Dynamic Dialogue 11/26/14

Happy Thanksgiving Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:     Dec. 2^nd – Hixson night at Papa John’s

                                   Dec. 16^th – Rescheduled Sounds of Hixson

“Interstellar” Field trip is on Tuesday, 9 December 2014 at 8:40 – 12:30.  

The field trip form will come home on Monday, 1 December and the cost will be $10.00.

Here is the review for it which describes the rating :  http://www.kids-in-mind.com/i/interstellar.htm

Important Information:    

Each year the Hixson staff and students try to help some of of our families in need.  We collect food to help sustain over breaks and adopt families to assist with clothing/winter needs.  This year we have a goal of making 20 food baskets to help sustain families over the winter break.  In addition certain teams are adopting families in an effort to fulfill some holiday wishes.  Your child(ren) have the opportunity to donate funds toward the holiday wishes of a Hixson family.  If you have questions regarding this program please feel free to contact the 7th grade counselor, Sarah Bodi, 314-918-4555. 

English –

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

Please check with your student to find out how he or she is progressing on their argumentative essay. At this point there should be no less than five paragraphs which include:

1.     Introduction with a lead and their claim

2.     Evidence for their claim

3.     Counterclaim and rebuttal

4.     Second counterclaim and rebuttal

5.     conclusion

The writing is challenging and many students if not most would benefit from quiet time at home to continue working on their essay. They will also benefit from support by:

• ·        reading their essay aloud as it is written
• ·        having the student read their essay aloud
• ·        questioning their evidence that is used in their arguments
• ·        pointing out transitional words and phrases that are used effectively
• ·        questioning ambiguous words or pronouns without antecedents
• ·        questioning and validating the structure of their essay and paragraphs

Math- 

Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

Science –

In Dynamic Systems Science the students have been working on understanding the components and relationships among gravity and objects. Due to our shortened week, today as part of our classroom discussion we talked about the cyclic pattern of our Moon. They looked up the Moon data if they graduate from High School on Friday, 15 May 2020 the Moon will be a 39% Waning Crescent, Moon rise at 2:43 am, Moon transit is at 8:04 am, and Moon set is at 1:31 pm. Graduation will be a “Moonless” evening! The Moon rises and sets during daylight hours too!

 “Interstellar” Field trip is on Tuesday, 9 December 2014 at 8:40 – 12:30. The field trip form will come home on Monday, 1 December and the cost will be $10.00.

Here is the review for it which describes the rating:  http://www.kids-in-mind.com/i/interstellar.htm

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 –

During our shortened week, students examined the technological contributions of ancient China.   I also prepped them for next week’s test.  The assessment will be December 4^th.  The study guide is posted on my website, and students will receive a hard copy on Monday.  Students will be able to work on study guides in class both Monday and Tuesday. 

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. Smith's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/

Dynamic Dialogue 11/21/14

Good afternoon Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:     Nov. 25^th – Sounds of Hixson Concert

                                   7 p.m.

                                   Nov. 27^th – 28^th – Thanksgiving Holiday

“Interstellar” Field trip is on Tuesday, 9 December 2014 at 8:40 – 12:30.  

The field trip form will come home on Monday, 24 November and the cost will be $10.00. Here is the review for it which describes the rating :  http://www.kids-in-mind.com/i/interstellar.htm

Important Information:    

Each year the Hixson staff and students try to help some of of our families in need.  We collect food to help sustain over breaks and adopt families to assist with clothing/winter needs.  This year we have a goal of making 20 food baskets to help sustain families over the winter break.  In addition certain teams are adopting families in an effort to fulfill some holiday wishes.  Your child(ren) have the opportunity to donate funds toward the holiday wishes of a Hixson family.  If you have questions regarding this program please feel free to contact the 7th grade counselor, Sarah Bodi, 314-918-4555. 

English –

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

This week our emphasis has been on drafting and revising our persuasive essay about the three scary stories we read for Halloween. Most students are making significant progress, and yet there are many who are not. Please check with your student to find out how he or she is progressing. At this point there should be no less than five paragraphs which include:

1.     Introduction with a lead and their claim

2.     Evidence for their claim

3.     Counterclaim and rebuttal

4.     Second counterclaim and rebuttal

5.     conclusion

The writing is challenging and many students if not most would benefit from quiet time at home to continue working on their essay. They will also benefit from support by:

• ·        reading their essay aloud as it is written
• ·        having the student read their essay aloud
• ·        questioning their evidence that is used in their arguments
• ·        pointing out transitional words and phrases that are used effectively
• ·        questioning ambiguous words or pronouns without antecedents
• ·        questioning and validating the structure of their essay and paragraphs

Next library day is Monday.

Math- 

Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

Science –

In Dynamic Systems Science the students are working on the following two goals:

Goal 2:  Student will develop and use models to describe the role of gravity.

4	Student demonstrates innovation, in depth inference(s), or advanced application(s) with the learning goal.  In addition to level 3 the student will be able to: ●       critique models to demonstrate understanding of role of gravity in the universe.
3	Student will be able to: ●     explain motions of specific objects in the universe and solar system in terms of gravity.
2	Student will able  to: ●     identify the pattern of motion caused by gravity in the universe and solar system.
1	Student able to: ●     is able to define gravity.

Goal 3:  Student will develop and  use models  to describe cyclic patterns of lunar phases.

4	Student demonstrates innovation, in depth inference(s), or advanced application(s) with the learning goal. In addition to level 3 the student will be able to: ●       critique models to demonstrate understanding motions that cause lunar phases.
3	Student will be able to: ●       model motions that cause lunar phases.
2	Student will able to: ●     identify the patterns that cause lunar phases.
1	The student able to: ●     label motions that result in lunar phases.

If your student is going to be absent next week, please make sure they check Google Classroom for their assignments.

We were not able to chat with NASA on Wednesday because the DC-8 was grounded for repairs. :(

“Interstellar” Field trip is on Tuesday, 9 December 2014 at 8:40 – 12:30. The field trip form will come home on Monday, 24 November and the cost will be $10.00.

Here is the review for it which describes the rating:

 http://www.kids-in-mind.com/i/interstellar.htm

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 –

We wrapped up our tour through India this week with a look at Buddhism.  Students explored the relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism.  They also examined the Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths.  On Thursday, we began a quick look at ancient China.  We will explore the geography, philosophy and contributions of this ancient land.  We will finish China next Wednesday, and begin studying for the Unit Assessment.  At this time, I believe the assessment will be December 4^th (although that is subject to change).  I hope to hand out the study guides before the Thanksgiving holiday.

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. Smith's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/

Dynamic Dialogue 11/14/14

Happy Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:     Nov. 19^th – 7^th and 8^th Grade Choir Concert

                                   Nov. 7^th – 19^th – Canned Food Drive

Important Information:    

English –

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

On Monday in English, students visited the library and presented or listened to book talks. Also this week students continued working on their argumentative essay outlines and drafts. Students continued developing their evidence and reasons for their claim as to which of the three short stories was the scariest: "Three Skeleton Key," "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street," and "The Mask of the Red Death." (Links for stories available below.) Thursday they began working on arguments to oppose counterclaims. A formulaic approach was presented to students:

1.     Introduce the opposing opinion or argument

•      Admittedly,

•      Certainly,

•      Of course,

•      One cannot deny that... 

•      At the same time...

2.     Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid while still showing why your position is stronger

•      But _______ is not completely inaccurate.

•      It is often argued that...

•      It is true that...

•      Opposing views claim... 

3.     Counter the Argument

•      Nevertheless,

•      However,

•      On the other hand,

•      But...

4.     Conclude the argument

•      Thus,
Therefore,
As a result,

“Three Skeleton Key”

http://blog.wsd.net/eokey/files/2014/10/Three-Skeleton-Key-full-story.pdf

Audio version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uT4Q36hNTI

“The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” http://www.jefftwp.org/middleschool/CoreTeams/LA/Required_reading/MDMS.pdf

Twilight Zone Episode of “The Monsters…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbJ01zZCsK4

“The Mask of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1064/1064-h/1064-h.htm

Audio Version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kkCPGvJ71c

Math- 

Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

This week in math, students learned how to graph and solve inequalities.  Also, they were assessed on this concept along with solving 2-step equations and collecting like terms. Please check the portal next Friday, hopefully I'll have these grades posted by then.

Science –

In Dynamic Science this week the high point of the week, month, and so far into the semester was the Rosetta Mission landing a probe called “Philae” on Comet 67P during our class time! The students recorded real time data on the comet using their Chromebooks as the landing was occurring. The student’s witnessed science history on the same level as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the Moon! Ask your Dynamic Scientist about the mission which was launched 4 March 2004! Your son or daughter was 2 or 3 years old when it launched!

The Forces of Nature field trip to Powell Hall was a great experience! The students enjoyed it and it was a great way to have a multidimensional experience to feel the flow of a river, a stream, a thunderstorm, and a trip through the solar system! 

Learning Goal #1: I am able to interpret and analyze data to compare and contrast universe objects.

Learning Goal #2: I am able to explain in terms of gravity interactions, motions of specific objects in the universe and solar system.

In Dynamic Systems Science the students have been finished doing their presentations of their research on universe objects. The formats I have seen are Google Presentations, Posters, Prezi, Google Documents, a cake, and painting on a canvas, original impressionistic painting on an entire poster board of the Milky Way Galaxy. It took us 4 days this week for all the students to do their presentations and take their summative test comparing and contrasting 2 universe objects.

If a student wants to re-test any of the 3 learning goals, here is the process:

1.     Meet with Coach Daniels before or after school to review their test.

2.     The student will be assigned some practice activities depending on their status of their student skills.

a.     For example, if the student does not have good notes on graphing, they will be required to review the shared Google Presentation and take notes, and review them with me for feedback.

3.     The student will meet with me again before or after school to get feedback on their practice activity.

4.     The process is repeated until the student demonstrates proficiency.

5.     Once a student had demonstrated they have become proficient with the learning goal, they will take the alternative assessment on that goal.

The students who would like to begin the process for re-testing the Scientific Method Goals are required to begin this process before the end of the day on Thursday, 20 November 2014. The process must be completed by Thursday, 12 December 2014.

Next week we will work on finishing the data analysis of the Pumpkin Drop experiment and on Wednesday the students will chat with NASA scientists on a DC8 doing research over the South Pole!

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 –

Students have been exploring Hinduism this week.  In groups, students sorted statements into 4 categories (Origins, Beliefs, Practices, and the Caste System).  They then created graphic organizers, categorized their statements, discussed the common elements, and explained their choices to the other groups.  

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. Smith's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/

Dynamic Dialogue 11/7/14

Good afternoon Dynamic Team!

Upcoming Events:     Nov. 11^th – 7^th Grade Field Trip to the Symphony

Important Information:    

English –

Susan Artkras – artkras.susan@wgmail.org

After reading and listening to three short stories-- "Three Skeleton Key," "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street," and "The Mask of the Red Death"--  students are writing an argumentative essay to put forth their opinion as to which story was the most suspenseful (or scary). Students brainstormed a list of story characteristics that contribute to suspense and will use that list as comparative criteria for building their support and counterclaim rebuttal.

Next library visit will be on Monday, November 10.

Math- 

This week students learned how to solve, write, and graph inequalities; students will spend more time on this concept next week.  Starting next week, I'll enter other grades (on the portal) of concepts which students have already learned.  
Wilma Slaughter – slaughter.wilma@wgmail.org

Science –

Learning Goal #1: I am able to interpret and analyze data to compare and contrast universe objects.

Learning Goal #2: I am able to explain in terms of gravity interactions, motions of specific objects in the universe and solar system.

Summative Assessment on Goal #1 began this Wednesday, 5 November and has continued as students did their presentations. Students are making a graphic organizer based on the information from 2 of the student in-class presentations and their own expertise of those objects from their own research.

In Dynamic Systems Science the students have been doing their presentations of their research on universe objects. The formats I have seen are Google Presentations, Posters, Prezi, Google Documents, and painting on a canvas, original impressionistic painting on an entire poster board of the Milky Way Galaxy. The students will complete their presentations on Monday and will get informal feedback from me.

The summative assessment grades for the Scientific Method unit test have been posted. I was very pleased at the accomplishments of the students! 77% of the students demonstrated proficiency, A’s or B’s, on the all of the Scientific Method Unit Goals!

If a student wants to re-test any of the 3 learning goals, here is the process:

1.     Meet with Coach Daniels before or after school to review their test.

2.     The student will be assigned some practice activities depending on their status of their student skills.

a.     For example, if the student does not have good notes on graphing, they will be required to review the shared Google Presentation and take notes, and review them with me for feedback.

3.     The student will meet with me again before or after school to get feedback on their practice activity.

4.     The process is repeated until the student demonstrates proficiency.

5.     Once a student had demonstrated they have become proficient with the learning goal, they will take the alternative assessment on that goal.

The students who would like to begin the process for re-testing the Scientific Method Goals are required to begin this process before the end of the day on Thursday, 20 November 2014. The process must be completed by Thursday, 12 December 2014.

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, we explored the Indus River Valley civilization of Mohenjo –Daro.  Students  examined artifacts from the region and then completed a graphic organizer comparing the Indus River Valley with either the Nile or Mesopotamian River Valleys.  As the week concluded, students began to examine Hinduism and its impact on the culture of India.

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. Smith's blog - http://hixsonprincipal.wordpress.com/