Hero Engines Away!

Task 2 is due by the beginning of class on Friday.    COW #15

The following may be helpful or interesting to you as you complete the task:

A Brief History of Rockets
Hero of Alexandria
The Laws of Motion
Laws of Motion Interactive

IXL for this week:
C2, Y6, U5

IXL that should be completed to date:
Z1-Z4
F8, F4, F13
T1-7
C1
Y1
U1-U4

Balancing Forces and Equations

This week we will be working together to balance or unbalance forces and to balance equations.

Here is the COW of the week, lucky number 14... 


This week we will be exploring the following concepts:
Monomials vs. Polynomials
Keeping Equations Balanced while Solving One Step Equations
Remember:
Identify Inverse Operation
Balance the Equation (What you do to one side you MUST do to the other!!!!
Solve: Isolate the Variable
Check your Solution

Unbalanced Forces
Equal and Opposite Reactions, also known as Newton's Third Law

Videos that might help you this week:

A Perfect Week!!!!

Here it is, COW #13.  Make sure your justification is thorough.  Show all your thoughts!

This week we will be applying our knowledge of the properties of arithmetic to find the products of monomials and to write and solve expressions and equations.
Perfect Squares and Square Roots
What is a perfect square? 
You should know all of the perfect squares up to 25. Here is a link to a table of perfect squares and square roots.Want to know more, here are the first 200!!

VIDEO Review: Writing Algebraic Expressions 
Interactive Practice with Algebraic Expressions
VIDEO Review: Writing Equations
Interactive Practice with Writing Equations
VIDEO REVIEW:Exponents- Multiplication
Rules of Exponents

Term 2, TASK 1- Properties of Arithmetic

Task 1 is due on Monday, November 29th

TASK 1:

You will create a handbook for the properties of arithmetic:

1. Each page should list a single property.  Each property should be described in:

a.  words (at least 1 sentence)

b.  an example written using variables

c. at least 5 worked examples with numbers

d. a real life scenario for the property

***For the commutative and associative property prove why these properties do not apply to subtraction and division. 

***For the distributive property give an example of how it could be used to make arithmetic easier

2. The final page of the handbook should have a worked step by step example of a single problem that uses each of the properties.  There should be justification for each step. 

Knowledge: You need to show your knowledge of the following properties:  You should be able to identify, define and apply the following properties: 1. Zero 2. Identity 3. Commutative 4. Associative 5. Distributive Property 6. Symmetric 7. Transitive 8. Reflexive 9. Substitution 10. Inverse (addition and multiplication)

Reasoning:   Through this task you need to show your reasoning skills: __ the student is able to create unique examples with numbers and variables for each property __ the student is able to justify with reasons and examples why the commutative and associative properties do not apply to subtraction and division __ the student is able to prove how the distributive property could make a seemingly difficult multiplication problem easier __ the student is able to synthesize all of the properties into a single problem and justify how each step of the problem uses the property

Communication: -Within all your work make sure that you clearly communicate your understanding.  -All work is clearly labeled with your name/class/date and the title. -All written statements should include thorough justification. -All variables, symbols, abbreviations are clearly defined. -All work is shown in sequential order and each step is labeled.  -Each step of the work is clearly justified and easily understood.   -Solutions are given in statements or clearly summarized.  Ex. In order to cross the river with all the family members it will take 6 trips. -All units are clearly identified. Ex.  45kg  or 26 lbs. -ANY graphs, tables and charts included in the response clearly represent the solution or reasoning and meet the standard using the graphing rubric. -Written arguments and explanations include: appropriate and accurate scientific and mathematical vocabulary. -All written arguments follow the organization of claim, reason and evidence. -  Arguments include appropriate and sufficient evidence to support reasons and claims.

Mathematical Properties 101

Welcome to TERM 2.  You are now 1/3 of the way through the school year and closer to HS.  So the bar is officially being raised.   You are going to have to work hard this trimester.  GET READY.

Here is COW #12.  Pay careful attention to the new requirements for Knowledge HW.    

There are lots of rules that you follow when you work with numbers.  You know these rules so well that you don't even realize that you use them.  From now until Thanksgiving break, our goal is to make sure you not only know the rules, but you also know their names.  We are going to be applying them to Algebra when we return from break.


Purple Math's Review of Basic Number Properties: Associative, Commutative, and Distributive
WISC Online Review with examples 
Math.com
Khan Academy Videos (Watch the first, then click next to hear about the other properties)
Brush up on your SLOPE skills at Kahn Academy

Addition Property	For all real numbers x, y, and z, if x = y, then x + z = y + z.	These properties allow you to balance and solve equations involving real numbers
Subtraction Property	For all real numbers x, y, and z, if x = y, then x – z = y – z.
Multiplication Property	For all real numbers x, y, and z, if x = y, then xz = yz.
Division Property	For all real numbers x, y, and z, if x = y, and z ≠ 0, then x/z = y/z.

The Zero Property of Addition

Adding 0 to a number leaves it unchanged. We call 0 the additive identity.
Example:
88 + 0 = 88

---

The Zero Property of Multiplication

Multiplying any number by 0 gives 0.
Example:
88 × 0 = 0
0 × 1003 = 0

Time to Reflect, Synthesize and Catch Up (if needed)

This week we will be reflecting on Term 1, thinking about our performance, our needs, our strengths and our areas for improvement.  Students will also be working on COW # 11- Eliminate Possibilities.  Other than that there will be no new Knowledge this week.  Students will be revisiting things they struggled with or synthesizing things they learned over the first term.  On Friday, we will have our introduction to the next unit.

Last Week of TERM 1:TASK 8: The Law of Conservation of Energy (Kinetic and Potential)

  This week you will be working with a partner and participating in a series of activities to prepare you to write an essay about energy.

The activities include:

            Station 1: Skate Park Physics, Online Interactive (media center computers)

            Station 2: Car Lab (classroom)

            Station 3: Reading on Conservation of Energy and PE and KE and Which has more energy calculations? (hallway)

            Station 4: Marble Energy Conservation Lab (Classroom)

            Station 5: PE and KE Movie (next door)

Station 6: Math Practice Problems (Classroom)

While working at each station you should be taking notes that you will use to write your argument. You will have 1 hour in class on Friday to write your argument.  You may bring in notes and work that you complete in class this week.  You may not use any direct sources of information.  Your essay will include the following paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: Claim- Energy can be neither created nor destroyed.  It is constant in a system.

Paragraph 2: Claim- PE and KE are different forms of energy.

Paragraph 3: Claim- Mass affects PE the same as height.

Paragraph 4: Claim: Velocity affects KE more than mass.

Paragraph 5:  Claim: The PE and KE formulas represent two different types of functions.

Paragraph 6: Claim:

PE and KE and the law of conservation can be seen in many real life situations.

Each paragraph should include the following: 

-        At least 1 reason why the claim is valid or true

-        2- 3 pieces of evidence to support the claim

 
COW #10

COW #10- Knowledge KEY

HOW NOW BROWN COW?

No COW this week. As we come to the end of the term, we are working on a series of 8 performance tasks through which students will demonstrate their knowledge, reasoning, and communication skills. I am suspending the COW for the week, so that students can put their full attention towards the tasks. All tasks will be due on Friday at the end of class.

Some review sites that might be helpful with the tasks:
Slope
Slope Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Potential and Kinetic Energy

COW #9 will allow you to practice using algebraic equations with potential and kinetic energy.  You will also be trying a new problem solving technique: systematic lists!  (This is a link to the problem we did in class today.)

Kinetic Energy 

MORE KE... 

Potential Energy 

School Subjects:
How To Calculate Potential Energy

MORE PE... 

Friction

Conservation of Energy

COW POLISHING AND PUBLICATION

COW #8 Reasoning and Communication is due on Friday. It should be typed or neatly handwritten with few to no grammatical/spelling errors. It needs to be correct and have complete and thorough justifications.

Coefficients, Quadratics, and Exponents, Oh My!

COW #8

What does Quadratic mean?

Powers have two parts; a base and an exponent. There are different ways of "saying" powers that you might hear:

* the fifth power of three
* three raised to the fifth power
* three to the power of five, or just
* three to the fifth
More on this... 
What is a term?

Terms

A term can be any of the following:

• a constant: e.g. 3, 10, π,
• the product of a number (coefficient) and a variable: e.g. –3x, 11y,
• the product of two or more variables: e.g. x², xy, 2y², 7xy

Like terms are terms that differ only in their numerical coefficients. For example: 3a, 22a, are like terms.

Intro to Basic Algebra Terms
What is a coefficient?

---

A coefficient is a number in front of a variable. For example, in the expression x²-10x+25, the coefficient of the x² is 1 and the coefficient of the x is -10. The third term, 25, is called a constant.
If the expression were -x²+10x+25, the coefficient of the x² would be -1, and the coefficient of the x would be 10.

Identifying the Coefficient in a Polynomial

Learn How to identify the numerical coefficient of a monomial. For more Math How-To Videos & Articles, visit WonderHowTo.

What is cross correlation?
cross correlation—The correlation between time series x(t) and y(t), where x and y may represent the same variable measured at different locations, or a single variable measured at one location but at different times, as for the case in which y(t) represents x(t + L), where L is a specified time lag.
In such cases, the two variables are usually not statistically independent, and large cross correlations between x and y can result.
How could this apply to matrix problems?

Graphing Quadratic Equations

Answers to Knowledge Section of COW#7, Tuesday

1. f(x) = 2x – 5, m= 2 b=-5
2. y=2x +5, m= 2 b=5
3. f(x) =-2x-5, m= -2 b=-5
4. f(x) =-2x+5, m= -2 b=5
5. y = 4x –1, m= 4 b=-1
6. y = 3x + 2, m= 3 b=2
7. f(x) = -3x + 2, m= -3 b=2
8. y = 3/5 x + 2, m= 3/5 b=2
9. f(x) = -3/5 x + 5, m= -3/5 b=5
10. y= 3/2 x -6, m= 3/2 b=-6

You should be working on IXL. V2-V6, V11, and V7. Remember, you need to get to 80%.

Slope Intercept Form: Graphing Lines

COW #7

Practice Graphing Lines Using Slope Intercept

Slope and Y intercept Definitions and Examples

Review Video: Finding Slope from 2 Points

COW #6- FUNCTIONS Continued

COW #6

From the last two weeks, we all know how to identify functions from a graph by using the vertical line test. Now, we will work with equations and tables and learn how to determine the difference between a relation and a function.

Function Machine: Input and Output
Function Machine: Guess the FUNCTION

Function Notation



Video: Relation or Function?

COW #5 and REVIEW WEEK

This week we will be reviewing the concepts that we have learned so far this year: coordinate graphing, slope, rate, and functions. We will have a unit assessment on Friday to determine how well we understand these concepts. This week's COW asks you to complete some problems and to create step by step directions/procedures for how to solve them. Take this work seriously as it will help you to focus for the assessment Friday.

Cow #5- Review

This week we will also be working in the computer lab three times. We will be working on fluency with math facts and reviewing the concepts from the last 5 weeks of school using Math Facts in a Flash and http://www.ixl.com . I encourage you to practice on both of these sites at home throughout the week as well. MAKE SURE TO SIGN IN, so that I can see how hard you are working. You will get your passwords tomorrow.

Finally, we will be summing up the Oil Spill Project this week as you create your final presentations for your role. I am looking forward to your creative productions!

Please let me know if you have any questions about what we have studied so far. I want this to be a week where we work especially hard to clear up any misconceptions, misunderstandings, or insecurities.

COW # 4 Functions

For COW #4 Click HERE!

Vertical Line Test
Vertical Line Test Interactive

Increasing, Decreasing, or Constant


Practice Finding the Slope from a Graph
Find a Slope from Two Points

Math Fact Practice

If you want to improve your fluency, try these sites:

math fact game
That's a Fact
Fun Brain
Math Playground

Post your claims and evidence here....

Example:

My Role: Bottlenose dolphin
My Claim: More dolphins have died this year than last year because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Evidence: The bodies of 74 bottlenose dolphins have been recovered since the Deepwater Horizon spill began. That is more than the usual number of dolphin deaths. Since dolphins normally have a life span of 45 years and only have one calf per birth, this may have an impact on the population of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico in years to come. Dolphins are especially at risk from the oil spill due to the fact that they must come to the surface to breathe and are prone to inhaling and ingesting oil floating on the surface.

COW #3 and Oil Spill Project

This week we will be beginning our Deepwater Horizon research.  Each student will take on a role and will take a claim based on the perspective of that role.  Then you will have to find, collect, analyze and construct evidence to support your claim.  This project will be completed in class.  If you are focused in class,  I expect you to create a project that meets or exceeds the standards laid out in the rubric.   See below.

Oil Spill Project Overview and Rubric

This week I will be officially assessing your COWS for the first time.  Make sure to make revisions throughout the week and to communicate clearly and justify your reasoning.  Show me all of your thoughts and work.  Do not ASSUME that I know what you are thinking!

COW #3 Rate

Help with rate problems.  What is a unit rate?

Negative Number Practice!!!

We will have a short assessment on negative numbers on Friday.  This is a great site to practice on. 

Practice with Negative Numbers

Ben Carson Science Academy

Exciting Opportunity:

The Morehouse School of Medicine’s Ben Carson Saturday Science Academy has extended an invitation to the students at our school to participate in our science enrichment program from October 9-November 20 (Saturdays ONLY).  The program runs from 9am-1:30 pm offering extensive hand-on science experiments which include dissections and also a robotics component.  We also include parental workshops on various issues pertaining to children. The purpose of our program is to introduce students to the health sciences field. Students in 4th-8th grade can participate.  Registration dates are from August 2-August 31 so please act fast!
Ben Carson Science Academy Link:

http://www.msm.edu/community_health/commhealth_trainingprograms/commhealth_trainingprograms_ben.aspx

Slope and Rate Continued

We will continue to explore and practice with slope and rate this week. You have been assigned either COW#2E or COW#2R to complete this week. The sites below should help you with this work:

Finding the Slope of a Line using 2 Points
Rate and Slope
Solving Rate Word Problems
Online Practice on BOTH Ways to Find Slope
Working with Negative Numbers

Video Showing How to Find the Slope of Line

Video Plotting Ordered Pairs on a Coordinate Plane

THE IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SLOPE ARE....

IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SLOPE, PLEASE POST A COMMENT TO THIS POST THAT TELLS THREE THINGS THAT YOU THINK ARE IMPORTANT TO KNOW OR DO WHEN WORKING WITH SLOPE.

Assessment Tomorrow

You will be assessed tomorrow on the skills from the COW this week and some of last week's as well :)
So be prepared to:
- distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data
- identify whether a line has a negative, positive, undefined or zero slope
- calculate the slope of a line from a graph AND from two points
- identify claims that support evidence

COWs are here!

Today you were introduced to the COW.  This week's COW is right here.  You will be graded on COWS over the course of the term using the RUBRIC we discussed in class today.

Here are some links to get you started:
Math Warehouse(slope)
Purple Math(slope)
Slope Slider(slope)
Finding Slope from a Graph- negative slope
Ordered Pairs
Rate of Change
Slope Powerpoint

Arguments!!!

We had spirited discussions today around the best musical artist EVER.
Argument Graphic Organizer
Tonight, find additional information about your personal favorite artist, so that you can revamp the argument you wrote for warm-up today.
Remember that you will be assessed tomorrow on the following:
- quantitative vs. qualitative
- arguments, claims, and evidence
- using graphs to present information

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Data

Today we explored the difference between qualitative and quantitative data.
To review the differences click here .  To practice distinguishing between the two click here .
Remember, if you haven't showed me your signed syllabus, please have it ready for me tomorrow.
There is no formal HW this week to allow you to adjust to returning to the responsibilities of school, please use this extra time to make sure that your Summer Journal Activities are complete and are of good quality.  If you are unsure as to whether an assignment is acceptable, please ask!

Welcome to 8th Grade MST

It was great to meet and/or get reacquainted with you all today.  I look forward to working with you throughout this school year.  Make sure that you read and highlight/underline the main points of the
syllabus tonight.  Also, please bring any questions that you may have about it to class tomorrow.

Algebra: Graphing and Functions

Remembering: 

1. Define the following using the VOCABULARY EXPANSION CHART: relation, function, domain, range, linear function, nonlinear function, slope, intercept

Understanding:

1.  Review the difference between a relation and a function.  

2.   Practice identifying functions with graphs and sets. 

3. Review what slope is, how to find it, and how to create graphs given the equation of a line in slope intercept form.   Do the practice problems. 

4. Read about how to graph inequalities.  Then practice on your own.

5. Video on how to solve systems of equations using elimination.  

6. Overview of how to solve systems of equations. 

7. Practice solving systems of equations.  

 Applying:

 

Complete the REVIEW (pg. 233) and check your answers with the KEY.  Revise any missed problems.  Ask questions!  Make sure you understand WHY you missed each problem. 

 

Analyzing/Evaluating/Creating: Choose 2.

1. On graph paper, draw three lines that represent functions.  

2. Draw a straight line on graph paper, then figure out the equation for the line. Label any intercepts. 

3. Shade an area of a graph and write an inequality to represent the shaded area. 

Data Analysis and Probability

Remembering: 

1. Define the following using the VOCABULARY EXPANSION CHART: set, union, intersection, subset, universal set, complement, outcomes, probability, scatter plot, correlation (positive, negative, constant, no)

Understanding:

1.  Review of venn diagrams and set notation.  Read pages 2-4.  

2.   Review the multiplication counting principle. 

3. Review and practice on the principles of probability.  

4. All about scatter plots. Think you got it?  Let's find out.... 

 Applying:

 

Complete the REVIEW (pg. 233) and check your answers with the KEY.  Revise any missed problems.  Ask questions!  Make sure you understand WHY you missed each problem. 

 

Analyzing/Evaluating/Creating: Choose 3.

1.  Create a set of numbers A, then create a subset and its complement.  Draw a venn diagram to represent the relationship between the sets. 

2. 

Algebra: Equations, Expressions, Inequalities

Remembering: 

1. Define the following using the VOCABULARY EXPANSION CHART: expression, equation, variable, inequality, order of operations, inverse operation. 

Understanding:

1. Practice creating equations using the variable machine.   Don't forget to use the Order of Operations. 

2. Read through and do the Solving Equations activities on pages 1-4 of this site.  Then take the test to see if you get it.  

3. Watch the video explaining how to solve inequalities.   Summarize the rules and add them to your list.   

4. Watch the video.  Then read through and do the activities on solving inequalities on pages 1-4 of this site.  Then take the test to see if you get it. 

5.  Even more practice graphing inequalities on a number line.  The problems get harder as you go... How far can you get? 

 Applying:

Complete the REVIEW (pg. 122) and check your answers with the KEY.  Revise any missed problems.  Ask questions!  Make sure you understand WHY you missed each problem. 

 

Analyzing/Evaluating/Creating: Choose 2.

1. Write a word problem that requires the use of a variable to solve. Solve it. 

2. Create some algebraic expression flash cards.  Write the words on one side and the symbols on the other.   Example: 3x-6 would be on one side and "Six less than three times a number" would be on the other. 

3. Write 4 inequalities and then graph them on a number line.  

Geometry

Remembering: 

1. Define the following using the VOCABULARY EXPANSION CHART: parallel lines, perpendicular lines, intersecting lines, transversal, adjacent angles, vertical angles, complementary angles, supplementary angles, pythagorean theorem, congruent polygons, reflection, rotation, translation, dilation.  

Understanding:

1. Review the rules for the types of angles.  Summarize the rules and add them to your list.  

2.  Test your knowledge of the types of angles.

3. Review the types of transformations.  Summarize the rules and add them to your list.  Then complete at least two of the practice problems.  

4. Test your knowledge and identify the transformations.  

5. Review the information on congruence and similarity.  Write a rule to tell the difference between congruent and similar polygons. 

6. Read the information about the Pythagorean Theorem and add at least one rule to your rule sheet.   Complete Question 1 and 2 at the bottom of the page.  

 Applying:

 

Complete the REVIEW (pg. 79) and check your answers with the KEY.  Revise any missed problems.  Ask questions!  Make sure you understand WHY you missed each problem. 

 

Analyzing/Evaluating/Creating: Choose 3.

1. Solve the puzzle by bisecting the polygon into 5 congruent polygons.  

2. Draw two congruent polygons.  Label the sides and angles.

3. Draw a pair of parallel lines with a transversal.  Measure and label the angles. 

4. Draw a right triangle.  Measure the sides and use the Pythagorean Theorem to test the accuracy of your drawing.  

5. Write or draw a diagram that is a proof for the Pythagorean Theorem.  

Numbers and Operations

Remembering: 

1. Define the following using the VOCABULARY EXPANSION CHART: Integer, real number, irrational number, rational number, square root, exponent, perfect square, radical

Understanding:

1. Go to this site.  Scroll down to the Number System Descriptions and review them, then complete the Munchers game. 

2. Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHyaXYtjqvY .

3. Go to http://www.themathpage.com/alg/simplify-radicals.htm#simplest

and practice simplifying radicals.  DO THE WORK WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE ANSWERS. 

4. Review the page on the Properties of Exponents.  Summarize the rules and add them to your rule sheet.  

5. Complete the exponents practice problems.

 Applying:

 

Complete the REVIEW (pg. 49) and check your answers with the KEY.  Revise any missed problems.  Ask questions!  Make sure you understand WHY you missed each problem. 

 

Analyzing/Evaluating/Creating: Choose 2.

1. Why do you think irrational numbers are called irrational?

2. Write a rule for telling the difference between an irrational and a rational number.

3. Draw a diagram that you could use to represent the idea of a square number

4. Write a word problem that requires the use of square roots.

Jekyll Pictures, better late than...

Vivian Tessa's Feet, as requested

Monday, April 19th.

Today was used mainly to answer any questions to concepts that we have gone over in the last few weeks, a means of gearing up for the CRCT. Today some students observed the water cycle in action, on a much smaller scale of course. An observation tank was made to show the different parts of the hydrologic (water) cycle. A light bulb caused surface water in the tank to evaporate, where it condensed on plastic wrap on the top of the tank. When the condensation gathered up enough, it fell down to some sand in the middle of the tank (like rain, sleet, or snow would). A glass filled with ice was the second part of the condensation process, also forcing the water to fall from the top of the tank. Any students who did not have an opportunity to visit and observe the water cycle tank will do so tomorrow. This also takes us into the E-Day homework for the evening, in which students will define the words that happen in the motion of the water cycle. The words to be defined for homework are: Evaporation, Precipitation, Transpiration, Condensation, and Groundwater. Not only will students define these words, but place them in a water cycle table that they had pasted in their Earth journals.

Vivian Tessa and Dean

Thank you for all of your well wishes. Here is a photo of Dean and Vivian Tessa (still haven't decided which name to use). What do you guys think Vivian or Tessa?

Water Cycle and CRCT

Students have begun exploring the water cycle and how it relates to surface and underground water, fresh and salt water, along with the water that is locked up in the polar ice caps. We spoke about Georgia and its water supply coming mainly from surface water, and the fight over water rights not only effects us, but also Alabama and Florida. A CRCT review packet had also been given out before spring break, and additional time has been allotted to complete it. The CRCT review packet will be due Monday April 19th, at the end of class. Once students have completed their packets, additional practice will be given for extra credit. Any additional studying for the test, which will begin on Tuesday, April 20th, that can be done at home would be very helpful. Such concepts as long division, fractions, decimals, and percents, measurement, and proportions can all be covered. The ACMS Wolves also have a soccer game today at Badgett Stadium in College Park, so any families that want to come out and support our team are warmly welcomed!

SUCCESS!

Student success day occurred yesterday, and looks to be another huge SUCCESS! Student success day is the opportunity for students who need to finish, revise, or redo work to have the opportunity to do so with the help of their respective teachers for the assignment. Many of our students here in MST had work of some form or another, and I am very pleased to say that every student accomplished their goals of completing all work! It was great to see the diligence and responsiveness of our students to get ahead in their studies.

Welcome Back!

I would personally like to welcome all of the students back to ACMS, as well as welcoming baby Vivian into the world! Congratulations Ms. Cannon! Upon arriving back at school, some of the students were able to play their handcrafted games! I would like to say that I am very pleased with the work that has gone into them. I would also like to introduce Mr. Icgoren, or just Mr. I for those in "the know", to our class. A couple of things to look for in the coming week... We will be completing work for our Success Day coming up on Wednesday, the completed work is rolling in. Also, we will begin looking at the water table and the patterns in which water moves. Don't forget about the CRCT test looming next week! Tutorials are still being held Monday and Friday beginning at 7:30 a.m. for those students who may need to brush up on some prior concepts. Again, congratulations to Ms. Cannon on her new baby girl! --Mr. Torsch

Vivian Tessa Cannon

Vivian wanted me to say hi to you all! She can't wait to meet you!

She's here!

Vivian Cannon was born this morning at 2:25am, 8.5lbs, 21in, healthy! We are so happy to meet her! Pictures will come soon :). Have a good day at school tomorrow playing your games. I hope you all had a woderful spring break.

Enjoy your spring break!

All:
It has been my pleasure working with you all this school year. I hate to leave you before we finish it out. But, I promise I will be stopping in to visit you when you least expect it. Also, check back on the blog for baby pictures! I will let you know when she is born and how cute she is!
Work hard, and I look forward to seeing the wonderful projects that you create through the rest of the year.
S. Cannon

Games Due at END of Period Tomorrow

The board games will be due at the end of the period tomorrow.
All STUDY SHEETS need to be turned in at the very beginning of the period, so they can be copied and distributed.
We can't wait to play them.

Game Design Continues

We had a good day today figuring out the theoretical probabilities for our games and creating charts to keep track of experimental probability as students play after spring break. It seems that everyone is on track to complete their games. Keep up the good work!!!

Study Guides/Questions/Scale Drawing Due Tomorrow

Remember that your Study Guides/Questions/Scale Drawing are due tomorrow.
Please type the study guide and questions if at all possible.
Thanks!

You can email them to
ttorsch@atlantachartermiddle.com
and
scannon@atlantachartermiddle.com

Reminder:
Your questions should NOT be open ended. They need to have one right answer that they students in our class should be familiar with. You can use images and diagrams on your questions and study sheets.

Play Time

We had fun (and learned a lot about probability) today while playing the board games that students brought in. Over the weekend, we encourage groups to work on their questions/game board design/ and study sheets, in order to get ahead for next week. Remember, all games in their final version will be due on Thursday of next week.

Still confused about probability, learn more HERE.

Game Board Designers!

Remember to bring a game board in tomorrow!!!
Tonight, you should also be brainstorming the most important things someone should know about your topic. You can start working on your study sheet and questions if you want.

Review the PROJECT DESCRIPTION and RUBRIC that we gave you today.


Please review it and bring any questions that you have for me tomorrow.

Game Boards

Make sure to bring in some board games for us to use on Friday! If we don't have games, we can't play them!!!!!

Aid Memory

Create something to help you remember the difference between Theoretical vs. Experimental Probability. If you can't think of anything create a Venn Diagram.

Try this probability activity to see how well you understand it.

Expand Vocabulary

This week's words are:
theoretical probability
experimental probability
event
outcome
random
trail

It's Doctor DIAMETER

It's Doctor DIAMETER

Project: A Trip to Mars

A Trip to Mars Projects are due at the end of the period tomorrow. You will have about 45-60 minutes tomorrow to work.

Measure Up

Tonight make sure you have your measurements for your items that you are taking with you to Mars. You need to measure in cm to the nearest mm.

A Trip to Mars

Brainstorm a list of the top 5 things you would take with you on a 2.5 year journey to Mars and back. All of your items must fit in a one foot by one foot by one foot cube.
Begin taking measurements of your items and recording them on your chart.

Upcoming Unit on Probability

If you have any board games that you could bring into the school for us to use for the next 2 weeks, it would be greatly appreciated.
Chutes and Ladders
Life
Twister
Monopoly
etc....

We will be using them to begin our unit on probability.

Surface Area to Volume

Today, we began our journey from what we know about surface area to volume of geometric solids, specifically rectangular prisms and cylinders.
For HW, please
-Describe when you would use cm, cm2, or cm3 in real life.
- Draw a cm, cm2, or cm3

Interactive on Surface Area and Volume

Pi Day Sunday

Thanks to everyone who contributed to Pi day with food or good spirit! I want to see some comments about the relationship between pi, circumference and diameter.

REMEMBER, your surface area work should be complete when you arrive to class on Monday.

Pi Day Tomorrow

Pi represents the relationship between a circle’s diameter (its width) and its circumference (the distance around the circle).

Since, we are working with pi in class right now, we have decided to celebrate pi day tomorrow. If possible, please bring something circular or spherical, edible, and yummy!

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Surface Area of Geometric Solids

Today, we began working on finding the surface area of geometric solids focusing on rectangular prisms and cylinders. For HW tonight, please find the SA of a rectangular prism with a length of 10 inches and height of 24 inches and a width of 12 inches.
Finding Surface Area

Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors- Geocentric vs. Heliocentric

Heliocentric- Andreas Cellarius 1660

Geocentric



Geocentric vs. Heliocentric- Click on next at the bottom to learn about Heliocentric

Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors

Extra Credit: Find and research a scientist that contributed to the heliocentric or geocentric model of the solar system. Post to the blog what you learn about their contribution.

Creature Feature and Expand Vocabulary

I am so impressed by the level of thought and detail that you put into your creature feature presentations and drawings. You demonstrated your knowledge of Mars and Venus.

Tonight for HW, please EXPAND VOCABULARY:
heliocentric
geocentric
comets
meteors
asteroids
volumes

Review of Planet Classification:
Remember, planets can be classified by size, location, or composition. Bonus: What did you notice about the three classifications today?

Creature Feature Presentations on Monday

Axis Tipping

For homework please, READ and RESPOND to the following article:
CNN Story on the Chile Earthquake

Remember, you need three paragraphs:
Issues (What's the main issue or idea in the article?)
Evidence (What facts support that main idea?)
You (How does this or could this affect your life?)

More information about:
MARS
VENUS

Faces, vertices, and edges, Oh My!

Please complete the half page that you glued into your Earth Journal today to practice with faces, vertices, and edges.
For more help on this, see the links below.

Geometric figures

Interactive Geometry
Thank you, Ella, for posting to the blog about the Earth's axis. To read more about this, please read below.
What happened to the Earth's axis?

Expand Vocabulary

Expand Vocabulary:
- period of rotation
- period of revolution
- relative size
- surface temperature
- atmosphere
- gravity
- surface area


Information on Saturn's Rings
Even more DETAILED information about the mission to Saturn
Monthly Hot or Not Question:
Why is Mercury #2 if it is closer to the sun?
Post your answers here.

Netlicious

You all did GREAT work today and were relentless in your focus!!! YEAH. Thank you for being so responsible for your actions and learning. Tomorrow, you will have an additional 45 minutes to work on projects. We will do presentations on Monday.

Tonight, for HW, please draw a NET for a rectangular prism that would be proportional to one with a length of 42 km, width of 21 km, and height of 7 km. That's one HUGE rectangular prism.

Nets!!!!

Study the net sheet that was given out in class today. In your Earth Journal, draw one of the nets at a different scale. Make sure it is to SCALE though.

CHECK OUT ALL THE NETS!

Solar System Trends Research and E Day

Tonight, please make sure to complete your data table if you have not already done so.
NASA is a great place to start your search.
Also, EXPAND the following vocabulary:
celsius
fahrenheit
planet
moon
satellite
solid figure
net (geometry)

Extra Credit Opportunity:
Research and present to the class- What is the difference between a planet, dwarf planet and plutoid?

Jekyll Jeopardy

We hope you enjoyed the game! Congrats Ms. Waldman's advisory. Do you know all these words?
Beach Ecology

Accretion - building up of land by physical forces
Barrier island - long, narrow island lying parallel to the mainland and separated from it by bay, lagoon, or marsh
Bivalve - Mollusks having two shells (like clams, oysters, and mussels)
Continental Shelf - remaining submerged portion of the coastal plain
Continental Slope - the actual edge of the continent whose slope rapidly falls to a deep plateau and eventually into the ocean depths
Erosion - process of being gradually worn away
Georgia bight (South Atlantic bight) - inward-curving shape of the coast line stretching from Cape Hatteras, NC to Miami, FL
Longshore current - current that runs parallel to the shore within the surf zones
Sandbar - submerged or exposed line of sand accumulated by wave action
Sand dunes - a hill of sand piled up by the wind
Sea oats - a tall grass (Uniola panicolata) that grows on the coast of the southern U.S. and helps hold the sand dunes together
Tides - periodic changes in the height of the ocean caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun
Univalve - Mollusks having only one shell (like snails, whelks, conchs)
Wrack - debris washed up along the high tide line of a beach

Marsh Ecology

Anaerobic - without oxygen, as in anaerobic mud
Barrier island - long, narrow island lying parallel to the mainland and separated from it by bay, lagoon, or marsh
Detritus - particles of dead organic matter and the decomposers that live on it
Estuary - body of water partially surrounded by land where fresh water from rivers mixes with ocean water, creating an area of remarkable biological productivity
Hammock - areas of higher elevation in the salt marsh which support shrubs and trees
Salt marsh - a grassy area that extends along the shores of estuaries and sheltered coasts in temperate regions
Salt pan - an undrained area in a salt marsh in which water gathers and leaves a deposit of salt on evaporation
Spartina alterniflora - a tall perennial, plant which dominates the salt marshes of coastal Georgia
Tides - periodic changes in the height of the ocean caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun

Maritine Forest Ecology

Canopy - the uppermost branchy layer of a forest
Climax community - a stable, long-established community of self-perpetuating organisms that tends not to change with time
Community - populations of all species that occupy a particular habitat and interact within that habitat
Dune ridge - upland ridges originally formed from sand dunes on relic beaches
Epiphyte - a plant that lives on another plant
Maritime forest - the forests by the sea that are characterized by live oaks, palms, and palmettos
Microclimate - the essentially uniform local climate of a small habitat
Pioneer plants - plants capable of establishing themselves in a bare area and initiating an ecological cycle
Salt-shearing - pruning of tree limbs, buds, and leaves the salt carried in the sea breezes
Slough - freshwater areas ranging from temporary ponds to permanent swamps and freshwater marshes, those on barrier islands are typically formed in swales where the surface of the ground is close to the water table
Succession - the changes in species composition that lead to a climax community
Swale - low area between dune ridges
Understory - the plants of a forest that grow low to the ground

Moon Papers Due TOMORROW

Final drafts of Moon Papers are due tomorrow. Also, make sure you practice your math!!!

Catch Up Week!

This week we are catching up on the moon papers and math practice with ratio, proportion, conversions and measurement.
Tonight, you need to finish your moon paper revisions to be turned in to me for a final review prior to final drafts which are due on Friday.

Off to Jekyll

We celebrated the moon today, and all students received their moon papers back. We still have significant work to do on these papers, so students will be working on them until Friday, February 19th when they will turn in a Final Draft. They received a rubric to use in correcting/revising their current draft. If students have any questions, I encourage them to see me to address them. I want to be sure that students understand what they are writing.

For now though, it is off to Jekyll. YEAH!!!

DEAR MOON- How we love thee!

We are closing out our unit on the Earth, Moon and Sun System. I am looking forward to reading all of your papers. As I told you in class today, we will have a quiz on the moon tomorrow. If you want to review or just want to learn more, check out these links:
NASA: The Moon
Google Moon
Moon at Enchanted Learning