Dynamic Dialogue 9/27/13

Good Afternoon Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:         Term One Grades Mailed - September 27

                                     Parent/Teacher Conferences October 8th, 9th, and 10th

                                     

Important Information:    If you would like to activate your Edline account, please contact Mr. Daniels or Mrs. Pettid for your activation code.

English –

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

Math- This week students learned how to multiply/divide rational numbers, and the Order of Operations.  Grades are updated now, please check the portal.  This is absolutely  last call for the Math Flipppers and Dynamic team T-shirt.

Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

Science –

In Dynamic Systems Science the students spent the week continuing to practice the scientific method skills.  The formative assessment dish soap bubble lab showed a composite score for all the Dynamic Scientists to be Goal #1 qualitative and quantitative Data = 2.85, Goal #2 Using the scientific method to research and find answers = 2.75, and Goal #3 communicating using data tables and graphs = 2.65. Please ask your student how they are tracking themselves on each of the learning goals.

The students had a counselor lesson today which included their personality type and career options in order to prepare them for the Career Fair on October Wednesday, 9 October 2013.

The students have a formative quiz over Goal #3 on Monday!

Looking forward to conferences with you!

Dynamic Science Course Website

http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/daniels

Dynamic Systems Science – Coach Daniels - daniels.mark@wgmail.org

314-918-4603

Social Studies –

Students are wrapping up their exploration of Ancient Egypt this week.  On Monday and Tuesday we refocused our attention on How Do We Know What We Know:  The Science of History.  Students saw how the most current medical technology is deepening our understanding of Egyptian history.  We finished up the week with some practice with timelines and a look at the social structure of Egyptian society.  

Students will take their first open-note quiz on Tuesday, October 1st.  The notes that I gave them in class have been posted on my website.  Students may check there to see that their notes are accurate.

Grades have been updated and are posted on the Parent/Student Portal.

After school help is available in my room every Tuesday until 4:00 

Dynamic Social Studies Course Website:

www.hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/pettid

Lisa Pettid – pettid.lisa@wgmail.org

314-918-4602

Please visit the following links for more information: Hixson home page -http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson Dr. Heisserer's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/

Dynamic Dialogue 9/20/13

Happy Friday Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:         Term One Ends - September 20th
                                     Term One Grades Mailed - September 27

                                     Parent/Teacher Conferences October 8th, 9th, and 10th

                                     

Important Information:    If you would like to activate your Edline account, please contact Mr. Daniels or Mrs. Pettid for your activation code.

English –

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

Math –  Students took a Subtracting & Adding Integers Test this week, grades will be updated online this weekend.  Next week, students will learn how to multiply and divide rational numbers.

Monday, Sept. 23rd is the last day to order a Dynamic Team T-Shirt ($8 or $9 for XXL and the Math flippers ($10).  You may pay by cash or check (payable to Hixson Middle School)

See the attached team T-shirt design:  Dynamic T-Shirts

Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

Science –

In Dynamic Systems Science the students have practicing all the details of managing data in data tables, and graphs. Today they completed a dish soap bubble lab. This lab activity required them to apply all the skills included in the three learning goals of our Scientific Method unit and is a formative assessment. The three learning goals for this unit are:

1. I am able to contrast and make observations using qualitative and quantitative data.
2. I am able to question and investigate to find answers using the scientific method.
3. I am able to clearly communicate using data tables and graphs.

Below are the learning goal proficiency scales. By the end of the unit all students are expected to be proficient at each goal, level 3 which in in the “B” range.

         Goal 1:  Student is able to contrast and make observations of qualitative and quantitative data.

4	In addition to level 3 the student will be able to: ●     Consistently differentiate between qualitative and quantitative observations and  justify the use of different types of observations for different situations.
3	Student will be able to: ●     Make both qualitative and quantitative observations precisely.  ●     Accurately distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observations.
2	Student will able to: ●     Identify qualitative observations or quantitative observations and is able to make simple qualitative and quantitative observations. ●     Distinguish between the two types of observations inconsistently.
1	Only with guidance is the student able to: ●     Make qualitative and quantitative observations and distinguish between the two.

         Goal 2:  Student is able to question and investigate to find answers using the scientific method.

4	In addition to level 3 the student will be able to explain the results of an experiment.
3	Student will be able to: ●     Construct a hypothesis or testable question. ●     Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and constants in an experiment.  ●     State the conclusion of an experiment, including success or failure of hypothesis.
2	Student will able to: ●     Complete  2 of the following goals, but not all 3: ○     Construct a hypothesis or testable question. ○     Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and constants in an experiment.  ○     State the conclusion of an experiment, including success or failure of hypothesis.
1	Only with guidance is the student able to: ●     Construct a hypothesis or testable question. ●     Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and constants in an experiment. ●     State the conclusion of an experiment, including success or failure of hypothesis.

              Goal 3:  Student is able to clearly communicate data using tables and graphs.

4	In addition to level 3 the student will be able to interpret the table and graph and predict data which is not tested.
3	Student will be able to: ●     Create an accurate representation of the data including: ○     Appropriate title showing independent and dependent variables. ○     Data is placed on correct axis or column, and given correct labels. ○     Unit of measure is given with label, and with every quantitative measurement. ○     Explain the relationship between the two variables.
2	Student will able to: ●     Create an accurate representation of the data that includes  2 of the following: ○     Appropriate title showing independent and dependent variables. ○     Data is placed on correct axis or column, and given correct labels. ○     Data is given correct units and correct scale is used.
1	Only with guidance is the student able to: ●     Create an accurate representation of the data including: ○     Appropriate title showing independent and dependent variables. ○     Data is placed on correct axis or column, and given correct labels. ○     Data is given correct units and correct scale is used.

Since the students are still learning and practicing the goals the students are still in the apprentice, “C” range. Their semester grade will consist of their mastery of the learning goals which is measured by the unit tests. We have not had a unit test so their grades are reflective of where they are now, not where they will be at the end of the Scientific Method unit.

If you have any questions or comments please let me know.

Dynamic Science Course Website

http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/daniels

Dynamic Systems Science – Coach Daniels - daniels.mark@wgmail.org

314-918-4603

Social Studies –

This week is project week.  Students are hard at work on they Mummy Books, researching five topics of their choice about ancient Egypt.  They have had every day this week in class to work on the Mummy Books, which are due on Monday.  PLEASE, NO GLITTER.  Next week we will begin to wrap up Egypt and with a quiz on the following Tuesday.  From there we move on to Mesopotamia..

After school help is available in my room every Tuesday until 4:00 

Dynamic Social Studies Course Website:

www.hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/pettid

Lisa Pettid – pettid.lisa@wgmail.org

314-918-4602

Please visit the following links for more information: Hixson home page -http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson Dr. Heisserer's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/

Dynamic Dialogue 9/13/13

Happy Friday Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:         Hixson Family Fund Night - September 13, 3:00 - 8:00
                                          DQ Grill and Chill
                                     Term One Ends - September 20th
                                     Term One Grades Mailed - September 27

                                     

Important Information:    If you would like to activate your Edline account, please contact Mr. Daniels or Mrs. Pettid for your activation code.

English –

What makes a name famous? This week students have been practicing their research skills by looking up  famous names, such as: Cher, Shaq, Hannibal, Voldemort and more! Next we reviewed the elements of effective informative/explanatory essays in preparation for writing their own essay about a famous name of their choice.
For more information about our current unit of study, go to: https://docs.google.com/a/wgcloud.org/presentation/d/1KWSvDu5y9kDQpvrQJ6keMHDLcOxAlcGnE-lEMQzD8Sc/edit

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

Math –  

The operations of integers/rational numbers is the first unit in Connected Mathematics.  This week students learned how to add and subtract integers/rational numbers, along with some Pre-Algebra concepts.  Next week students will learn how to multiply and divide integers/rational numbers.

A reminder that the deadline to purchase a team T-shirt ($8.00) and 3 math flippers ($10) is next Friday, Sept. 20, 2013. I highly recommend the math flippers because students will be able to use them in the 8^th grade and high school. See the attached team T-shirt design:  Dynamic T-Shirts

Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

Science –

THANK YOU! The Donors Choose project for 3 GoogleChrome computers was fully funded with matching funds with more than 30 hours before the deadline! The students will use the GoogleChrome computers to access and analyze current data and research!  

In Dynamic Systems Science the students have been developing their understanding and use of Scientific Method concepts. They have been making connections to the terms: Hypothesis, Procedure, Conclusion, Qualitative observation, Qualitative observation, and Mean.

Dynamic Science Course Website

http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/daniels

Dynamic Systems Science – Coach Daniels - daniels.mark@wgmail.org

314-918-4603

Social Studies –

Students have continued with their work on Egypt this week  We are currently exploring the many aspects of Egyptian history and culture.  We have explored Egyptian religious beliefs - including mummification (always a favorite!), the political structure, and the fantastic Egyptian art and architecture.  Next week students will begin working on their Egyptian projects.  Directions and links are located on my website if you or your student would like a preview.


After school help is available in my room every Tuesday until 4:00 

Dynamic Social Studies Course Website:

www.hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/pettid

Lisa Pettid – pettid.lisa@wgmail.org

314-918-4602

Please visit the following links for more information: Hixson home page -http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson Dr. Heisserer's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/

Dynamic Dialogue 9/6/13

Good afternoon Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:         Term One Ends - September 20th

                                     

Important Information:    If you would like to activate your Edline account, please contact Mr. Daniels or Mrs. Pettid for your activation code.

English –

Dynamic students visited the library for orientation, book browsing and checkout, library software access, and reading. During our library time, which is bi-weekly, I meet with students to discuss their what they're reading, their reading log and reading goals.

Students are working with Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes. Students should be keeping a vocabulary study tool, i.e. app, flashcards, notebook or other. Our work with vocabulary also includes the study of academic vocabulary such as: claim, opposing claim, tone, mood, compound sentence, etc.

Our first unit theme is "What's Behind a Name?" Students will be reading, writing, listening and speaking about names. Students just submitted their first argumentative piece. Students will receive feedback to support their writing process as they work to take their writing to the next levels.

This week, students were introduced to sentence combining which will support our study of grammar and punctuation.

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

Math –  
 
Dynamic students are off to a good start in math! On the first day of school students took a Baseline Test which measures what a student should know at the end of seventh grade. They will take the same time the last week of school to measure their growth. Also, this test helps me identify students who will need extra help and the students who will need extra challenges in math from day one of school. I wrote the score of this test in the front cover of your student's planner and the average score on this is (21) out of 50 questions. Please ask your student to share the score with you.

Dynamic students have an opportunity to purchase a set of three (Math Flippers) for $10. These flippers will help students review concepts in (Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Pre-Geometry). Last year’s students used them during class and for homework and found them to be very helpful. I suggest every student purchase a set of flippers because they will also be able to use in eighth grade and high school.

Dynamic team want to purchase team t-shirts. We will wear these t-shirts on field trips and during competition against other teams. The design of the T-shirt: orange 50/50 blend, big (WG) on front, on the back - big (Dynamic) across shoulder and the number (one) in the middle of back. The cost is $8.00 per shirt (S-XL); $1.50 more for (XXL or XXXL).
By next Friday, I’ll start posting the homework on-line. In the meantime, please check your student’s planner for the assignments.

Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

Science –

In Dynamic Systems Science the students have completed extensive Learner Profile inventories to bring to their awareness of their learning strengths and begin to develop these strengths as a learner! In other words, learn how they best learn! We have begun our year-long unit Scientific Method. They completed the Scientific Method “What Do You Know?”

Students are developing their group skills. The five skills we are focusing on are active listening, observing, cooperating, responding, and clarifying.

Dynamic students need your help!

I want to make sure my Dynamic Scientists have the resources they need to succeed. So I've created a classroom project request at DonorsChoose.org, an award-winning charity.

I'm asking for donations of any size to help your student. For the next week, any donation you make to my project will be doubled (up to $100). If you know anyone who is passionate about education, please pass this along. Your donation will brighten my students' school year, and you'll get photos and thank yous from our class.

Here's my classroom request:
+Tech: Connecting Students with Current Science

To have your donation matched dollar for dollar, enter the match code INSPIRE on the payment screen. This awesome match offer lasts through next Thursday, September 12, 2013.

My students and I greatly appreciate your support.

If you have any questions or comments please let me know.

Dynamic Science Course Website

http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/daniels

Dynamic Systems Science – Coach Daniels - daniels.mark@wgmail.org

314-918-4603

Social Studies –

Our students have begun the year with great enthusiasm.  We have spent some time learning about the science of history and even been on our first field trip.  This week we finished looking at the impact of geography on Egyptian civilization.  We worked with both maps and Google Earth.  If you do not have Google Earth on your home computer, I would like to suggest that you download and install it.  This is a free program that we will be using all year long.  Here is a link to the site:  http://www.google.com/earth/index.htmll .   We have now moved to Egyptian cultural traditions. and will continue to further explore Egypt next week.

Dynamic Social Studies Course Website:

www.hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson/Classes/pettid

Lisa Pettid – pettid.lisa@wgmail.org

314-918-4602

Please visit the following links for more information: Hixson home page -http://hixson.webster.k12.mo.us/pages/Hixson Dr. Heisserer's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/