Thursday, May 31, 2012

May 31, 2012

Wow, is it really June 1 tomorrow??

We have been very busy in Green team these past two weeks. 

The Math 7, and some Math 8 classes have all had recent tests.  The grade 7 boys are now working on an introduction to Statistics, including concepts such as mean, mode, range, and median.  Recently, Mr. Martin let the boys who were more advanced in Math move ahead at a faster pace, and as such, they are working in small groups to teach each other some more advanced concepts.  They are enjoying the feedom of choice, but are still keeping on task.

Socials: Mr. Martin's class has wrapped up Mesopotamia, and we are watching a series of videos, starting with Queen Nefertitti.  The final outcome I want the class to explore is to "analyze social roles in ancient civilizations"

Science:  We will be ending the year looking at minerals, the layers of the earth, and plate techtonics.  Both classes should now have turned in their last science lab for the year on identifying minerals, and we are watching a series of videos and taking notes on them.

In PE, we are trying to finish Track and Field, before moving on to softball and tennis to wrap up the year.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

May 24, 2012

Math;  The grade 7 girls had a chapter test today, the boys will do the chapter review Friday, a practice test Monday, and then the test on algebra on Tuesday.

Science:  Both classes need to bring 2 rock samples that we can break open for Friday/Monday's class (depending on which of the 2 classes they are in)  We will be looking at the properties such as streak, color, cleavage, hardness, etc.  We watched a 2nd video on volcanoes and plate techtonics today.

English: Most students had a chance to do the 3rd series of reading tests called "Star Reader".  This will be of great value for grade 8 students heading into English 9, as it will give their teachers a better idea of their reading level. Mr. Martin's class each has a copy of the final Novel ideas to look at and choose from.

Grade 8 day:  On June 27th, the Len Wood teachers put on a fun day at the pool, and here at the school for the grade 8's.  We will be asking for parent help in setting up and running the bbq that day.  We plan a series of events for the day such as
-pool swim time
-soccer, boche, etc at the park
-water fight at the school field
-unveiling of the legacy tiles
-bbq (setting it up, cutting up fruit, chefs, clean up)
-dance

Please let Mr. Martin know if you would be available to help that day.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

May 23, 2012

Wow, is May ever flying past fast!

In English Mr. Martin has finished the 1 minute speeches, and every student will need to bring a novel to read for 15 mins each class.  We are in the midst of picking our choices of end of novel assignments.  Stay tuned for more information.  We are also finishing up our poems, and we created one on "Anticipation"  Ask the kids how I gave each of them a candy that they couldn't look at, but had to taste (if they were not too scared).  I had them give 5 words to describe their feelings to my not telling them what they were eating, 5 to describe the taste, and 5 after wards.

See the handouts for a list of end of Novel ideas.

In Science, we are looking at minerals, and the earths crust, mantle and core.  We are watching a few videos, and then we will be in the science room testing rock samples based on a series of properties.  Both classes should have their tests back, as well as the latest vocab lists.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Twin Day:  Today many staff and students came dressed as twins.  The Green Team teachers all dressed as Mr. Martin in his bright shirts!  Here are some of the student twins...
 








 

English:  Mr. Martin's class has a deadline of Monday to prepare for their one minute speech.  They have all been given cue cards, that they will be practicing with over the next 2 days.  They will be marked on their eye contact, stating a purpose, giving a good "hook" and concluding sentence, etc .  I have posted a sheet on the One Minute Speech onto the list of handouts to the right
Science: We will be marking the chapter 6 test over the next 2 days in class

Monday, May 7, 2012

Monday May 7, 2012

English- Mr. Martin introduced the "one minute speech"  This speech is a persuasive topic that is supposed to convince the audience why your topic is all that you are claiming it to be.  Today we discussed the "hook" and concluding statement to keep the audience glued to your topic.  We will post all the handouts online soon, but everyone in the class should have the 2 page handout now.

Math- Grade 7 boys were introduced to statements and equations, and should be able to explain the difference.

Science- both classes have now had a review for their science test this week.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Friday May 4, 2012

Apparently it's Star Trek day today.  Mr. Martin had no idea what that meant until someone said...
"May the 4th be with you" 

Good luck to all those students in Dance competitions, and Lacrosse games/tournaments this weekend, as well as any other events I missed.

All parents should have received an email outlining assignments and exams coming up next week.  If you are not getting the emails, please let one of the Green Team teachers know.  You should find information on poetry (English), Mesopotamia projects (Socials) and exams (Math 7)

Have a great weekend.
Green Team

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

May 2, 2012

English: Mr. Martin's class has been looking at Poetry this term.  On the list of assignments is a brief overview of the poems they should be finished, and what criteria each had.

Science:  Labs will be due Friday (Martin) or Monday (Wocknitz).  We will have a test on our chemistry unit on Tuesday or Wednesday (depending on which class they are in)  Topics will include vocabulary, key ideas from chapter 6, and classification of matter.  They should be able to state what type of mixture or pure substance a specific example is, and state why.

Math: Grade 7 boys are working on a review of adding and subtracting fractions.  They will have a test on it early next week.

Socials: Mr. Martin's class is just starting a project/report on one of the innovations of Mesopotamia.  They each have a 3 page handout showing examples of innovations, the learning outcome I am using for the assignment, and a rubric for entire project.  Most of this project will be done outside of class time.  I have attached a copy of the assignment on the list of handouts to the right.