Bring a Pumpkin...

So sad to say that the pumpkins we painted as atlas' are beginning to rot in our classroom. These were going to be used as centerpieces for our Thanksgiving dinner on November 25, 2015, which means we will have to go to plan "B." After some discussion the class decided to paint new pumpkins according to the country they've chosen for their Project Boards. So on Monday, November 2nd, each student is to bring a medium (or several small) pumpkins to class to begin our painting process all over again. This time we will wash the pumpkins in Clorox bleach and water then seal them with some ModPodge sealant BEFORE we start painting. Again students are allowed to use any tools in my classroom or they can supply their own. Hopefully we will preserve these pumpkins so that they will last a few more weeks until Thanksgiving!!

European Pizza Box Projects...

Here we are checking off the completion of yet another project. Way to go, 11th and 12th grade World Geography class, for a fantastic job on your European Pizza Box Projects! Once again you took a basic idea and each ran with it in many different directions. I love the difference in creativity...

And some used the colors of the country's flag...

Each one included different things that were important to that country: historical sites, religion, productions, etc...

Great job, Class!! As I am watching your Country Project Boards come together I cannot wait to see the finished products!!

Building Our Cabin...

The 9th and 10th US History class is hard at work "building" our log cabin from the hundreds of toilet paper and paper towel rolls that many of you brought to school. Thank you so much for your contribution! Here's one wall taking shape...

Thankfully there is no mud and water to mix for the chinking between the "logs", just some good ol' packing tape is doing the trick.

Even though we've had to scale it down some due to the weight of the "logs", I am certainly excited to see how the other three walls will come together to form our cabin. It will be the perfect photo booth backdrop at our Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, November 25th!

Trying New Things...

I had meant to post several pictures about current projects we're working on and wonderful things we've been doing these last few weeks. But due to sickness in my family I am currently in catch-up mode. Thank you for your patience as I work through all the pictures I've taken these last few weeks but have yet to post. Stay tuned for more posts!

This first "catch-up" post sends a shout-out to Clint for bringing the Ukranian dish, Borscht, in for us to try.

The kitchen truly smelled like pot roast when we walked in but were surprised to find that this dish has no meat in it whatsoever. Instead it is comprised of things like potatoes, beets, cabbage, kidney beans, carrots and onions. I was just as surprised as everyone else that with a dollop of sour cream this bowl was actually a tasty treat. Everyone was required to try at least there bites, no matter how hard it was to get those veggies down. Almost everyone cleaned their bowls and then several of the staff came in and enjoyed a few bowls themselves.

Thanks again, Clint, for providing this treat for our class to try.

We are currently studying the continent of Africa so if there are any other brave students who want to try an African recipe, be my guest!!

Change in Physics Assignment...

Due to the low scores on the last Physics test I will be re-teaching chapter 5 beginning Tuesday, October 20th, through Thursday, October 22nd. The test re-take will be on Friday, October 23rd. Also, I have extended the workday for the scientific essay through Monday, October 19th. This essay will be due first thing in class on Tuesday, October 20th. All of these date changes have been posted under Weekly Assignments under the PHYSICS tab to the right.

US History Reading Project...

The 9th and 10th US History class will be working on a book report during the week of Fall Revival. Class time will be relegated to work on The Historical Board Project on a chosen American history event. This is the main project that will lead us in through November and into December. Not wanting my students to have wasted time during Study Hall a book report book will be assigned and a small poster board project about the book will be due on Monday, October 19th. Go to the project details under US History for more information!

BONUS: Can you find...

Definitely time for a new "Can You Find..." image. This week be on the lookout for the little bag of Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee! Why you may ask? This is the teacher's favorite coffee to brew at home. Of course, bringing a bag in wouldn't hurt the bonus either....

Just letting you know! Now, a hunting you should go...

Yum! Yum! Greek Food...

I have to say that our trip to Taziki's proved to be very, very delicious! The beef tenderloin gyro with basmati rice was outstanding...
                                     
...and of course the little triangle of baklava was the cherry on top of a great field trip.  There's nothing like studying countries around the world and trying out their dishes. This certainly makes me look forward to our Thanksgiving dinner on November 25th when each student is required to bring a dish from their chosen country. Yum! Yum!

REMINDER for 10/5...

Just a reminder to the 11th and 12th that Physics will be first hour Monday, October 5, 2015, instead of World Geography. This is due to the fact we will be going to Taziki's for lunch at 11:00 am. Looking forward to it!!

Projects on Display...

As a reminder all projects will be on display after the pm church service, Monday, October 12th. We will set everything up during the day so that parents and church members alike can see the fantastic job that everyone has done on these assigned projects. Like these landforms dioramas, which were the first projects the 11th and 12th Geography class completed.

This one is Cynthia's....

 Then Clint's...

 ...and Christiana's.

Each one were unique and creative in their own way. Now it's time to share them with the parents!