All plans are tentative and subject to change.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Week of 10/31

This week, we begin our look at waste (chapter 19 in the book).

In addition to our traditional work, students are tasked with turning trash into something positive. I am not asking anyone to dig through trash or work with dangerous materials. However, consider an item's value before throwing it away. If it could be used in this project, clean it out and set it aside for use. (You might even get your kid to sort through the garage or a closet that you've been dreading cleaning.)

Here are some examples from artists:
40 Works of Art Made from Trash
7 Innovative Artists who Create Art from Trash

I look forward to seeing rough draft versions of students' trash creations on Friday.

The rules are as follows:
1. Must be small enough to bring to school
2. Must be safe (no sharp edges or rotting material)
3. Must have a clear purpose
4. Must be different than its original purpose

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Week of 10/24

This week, we are concluding our study of the earth's climate and the effect humans have on it. This information is covered in chapter 13 of the book. A review slideshow can be found by clicking here.

We will test on Friday. We spent yesterday reviewing guided reading questions in class. Students received a study guide today, and we will spend Thursday reviewing.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Week of 10/17

This week, we are studying climate and climate change. We will discuss global warming and conduct a student-designed lab to model the effect of greenhouse gases. On that note, WE NEED YOU to send your students in with empty milk jugs or 2 liter bottles. CLEAR is best, but we can work with green or white too.

We will also discuss el nino and la nina. We will compare these events to normal climatic patterns.

IMPORTANT ALERT!
On Monday 10/17, we passed out a recovery packet which will serve to recover low test grades (Chapters 15, 14, and 11) and replace low or missing classwork grades from the same chapters. The recovery packet can also be viewed on google docs by following the link above or clicking here. The recovery packet is due Wednesday 10/26

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Conference Week + Weekly Post

Week of 10/3

I apologize for the delay in my update.

This week, we are studying air pollution. Students will complete a guided reading assignment, a spider map, and set up a lab to determine what living pollutants are in the air around us.

CONFERENCE WEEK

Next week (10/10 - 10/14) is conference week.

Please check your student's grade on parent portal. (https://campus.paulding.k12.ga.us/campus/portal/paulding.jsp?status=portalLogoff&lang=en)

Then read the following information.

Recovery:
Attempted summative grades may be recovered during tutoring (below) within 1week of getting a grade for that assignment.
Recovery may include test corrections, study guides, and/or tutoring and a 2nd assessment.
An average of the 1st and 2nd grades will be the new grade for the assignment.


Tutoring/Recovery Schedule:
Monday  3:30 - 4:15
Tuesday 3:30 - 4:15
Wednesday 8:00 - 8:30

If you have any further questions, please contact me via e-mail at smurray@paulding.k12.ga.us

Thank you.