Science Classroom Connection

Students will read, write, and orally discuss our environmental problems through the synthesis of a concept map on said topic by using our environmental science textbook with reference pages 78-83. A sample concept map is attached below!

Chapter 4 Section 1 Environmental Problems Concept map

Students will embark, once again, on the writing process. This time the topic will center on fossil fuels and alternative forms of energy. Students are expected to write the standard five (5) paragraph essay as it will count as a summative grade for this marking period. The outline for the writing process is attached to guide them, in case any of them happened to be absent on the day of the assignment, as the teacher will explain it to the students in class prior to the writing process.

*The Writing Process Outline (Persuasive Essay)

*Courtesy of www.casuskameralar.tk

Students will be evaluated upon the different forms of alternative energy resources that we have discussed and reinforced in class this week. As always, students are advised to study any handouts or study guides that they are given or have been given prior to the testing day. Furthermore, students can quiz themselves by answering the review questions at the end of the section on page 121 (1-10).

Students will have an opportunity to learn about the alternative energy resources along with their advantages and disadvantages in the roles that they play in our daily lives. These alternatives resources include solar, wind, nuclear, chemical, hydroelectric, geothermal, and energy from the biomass. Furthermore, students will elaborate upon the actual applications of these forms of energies in our daily lives. (Please see attachment below!)

Chapter 5, Section 3 Alternative Resources Chart

Students will have an opportunity to practice on the M-Step testing process that will be carried out on desk and laptop computers this year. The teacher will show and explain many of the provided directions as well as do several of the test item examples that have been released by our Educational State Department.

Below are some of the links that students can access during their Easter break to practice to be better prepared for this important State examination:

https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ott1  

https://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games.html

https://www.sense-lang.org/typing/tutor/keyboarding.php

Students will be evaluated upon fossil fuels that we have worked on in class through our detailed concept map that focuses on coal, petroleum, and natural gas as well as study Tuesday’s study guide (directed reading handout). Students are advised to review both of these worksheets to be better prepared for this Thursday’s test/quiz. Furthermore, as a reinforcement, students will benefit from reviewing the section review on fossil fuels that we will have completed by tomorrow (Wednesday).

Attention Viking Parents/ Guardians,

“M-STEP testing will be on Monday, April 11, 2016. Please discuss with your child the importance of practicing and doing their best on the assessment. Our teachers will be working with students on testing taking strategies during school hours but we’re asking for parents to also work with students at home (especially over Spring Break) to increase student readiness using the online practice tests listed below:

2016 Testing Schedule for Online and Paper/Pencil Assessments ONLINE Test Administration Dates*

• Grades 8 : the online tests may be administered on any instructional day April 11 – April 29, 2016

• Grades 6: the online tests may be administered on any instructional day April 25 – May 13, 2016

• Grades 7: the online tests may be administered on any instructional day May 9 – May 27, 2016 •

MI-Access Alternate Assessments—Grades 3–8: the online tests may be administered on any instructional day April 11 – May 27, 2016 *

Online Practice for M-STEP ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies

• The preview is intended to provide students and teachers with a brief look at the English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies technology-enhanced item types.  The M-STEP Spring 2016 Preview must be used in Google Chrome. Copy and paste this link into Google Chrome https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ott1. Click on the 2016 Preview Link, you will then need to click to sign on. Once on the sign in page, use the username and password displayed on the screen to log in.”

Sean Fisher, Ed.S.                                                                                                                   Principal, O. L. Smith Middle School

For those who were absent from class on Thursday/Friday, complete the attached study guide and turn in for a grade by Monday the 22nd of March 2016.

Fossil Fuel Concept Map

Students will have an opportunity to prove their learning skills on the topics of The Flow of Fresh Water and The Movement of Ocean Water that bring about changes on land and influence the ecosystems on Earth over time.

What to Study?

The standard written class notes that include all strategies that we have applied to learn the material such as L.I.N.K. strategy and Frayer models. In addition, review any bellwork that has already been returned along with any handouts and section review questions. Even though that appears much to go over, students are not being evaluated on any new material, just a summary of what has been learned over the past few weeks. Things that students feel comfortable with, they do not need to review again, just focus on what each student may have not mastered well!

https://www.brcgo.com/?cid=34824