I can't post grades :(

Repeat after me: Technology is my friend. Repeat this as many times as it will take to make you feel better.

I can not access my dcps account. I am working on it, but I have to be physically in a school to begin the process. As a result - and since it is the Holiday Break I will do what I can. If you don't see your science project grade - remember, I will post it as soon as I am able to 1) get into my gradebook and 2) have time that I can spare from my family. This will be resolved when it is resolved. It is out of my control.

Follow Up Assignment for Science Project

As you know we are finishing most of the science project presentations this week. It's time to reflect on how projects can help you learn and grow as a learner.

Your assignment is to write a 5 paragraph essay for the following question: How did you grow as a learner by doing your science project? You may have more than 5 paragraphs if you want. At least one paragraph should incorporate the feedback you received from your peers. The FCAT Writing Rubric will be used to grade your essay. Be sure to either handwrite your essay neatly or you may type it. This essay will count as one test grade. Use guidelines and everything your Language Arts teacher has taught you to do a great job.


If you type it you should follow these directions.

• 12 font

• Tahoma, Arial, or Times New Roman only

• Double spaced

• One inch margins

DUE DATES

A day = January 5.

B day = January 6.

Student grade recovery increases; Duval teachers question its message | Jacksonville.com Mobile Edition

I'm glad we have grade recovery, I just don't want my students to need it. I make success available for all students. Tutoring resumes on January 10, 2012.  It's from 7:20 - 7:40 or ask me questions about topics on Thursday mornings before school when I am in the gym.

Student grade recovery increases; Duval teachers question its message | Jacksonville.com Mobile Edition

Dec. 12 - 16: Test and Science Project Presentations

These are the benchmarks that we have been working on in class for this unit. 

SC.6.E.6.1 Describe and give examples of ways in which

Earth's surface is built up and torn down by physical and

chemical weathering, erosion, and deposition.

SC.6.E.6.2 Recognize that there are a variety of different

landforms on Earth's surface such as coastlines, dunes,

rivers, mountains, glaciers, deltas, and lakes and relate these

landforms as they apply to Florida.

Review Chapter 6 and 7. Make sure you know the difference between erosion and weathering? Know deposition. Know the different ways landforms have been made in Florida. 

Test on Tuesday for A Day and Wednesday for B day. Presentations each day next week. We will begin the unit on cells next year;)

TEST and Science Project Presentations

A day presentations start on Friday. B day presentations start on Monday.
 A day will review on Friday. B day will review on Monday. More details tomorrow.

Still working on your project?

I have had a request to post the location of the abstract form which was introduced and discussed in class. The correct form may be found at http://www.nefrsef.org/. The hot link is 1.3 SSSF Abstract.

Rubric for Science Project and Reminder

Here is the link to the rubric that will be used to grade your project. I have taken what we discussed and what I have taught in class and put it into a format for grading. Of course, if you want to add additional materials to your board you may if they add to your presentation and don't take away from the flow of reading your board.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DgIRwwGx5iDi0F90lRMQPmSovRXibU1xeUoQgufU4Gs/edit

Remember, projects are due either Wednesday or Thursday of this week and a penalty of 11% may be imposed for each class day that a project is late.

How big is the largest indoor swimming pool?

NASA Sharing Underwater Training Facility With Petroleum Industry

Geology in Action: Some real life geology on TV- with parental approval of course!

You may be interested in a new show starting tonight on Nat Geo TV. If you get cable you may want to ask your parents if you may watch this show. It's on late, but maybe they will repeat it at a better time for all of us.  There's no extra credit involved. This is just so that you have more exposure to real life science in action.

Odds and Ends before Thanksgiving Break

• The link to the on-line textbook is http://my.hrw.com/ . Did you know the book will read to you? Try it for the assignment listed below or if you want to review as you do your test corrections.
• Test Corrections are due on or before 12/6. No late corrections will be acctepted.
• Science Project reminder. Remember, if you don't have an adequate sample size you will not be able to develop a good conclusion.
• If you find yourself without a do-able  science project or you have just realized that you don't have a large enough sample size, or you don't have time to do your project and have it ready by December 7 (A Day) or December 8 (B Day) then go to http://www.explorelearning.com/ and pick a gizmo like Growing Plants, Plants and Snails, Germination, or Effect of Environment on New Life Forms. Choose a question, Form a Hypothesis, Gather Data, and do everything just like a real time experiment. Everyone has a project due - on time.  
• You will bring your project board and your data log on your due date.
• Remember to save all of your computer work.  If you are invited to go to the school science fair you will be asked to complete your research paper which is just a formalization of your project board along with an introduction and a few other short sections.  
• You will present your project to your peers.
•  If you want to get a jump on next week's assignments do the following: Read pp. 210 - 211 and pp. 212-215 in your GREEN science book. Answer the Benchmark Check questions. Write your answers in your ISN. These will have to be finished before you participate in the 2 labs for the week.
• Wear LAB SHOES each day next week.
• Have a nice break.

Science Proect Update and Due Dates

The projects are due on 12/7 for A Day and 12/8 for B Day. You will only need to have a complete SPDL (science project data log) and a complete backboard.

You may refer to http://www.nefrsef.org/ for  info about how to do a backboard. I spoke of this in class this week. If you were in class you made a model of a backboard. The model was based on lthe diagram on http://www.nefrsef.org/. Please be sure to type everything for your backboard in a clear font (Tahoma, Arial, or New Times Roman) in a size large enough to be seen from about 1-2 meters from the board. Use bold colors to back your papers, but limit the number of colors you use. Too much, too bright, too froo-frooey is distracting. Your abstract goes right where the picture shows.

Do not use staples or tacks to put your board together. If you start ahead of time you will finish on time.

Late projects will possibly lose up to 11% off the total of the possible points every day that the project is late. 
Further info and a rubric for the project will be added to the blog at a later date.

TEST CORRECTIONS due 12/6 or sooner

All students who were present in class on Thursday or Friday received back their Unit 2 test. Yes, there is an opportunity for test correcctions. the directions are listed below. They must be followed completely for ANY points to be earned. All corrections must be made COMPLETELY AND CORRECTLY or no additional points will be awarded. You know which ones are correct because I met with you and told you which ones you missed. You stood at my desk and wrote them down. If you lost that info you will need to see me during class. If time allows I will give you that info again.
1.  Identify which ones you missed (see above).
2. Write out each question and the INCORRECT answer. Explain why you chose that answer.
3. Find the correct answer. Write out the complete write answer and all of the support that you find for that answer in the book. You must also write the page number, the paragraph number, and the line number where you found your support (it's all in chapters 3 and 4).
4. Your parent(s) must sign the corrections.
5. EVERYONE must return a test. You will file it in your portfolio after it has been evaluated for extra points.
ALL corrections are due on or before 2:00pm on December 6. It doesn't matter if you are an A day or a B day student. NO late corrections will be accepted. You have plenty of time to get it in to me. Parents, if you aren't sure I will get it on time then perhaps you will want to either mail it to me or drop it in the office for your child. Just label it to my attention. I know that's pretty over the top, but assessments count for 60% of the total grade for the grading period.  There will not be a re-test. Corrections will be the only way to raise this grade.

ACCESS TO ON-LINE TEXTBOOK

The link to on-line text book is  http://my.hrw.com/

You may have some assignments that will come from the 7th or 8th grade book. You have a green book at home, but you may want to try some of the additional features.

Here is the GENERIC log in.

username ssalamander2

password j3m5x

I tried it and it worked for me. You may want to try it and look at  weathering and erosion in the red book.

Enjoy your holiday and give thanks to all of the veterans that you know.

An Exciting Opportunity for All Students

I know everyone is really busy with school, science projects, and having fun with your friends, BUT here's an opportunity to engage your creative brain and try something new. I received the following letter today and thought I'd pass it on. Try it you might like it.

Dear Florida Engineering Education Supporter:


We are pleased to announce the National Academy of Engineering’s EngineerGirl! website’s 12th annual Essay Contest. Students are asked to write about the role of engineering in providing safe and nutritious food. Details and rules can be found on the EngineerGirl! website: http://www.engineergirl.org/CMS/Contest/food2012.aspx.

Participation is open to both girls and boys in grades 3-12 and submissions must be entered by 6:00 pm (EST) on March 1, 2012. All winning entries will be published on the EngineerGirl! website and winners will receive cash prizes: first place winners $500, second place winners $250, third place winners $100. The 2012 EngineerGirl! Essay Contest was made possible by the generous support of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
The EngineerGirl! website is designed to spark the curiosity of young people, girls in particular, and encourage them to consider careers in engineering. EngineerGirl! provides career descriptions, profiles of successful women engineers, information about exciting engineering projects, and interactive tools for girls, parents, teachers, and guidance counselors, all designed to encourage girls to pursue an engineering education and career. Launched in 2001, the site is visited by more than 18,000 unique visitors a month and has been featured by the Girl Scouts of America, the Society of Women Engineers, and local and national media in the United States and around the world. The #1 website on Google for “girls + engineering,” Engineer Girl! is a trusted and entertaining resource for young girls, parents, educators, and volunteer engineers involved in student outreach. In a 2011 poll, girls’ reported that viewing the EngineerGirl! website or participating in its annual essay contest caused 63% of them to consider a career in engineering and 81% to consider studying engineering in college. Please visit www.engineergirl.org to learn more.

We look forward to reading some exciting and creative essays and we hope you will help us to spread the contest announcement. If you have questions, or seek clarification, please contact the EngineerGirl! team at engineergirl@nae.edu.

Best,

Vickie

Victoria Gunderson, Ph.D.
Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Fellow
National Academy of Engineering
http://www.engineergirl.org/

Schedule for UNIT 2 TEST

A day Thursday, November 10.
B day Wednesday, November 9.

Re-read and review Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 in your book.

B day reviewed in class on Monday. A day will review on Tuesday.

Bring a pencil and a great attitude.

Quick Update for Science Projects

By this time all students should have submitted a formal proposal and hopefully have received approval to begin experimentation.

Recording data is IMPERATIVE (so important that you just have to do it) so make sure that ALL data is recorded by hand in ink in the Science Project Data Log or SPDL.

Take photos of how the project is set up, how data is collected, important events. Take screen shots and put them into a WORD file to save. These will both support your data.

The target (suggested) date to be finished with data collection is November 15. Remember, you have the 11th off.

Class time will be spent on what to do with your data and how to prepare the rest of your project during the week of the 15th.

More info will be coming. Record your data and have fun with science.

The Last Day of the Grading Period is Monday

All formal proposals must be submitted on Monday even if I don't have you for class. I will be in the hallway and in my classroom. You may hand it to me before 1st period. I will try to come to the gym to pick up proposals also. Be sure that they are stapled together. I won't be able to take loose papers.

If you received a grade less than 90 on your proposal last week you can still raise it by completing what the notes say. I have limited time to read everything so please do a good job and follow directions.

Why do I have a zero on my FORMAL PROPOSAL???

I added the FORMAL PROPOSAL to the gradebook today. I entered a grade of 0 for anyone who has not submitted a proposal that has been accepted. To remove the zero and have your real grade entered you must submit your formal proposal (signed in blue ink) on or by 10/24. That's the last day of the grading period. Submitting earlier is GREAT!! The sooner I see it, the sooner your grade changes. HOWEVER, there are certain steps that need to be finished first. Don't try to cut any corners. Your project must be approved and if it is not complete when you submit it your grade will reflect that. Don't wait to the last minute. Get it in so it can be approved and then you can start your experimentation.

THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE ON THE BOARD.

Parents and students,

I write the assignments on the board. I write the homework on the board. I have a list of due dates for the assignments posted. Students who don't finish an in class assignment should write it in their planner ALONG with the homework. Some activities are scheduled to take more than 1 day. Some  activities should only take 1 class period. I will not be putting detailed instructions on this blog for daily in-class assignments. I will post homework  for every day until the science project is finished. Here it is

WORK ON YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT EVERY DAY. YOU SHOULD  BE WORKING TOWARDS A FORMAL PROPOSAL. SEVERAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE HAD PROPOSALS ACCEPTED ARE DOING THEIR EXPERIMENTATION. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A FORMAL PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BEFORE BEGINNING ANY EXPERIMENTATION.

For further clarification see the post for 10/09/11.

Please don't forget your GIZMO!!!!!!

Believe it or not a rash of I forgots has hit A-day. As a result I have extended their deadline for GIZMO SEG & AQ for CONDUCTION AND CONVECTION. However, only the people who had their AQ don time qualify for a do-over.  I hope B-day doesn't have the same problem.

Science Project Proposal Checklist

There are quite a few activities that need to be completed in order to prepare to do a successful science project. Everything you do or think about should be recorded in your Science Project Data Log. All worksheets should be securely taped or glued into the SPDL. Use your SPDL as your journal. Include dates, times, people you spoke with, costs of materials, and photos of your work. Make sure you write all of your data by hand (in ink) into your SPDL. This is the most important resource to substantiate your work that you have. It must be complete.

	Actions that need to be taken to complete a successful science project	Target Due Date	Completed
	Set up and begin a Science Project Data Log	ASAP
	Submit idea on Proposal Worksheet (sb)	ASAP
	Find 5 good sources. Read them. Take notes on them. (see nefrsef or sciencebuddies for more info).	ASAP
	Complete and submit Bibliography worksheet (sb)	ASAP
	First conference with teacher	ASAP
	Complete and submit Variables and Hypothesis worksheet (sb)	ASAP
	Second conference with teacher	ASAP
	Design an experiment to test your question. Remember to plan an adequate sample size or plan to repeat the experiment many times. The ideal group/repetition is 100. Acceptable number of group members or repetitions is 10-25 except for seeds. Seeds should always be 100 or more in each group. Use this plan in your FORMAL PROPOSAL.	ASAP, but No later than October 18
	Complete a FORMAL PROPOSAL including Forms 1, 1A, 1B, 3, and a COMPLETE Research Plan. All forms can be found at nefrsef or isef sites. Forms must be signed in blue ink. Parents should not sign anything that is not complete.	ASAP, but No later than October 25
	Submit complete formal proposal and wait for approval. If it can be approved by teacher then you will be notified. If it can not be approved by teacher it must be submitted to IRB or SRC and you will have to wait for approval. Any experimentation that takes place BEFORE approval is secured is not to be used in the final project.	ASAP, but No later than October 25
	When your project is approved, you may begin experimentation.	October 31

RESOURCES that you should use

(sb) = additional copies available on www.sciencebuddies.com

NEFRSEF – http://www.nefrsef.org/ 

ISEF - http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/document

APA style help and general writing help: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Is my project ok?

I am planning on meeting with each student individually during the next class period to offer feedback and encouragement. Many students have been picking projects, but really don't know the science behind what they want to do. I shall try to steer them in the right direction. If all students would think about the TESTABLE QUESTION that they want to ask that would help focus our discussion when it's time for us to meet. I will be passing out the Variables and Hypothesis worksheet to help you determine your variables. Remember, to meet with each student is the goal and I hope to meet it by the end of Tuesday if not Thursday.

Parents, you can help by finding out from your child what the question really is. They need to test only 1 variable at a time. The more variables they want to test, the more trials they will have to run. With having an adequate sample size, that will increase the amount of materials they will need. Remember, go through the Gizmos available and maybe you can help your child find a simulation that will serve them well.  Everyone who wants to test what happens to the boiling point or freezing point of water should check out the Gizmo on Colligative Properties. It's really a good one for a basic project and you will learn the science behind your question.

Another note to remember, all the equipment you need for your experiment will need to be provided by you. So if you are planning to use a specific piece of equipment please find out its cost before you commit to the project.

Choose your project - choose your project wisely.

Students and Parents

The Science Project is so much more than a fair. It is an opportunity for a student to choose a topic, ask a question, and draw conclusions. It is also an important benchmark in our 6th grade curriculum.
To make it easy for all of us I am using much of what the Science Buddies website has to offer (http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml). I do require more than they suggest when it comes to references and sample size. Each student will need 5 good references. The sample size is dependent on what the experiment requires. If it's seeds then 100 for each group is a good sample size. If it's plants, then 25 in each group. I know that this is a lot of expense and samples of this size will probably overwhelm our homes and budgets. That's why this year I am suggesting that students use GIZMOS as simulations where sample size or the question just is overwhelming for a student.

Scientists run simulations in the lab when hands-on experiments just aren't practical or possible. Some examples are earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. The purpose of the project is to ask a question, to read background information, to develop a hypothesis for testing and a way to test it, and to draw conclusions. Then the student scientist presents to peers. The purpose is NOT to make families spend all of their available resources when there are so many time and monetary demands on all of our lives.

Rather than just pick something from a book or even from Science Buddies - check out GIZMOS. There are plenty of GOOD simulations that will be acceptable to use to test a testable question. There are other simulations on the web that are very good also. Another idea is a game you might play on-line or on your game system  such as Runescape, football, or soccer. You might be able to use one of them to test a question. A student once used Runescape to experiment with chopping wood with different axes. He had fun and got to play his game while doing his data collection. Of course, that project just didn't generalize into real life, but it gave him a good 6th grade project.

ESSAY CONTEST

Please check out the website below for an essay contest that really goes along with our next unit.

http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/

Moving Towards Science Projects

All classes have been introduced to the website http://sciencebuddies.org/  and http://nefrsef.org/ .

Both sites have many helpful hints. NEFRSEF is our regional science fair and because we affiliate with it we are governed ny the International Science and Engineering Fair Rules http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/ .
Yes, there will be forms for each child to complete and for parents to sign in BLUE ink, but not today.

A-day students should have a testable question to bring to class on FRIDAY, 09/16/2011 and B-day students should have theirs on 09/19/1955. Go to http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=body for lots of good info. Handouts were distributed for the Scientific Method and The Science Fair Project Question. You can access this info at science buddies.

Each student will complete a Project Proposal Form which will need to be accepted by the teacher and signed by the parents. This is NOT the FORMAL PROPOSAL that will be assigned in a few days. More will be posted about that next week.

If the question is not accepted, then it's back to the drawing board to find a good testable question that can be the beginning of a good project.

2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today invited students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. They also invited students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time Hispanic educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
The student contests focus on the theme “Celebrating Hispanic Leaders in Business – Past, Present and Future,” and Information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic heritage is available on Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month website, http://www.floridahispanicheritage.co/
“Throughout our state’s history, Hispanic business leaders have helped make Florida the national leader we are,” Governor Scott said. “The cultural contributions to our state and country continue to leave a lasting legacy of strength, determination and pride.”
“The essay and art contests are a great opportunity for Florida’s children to learn about people who have made our state such a great place to live,” Mrs. Scott said. “As Florida’s students grow to become the leaders of tomorrow, it is important they learn about a variety of successful role models.”
About the Student Contests

Art Contest for Grades K-3 – The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.
Essay Contest for Grades 4 - 12 – The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guideli
Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8), and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a check for $1,500. Forms can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Contest Entries and Nominations
Student contest entries and educator nomination forms must be mailed to:
Florida’s Foundation
Attention: Hispanic Heritage Month
820 East Park Avenue, E-100
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
All entries must be postmarked by 5:00 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2011.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Several Latin American countries celebrate the anniversaries of independence during Hispanic Heritage Month. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate independence on September 15. Mexico achieved independence on September 16, and Chile, on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974 when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration, from September 15 through October 15.
For additional information about Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

GIZMO ASSIGNMENT and DUE DATES

The first GIZMO assignment is due next week. All B-day students should have received the "Student Exploration Guide" sheets (SEG) today. A-day, you will get them tomorrow. The SEG guides you through the GIZMO. Record your responses on the sheets. If you don't like the microprinting, feel free to print yourself a full size set at home.

AFTER you finish the SEG then complete the ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS (AQ). You will earn a grade for the SEG and the AQ. I pick up the AQ grade electronically so if you do well I will see it and record it. A score of 4/5 or 5/5 is good. A 4/5 = 80% while a 5/5 = 100% of the points possible for the AQ.

If you mess up on the AQ and you score poorly, then you may answer the questions again. You will need to check the questions and then print out the results. I will go over this in class next week.

DUE DATES:
B-day:
SEG due Wednesday, 9/7 and AQ due on Friday 9/9.
A-day:
SEG due on Tuesday, 9/6 and AQ due on Thursday 9/8.

I will be out of school on Friday and will not be able to answer e-mail questions over the weekend. If you have questions then I will try to answer them in class next week.

RECAP For Tuesday classes (1A, 2A, and 3A) and a heads up for Wednesday classes (4B and 6B).

1. Complete the questions for the lab: Sinking Lincoln.
2. Read pp. 12-18. Complete all of the questions on p. 19. Do these on a sheet of paper to turn them in. Use complete sentences. They are due as you walk in on Thursday.
3. Register at http://www.explorelearning.com/  for GIZMOS

 

Go to www.explorelearning.com

 

Click on the button “Enroll in a Class”

 

Enter the CLASS CODE FOR YOUR PERIOD
1A = GSWR6XHC72
2A = HUZKCKGTVA
3A = YH2QP3LXZH
4B = ZYZGUMBGTD
6B = 9DQKNQJRXV

 

You may have to create an account. You only need 1 account so if you have one from Math class just proceed on. If you do have to create an account, you must use your school log-in as your user name and your school password as your password. Use your real name or you will never get credit for your work. Please don't do any assignments yet. I will teach you how I expect you to do the lessons and then you will get an assignment.  If you use the wrong class code I will delete you. I will also delete any phony registrations.

 

If you registered last year and have a password that your teacher assigned you then you will either have to remember it, retrieve it, or register for an account by putting an a at the end of  your school log-in.

He's not our Mr. Lee, but he's got some good tunes: Scientific Method

Remember, there's no such thing as an educated guess.

Mr. Lee - Scientific Method song

Safety Song

Remember to practice safety in the lab and at home.

Check out the song at  http://www.thesoundsofscience.com/

Do you want to to be on televiosion?

duval county public schools - news

WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The 2011-12 school year started today. Students went to A day classes. In class they received 2 copies of the safety contract. Both of these must be signed and returned. No one will be able to participate in the lab on Wednesday without both signed contracts and proper shoes: all students must wear closed toe shoes to do lab activities. B day students will receive the contracts on Tuesday and must have then signed by Thursday. They must wear closed toe shoes on Thursday to do the lab.

An assignment was started in class. Some students must finish it at home. The directions are:

Draw a scientist in big rectangle 1. Explain the drawing in small rectangle 1.
Draw what we would see if we went to visit a scientist on a fieldtrip in big rectangle 2. Explain your drawing in small rectangle 2.

There are also 2 sections in the GREEN HST Science Book to read: pp. 9-11 and pp. 26-31. Remember the GREEN HST Science Book should stay at home.

I will send home a curriculum letter later this week that will explain the grading procedures and the course content.

Parents, you have a lot of HW this week. Please sign everything and send it back. Thank you


BTW if you are a parent reading this why not send me an e-mail so I can enter yours in my address book. I will answer e-mails as time allows. The best way to get a message to me is to send a note to  me (in the agenda when they are distributed).

My e-mail is smithp8@duvalschools.org. Don't forget the 8.

Science Projects are closer than they appear ;)

Hi students and families. I know it's July, the sun is shining, you are on vacation - me too; but, it's time to start finding a good topic/idea/question for a science project for the upcoming school year. Now's a great time while you have "spare time" to just think about what interests you.
Here's a place to start reading
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

Oui and I are off on our vacation. (Oui's the mouse so many of you liked to play with.) I'll grab some good pics to post here at a later date. I'll be doing science. I hope you will be also.

EPCOT UPDATE

Our trip to Epcot is TOMORROW!!! Here are a few last minute reminders....

• You should arrive at JLCP at 6:30 AM. Attendance must be taken and seats assigned. Our buses must pull out on time.
• Your meal ticket will be issued to you. Your group should try to eat somewhere adventurous.
• You may want to bring some spending money. Whatever you bring is what you will have. Put it in a safe spot and don't wave it around.
• If you choose to bring things with you to help pass the time, remember YOU will be responsible for them. Make sure your name is on your "toys". If your toys play music make sure your playlist does not contain offensive songs. If you lose your toys that is your responsibility. Choose wisely as you pack your stuff.
• Dress according to the student code of conduct. You are not going to the beach- you are on a school trip so dress like you are going to school. I recommend that you wear shoes not flip-flops and maybe not even sandals so that your feet are protected. Lab shoes rule!!
• You should use sunscreen  and maybe wear a hat - it's supposed to be a nice day.
• If you carry a backpack or a purse you may be held up at the entrance while your bag is searched. Try to be economical with what you choose to bring with you.
• We will leave the park at a set time. Do not make your group late to the bus. We must leave on time so that we can be back on time.
• We will be back at 9:00PM.

You may call your parents to confirm our ETA after we pass St. Augustine. That will give them a heads up. If you don't plan to bring your phone make arrangements for a friend to call their parents who can then call your parents.

Parents, please be on-time to pick up your child. Remember, it will be a long day for all of us and teachers still need to drive home after the trip.

BRING YOUR TEXTBOOKS TO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY, 06/07/2100

Textbooks will be collected Tuesday starting at 7:55 AM until 8:35 AM. YOU must turn in all of your textbooks at this time.

Locker clean-out will be on wednesday morning. You will need to be prepared to carry EVERYTHING with you so you might want to take some home tomorrow and throw junk away ASAP. Bring a sturdy bag to carry home your shelves and other treasures. Teachers are in the process of moving this week so they probably won't have any extra bags or boxes for you to use. BE PREPARED !!!

Friday's Pictures

GRADE UPDATE

I have updated all grades as of 6:05 PM today. If you see a 50 in the booklet spot that means you haven't turned in your complete booklet and will need to turn it in on MONDAY. I will not take booklets after 7:50 AM on Monday. We have too much to do to get ready for our fun-filled day.

I am still accepting catch up work for students who signed for the assignments. You must turn that in by 7:45 AM on Monday. The excuses I might accept are few and far between so don't plan on being late and don't do an "I forgot it in the car, at my other parent's house, the computer was broke, our printer ran out of ink" type of excuse because I am just not going to accept late work.

More Roller Coasters - Wednesday pictures

NASA - Hurricane Season 2011: System 93L (Atlantic Ocean)

NASA - Hurricane Season 2011: System 93L (Atlantic Ocean)

Roller Coasters from Tuesday, 5/31