus Packet if you haven't already! They were due on Friday!
    • Wed., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space
    Humanities:
    • Due Fri., 10/19: Read pp. 1-40 of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl and complete Reading Log
    • .
    Math:
    • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
    • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
      • Grade 7
      • Due Thurs., 10/18:
        • L1: p. 60 in textbook, #1-6, 11-15 odd, 21, 25
        • L2: Complete all problems on 2.2 Practice B
      • Grade 8
      • Due Thurs., 10/18: p. 32 in textbook, #1-4; p. 35, #7-17 odd
    Science:
    • Due Thurs., 10/18 Finish food chain poster/diorama and written piece to accompany it (see format on Google Docs).
    Español:
      Grade 7
    • Read p. 1 of Pobre Ana aloud.
    • Grade 8
    • Translate p. 7-10 of Piratas
    Moment of Zen

    Inside Vegetables

    Andy Ellison, a researcher at Boston University medical school, is putting his access to MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology to an awesome use, taking pictures of the insides of fruits an vegetables. An MRI shows different slices of an item without actually slicing it up. In vegetables, these reveal interesting and beautiful dynamic portraits of them. Who knew broccoli could look so much like fireworks?

    Tuesday, October 16, 2012

    Tuesday, October 16, 2012

    General Announcements:
    • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
    • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
    • Bring in Citrus Packet if you haven't already! They were due on Friday!
    • Wed., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space
    Humanities:
    • Due Wed., 10/17: Check over your personal essay for any last minute comments or other revisions it needs to be finished.
      Math:
      • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
      • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
        • Grade 7
        • Nichts
        • Grade 8
        • Nada
      Science:
      • Finish food chain poster/diorama and written piece to accompany it (see format on Google Docs).
      Español:
        Grade 7
      • Read p. 1 of Pobre Ana aloud.
      • Grade 8
      • Translate p. 7-10 of Piratas
      Moment of Zen

      Inside Vegetables

      Andy Ellison, a researcher at Boston University medical school, is putting his access to MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology to an awesome use, taking pictures of the insides of fruits an vegetables. An MRI shows different slices of an item without actually slicing it up. In vegetables, these reveal interesting and beautiful dynamic portraits of them. Who knew broccoli could look so much like fireworks?

      Monday, October 15, 2012

      Monday, October 15, 2012

      General Announcements:
      • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
      • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
      • Bring in Citrus Packet if you haven't already! They were due on Friday!
      • Wed., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space
      Humanities:
      • Nada
        Math:
        • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
        • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
          • Grade 7
          • Due Tues., 10/16: Finish organizing notes from last chapter and putting into pronged folder.
          • Grade 8
          • Due Tues., 10/16:
            • Level 1: 1, 2, 8-11, 15-21 odd
            • Level 2: 1, 2, 10-13, 19-23 all
        Science:
        • Finish food chain poster/diorama and written piece to accompany it.
        Español:
          Grade 7
        • Read p. 1 of Pobre Ana aloud.
        • Grade 8
        • Translate p. 7-10 of Piratas
        Moment of Zen

        Inside Vegetables

        Andy Ellison, a researcher at Boston University medical school, is putting his access to MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology to an awesome use, taking pictures of the insides of fruits an vegetables. An MRI shows different slices of an item without actually slicing it up. In vegetables, these reveal interesting and beautiful dynamic portraits of them. Who knew broccoli could look so much like fireworks?

        Thursday, October 11, 2012

        Thursday, October 11, 2012

        General Announcements:
        • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
        • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
        • Citrus Sale open until Fri., 10/12
        • Wed., Oct. 30: Prisms Day of the Dead celebration and potluck in the All School Space
        Humanities:
        • Due Fri., 10/12:
          • Finish annotating article, "Why Do We Need Religion?"
          • Write down who you would like to interview, their age and religion. Must be someone who lives in the Valley
          • Finish revising personal essay
        Math:
        • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
        • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
          • Grade 7
          • Nada
          • Grade 8
          • Nichts
        Science:
        • Due Wed., 10/10: Bring in all materials needed to work on river project
        Español:
          Grade 7
        • Grade 8
        Moment of Zen


        Wednesday, October 10, 2012

        Wednesday, October 10, 2012

        General Announcements:
        • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
        • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
        • Citrus Sale open until Fri., 10/12
        Humanities:
        • Due Fri., 10/12:
          • Finish annotating article, "Why Do We Need Religion?"
          • Write down who you would like to interview, their age and religion. Must be someone who lives in the Valley
          • Finish revising personal essay
        Math:
        • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
        • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
          • Grade 7
          • Due Thurs., 10/11: finish p. 29, if not done in class, do p. 31 in R&P journal.
          • Grade 8
          • Due Thurs., 10/11: on p. 16 of R&P journal, D, E and A
        Science:
        • Due Wed., 10/10: Bring in all materials needed to work on river project
        Español:
          Grade 7
        • Grade 8
        Moment of Zen

        Walking Across the Sea?


        English engineer Chris Todd tried to walk to Ireland over the weekend. It's about 66 miles - a pretty good trek for a few days walking. The catch: all of them are across the Irish Sea.


        Todd designed a vehicle, which he calls a "tredalo," that looks like a giant hamster wheel but works like a paddleboat's paddle, turned by human power rather than steam. Todd built the tredalo in his backyard. Todd made it 9 hours into the journey and nearly halfway before the vehicle developed rudder problems and had to be towed back to shore. He plans to attempt the journey again later in the month.

        Tuesday, October 9, 2012

        Tuesday, October 9, 2012

        General Announcements:
        • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
        • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
        • Citrus Sale open until Fri., 10/12
        Humanities:
        • Due Wed., 10/3:
          • Nada
        Atelier:
        • Due Wed., 10/10: Complete black/white design for your mask. Know your basic background colors.
        Math:
        • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
        • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
          • Grade 7
          • Nichts
          • Grade 8
          • Due Wed., 10/10: Complete reflection on partner quiz.
        Science:
        • Due Wed., 10/10: Bring in all materials needed to work on river project
        Español:
          Grade 7
        • Grade 8
        Moment of Zen

        Early evidence of Dinosaur computing?


        No, not really. Sorry. Pictured above is a piece by sculptor Peter McFarlane, who works largely with electrical/industrial components, much like Leonard Ulian, whose work I posted about last week. However, where Ulian uses electrical components for more abstract designs like mandalas, McFarlane has earthier ideas, like the "Circuit Board Fossil" pictured above. Click to visit the artist's website and see more.

        Friday, October 5, 2012

        Science, due Tuesday, 10/9

        1) Complete fact sheet on your organism (passed out in class on Friday).- see  below for this document.

        2) Complete a sketch (on large paper) of the habitat ( the landscape scene for your particular organism, and place the 4-5 members of the food chain in this  sketch. This will be your first draft of what your poster - or your diorama - will look like.  Both you and your partner need to make one; you'll share your ideas in class on Tuesday.

        Here is the "fact sheet" :
        Partner names: ______________________and____________________ 10/5/2012
        Science: Ecosystem of a River
        “Key Facts about our organism for the Food Chain Project”

        Directions: Part 1. Before you can begin your design for your Food Chain presentation, you and your partner must become an expert on your organism! Answer the following questions by using books, encyclopedias and resources found on the internet. Include the source of your information for each fact. You may not use Wikipedia for your entire body of facts. When you have completed researching the required information, bring your work to me for approval, and you can go on to Part II.

        Part 1. Key Information

        1.Our organism to research in depth is: __________________________________

        1. It's two-word “scientific name”: __________________________________
        source is: _____________________________________________________________
          3. Your organism's Habitat ( the particular environment in which it lives):
          a) general river habitat: Terrestrial, Aquatic or Benthic?

        ___________________________

        b) it's specific environment: paint a picture for us a typical surrounding for this plant or animal, in which you are likely to find this creature or plant. Your organism lives in a “community” of other organisms.
        Example: a stonefly has a benthic river habitat. In particular, it is found in clear, cold, flowing, highly-oxygenated freshwater. It is often found on the river bottom attached to a rock, and there are leaves and sticks nearby that it uses for its food (it's a “shredder”). Typical leaves in the habitat would come from a maple or birch tree. It's coloring matches the coloring of it's surroundings, the color of the river's bed.

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________
        sources for this are :
        1. Find out a typical food chain for your organism, and this food chain must be one that would be found in the ecosystems of the Northeastern United States, and that have a river connection!

        Food chain (must be 4- 5 organisms): ______________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        __________________________________________________________________________________

        Sources used for this information:



        Part II. Once Part I is complete, come to me for approval. If approved, take a large sheet of drawing paper, and, using the information about your organism's habitat, design a preliminary sketch of the habitat that your food chain inhabits.

        HOMEWORK (due Tuesday, Oct. 9): 1)Complete this fact sheet, and a preliminary sketch of the habitat. This is the design that might go on your poster, or be the design of your diorama. You and your partner should each have a preliminary sketch. It must include :

        a)4 details of the landscape(example: remember your pencil sketches of the river? Landscape, water, plant; pencil is fine for this stage),
        b)show the river, and
        c)show the placement (with a label at least) for where the organisms could be in your sketch!

        2) if you are making a diorama, you must also bring in a box (2 shoebox size boxes is the minimum size for your diorama!), or other medium to large size boxes – check Big Y, Coopers, State Street market, Shop Rite) for your diorama.

        Have with you to take home today:

        1) this fact sheet
        1. a large piece of drawing paper
        On Tuesday, 10/9:  Bring in your drawing, and - if you are making a 3-D model, bring in the box(s) and materials you will need to begin assembling it.  This will be our work all week.


        Math  No homework

        Thursday, October 4, 2012

        Thursday, October 4, 2012

        General Announcements:
        • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
        • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
        • Citrus Sale open until Fri., 10/12
        Humanities:
        • Due Wed., 10/3:
          • Nada
        Atelier:
        • Due Wed., 10/10: Complete black/white design for your mask. Know your basic background colors.
        Math:
        • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
        • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
          • Grade 7
          • Due Fri., 10/5: Record & Practice Journal, p. 27-28
          • Grade 8
          • Due Fri., 10/5: Complete handout (p. 24-25) begun in class today
        Science:
        • Due Wed., 10/3:
        Español:
          Grade 7
        • In Spanish book, Read Ch. 1, do ex. 1.1 & 1.2
        • Grade 8
        • En el libro de español, lee p. 56-60, ej. 5.1 & 5.2
        Moment of Zen

        Wednesday, October 3, 2012

        MAth update:

        7th grade:  complete Ch 1 Cumulative review; the answers are below!

        Cumulative Practice
        1. 7 2. 16 3. 12 4. 10
        5. 10 6. 9 7. 18 8. 24
        9. 21 10. 9 11. 43 12. 3
        1. 195 ft 14. 62 ; 36 15. 3 teams 16. 5
          17. 1 18. 4 19. 4 20. 16
        21. 30 22. 380 mi 23. 150 cookies
        24.
        12, 13 , 14 , 15, 17
        25.
        2, 1, 0, 1, 2
        26.
        31, 21 , 24 , 26 , 33
        27.
        7, 5 , 6, 8 , 9
        28. 20 is closer to 2, because 20 is 18 units from
        2 and 18 is 20 units from 2; 18 is closer to 0,
        because 18 is 18 units from 0 and 20 is 20 units
        from 0.

        8th grade:  complete individually your quiz questions!  You will share answers with your partner tomorrow...

        Monday, October 1, 2012

        Monday, October 1, 2012

        General Announcements:
        • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
        • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
        • Citrus Sale open until Fri., 10/12
        Humanities:
        Math:
        • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
        • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
          • Grade 7
          • Due Tue., 10/2:
            • Complete Practice B
            • Texbook, p. 40: Do the quiz (1.4-1.6) at home
          • Grade 8
          • Due Tue., 10/2: Read p. 21 a-b in textbook, then in R & P journal, p. 14 a-b, #1-11
        Science:
        • Due Wed., 10/3: Read pg. 90-96, on pg. 101, "Vocab" 1-14 on paper; Concepts #3-6 on separate paper, full sentences.
        Español:
          Grade 7
        • In Spanish book, Read Ch. 1, do ex. 1.1 & 1.2
        • Grade 8
        • En el libro de español, lee p. 56-60, ej. 5.1 & 5.2
        Moment of Zen

        Thursday, September 27, 2012

        Thursday, September 27, 2012

        General Announcements:
        • If you ever notice something missing or wrong on the blog, comment to let me know about it - I don't always have the whole picture. -Grace
        • PE on Friday - Bring sneakers/shoes you can run in (no flip flops or sandals for PE).
        • Citrus Sale open until Fri., 10/12 Packets should come home today!
        • Fri., 9/28: All-School Picture
        Humanities:
        • Due Mon., 10/1: Read Ch. 14, 15 and epilogue in What the Moon Saw and complete Reading Log.
        Math:
        • NEWS FOR YOU!  You now have a link to your textbook!  This  link will bring you to the Big Ideas Math Website, where you will choose your color/name of book.  Then you can search the entire textbook - like today's sample problems done together in class.  Check it out - you can search without a username and password in the "Home Edition".
        • Graph paper link on the sidebar →
          • Grade 7
          • Due Fri., 9/28: Record & practice journal, p. 22 & 23
          • Grade 8
          • Due Thurs., 9/27:
        Science:
        • Due Fri., 9/28: Define terms highlighted in class today (in the Ecosystems text given you) using your own words. The sentence must provide a meaning to the vocabulary word; this would not work:  for ecosystem   "An ecosystem is part of a biosphere."  This is true, but does not say what an ecosystem is, or what the word means!
        Español:
          Grade 7
        • In Spanish book, Read Ch. 1, do ex. 1.1 & 1.2
        • Grade 8
        • En el libro de español, lee p. 56-60, ej. 5.1 & 5.2
        Moment of Zen

        Technological Mandala 2

        Italian artist Leonard Ulian made a series of mandalas, repetitive, meditative patterns out of electrical circuit components. Click to see more.