Thursday - ISAT tests next week

All pictures and money must be in by Monday
ISAT tests are next week. It would be a good idea to study things you feel shaky on. There are a lot of good internet sites. Just look up what you need ie "find the main idea" + practice and see what comes up. There are a lot of good math games too. Just brush up on what you need.

6th grade: We studied about original horizontality - how the bottom layers of sentiment are usually the oldest, unless they have been uplifted. We also started finding where many earthquakes are occurring.

7th grade: We studied Physical Science today. We reviewed atoms, compounds, elements and mixtures. Then we moved on to Newton's laws with force and balanced and unbalanced forces. The science ISAT will be on Thursday so we have a couple more days to prepare.

Wednesday

6th grade: We learned about earthquakes and tsunamis today. We will continue learning about them tomorrow.

7th grade: We reviewed the elements, S.I. measuring, and the nature of science. We will do a little more on this tomorrow and then get into physical science

Dr.Heeder spoke to the students about the importance of doing well on their ISAT tests. Students need to be prepared Monday morning so they can do their best. Scores on Reading, Language usage, and Science should advance about seven points over their last year scores. Math scores should advance about 10 points. It might be a good idea to review math facts that you are shaky on. There are lots of internet sites that have games you can play.

Tuesday

6th grade: We discussed the theory of plate tectonics today. Students cut out a map of the world to see if Wagener's theory had possibilities. We watched a short video showing how scientists believe plate tectonics, or continental drift occurred. Students had about ten minutes to work on their homework - C92-93 1-15 in complete sentences.

7th grade: We reviewed how science and technology are different. Next we began on the scientific process. We will finish that tomorrow and move onto Physical Science.

Monday - weed essay and sun dial are due tomorrow

6th grade: Students started their Soil to Spoon posters today. The poster is to express the idea of all we have to eat comes from the soil. The weed essay and sun dial are due tomorrow at the start of each class. If your printer is not working, and that happens, please email your paper to me at cjwinward@blsd.net

7th grade: We reviewed the Earth and Space Study Guide and also covered Personal and Social Perspectives. Tomorrow we will move to the Nature of Science and Wednesday we will work on Physical Science ISAT preparation.

Remember that ISAT tests are next week. Students need to be prepared by getting enough sleep and eating properly. Reviewing the basics of what they learned this year will also help remind them what they know.

Thursday 6th grade last week-end for sun dial and essay

Remember, spring pictures or the money must be in on Monday

6th grade: Soil and conservation people came today and taught the students about the importance of the soil and taking care of animals. Paw prints will go home on Monday.

7th grade: We started on the Earth ISAT study guide. We covered Earth layers and the atmosphere. We reviewed the clouds. Students turned in their body systems booklet.

Wednesday

6th grade: Learned about the planet Earth. Corrected movie worksheets

7th grade: Took a quiz on yesterday's review. Handed out a Biology Study Guide for the ISAT test.

Tuesday 6th grade weed essay and sundials are due in next Tuesday

It is the time of year when some students are starting to forget why they are here. It is like a football game, if you quit playing in the last quarter, you are likely to lose. Don't start breaking rules. Do get your assignments in on time. Do show your maturity by doing what is expected.

6th grade: We still aren't finished with the Big Bang Origin of the Universe movie. We should finish it tomorrow.

7th grade: Students began to pull together there Body Systems packet. It is worth 100 points. Then we worked in teams in studying for the Biology part of the ISAT. We will do a little more Biology tomorrow and then move on to Earth Science.

Monday - 6th grade Weed Essays and sundials are due in one week.

6th grade: We are studying about the Universe. Today and tomorrow we will be watching a movie on the Big Bang Theory: Origin of the Universe. The movie covers many different theories that scientists have had throughout the ages about the universe. It shows how more information has allowed them to change their ideas. Students had a worksheet to fill out.
Students have had over a month to finish their weed essays and sundial. They are due next Tuesday, without exception.

7th grade: We will be reviewing for the ISAT tests so students feel a little more familiar with the information.

Pictures and/or money are due today

Thursday - pictures and/or money need to be back Monday

6th grade: Here are the instructions for the sundial that is due April 17th. The five paragraph weed essay is also due. Get them done now.

Make your own sundial - Due April 17, 2012 or earlier if possible
Supplies:
1. Large piece of paper, cardboard, paper plate or other flat object that can be drawn on
2. A stick, pencil or other straight tall object to use to mark the time
3. Something like clay to anchor the straight stick
4. A marker or pencil
Instructions:
1. Find a good place where the sun will shine for at least five hours
2. Place your flat paper or other object in the sun, anchor it down
3. Determine the directions, North, South, East, West
4. Put the stick or pencil in the bottom center of the paper - mark the entire shadow - write the time.
5. On the next hour, mark the shadow of the straight object – make sure you draw to the end of the shadow
6. Set a timer and then mark the shadow every hour – draw the new line including width and full length
7. Five hour markings are required
Cautions:
1. Put the paper in a place that will not be bothered by animals or wind and anchor it down
2. If you are forced to move the paper, use a compass or marker so you can reset it exactly
3. Set a timer – you think you will remember but it is really frustrating when you miss it by a few minutes

7th grade: We finished our section on body systems. We reviewed and enjoyed jello shaped like the brain, stomach, heart and eye. We will start preparing for the science ISATS next week.

Wednesday pictures or money needs to be turned in

6th grade: Today we used hangers and construction paper and string and we made solar systems. Most finished and did well. Some will have to fix theirs until the directions are followed. Part of the requirements of 6th grade is for the student to learn to follow directions. Most of the students are learning this.

7th grade: We learned about the endocrine system today. Students made cards so we can play the endocrine game tomorrow.

Tuesday - Weed Essay - Sun Dial - hangers - Spring pics or money

6th grade: We finished our planet worksheet today. We also discussed the importance of not plagiarizing. We discussed the Hungarian President who just resigned when it was discovered that he plagiarized his thesis.

7th grade: We discussed the ear and the eye today. Tomorrow we should start the endocrine system.

Money for the spring pictures or the pictures need to be turned in by Monday.

Monday - Spring pictures went home today - Due 4-9

6th grade: Today we started studying the inner planets. Teams found some of the planets characteristics and then we watched a short section on Plato so they could finish the planet sheets. Students should be working on their five paragraph weed essay. This is due on April 17th. They also need to finish the sun dial which is also due on the 17th of April. We have had plenty of sunny days to get it done. All 6th grade students need to bring a wire hanger by Wednesday when we will do our solar system.

7th grade: Students learned more about the brain and discussed how the ear works. We watched two short videos on the ear, then students looked at an audiogram that shows what sounds can hear a be heard at different frequencies and decibels.

Spring pictures went home today. Students must have either the money or pictures back by April 9th. The end of the year field trip will be in jeopardy if students do not get their pictures back.

Thursday 6th grade vaccination papers and wire clothes hanger

6th grade: Students were to turn in their corrected test today. The school handed out vaccination papers to all 6th graders. They are required to have these shots before they start 7th grade. The health department is doing shots April 6th and 9th. You can call for an appointment. Also we will be doing our solar systems next week and each student needs a WIRE hanger, not the kind with cardboard. Please find one. Today we corrected C42-43. We started our section about planets.

7th grade: We learned more about the nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the outer nerves. We watched a cute video on the parts of the brain and discussed brain injuries. Students are preparing for ISATs by learning to read charts and graphs. We also went outside to inspect stratus clouds.

Wednesday 6th graders fix tests

6th grade: Today students received their tests back. They can fix them by doing the following things: 1. Get a separate piece of paper. 2. Neatly type or write the correct answers in complete sentences only. 3. Staple the test to the new answer sheet, include the bubble sheet. Turn it in at the start of class Thursday - it will only be accepted at the start of class. In class today students worked on C42-43 - it is not homework.

7th grade: We enjoyed learning about our nervous system today. We did a few experiments to help them see how fast they could react.

Tuesday

6th grade: We covered a lot of information today. We reviewed that the seasons are caued by the tilt of the earth. Then we learned that tides are caused by the moon and that spring tides occur when there is a full moon or a new moon. We learned that solar eclipses occur when the moon blocks the sun and lunar eclipses occur when the Earth blocks the moon. Then we started on phases of the moon.

7th grade: We covered the causes of infectious diseases. We talked about pathogens and phagocytes. We also talked about cancer, and diseases that are non-transferable.

Monday

6th grade: We learned about seasons and why we have day and night. Then we discussed what you would need to live on Mars. Work on your essay.

7th grade: We learned about the respiratory system today.

The school had the three screen assembly today encouraging students to take care of themselves and be a leader for good.

Thursday Spring Break until March 26th

6th grade: We finished our unit on Forces and Motion. Students were given the instructions for their sundials. Then we watched Messy Mondays - a number of videos on YouTube that encourage boys and girls to respect each other. This goes along with the Enough is Enough program students saw yesterday.

7th grade: We finished the circulatory system and then watched the Messy Mondays videos which encourage respect between boys and girls in a very amusing way.

School will be out until Monday March 26th - Enjoy!

Wednesday

We watched the Enough is Enough assembly during Tall today - there will be a program for students and adults tonight at 6:30 at the Middle School auditorium. Please come and bring your students, there will be prizes.

6th grade: Students took a test based on the study guide from yesterday.

7th grade: Today we reviewed skeletal, muscular and digestive systems. Then we sang Pump Your Blood which explains how the blood moves through the heart and the body. Lastly we worked on a handout to match up the different functions of our blood with their names.

Tuesday

6th grad: We studied for the test - study guides went home as homework. They will need to be turned in before the test.

7th grade: Studied the heart and the circulatory system, drew and labeled the parts of the heart

Wednesday will be the Enough is Enough assembly where students learn the dangers of drug use.

6th graders were given the opportunity to make ads for the the newspaper. The three winning ads will earn cash.

Monday Homework and test coming Wednesday 6th grade

6th grade: Today we learned about waves, the electromagnetic spectrum. Students have homework- a worksheet pags 119-120 that go with C9 and 10 in the book. On Wednesday we will have a test covering Force and Motion, Newton's Laws, Simple Machines and waves.

7th grade: We studied the digestive system today. Students did an experiment to see how bile breaks up fats. We filled in digestive tract chart and learned what happens to the things we eat.

The school is taking up a collection for a student who is receiving chemo-therapy. I encouraged the students to do without pop this week and drink water instead and then to donate the money. That should help both our sick student and the healthy ones.