Thursday December 18th

7th & 8th Grade General Science: Today in science students finished calculations of the rotational and orbital speeds of all the planets in our solar system. Students then began making a graph to compare the information they calculated.
Homework: none

7th Grade Math: In 7th grade math students had a free day to get caught up on missing work or to complete an extra credit assignment.
Homework: none

8th Grade Math: Today 8th graders had a short review session and then they completed a quiz over sections 3.1 to 3.3.
Homework: none

Tuesday December 16th

7th & 8th Grade General Science: Today in science students began calculations of the rotational and orbital speeds of all the planets in our solar system.
Homework: none

7th Grade Math: In 7th grade math students completed a warm up "Mad Minutes' multiplication review. Students then began to study section 3.2 which covers bar graphs and line graphs.
Homework: Review #9 (mean, median & mode) is due Wednesday

8th Grade Math: Today 8th graders continued to practice how to solve equations that have variables on both sides of the equals sign.
Homework: Finish 2-24 Evens on Section 3.3 Practice. Also, Review #9 (two step equations) is due Wednesday.

Monday December 15th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today in science reviewed how the moon influences tides here on earth. Students then applied Newton's formula calculating the force of gravity between any two objects.
Homework: none

7th Grade Math:
In math students continued practicing how to apply mean, median and mode to data analysis. Some students completed a review session followed by the make up test for Chapter 2. Homework: Review #9 (mean, median & mode) is due Wednesday

8th Grade Math:
Today 8th graders learned how to solve equations that have variables on both sides of the equals sign.
Homework: Review #9 (two step equations) is due Wednesday.

Wednesday December 10th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science students learned about the measurement unit of a "light year". Students completed a lab where they developed a unit to measure distance that is similar to the unit of a light year.

Homework: finish questions for "time traveler" lab from today's class

7th Grade Math:

In math students continued working with their table partner to calculate averages for data relating to U.S. Presidents and Super Bowl scores.

Homework: Review #8 (calculating an average) is due Friday

8th Grade Math:

Today 8th graders continued practicing solving two-step equations that have distributive property and combining like terms.

Homework: finish section 3.2 practice #1-13 all and #18 (due tomorrow).

Tuesday December 9th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science students worked on completing their astronomy topics cartoon strips. These will be due tomorrow at the beginning of the class period.

Homework: Finish astronomy cartoon strip

7th Grade Math:

In math students reviewed how to calculate the mean, median, and mode averages for a given set of data. They they worked with a table partner to calculate averages for data relating to U.S. Presidents as well as data relating to Super Bowl scores.

Homework: none

8th Grade Math:

Today 8th graders finished working through section 3.1 practice which focused on solving two-step equations. The class then reviewed using distributive property of multiplication and combining like terms in an expression. We transitioned to section 3.2 of the textbook which covers using distributive property and combining like terms to solve multiple step equations.

Homework: none

Thursday December 4th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science we discussed the importance of a planet having an atmosphere and how the principle of "greenhouse effect" occurs. Students then completed a lab comparing the temperature increase of a lamp shining on a cup of sand & water with no plastic top to one with a plastic top. Students will look at their results tomorrow and draw conclusions based upon their data.

Homework: none

7th Grade Math:

Today in math seventh graders reviewed how to complete conversions within the metric system. The class then worked on the chapter review section at the end of chapter two. There will be a test tomorrow in class.

Homework: Study for the chapter 2 test

8th Grade Math:

In class today 8th graders completed the chapter 2 test. Students needing more time can finish the test tomorrow during class.

Homework: none

Wednesday December 3rd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science students completed the data collection for light lab #3. If they did not finish their graph and conclusion then it is homework that will be due tomorrow at the start of class

Homework: Finish graph and conclusions of light lab #3 (effect of light on temperature)

7th Grade Math:

Today in class students began working with converting metric units. Students completed 2.7 Practice in class.

Homework: Study for the chapter 2 test which is scheduled for Friday.

8th Grade Math:

In math students completed group presentations to share how to solve various types of problems that were learned in math during this chapter. There will be a chapter test over material in chapter 2 tomorrow (Thursday). Students are encouraged to work through review problems for Chapter 2 on the textbook's website (classzone.com). There is a link to this website on the "useful links" section of this class web page.

Homework: Complete review problems given at the end of class.

Tuesday December 2nd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science students read through a handout from the textbook that described the inverse relationship between distance from light source and light intensity. The class then made preparations for their third light lab in which they will test temperature as it relates to angle or distance from the light source.

Homework: none

7th Grade Math:

Today in class completed the Juneau School District's 7th grade (CORE 2) Math Assessment.

Homework: Review #7 (converting metric units) is due tomorrow

8th Grade Math:

In math students continued to practice how to solve one-step equations that involve decimals by completing 2.7 Practice. Students graded their work at the end of class so they have feedback on their understanding of this section. There will be a Chapter Test over chapter 2 on Thursday of this week. We will have a chapter review session tomorrow during class. Students are encouraged to work through review problems for Chapter 2 on the textbook's website (classzone.com). There is a link to this website on the "useful links" section of this class web page.

Homework: Review Homework #7 (solving one-step equations including decimals) is due tomorrow

Monday December 1st

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science students finished making the graphs and writing the conclusions to their second light energy lab. By the end of class all students were to turn this completed assignment in to the tray.

Homework: none

7th Grade Math:

Today in class students finished the measurement lab that they started on Tuesday of last week.

Homework: Review #7 (converting metric units) is due Wednesday

8th Grade Math:

In math students were introduced to how to solve one-step equations that involve decimals. There will be a Chapter Test over chapter 2 on Thursday of this week. Students are encouraged to work through review problems for Chapter 2 on the textbook's website (classzone.com). There is a link to this website on the "useful links" section of this class web page.

Homework: Review Homework #7 (solving one-step equations including decimals) is due Wednesday

Tuesday November 25th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science students finished their 1st light lab and then they began planning a second light lab to test a question they developed relating to light and light intensity. Tomorrow the class will carry out the lab procedures they developed, collect data, graph the results and make conclusions. We will then apply their findings to topics in astronomy relating to the effects of energy from a star to surrounding planets.

Homework: finish graph from light lab #1

7th Grade Math:

Today in class students began a hands-on lab where they rotate through stations to practice tasks applying metric measurement.

Homework: Review #6 (rounding decimals and integers) is due tomorrow

8th Grade Math:

In math students graded their assignment from Section 2.6 (solving equations with multiplication and division). We then completed a pop quiz covering distributive property, combining like terms, and simple one step equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. Following the quiz we went over the quiz and identified areas where students need further practice.

Homework: Review Homework #6 (solving one step equations with addition or subtraction) is due tomorrow

Monday November 24th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:

Today in science students completed a lab relating to the measuring light intensity.  Students tested whether distance effected the amount of light energy that was measured in a radiometer.

Homework: none

7th Grade Math:

Today in class students were introduced to metric measurement.  Students took notes on the appropriate metric units for measurements of length/distance, mass, and volume.  They then completed a series of practice problems relating to the material in section 2.6. 

Homework: Review #6 (rounding decimals and integers) is due Wednesday 

8th Grade Math:

In math students reviewed rules and procedures for solving one step equations with addition and subtraction and then we practiced solving one step equations with division and multiplication.  Students completed Section 2.6 practice in class and we will grade it at the beginning of class tomorrow.  

Homework: 

• Finish section 2.6 practice if it was not completed in class today (1-15 all, 16, 18)
• Review Homework #6 (solving one step equations with addition or subtraction) is due Wednesday

Thursday November 20th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students finished working with their partner to complete their astronomy models of either the Earth/Moon, Earth/Sun, or Solar System/Milky Way Galaxy.
Homework: Finish astronomy models if not completed in class today

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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders continued working with scientific notation. The class reviewed standard form and scientific notation before finished working through problems from 2.5 practice. We then graded the assignment as a class and returned work to students.
Homework: Review #5 (story problems with decimals) is due tomorrow (Friday). Show all work for full credit.

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders reviewed using distributive property of multiplication to simplify variable expressions. This is a topic that many students in the class are struggling with. The class then finished discussing and working through section 2.5 practice which focused on solving equations that have adding and subtracting. By the end of class we introduced solving equations with division and multiplication.
Homework:Review #5 (one step equations with addition and subtraction) is due tomorrow (Friday). Students choose 10 problems from the sheet and must show all their work.

Wednesday November 19th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students continued working with their partner to complete their astronomy models of either the Earth/Moon, Earth/Sun, or Solar System/Milky Way Galaxy. Tomorrow will be the final class period to complete this mini project.
Homework: none
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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders were introduced to scientific notation. They took notes and then practiced several problems from 2.5 practice. We will finish our work in this section tomorrow.
Homework: Review #5 (story problems with decimals) is due Friday. Show all work for full credit.

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders continued learning about and practicing the PROCESS for solving algebraic equations with addition or subtraction.
Homework:

• Finish Section 2.5 Practice worksheet 1-15 all and 16-28 evens
  
• Review #5 (one step equations with addition and subtraction) is due Friday. Students choose 10 problems from the sheet and must show all their work.

Tuesday November 18th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students worked on questions relating to scaling of the Sun-Earth-Moon system. The class was then introduced to a mini project we will be working on in which student construct a scale model of either the Earth and Moon, the Earth and Sun, or our solar system as it lies in the Milky Way Galaxy.
Homework: If students did not finish their questions A-K in class, then it was assigned to be completed as homework.
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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders were introduced to the Juneau School Districts scoring guide for the 7th grade Math assessment which will be in two weeks. Students applied their communication of math understandings (a focus of the JSD 7th grade math assessment) in the context of two logic problems that they worked on in groups.
Homework: Review #4 (dividing with decimals) is due tomorrow. Use a separate piece of paper if necessary to show all work.

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders finished their quizzes from yesterday and then were introduced to section 2.5 (solving equations with addition and subtraction). Students will continue working with one step equations with addtion/subtraction tomorrow.
Homework: Review #4 (dividing with decimals) is due tomorrow. Use a separate piece of paper if necessary to show all work.

Monday November 17th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science the class completed a reading and discussion related to scale and the Earth-Moon-Sun System.
Homework: none

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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders completed a quiz over the first four sections of Chapter 2 of the textbook.
Homework: Review #4 (dividing with decimals) is due Wednesday. Use a separate piece of paper if necessary to show all work.

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders completed a quiz over the first three sections of Chapter 2 in their textbooks.
Homework: Review #4 (dividing with decimals) is due Wednesday. Use a separate piece of paper if necessary to show all work.

Thursday November 13th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class students finished an activity relating to what they know about the solar system and topics in astronomy.
Homework: none (basketball players traveling to Ketchikan need to complete the reading and questions that was assigned to them with their trip permits).

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7th Grade Math:
In class 7th graders learned how to divide with decimals. Students took notes and then practiced working through problems with their table partners.
Homework: Review #3 (integer rules) is due Friday. Remember to show all work for full credit.

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders continued learning how to combine like terms to simplify variable expressions. Students finished and graded in class Section 2.3 practice. We then played a math game to try and reinforce rules and procedures for simplifying variable expressions.
Homework:Review #3 (integer rules with multiplying and dividing) is due Friday. Remember to show all work for full credit.

Tuesday November 4th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class students had their final day of computer time provided so that they could finish typing their scientific reports for the raven study.
Homework: Due date all sections of the write up for this study is tomorrow at the beginning of class.

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7th Grade Math:
In class 7th graders finished practicing new material with decimals place value, ordering, and rounding. We then began section 2.2 which introduces and reviews the process for adding and subtracting decimals.
Homework: Review #1 (two digit multiplication) is due Wednesday. Remember to show all work for full credit.

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders continued working with distributive property of multiplication. They learned and practiced examples where variables were used in "distributive property" applied problems.
Homework:

• Finish Section 2.2 Practice (1-23 odd).
• Review #1 (two digit multiplication) is due Wednesday. Remember to show all work for full credit.

Monday November 3rd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class students continued having computer time provided so that they could finish typing their scientific reports for the raven study.
Homework: Due date all sections of the write up for this study is Wednesday of this week.

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7th Grade Math:
In class 7th graders reviewed place value, ordering, comparing, and rounding of decimals.
Homework: Review #1 (two digit multiplication) is due Wednesday. Remember to show all work for full credit.

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders were introduced to distributive property of multiplication. Students will continue to learn this material tomorrow.
Homework: Review #1 (two digit multiplication) is due Wednesday. Remember to show all work for full credit.

Tuesday October 28th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class students continued having computer time provided so that they could finish typing the introduction, materials and the procedures sections on their scientific reports for the raven study. It is VERY IMPORTANT that students are moving forward with their data collection for their study. We will have computer time here in school for two hours this week and then two hours next week before the deadline on Wednesday.
Homework: Continue collecting data for Raven Study project!!!! Due date for all sections of the write up for this study is next Wednesday.

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7th Grade Math:
In class 7th graders worked on their group's carnival games project.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders worked on their group's carnival games project.
Homework: none

Monday October 27th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class students continued having computer time provided so that they could begin typing the introduction, materials and the procedures sections of their scientific reports for the raven study. It is VERY IMPORTANT that students begin collecting data for their study if they have not begun to do so yet. We will have computer time here in school for two hours this week and then two hours next week before the deadline on Wednesday.
Homework: Continue collecting data for Raven Study project!!!! Due date for all sections of the write up for this study is next Wednesday.

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7th Grade Math:
In class 7th graders worked on their group's carnival games project.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders worked on a probability assignment.
Homework: none

Thursday October 23

7th & 8th Grade General Science: In science class finished getting their bird study questions approved by their instructors. They then began working on the rough draft of their procedures. Once their procedures are approved by their teacher then they are clear to begin the data collection portion of their study. Any students that are planning on doing the "off ramp" study that is being organized by Mr. Watts need to be prepared to go outside ("rain or shine"... or more appropriately, "rain, or crazy hard non-stop wind and rain") tomorrow for a walking field trip.
Homework: none

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7th Grade Math: In class 7th graders worked on their group's carnival games project.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math: In math class 8th graders worked on their group's carnival games project.
Homework: none

Wednesday October 22nd

7th & 8th Grade General Science: In science class students were introduced to the timeline for the raven study over the next two weeks. The were taught the format and required information that should be included in the introduction section of their papers. They then finished the activities involved in their raven study proposal form.
Homework: none

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7th Grade Math: In class 7th graders worked on carnival games.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math: In math class 8th graders worked on carnival games.
Homework: none

Tuesday October 21st

7th & 8th Grade General Science: Today in science students worked on a proposal form for the upcoming raven study. In this assignment they brainstormed questions they have about ravens, crows, eagles, ducks, seagulls, or some other bird. They then considered whether they could design a simple scientific investigation that could apply systematic observations to collect data, analyze their data, and answer their original question base upon their results.
Homework: Finish sections I-IV of the Raven study proposal form that we started in class

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7th Grade Math: In class 7th graders completed a quiz over theoretical and experimental probability.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math: In math class 8th graders completed a quiz over theoretical and experimental probability.
Homework: none

Monday October 20th

7th & 8th Grade General Science: In science students finished their paper airplane experiments that we began last Friday. They had some of the class period to work on the scientific report which needs to be written up for this lab by tomorrow.
Homework: Finish a short scientific report for the "paper airplane" study we completed in class today.
REMEMBER to include the following:

• Introduction: (Question the lab was focusing on, background info on the question, and a hypothesis)
• Materials: (what supplies were used)
• Procedures: (Numbered list of steps that students followed to complete experiment)
• Results: (Table and Graph of their data)
• Conclusions: (answer to the question and how these results can be applied to other situations)
  

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7th Grade Math: Some of the 7th graders began working on the carnival games and the rest of the class continued working on probability.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math: In math class 1/2 the class continued learning about theoretical and experimental probability and the other 1/2 of the class began working on the carnival games.
Homework: Finish problems 7, 8, 9 from probability worksheet started in class.

Wednesday October 15th

7th & 8th Grade General Science: Today in science class students designed a simple systematic observation study to answer a question about the cars DHMS staff drive. Examples of questions students came up with include "What style of license plate is most common on teacher cars?, What percent of teacher cars are SUV's, What color car is most common amongst staff at DHMS?, Are U.S. made, or foreign-made cars more common amongst teachers at DHMS? etc, etc." Students braved the rain to collect their data and then we worked on starting the reports in the classroom.
Homework: Both classes need to finish a short scientific report for the "teacher's cars" study we completed in class today.
REMEMBER to include the following:
Purpose: (Question the lab was focusing on)
Materials: (what supplies were used)
Procedures: (What steps did students follow)
Results: (Table and Graph of their data)
Conclusions: (answer to the question and how these results can be applied to other situations)

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7th Grade Math: Today in math 7th graders continued studying the difference between experimental probability and theoretical probability.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math: In math class 8th graders graders continued learning about theoretical and experimental probability.
Homework: Finish collecting data from "Making Purple" spinner game.

Tuesday October 14th

7th & 8th Grade General Science: Today the 11:00 science class (my homeroom) worked on a follow up extension to the lab completed in class last Wednesday. In this lab students worked to answer the question what is the best slope of a ramp to make a marble roll the farthest. Students worked through a two hour block period on finishing the lab, collecting and organizing their data, and then they began working on their reports.
Homework: 11 o'clock science class must finish their lab write up for the marble rolling lab and turn it in at the start of class tomorrow.
REMEMBER to include the following:
Purpose: (Question the lab was focusing on)
Materials: (what supplies were used)
Procedures: (What steps did students follow)
Results: (Table and Graph of their data)
Conclusions: (answer to the question and how these results can be applied to other situations)

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7th Grade Math: Today in math 7th graders began studying the difference between experimental probability and theoretical probability.
Homework: Finish the spinner game problems A-D and the follow up questions for this activity (due tomorrow at the start of class)

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8th Grade Math: In math class 8th graders graders continued learning about probability. Students applied probability to a dice rolling game using three dice.
Homework: finish making a histogram graph for the dice rolling activity that we completed at the end of class today.

Monday October 13th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today the class worked on a follow up extension to the lab completed in class last Wednesday. In this lab students worked to answer the question what is the best slope of a ramp to make a marble roll the farthest. Students worked through a two hour block period on finishing the lab, collecting and organizing their data, and then they began working on their reports.
Homework: 10 o'clock science class must finish their lab write up for the marble rolling lab and turn it in at the start of class tomorrow.
REMEMBER to include the following:
Purpose: (Question the lab was focusing on)
Materials: (what supplies were used)
Procedures: (What steps did students follow)
Results: (Table and Graph of their data)
Conclusions: (answer to the question and how these results can be applied to other situations)

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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders continued learning about probability. Students applied probability to a dice rolling game using three dice.

Homework: Write down all the different possible ways that three dice can be rolled and their values combined to equal the number that was assigned to students during class.
EXAMPLE: (if a student was assigned the value of four during today's class)
Value of 4 is possible by a probability of 3 out of 216 because of the three ways to get a value of four listed below.

Dice #1 Dice #2 Dice #3
1 1 2 POSSIBLE OUTCOME #1
1 2 1 POSSIBLE OUTCOME #2
2 1 1 POSSIBLE OUTCOME #3

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders graders continued learning about probability. Students applied probability to a dice rolling game using three dice.

Homework: Write down all the different possible ways that three dice can be rolled and their values combined to equal the number that was assigned to students during class.
EXAMPLE: (if a student was assigned the value of four during today's class)
Value of 4 is possible by a probability of 3 out of 216 because of the three ways to get a value of four listed below.

Dice #1 Dice #2 Dice #3
1 1 2 POSSIBLE OUTCOME #1
1 2 1 POSSIBLE OUTCOME #2
2 1 1 POSSIBLE OUTCOME #3

Monday October 6th-Friday October 10th

REMINDER:

As I posted in previous days on this site and informed parents in a letter sent home with students, I am out of town this upcoming week (Monday October 6th - Friday October 10th). I will be taking professional leave to take part in a Tanner Crab survey completed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Unfortunately I will not be available for conferences on Thursday or Friday. However, I will be contacting parents of students in my homeroom next week to schedule times for conferences. If you have a preference for a conference time please contact me by phone or email in the coming days and I will work to arrange a meeting at during the date and time of your convenience. I look forward to meeting with all of you soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

Sincerely,

Dave Kovach

david_kovach@jsd.k12.ak.us
463-1899 ext 253

Friday October 3rd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today continued to learn about using the scientific method to answer a question. After discussing the steps of the scientific method, and why scientists use it, we watched a 20 minute episode of myth busters to illustrate how they use it to answer their questions on the show.
Homework: Famous Scientists Resumes late work/make up work will not be accepted after Monday of next week.

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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders had a make up day to work on missing work.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders had a make up day to work on missing work.
Homework: none

Thursday October 2nd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today continued to learn about using the scientific method to answer a question. After discussing the steps of the scientific method, and why scientists use it, we watched a 20 minute episode of myth busters to illustrate how they use it to answer their questions on the show.
Homework: none
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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders were introduced to our Carnival Unit. Students will be working in teams to research, design, and construct new "games/booths" for the Douglas Community Ghost Walk on Friday October 31st. Students will be constructing carnival games for young children and will apply mathematics to determine the probably of success when playing their game, the size (area) of the booth and game, the cost of constructing the game (based upon surface area and unit costs of components), and the cost of the prizes that will be awarded to participants. We will focus on this project during classes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week until Friday, October 31st. On this date the work will be transferred to Jumbo Gym where the event is held each year.
Homework: Review #6 is due Friday

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders were introduced to our Carnival Unit. Students will be working in teams to research, design, and construct new "games/booths" for the Douglas Community Ghost Walk on Friday October 31st. Groups will work together to construct carnival games for young children and will apply mathematics to determine the probably of success when playing their game, the size (area) of the booth and game, the cost of constructing the game (based upon surface area and unit costs of components), and the cost of the prizes that will be awarded to participants. We will focus on this project during classes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week until Friday, October 31st. On this date the work will be transferred to Jumbo Gym where the event is held each year.
Homework: Review #6 is due Friday

Wednesday October 1st

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today students took a field trip to the Alaska State Museum to observe a exhibit on Ravens.
Homework: none
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7th Grade Math:
Today in math 7th graders completed a test over chapter 1 of their textbook. Review assignment #6 was given to the class at the end of the period.
Homework: Review #6 is due Friday

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders completed a test over chapter one of their Pre Algebra textbook. Review assignment #6 ws given to the class at the end of the period. It is due this coming Friday.
Homework: Review #6 is due Friday

Tuesday September 30th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students learned about scientific method by watching "Myth Busters" and discussing how they use the process of the scientific method in their work on the show.
Homework: Get permission forms signed and returned to school with $4 for the bus.

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7th Grade Math:
Today in math seventh graders finished reviewing for the chapter 1 test. Students should get their notebooks organized and study any sections that they have had difficulty with over the past several weeks. Chapter one test will be tomorrow.
Homework: Review #5 is due Wednesday

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders spent the class period reviewing for their test tomorrow. Students worked through the chapter one review section of the text book. They can also practice more of the content from this chapter by visiting the textbook's website: http://www.classzone.com (or click on the link on the sidebar of my classroom webpage. Chapter one test will be tomorrow.
Homework: Review #5 is due Wednesday

IMPORTANT MESSAGE regarding CONFERENCES!!!!!

Students in my homeroom were sent home today (Monday 9/29/08) with a letter to inform parents/guardians that I will not be here during the regularly scheduled conference days. I have included a copy of it below. I would like the have parents contact me to schedule a time that will be possible to hold a 20-30 minute conference some time in the next two to three weeks. Please read the letter below for more details. Thank you.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 9th and Friday, October 10th. Unfortunately I will be unable to meet for conferences on these scheduled days as I have been invited to take part as an observer in a Tanner Crab Survey for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. To provide an opportunity to meet with all of the parents and guardians of students in my homeroom I will make myself available for conferences over the next several weeks. Please contact me with a day/time that will work best for you (between 3:10 and 5:30 pm). Please note that I will be gone on the crab survey from Monday, October 6th through Friday, October 10th. I will be able to meet on a limited basis from 8:00-10:00 am for those of you who would prefer a morning time. When contacting me please leave an email or phone number for me to reach you to confirm your date and time.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may bring to you and your family. I look forward to meeting with all of the parents of my homeroom students. Thank you for your patience and flexibility in this matter.

Sincerely,

David Kovach

Monday September 29th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students finished their nature art projects.
Homework: Get permission forms signed and returned to school with $4 for the bus by tomorrow (Tuesday).

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7th Grade Math:
Today in math seventh graders completed a warm-up problem relating to the value of currency from one country to another. We also began reviewing for our upcoming chapter test. The chapter one test is scheduled for Wednesday of this week. Students are encouraged to practice some of the review problems given on http://www.classzone.com to help them get ready for the test.
Homework: Review #5 is due Wednesday

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders were introduced to the rules for multiplying and dividing with integers. The class completed section 1.7 practice and then corrected their work. If they did not have time to finish in class, section 1.7 Practice is homework that is due tomorrow at the start of class.
The test for Chapter 1 is scheduled for Wednesday of this week. Students will spend tomorrow's class period reviewing all the material we have covered. Students are encouraged to practice some of the review problems given on http://www.classzone.com to help them get ready for the test.
Homework: Review #5 is due Wednesday

Friday September 26th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today in science students listened to a story about "Raven" and then they began working on their raven art projects. Students were given permission forms for a trip to the Alaska State Museum next week.
Homework: get permission forms signed and returned to school by Tuesday of next week.

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7th Grade Math:
Today students continued working with coordinate graphs.
Homework: none

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders played a math review game with Mr. Jones and Mr. Watts' classes.
Homework: none

Thursday September 25th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
I was out today with a substitute filling in for my absence. Students watched several "Nature" video segments on raven behavior and ecology and completed a noteguide.
Homework: none

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7th Grade Math:
Today students were introduced to cooridinate graphs. They then worked for the rest of the class period on practice problems with graphing.
Homework: Review #4 (all problems) is due Friday at the start of class. SHOW ALL WORK for full credit! NO CALCULATORS!!

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8th Grade Math:
In math class 8th graders were introduced to section 1.8 which covers coordinate graphing. Students worked on a series of practice problems throughout the remainder of the class period.
Homework: Review #4 (all problems) is due Friday at the start of class. SHOW ALL WORK for full credit! NO CALCULATORS!!!

Wednesday September 24th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today students were introduced to the practice of making observations as an important practice in science. Students participated in an activity of how easily our observations can be incomplete. Check out this website to test your observations/awareness of details: http://www.break.com/index/awareness-test.html
There was a written assignment that was given to students to complete in class today. If they did not finish in class they will need to complete it as homework. In this assignment they are asked to make observations and describe two different objects that are familiar to them. However, they must list details and characteristics about the object as if they were from another planet and had never seen it before.

• Homework: Complete "Alien Observation" assignment (due tomorrow at start of class)
  

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7th Grade Math:
In math 7th graders completed several review problems to practice order of operations. We then went outside and completed a group measurement activity to find the area & perimeter of the parking lot or the soccer field.

• Homework: Review #4 (all problems) is due Friday at the start of class. SHOW ALL WORK for full credit! NO CALCULATORS!!

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8th Grade Math:
Today in math 8th graders worked on practice problems from section 1.6. These problems focused on subtracting integers. We corrected the front side of the worksheet together at the end of class. If students did not finish both sides of 1.6 practice it is homework that is due tomorrow at the start of class.

• Homework: Review #4 (all problems) is due Friday at the start of class. SHOW ALL WORK for full credit! NO CALCULATORS!!

Tuesday September 23rd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Students turned in their resumes and envelopes filled in with the mailing address to where they are sending the resume. The class then went outside to complete an "Observing the Natural World" scavenger hunt. We will be practicing our observation skills in the coming weeks as we prepare for students developing their own systematic observations study to answer a question.

• Homework: none
  

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7th Grade Math:
Today 7th graders reviewed finding area and perimeter of rectangular shaped figures. They completed 1.6 Practice during class and then we graded it together. The final fifteen minutes students worked with their table partners to accurately measure and calculate the area and perimeter of their desks. Points were awarded based upon the degree of accuracy that students were able to arrive at in their final answers.

• Homework: Review #3 (all problems) is due Wednesday at the start of class. SHOW ALL WORK for full credit! NO CALCULATORS!!

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8th Grade Math:
Today in math 8th graders finished practice problems from Section 1.5 practice which focused on adding integers. We graded the assignment as a class and then introduced section 1.6, which covers subtracting integers. We will continue covering this section tomorrow.

• Homework: Review #3 (all problems) is due Wednesday at the start of class. SHOW ALL WORK for full credit! NO CALCULATORS!!

Monday September 22nd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today in science students researched mailing addresses for universities and/or companies where they will have their scientist's resumes sent.

• Homework: Finish resume for famous scientist that was researched over the past several class periods.
  

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7th Grade Math:
Today 7th graders received their mid chapter one quiz. Many students need to have further practice on Order of Operations. The class was encouraged to practice these problems on the textbook's website. Students can make their quiz grades up to 85% (in this case 38/45 points). After going over the quiz we continued in the textbook by studying section 1.6, which introduces finding area and perimeter of rectangles and squares.

• Homework: Review #3 (all problems) is due Wednesday at the start of class.
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today in math 8th graders received the graded quizzes that they completed on Friday. We went over a few problems and then went into the textbook to cover new material. Students were introduced to section 1.5 which teaches the rules and strategies for adding integers.

• Homework: Review #3 (all problems) is due Wednesday at the start of class.

Friday September 19th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today students continued working on their scientist's resume and drivers license. If students did not finish their research then they will need to complete this over the weekend.

• Homework: continue research on famous scientist background. Focus on finding information on what your scientist is most famous for discovering.
  

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7th Grade Math:
In math 7th graders completed a quiz over sections 1.2-1.4 of their textbooks. We then finished a a set of practice problems for section 1.5 (equations and mental math).

• Homework: none
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today 8th graders completed a mid chapter quiz over the material we have covered thus far in the textbook. For the remainder of class students then had free time to complete make up work.

• Homework: none
  

Thursday September 18th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Students were introduced to a research project for a famous scientist. In this project students will research basic information about a scientist and then create a modern day resume and drivers license for the individual. Shooting Star teachers will then mail these resumes out to agencies, institutions, and businesses in an attempt to find employment with their organization.

• Homework: continue research on famous scientist background. Focus on finding information on what your scientist is most famous for discovering.
  

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7th Grade Math:
In math 7th grade students were introduced to equations and how to solve them using mental math. Students worked on section 1.5 review during class. We will grade it together tomorrow after the quiz.

• Homework: Review #2 is due at the beginning of class tomorrow
  
• Study for quiz over 1.1 - 1.4
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today 8th graders learned about integers and how to use a number line to compare their values. There will be our first quiz tomorrow (Friday) covering the material we have learned so far this year (1.1-1.4).

• Homework: Review Assignment #2 is due at beginning of class tomorrow
• Begin studying for quiz over 1.1-1.4

Wednesday September 17th

OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT!
Please join us tonight from 5:30 to 7:00 for Dzantik'i Heeni's annual parent teacher open house. Shooting Star teachers will make themselves available to meet parents and do our best to answer any questions you may have.

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today in science students completed a "gallery walk" to showcase their branches of science etymology projects. Students focused on the elements of design that we have been studying and gave their peers constructive feedback on their work.

• Homework: none
  

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7th Grade Math:
In math 7th grade students continued practicing Order of Operations by completing assignment 1.4 Practice. We graded it in class and went over common mistakes made by students. Our second homework assignment was handed out at the end of class. It is due Friday. There will be our first quiz for CORE 2 math this coming Friday. It will cover material from sections 1.1 -1.4.

• Homework: Review #2 is due at the beginning of class on Friday
• Begin studying for quiz over 1.1 - 1.4
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today 8th graders completed 1.3 Practice, which gave them further practice and exposure to challenging order of operations problems. At the end of class the second homework assignment was handed out to students. It is due Friday at the beginning of class. There will be our first quiz on Friday covering the material we have learned so far this year (1.1-1.4).

• Homework: Review Assignment #2 is due at beginning of class on Friday
• Begin studying for quiz over 1.1-1.4 (scheduled for Friday).
  

Tuesday September 16th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students finished working on their branches of science etymology project. We will have a "gallery walk" on Wednesday where students exhibit their work and all of our science classes critique each piece for the elements of design and content that were required.

• Homework: FINISH branches of science project if not completed during class today
  

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7th Grade Math:
Today students worked with a partner to complete a practice worksheet on basic skills in Order of Operations.

• Homework: Review #1 is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today in math, 8th graders worked on a challenging set of problems to practice rules for Order of Operations.

• Homework: Review Assignment #1 is due at beginning of class on Wednesday

Monday September 15th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students continued working on their branches of science etymology project. Students will have tomorrow's class period to finish their projects and then we will have a "gallery walk" on Wednesday where students exhibit their work and all of our science classes critique each piece for the elements of design and content that were required.

• Homework: work on branches of science project
  

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7th Grade Math:
Today 7th grade math students continued to learn about the basics of "order of operations". Students worked with their table groups on section 1.4 Practice. A review assignment was given to students for homework at the end of the hour.

• Homework: Review #1 is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today in math, 8th graders learned about the order of operations and some special rules which apply to problems they will be practicing in this section of the textbook. Students are encouraged to try some of the activities and practice problems available on www.classzone.com. Students worked on section 1.3 practice at the end of the class and will finish this assignment tomorrow at the beginning of class. A multiplication facts review assignment was given as homework at the end of class.

• Homework: Review Assignment #1 is due at beginning of class on Wednesday
  

Friday September 12th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students began working on their branches of science etymology project. We will have another class period next week to complete the project. Over the weekend students might find it beneficial to finish finding the definition of their field of science and finding images that illustrate the field.

• Homework: none (however, students could look for images that illustrate the field of science that they have been assigned.
  

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7th Grade Math:
Today 7th grade math students learned about order of operations and worked with a partner to solve a order of operations puzzle.

• Homework: none
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today 8th grade math students reviewed the rules for order of operations and worked with a partner to solve an advanced order of operations puzzle.

• Homework: none

Thursday September 11th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class we had a discussion of what behaviors need to occur when we are working with the walls open (projects/group work). We then introduced the Elements of Design that will be a focus of all project work that we complete in science class. These elements of design include Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity and are emphasized for the purpose of increasing the visual effectiveness and professional appearance of student work.

• Homework: none

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7th Grade Math:
Today 7th rade math students were introduced to the website "classzone.com" which is a resource associated with our McDouglas Littel textbook. This website offers students a chance to review and practice content that we are covering during class. We then continued practicing exercises in Exponents by completing 1.3 Practice in class.

• Homework: none
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today students were introduced to the website "classzone.com" which is a resource associated with our McDouglas Littel textbook. This website offers students a chance to review and practice content that we are covering during class. The class then finished their studies of Variables & Exponents by completing section 1.2 Practice.

• Homework: none

Wednesday September 10th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class students completed the Etymology activity with their partners. Students were also assigned a "branch of science" that they will investigate the etymology of the name.

• Homework: none

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7th Grade Math:
Today 7th grade math students finished 1.2 Practice worksheet. We then graded this assignment as a class and introduced the new lesson covering Exponents (section 1.3).

• Homework: none
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today students finished their work on 1.1 Practice and then graded it with table partners. As a class we then introduced section 1.2, covering variables and exponents, and completed several example problems.

• Homework: none

Tuesday September 9th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today in science students finished their multiple intelligences noteguide. We briefly discussed each of the 9 intelligences before students turned in this assignment. The class then began an activity where they investigated the etymology of words used in science. EXAMPLE: Hippopotamus is derived from the prefix hippo (horse like) and suffix potamus (river). This translates into the naming of the hippo as a river horse. We will continue this activity tomorrow during class.

• Homework: none

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7th Grade Math:
Today in 7th Grade Math students were assigned textbooks and instructed on the format that they are expected to use when keeping their notebooks in order. We then launched into Section 1.2 which covers Variables and Expressions.

• Homework: none
  

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8th Grade Math:
Today students were assigned their Pre Algebra textbooks. We discussed the format they need to follow when taking notes and doing problems in class. Students were reminded that their notebooks would be graded and can be used during a test. We then introduced section 1.1 which covers solving variable expressions.

• Homework: none

School Pictures This Week

Students were sent home today (Monday) with their school pictures order form. Shooting Star House is scheduled to have pictures taken on Thursday, September 11th from 10:00-12:00 in the morning. Students will need their order forms with them at the time they are scheduled for their school photo. "Make-up" pictures will be given some time in early October.

Monday September 8th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science students finished discussing the two multiple intelligences they were assigned on Friday. They then broke away from their expert group to join a different group of their peers. In this group they shared their summary of the two intelligences they were assigned. We will finish the note taking guide tomorrow at the beginning of class.

• Homework: Parent signatures on course syllabus was due Friday. Get turned in by Tuesday for 3 out of 5 points possible.

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7th Grade Math:
Today in 7th Grade Math students completed the assignment "Letter to Your Math Teacher". In this assignment students identified and shared the areas of their mathematical understandings that they believe they are strong in, and the areas where they will need more practice developing.

• Homework: Finish "Letter To Math Teacher" if it was not completed and turned in by the end of class (due tomorrow at the beginning of class).
  
• Parent signatures on course syllabus was due Friday. Get turned in by Tuesday for 3 out of 5 points possible.

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8th Grade Math:
Today students completed the assignment "Letter to Your Math Teacher". In this assignment students identified and shared the areas of their mathematical understandings that they believe they are strong in, and the areas where they will need more practice developing.

• Homework: Finish "Letter To Math Teacher" if it was not completed and turned in by the end of class (due tomorrow at the beginning of class).
  
• Parent signatures on course syllabus was due Friday. Get turned in by Tuesday for 3 out of 5 points possible.

Friday September 5th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today in science students finished the bar graph of their Multiple Intelligences. Students were then divided into four groups to become experts in two of the different Multiple Intelligences. Students worked within their groups to decide what traits of the intelligence they studied could help a group be successful during a project.
Homework: Parent signatures on course syllabus was due today (Friday). Get turned in by Monday for 4 out of 5 points possible.

7 Grade Math:
Today in 7th Grade Math class students finished their precourse test. We then graded the test to identify for areas (fractions, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, estimation, and rounding) that they struggle.
Homework: Parent signatures on course syllabus was due today (Friday). Get turned in by Monday for 4 out of 5 points possible.

8th Grade Math:
Today 8th grade students finished their precourse test. We made corrections and then the end of class was interrupted by a fire drill.
Homework: Parent signatures on course syllabus was due today (Friday). Get turned in by Monday for 4 out of 5 points possible.

Thursday September 4th

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
In science class students completed their personal Multiple Intelligences Survey/Inventory. The class then discussed this data within peer groups. Student began working on a bar graph to visually share the results of their survey. Instructors led a discussion to help clarify how this information can be used when students begin working within a small group project.
Homework: 1) Please have parents review and sign bottom portion of course syllabus by Friday of this week. 2) Also have parents sign and return school forms on page 39 and 40 of student planners.

7 Grade Math:
Today in 7th Grade Math class students finished their round of "golf" with their partner. Students then returned to their regular classroom and completed part II of the Course 2 precourse test.
Homework: Have parents sign and return the bottom portion of the course syllabus by Friday of this week.

8th Grade Math:
Today 8th grade students finished their round of "golf" with their partner. Students then returned to their regular classroom and completed part II of the PreAlgebra precourse test.
Homework: Have parents review and sign bottom portion of course syllabus by Friday of this week.

Wednesday September 3rd

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today students finished the activity "What's In the Bag?". The class then met with their peers to choose "Clock Partner" groups. At the end of class the instructors gave a brief introduction to the concept of Multiple Intelligences. We will build off this discussion tomorrow to have students complete a Multiple Intelligences Survey/Assessment.
Homework: 1) Please have parents review and sign bottom portion of course syllabus by Friday of this week. 2) Also have parents sign and return school forms on page 39 and 40 of student planners.

7 Grade Math:
In math class 7th grade students worked with a partner on a Suduko puzzle as a warm up. We then introduced a math game (golf) which reinforces basic operations of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, as well as the order of operations. Tomorrow we will finish our "golf" activity and then complete more pre-course testing.
Homework: Have parents sign and return the bottom portion of the course syllabus by Friday of this week.

8th Grade Math:
Today 8th grade students completed several warm up problems and were introduced to a order of operations math game. Students worked in pairs with a peer to compete against students in Mr. Jones' and Mr. Watts' math class on these problems. We will finish the activity tomorrow before moving into more pre-course testing.
Homework: Have parents review and sign bottom portion of course syllabus by Friday of this week.

Tuesday September 2nd

Welcome back to school!!

Another summer has come and gone which brings upon us a new and exciting school year. From all of the staff here in Shooting Star House we would like to welcome our new students and families to our learning community. We look forward to getting to know everyone and working with you this school year.

This blog site will be updated daily with class activities and homework that is assigned to students. It will offer parents a way to find out what is happening in your student's classroom from day to day. I will also post important news and events that will be useful to families.

POWER SCHOOL:
All teachers in the school district will now being using Power School gradebook for maintaining the academic records of their classes. This service includes a feature that allows parents to check their student's progress by accessing the gradebook in each class that they are enrolled. Keep an eye in the mail for a publication which will be sent home to parents from the Juneau School District. It will provide an introduction to Power School and will include your login and initial password to Power School. I have provided a link to the Power School parent sign in page under the "useful links" section on the bottom of this website.

7th & 8th Grade General Science:
Today students received a syllabus for science which gives an overview of this year's curriculum, grading, discipline procedures, and contact information. Please review this document with your student and return the bottom portion of the syllabus with a parent signature.
Homework: 1) Students will need to bring three items that reflect them and their personalities. We will use these items that are in a paper lunch bag to participate in a "get to know you" team builder that is scheduled for tomorrow.
2) Please have parents review and sign bottom portion of course syllabus by Friday of this week. 3) Also have parents sign and return school forms on page 39 and 40 of student planners.

7 Grade Math:
In math students received a syllabus for CORE 2 (7th grade Math) which gives an overview of this year's curriculum, grading, discipline procedures, and contact information. Please review this document with your student and return the bottom portion of the syllabus with a parent signature. We also completed a pre-course assessment to identify students areas of strength and weakness in mathematics.
Homework: Have parents review and sign bottom portion of course syllabus by Friday of this week.

8th Grade Math:
In math students received a syllabus for CORE 3 (8th grade Math) which gives an overview of this year's curriculum, grading, discipline procedures, and contact information. Please review this document with your student and return the bottom portion of the syllabus with a parent signature. We also completed a pre-course assessment to identify students areas of strength and weakness in mathematics.
Homework: Have parents review and sign bottom portion of course syllabus by Friday of this week.

Wednesday April 2nd

Core 3 Mathematics: Today in math the class finished working through practice problems for next week's State Benchmark testing. We discussed strategies and reviewed what they can expect on the tests. After 20 minutes of test review we joined Mr. Watts' class to learn about finding surface area of cylinders. Students then worked on a lab activity to find the surface area of a cylinder.
Homework: Finish 4.2 problem and the "Check Up" problems that are on the back of the sheet given in class today (due tomorrow).

Life Science: In science 8th grade students worked their way through stations that gave them an opportunity to review material that will be on the 8th grade benchmark test for science. 7th graders reviewed material in a separate room and played a trivia game based upon the material they were studying (energy transfers).
Homework: none

Monday March 3rd

Core 3 Mathematics: Today students continued working on their Planetary Calculations Worksheet. If they did not finish then they will need to finish it for homework.
Homework: FINISH "Planetary Calculations Worksheet"

Life Science: In science students completed another Science Olympiad event (Mystery Architecture). Winners will be announced tomorrow during class. Tomorrow we will learn about cells as we prepare for our unit on genetics.
Homework: none

Monday February 25th

Core 3 Mathematics: In math students continued working on an assignment in which they complete a series of calculations relating to physical conditions on one of the planets that they are interested in setting up a "colony" or space station.
Homework: FINISH "Planetary Calculations Worksheet"

Life Science: Today students finished presenting their disease diagnosis skits.
Homework: none

Thursday February 21st

Core 3 Mathematics: In math students completed their presentations on the planet they were assigned. Tomorrow they will begin a series of calculations relating to physical conditions on one of the planets that they are intereseted in setting up a "colony" or space station.
Homework: none

Life Science: Today students worked on the "Disease Dectectives" competition of the Science Olympiad taking place across Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School.
Homework: Skits begin tomorrow. Continue rehearsing character's dialogue for skits.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES are scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday. Students should have brought home a conference slip Wednesday that needs to be returned to their homebase teacher by Monday of next week.

8th Grade Field Trip To UAS is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday 2/22/08). Students wishing to participate in the UAS Apprenticeship Fair need to have the field trip permission form signed and brought to school tomorrow morning.

Wednesday February 20th

Core 3 Mathematics: In math students started working on their planet information cards. Tomorrow students will present information about the planet they researched including what it would it be like to visit the planet's surface.
Homework: prepare for presentations tomorrow.

Life Science: Today students continued making preparations for their skits on diseases. Skits will be performed on Friday 2/22 and Monday 2/25.
Homework: continue rehearsing character's dialogue for skits.

Tuesday February 19th

Core 3 Mathematics: In math students continued working on their solar system conversions of A.U. (astronomical units) distances to miles. We also introduced the next step in our space colony project which is to learn more about one of the solar system objects they may choose to develop a colony on/near.
Homework: finish planetary distances worksheet that we worked on in class

Life Science: Today students continued making preparations for their skits on diseases. Skits will be performed on Friday 2/22 and Monday 2/25. Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be the final class period students will have to construct their props and work on rehearsing their skit.
Homework: continue collecting materials for props in the skit and begin rehearsing character's dialogue.

Wednesday February 13th

Core 3 Mathematics: In math students were introduced to a new unit that we will be working on focusing on the subject of space exploration. Today's activity gave students an opportunity to learn how to calculate the distances between planets by making conversions from "astronomical units" (A.U.) to miles. They will finish this activity on Tuesday of next week.
Homework: none

Life Science: Today students were assigned presentation days for their disease skits. Skits will be performed on Friday 2/22 and Monday 2/25.
Homework: continue collecting materials for props in the skit

Tuesday February 12th

Core 3 Mathematics: In math students worked for the entire class period on Section 6.3 Practice which covers solving proportions using cross multiplication.
Homework: Complete Review #8 "Storm Tracker" by Wednesday of this week.

Life Science: Today the class received scoring guides for the skits on diseases. They then worked with their partners to plan their skit's story line and brainstorm ideas for props that will be used.
Homework: none

Monday February 11th

Core 3 Mathematics: In math students had a class period to work on test corrections. The morning math class worked on section 6.3 which further illustrated how to solve proportions using cross multiplication.
Homework: Complete Review #8 "Storm Tracker" by Wednesday of this week.

Life Science: Today the class continued initial research on a infectious disease which they were assigned to study and present to the class.
Homework: Finish research notes page (due tomorrow)

Thursday February 7th

Core 3 Mathematics: Today in math students worked on notes and problems from section 6.2 of the textbook which proportions.
Homework: none

Life Science: Today the class started initial research on a infectious disease which they were assigned to study and present to the class.
Homework: look for other sources of information relating to the infectious disease students were assigned in class.

Wednesday February 6th

Core 3 Mathematics: Today in math students worked on problems from section 6.1 of the textbook which covers, ratios, rates and unit rates.
Homework: finish Section 6.1 Practice (#1, 3, 5, 7, 12-18 all, 21, 22, 23, and #25)

Life Science: Today the class finished the last of several activities that placed students in the role of an epidemiologist investigating an outbreak of a food bourne illness.
Homework: finish packets handed out in class over the past three days.

Thursday January 31st

Core 3 Mathematics: Today in math students worked on a series of problems from the chapter review in the textbook. They also were instructed to get their notes in order for the test tomorrow.
Homework: Study for the test over chapter 5 which is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday).

Life Science: Today students worked through several and corresponding questions relating to cholera and other water bourne diseases.
Homework: none

Wednesday January 30th

Core 3 Mathematics:
Today in math students reviewed section 5.7 material (clearing fractions and clearing decimals from equations). They then had the remainder of the class to work on section 5.7 practice.
Homework: Finish Section 5.7 Practice (#2, 4, 9, 10, 12, 16, 26)

Life Science:
In science students completed an activity that introduced them to diseases and epidemiology. They were asked to develop a theory for what was causing a disease outbreak/epidemic in London in 1854 based upon a series of data cards about the victims.
Homework: Pop up books were due at the end of the class yesterday (Tuesday)

Tuesday January 29th

Core 3 Mathematics:
In math reviewed solving equations with fractions by multiplying by the LCD. We then introduced the second part of section 5.7 which taught students how to solve equations with decimals by clearing the decimals. The class will practice this section for several days and then we will have a test over the material from chapter 5 this coming Friday.
Homework: Review #6 which was handed out in class today is due at beginning of class on Wednesday.

Life Science:
In science students finished working on their body systems pop-up book. The final project was due at the end of school at the end of school.
Homework: Pop up books were due today at the end of the day.

Monday January 28th

Core 3 Mathematics:
In math students reviewed using Multiplicative Inverse to solve equations with fractions. We then introduced section 5.7 which focuses on solving equations with fractions by clearing the fraction through multiplication of the LCD. The class will practice this section for several days and then we will have a test over the material from chapter 5 this coming Friday.
Homework: Finish 5.6 Practice if you did not finish it in class on Friday (#2, 6, 10, 14, 20, 24, & 26). Also, Review #6 which was handed out in class today is due at beginning of class on Wednesday.

Life Science:
In science students continued working their body systems pop-up book. All students should now have constructed at least one action page. The final project is due tomorrow at the end of class.
Homework: Work on body systems pop up book.