SS test chapt 24

Test on the Aztecs chapt 24 on
Friday 4/3

We will have class time on WED and FRI for the Mayan Research Project

Science

Jelly Fish

Have students research the Aurelia, a genus of jellyfish. Then have students write a story in which they discuss how the jellyfish move, what they eat, and how jellyfish sense in their environment.

Mollusk

Explain how mollusks eat, control body functions, and circulate blood
Describe the four body parts that most mollusks have in common
Compare and contrast the differences between a snail, clam, and quid

Squid dissection on Thursday 4/2
Squid assessment on Monday 4/6-be prepared to draw, label, or mold (using sculpty) the body parts of a squid.
Jellyfish and Mollusk reports due Monday 4/6

Mayans Research Project

We will start working on this when we return from Yosemite

Two Part Research Paper or Power-point

1. Geography-location, climate, agriculture, map

2. Choose ONE of the main topics below:

Religion-rituals, beliefs, main gods

or

Achievements (must choose 3)-mathematics, calendar, ball game, hieroglyphics, architecture, art

or

Daily Life-housing/clothing, warfare, trade

Math

7th Grade Math

*Due on Thursday, Mar. 18th MC 107-130 (remainder of chapter 5)

*Thursday, Mar. 18th Chapter 5 Test

math posting

Dear 7th grade parents,

Next week all 7th graders will be having a grand adventure in Yosemite! However, life at Discovery goes on, so there will be some Algebra homework that the 7th graders will be responsible for while they are gone. I will add this the homework due to my homework blog. Please go to: http://teacherweb.com/CA/DiscoveryCharterSchool/MrsStuart/uh1.stm to keep apprised of the homework each week. I still continue to notice that many 7th graders do not do their homework assigned on Thursday in class for the following Monday. Please make it a habit to ask your students what they have due in math!

Have a great experience in Yosemite! It will be memorable!

Mrs. Stuart

Repeat of Yahoo post

There seems to be some concerns surrounding the science expo-April 2.

I know I was not clear that the Expo was required when the paper work went out in the WED envelopes. However, after talking to my colleagues and finding out it is a requirement for 7th and 8th grade I did my best to communicate that to parents and students. Please see the blog post from Feb 23-it was also posted to each Yahoo Group.

http://7thgradedcs.blogspot.com/2009/02/science-expo-not-optional.html

Monday, February 23, 2009

Science Expo-Not optional

Some students do not have their packets.-

This expo will be a large part of the 2nd semester science grade

Hard copies are available in the school office. Electronic copies may be downloaded from the DCS yahoo group files: 2009 Science Expo Packet. Registration form is the last page of the packet.

Posted by Lorrmay at 10:34 AM Monday, February 23, 2009

That would give a 6 week window for the project-even with loosing a week in Yosemite, that should be enough time.

Also, project based learning, student choice and exploration with a chance to go deeper into an area of interest are the most essential science standards here at DCS. The science expo provides this opportunity for all students.

I have two recommendations at this point-use a research topic/model from a science menu or homework choice that has already been done-adding to it and using the science board format that is required. Or join in with one or two others who can complete the assignment as a team.

I think a positive parental attitude could become contagious and we could all be surprised at the outcomes of our very capable students. I'm looking forward to my first Science Expo here at DCS!

Lorraine Burnham

ELA-Giver Fianl Assignment

Dear Parents,

This is the final written assignment/project for The Giver. It is due on Friday, March 20th. (before they leave for Yosemite!) Students were asked to finish reading The Giver by tomorrow, if possible.
(quite easy if they are caught up!)

We will be starting Ender's Game on Tuesday, March 24th.

Thanks,
Susan Leftwich

Response to Literature Essay - The Giver

Choose ONE of the following prompts and write a 5 paragraph essay.

This assignment is due on Friday, March 20th.
(before you leave for Yosemite!)

Prompts

1. Think about Jonas. Tell whether you would want him for a sibling, friend, or partner, (choose one) and tell why (3 reasons), using specific examples from the text.

2. Write a letter to Jonas, commenting on what you think of what he did in
3 significant events in the story. You can agree or disagree with the character's actions.

3. Find a part of the book that "speaks" to you. It can be one sentence or one paragraph, but it must stand out to you. First, you must quote the text directly. Underneath the direct quote, begin your essay and explain why this part of the book stood out to you as the reader. (3 reasons) How did it "connect" to you?

4. Choose a character in The Giver and compare him/her to a character in a movie, TV program, or another book. How are they alike or different? (Make sure you explain each character in a detailed way, and then give specific examples of why they are similar and different). (3 comparisons)

Helpful Hints for constructing your essay:

Paragraph #1 - Introduction - State the name of the book and the author. Give a brief summary of the book. State your position or opinion in your topic sentence.

Paragraph #2, #3, #4 - (3 body paragraphs) Give proof. (This is your topic sentence for each of the 3 body paragraphs.) Elaborate on your topic sentence by using something you know about, an example from the text, or your own personal connection. (whatever makes sense with the prompt that you have chosen from above)

Paragraph #5 - Conclusion - Restate the topic of your essay. Re-list the 3 reasons, events, OR comparisons that you used (in order). Include any insights or connections that you have made.

Fwd: Build a Flower Model-due 3/13, Thur

>
>Objectives
>Build a model of a flower
>Explain how the model represents a real flower
>Describe the basic parts of a flower
>
>Using recycled materials and art supplies-pipe cleaners, paper plates, yogurt containers, string, buttons, beads, and yarn
>
>Include the following structures-pistil, petal, stigma, anther, filament style, stamen, ovary, sepal, stem
>
>Draw Conclusions
>4. How might you flower attract pollinators? What modifications could you make to your flower to attract a greater number of pollinators?
>
>Evaluating Models
>5. Is your model an accurate representation of a flower? Why or why not?
>
>Making Predictions
>6. If you based your flower model on a plant species that had flowers that did not have both male and female parts, how would that model be different from your current model?
>
>Applying your Data
>Research flowering plants whose flowers do not have both male and female reproductive parts. Build models of the male flower and the female flower for one of these flowering plants. Then, compare the new models to your original model, which include both male and female reproductive parts.
>
>
>
>

Build a Flower Model-due 3/13, Thur

Objectives
Build a model of a flower
Explain how the model represents a real flower
Describe the basic parts of a flower

Using recycled materials and art supplies-pipe cleaners, paper plates, yogurt containers, string, buttons, beads, and yarn

Include the following structures-pistil, petal, stigma, anther, filament style, stamen, ovary, sepal, stem

Draw Conclusions
4. How might you flower attract pollinators? What modifications could you make to your flower to attract a greater number of pollinators?

Evaluating Models
5. Is your model an accurate representation of a flower? Why or why not?

Making Predictions
6. If you based your flower model on a plant species that had flowers that did not have both male and female parts, how would that model be different from your current model?

Applying your Data
Research flowering plants whose flowers do not have both male and female reproductive parts. Build models of the male flower and the female flower for one of these flowering plants. Then, compare the new models to your original model, which include both male and female reproductive parts.

Math updat

7th Grade Math

*assigned on Monday, March 9th, MC 69-85 due on Wed. March 11th

*quiz on Monday, March 9th

*assigned on Wed. March 9th, MC 85-95 due on Thurs. March 12th

*assigned on Thurs. March 12th, MC 96-107 due on Mon. March 16th

ELA and Powerschool

Dear Parents,

As of today, Friday, March 6th, the Language Arts grades on PowerSchool are current. I have placed an "E" for any assignment that your child is exempt from - as there will be differentiated assignments going out.

If you see a "0", that means that your student did not turn it in. Of course, the zero will disappear as soon as I get the assignment.

Attached is the next Giver assignment - due Tuesday, March 10th.

Thanks,
Susan Leftwich

The Giver - Chapters 13 - 18 - Comprehension Questions
Due Tuesday, March 10th

You should read all of the chapters before doing the questions, or the questions will spoil the story for you. Each question is worth 2 points. Keep in mind that some numbered items contain MORE than one question each. If you wish to receive full credit for an answer, please write in complete sentences.

1. Explain what Jonas meant when he said, "It isn't fair that nothing has color." (p. 97)

2. Why do you think that the community isn't allowed to make choices?

3. What did the Giver mean when he said bitterly, "They know nothing."? (p. 105)

4. How was Jonas' second experience with snow unlike the first?

5. Why can't everyone have the memories?

6. How did Jonas comfort Gabriel when he became fussy in the night?

7. Reread chapter 15. Why do you think Lois Lowry put the memory of war in a separate chapter instead of making it part of another chapter?

8. What was Jonas' first lie to his parents?

9. Why do you think that Jonas is sharing memories with Gabe?

10. How did Jonas react to the children's war game? Why?

11. What would happen to Jonas' memories if he is released? How would it affect the community?

Room 23-Samurai Project

here is the list and we site for the Samurai Porject

History:
Aidan, Tim, Dillon, Nupur, Jeanine, Claire, Randy

Dress:
Taylor, Deeba, Pauline, Janice, Aaron, Alicia, Justin, Roy, Nila, Brendan, Josh, Danielle, Mollie

Role:
Peter

room 26-Samurai Project sign ups

Here is the list of projects and the website

http://missingdigit.us/samurai_webquest.htm

Due Tues 3/10

History:
Rachel
Michael
Everett
Nick M
Brandon
Jenny
Antonio
Kevin
Paul

Dress:
Claire
Sarah
Leah
Zion
Nick G
Jamie
Priscilla
Katie
Hanna

Other Project:
Shannon-comic book with tea ceremony
Devon-PP on training
Emily-Write a comic book about Samurai training or tea ceremony
Erin-the role of the 7 Samurai

Math Update

Math Update for March 2-8

*assigned on Mon. March 1, MC 12-23, and 24-35 due on Wed. March 3

*assigned on Wed. March 3, MC 36-51
due on Thurs. March 4

*assigned on Thurs. March 4, MC 52-68
due on Mon. March 8

*most likely a quiz on March 8