3/31 Science

With only 2 days left to the 3rd Quarter, students should be:
1) Making up missing work
2) Performing cells test corrections
3) Finishing up the Human Body Project

3.31 Maths

8th Grade

Students explored problem 2.4, "Factoring Quadratic Expressions." This problem develops further understanding of the distributive property. There is no practice assigned.

7th Grade

Students worked in their integer groups again today.

Group A - worked on Problem 2.1 - No practice
Group B - worked on Problem 2.5 - Practice - Review packet - QUIZ TOMORROW!
Group C - Took a quiz and moved on to problem 4.1 "Order of Operations" - Practice - Complete MR 3 - MR 3 is due tomorrow!

3.30 Maths

8th Grade -

Students explored the distributive property today as they worked through problem 2.3. We will finish and summarize problem 2.3 tomorrow. The following practice is assigned: Problem 2.3 D.

7th Grade -

Students worked in their integer groups again today.

Group A - worked on Problem 2.1 - Practice - 2ACE # 2, 3
Group B - worked on Problem 2.3 - Practice - 2ACE # 10, 11, 12
Group C - worked on additional practice and Math Reflection 3 to review for the quiz tomorrow. Practice - Work on additional practice packet and MR3. We will finish MR3 tomorrow in class.

(For those students who did Problem 2.2 - practice - 2ACE #6, 7, 32 )

Group C will have a quiz tomorrow!

URGENT: 50/50 Raffle

Team I-Leap is in the final stages of our 50/50 raffle fundraiser for the 8th Grade Trip to Boston. We will be drawing the winning ticket this Thursday evening at the Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at the Middle/High School (Dinner begins at 5:00 PM). Tickets are $20 each and the jackpot is already over $1000 with tickets sales increasing rapidly each day. We will only sell 500 tickets guaranteeing the odds of winning to be 1 in 500 or better with a jackpot of up to $5000. Please either purchase your tickets by contacting your favorite Middle School student or you can contact the I-Leap team teachers directly at the email addresses at the bottom of the page. We will sell any remaining tickets at the Spaghetti Dinner, but cannot guarantee their availability.

Thank you,

Tom Keblin
tkeblin@mtsd-vt.org

Pete Wyndorf
pwyndorf@mtsd-vt.org

3.29 Maths

8th Grade -

Students finished up problem 2.2. Some began problem 2.3, "The Distributive Property". The following practice is assigned: 2ACE # 2-4, 16

7th Grade -

Students worked in their integer groups again today.

Group A - worked on Problem 1.4 - Practice - 1ACE # 6, 8, 48
Group B - worked on Problem 2.2/2.3 - Practice - 2ACE # 6, 7, 32
Group C - worked on Problem 3.4 - Practice - 3ACE # 12-17, 19

Group B & C will have a quiz on Wednesday, March 31, 2010

3/29 Science

This is the last week of Q3. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their teachers to find out how they are doing. Along those lines, students were given a progress report in science today. The progress report should be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to science class.

Other homework includes:
1) Make up missing work
2) Cells test corrections
3) Wiki Project day 6: Tags and comments on other people's systems.

3/26 Science

Students should be finished with wiki parts I & II by friday (day 3 & 4 on the project.) If not, please complete it for homework or during our midday block. If anyone has any questions or feels like they are unable to meet this deadline, please speak with me.

3.26 Math

8th Grade

Students explored equivalent quadratic expressions. We looked closely at representing quadratic relationships in both expanded and factored forms. No practice is assigned.

7th Grade

Students worked in their integer groups again today. Comparing and Scaling Unit Project was handed back today. Students who have not handed it in must do so by Monday. Students may revise their write ups, these are due on Monday as well. There is no practice assigned.

3.25 Maths

8th Grade

Students began investigation 2 today. In this investigations students will be exploring quadratic expressions. We began with problem 2.1 which focused on equivalent expressions to represent areas of rectangles. Students should complete problem 2.1 before class on Friday.

7th Grade

Students continued in their integer groups. Students worked on the problems listed below and the following practice is assigned.

Group A - worked on Problem 1.2 - Practice - 1ACE # 9-19
Group B - worked on Problem 2.1 - Practice - 2ACE # 1-3
Group C - worked on Problem 3.2 - Practice - 3ACE # 4-6

3.24 Maths

8th Grade
Students took a check-up quiz on writing quadratic equations to model the relationship between side length and area of rectangles with fixed perimeter. The grade for this quiz is entered in PowerSchool under the two separate skills assessed - 1. writing equations; and 2. interpreting models of quadratic relationships.

7th Grade
We had a good collaborative discussion about classroom norms today. Students will resume their study of integers on Thursday.

3/24 Science

Depending on where students are at with their research, students may or may not have homework tonight. If students have NOT finished day 3's research and write up (see project overview), then they should complete it as homework (either at home or at school during our midday block.)

3/23 Science

Students should complete their body system's background research and drawing, if they did not finish it during class.  Tomorrow, we will use the information from their research to start building a wiki page for others to view.

Students should also:

1)  Complete "Feel The Beat" assessment.

2)  Make cells test corrections.

3)  Make up any missing work. 

3.23 Maths

8th Grade

Students finished problem 1.3 in class. The following practice is assigned:

R2 1ACE #6-8

R3 1ACE #8, 13

If you did not finish problem 1.3, please do so for practice.

7th Grade

Students began work in "Accentuate the Negative". Students were grouped based on a pre-assessment given last week. The following practice was assigned...

Group A - worked on Problem 1.1 - Practice - 1ACE #6-8, 48

Group B - worked on Problem 3.1 - Practice - 3ACE # 2, 3, 30

Group C - worked on Problem 1.4 - Practice - 1ACE #35, 36, 37

Personal Research Essay

We are about to being a personal response paper that demonstrates a point of view based on the struggle you chose. On the wiki you will find a writing guide for the personal response, which is the same outline received in class. Also, you will find general questions to consider that should help you determine what needs to be in each paragraph. If you have not yet met with Mrs. Endres or Mrs. Bakr to outline your essay please make sure that you do. In this meeting you will assisted in designing the flow of the essay.

Remember:

• Make sure every pararaph has your reaction or personal connection to the topic of the paragraph.
• You must also make sure that every paragraph supports your point of view.
• Most impotrantly, leave your reader with something to think about.

3/22 Science

Students began a research project where they are expected to become "experts" on a particular body system.  This week, students will study a body system, create a wiki page that displays their research for others to view and create 'tags' on their wiki page that connects their body system to the other body systems.  For an overview of the project, check out number 8 on the human body page in the science folder.  Students are expected to connect their research to the larger idea of homeostasis (how the body maintains a healthy balance among these systems) and offer suggestions to others on how to keep this system healthy.

students can also:

1) Make up missing work.

2) Make cell test corrections.

3) Complete the "Feel The Beat" Inquiry Assessment.

3.22 Maths

8th Grade
In class, students reviewed their learning from Problem 1.2, and began Problem 1.3 where they are introduced to equations for quadratic relationships. No practice is assigned.

7th Grade
Today, students cleaned out their binders and got their new books, "Accentuate the Negative". As a class, we explored our new book. There is no practice tonight.

3.19 Maths

7th Grade

Today, students shared their scale building projects with each other and had class time to work on their building plan write up. The building plan write up is due on Monday March 22, 2010.

8th Grade
Students continued to explore quadratic relationships and their patterns in tables and graphs in Problem 1.2. Students must complete practice questions 1ACE # 1, 14, 15 before class on Monday.

3/18 Science

1) Students should meet with me to review how they should study/prepare for test corrections and then make those corrections.
2) Feel the Beat Assessment/write is due Friday 3/19.

3.18 Maths

8th Grade
Students explored their first quadratic relationship in Problem 1.1. The following practice is assigned:
1ACE # 1, 14, 15

7th Grade

Today, students finished up their model building. Groups will share their projects and tie up any loose ends tomorrow.

Practice: Have numbers 1 -3 completed on write up checklist.

3.17 Maths

8th Grade
Students were returned the Unit Test, and the Math Reflections 3 assessments today. Any student wishing to improve either of these assessments must meet with Mr. C before the end of the week. Login to PowerSchool to see all of your assessments from this quarter.

Students received the textbook for the next unit, "Frogs, Fleas and Painted Cubes." In this unit, students will master the distributive property while exploring quadratic relationships. Check out an overview of this unit here.

7th Grade

Students worked on their model homes today. This project will be wrapping up on Friday. Students building plan write up will be due on Monday, March 22, 2010.

For practice tonight, please begin working on the building plan write up. Directions are on the project handout.

3.16 Humanities

2 Paragraph Constructed Response due Wednesday.

BE SURE to compare and contrast a past group's struggle for equality with a current group's struggle.

Your topic sentence for both paragraphs should identify both the past and current group AS WELL AS the big idea you chose (i.e. Groups mobilize in a variety of ways to enact social change).

Revise your work to be sure all parts of your Super 6 paragraphs relate back to your statement.

3/16 Science

1) Students received back their cells test and should make corrections on it.
2) Read the "tissue debate" worksheet and answer the 5 questions to the best of your ability.

3.16 Maths

8th Grade
Students took the unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem today. Tests will be returned tomorrow.

3/15 Science

1)  Students should make up any missing work!

2) Students received a reading packet in class today.  They should read the packet and underline anything that they think is important.  Students are encouraged to use the annotation skills they worked on in humanities clinic to help highlight key ideas, etc and be prepared to discuss the reading in class tomorrow.

3.15 Maths

8th Grade
The unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem has been moved to Tuesday. Students should continue to review their classwork and complete the previously assigned practice assignments.

7th Grade
Students continued work on their Comparing & Scaling building project. Students received their math reflections back today. Corrections to math reflections are due Wednesday, March 17th.

3.12 Maths

8th Grade
Students are practicing applying the Pythagorean Theorem to problem solving situations in preparation for the unit test on Monday. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - page 65 #1; and 4ACE #6, 8
R3 - page 65 #1, 2; and 4ACE #8, 10, 35
*Remember - there are useful study tools on the 8th Grade Math page of the team wiki!*

7th Grade

Students are applying their proportional reasoning skills to a building project. Students will be building a model for a miniature person. The building process will be done as a group and a written building plan will follow which will be done individually. Have a great weekend!

3.11 Maths

7th Grade

Students worked on math reflection 4 today. These reflections are due tomorrow at the beginning of class. Students were also introduced to the unit project they will be starting tomorrow.

8th Grade
In class, students are mastering applications of Pythagorean Theorem in real world situations in Problem 4.2. Math Reflections 3 are due at the beginning of class on Friday. There will be a unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem on Monday. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - 4ACE #3, 5, 9
R3 - 4ACE #5, 9, 12

3/9 Science

Students will be assessed on their understanding of cells and cell processes.  Students should utilize the wiki and the study guide that was handed out to help prepare for the exam.  The test format will be multiple choice, fill in the blank, true or false and constructed responses.

3.9 Maths

7th Grade

Today, students discovered new strategies for finding an unknown value in a proportion. Students began problem 4.3, "Developing Strategies for Solving Proportions" where they used rate tables, scale factors, unit rates, and cross multiplication to solve proportions. We will finish problem 4.3 in class tomorrow.

The following practice is assigned:

R2 - 4ACE #6-9, 14, 24

R3 - 4ACE # 6, 7, 27

8th Grade
Students explored the Wheel of Theodorus in Problem 4.1 For practice, students should complete even questions only on pages 39 and 40 of the Practice Packet.
*There will be a unit test on the Pythagorean Theorem on Friday*

3.8 Maths

8th Grade
Students are formalizing their understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem as right triangles defined by the algorithm a² + b² = c². After completing problem 3.4, students began Math Reflections 3. Math Reflections 3 is due on Wednesday. The following practice is assigned: 3ACE # 15-17.

7th Grade

Students continued setting up and solving proportions. Today, students focused on everyday uses for proportions.

Practice:

R2 4ACE # 3, 5, 18

R3 4ACE # 5, 18, 25

3/8 Science

Students have a test on their understanding of cells. They were given a study guide and can use the wiki to help review the material and prepare for the test

Students should also make up any missing assignments

3/5 Science

1) Students will be tested on their knowledge of cells 3/10. Students can use the wiki (cells page in the science folder) to help review for the test.

2) Students should make up any missing work.

3.5 Maths

7th Grade
Do Over Instructions for Comparing and Scaling Investigation 3 Quiz, DUE - MONDAY MARCH 8
You may re-do problems you got wrong. On a separate piece of paper, please rewrite the original problem and your original answer. Next, you need to re-do each problem. For each, please include the following…

• An explanation of what you did wrong on the quiz in your original answer;
• Show every step of your work as you re-do the problem;
• A brief description of what your mistakes were and how you went about fixing them and finding the correct answer.

In order to show Mastery on your re-do, all of the above must be included and checked off. Please remember to reread the directions on the quiz and label everything! Please include your quiz, completed quiz dissection, and redo stapled together when you turn it in.

3/4 Science

1) Students will be tested on their knowledge of cells on Wednesday 3/10.  Students can use the wiki (Cells page in the science folder) to help review for the test.

2) Students received a progress report that shows any assignments they may owe.  Students should make up any missing work.

3.4 Maths

8th Grade
In class, students applied the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of line segments drawn on a coordinate grid in problem 3.3. The following practice is assigned:
R2 - 3ACE #24, 35
R3 - 3ACE #24, 34

7th Grade
In class, students practiced setting up and solving proportions in Problem 4.1. Tomorrow, we will take a look at everyday uses for proportions.
Practice:
**If you did not finish Problem 4.1, please do so for tomorrow!**
Otherwise…
R2 4ACE # 2, 17, 21
R3 4ACE # 4, 22, 23

3.4 Humanities

FINISH SUPER 6 PARAGRAPH.

Super 6 Paragraph - Statement (that is provable)
Example (related to the statement)
Proof (supports your statement)
In Your Own Words (context - who, what, where, when, how)
Why Important (Why is it important to the point made in your statement)

Super 6 Paragraph should be on ONE of the following topics (from One Woman, One Vote):
*Effectiveness of the protests
*Struggle of each (Early Movement w/ Susan B. Anthony began with move for abolition of
slavery VERSUS Later Movement w/ Alice Paul focused on improving
working conditions but needed right to vote)
*Change takes time (72 years)
*What approaches were necessary to begin a change

Summer Opportunities!

Rosie's Girls
Rosie's Girls Summer Program is an exciting summer day camp that helps girls develop and strengthen their capacities and confidence while exposing them to a range of educational and career opportunities they may have never considered. For girls entering grades 6-8. Explore woodworking, auto repair as well as creative arts and games. At the Essex Tech Center from June 21- July 9.

Partners In Adventure
A summer day camp for young people from the age of 12 to 22 with or without physical, develpmental or emotional challenges. There are four two-week sessions beginning on June 21 in Chittenden county.

Green Mountain Conservation Camp
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has summer camps that last for a week in which children learn about forests, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor activities. The cost is $200.

Ask your advisory teacher for more information on any of these opportunities.

3.3 Maths

WELCOME BACK!

8th Grade
Students dove right into problem 3.1 to discover one of the most famous and important mathematical concepts: The Pythagorean Theorem! The following practice is assigned:
R2 3ACE #1, 2, 5, 6, 13
- or -
R3 #1, 2, 8, 9, 14

7th Grade
Students took a closer look at their quizzes on Investigation 3 and worked on their quiz dissections. We discussed quiz do overs and students received instructions. These do overs will be due Monday, March 8th.
Today, we also began talking about proportions.

For tomorrow please complete your quiz dissection.