Word UP! Pre-Algebra students are working on designing and creating game boards that use our vocabulary words for the present (MP2) and past (MP1) marking periods. Student contracts, which require a signature from both parents and students, were distributed last week and are due no later than 11/7. Each contract included the vocabulary words — of which no less than 25 words comprise one game board. Get your contracts in ASAP — and don’t forget –> Game Boards and all associated parts (including instructions) are due to be turned in no later than the end of class on November 12.
Congratz to all students who reached their grade goal for MP1. A new marking period starts 11/5/2008. Re-Take Pictures Day is Nov. 6; Veteran’s Day is Nov. 11 (no school); Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Nov. 14.
First Blog of the 08-09 school year. The LiSci Guy is now teaching Math (pre-Algebra and Math 7), so I’m looking for a catchy name for the Blog. Got ideas? Send them in here or give them to Mr. Yanku at JYMS.
Pre-Algebra: Test coming this Friday on Operations (Order, Integer, and Properties). Vocabulary words for this week are: integer, positive and negative integers, opposites, and absolute value.
Math 7: Spending quality time on comparing, ordering, and determining relationships among fractions, percents, and decimals. We’ll introduce the order of operations and properties of operations before the end of the month. Get ready to test (this Friday) on material covered through Sept. 24.
Our 7th grade science and math departments took a field trip today … taking in the NRHS Drama Club’s presentation of “School House Rock” and picnicking at Sleepy Hole Park. A great time was had by all who came. Big tests coming up include the benchmark exam for Part B on May 13, the end-of-course test (first week of June), and the 9-weeks test during the last days of the 2008 school year. The test on May 13 will cover LS6 (Photosynthesis), LS7 (Energy Flow through Ecosystems), LS8 and LS9 (Population and Community Interactions). We’ll begin reviewing for this test on May 7, the day after our Professional Development Day (no school for kids on May 6).
Review underway for Wednesday’s Benchmark Test Part A. The test will cover scientific investigations (LS1), animal and plant needs (LS2), cell functions, cell organization, cell processes, and cell structures (LS3 and LS4). In addition to the interactive notebook and GRSW (guided reading and study workbook), students had a three-page study guide to fill-in and use as an additional study resource. Students also conducted a gummy bear lab to brush up on scientific investigation methods. The Benchmark assessment marks the end of our first grading period. Coming up Thursday … new material as we launch into the ecological organization and behaviors of organisms. Keep up with the reading and vocabulary!!
Have you figured out JULIAN DATE CALENDAR method of computing the day’s date?
Create-a-Cell: The skills of a scientist are in play here — making models, the creating of scientific displays to show complex processes. In this case, it’s a model of life at work in the form of a plant or animal cell. For those who were in class this past Friday, there was a weekend Lab assignment that noted the details for completing the model making lab. Ask for the Create-a-Cell lab handout. Early turn-ins accepted Monday, Feb. 11 (8042). On-time points will be awarded Wednesday, Feb 13 (8044).
SOL Study Hall and review session this Wednesday after-school until 4:15 pm. Students must have written permission signed by the child’s parent that states a pick-up time.
Assesment of LS1 (scientific investigation), LS2 (basic needs of living things), and LS4 (cell theory, cell structures, cell functions) will take place Thursday (8045) and Friday (8046).
Just wanted to SHOUT OUT to all the new students and parents. Well, you might not be new to JYMS but you are new to the 7th grade science class. If you received a new science book at the beginning of the school year and you’re just now beginning your science class, please be sure to return your book so it can be scanned through our new tracking system.
This week we’ll be reviewing and introducing new concepts related to scientific investigation. Science textbooks are being distributed for home use. Reading pages 6-18 and 806-816 will be helpful.
If you have any concerns or comments, drop me a note here on the blog or email me at ricyanku@spsk12.net.
THANKS and GOOD LUCK
The time has come … time to bring in those science textbooks so I can redistribute them to the students who will take Life Science during the 2nd semester. Students should return their books to Mr. Yanku on the day of their exam: Block 3 on Jan. 23; Block 4 on Jan 24; Block 5 on Jan. 25.
Thanks for your support.
An SOL Science study guide was given to the students on Monday. Students were allowed to work on their packets in class and they were urged to complete the assignments at home. The study guide, which was fairly comprehesive, was generated from previously processed skills, interactive notebooks, and the textbook. It covered the entire sprectrum of the standards — from LS.1 to LS.14. Good Luck on your SOL Science test on Thursday (the 17th) and the upcoming Bench Mark Part B test next week.
The weather was great for surfing … web-surfing, that is. We answered questions about forests during their visit to a web page dedicated to Virginia’s #1 land resource. You can check it out yourself at www.vanaturally.com.
Homework assigned was a reading from the textbook, pages 778-788, and to finish the Biomes foldable that we started in class last week.
Happy New Year - let’s make it a great 2008!!!
Students are investigating biomes and aquatic ecosystems this week. Homework, given 8002, was a biome mapping exercise. Homework, assigned 8003, was from the textbook — after reading pages 758 - 769, complete the section 4 assessment on page 769. Classwork included defining vocabulary, collecting data on the six major biomes and placing it in a chart, and filling out the study workbook (#1-26 on pages 301 - 306). We’ll be using the COWs in the classroom on 8004.
Thanks to those parents and students who provided the seasonal cards and gifts. Many blessings coming back your way.
Also, I’ve posted (on GradeSpeed) the scores from the BenchMark Part B test. These are the “first-take” scores. I’ll be posting the “improved” rescores in a few days.