8th Grade Pre-Algebra Assignments...

In our 8th Grade Pre-Algebra class we had a change in schedule, not just due to the snow day but to also a day taken to re-working some missed problems from our last test. I have reworked the lesson plans and everything is now up to date under the Weekly Assignments. If there are any questions as to what assignments to complete, be sure to check there!

Can You Find...

I know the temperature is getting up into the 60's after a week of 18 to 20 degree weather, but here goes for wishful thinking! This time be on the lookout for snoopy in the snow. Can you find where he's at? It will mean +5 on the next quiz! Let the search begin...

World History Teaching Project...

Since the first several chapter of our 11th and 12 World History book are review from Geography last semester, the class has been divided into groups to each teach a chapter. They must use a visual as they teach, have an activity to be completed in class after the lesson, and a homework worksheet. At first there was some nervousness but overall everyone has done a good job!

For the chapter on the beginnings of nations due to the language mix-up at the Tower of Babel, one group had an activity of coloring and putting together paper dolls from different countries!

When we studied the history of writing the students answered questions in cuniform!

This week we'll be finishing up chapters five and six with a test projected for Thursday, January 28th, over chapters four through six. For those of you who have yet to teach, simply tell the story from what you have read. You do a great job pointing out important facts but tell it as a story and not disjointed facts. History can be so fascinating!!

Salt Dough Dioramas...

Beginning Friday, January 15th, the 9th and 10th US Geography class will have their first workday on their Shoebox Landforms Dioramas. There are already five shoe boxes ready for use but if you would rather have a larger or wider box then you are more than welcome to bring in your own box.  Something else that will be needed is salt dough. The following recipe was used by the 11th and 12th grade World Geography class last September:

What you will need:
1 cup salt
2 cups flour
3/4 cups of water

Instructions:
1.  In a large bowl mix salt and flour together.

2.  Gradually stir in water. Mix well until it forms a doughy consistency. Slowly add more water until the desired consistency.

3.  Turn the dough onto the counter and kneed with your hands until smooth and combined.

4. Store in air tight container.

You can also click HERE to see the projects completed by the 11th and 12th grade. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask!

Lines of Latitude and Longitude...

Today in US Geography we studied parallel lines of latitude, the major one being the equator which divide the earth into a northern and southern hemisphere; and meridians of longitude, the major one being the Prime Meridian which divides the earth into eastern and western hemispheres. Now in that sentence I've just reviewed about 10 different facts that may just show up on the our next quiz or test!

To study these lines in more detail we did an activity today using brightly colored wrapping string to define and label these particular important lines. Thanks to Layers-of-Learning for this idea and printable. Here are just a few photos of the 9th and 10th hard at work:

Now the only thing left is to make sure you don't confuse them: parallel lines of latitude include the equator, dividing the earth into north and south hemispheres; meridians of longitude include the Prime Meridian, dividing the earth into east and west hemispheres.

If you need a refresher, check out this 3-minute video we watched today in class...

Good luck!

Research Paper Topics...

It's that time of year again: time for Research Papers!! Now don't get too excited. We have a few months of working through different deadlines before we get to all the good stuff. And before we begin we need a good list of topics to choose one that would be interesting to research about. So below is a list compiled by the 11th and 12th Physics class of 24 topics that would make interesting research paper topics. They are:

1. The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb
2. How does an airplane fly in automatic mode?
3. Is the presence of aliens feasible in this solar system?
4. The Physics of Rainbows
5. The Physics of Amusement Parks
6. Solar Cooking
7. The Butterfly Effect
8. Why the Earth has Seasons
9. Mirages: Seeing is Not Believing
10. Black Holes
11. Cloud Iridescence
12. Behavioral Epigenetic
13. Life Cycle of Stars
14. Pesticides
15. Electric/Solar Cars
16. Time
17. Do cell phones or microwaves cause cancer?
18. Thunderstorms and the Physics of Lightning
19. Climate Change
20. The Science Behind the Bermuda Triangle
21. Why do we fall asleep?
22. Paleo Diets
23. Using 10% of Your Brain

Your final topic is due Monday, January 11th! Looking forward to some very interesting reading!!

Can You Find...

Since we're starting out a brand new semester, it's time we had another "Can You Find?" picture for extra credit. So here goes. Can you find the lovely snowflake picture up above? If so, be sure to file that bit of information away for five extra points on your next quiz!

Ready, Set, Go!

Are you ready to go? Made any New Year's resolutions for this coming year? Just think! You're starting out with a clean slate! I for one am looking forward to a GREAT second semester with a whole new batch of projects for all you creative geniuses to sink your teeth into! So let's get going on this brand new year!

State Float Project...

Since December was a crazy month for me in terms of school, ministry, and family I am just now getting caught up on some of the wonderful projects that were completed in December.

Thank you so much for all your hard work for your project boards in both World Geography and US History! I know many people stopped by the tables after the Christmas cantata to look over each student's work.

For the 11th and 12th in World Geography, their last project was a South American country float. Check out some of these creative floats!

Congratulations on a job well done! I look forward to doing a similar project with my 9th and 10th US Geography class!