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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.
Classroom News No Birdbrain or Blog this Week!
5th 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!
6th 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!
7th 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?
8th 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!
Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.
Classroom News
5th Science
You continue with your severe weather project. Whether you decided to work with a team, or are working individually, keep checking the rubric and the requirements. Your goal is to develop an understanding of the different types of severe weather and be able to share your knowledge with the class.
6th Science
We have done a lot of work on how greenhouse gases drive climate change. This week you will start on an interesting research project where you put what you have learned to the test. Choose a sector of interest and be ready to dive deeper into the content. How are the effects of climate change reported in the media? Who should you believe? Prepare your product to inform your classmates!
7th Science
Super fun times are ahead of us as you continue your exploration in chemistry. This week will be all about how atoms are rearranged during a chemical reaction. You will start by learning how to count atoms, and then discover the different bonds that can be formed. Are all bonds created equal? What's up with that "magical" 8 we've been hearing about?
7th Engineering
This week you will finally get to build your shelter. It will be messy, but with effort and perseverance you will save the people of Alabraska!
8th Engineering
It is finally done! Your Genius Hour project is ready to be shared. we will listen to you as you tell us all about your work. Proudly show what you know and help others understand your passion.
Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.
Classroom News
5th Science
Now that you know how water is recycled, you will start the week exploring how much water is actually available for use. Is it more or less than you thought it was? By wednesday we will start to make the connections between water and the atmosphere. You will get a chance to prove that air is really there is a fun lab, and finally discuss what does all of that have to do with the weather.
6th Science
Once we learn how to read weather maps on Monday, we will begin our discussion on the effects that carbon has on the weather system. You will get an opportunity to become a carbon molecule and decide what role you play in keeping the Earth warm. what can you do to curb carbon emissions, and why is this important? Find out as you graph carbon trends!
7th Science
We continue to study matter, adding isotopes to the mix. You will explore the periodic table in depth, and learn how to use it as a tool for investigations. Everything you ever wanted to know about a particular element is right at your fingertips. Stay focused as there are many concepts to learn and discuss.
7th Engineering
Impending doom is upon us, and only your team of engineers can help us! Discover how your knowledge of earth science can be applied to to avoid a mass extinction. Will you be able to save the people of Alabraska? Identify the problem this week, and determine how big a shelter you will need as you are introduced to the Asteroid Impact project.
8th Engineering
Need I say more? You have been put in charge of your own learning. It is time to hunker down and develop your idea. Show us what you are capable of doing. You can do it!
Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.
Classroom News
5th Science
As we continue the study of Earth Systems, we will talk about another material that is recycled in the earth system. Water! You will play a fun game where you become a molecule of water and experience what it "feels" to travel through the cycle. Take care of your notes as you will need them to create a fun comic strip.
6th Science
Now that you know the difference between weather and climate, we will start developing more in-depth ideas about the weather. How do winds develop? How is this related to storms, and where does it all happen? These are some of the questions you will be able to answer by the end of the week!
7th Science
This week we start studying matter and how it reacts. You will build atoms and molecules, and determine the different properties of materials. How does matter change? Is it melting or dissolving?What is up with rust? Chemistry is so much fun!
7th Engineering
Your bridges are about to be done. How will they behave during testing this week? Which structure will withstand the most weight? As you prepare for the week, make sure you have all your documents in order.
8th Engineering
Need I say more? You have been put in charge of your own learning. It is time to hunker down and develop your idea. Show us what you are capable of doing. You can do it!
February Break is 02/20-02/24. Enjoy your time off.
End of Term is 03/03. My gradebook closes 03/01.
Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.
Classroom News
5th Science
We begin the study of Earth Systems, by looking inside the Earth. You will learn about the different plates and how they move using the WISE platform. Keep up with the workload, as there are many cool things to explore. By the end of the week you will have a clear understanding of why there are earthquakes in California, and what is all this "hoopla" about faults.
6th Science
This week is all about understanding the relationship between heat, temperature and matter. You will move through several activities developed in the Wizer.me platform, aimed at deepening your understanding of how matter behaves when energy is added. What does this have to do with popcorn? You will have to wait and see.
7th Science
This week is all about tracking how matter and energy flow through ecosystems. You already know a lot about it, in a different context. It is time to connect two pieces of information and create that mind map that will allow you to think deeper about concepts. Let your ideas cycle through, and put your thinking to good use.
7th Engineering
We have partnered up with the 5th grade to create Hero's Journey videos. You will be meeting with your partners and decide on the different shots you need to fully explain their story. Be prepared with your script and shot list, so that you can pay homage to your partner's journey.
8th Engineering
As a class, you decided to tackle the Genius Hour project. This week, you will need to convince us that your idea is worthy of your time and effort. Read the IGNITE presentation instructions carefully (found both in Schoolloop and Edmodo), as the requirements have changed a tiny bit. Prepare to IGNITE us with your passion for your topic, and everything will be well. Remember to document your research using the CITE-IT rubric you created. These will be checked often!
End of Term 3: 01/13/17. My gradebook will close 01/11.
Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.
Classroom News
5th Science
We start the week by concluding our conversation about sphere interactions. We will then talk about how each biome is unique and determine what organisms need to survive regardless of the biome they inhabit. You will be introduced to the "We Survived" project, and begin research that will inform your decisions. Will you be able to survive the Biome?
6th Science
This week will be all about drafting the origins story for your superhero. As you research information about GMOs and mutations, you will immerse yourselves in the story of your character. Although this is a creative writing piece, do not forget that you must demonstrate knowledge of genetics. Weave your knowledge into your story and make it unique!
7th Science
You will begin the week drawing out the epigenetic effects of your superhero's lifestyle choices. As you are doing this, think about your own choices. Remember that the choices you make today could have beneficial effects much further down your life. Once we complete that, we will move on to understanding how your genetic make-up can be modified as you draft your superhero origins story.
7th Engineering
Now that you have some information on different "greening" aspects, it is time to start making some decisions about the house you will build. You will get a chance to draw out your floor plans and begin your builds. Do not forget to keep scale measurements exact. Do you have what it takes to create the greenest build?
8th Engineering
Now that you have some information on the natural disaster that is prompting your build, it is time to start making some decisions about the house you will build. You will get a chance to draw out your floor plans and begin your builds. Be on the lookout for opportunities to redesign your plans as you confront Mother Nature's wrath.
End of Term 3: 01/13/17. My gradebook will close 01/11.
Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.
Classroom News
5th Science
This week you will continue to work on your Constellation project. At this point, you are putting final touches, and getting ready to showcase your work. Constellation project presentations will be done during class on December 16. Practice what you will say. Each team is allowed 2 minutes to tell us about their constellation.
6th Science
This is getting fun. You will begin the week determining the probability of traits passed on to your superhero babies, and you will have a chance to draw him/her out. Is your baby a superhero or a villain? Back it up with your Punnett work. As we continue, we will talk about incomplete dominance, co-dominance and sex-linked traits. Be ready to show what you know!
7th Science
We will start the week retracing Mendel's work, and using what we learned to figure out just how he determined the dominance of traits. With that knowledge in hand, we will work on the traits your superhero has, and identify his/her villain mate. Be ready to explain the genotypes of your superhero that lead to his/her phenotype.
7th Engineering
This week you will continue your Thermos Challenge. With the evidence you gathered in the Learn section, you will get an opportunity to go through the complete design process to create a working prototype. Who will win the Thermos Challenge?
8th Engineering
Your final exploravision submissions are due this Friday. I have re-posted the requirements in the schoolloop assignment. Be extra careful to comply in order to avoid disqualification. Sometime this week, you will be tested on your knowledge of your submission. You should be able to explain all aspects of the work in detail. Be prepared to demonstrate the learning you acquired.
