News from 7-O

News from 8-I

8-I Blog – March 17, 2014

Health:

Mr. Stambaugh’s class is finishing up the last of Growth and Development. We will finish up by having a partner assessment the next time we meet as a team. We will then begin learning about the other systems of the body. We begin with the Skeletal system learning all the bones of the body.

Mrs. Quinones’ Social Studies Class:

Oh say can you see?  Why yes!  I can!  Francis Scott Key, author of the poem The Defense of Fort McHenry, is one of a few new people we met during our study of the War of 1812.  The oyster ice cream loving Dolley Madison is another.  She saved the portrait of George Washington from burning to ruin in the White House when the British invaded DC.  Then there was Andrew Jackson!  Billed as the Hero of New Orleans, we found out that it was completely unnecessary to even have the Battle of New Orleans because the peace declaration had already been signed.  Students realized that communication wasn't nearly as efficient as today!

                                                                               We are finishing the Industrial Revolution today. I encourage you to take a few hours and visit the Agricultural and Industrial Museum on West Princess Street in downtown York.  It's a great place to see how transportation evolved in America and how YORK PA was instrumental in that growth.   https://www.yorkheritage.org/page.asp?id=3"https://www.yorkheritage.org/pag e.asp?id=3

We will be heading farther west as we take on the topic of Westward Expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny.  Students are also building a foundation for the next big war, the American Civil War.  We have already begun traveling on the road to that war.

Ms. Eckert’s English Class:

Students just finished learning how to decode unfamiliar words through our study of root words, prefixes and suffixes. They are now starting to brainstorm on their fictional narrative stories. Students will be ready to dive into their narratives once PSSAs are over and wow you and their classmates by creating imaginary worlds and characters. We are also learning about writing conventions, such as pronouns types, verb moods, participle phrases and active and passive verbs, while gearing up for the PSSAs.

Mrs. Kelly’s Science Class:

We finished up our unit on weather this month and now we are onto the Earth's layers and plate tectonics.  We have enjoyed learning about the 7 layers of the Earth and how it is broken down into three smaller layers of the Lithosphere, Asthenosphere and the Mesosphere.  We learned about the different densities of the layers by doing a lab with different liquids and observing how they behave.

When we learned about the asthenosphere, we did an activity with corn starch and water where the asthenosphere's consistency is replicated.  

It is a liquid at first,

but when pressure is applied, it turns into a solid.

Next we will learn about continental drift, seafloor spreading and how fossils are found on multiple continents.  We have a plate tectonics quiz this Friday, March 21st.

Mrs. Morgan’s Math Classes:

All classes have been busy getting ready for PSSA's next week.  All classes learned the Pythagorean Theorem, Volume formulas, and Scientific Notation to get ready for our state assessment. Now that we are done reviewing for the PSSA's, Algebra AB is learning how to solve Systems of Equations.  By Wednesday, they will know all three methods and will be able to demonstrate this on their quiz Friday.  The Algebra 1A class and the Prealgebra 2 class are learning how to graph linear equations using different strategies.  First we learned how to graph using a table. Now we are learning what a slope is in math and how you use slopes and y-intercepts to graph lines.  The Algebra 1A class and Prealgebra 2 class will also have a quiz this Friday to demonstrate their ability to graph linear equations.  Then next week we will all take the PSSA's!

Academic Literacy:

Students are continuing to develop their writing and reasoning skills. Most recently students worked in groups to write a claim about a potential crime scene using the evidence and a close analysis of that evidence. Together they composed a focused, detailed and well organized written response by using color-coded sentence strips.  Each response included a thesis statement, topic sentences, supporting evidence from the text, an analysis of all the supporting evidence and a conclusion.  

Currently, students are working to find bias in media and print and using their newly polished thinking and reasoning skills to conduct a close article analysis of several texts.

Mr. Conover's Math Class:

We recently finished working on the Pythagorean Theorem and are diving into functions.  Students are learning what a function is, how to identify one, and then how to graph functions.  From there, we are delving into graphing linear equations, determining slope of a line, and writing equations of a line.  Lots of fun to be had in Mr. Conover's math class, the students are doing a phenomenal job at everything they have thrown at them!

Mr. McIntyre’s English Class:

Mr. McIntyre’s English has been very busy.  We have been working on punctuating our writing correctly, as well as punctuating dialogue correctly.  We are currently in the drafting process of a narrative we are writing, which will include dialogue between the characters.  We are also exploring how adding a prefix or a suffix to a word changes the word’s meaning or part of speech.  In addition, we are identifying the meaning of specific prefixes and suffixes and using that to help us determine a word’s meaning.

News from 8-L

Team 8L March Blog

Science - In Science we have continued with our weather and climate unit.  We have done an activity using a map and the students’ hand to simulate High and Low pressure systems.  Students have identified the various air masses and fronts associated with these systems.  Using station models, students did a virtual lab to predict what the weather would be like over a four day period.  They have looked at several different types of weather maps and then interpreted what the weather would be in various parts of the United States.  As an activating strategy, students created the beginning of a cloud using a plastic water bottle.  They then learned about how clouds are named and where they are located.  The conclusion of our weather unit will be forthcoming.

English - In English class this marking period, students will be exploring a variety of text structures. The next unit of study is Craft and Structure of Fiction Text. Students will understand how to analyze the craft and structure of fiction to construct meaning. They will be examining an author's point of view, and the influence of words and phrases in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings, to develop tone, voice and mood. Some of the selections they will be reading include; The Monkey's Paw, Flowers for Algernon, Hunger, and various poetry selections by renowned poets. The unit will end with an in-depth compare/contrast essay of two different text selections, a poem and short story. Students will analyze the influence of the words, phrases, and structure on how they shape meaning, tone, and voice.  In addition to the core content, students will also begin test preparations for the PSSA test.

Social Studies – In Social Studies we have just concluded our unit on Thomas Jefferson and are ready to see how war escalated between England and the United States once again in the War of 1812.  We will be learning how that war affected us as a country and ushered in the first Industrial Revolution in America.

Math - All math classes are currently preparing for the upcoming PSSA exams later in March.  While still adhering to the outlined curriculum, we have also been reviewing some Geometry concepts and getting some practice via Study Island with the (expected) new format of questions on this years state test.  Graphing and writing of linear equations / inequalities remains a central focus for all classes. 

Honors Algebra students also have the added "bonus" of preparing for the Keystone exams, which will be given in May.  Parents and guardians of these kids, make sure they get plenty of rest!  Their math schedule is content-heavy and they really have been working hard to keep up with everything :) 

Post PSSAs, PreAlg-2 pupils will complete their graphing unit, then learn in more detail the rules of exponents with regard to multiplication & division.  Algebra 1A students will also be completing their unit of graphing, then move into Linear Inequalities.

During the ROAR period, students with Miss Herr have selected a math-related topic to (informally) research and on which they have given a short presentation.  Topics have included Hexadecimal and Binary Numbers, Combinatorics, The Golden Ratio, Probability, Pi, Cryptology, Pascal's Triangle, Even/Odd Functions, Fractals, Java Script, Euclid's Elements, the Fibonacci Sequence, Truth Talbes, Complex Numbers, and Quadratic Equations.  It's been most insightful hearing some of the information presented!

Health - Health class is putting the finishing touches on Growth and Development and is headed toward learning more about other parts of the human anatomy. The first unit that will be learned is the Skeletal System where all eighth graders will learn the 206 bones of the body!

Academic Literacy - Students in Academic Literacy class are continuing to develop their writing and reasoning skills. Most recently students worked in groups to write a claim about a potential crime scene using the evidence and a close analysis of that evidence. Together they composed a focused, detailed and well-organized written response by using color-coded sentence strips.  Each response included a thesis statement, topic sentences, supporting evidence from the text, an analysis of all the supporting evidence and a conclusion. 

Microtheme Notes Example

Microtheme activity

 

Students collaborating on their microtheme

	Currently, students are working to find bias in media and print and using their newly polished thinking and reasoning skills to conduct a close article analysis of several texts.

 

Microtheme Activity

Team 8L PSSA Resource Guide for Students & Parents

With the PSSA tests looming in our near future, it does not hurt to continue to refresh our skills and try to be as prepared as possible. Use the links below as a resource to practice skills, take practice tests, as well as view test-taking strategies. 

*To see the current state standards regarding Reading, Writing, Mathematics, or Science, please click on the following link:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.83.html

FYIs
Cell Phone Usage

Frequently Asked Questions about the PSSAs

Calculator Info.

Rubrics (criteria used by state officials to score the PSSA exams)

Open Ended Response Rubric

Response Reading Rubric

Math Rubric

PSSA Writing Links (8th Grade ONLY)

Writing Test Reminders
Informational Essay Elements
Informational Essay Writing
Persuasive Writing Elements
Persuasive Essay Writing
Writing Narrative Scoring Guidelines
Writing Assessment Domain Scoring Guide
Writing Scoring Rubric

PSSA Science Links (8th Grade ONLY)

Glossary of Terms

General Scoring Guidelines

Item and Scoring Sampler

Item and Scoring Sampler (PSSA - Modified Test)

PSSA Sample Tests
8th Grade Sample Test A
8th Grade Sample Test B

Sample Open Response Tests
8th Grade Open Response Test
8th Grade Open Response Test: Sample Student Response

Science PSSA Prep

Flash Cards

Reading Practice

• http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/district/Instruction/pssa.html#Reading - Onlines tests
• http://www.mcsdk12.org/curr/standardized_test_preparation.htm - Online tests
• http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_6th_lang.htm - Practice a variety of skills through games/activities
• http://www.pssa-prep.com/pssa-elementary.htm - The ultimate practice site!
• http://www.comprehensionpublishing.com/pssa_grandslam.htm - Don't buy, just try for free!

Math Practice

• http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/district/Instruction/pssa.html#Reading - Online tests
• http://www.mcsdk12.org/curr/standardized_test_preparation.htm - Online tests
• www.math.com - Math games/activities
• http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills-6th-mathbuilders.htm- Practice a variety of skills through games/activities
• http://www.pssa-prep.com/pssa-elementary.htm - The ultimate practice site!
• http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7vo0a/id22.html - See how high you can go!
• http://www.comprehensionpublishing.com/pssa_grandslam.htm - Don't buy, just try for free!

Fun Review Games

• Ever wanted to win a Nobel Peace Prize? Check out this cool website!
• Sheppard Software - Games for all ages
• Funschool - Fun and Educational Games
• Prongo-Educational Games

Test Taking Strategies
*Check out this How to Study link to visit some cool websites and play a few games!

Study Guides and Strategies - http://www.studygs.net/tsttak1.htm

York County Junior Honors Band

Fourteen students from Red Lion Area Junior High were selected to participate in the York County Junior Honors Band.  Some of the best 7th and 8th grade band students from all over York County performed in a concert that was held at Central York Middle School this past Saturday, March 8th.  The students did a wonderful job!  Front row: Lily C, Carly M, Kira B, Natalie B, Michaela C, and Kristen J.  Back row: David G, Cara W, Isaac S, John C, Eli L, Ben O, Owen M, and Chloe W.

News from Unified Arts...

FCS 8

In Family and Consumer Science for 8th grade we have completed our hand-sewing unit and are working on our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle unit.  We are turning regular T-shirts that are no longer worn into drawstring bags, great for carrying Phys. Ed clothes back and forth.

Come to the Arts Fest on March 12 to see some examples of completed work.

Our last day for class is March 14 or 17th depending on the cycle day.

8th Grade Art –

Students have been feverishly working on their clay Animated Vessels over the last several weeks. After exploring the history of African American Face Jugs, students were challenged to create their own vessel (cup, mug, bowl, etc.) and bring it to life with animated characteristics. They each had to master the different steps of the clay process including making coils, slipping and scoring, and are now glazing their pieces.

In the final 2 cycles of this rotation, students will be working to wrap up their clay project and their weavings. We will then conclude Art with some experimentation with photo editing.

7th Grade Music -

Students are wrapping up their Music Style Presentations.  They have learned how to identify many different styles of music, including Jazz, A Cappella, Rock, Pop, and even Ragtime music!  Their next project will be to experiment with GarageBand and create their own music!  

If you would like to see some example of their presentations and their Garageband projects, come out to the Arts Fest on Wednesday March 12 at 5:00pm!  That evening will also feature performances from the Strings Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Show Choir.  The Arts Fest will end with a formal recital at 7:30pm from some of our students who take private lessons outside of school.  All are welcome to attend!

7th Grade FCS -

In Family & Consumer Science, the classes have been currently working on food labs where they receive a recipe to follow independently from the teacher.

As the classes wrap up these labs, they will be moving onto the Challenge Labs. This is the most difficult level for a food lab. Within each class, four teams compete. Their challenge is to work with 3 random, mandatory ingredients and utilize other non-mandatory ingredients to create a dish that is judged on their creativity, presentation, taste, group dynamics, and organization with 30 minutes to plan and execute. No recipe!

Library

In library class students are learning about identity theft and online predators.  Did you know that children are at risk for identity theft just as much if not more than adults?  Follow this link to watch an informative video from The Today Show on the topic. http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=k-efzUKRdTg

We’re also talking about how it’s important to know whom you are really talking to, or to limit the information you share if you don’t.  Below students are using a traffic light system to rate various online chat scenarios.  Should they use the green light and continue to talk to the person, use the yellow light and show caution in what they choose to say, or use the red light and end all communication?

There was a little bit of disagreement in this class, which made for a good discussion.  And students learned some of the things they should look for when talking to people they don’t know.