Wednesday - homework

Today we learned about the magnetic field around the earth. We learned that the aurora borealis or northern lights, come from solar winds hitting the earth's magnetic field. Then we went to Youtube and watched what the aurora borealis can look like. It is beautiful. The students had the choice of finishing their periodic tables and biomes, which they have been working on all trimester, or doing their homework, 140-141 complete sentences (c.s.) and correct spelling (sp) are required. The handwriting needs to be neat enough for me to read it without working hard.

I also sent home a paper that requires signing by a parent or guardian. Parents have voiced concern that they do not know how their child is doing. When a student does not turn in their work I will have them call their parent right then. I hope that this immediate response will encourage them to get their work in and done on time. I am asking for a name and a number to call. If it is a bad time, let me know when a better time would be and I will have the student come in, either during lunch, during study hall or after school. I sincerely hope that this reduces the number of times that work is not turned in. Students in fifth hour did not receive the note, they will tomorrow.

Tuesday after President's Day

We are turning a nail into a magnet by using a battery and a coil of wire. We are also using a battery, a couple of safety pins and two magnets to make a motor. Then students got to experiment at their desks feeling the force of magnets. Finally they filled out a paper to find out how much they have learned about magnets.

It is at this time of year students come asking for extra credit. It is really too late for that. Students had the chance to correct every test they took home. Those test could bring their grades up dramatically. They had in-class work to help their grades and homework assignments with time in study hall to complete the work. The important question students need to ask themselves, have I done the work I needed to do to LEARN the material. The grade matters, but what is more important is did the student learn the material. A few extra points will not help the learning process and that is why they are here in school. I hope they learn that they need to get their work done well and in on time.

Thursday - no school on Monday

Good morning, remember that Monday is President's Day. I hope that you will do something to honor those who have served in that office. Did you know that George Washington didn't even want to be president. After he had run the army for all those years he just wanted to stay home and run his plantation. He said to the men that came to encourage him to run, "Haven't I given enough for my country?" And then he went and did what needed to be done. We could learn quite a lesson from him.

Today we corrected the homework from Wednesday. Then we started to learn about magnets. We talked about some of their properties, which elements are magnetic, and why some items respond to magnets and some do not.

Wednesday

Today we reviewed circuits and then watched the explanation on Plato to check to make sure that everyone understands the concepts. Students then drew a four stage cartoon to show electricity safety.

Homework was handed in by most of the students. However, we will not grade it until everyone hands their paper in. Those that are late will only get 60% credit of their correct answers.

Tuesday homework

We learned about circuits today and turned in the stories. Homework was page E113 1-5. Remember to use complete sentences, start all sentences with capital letters and end with the correct punctuation. Stories will be turned back shortly.

Monday finish your story

Today is the Valentine's Dance. We are using study hall and five minutes off of each class so students can have their dance. Students also will be allowed to participate in an activity if dancing is not something they like.

Students wrote a story today indicating what would happen after one day, one week and then one month without electricity. The three paragraphs are due tomorrow.

Thursday

Today was our last Project Northland. Mrs. Bloxham showed a movie about the effects of tobacco. The movie shows the faster aging process, the dangers of smokeless tobacco, and the effect of emphysema on those who smoke. The goal is to encourage students to choose not to smoke and lead a healthier life by making that choice. There was also a brief discussion about drinking and driving and the effects that can have on many lives. Last week-end a Utah teen was found dead in a field after a night of drinking. Another teen had noticed his wallet was missing and went to the field where he had been drinking with his friends. He discovered the body of one of his friends and another friend was also there suffering from hypothermia. Fortunately the hypothermia victim is recovering. Our goal is to teach these students, while they are young, that they have choices, but those choices do not just affect them.

Wednesday

All the students who fixed their tests turned them in today. It is getting close to the end of the tri-mester and every bit helps.

We learned about static electricity today, how lightning works and how electrons jump across to meet with the protons. Then we played the lightning game where each student had a card positive or negative. Then they played the part of electrons and protons during a lightning storm. It was fun and hopefully the students learned about the law of electric charge.

Project Northland is due tomorrow.

Tuesday -Fixed tests are due tomorrow at the start of class

Today we are learning about how electricity works and how electricity moves through different materials. We practiced finding the difference between insulators and conductors. Then we watched the Plato section on Electricity Circuits and Power. We will finish the electricity section tomorrow. If you want to watch this go to Plato.blsd.net Then for your Plato name put in your last name and first name with no space between them. In the group name put 2017, and in the password, type in your student number.
Remember, Plato only works on Internet Explorer. It will not work on Google Chrome or Firefox
Plato name: smithsamuel (your last name first name all lower case)
Group name: 2017 ( this is the group name for 6th graders)
Password: 217000 (use your regular school password)

If this is not working, please contact me here and I will try and fix it.

Tests were returned today. They must be returned tomorrow at the start of class or they will not be accepted. All questions, that includes multiple choice, matching, completion and short answer. All must have complete sentences. The words also must be spelled correctly. Students only do the questions they got wrong.

Monday

Students corrected their tests today, I will look over them and make sure they are accurate, then they will take the tests home and, for 1/2 credit, fix their mistakes. That should be Tuesday or Wednesday depending on how well they corrected the tests.

We learned about static electricity today by pulling two pieces of tape off of the desk and then holding them close to each other. The tape pieces were repelled by each other indicating that they had the same charge. Then we put one piece of tape on top of the other and pulled those apart. The pieces of tape moved together indicating that the pieces of tape had opposite charges.

If you were absent and have not taken your test it is your responsibility to come in and get it done as quickly as possible. The tests are available and I will remind students, but they must come in.

Project Northland is due on Thursday. It is required and worth 5 points, please get it in early.

Thursday

It is still pretty cold outside, but fortunately we got to come to school today. It was Project Northland and a group of 8th graders taught the students about the dangers of tobacco. They also brought in pig lungs. One was healthy, you could see it move when the air was blown into it. But the tobacco damaged lung did not move. The students had the opportunity to feel both lungs (they wore gloves) and feel for themselves what smoking does to your lungs. Then Mrs. Bloxham went over their Slick Tracy book with them. It is homework and will be due next Thursday. Finally I told them about my dad and the suffering he went through after 50 years of smoking.

We are trying to teach the students to make healthy choices, choices that you will never have to regret. We want them to get a good education, and that includes both mind and body.

Wednesday Brrr -28 was the low!

We aren't having school today because it was too cold. Did you try and start your car? Did it work? Mine wasn't happy about starting. Remember to do your reading and finish Project Northland so it can be turned in on Thursday. Stay warm!

Tuesday

Students took the test today. We will correct it tomorrow and then move on to electricity. Those who finished early could have finished the homework during class. They were to read E94-105 and know the answers to the questions in red at the top of each section and those at the end of the chapter. Students are not required to write the answers at this time. It will depend on how well they know the answers when we discuss it in class tomorrow.

Monday - test tomorrow

On Friday our Project Northland instructor came in and talked to the students about ways to be smart and avoid drugs and alcohol abuse.

Today we did a worksheet and lab to study for the test. Students went to different stations and answered questions that corresponded to the test they will take tomorrow.

Wednesday - homework - test next Tuesday

Students did their notes this morning, the questions made them really stop and think. Then we finished the project from yesterday. The teams circulated and discussed and wrote what they had learned for the last month. Next they started their homework assignment E92-93. They were reminded to answer all of the questions, even 11-15, in complete sentences. Spelling must be accurate. Students will loose 1/4 point for each mis-spelled word. Finally we checked on our hot tub model to discover if putting black paper and a reflective piece on it would make the temperature rise more than just the reflective piece did yesterday.

We had a fire drill second hour today.

Tuesday

After correcting last night's homework and seeing the alternative energy projects, we proceeded to study for Tuesday's test. Different names, words and concepts were scattered throughout the room. Each team went around to write how much they already know about the words. Then we reviewed this as a class.

Make sure you get your Slick Tracy comic book finished, signed and returned in the box by Thursday.

Monday Homework

Students brought in a variety of devises to show models of alternative forms of energy. We had water powered generators and windmills. We had solar power used to heat a hot tub. After making and demonstrating their models the students worked on the their homework which is pg E91 1-5. Students are to have complete sentences and words are to be spelled correctly or they will lose points.

There will be a test on E1-91 on Tuesday, we will review on Monday.

Thursday bring project supplies on Monday

Today students attended Project Northland. They learned how to plan activities that are fun and have healthy refreshments.

Monday is the day our project is due. Students planned it out in class on Wednesday. Make sure you bring your supplies to make this work. Call the people on your team so they remember too.

Wednesday and project for Monday

After reviewing the difference between types of energy; kinetic and potential, heat energy transfers; conduction, convection, and radiation and sources of energy such as biomass, fossil fuels, nuclear, water, and solar, we learned how power gets to our homes.

Then we started our alternative energy project. The teams got together and decided what they would make a model of and who would bring the different parts. The project is to be a model of uses of alternative energies. Students sounded like they had some great ideas and were ready to go.

Students may start bringing supplies for their projects on Thursday so they will remember.

Tuesday

Students were asked to consider the different sources of energy that they use in their homes. We then discussed fossil fuels, biomass fuels, hydroelectric energy, nuclear energy, and solar energy including wind power.

We watched some short videos showing how these different sources of energy work.

Monday

We were half-way over the mountain when we finally were able to get KVSI and listened as Mr. Walters warned everyone to stay home as many of the back-roads were like sheets of ice and that buses were sliding off of the road. Our lessons this week will be about different sources of energy. Look around today and see if you can find what energy type is running your house.

Thursday and Project Northland

Today the students listened and participated in Project Northland, a project designed to encourage the students to stay away from unhealthy addictive substances.

The homework is to take home the Slick Tracy comic book and do the assignments with your family. This will receive a grade.

Wednesday

Students corrected their homework. Then we watched the cold fall from colored ice cubes and discussed pressure and changes in states of matter. We wrote down what the different changes were called and watched as liquid formed from boiling water.

Tomorrow we will be having our anti-drug and alcohol class.

Tuesday

Students have homework tonight and it is the same homework they had last week, E63 1-5. The goal is that students will understand the questions better and improve their grade by demonstrating that they have learned the material. The homework is due at the start of class in the morning.

Today we reviewed heat energy transfer and kinetic and potential energy by watching on Youtube; Eureka 24, 27 and 29 and then a clip of Hoodwinked which shows potential and kinetic energy. We also studied thermal expansion by placing a balloon in cold water. We observed that the balloon shrunk. Then the students came forward and placed the cold balloon in warm water. They could feel the balloon expand as it warmed up. Students were told that this is called thermal expansion.

Monday

After reviewing kinetic and potential energy on a youtube called Eureka 9 and Eureka 10, we went into the lab to learn about how heat energy can be transferred. We learned that electromagnetic radiation is the heat we feel from the sun. We learned the conductive energy transfers due to direct contact. Students felt a spoon placed in boiling water and noticed that the spoon became warmer. We also used a lava lamp to show convection. Students were asked about other types of convection in our homes and some realized that many furnaces uses convection to move heat around in our homes. Students also learned that the water cycle is based on convection. To study more about these three types of energy transfer read pages E 58-E59.

Thursday

Today students took the survey about drugs. We discussed different types of addictions. We also touched on pornography and bullying using cell phones and computers. We warned how important it is not to get involved in either of these issues.

Wednesday

Our new area of study has to do with work, energy and heat. Students are learning the difference between kinetic and potential energy. We discussed what a variable is and students were reminded to use their index and glossary so they can become learners. We learned about the properties of tin, a metal and a conductor of heat and foam, an insulator, which does not conduct heat. We discussed temperature, heat and radiation.

There is no homework tonight.

Tomorrow we will fill out the drug survey. This survey is to find out what students know about drug and alcohol abuse. We will talk briefly about avoiding things that can become addictions.

Tuesday

We learned about measuring volume today. Students were given different objects, a meter stick, a graduated cylinder and water. They were to find the volume of each object. Regularly shaped objects were measured length x height x width. The irregularly shaped objects were placed in a graduated cylinder that had water in it. Students recorded the height of the water before the irregularly shaped were placed in the graduated cylinder. Then they subtracted the first number of the water from the second number. The answers for volume were recorded in cubic centimeters.

There is homework tonight. Students are to read pages E50-E63 and, in complete sentences and correct spelling, answer the questions 1-5. This should prepare the students for our discussion in the next few days.

On Thursday we will begin with our unit on drugs. All students who have handed in the parent permission slip will take a survey to determine how much they know about the effects of drug abuse. They will take the same survey at the end of the unit to discover how much they have learned.

Monday

It is certainly a cold day to come back to classes. But it is nice to get things moving along. We are working on finishing our biomes and periodic tables today. Students are checking to make sure their work passes muster and then turning it in. We will be starting on E50.

Wednesday Merry Christmas

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful time with family. Merry Christmas!

Tuesday

Those students who have not had their parents sign the permission slip for Project Northland need to get it signed and turned in.

Today we corrected E48-E49. Students then worked on finishing their biomes and started on the periodic table.

Tomorrow students will have a movie and a dance. It will cost $1.50 for any student who would like pop and a candy bar.

Monday

We are working on finishing up a few things. First, we went to Plato and finished the presentation and worksheet. Next students worked on pg E48-49. When that is done they were to finish their Biomes. And finally, students started working on their periodic table. They are coloring it to show the different properties of each section.

The final decision for activities on Wednesday has not been made yet. I will post that as soon as we are sure. School on Wednesday will get out at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday

Students began working on answering questions on pg 48-49. Complete sentences are required. This is NOT homework as I am sure everyone will be too busy this week-end. We will complete it on Monday. We also went to askteacher.blogspot.com and reviewed the songs; A Mole is a Unit, Acids and Bases, and Something Called S.I.

The only homework is for students to notice physical and chemical changes happening around them. Physical changes, as I am sure you remember, are when the substance keeps its identity. But a chemical change is when a new substance is formed. Be ready to discuss this on Monday.

Tuesday and Wednesday

On Tuesday the substitute showed the student a Plato lesson on Atoms Elements Compounds and Mixtures. On Wednesday she helped the students make an atom and, if there was time, they should have started on coloring in their periodic table of elements. They also watched the high school play on Wednesday.

Monday

Today students had the chance to show what they knew about atoms. We discussed the parts of an atom, energy levels, how to draw an atom, and reviewed covent, ionic and metallic bonding. Then we reviewed acids and bases in the song and S.I. measurements.

I will be gone for two day. Students will study tomorrow using Plato and a worksheet. And, if I can find enough pipe cleaners, they will be making atoms and making a periodic table of elements on Wednesday.

Check out my links. A Mole is a Unit, Something Called S.I., and Acids and Bases are good songs to review your knowledge,

Thursday - bring back parent signed paper on Monday

We covered a lot of ground today. We lost the fight with the Internet and so went through the song, "Acids and Bases," by talking through it. Then we went and looked at our acid and bases experiment from yesterday. We observed chemical changes including color change and a precipitate was formed.
Then we came back to the class and learned about the parts of an atom, electron clouds and their energy levels. Then we talked about valences, which led into covelent bonding, ionic bonding and just a brief minute on metallic bonding. We will review this information on Monday.
Students have an opportunity to earn 10 points of extra credit on Monday only. They were all given a paper asking permission of the parent to allow them to participate in a survey. If it is returned on Monday 10 points, Tuesday 5 points, Wednesday 3 points Thursday 1 point. We really need the permission slips back.

Wednesday

We learned about Acids and Bases today. We watched a video on youtube to teach about acids and bases. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF40cI2O16U
We learned that acids turn blue litmus paper red, acids are sour and they neutralize bases. Bases turn red litmus paper to blue, is slippery and bitter to the taste.

Then we went into the lab. We had a pH solution made of the water from boiled red cabbage. We poured different substances into the pH solution to see if they were acids, bases or neutral. It was especially interesting to watch Tide detergent change the purple liquid to yellow and orange juice changed the purple liquid red. Students would guess which color the pH solution would turn. They filled out a sheet to help them learn to recognize the pH scale.

Tuesday

We reviewed physical properties and physical changes today by correcting the assignment from class yesterday. Then we finished the ppp on atoms and elements.

Tomorrow we will be doing a rather interesting experiment on acids and bases.

Please remember to contact your family and friends to sign up for the school fund raiser. It is a nice way to do it just before Christmas as people will be shopping anyway.

Monday

We spent today reviewing the physical and chemical changes and physical properties of matter. Students completed a worksheet reviewing these concepts. Most of the students finished them in class. If they did not, the homework should be written in their planner.

Students also started a power point presentation on Atoms and Elements. We will finish that tomorrow and begin on pages E16-E27. This should take until Wednesday.

Students will be watching a play today, "The Christmas Carol."

Thursday

We discussed physical properties of objects. Physical properties are properties observed through the use of our senses. Some physical properties are color, hardness, luster, density, odor, conduction of electricity and sensitivity to magnets. We played a game, "I spy with my little eye," using the physical properties of objects.

Next we went into the lab and studied the difference between physical changes and chemical changes. Physical changes mean that the object does not lose its identity. Ice cubes melting, water boiling into steam, water freezing, tearing paper, drawing on paper, all of these are physical changes because the object is still paper or is still water.

Chemical changes create a new identity. Metal rusting, rust has different properties than metal, it is less dense and it changes color. We put baking soda in a bottle and vinegar in a balloon and then attached the balloon to the bottle. It was fun to see the balloon grow as a gas was given off. Then we answered the question, Why is the gas given off by boiling water not a chemical change, but gas given off by the baking soda and vinegar was a chemical change. Go to My Links on the right side and review the links of physical and chemical changes.

Please remember to get your fund raiser emails done. All people have to do is shop at the places listed and the school will earn money. It is so much safer than going door to door selling wrapping paper!

Wednesday

Today students were to bring in their fixed test. If you were ill yesterday, it is due tomorrow. Students whose grades were below a C came in during study academy to start work on their paper to assure they were doing it correctly.

Today we began studying on mixtures. We saw different mixtures and how they interacted with each other. Students then read in their teams about the physical properties of matter.

Report cards were handed out today. Students will also be taking home information on a fund raiser. I believe it is the one where you can register at specific sites and they will give money to the school.

Tuesday - homework - fix test

Students received their corrected tests back today. Those who are not pleased with their grades may correct each wrong answer to earn back half of their points. However, the answer must be correct, it must be a complete sentence, (a, b, c, d, t, f are not complete sentences) The sentence must be very specific. The work must be on a new sheet of paper and stapled to the test. Spelling must be correct. These rules help the student remember the material that they did not learn for the test.

Today we corrected homework, handed out oops cards and then played with the density of liquids. To see what we did you can go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3kodeQnQvU and watch a similar experiment. We also discussed mass, weight, density and volume.

Homework for tonight will be to fix your test. The fixed test must be turned in at the start of class Wednesday to receive credit.

Monday - test and homework - Good grief!

As students came into class today we began to review for our test. We went over all the vocabulary words and did the actions to help with any memory loss that occurred over the Thanksgiving Holidays. Students then took the test. We corrected the tests in class. I will review them and then hand the tests back to the students tomorrow.

On Tuesday students will take the tests home and fix them using correct spelling, correct answers and, as always, they must have complete sentences. True and false will not work. A B C D will not work. Each answer must have a complete sentence. The purpose of this is to teach the student the answer they did not know.

Homework tonight is reading E 2 - 15 and doing, in complete sentences, 1-5 on E 15. This is due at the start of class tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving

Since school was cancelled yesterday due to the blizzard, I wanted to let you know that we will be having the test on Monday after a review session. Grades had to be in by this Saturday so the test will be on next trimester's grades. I spent yesterday finishing the grades so the grade that is posted is your grade for the trimester. If you like it, remember next trimester to work just as hard. If you are unhappy with your grade, please make sure that next trimester you study more and come in for our study sessions. It is your life, and your future is determined by your actions today. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday - Cells and Biomes test tomorrow

We reviewed for the test today by having a matching game, one with the cells and one with biomes. Then students finished drawing their biomes. The test will be tomorrow. Students that have told me that they will be gone have been allowed to take the test early.

Thursday - test on Tuesday

Today we reviewed yesterday's information on a power point presentation. To review this read through pages B 71 - 128. This information is not on the test, but it is really interesting and good information to know.

We also reviewed the cells and biomes in preparation for the test. On Monday we will do a complete review for the test. Then the test will be on Tuesday.

Students will be out of school for Thanksgiving break starting on Wednesday next week. Go and do something kind for the people who take care of you everyday.

Wednesday + Homework

Students took home a paper tonight to check with family members of different genetic characteristics. They are to write down how many family members participate in seeing how many can roll their tongue or have a short first toe. There are ten or eleven things to test.

We discussed genetics today. We filled out the punnett squares and learned about genes, alleles on chromosomes.

The test on cells and biomes will be on Tuesday Nov. 23rd.

Tuesday - test in one week

Today we learned about mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is when the nucleus of the body cells divide creating two daughter cells exactly like their parent cell. The daughter cells, in humans, have 46 chromosomes. Meiosis is when the nucleus of sex cells divide. But, since they can only have 23 chromosomes, they must divide twice leaving each with 23 chromosomes. To read about this go to pages B58-64.

We also broke open one of the eggs in each class. We could see the membrane and the nucleus.

Please work on knowing the parts of your biomes and cell organelles. These will be on the test.

Monday

The upcoming test will be on Tuesday, November 23rd. It will cover B1-B66.

Today we checked out our eggs. On Thursday we exchanged the corn syrup egg with the salt egg to see what would happen. The salt egg was down to 44 grams from 100 and the corn syrup egg was up to 99 from 38. Tomorrow we will break open one egg in each class just to see what the inside is like.

When we returned to class students began making charts to graph the progress of each egg in color.

Wednesday

We reviewed population, community, ecosystem, living and nonliving things today. Then we check our eggs to see if equilibrium had been attained or if diffusion was still occurring. Last the students took a quiz on the organelles they studied last night.

Tomorrow at 2:30 we will be having a Veteran's day assembly. Please remember this assembly is to honor those that fought to protect our beliefs and our country. We need to behave in the way we have learned to show support and honor to our veterans.

Tuesday

We checked on our eggs today. We have been studying diffusion and we are weighing the shell-less eggs to see if they are losing or gaining liquid. The egg in corn syrup lost almost 40 grams of liquid. The salt water egg gained 6 grams and the green water egg turned green and gained 4 grams. The shelled egg that we put in vinegar has lost its shell and is at 67 grams. We will weigh all the eggs daily and see what happens to them.

Today we discussed that living and dead things have cells, but non-living are things that never lived and so they do not have cells. However, living, dead and non-living things all have elements. We discussed the elements in the human body and the contents of the human cell. (B42-45)

We watched a Youtube on photosynthesis "Photosynthesis" by mediasemantics. Many students understand this concept so it was a review, but for some it was their first time through.

Monday

We went into the lab and started an experiment to learn about osmosis and diffusion. We take shell-less eggs and put them in water, corn syrup and a salt water concentrate. We will record the eggs weights starting and then every day. The students will also put a shelled egg in vinegar water to observe that.

Diffusion is when molecules move from an area of high concentration to lower concentration. Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules.

We also reviewed the jobs of cell organelles. Students then were asked to write the cells jobs without looking. This will help prepare them for their test.

Thursday

There is no homework tonight. We corrected our homework, nearly every student got it done. That is good news. Then I handed out cards to each team. The cards had a cell's organelle listed on it. Each team had to figure out how to act out the function of the organelle and then we played charades. Some of the students were very good at this. Last we reviewed the parts of the organelles on Plato activities.

The student fixed tests and animal papers are corrected and the students should get those back on Monday. Two animal papers were not corrected as I am still waiting for the rubrics and first paper. The students have been reminded again to get those to me.

Wednesday + Homework

Today we looked at anatomy tissues and saw the differences. Then we went to Plato and learned about the organelles in the cell. If you want to go to your Plato account and review it, I will set it up.

Remember, your Plato name is your first and last name as one word with capitals on the first letter of your first and last name. Your group name is 2017 and your password is your student number. If it asks for the site ID it is 1002 Hope that helps.

There is homework tonight, read B1-B15 and answer the questions on B15 1-5 in complete sentences.

A reminder Plato only works on Internet Explorer.

Tuesday - computer mix-up

I apologize for missing the blog the last few days, apparently I signed in on my personal blog and that is where the updates went. For this I am sorry. I am sure that puzzled those who follow my blog.

Thursday I was gone to meetings in Boise, students watched a movie about reptiles and amphibians. We corrected that on Monday.

On Monday we reviewed the metric system, finished the Biome notes and finished watching the movie on amphibians and reptiles.

Today we are learning about cells. We reviewed the cell system, from cells > tissues > organs > organ systems > organisms. We watched a power point presentation on cells and started to look at tissue slices of hair, blood, and other slides that show the different make-up of our tissues.

Wednesday - tests may be fixed tonight

The tests were returned today. All students have the opportunity to fix their test. However, the test must be rewritten on a separate piece of paper. The paper must be stapled to the original test. ALL ANSWERS (even the matching) MUST BE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES or it will not be graded. The students know all of this.

Tonight at 7 p.m. there will be a fighting drug meeting at the school. The speaker talked to the students today and it was excellent. Please come tonight and bring your student with you. There will be prizes, but more importantly you will learn what is happening in Bear Lake. Please come.

In class today we practiced measuring using metrics.

All fixed tests are due at the beginning of class tomorrow. None will be accepted late unless the student is ill.

Tuesday

Today we took and corrected the tests in class. Students will receive the tests back tomorrow and will be allowed to correct their errors using ONLY complete sentences. Any answers not written in complete sentences will not be given any credit. The students will receive half credit for every corrected question.

There is no homework tonight. Tomorrow students are asked to wear school colors for drug free week. Thursday is costume day, no masks please.

Picture retakes will be November 2nd.

Monday test tomorrow

We played a game to review for the test tomorrow. Each table in the lab had cards on it to match. Each student was supposed to match the words to make certain they knew which invertebrate was a platyhelminthesis and that platyhemintheses are flatworms, planaria and tapeworms and that their main characteristic is that they are very very flat.
When we went back to the classroom we reviewed the words on the wall-paper. The students have prepared well for this test.

This is drug prevention red ribbon week. Today all students were allowed to wear hats to "Put a lid on drugs." Tomorrow to help them, "Live up to their dreams," students are allowed to wear sweats or pajamas that cover them. On Wednesday students will wear school colors to support the idea that, "our school is drug free." On Thursday they may dress in Halloween costumes that are school appropriate - no masks please. The theme on Thursdays is "Mash out drugs," and there will be a monster mash at the end of the day.

Thursday

Students gave their animal oral reports today, turned in posters and finished final draft. All who gave their report did very well, even though some were pretty nervous about the experience.

Monday we will begin reviewing for our test and Tuesday will be the test.

Monday starts red ribbon week to remind our students to stay away from drugs. On Monday students will be allowed to wear hats to school. On Tuesday sweats or modest pajamas are the accepted clothing. Wednesday students are to wear school colors and on Thursday students may dress in appropriate Halloween costumes with no masks. Classes will be cut by 4 minutes each and that will be added to our study hall time for either a dance or an activity.

Wednesday parent teacher conf/ Final draft tomorrow

Today we did a little reviewing for our test. We discussed the invertebrates, their classes, an animal that belonged in that class and the characteristics of the animal. Then we returned to the class and students began working on drawing the eight biomes.

Parent-teacher conferences are tonight from 4:30-7:30. Please invite your parents to attend.

The final animal report and poster are due tomorrow. We will spend the day doing oral reports.

Tuesday Final draft Thursday

We are learning about biomes so we went to the Youtube on biomes and using a chart we made in class, we listed all of the biomes and any information it had. Then we got ready to draw the biomes. The students also have biome information in their books B20-B29. Remember test on Tuesday of next week, final draft of the animal report is due Thursday Oct 21st. Please include your rough draft and your rubric.

Monday

The students were handed back their rough drafts today so they can have the final copy finished on Thursday when they will turn in their final report and poster. On Thursday the students will give oral reports of between 1-2 minutes.

We learned about cells today. We looked at onion skin and tomato skin through the microscope. We saw models of nerve cells, blood cells and muscle cells. Then we drew an animal and plant cell as seen in the book on pg B-39.

Remember

Thursday rough drafts in final due Oct 21

Today students are turning in their rough draft. If it is not in today students will lose half of their points. Any student that has plagiarized will lose all of their points. Hopefully they will do well on their final report and be able to bring their grade up. The final copy and poster are due on October 21st at the start of class.

We covered birds and mammals today. We watched a Lyre bird copy all sorts of sounds and a platypus swimming. Youtube can be a great learning tool if you are careful and screen everything first!

Next we covered metamorphosis. Students drew pictures of the stages of metamorphosis in a frog's life and that of a ladybug.

October 25th we will be studying for our test and October 26th we will take it. It will cover A36-A80.

Wednesday- rough draft due tomorrow

We took a little side turn today to watch the Chilean miners being saved after 69 days underground. We discussed the science necessary to drill down to the miners and build a working escape capsule. We also practiced note-taking again to avoid plagiarism on the reports. We have done this before, but after correcting some reports I decided we should practice a little more.

We discussed life spans and life expectancy and learned the difference. We learned that house flies live can live for 79 days while human's life span is 122 years while their life expectancy in the United States is 84 years.

The rough draft is due tomorrow. It will be returned on Monday and the final report will be due that Thursday, the 21st of October.

Tuesday

Hope you all enjoyed your day off yesterday!

Today we began working on characteristics of vertebrates. Teams used a handout and filled out the information they were sure of. Then we watched a few youtube short videos which showed different vertebrates in their natural habitat. We will finish this tomorrow.

Parent teacher conferences will be on Wednesday, October 20th. Please plan on having your parents attend.

Thursday - no school on Monday

Our topic today was endangered species. We discussed that people are really stewards of the earth. We need to take care of what we have without hurting mankind. We discussed the main reasons animals go extinct is predators, poaching, pollution, and disease. It is our responsibility to make sure that animals do not go extinct. Each team was given an animal that is in danger of extinction. They read about the animal and then came up with how we could take care that these animals are protected while being reasonable about it. We discussed that as stewards we must be wise in our decisions. We also discussed the story of the golden goose. Killing off any species might harm other species so we must learn all we can to help protect our stewardship. Each team then gave a report explaining how their particular animal might be protected.

Rough drafts are being turned in. Please get yours in early!

Parent Teacher conferences have been moved to Wed Oct 20th. Please calendar that.

Wednesday

Today the students practiced how to take notes for their report. I wrote a short paragraph on the board and the students pulled out the important information without copying the paragraph. Then we went to the library so they could find information for their animal report. Any student who has not found enough information must let me know tomorrow so I can help him/her find something.

Rough Draft Thursday Oct 14 or before - handwritten - double spaced - following the requirements on the rubric.

No school on Monday.

Tuesday 1st report

We had a busy day today. All papers have been handed back. Students were given the rubric for their animal report. The rough draft is due October 14th and the final draft is due Oct. 21. Both can be turned in earlier. I explained how to read information on the animal and outline that information so that the student is not plagiarizing. The report is to be a minimum of three paragraphs with approximately 8-10 sentences in each paragraph. The rough draft must be written in best handwriting. If I can see that the student can write clearly, then their final draft, and all other reports, may be typed. If they need practice handwriting, then they are not to type.

Parent-teacher conference will be October 14th. Please encourage your parents to attend.

Remember, there is no school on October 11th.

Monday

We are learning about vertebrates this week. Each team was given a specific animal model and was required to write down the information about the animal. Then the team presented that information to the class.

Students will be receiving their animal report rubric tomorrow. Parents, please look at it so that you know what is expected. Please allow them to do their own work, beware of plagiarism, check it over and make suggestions, but it must be their paper.

Thursday

Homework was corrected at the start of class today. Some students are failing to turn in their work. Parents will be contacted.

We reviewed Echinoderms by watching youtube videos of a sand dollar crawling and a sea urchin flipping itself over. Next we went into the lab and measured invertebrates. We returned to class and learned how to change centimeters to millimeters, decimeters and so forth.

First hour has homework, three vocabulary words and their definitions.

Wednesday - homework tonight

We finished our list of invertebrates today by learning about echinoderms watching Plato on the Animal Kingdom.

We reviewed yesterday's invertebrates by watching Youtube: Mollusc (that is how the video spells the word), Earthworm closeup, Japanese Mountain Leech vs Giant Earthworm, Leech cure and Bee Takes a Break.

Then we went into the lab where there were life-size pictures or actual invertebrates and the students measured them in Standard English measurements and using the metric system.

There is homework due tomorrow. Students are to read A-40-A49 and to answer the questions on A49 1-5. Answers must be in complete sentences and the words must be spelled correctly when they are copied from the book.

Tuesday

Students turned in their fixed tests today and their notes from parents. It will take me three or four days to get these graded.

We viewed the invertebrates we learned about yesterday by watching Youtube on sponges filtering green dye, hydra, hydra viridis, Giant jellyfish, a lecture on tapeworms and a video on Cnidarians.

Finally we went to Plato - Animal Kingdom and learned about Mollusks, Annelida and Arthropoda. We discussed different facts brought out about each invertebrate and wrote on our worksheet.

Monday

Students who are not happy with their test score were given an opportunity to do some homework and fix their test. The rules are strict and if not followed, the fixed test will not be allowed. These are the rules:
1. Using a separate sheet of paper the student will fix each incorrect question by:
a. Writing the correct answer
b. Writing the answer in a complete sentence
c. Words must be spelled correctly
d. Answers must be numbered according to the incorrect test question's number
e. The separate sheet with the correct answers must be stapled to the original test.
f. The test must be turned in to the box at the bell or the corrections will not be
allowed.

Today we began learning about invertebrates. We worked on Plato. To get to Plato go to plato.blsd.net on Internet Explorer. It does not work well on other browers. If it asks for the number it is 1002. The Plato name is the student's last name then first name with no spaces. The second line is the Group name which is the year they graduate 2017. The password is their student number. Then go to Animal kingdom. We viewed sections 2-5, but I think students will have to view it from the beginning. Make sure to use the red arrow at the top to go forward or back. The program will instruct you what to click on. We filled out a sheet based on this lesson.

Thursday

Students finished their tests today and then they took a turn at grading it. I will check the grading and then put the grades up. If you are not happy with your grade, you will have the opportunity to fix it as homework on Monday night. There are strict rules and they must be followed, but if they are then you can earn half of your points back.

The idea behind this is that you will learn the information that you just didn't absorb before the test. We want learning to happen.

Wednesday

Today we started our first test. Students that did not finish will be given the first 20 minutes of class on Thursday to get it done while those who did finish will work on a little experiment in the lab.

Tuesday - Test tomorrow

Today we reviewed for the test. The students went around the room with the test questions around the room. The students were allowed to answer each question and then we took time going over and explaining each question. The study guides were to be taken home to study for tomorrow.

Monday- prepare for a test on Wednesday

We enjoyed a movie today about the different ways that seeds are moved from place to place. The seeds are moved by animals, wind and water. We watched bats eating seeds and carrying the food to a different place to avoid being eaten by a boa. We saw a coconut crab eating the coconut meat and the seed went into the water. Wind blew the seeds of many plants.

Tomorrow we will review for Wednesday's test covering pages A1-A31.

Thursday Test coming Sept. 22.

We corrected last night's homework. Those who did not complete it or do it well had to come to remediation to complete it. Some still did not get it done, it will be due Monday for half the points. The assignment was A31 1-5 and read A20 - A31.

Today we finished our study of plants. Students drew or traced plants from each of the four divisions so they could recall what the plant's characteristics are.

There will be a test on A1-A31 on Wednesday. Monday we will watch a movie on seeds, Tuesday we will review for the test, and Wednesday will be the test.

Wednesday and homework

There is homework tonight. Students are to read pages A20-A31 and answer 1-5 on A31.

Today we learned about gymnosperms and angiosperms. We learned that gymnosperm means naked seed. Some gymnosperms are conifers, ginkgo biloba, cycads and gnetophyes. These plants have male and female cones. Angiosperms are any plants that have enclosed seeds. These can include apple trees, and all other fruit trees, flowers, grains, cotton etc. Angiosperms are divided into two groups; monocots and dicots. Monocots have one cotelydon, flower petals in threes or multiples of three, leaf veins that are vertical and vascular bundles scattered throughout the plant. Dicots have two cotelydons, flower petals in multiples of four or five, leaf veins that branch out, and vascular bundles that are in a ring, not scattered.

Homework is due at the start of class.

Tuesday

In science today we learned about two types of plants; non-vascular, seedless, non-flowering plants such as mosses, liverwort and hornwort. We also learned about vascular, seedless, non-flowering plants such as club mosses, horse tails and ferns. We learned how these plants get moisture and how they reproduce. We also learned the that the pioneers used to use horsetails to scrub their pots and pans. We learned that moss reproduce by use of the sori, the little brown spots that grown under the fronds of the fern.

Students had school pictures taken today. If you were absent, there will be a make-up day later in the tri-mester.

Monday

Tomorrow we will be having school pictures. Please make sure that you bring the envelopes back if you plan on buying pictures. We will be taking everyone's picture, but if you plan on buying you must have the paper filled out and the money turned in. There will be make-up pictures later in the year.

Today we learned about bacteria and fungus. We learned that bacteria helps make many of the foods we like such as swiss cheese, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, sourdough, olives, and sour cream. We also learned that we need to keep our hands and cell phones clean if we want to protect ourselves from bacteria.

We also learned that fungus is used to grow and prepare the cacao bean from which we get chocolate. Fungus is also found in mushrooms and blue cheese.

After discussing these foods the students were able to taste many of them, if they wanted to.

Thursday

It is Back to School night starting at 6 p.m. Come and meet your child's teachers and learn the expectations they have for your child.

Today we learned about the characteristics of each of the Kingdoms; Animal, Plant, Fungus, Monera, and Protist.

We corrected last night's homework. Those who did not finish or did not get it done, they will be invited to remediation to complete their work and receive 50%. Our desire is to teach the students that the homework will be done - but if they do it on time, they can receive full points. We hope this will motivate them to do their work on time.

Wednesday

There is homework tonight. Students are to read A6-A19 and do questions 1-3 on A19. The answers are to be complete sentences. The question does not have to be written, just a complete sentence for the answer.

Today in class students brought in their Living Things Grow and Develop pages. Those turned in finished and on time earned 15 points. If they were not turned in, they can be turned in tomorrow for half points.

Students also completed a poster that shows the 6 characteristics of living things. The students did these in teams. They will be graded according the to rubric each student received. Neatness, spelling, correct identification, bringing their assigned supplies and participating are all part of the grade.

Thursday at 6 p.m. is Back to School Night. Come and find out your child's teacher's expectations. We look forward to meeting all parents and guardians.

Tuesday

I hope everyone had a good Labor Day holiday. Today in class students learned more about the 6 characteristics of life. We watched a Power Point Presentation showing the six characteristics that show that something is alive. Next the students got in their teams and decided who was responsible for bringing different items to represent the six characteristics of life. This is a poster that the students will do in class tomorrow. They are to bring the assigned item and help make a poster that clearly shows the six characteristics of life. The poster is worth 100 points, including ten points for bringing their team assigned item. Students also took home a "Living Things Grow and Develop" paper. This page is to be done with parents and returned to school tomorrow at the start of class.

Please make sure your student has a pencil everyday.

Thursday

Yesterday we learned how to write a hypothesis as an "If . . . Then" statement. Then we tried out our hypothesis to see what would happen. We poured boiling water on a weed and we will continue to watch the weed to see what will happen.

Today, Thursday we looked at the weed and came back into the classroom to write our conclusion. Students then worked on pgs A6-A7 and we began to learn what the main six characteristics of life are. They filled out the worksheet and then we discussed the six characteristics of life. This lesson will continue into Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The question for the week-end is, "What is metabolism?"

Monday is a holiday, Labor Day. There will be no school. Tuesday students will have homework.

Tuesday

The first day of school is always so busy. Students have many papers that need to be returned. My science students have a paper for parents to read, sign and date. This paper explains some basic information and expectations for this class - students who have it signed and turned in tomorrow will receive a rare 10 points extra credit.

Other papers that are coming home are bus papers that need to be read and signed, an insurance paper and envelope for parents who want to buy insurance for their child, the free and reduced lunch paper, middle school fees paper, and the student information papers so we can find parents and guardians in case of an emergency. Please get these papers back quickly.

Monday

Welcome back to school! We are ready to get going - hope you are too!

Tuesday

The test is done,the grades are in. Hopefully you studied and were rewarded for your labor. Tomorrow we will finish the oral reports, then we will watch a few short videos on pollution and on doing your best. Thursday we go to Downata. Only a few students do not have their money in. If it is you, please bring it tomorrow.

Monday test tomorrow

Today the students reviewed the test for tomorrow. There will be ten questions worth ten points each. Students have reviewed these questions regularly and all should do well.

Oral reports on scientists were started today. Most students did well. Remember you must have your written report with you when you are giving your oral report. This is required.

Money for the Downata trip was due today. Mr. Belnap will allow money to be turned in tomorrow. If, for some reason, you can't afford the trip, please go talk to Mr. Belnap.

Thursday test on Tuesday

We went outside again today to observe the clouds. It was cold so our observations were made quickly. We were able to see some stratus clouds and a few cirrus clouds. Then we looked up the question, why are clouds white? Clouds are white because the ice crystals in them scatter the light. Clouds get darker when there is enough moisture in them to block the sunshine. That makes sense.

Next we began work on our Geologic timeline. Students made a chart and began drawing pictures of different material or living things that occupied that specific time.

Wednesday

Today we looked at the big rocks - we discussed what type of rock they were and what caused them to have crystals, unique shapes etc. We also went outside and learned about clouds. We will be doing this everyday until the end of school.

Please get your money in for the trip. Last day is Monday, the trip is Thursday. Keep good thoughts for a warm day.

Tuesday

Today the students discovered the names of the rocks they investigated yesterday. They also learned if they were igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. Tomorrow we will get out the large rocks and the students will determine if what type of rocks they are.

Monday of next week will be the oral reports about the scientists. Tuesday we will finish those reports and have our comprehensive final. Wednesday we will grade the final. We have been reviewing the information on the test for the entire school year. Hopefully everyone will be able to pass with flying colors. Thursday is the incentive trip to Downata and Friday will be spent getting report cards, signing year books and watching a movie. School will end for the students at 11:00.

The money for the incentive trip must be in by Monday, May 24th. Registration forms for 7th grade should be in today.

Monday

Today the students had some hands on experience with rocks. Students worked in their teams to examine 16 rocks and find the properties of each one. Tomorrow we will take that information and use it to identify the rocks.

Homework tonight is to read D70-D79. There might be a quiz on that tomorrow.

Money for the Downata trip needs to be turned in, as do the registration forms for 7th grade.

Thursday

We had a busy day today with students handing in their scientist reports. They were due today. Students can turn them in on Monday, but they will not receive full points.

We studied glaciers today. We took ice and put it on gravel. We could see how quickly the ice picked up the rocks. We saw the till and moraine and how glacier lakes could be made. Then we watched a youtube video that showed the inside of a glacier. It was beautiful.

Students need to get their 7th grade registrations turned in. They also need to turn in their $10.00 for the 6th grade field trip to Downata. The money is due on May 24th.

Wednesday Scientist report due tomorrow

We are learning about soils. The students were asked to explain why learning about soils affects them. We decided that it affects us in growing good crops, in building homes in safe areas, and in having clothing to wear. We then watched a video from Agrium teaching the students that soil is made from silt, sand clay and organic matter. We learned about taking care of our groundwater so we will have clean water to drink. Then we went into the lab and got the feel of silt, sand and soil. It was a little messy, but the students could see and feel what the lesson was about.

Scientist reports are due at the start of each class tomorrow. Please have them done and in on time. Put them on top of your school supplies so the paper is not left at home. Save your mom the trip to school.

Tuesday

We practiced making mountains today with sand, gravel, and mud. We also used silly puddy and clay to show how scientist believe the Rocky Mountains were made. They think that a subduction occurred, but for some reason, instead of going deep into the mantle, it went shallow and bumped along the bottom of the continent pushing up granite and creating the Rocky Mountains. We then returned to class and watched some videos that re-taught what we had experienced.

Homework was turned in for D44 vocabulary today. Scientist final reports are due on Thursday. This should just take a little time to fix your errors. Make sure it is in on time so they can be graded.

Money for the 6th grade trip to Downata needs to be in by the 24th of May. The $10 includes use of the pool and slides and transportation. Lunch must be provided by you or you can bring some extra money to purchase food at the lunch counter.

Monday

Today we watched how mountains are made by using clay to show the fold mountains and thd fault block mountains. Homework for tonight is the vocabulary on D 44.

We had an assembly today to choose to live the best you can starting with today. It was excellent.

Thursday

We finished our unit on earthquakes and volcanos and we checked the review. A few of the band and choir students did not get the homework assignment even though Mr. Goodworth and Mr. Belnap reminded them that they needed to come and get it. Those students will need to finish that assignment and turn it in Monday for half points.

The final draft of the scientist report is due on May 13th at the start of class. This should give me time to get it graded before the school year ends. Each student who turned in their paper needs to staple the rough draft and rubric to the final copy. This is required for a grade. All students have had this explained to them.

Money for the field trip must be turned in to me by May 24th, but the earlier the better. Have a good week-end.

Wednesday

Today we reviewed our unit on earthquakes and volcanos. Students were assigned pg D40-D41 1-20, excluding 18. Many students are on the band and choir trip today, however they were supposed to get the assignment before they left school yesterday. This assignment will be due at the start of class tomorrow.

ISAT tests should finish today with the Language Arts section.

A flyer should come home about the end of year field trip. 6th graders are going to Downata Hot Springs. The cost is $10 which includes entrance into the park and transportation costs. The money must be into me, Mrs. Winward, by May 24th. The trip will be May 27th. We will leave the school at 8:00 a.m. and return by 3:45. Girls, please make sure your swim suit covers your stomach or that you wear a t-shirt over your suit. Boys, make sure your swim suit is appropriate.

Mnday/Tuesday

The first day of ISAT tests went well. The students took Math tests yesterday and are taking Language Art tests today. In science class on Monday we watched a movie on Youtube called "The Last Days of Krakatoa." If you want to watch it just go to youtube. It is a great movie showing the tsunami, a pyroclastic surge, and a ship out at sea during the volcano. The movie is based on the real life account of the woman pictured in the film. Today, for those who were here yesterday, we reviewed the three types of volcanos and what causes them.

Scientist reports were handed back today with the suggestions on how to fix the final copy. Please, do not copy others work. Just rewording a sentence is still copying. Write down the facts and then, using the rubric, write your own story.