New Website

Hi everyone!
I know it's been a while since I've posted a new blog. This site is blocked on campus so students aren't able to access it while at school. Over the past few weeks I've been working hard to create a school-accessible site. You can view the new class website by clicking on the title of this blog entry, OR by typing in the URL: http://teacher.ocps.net/shayla.hunt

As of today, I will no longer be updating this blog. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Ms. Hunt

Extra Credit Article Analysis

Hi guys!
The extra credit Article Analysis is due on Thursday! The topic is Technology. You can choose ANY article that is related to technology. The possibilities are endless: cell phones, bluetooths, nanotechnology, game systems, etc. Have fun with it!!! For help on finding an article, try a search engine (like Google.com) and type in "technology news". Good luck!!!

You're The Teacher (cont.)

Students finished their lesson plans. Some groups actually got a chance to present today! I think students enjoyed making PowerPoint presentations as opposed to drawing everything out on chart paper.

HW: extra credit Article Analysis is due Thursday!!!

You're The Teacher! - Deep Circulation of Oceans

Hola!!!
Today, students began creating their "lesson plans" for the "Deep Circulation of Oceans". Students will work with their group members and identify the main ideas and important vocabulary from an assigned section of reading. Students will then create a PowerPoint presentation to present their "plans" to the rest of the class. Presentations tomorrow!!!


HW: Article Analysis (extra credit) is due Thursday. The topic is "technology".

Temperature and Salinity Demonstration

Today, students viewed a demonstration on how water salinity (amount of salt) and temperature affect ocean ciruclation. I think most students thought that I'd make a huge mess. Boy, did I show them! *smile* Students also turned in Article Analysis #4. This was the last assigned Article Analysis for this 9 weeks.

For those of you who did NOT turn in Article Analysis #4, I will accept them for FULL CREDIT until Monday, October 20th.

HW: Relax your brain!!!

Oceans Activity 1 Lecture

Today, students viewed a PowerPoint lecture on Oceans Activity a. This activity covered the different causes of ocean circulation. While listening to the lecture, students took Cornell-style notes. Cornell notes allow students to form "key questions" and a summary that relate to the lecture. This provides for better comprehension of the major concepts.

HW: ARTICLE ANALYSIS #4 is due tomorrow!!!

Notebook Quiz

Today, students took their first Notebook Quiz. This quiz assessed organization and completion of the science notebooks. Students reviewed another classmate's notebook first, then their assessed their own notebooks. Notebook quizzes help to reinforce the importants of students keeping their notebooks up-to-date.


HW: Article Analysis #4 is due on Thursday. The topic is Earth's Water/Oceans. Also, if you did not turn in one of the other Article Analyses, you can turn it in no later than Thursday, October 23rd. The extra credit Article Analysis is due on October 23rd as well. The topic is Technology.

Just a Reminder

Article Analysis #4 is due THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16th!!! The topic is "Earth's Water/Oceans"

The extra credit Article Analysis is due on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23rd. The topic is "Technology"

Click HERE ----> http://mshuntscience.blogspot.com/2008/10/article-analyses.html for details and requirements (c:

FCAT Science Benchmark Test

Today, students took the FCAT Science Benchmark Test. This test will be administered several times throughout the year. Once received, the results will allow me to focus on the particular needs of my students. I'll be reviewing important concepts that students learned in 6th and 7th grade to help them prepare for FCAT Science.

HW: Notebook Check Tomorrow. Be Prepared!

Oceans Activity 1

I was out today. However, students worked on a Reading Guide Packet for Activity 1. Students earned two grades for this assignment, 1: completion and 2: extra credit for each correct answer.

HW: Have a GREAT weekend!!!

Oceans Activity 1 Quiz

Students finished yesterday's assignment. For the remainder of class, students were given a quiz based on what they were taught. I surprised students by allowing them to use their text books --- open book quiz everyone!!!

HW: None

Oceans Activity 1 - Prepare Your Lesson!

Students were seperated into new groups and prepared a lesson based on the assigned reading (pgs. F7 - F11). Later, students regrouped and taught their lesson to original group memebers. Studies show that when you teach, you learn. Learn on kiddies!!!

HW: None (c:

The Coriolis Effect

We continued investing the causes of ocean surface circulation. Today, we investigated the Coriolis Effect. Using Coriolis tables, students made predictions based on which direction they thought that a metal ball would be deflected when launched. Afterwards, they launched the metal ball and observed it being deflected to the right when the Coriolis table rotated clockwise (Northern Hemisphere) and to the left when the Coriolis table was rotated counter-clockwise (Southern Hemisphere).

HW: Complete summary questions from both today's and yesterday's activities.

Oceans

Today, we began a new chapter...Oceans. We conducted an experiment in which we observed the effect of wind speed on the surface water of oceans. It was a bit messy, but overall I think that everyone understood the main concept. Just a reminder, the 4th (and final) Article Analysis of the 1st 9 weeks is due on October 16th. The extra credit Article Analysis will be due on October 23rd.


HW: Organize Science Notebook!

Groundwater Pollution Lab

Today, students participated in the Groundwater Pollution Lab. Students used a slice of bread (land), food coloring (pollutant), and water drops (precipitation) to demonstrate how groundwater can become polluted.

HW: Students should finish the accompanying Summary Questions (omit questions #6 - 8)

Good Job!!!

Today, students who took yesterday's test were given their test results. Overall, the scores were really good. I can definitely tell that many students really prepared for the test. Good job!

Students viewed a BrainPop video on Water Pollution. Afterwards, students viewed a PowerPoint lecture on Water, Land, and Air Resources. During the lecture, students were informed of all of the different forms of pollution and how they affect the Earth. Students also completed an accompanying worksheet during the lecture.

Homework:
None (c:

Test Day

Today, students were administered Test #1.

HW: Put the finishing touches on Article Analysis #3 (due tomorrow!!!)

Article Analyses

Parents and Students,

I have updated the Article Analysis Schedule Link with the due dates for each of the remaining analyses. (Click on the title of this blog entry to be taken to the updated schedule). Students have TWO weeks to complete each article analysis. They are due every other Thursday during the 1st and 3rd 9 weeks (unless otherwise noted). There will be a total of 4 article analyses assigned each 9 weeks. Article analyses are collectively worth 20% of each students' final grade.

For each article analysis students are to include the following:

Section 1: Article Information
This section must include 1)the title of the article, 2) the author of the article, 3) the date that the article was written/published, and 4) the source of the article

Section 2: Article Summary
This should be a 2-3 paragraph section in which students summarize the article that they have read. Students should not copy the article, but rather put it in their own words.

Section 3: Opinion/Reflection
This should be a 1-2 paragraph section in which students address how they felt about the article. (Did you agree or disagree? Why or why not?, How is the information in this article useful?, How does it apply to real life situations?, etc.)

Section 4: Vocabulary
In this section, students should define two words that were new or unfamiliar to them. For each word, students should include:
1) the word
2) the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.)
3) the syllabication (ex: for the word "newspaper": news*pa*per)
4) the definition of the word as it was used in the article

Article Analyses may be typed or hand-written.

If typed: at least 1 page long, 1-inch margins, 12 pt. font
If hand-written: blue or black ink only (NO PENCIL), at least 1.5 pages long

Students may use the links to the left of the page for assistance in finding an article. Students may also use newspaper articles and magazine articles. However, articles must be current --- no older than 4 months. For more information, please see pages 2 and 3 in your science notebook.



During the 2nd and 4th 9 weeks, students will instead be assigned a project that will be worth 20% of their final grade. Stay tuned for details!!! (c:

Experimental Design Vocabulary

Today, some classes reviewed Experimental Design Vocab. Students cut and pasted definitions next to the correct term. Others made Water Cycle Bracelets. All classes participated in a game designed to help students prepare for tomorrow's test. They worked with their teammates to answer random questions. These questions were taken directly from tomorrow's test OR are extremely similar to those on the test.

HW:
Study for Test #1
Don't forget: Article Analysis #3 is due Thursday, October 2nd!!!

Extra Credit on the Test

There will be an opportunity to earn 5 extra credit points on the test. The extra credit question is as follows:

Name each of the five spheres of the Earth and tell what each sphere represents.

Water Cycle Bracelets

We made Water Cycle Bracelets today! Students placed beads of varying colors on a piece of plastic cord. Each color represents a process/reservoir of the water cycle.

White - cloud/condensation
Dark Blue - ocean
Light Blue - precipitation
Sparkling Clear - evaporation
Yellow - sun
Green - Transpiration
Black - surface runoff

Students will be allowed to wear these during the test to help them remember the processes of the water cycle.

Students also viewed a BrainPop video on the Water Cycle. While watching the video, they answered accompanying questions which we later reviewed as a class.

Due to an 8th grade assembly today, the test has been pushed back ONE day. Therefore, it will be administered on Wednesday, October 1st.

HW:
Study for Test #1 - Wednesday, October 1st.
Article Analysis #3 is due on Thursday, October 2nd.

Check their bookbags!

Parents,
In effort to ensure the success of my kids (as I affectionately call them), some students were sent home with unofficial progress reports so that you may review the DETAILS of their current academic status in my class. Please review the progress report and feel free to contact me with ANY questions and/or concerns.

More on the Water Cycle

Today, students completed a worksheet on the Water Cycle. Students should use this worksheet, Test #1 study guide (distributed today), and pages 20 - 27 in their Science Notebooks) to prepare for the test. Afterwards, I showed the students a PowerPoint presentation on the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike. Students were in awe at how powerful the storm proved to be. We'll be learning MUCH more about hurricanes in the upcoming quarters.

HW:

• Prepare for Test #1
• You should be working on Article Analysis #3 (due Thursday, October 2nd)

Water Cycle Foldable

Today, we focused on Water Cycle terminology: precipitation, condensation, reservoir, and evaporation (page 27). Students created a graphic organizer (foldable) to show how these terms relate to one another (page 26). Students should use both of these pages to help them to prepare for Test #1.

TEST #1 HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH.

Open House was pretty cool! I got a chance to meet alot of parents, many of which look IDENTICAL to the kids! Everyone who showed up received 5 points extra credit!!!

HW: Teach your parents what you learned this week and have them fill out the Adult Input Page for extra credit!!!

Open House Tomorrow Night!!!

Just a reminder!!!

Open House will be tomorrow night from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Students, bring a parent and earn 5 points extra credit!!!

You're The Teacher (cont.)

Students "taught" their lesson to the rest of the class. I think I may have a few future teachers on my hands. *smile* I was really pleased with the presentations. Some students were a little nervous, but I KNOW they'll be more at ease the further along we get into the school year.

HW: Water Cycle Diagram Worksheet

Word Bank for worksheet:
Evaporation
Precipitation
Condensation (will be used twice)
Transpiration
Surface Runoff (will be used twice)
Reservoir

You're The Teacher - The Water Cycle

It's been proven that you learn things when you teach them to others. Today, the students began the "You're The Teacher" Activity. Students were assigned a particular section of text that dealt with the Water Cycle. Each group worked together to create a lesson that they will "teach" to the rest of the class tomorrow.

HW: Prepare for Test #1

Test #1 is on Friday!!!

Just a reminder, Test #1 will be administered on Friday. You should review everything learned thus far: lab safety, experimental design, and water cycle. Tests are worth 20% of your grade!!!

Concept Map - Water Cycle

Today, we reviewed the assigned questions and answers from Friday. Students created concept maps for the Water Cycle (see page 22 of Science Notebook). We also discussed examples of reservoirs within the water cycle.

HW: Review pages 22 and 23 of Science Notebook.

Digging Deeper

I was absent today, however students were assigned the following:

- Read the Digging Deeper section of their textbook (pgs. R151 - R154).
- Define the Geowords for the Activity.
- Check Your Understanding questions #1-3 (pgs. R154).
- Understanding and Applying What You Have Learned questions #1 and #3 (pg. R155).

HW: Have a GREAT weekend!!!

Water Cycle Lecture

Today, students viewed a PowerPoint lecture on the water cycle. As they viewed the presentation, students took notes using the Cornell Notes format on page 21 of their science notebook. Please be sure to study/review notes and create a summary answering the key questions at the bottom of your notes.


Article Analysis #3 is due on OCTOBER 2nd. Please don't wait until the last minute! The topic is "Scientists, Researchers, and Inventions". Students may choose ANY article that pertains to this topic. Don't forget to attach the actual (or copy of the) article.


HW: Finish Water Cycle summary

Water Cycle Model

Today, students completed Investigate (part C) on page R148. In this activity, students worked with their group mates to create a graphical model of the water cycle, placing resevoirs and processes in the appropriate places. Next, students drew arrows to show the direction of the process and the phase (solid, liquid, or gas) of water during that process.


Homework:
Article Analysis #2 due tomorrow!!!!

Water Resources

Today, students were given their first POP QUIZ. They were asked to identify the 5 major spheres of the Earth and tell what each sphere represents. Many students scored 100%...way to go!!!! Afterwards, we began "Activity 1: Sources of Water in Our World..." (page R146). Students added the title and completed the Think About It section on page 20 of their science notebooks. We also inserted an activity handout that goes along with the Activity 1.

Remember: there will be a notebook check this week. BE PREPARED!!!
Article Analysis #2 is due on THURSDAY!!!

HW: Finish worksheet calculations (page 20 in science notebook)

Using Cornell Notes

Today, students were (re)introduced to taking notes using the Cornell Note Format. During the lecture, students took notes on the 5 Major Spheres of the Earth. Afterwards, students began working on their "homework" - Experimental Design Practice Worksheet.

HW: Finish writing the summary for today's notes
Finish Experimental Design Practice worksheet

Cornell Notes

Tomorrow, we will start taking notes using the Cornell Note Sysetm. Here's an example of how students will use Cornell Notes:

Cornell Intro - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: Cornell Intro

Article Analysis #2 - DUE SEPTEMBER 18TH!!!

Hey kids!
Just a reminder, Article Analysis #2 is due on Thursday, September 18th. You should be working on this NOW. Don't wait until the last minute!!!! Remember, YOU get to choose the topic that you write about. However, the topic MUST relate to science.

See the Article Analysis links under "Important Links and Forms" for more info.



Good luck!!!

Scientific Method Vocabulary Quiz

Students were given a quiz on scientific method vocabulary words. Afterwards, we updated our notebooks (score sheets). Don't forget, there will be a notebook check sometime next week!!!! Next, students did an activity called "Earth's Spheres". Students divided their whiteboards into five sections and labeled them "air, water, surface, living things, and frozen water". With their groups, they wrote down as much as they knew about each category. After two minutes, I had students rename their categories with their respective "spherical" name: "atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere". We made connections between the spheres showing how the spheres of the Earth are inter-related.


SEE THE "EARTH'S SPHERES" SECTION ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE FOR MORE INFO

Have a GREAT weekend!

HW: Make sure your notebook is organized for next week's notebook check!!!

Scientific Method Vocabulary

Today we reviewed the PROPER way that an Article Analysis should be done. I showed each class a sample Article Analysis and went over specifics for each section. Students also received a rubric (see page 4 of notebook) to explain how they will be graded.

We also updated the table of contents page in our science notebook. Students can expect a notebook check sometime next week.

Lastly, we reviewed scientific method vocabulary. Students copied the followng vocabulary words:

Experiment
Data
Problem
Control
Observation
Research
Hypothesis
Conclusion

There will be a vocabulary quiz tomorrow.

HW:
Study Vocabulary (see above)
Have Adult Input Page (Inside back cover of science notebook) Entry Completed
Finish Bubble Gum Lab Report

Analyzing Data

Today, we continued working on the Bubble Gum Lab. The team manager from each group plotted their group's data on the board. Then, I posted the information that was printed on each brand of gum, showing the EXACT amount of sugar in each brand. Next, we discussed why there was a difference in our calculations. Students began constructing bar graphs to display their data and writing conclusions. They should use the handouts on page 15 of their science notebook as a guide for writing their conclusion. The conclusion should be written in paragraph form.

HW: Finish ALL parts of the Bubble Gum Lab Report. Will be checked tomorrow!!

Need help organizing your folder?

Hola!!!

Do you need help organizing your folder? If so, I'm available after school (1:50pm - 2:45pm) EVERY THURSDAY to help. We'll go through your folder page by page to make sure it's in tip-top shape. Remember, your folder is worth 50% of your final grade!!! I smell a random folder check...hehehe

Bubble Gum Lab

Today was the day that everyone has been waiting for...BUBBLE GUM LAB DAY!!! Students worked in their groups and carried out the procedures to test their hypothesis. One by one, students weighed their gum on a triple beam balance scale, chewed their gum, and weighed it again. It was funny to see them all chewing in class...especially because gum chewing is "forbidden". Students also collected data and filled in their data tables.

I wonder which gum has the least amount of sugar. (Leo wants to know too! *smile*) We'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out!!!

HW: Finish calculations from today's lab
Study for vocab quiz (Friday, 9/12)

Peanut Butter and Jelly

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!!!

Today, we did an activity called "PB&J". Students were asked to list the steps they would take to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Afterwards, I attempted to make the sandwich following using their procedures. This activity stressed the importance of accuracy and specificity when it comes to experimental design.

Afterwards, students revisited the procedures they had already written for the Bubble Gum Lab and made modifications.

Tomorrow will be EXPERIMENT DAY!!!

HW: Finish writing procedures for the Bubble Gum Lab. Tomorrow you should have your hypothesis, variables, constants, and procedures ready to be checked.

If you have not turned in a Lab Safety Contract, you must turn it in tomorrow. If it is not turned in you will not be able to participate in tomorrow's lab.

Also, we will have a vocabulary quiz on Friday, 9/12. Study your experimental design definitions!!!!

Wrapping up another week!!!

Students continued to work on their lab reports for the Bubble Gum Lab. ALL of them are seem to be psyched at the simple thought of just being allowed to chew gum in class. I can tell that some of them are a little rusty. No worries...they'll be pros by the end of the school year! Students should have finished forming their hypotheses and identifying their variables and constants. Most have already began listing the steps that they will take to test their hypothesis.

Students also took yearbook pictures today.


HW:
Quiz #2 on Tuesday - Experimental Design Vocabulary
Be sure to study your vocab from the reference sheets on page 15 of your science notebook.

Experimental Design

Today, students began working on their experimental designs for the "Bubble Gum" Lab. Students were given the following question, and will work with their groupmates to design an experiment that will answer the question:

Background Information:
Ms. Hunt’s dog, Leo, loves to chew gum. He is a very hyper dog so she doesn’t like to give him gum with a lot of sugar in it. But, Leo only likes 3 brands of gum . . . Bubblicious, Dubble Bubble, and Juicy Fruit. Ms. Hunt doesn’t have time to figure out which brand has the least amount of sugar so she needs your help. Which brand of gum would be the best to let Leo eat because it has the least amount of sugar?

Question: Which brand of gum has the least amount of sugar?




HW:
Finish "Title and Hypothesis Practice" worksheet (page 12 of science notebook)

Title/Hypothesis Review

HOLA!!!!

Today, students identified their group roles and for during science labs. Next, we reviewed different levels of questions and "Grandma's House" (see pages 6 and 7 in your science notebook). Also, we FINALLY got a chance to actually get into SCIENCE. I reviewed creating titles and hypotheses with each class. I must say, everyone caught on pretty fast. What a smart bunch!!! Lastly, students were given a a worksheet to practice forming effective titles and hypotheses.


HW:
Finish "Title and Hypothesis Practice" worksheet
Finish up Article Analysis #1 - DUE TOMORROW!!!!

First Notebook Check

Today, students were given their first notebook check. Each student was graded on a scale from 1 - 5. Afterwards, they entered their grade on their score sheets. Score sheets can be found on the inside-front cover of each student's science notebook. Parents this is a GREAT way for you to monitor your child's grade in science class.

I also reviewed requirements for the Article Analysis Assignment. We read the article in class and went over particular questions that can be found on the practice sheet. (see "Important Links and Forms")

Lastly, we inserted a form that I call "Grandma's House". It (re-)introduces students to different levels of questioning. Higher level questioning helps students to develop their critical thinking skills. It also creates a deeper understanding of the subject at hand.

Students,
Don't forget to post a comment for extra credit! Be sure to include your first name and last INITIAL.


HW: Create 2 questions about each floor of Grandmas's House using 2 words from each level of questioning. You should have 6 questions total.

You should also be working on Article Analysis #1 - Due Thursday!!!!

Labor Day

There's no school today!!! Everyone should be working on Article Analysis #1 (Due Thursday 9/4). Don't forget, it's worth 20% of your grade!!!

Article Analysis Assignment

Today, we finished organizing our folders. Each student should have their pages numbered up to AT LEAST 25. The Table of Contents should also be numbered all the way down to the bottom of the page.

We also went over the Article Analysis Assignment. Students should now understand when the assignment is due , the format of the the assignment, AND how they will be graded. Each student was also given the first article "Study Shows Cows Have Innate Sense of Direction".

Have a happy and safe weekend!!! Remember, there's no school on Monday due to Labor Day!!! See ya on Tuesday!!!

HW:
1.Work on Article Analysis #1 (Due 9/4)
2.Finish decorating science notebook cover page (4 colors and 2 illustrations). Also make sure that there are 75 sheets of notebook paper in your folder. - THIS WILL BE CHECKED FOR A GRADE ON TUESDAY!!!
3.Bring back signed Lab Safety Sheet

EXTRA CREDIT!!!

Hey students!

Leave a comment on the page by Wednesday 9/3 and you'll earn 5 points extra credit!!! Don't forget to leave your name (First Name and Last INITIAL.)

Have a great, LOOOOOOOOOOONG weekend!!!

Notebook Set-Up

We used the ENTIRE class period to set up notebooks today. This was especially important because science notebooks are worth 50% of the science grade. It houses EVERYTHING...classwork, homework, bell work, lab reports, article write-ups...EVERYTHING! Students will be expected to bring their science notebooks to class EVERY DAY! You never know when there will be a surprise notebook check. In the back of the notebook, you will find the "Adult Input Page". An entry on this page can be completed by a parent/guardian for 5 points extra credit each week (up to 40 - 45 points total)!!!

HW:
1) Finish decorating your notebook coversheet. Remember, you must use at least 4 colors (not including black and white) and provide at least 2 illustrations. Your illustrations must pertain to a topic that we are covering in class this nine weeks (Experimental Design, Water Resources (Cycle), and Oceans)
2) Bring back SIGNED lab safety contracts.

Lab Safety Day

HOLA!!!

Today, we reviewed Lab Safety techniques that must be practiced in the classroom. We viewed a powerpoint presentation and pointed out different instances where those techniques weren't being followed. Afterwards, each student created a Lab Saftey bookmark. On one side, they drew a picture that depicted a lab saftey rule being followed OR a lab saftey rule being broken. On the other side, they had to list the rule that was being followed or broken.

HW: Bring back SIGNED lab safety contract (worth a grade AND you won't be able to participate in a lab experience without it!!!)

It's About Time

Today, we took our first Quiz. I think everyone did pretty well. Afterwards, a few classes went down to the Media Center to check out science textbooks for the school year. This year, we'll be using a book published by It's About Time called "EarthComm". This textbook must be returned at the end of the year in "like" condition. Here's a link to It's About Time's website: http://www.its-about-time.com/.

Note: Periods 4 - 7 were not able to get their textbooks today due to a book shortage. Books will be available soon!

Remember, these books are to be used for HOME LEARNING. We will have a class set to use at school. Therefore, there will be no need to bring them back and forth from home.

Each student should have written their FIRST and LAST name in the front cover of their textbook. For the "Year Used" field, they should have written "08 - 09". They should have also noted the condition of the book that they received. For example, "new", "good", "poor", etc. It was stressed today each textbook is worth $80.00. If not returned at the end of the school year, the student may forfeit their opportunity to go on the 8th grade trip, as well as, attend the 8th grade dance.

HW: Complete/Finish the Textbook Scavenger Hunt

Due to today's Fire Drill, Period 2 will take Quiz #1 TOMORROW.

Our 1st Full Week???

Welcome back everyone!!!


Now that Fay's come and gone, today marks the start of our first FULL week of school. Today, we reviewed the Code of Conduct. Afterwards, we reviewed the Classroom Scavenger Hunt so that everyone would be familiar with where things are located in the classroom. Lastly, students got a chance to read letters from last year's 8th grade class. Students were given advice, tips, and words of encouragement for survival in science and in 8th grade. Don't forget, your first quiz is tomorrow!!!


Parents:

Want to know how your child is doing academically BEFORE report cards and progress reports? Check out http://parentaccess.ocps.net/ It's continuously updated with your child's grades in each subject. You should be receiving a username and password to log-in within the next few weeks.



HW:
1) Bring back signed code of conduct sheet
2) Study for Quiz #1

Britannica Digital Learning

Just another FREE resource for home learning!!!

To access the website, go to: www.school.eb.com (If you access the site from home use username "ocps" and password "orange".) The same password is also for the Spanish resources at www.spanish.eb.com.

Britannica Online contains over 500 student learning materials and teacher resources for all grade levels PreK-12.


Check it out!!!

She's baaaaaaaaaaaack...

School is cancelled AGAIN due to Tropical Storm Fay. Have a great weekend guys! Quiz #1 will be post-poned until Tuesday, August 26th.

HW:
1. Gather supplies
2. Bring back SIGNED syllabus signature sheet
3. Study for Quiz #1

Guidelines and Procedures

Today, we viewed a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the guidelines and procedures of my classroom. Students loved the sound effects! As we viewed the presentation, students completed a worksheet, answering questions about what they viewed. Students should use this worksheet to study for quiz #1 which will be administered tomorrow.

Some classes also completed a classroom scavenger hunt. This allowed students to become more familiar with the classroom.

HW:
1. Gather supplies
2. Bring back SIGNED syllabus signature sheet
3. Study for tomorrow's quiz

Welcome, Again *smile*

Today felt like the first day of school all over again!

I wanted to have a chance to get to know all of my students. I had each student write down two truths and one lie about themselves. Then, we balled the papers up and had a "snowball" fight! After about one minute, we grabbed a "snowball" and took turns reading what was written. We had alot of fun trying to figure out who wrote what and which statement was the lie.

HW:
1. Gather supplies
2. Bring in SIGNED syllabus signature sheet

Fay, Fay Go Away!

School is cancelled today due to Hurricane Fay...see you on Wednesday!!!

HW:
1. Gather supplies
2. Bring back SIGNED syllabus signature sheet.

Welcome to 8th Grade Science!!!

We had a WONDERFUL first day!!!

I had a chance to meet all of my students. Everyone looked so nice! I can tell that it's going to take a while for everyone to get adjusted to the new time schedule though. Today, studets were given a quiz about me. I asked them questions (ex. "how old am I?", "what college did I attend?") and they wrote down their guesses. Afterwards, we reviewed the answers. It was really cool to hear all of their responses.

I reviewed the class Syllabus with each class.

Here's the supply list:
FOUR 2-pocket/3-prong folders (one for each quarter)
handheld pencil sharpener
notebook paper (TONS)
sharpened pencils

also recommended:
liquid glue/glue sticks
color pencils/crayons
basic calculator (FCAT-style)

Homework (HW):
1. Gather supplies
2. Bring back SIGNED syllabus signature sheet