Eighth Grade Art

Eighth grade learned about the famous and versatile 20th century American artist, Alexander Calder and then created wire sculptures in the same style. They did a great job!

Science Fair Topic Selection Due Date Extended

The science fair topic selection form due date has been extended for all students until Wednesday, September 22nd. Thank you!

Odyssey Syllabus

For parents' information:

Students received a syllabus outlining their reading and vocabulary assignments for The Odyssey. They have also received a vocabulary list for the first few chapters of the book. Please ask your student to show you this information.

We will continue with regular Wordly Wise and/or Classical Roots quizzes, but there will be words mixed in from the Reading Vocabulary. Students will know ahead of time which words to focus on.

Science - Science Fair Topic Selection

The season for science fair is upon us! Over the next few weeks, the students will be completing various aspects of the science fair process. The first step of the process, topic selection, was discussed today and students will be working on choosing just the right topics to investigate. Look for the "Science Fair Project" paper in the Science Fair section of their binder. It outlines the requirements for choosing a topic along with lists of categories, science fair dates and helpful websites to aid them in their selection process. We will be spending considerable time in the classroom working on this process as well.

Their homework for this week is simply to spend some time looking at the websites or other helpful information and choosing a topic that most interests them. Their topic selection form is due on Monday, September 20th.

The Eleanor Kolitz Academy Science Fair is scheduled for November 18, 2010. Each step of the project will be reviewed during class and due dates will be assigned for specific portions of the project. Due dates for each portion will be posted as they are given.

Some outstanding websites concerning science fair include:
www.sciencebuddies.org
www.all-science-fair-projects.com
www.sciencefairprojects.org
www.education.com/science-fair/middle-school
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral
www.arase.org

Thank you!

Eighth Grade Art

It's that time of year again - the art fundraiser! Students are creating colorful collages, and they will be coming home soon for your orders.

Book Reports

Students are expected to select books to read independently, and will complete at least one independent book report each quarter. Information on the requirements for the first quarter book report should be in your child’s Language Arts binder. This quarter, the books are “free choice,” meaning any type of book is acceptable, so long as it is age- and grade-level appropriate. All book reports include a written assignment and a creative component, similar to what was done for Summer Homework.

The due date for first quarter book reports is Monday, October 25^th.

**Stay tuned: Information and reading assignments for The Odyssey will be posted shortly!**

English Language Arts -Welcome!

Welcome to the MS Language Arts blog!

Now that the dust has settled from the start of the year, please check here regularly for information and updates regarding class assignments, policies, and news!

In 5th-8th grade, we have established a daily routine that includes reading, writing and practice in written conventions of language. Standard homework each week includes Wordly Wise/vocabulary practice and reading of both assigned and free-choice books.

Homework assignments are checked as part of a completion grade for each week. Daily classwork and quizzes are valued as "single grades" and tests and projects are valued as "double grades" when averaged. A separate grade is determined for conduct (behavior).

Students have received instructions as to how they should organize and keep the Language Arts section of their binder. A paper regarding this has gone home to be signed and returned by Tuesday, September 14.

Copies of this organizational information, and of the course information given to all MS Language Arts families at "Back to School Night" are available from Miss Planto via e-mail.

Eighth Grade Art

The eighth grade students used the wet-into-wet watercolor technique to paint their Precolumbian-inspired paintings. They restricted their palettes to either hot or cool colors to maximize the visual impact of their art. They rose to the challenge of the next art project: selecting a reproduction of a Picasso portrait that had been cut in half, and drawing in the other half of the face. Each student did a wonderful job!

Notes from the Music Room

We began music today with a song medley which included "Lean on Me" and "Don't Stop Believin'." Following a review of samba dance steps, we started a hand chime composition project where the students were divided into small groups with specific hand chimes. They were also given a set rhythm to follow. They will perform their compositions in class.

Notes from the Music Room

In music this week we continued learning our samba-style dance. We also watched a short video clip about Brazil and its culture. The samba originated in Brazil. We also practiced our hand chime technique.

Science Updated 9/2/10

Test - Wednesday, September 8th - Laboratory Safety, Measurement and Scientific Method

They received outlines earlier this week that outline the key concepts they need to review. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.