Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 11/27-12/08

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

For the next two weeks, all students are dedicated to their charity fair work. Do not forget to visit the Charity Fair webpage often to view all rubrics and requirements.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 11/13-11/17

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• Charity Fair: December 13, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
This week we start off by analyzing how natural events can disrupt the fragile equilibrium in an ecosystem. We then move on to different types of relationships between organisms in an ecosystem. As we work through these activities, remember that Mr. Cuttatree is thinking about cutting down thousands of trees in the Costa Rican rainforest. start thinking about what you will tell him.

6th Science
You continue to work on your eco-house project. Remember that your build is due on Friday, so you must start construction ASAP. Bring your materials and pay attention to those details.

7th Science
This week you will receive your plants so you can run your preliminary tests. Craft your proceedure, and try out your solution. Make sure you can back everything up and take pictures of what happens. Your newscast is due at the end of the week.

8th Science
This week it is all about creating your FLUXX cards. Keep your focus so that we can have a FLUXX marathon on Friday.

8th Engineering
Your Exploravision project is almost at an end. Read the specifics for your submission on the Exploravision page and make sure that you are complying with all those pesky details. Craft your abstract and be ready to "hit the button" on Friday.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 11/06-11/09

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• rent Information Meeting: Nov. 8, 2017 @ 4:00 p.m.
• No School in Observance of Veterans Day: Nov. 10.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
We continue our exploration of how organisms depend on one another for survival. We dig deeply into food chaing and food webs studying what happens in different ecosystems as we add and take away predators.

6th Science
You continue to work on your eco-house project.By now, you know what green aspects you want to add to make your house eco-friendly and are starting to build your house. Remember to keep your materials list updated as you work and think about the function of each of your materials.

7th Science
There has been great chemical spill in our city. It will be your job to "Clean It Up" as you put your knowledge of chemistry to the test. Will the city survive? It is entirely up to you.

8th Science
I have been talking to some of you about developing a science mod for one of my favorite games. This week you will be introduced to the FLUXX project and begin creating paired cocnepts as you craft your own deck to play in class.

8th Engineering
You all have comments in your past and present document. read them and make the necessary corrections before you continue with your plan. 

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 10/30-11/03

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term 2: November 3, 2017
• Parent Information Meeting: Nov. 8, 2017 @ 4:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
This week it is all about food chains and food webs. We will start by identifying types of organisms, and construct several models that help explain how all organisms are connected.

6th Science
We start out the week elarning from each otehr as you present your Climate Change project. You will the take on the role of architects as you prepare for the eco-House challenge

7th Science
We continue our explorations on types of reactions. We will have a couple of labs that will allow you to deepen your understanding of bonds as well as the uses of chemical reactions to identify substances. Be ready to shar your knowledge of acids and bases by the end of the week.

8th Science
You will continue your work on youre evolution project. I cannot wait to see all the different organsism you came up with.

8th Engineering
You all have comments in your past and present document. read them and make the necessary corrections before you continue with your plan. 

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 10/23-10/27

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term 2: November 3, 2017
• Parent Information Meeting: Nov. 8, 2017 @ 4:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
This week you will be introduced to the fabled Mr. Cuttatree as we begin our unit on interdependence of organisms. We will start by discussing photosynthesis and dig don to just how plants make their own food. we will also begin to cover the idea of how much energy is available to other organisms.

6th Science
You will continue with your Climate Change product. Remember that you are trying to convince people to "change their ways". You have done the research, it is time to develop a compelling product to teach others about how climate change is affecting the world we live in.

7th Science
Now that we know how atoms are rearranged in a chemical equation, it is time to see those effects. we will have a series of labs that will allow you to observe the changes in matter. We will form precipitates, discuss endo and exothermic reactions and change the rate of a reaction. Your balancing skills will be put to the test as we talk about types of chemical reactions. It is not going to be easy, but I promise you it will be fun.

8th Science
We have studied evolution for a couple of weeks. It is time to "show what you know". We start out the week with a quick Mastery Quest. Right after, you will be introduced to our Evolution project. Get yourselves into teams and explore the possibilities. Decide which project is most interesting to you, and get ready to develop thoughtful projects in response.

8th Engineering
You will continue to craft your Exploravision entries. On Monday we will register all teams. This week will take you to the "past" of your technology. Make sure you can discuss the scientific principles behind your technology as well as how it came to be. By Friday, the "past" and "present sections of your entry must be ready!

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 10/16-10/20

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term 2: November 3, 2017
• parent Information Meeting: Nov. 8, 2017 @ 4:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
Our unit on chemistry is just about done. This week you will work on your physical and chemical changes slide deck. You will have one final lab and then use all this knowledge to solve the Matter  Matters mystery. Can you figure out what is in each box? Provide enough evidence and complete your final mastery quest.

6th Science
This week we will work on developing a deep understanding of the effects of climate change. Each of you will be tasked with creating an informational product that analyzes the effects of climate change on different sectors. Gather information and prepare to show what you know.

7th Science
This week it is all about bonds. We know that chemical changes rearrange matter, but just how do we figure out how that matter is rearranged? We will explore ionic bonds and move on to balancing equations as we explore the law of conservation of matter.

8th Science
Now that we have gathered multiple lines of evidence for evolution, it is time to learn how organisms are classified. We will work on cladistics and create cladograms as we put our final touches on the unit and prepare to "evolve humans".

8th Engineering
Exploravision has started. This week it is about brainstorming what you can do for your project. By the end of this week you will not only have selected your team and topic, but you will also have a deep understanding of how your technology currently works.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 10/09-10/13

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
This week we continue our exploration of matter. Our efforts will focus on how matter changes in a chemical reaction. A couple of fun labs will help you understand just how new products are created. Be aware of Dr. Popplebots!

6th Science
This week we will focus on Human Impacts. You will create posters that depict how humans have influenced the earth. We will then discuss the greenhouse effect and how humans have changed this delicate balance in nature.

7th Science
Now that you have a deep understanding of how the periodic table works, it is time to begin exploring how atoms in a molecule "work". We will start the week by reviewing how temperature affects matter and then move on to molecules. Remember all those subscripts? It is time to learn more about them as we explore molecules.


8th Science
We continue discussing natural selection, paying close attention to population changes. We will work together to discuss the fossil record and how it provides us with evidence of evolution. Time to look closely for evidence and substantiate our claims based on what we see today.

8th Engineering
We begin the week by preparing for student exhibition night. It is your time to shine and tell us all about what you have been doing. Right after, we will discuss Exploravision entries, and start to think about how the technology we see today has been influenced by society's needs as well as the technology of the past.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 10/02-10/06

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• 8th grade field trip: 10/06
• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
This week we will do some research into specific elements. Using the data you collect you will create a fun project that showcases your research skills in a fun way. Are you ready to become the proud parent of an element?

6th Science
As we continue our study of climate change, we will discuss different weather maps and what they can tell us. You will also be tasked with some research into how carbon moves through the lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. How is carbon recycled naturally and what have humans done to change nature's unique balance? These are some of the questions you will be able to answer as you complete the different assignments this week.

7th Science
You will continue to work on your periodic table project. This week I expect your abstracts and tables to be mostly done, ready to present at SEN if you so choose.


8th Science
This week is all about natural selection. What does this actually mean, and how does it drive evolution? These are some of the questions you will be able to answer by the end of the week.

8th Engineering
This week you continue your reverse engineering project. The "take apart" portion is mostly done, and you should begin working in earnest on your manual. do not forget to pay close attention to the different components so that you can complete this project successfully.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 09/25-09/28

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
This week we will explore different properties of matter. We will use our powers of observation and physical processes to try to identify an unknown solid. Pay close attention to your observations. We will then move to performing tests on liquids and again use our observations to determine how liquids behave. Towards the end of the week we will discuss dissolving and how this physical change is different in different liquids.

6th Science
This week we begin our unit on climate change. We will read about the small island nation of Tuvalu and how climate change is already affecting them. We will then discover the basics of weather through a series of readings and web activities in order to fully understand the conditions of the atmosphere that lead to weather events.

7th Science
This week you will begin your periodic table project. You will put everything you learned about Dmitri Mendeleev to the test as you attempt to organize your own periodic table of ___.  Remember that you may leave things blank as you figure out how to illustrate periodicity.


8th Science
We start our unit on evolution by discussing the ideas you already have. We will then move on to clearly defining evolution and the driving forces behind it. Two fun labs that explore mutations and genetic drift will have you determining frequency and developing your ideas around just what happens in nature.

8th Engineering
This week we start our reverse engineering unit. You will have the opportunity to discover what's inside a favorite item, and put it back together. Be careful to take copious notes and develop sketches as you put together a manual for your item.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 09/18-09/22

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term 1: Friday, September 22, 2017
• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
This week you will write your first "Writing Across the Curriculum" essay. You will craft a story that demonstrates your knowledge of matter changes from the perspective of a water molecule. Have fun telling us your AdVENTUREs.

6th Science
This week you will write your first "Writing Across the Curriculum" essay of this school year. You will investigate "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" and provide evidence to support which one of the three is the most important. Stay focused and think about whether your choice is sustainable and feasible.

7th Science
This week you will write your first "Writing Across the Curriculum" essay of this school year. You will be defending DmitriMendeleev as you explain why his organization of the elements makes sense. Stay focused and make sure that the NSF does not shut Mendeleev down lest we unlearn everything you know about how the periodic table "works".


8th Science
This week you will write your first "Writing Across the Curriculum" essay of this school year. You will investigate "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" and provide evidence to support which one of the three is the most important. Stay focused and think about whether your choice is sustainable and feasible.

8th Engineering
This week you will get a chance to respond to the other students who are participating with you on the KQED Learn platform. As last week, make sure you keep your evidence handy as you craft your responses. This is the last week of our collaboration unit and you will participate in some fun activities that will help you be better collaborators. Start thinking about an item to bring for our Reverse Engineering project coming up next week.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 09/11-09/15

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term 1: Friday, September 22, 2017
• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: RocketLit has started for all grades. Remember that you can re-take it as many times as you need until Friday at 2:30. Once grades are on Schoolloop they are final.

5th Science
We have proven that matter exists, even when we cannot see it. Now it is time to delve a little deeper. What is matter actually made of? This week is all about exploring the properties of matter. We will discuss mass, volume and density, and use a fun comparison to understand just how small atoms are.

6th Science
This week you will keep working on the Thermos Challenge. Remember to bring your materials and be ready to explain your choices. Testing of your thermos will happen on Wednesday, so that you have an opportunity to revise your work before presenting it  to the class. Final chance to revise your thinking on the goformative phenomena.

7th Science
A brief re-cap of the concepts you learned about ions and isotopes will lead into understanding the periodic table. You will finally get to know just how the elements are organized, and all the fun things that you can use the periodic table for. With that knowledge firmly in place, you will solve Mendeleev's Castle quest. Are you up to the challenge?


8th Science
Last week you gathered your information. Now it is time to develop your products. Much time and effort should go into making your interactive poster that details all you learned. Access to research materials will be limited.  Final chance to revise your thinking on the goformative phenomena.

8th Engineering
You were selected to form part of a special group of students that will be the first to interact with KQED's Learn platform. You will have the distinct opportunity to explore an issue, write a response and have conversations with other students about it. You will use each other's insights to craft your first WAC and show what you know.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 09/04-09/08

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term 1: Friday, September 22, 2017
• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: To request a regrade for a Non-Zero or Warning assignment, you must send an e-mail to your teacher, with the URL of the document/page you want her to grade. You must sign your e-mail with your name, grade level and class. Remember that, although you only have one assignment, your teacher has to sift through all 170+ assignments and 5 gradebooks to find you. The easier you make it to re-grade, the higher the chance that it will be done promptly.

5th Science
This week we start our study of matter. A quick introduction will be followed by labs that will help you understand what matter is made of and how, even when we do not see it we can still make observations about it. Two fun labs to look forward to: "Is air really there?" and "Matter on the move".

6th Science
Now that we know how heat and temperature are related as well as how temperature affects matter, we are almost ready to test our knowledge. On tuesday you will have a Mastery Quest and be introduced to your first design challenge. Are you up to the task of designing an artifact to solve Mrs. Garcia's problem? Apply what you know about how heat is transferred from one object to another in order to be successful.

7th Science
We will work on understanding density as an intrinsic property of matter. Using that knowledge, you will receive news from King Arthur to solve the density dilemma. We will then keep at it as we study ions and isotopes. Be prepared to apply the knowledge you gain


8th Science
We move on in earnest to geologic time and just how scientists determine dates using radioactive dating. By Thursday you will start your first project, creating informational products that will help others understand the characteristics of the different eras that big chunks of time represent. Your artistic skills will be put to the test.

8th Engineering
This week is all about sharing different points of view and understanding differences. Be ready with your best communication skills, which will help you solve the Zoom puzzle. Towards the end of the week you will be expected to create a mural that highlights and celebrates just how unique you are.

8E - Bring a digital selfie and pictures of at least 4 things that make you unique on THURSDAY!

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 08/28-09/01

https://goo.gl/Fjjn6d 

Have you checked out how many townspeople you have saved, and what badges you have earned? Don't forget to visit the lab...

Dates to Remember:

• No school on September 4th in observance of Labor Day
• End of Term 1: Friday, September 22, 2017
• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: To request a regrade for a Non-Zero or Warning assignment, you must send an e-mail to your teacher, with the URL of the document/page you want her to grade. You must sign your e-mail with your name, grade level and class. Remember that, although you only have one assignment, your teacher has to sift through all 170+ assignments and 5 gradebooks to find you. The easier you make it to re-grade, the higher the chance that it will be done promptly.

5th Science
You will start out the week by analyzing some mystery footprints that will require that you make careful observations. We will then continue to think like scientists as we study the practices of scientists. Do not forget to keep adding to your list of things that a scientist does so you can complete your first post successfully.

6th Science
We begin our first unit of the year. This week we will talk about heat and how it is transferred from one object to another. We will work hard at keeping sodas cold as we explore how heat and matter are related. Mid-week, we will the different modes of conducting heat by having a popcorn party. Bring your taste buds, as well as your powers of observation so you can determine what to serve.

7th Science
We start out the week by making observations into matter. You will be introduced to the particulate nature of matter through an interactive and then move on to building atoms. Towards the end of the week, you will use what you learned to solve the density dilemma as you determine which knight brought back King Arthur's crown.

8th Science
In preparation to understand geologic time, we start the week by reviewing the rock cycle. In class we will make a model of a sedimentary rock and then use the same processes as nature to transform it into metamorphic and igneous. We will then be reminded of our good friend Wegener, and discuss the fossil evidence for his theories. We conclude the week discussing relative age as we attempt to place rock strata in order.

8th Engineering
After our discussions last week on conflict and the power of listening, we start the week by developing some good listening habits. We then move on the some true collaboration activities as we continue to learn just what a collaborative environment is. Come prepared to participate actively and put all your knowledge to the test.

Zombie Apocalypse Chronicles 8/21-8/25

Image source:
http://www.revrei.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/journey-begins2.jpg

Dates to Remember:

• AdV Parent Information Meeting -  August 23 @ 4:00 p.m.
• No school on September 4th in observance of Labor Day
• End of Term 1: Friday, September 22, 2017
• AdV Student Exhibition Night - October 11 @ 5:00 p.m.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

Reminder: To request a regrade for a Non-Zero or Warning assignment, you must send an e-mail to your teacher, with the URL of the document/page you want her to grade. You must sign your e-mail with your name, grade level and class. Remember that, although you only have one assignment, your teacher has to sift through all 170+ assignments and 5 gradebooks to find you. The easier you make it to re-grade, the higher the chance that it will be done promptly.

  5^th Science

This week we will set up our blogs, and learn how to manage our GAfE and Edmodo accounts. We will explore the class website, and write our first blogpost. This will be your first attempt at XP!  We will round out the week by exploring what a scientist does.

6^th , 7th and 8th Science

After a brief recap on GaFE, blogs and Edmodo, we will refresh our memory on the Science and Engineering practices using a new tool. You have your first blogpost due at midnight on Sunday, August 20.

 8^th  Engineering

We will continue our learning on how to work collaboratively. We will start by discussing ways to de-escalate conflict. We will then look at ways to come up with ideas that help resolve conflict in a way that everyone "wins". 

Back to School 2017/2018

Welcome AdVENTURErs,

I am very excited to introduce you to this school year's theme - Zombies of AdVENTURE.

TPR (Town's people Rescued)

As most of you know, my classes are gamified. That means that, amongst other things, your work will receive a number that represents the Town's People Recovered during your quest. These TPR are always additive, which means that once recovered, your number of TPR will never go down. Your ultimate goal this year is to "Save the Maximum number of Town's People". There are three distinct ways to get TPR:

• Blog TPR: The blogs are not going away. Each blog is awarded a specific number of TPR based on a rubric score that also shows you what you need to do to improve for your next post. The bulk of your TPR will always be Blog TPR.
• PBL Quests: I have decided to add your project rubric scores to the TPR count. The goal for this is to help you move up in ranking somewhat faster, as well as to encourage you to revise your project work for more TPR if possible, even after you have presented your work. 
• Mastery Quests: Although these may not happen very often (once or twice a PBL run), they are worth double TPR. Not all assignments are mastery quests so please do not ask. I will let you know beforehand when a Mastery Quest is coming up so you can adequately prepare for it.

PAPERLESS CLASSROOM

As much as possible, I try to run a paperless classroom. In order to do this, I will teach you how to use several cloud-based tools in order to gather, sort, analyze and communicate information. Some of the tools you will learn to use effectively are Google Drive, Blogger, and Edmodo. You will learn more about these tools as we need them; and I will be giving specific instructions for their use. Please review the AUP included in the green sheet carefully, as you must abide this policy in order to maintain a professional online presence.

I love new tools, so if there is something you would like to use or see, let me know, and we can see about integrating it.

You also must know that this does not mean that you should not have a notebook and writing materials with you at all times. Your notebook is where you will gather your experimental data, as well as any notes that can then be uploaded as needed.

This also means that any paper given to you is important. If someone took the time to make all those copies, and I broke my own "paperless" rule, it is for a reason.

EDMODO

Edmodo is where you will find all assignments, quizzes and classroom resources. It is vital that all students sign up in order to have full access to our classroom resources. Parents can sign up, too. Edmodo will help you to keep up with due dates, tests, quizzes, and more. It will serve as your personal at-home tutor as I will often post videos of instruction, as well as additional materials and simulations to enhance your learning experience. You will also use Edmodo to work collaboratively with other students in class, and in other classes.

I will be giving out codes soon, and will expect you to join immediately. Remember, all of our assignments are EDMODO assignments.

Those of you totally new to Edmodo might want to watch the video below, (created by a wonderful Edmodo teacher, Travis Monk of Indiana U.S.), to get a good understanding of how you can get the most out of your Edmodo student account.

"ONCE A ZERO" POLICY

Late work is not accepted at AdVENTURE. If you receive a zero on the grade book it means that you made no attempt at turning the work in by the due date, or it was turned in with no name. This habit is detrimental to your work ethic and undermines my ability to help students you progress. The very least I expect from you is that you are able to write your name on a paper (or create and submit an electronic document) and turn it in by the due date. If that minimum effort is made, I can identify areas of weakness and you can receive the help you need. Zeros on the grade book will not be modified.

There are times when you will receive a W for an assignment. The W stands for Warning, and it is your cue to come talk to me about the assignment within three school days. If you do not seek me out to talk about a W within that time frame, I take it as an indicator that you have decided the assignment is not worth your time, and the W becomes a zero.

CONTACT 

Remember that if you need to get in touch with me, the best way to do so is by posting to Edmodo. For more private matters, like requesting a re-grade or informing me of an absence, a schoolloop e-mail is the way to go. 

I am thrilled that you are here and welcome you to the Adventure community.

Mrs. Garcia

Letter to my students on the last week of school 16/17

Dear AdVENTURER's,

It is time to say good-bye to some of you. This time around is is particularly poignant for me, as this class of 2025 will be the last group of AdVENTURERs who I had the privilege to teach every day for your complete AdVENTURE experience. That makes you unique in many ways. Aside from the content that we've discussed in class, through this experience you've learned to navigate the ups and downs of relationships. At times you've been friends, and at times you've been enemies, but through it all that sense of family remained. 

As you move on to whatever is next for you, know that each and every one of you has a special place in my heart. Through your insightful comments, your personalities and the laughter and tears we've shared, you have been my teachers. Because you shared your experiences with me as you went from children to adolescents, and allowed me to guide you through this transition, I will be forever changed. You provided me with opportunities to grow as an educator and as a person. You were the ones I thought about every time I decided to try something new and I thank you for your patience and compassion when things did not work out. 

I take ownership of all those times I pushed you too hard. Know that I did that because I believe in you. I could not bear the thought of allowing you miss an opportunity simply because it would be easier to let it go. Each of the talents, skills, and abilities you developed when things were hard will serve you in the years to come. I invite you to continue to concentrate on the things that will have a positive effect on your life. Choose your friends wisely, listen to your trusted adults and mentors, and do the best you possibly can in everything you attempt.  As your memory of me fades, know that I will continue to search for the accomplishments that undoubtedly await you, and I will be forever in the background rejoicing with you.

Know that "once my student, always my student". I can and will always be willing to help. Even if you are graduating (congratulations by the way!), do not hesitate to contact me if you ever need to. You have a special place in my heart, and though you may be gone from my classroom you will always be a true AdVENTUREr.

Always,
Mrs. Garcia

Portfolios

This Week on the Island 05/15-05/19

Dates to Remember:

• End of Year Student Exhibition Night 05/24
• End of Term 6 06/02.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News
Do not forget, Birdbrain and Blogs!

  5^th Science

This week you will use the environmental accords we discussed last week to create your "dream" city. Put on your scientist's hats as you develop your ideas for exactly what a city must have to be sustainable.

6^th Science and  7th Science

This week you will continue on to phase 2 of your End of Year project. Use your notes on the environmental accords to identify their presence in your Urban Village. How environmentally responsible is your work in math? 

7^th  Engineering and 8th Engineering

Your e-portfolios are about to be done. Revise them to make sure not only that you have complied with the requirements, but also to ensure that they represent you in the best way possible. For those of you that are ready to move on, you may begin working on this EndOfYear project. I can hear you groaning already, but this is your last chance to really impress everyone with all you can do. Have fun and take your learning to the "next level".

This Week on the Island 05/08-05/12

Dates to Remember:

• End of Year Student Exhibition Night 05/24
• End of Term 6 06/02.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News
Do not forget, Birdbrain and Blogs!

  5^th Science

We are almost to the end of our "Interactions in Ecosystems" unit. We will start the week analyzing a couple of case studies, figuring out what happens to an ecosystem when there is a natural disaster. We will then begin the Science portion of the End of Year unit, talking about environmental responsibility.

6^th Science 

On Monday, we will have our final discussion regarding the "Fish Kill in the Grey Bay". The results of the fish autopsies are revealed. Who is the real culprit? You will then have an opportunity to write a rebuttal letter, putting together everything you have learned. Finally we begin the Science portion of the End of Year unit, talking about environmental responsibility.

7th Science

This week we start by discussing how acids and bases can be neutralized. We will put final touches to your knowledge of middle school chemistry using the LOL platform. We will use that to introduce you to our EOY unit, and discuss human impacts on the environment. 

7^th  Engineering and 8th Engineering

Urban Village Website
Building is almost done. I am incredibly proud of the work you are doing, and cannot wait to see the finished products. Make sure you know the fun answers to the EDP quiz you will take. They are 2 and Hong Kong.

This Week on the Island 05/01-05/05

Dates to Remember:

• CAASP Science Test (5 and 8 - only) 05/04-05/05
• End of Year Student Exhibition Night 05/24
• End of Term 6 06/02.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News
Birdbrain and Blogs Resume!

  5^th Science

This week we will continue learning how matter and energy is transferred in an ecosystem. We start off the week by exploring energy loss at each step of the energy ladder. Why is there so much energy lost at each rung? We will then continue exploring food chains and prepare to take the CASSP Science test on thursday and friday.

6^th Science 

We have learned that there are many possible answers to the mystery surrounding the fish kill in the Grey Bay. We will finish our Sedimental Journey, and move on to the happenings in Parallel Park. There are more suspects to meet before we make our final determination. Keep your evidence handy, some things may not be what they seem.

7th Science

We continue studying chemical reactions as we determine how energy is "captured" or "released" by molecules. We will have a couple of labs to increase our understanding of how energy moves, and then take on acidity. Be ready to prove your knowledge and provide evidence that a chemical reaction occurs.

7^th  Engineering and 8th Engineering

Urban Village Website
You have begun building. Make sure you have your materials and rationale for each of your choices. Make your best effort to illustrate exactly what needs to be done, and price out your solution. Who knows, perhaps your solution  will actually be built!

This Week on the Island 04/24-04/28

Dates to Remember:

• CAASP Science Test (5 and 8 - only) 05/04-05/05
• End of Year Student Exhibition Night 05/24
• End of Term 6 06/02.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News
Birdbrain and Blogs Resume!

  5^th Science

This week we will study how matter and energy is cycled through living things. You will learn about photosynthesis and begin to talk about food chains and food webs. Just like every cook needs ingredients to make a meal, plants need some ingredients to make their own food. Thise ingredients are readily available, or are they?

6^th Science 

This week we will start our Ecodetectives unit. You will meet Juan Tuno, and learn about his efforts to stop the closure of the water slides. You will uncover the mystery of the water fleas and their role as bioindicators. Be ready to put on your detective hats and join us as we become environmental detectives.

7th Science

This week you will begin your participation in a study on game based learning. You will study how the rate of a reaction can be controlled and how energy is transferred in a chemical reaction. To cement that knowledge, you will be using different playlists and experiments that will illustrate the concepts. Lots of different things to explore.

7^th  Engineering and 8th Engineering

Urban Village Website
This week you will begin the "build" phase of our End of Year project. You have already determined what needs to be done in the space you selected. It is time to share your ideas with the building company that will bring them to life. Listen carefully to what they want in your interviews, and determine what can and cannot be done.

This Week on the Island 04-10/04-14

Dates to Remember:

• Mrs. Garcia's gradebook closes 04/12.
• End of Term 5 04/14.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News
No Birdbrain or Blog this Week!

  5^th Science

You are putting final touches on your severe weather project. Make sure you complete your product and are ready to present to the class. Presentations begin on Thursday!

6^th Science 

You are putting final touches on your climate change project. Make sure you complete your product and are ready to present to the class. Presentations begin on Thursday!

7th Science

This week you will learn how to balance chemical equations. It seems hard, but if you stay focused it will be a breeze. Prepare for some lab-work as you create precipitates and use catalysts to change the rate of the reaction!

7^th  Engineering

This week you will complete your cavern builds. Make sure you have all your work ready so that we can test your products. Will Alabraskans survive?

8^th  Engineering

We will finish hearing about your Genius Hour projects. You did a wonderful job on them, and I hope you are proud of your accomplishments. To celebrate, and because is it poetry month, you will have the opportunity to take a quick breather this week as you compose an original poem in response to the "Science, the Poetry of Reality" project. Time for some creative writing!