Earthquakes

We had a few questions in class that if anyone can answer, extra credit will be given (I had a few of my own I added):

1) What number on the earthquake "Richter" scale is the one where people can actually feel the earthquake?

2) When was the most intense earthquake ever recorded and what number was it on the scale?

3) How many tectonic plates are there on the Earth?

If you find out anymore interesting facts, list them under the comments and you'll get credit as well!

Weekly News

In Math this week we are going to turn our attention to working with percents again. The students are going to learn how to compute sales tax, tips, and discounts. If the students remember how to turn the percents into decimals, they will have no problems!

In Science we are going to return to our unit on Plate Tectonics and start by watching a video about plate tectonics which will also answer some questions students still have on continental drift. We will then model earthquake seismograph records and students will explore the relationships between the movement of the plates and earthquakes.

In Advisory we will start looking for ideas for our last trimester exhibition topic. I have a few ideas, but I'd like to see what the students have in mind also. So, students, if you are reading this, try to think of a topic you'd like to study that can incorporate ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, okay? We'll talk about it this week and hopefully by the end of the week we'll have our new topic to start! Remember, on Thursday, we will be going to Wayne State University's Food Court as a reward for a job well done last week with exhibitions. Don't forget to bring money if you'd like to buy something to eat!!!

See you tomorrow!

Exhibitions

I am so proud of all the students hard work with their exhibitions. It goes to show they worked their butts off when many of them fulfilled the 30 minute time frame and even went over (whoops!). I am impressed with the work they did and hope they continue this high level of work for the third trimester project.

Congratulations to the following students for receiving a "Meeting expectations" grade or higher:

• Trenton -- Presentation Skills
• Cameron -- Presentation Skills AND Academic Skills
• Christina -- Presentation Skills AND Academic Skills
• Ananda -- Presentation Skills AND Academic Skills
• Michael -- Presentation Skills
• Trinity -- Presentation Skills AND Academic Skills
• DaShawn -- Presentation Skills AND Academic Skills
• Leah -- Academic Skills
• Khaila -- Presentation Skills AND Academic Skills
• Deacon -- Presentation Skills AND Academic Skills

Great job everyone!!!

Field Trips

Now that the exhibitions are over (and most students did fabulous on them -- BIG round of applause to you all!), we can look at going on some field trips.

Thursday, March 11 -- Wayne State University Food Court as a reward for doing so well and working so hard on their exhibitions. Students will still go to the school lunch and electives, and we will leave shortly after 1pm. Students are asked to bring money depending on what they'd like to eat at Wayne State.

Monday, March 15 -- University of Michigan Maple Syrup Field Trip -- We will be leaving around 9am and returning around 2:30pm. Students are asked to wear old, warm clothing as we will be outside and it may be muddy and cold. Students are also asked to bring a bag lunch since there will be no food for purchase. The cost is $7 and students must pay this and bring their permission slip by Monday, March 8th. Any parents that would like to chaperone are free of charge. Please just let me know if you would like to join us.

Friday, March 19 -- Skating Party -- a fundraiser for the 8th grade students attending the Japan trip in the Summer. Cost is $12 ($10 if you have your own skates). Students will leave at 12pm and return by 3:30pm. Money and permission slips are due by Wednesday, March 17.

** Please realize that students are not REQUIRED to attend any of these field trips. If there are behavior problems, individual students will stay back at the school with another teacher with work to do. Students that do not go on the Maple Syrup field trip will be given Science work to do in replace of the field trip since this is an academic field trip.

Any questions? Let me know...

Weekly News

This will be a busy week for the class since we have exhibitions this week!

In Math we will continue working with story problems, in addition to working with dividing decimals as both of these skills prove to be the most difficult ones for students still.

We will not be doing Science this week since we have exhibitions all afternoon.

In Advisory we will be presenting exhibitions. The things students must remember are:

• Do you have an agenda?
• Is your binder in the order that your agenda says?
• Do you have the necessary note cards?
• Have you practiced your exhibition in front of someone to make sure yours isn't too short or too long?
• Do you have ALL of your projects? (If you are not sure, please refer to the rubric I gave out last week for the projects that will be graded, as well as the presentation skills that you will be graded on)

I am anticipating much success for this exhibition because the students have been working VERY hard. I look forward to seeing everyone's presentation this coming week!

Upcoming Field Trip

On March 15, 2010 (Monday), we will be going on a field trip to the University of Michigan - Dearborn. We will be working with "Maple Syrup Science" where the students will learn the process of making maple syrup and all the science that is involved. This is a partially outdoor field trip so students must wear old clothes -- jeans, sweatshirts, boots, etc. and they should also have necessary warm clothes such as gloves, hats, scarfs, warm coats, etc.

The cost of the field trip is $7 and it is due no later than Monday, March 8th.

We are looking for a couple parent volunteers, so if you would like to volunteer, please let me know by Friday, March 5th.

Finally, students will be required to bring their own bagged lunch since we will not be at school for the normal lunch time. If they normally get a school lunch and would like a bagged school lunch, I must be notified before Friday, March 5th as well.

Any questions?? Let me know...

A longer vacation...

Happy Snow Day -- again! I'm sure you all know it's a snow day today, but I just want to remind you that exhibitions are next week. Have fun today, but remember that today is a GREAT day to get caught up since you'll have one less school day to get this stuff done, since we don't have school today.

Enjoy your day and see you tomorrow!