Tuesday August 31st

8th Grade Math: In math 8th graders corrected section 1.1 Practice from yesterday's class.  Students then began work in section 1.2 which introduces/reviews powers and exponents.  
Homework:

• Finish section 1.2 Practice (odds)
• Review #1 is due tomorrow

7th Grade Math: Today in 7th grade math students completed a word problem warm up and then transitioned to grading their classwork from yesterday.  The class then started the introduction to section 1.2 which covers variables and expressions. 
Homework:

• Finish section 1.2 Practice 2-14 (evens)
• Review Homework #1 is due tomorrow
  

7th/8th Grade Science:  In science the class finished the conclusion section to the lab they completed yesterday.  We then discussed the importance of having detailed and accurate directions (procedures) in a scientific study.  To practice this the class started an assignment where they are asked to write written instructions for another student to draw a series of geometric shapes on a piece of paper. We will continue working on these procedures in class tomorrow before exchanging papers and completing each others drawing directions. 
Homework: none

Monday August 30th

8th Grade Math: Today students began working in chapter one of their Pre Algebra textbooks.  We went over the format for the interactive notebooks that we will use on a daily basis to organize our class work. Students completed section 1.1 which reviews variables and expressions. 
Homework:

• Finish section 1.1 Practice (evens)
• Complete Letter To Math Teacher
• Review #1 is due Wednesday

7th Grade Math: Today in 7th grade math students were introduced to the interactive notebook organization format that we will use to manage all of the work we do in math class this year.  We then transitioned into section 1.1 of the Course 2 book which covers "Patterns". 
Homework:

• Finish front page of section 1.1 Practice
• Review Homework #1 is due Wednesday

7th/8th Grade Science:  In science we discussed matter and introduced students to the properties of phase changes of matter.  Students observed a demonstration with dry ice and then we transitioned into a review of the scientific method.  We finished the last twenty minutes of class by students completing a systematic observation to answer a question they have about dry ice.  We will finish the conclusion/explanation for the lab in tomorrow's class. 
Homework: none

Friday August 27th

8th Grade Math: Today students completed a scavenger hunt through the Pre Algebra textbook.  They then transitioned back to the pre-course test they completed the past two days and reflected on their areas of strength and the areas that they need further practice.  With this information they began working on the "Letter to My Math Teacher" assignment which is due Tuesday of next week. 
Homework: Letter to My Math Teacher reflection is due Tuesday

7th Grade Math: Today in 7th grade math class we went over the pre-course test.  Students were then assigned their classroom math textbook.  Once textbooks were distributed they worked with their table partners on a scavenger hunt to help them become familiar with the layout, resources, and examples that the textbook presents.
Homework: Complete "Letter To My Math Teacher"  (be sure to answer each question using complete sentences) DUE MONDAY (no exceptions)

7th/8th Grade Science:  In science 7th and 8th graders worked in table groups to make observations and investigate two unknown substances (dry ice and water ice).  Students manipulated the substances and used many resources within the classroom to practice making observations that helped them become more familiar with each one. 
Homework: Develop three-five questions you have about dry ice (be prepared to share your questions with the class on Monday).

Thursday August 26th

8th Grade Math: In 8th grade math students finished working on the pre-course assessment for the Pre Algebra book.  The class then began to rotate around the room at various stations to correct their own work and try to identify where their errors were in problems that were incorrect.  Tomorrow we will finish the self-grading process and complete a reflection to help identify areas of strength and weakness in their math background.
Homework: Have parents sign the Course 3 Mathematics syllabus (due Friday)

7th Grade Math: Today in 7th grade math class students finished the pre-course test for the Course Two math book.  Students then rotated around the room to check their work at various stations.  At the end of class we distributed the "Letter to My Math Teacher" assignment and went over the directions for this reflection.
Homework:

• Complete "Letter To My Math Teacher"  (be sure to answer each question using complete sentences)
• Have parents sign the Course 2 Mathematics syllabus (due tomorrrow)

7th/8th Grade Science:  In science class students worked to improve their observation skills by learning and practicing the use of adjectives to describe items that they observed.  They then went outside to find two items that they will make careful observations  of and write a description of the item as if they were an alien from another planet seeing this item for the first time. 
Homework:

• Finish Alien Observation lab activity (due tomorrow)
• Have parents sign the General Science syllabus form (due tomorrow)

Wednesday August 25th

8th Grade Math: In 8th grade math students completed a warm up problem and then continued working on the pre-course test for the Pre Algebra book. 
Homework: Have parents sign the Course 3 Mathematics syllabus (due Friday)

7th Grade Math: Today in 7th grade math class students worked through the front page of the pre-course test.  Tomorrow we will finish the test and do "self-assessments" of the test to identify areas of strengths and weakness.
Homework: Have parents sign the Course 3 Mathematics syllabus (due Friday)

7th/8th Grade Science:  Today in class students learned about the importance of making observations in the field of science.  Students then applied a system to help them make observations of a penny and then draw it in as much detail as possible. 
Homework:

• Finish the penny observation lab activity (due tomorrow)
• Have parents sign the General Science syllabus form (due Friday)

Tuesday August 24th

Welcome Back to School!
 On behalf of all the staff here at Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School I would like to welcome back to school all of our new and returning students.  It was great to see familiar faces in the classroom and I look forward to getting to know all of the new students who have joined us here in Shooting Star House. 

8th Grade Math: Today in math we started class by playing a "get to know you" activity.  We then went over the course syllabus and started orienting students to the classroom.  Near the end of class we distributed classroom math textbooks started a pre-course assessment from the Pre-Algebra book.  We will continue this pre-course test tomorrow and then look over the results as a class.
Homework: Have parents sign the Course 3 Mathematics syllabus (due Friday)

7th Grade Math: In 7th grade math students opened class with a short "get to know you" activity.  Students then went over the course syllabus to begin developing an understanding of the procedures and expectations of this class.  We concluded class by distributing a 7th Grade pre-course test and went over the format for solving each problem and showing the corresponding work. 
Homework: Have parents sign the Course 3 Mathematics syllabus (due Friday)

7th/8th Grade Science:  Today in science students completed a scavenger hunt to help begin learning more about their new peers.  We discussed the importance of students respecting one another throughout the year and working hard to maintain positive relationships with their peers.  The class then transitioned into the course syllabus which we discussed in detail.  The instructor emphasized classroom rules and guidelines that will help make this year a successful one for all members of our classroom community. 
Homework: Have parents sign the General Science syllabus form (due Friday)

SECRET CODE:  RWSCC2011   (write down this code on a piece of paper and have your parents initial it to indicate you successfully found your way to the class website.)