Recap:
Yesterday, I modeled a group discussion for the class as we reviewed the videos and set up our learning profile folders. We talked about the things they need to bring to our partnership, such as doing the assignments at home so they are prepared to participate, speaking up in class, and observing the rules of conversational etiquette. We learned that if they don't know a word, I use or they see in our readings, the only way they will know it is to let me know. That being said, many students learned what charismatic, and altruistic meant. In the science classes, I handed out the yearly vocabulary list. We will begin using this list next week.
Many of my former students from last year pointed out that I already do many things suggested in the video- dimmed lights, water noises in the classroom, soft, non-lyrical, music, and frequent breaks from lecturing which allows their brain to process information. Students said they were interested to find out that their brain produced about 25 watts of electricity and that their bodies run off of bioelectrical signals called neural pathways. Several other students pointed out that they had not realized that behavior is the first thing to suffer if your brain and body are not properly hydrated. I challenged the classes to come to school with a bottled water and to refill it at least 8 times in a day and see if their alertness and performance was any better than days when they drink less.
Another point students enjoyed was the idea of practice and how the brain plays. I gave them the example of kicking a soccer ball, playing guitar, or working on a new math formula. As you practice a new skill for at least 20 minutes a day your brain starts to grow new neurons and those neurons form neural pathways. Then when you go to sleep at night, those same neural pathways continue to stimulate the neurons in the specific muscles being used to refine what you practiced while awake.
Students in all classes got their first chance to write when I gave them the entry task: Write a persuasive paragraph trying to convince your audience of your ideas about how to end school violence and create a lasting atmosphere of safety. The discussions were excellent for the most part however, I did have to warn several people about the proper way to behave in a class discussion or group. I began turning over responsibility for basic class etiquette to the leadership cadre and I established this nine weeks seating chart. Remember to be in your correct seat every day and arrive to class on time.
In the discussion we began to examine what data we had and if, in fact, we have enough to begin to do some kind of actual research. Students pointed out that the company had claimed to have administered the test to over 42 million people and we all took the test so we have their results and ours as well. Several students pointed out that the sample size for the company was huge and ours relatively small by comparison, but we should be able to analyze our total student population results and get a similar percentage, but our MOE (margin of error) would probably be high. We could then graph our results.
I walked students through a few more class procedures as we continued to model good discussion etiquette. We also went over our newest informational tool so students know what and why they are learning specific things in the class. Some were shocked to learn they will help choose the type of assessment I use to evaluate their mastery of a topic. Students were given their yearly list of prefixes, roots, and suffixes. I explained that as we progress, we will learn how to decode many words by tearing them down into their parts. Science is a highly technical subject with specialized words. Many citizens don't have the proper base knowledge of this subject and by learning the basic parts of the words we can quickly identify the meaning of other words.
Entry Task/ Brain Bender:
Dan Manly was visiting his hometown when an old friend called out, "Hey Dan, how have you been? It must be 15 years since we last saw each other."
"At least that,"replied Dan. "I've been keeping well, but tell me about yourself." Dan's friend answered, "I'm married now, but to someone that you wouldn't know. By the way, this is my daughter." Dan looked down at the little girl and asked her name. "It's the same as my mother's, "the little girl replied. "Then I bet your name is Susan, "said Dan. How could he know this?
Agenda:
Today, we will begin our benchmark test in all subject areas. This test will probably take all period. Results will be used to determine knowledge already gained. PLEASE do your best. It is the only way I can accurately assess what I need to cover to help you be successful.
Graphing Basics PowerPoint-
1. Watch the video and take notes for Monday.
How to Use Google Spreadsheet to Make a Graph
3. Discussion of citation and evidence.
9th Grade Earth Space Science:
Class Information and Syllabus
Unit Essential Question:
What are the basic ideas behind the process of science?
Key Learning Statement:
Science is a process based upon observational and experimental studies using scientific methods to develop or explore scientific theories or laws.
Homework:
Read the article:
The article explaining graphing differences between math and science. Takes notes for discussion
HS Intensive English
Class Information and Syllabus
Unit Essential Question: What does a good writing sample look like?
Key Learning Statement: Writers structure their writing into several key steps to produce a good writing sample. While these steps are not always needed, it is best for beginning or aspiring writers to practice them to improve their writing ability. Those steps are brainstorming, outlining, prewriting (or rough drafting), peer editing, polishing and revising, and final editing.
Homework:
Watch the video and take notes for discussion on Wednesday
Where Did Words Come From?
10th Grade Biology 1
Class Information and Syllabus
Unit Essential Question: What is required to carry out a valid scientific investigation?
Key Learning Statement: A valid scientific investigation uses prior knowledge, observations, and empirical evidence to test a hypothesis and draw conclusions that must be validated through repetition and replication.
Homework:
Read the Article:
Article explaining graphing differences between math and science. Takes notes for discussion
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