Good Earth

Today we finished The Good Earth. This weekend they will be writing their summary paper. Students were allowed to choose one of the following questions to write on:

1.  What does Wang Lung’s family’s gradual disconnection from the land say about their moral position and their hopes for future success? Explain what you think happens to Wang Lung’s family after the close of the novel.

2.  How are Wang Lung and his oldest son alike? Given the similarities in their characters, why do they come into conflict?

3. Why does Wang Lung decide to move into the Hwang family’s house in town? What does such a move signify for him?

If they forget their book, here is a link to find it online http://www.gobookee.org/good-earth-by-pearl-s-buck/

Their essay should be long enough to fully develop the topic. This will be at least 5 paragraphs. I'm looking for deeper thought and citations from the book. In order to get a 3, they must cite the book a minimum of 5 times. I encourage families to talk through possible ideas and help students articulate their ideas. I discourage families from writing the paper for them!

If you have any questions, please let me know/

November Field Trips

We have not one, not two, but THREE field trips this month.

Our first trip of the month is on November 6th, 2013. We will be going to the Oregon Primate Research Center to learn about the scientific process. The bus will leave school after math at 10:00. We will be back by 1:30. Please let me know if you can join us!

The following week, November 12tth,  we will be joining the Classroom Law Office founders downtown for a courtroom tour. We will learn all about the local justice system and get to sit in on several cases. Because we will be in the justice building, we will have to go through security. Parents that would like to chaperone should dress for easy security checks! We will leave at 8:15 and return just after lunch.

Our last trip of the month will be on field trip Friday, November 22nd. It will be an all day trip. The morning will be spent touring Clackamas Middle College and the afternoon will be spent at a local university. More details for this one will come later in the month.

If you can join  us for any of these three trips, please let me know as soon as possible.

Fundraisers

We have two amazing opportunities to raise funds for graduation and our end of the year trip!

First is the annual fall sock hop on November 7th.  8th grade is in charge of making it happen, and we get the proceeds to use for our end of the year activities. That's a pretty great trade off. We started today by promoting it in all of the classrooms. We'll be making signs on Monday to put up around school. Here's what we need to help make this as successful as possible:

1. All 8th graders should plan to attend and help work the Sock Hop. Students will need to be here until 5:30.
2. Parents to help facilitate clean up.
3. Healthy snacks to sell. I would REALLY like to NOT do popcorn. It turns into a huge mess. If you have great ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

Second is a Christmas Tree Sale. A Cascade family has recently purchased a house with property that contains a Christmas Tree farm. They did not intent to have a tree lot but decided that if 8th grade would come and help work it for the weekend, they would open it for one weekend and give us 50% of the proceeds. We will work the stand the weekend of December 7th and 8th. I intend to have groups of 4 work 4 hour shifts. Each group will help people find a tree, help them tie it on (if they're tall enough), and work the bake sale table. We get 100% of any proceeds from the bake sale table. Please let me know if you have certain times that would work better for your student. We'll have flyers soon so families can ask family and friends to get their tree from us!

Buoyancy Lab

Today we completed our 9th science lab of the year. Students discovered how mass , surface area, and buoyancy are related. They also learned to use balance scales and graph their data. Students are more comfortable writing up science labs and using correct terminology for their topics.

Government Study Guide

This is the study guide for the Government test on Tuesday. Students are more than welcome to take notes in their history notebook on anything they are not sure of!

1. Name 5 different forms of government and explain each one. (ex. Democracy...)
2. What documents were essential to the forming of the United States?
3. Who was Thomas Pain, what did he write, and why was it important?
4. Who were the framers and what did they do?
5. Explain how the Constitution came to be and what it covers.
6. Name the parts of the Constitution.
8. How is the US government set up?
9. Name the three branches and tell what each does. What are the responsibilities of each branch?
10. Name the head of each branch.
11. Map how an idea becomes a law.
12. Identify the departments in the presidential cabinet and what they are in charge of.
13. How many levels of federal courts are there? What does each do?
14. How are Senators and Representatives chosen? How many of each are there?

Conferences

Date	Available Slot
10/30/2013 (Wed. 4:00PM - 4:30PM)	Wednesday   Kayla
10/30/2013 (Wed. 4:30PM - 5:00PM)	Wednesday   Tianna
10/31/2013 (Thu. 4:00PM - 4:30PM)	Thursday   Kevin
10/31/2013 (Thu. 4:30PM - 5:00PM)	Thursday   Gretel
11/1/2013 (Fri. 8:30AM - 9:00AM)	Friday   Mary Catherine Albanese
11/1/2013 (Fri. 9:00AM - 9:30AM)	Friday   Colleen
11/1/2013 (Fri. 9:30AM - 10:00AM)	Friday   Kash
11/1/2013 (Fri. 10:00AM - 10:30AM)	Friday   Avery
11/1/2013 (Fri. 10:30AM - 11:00AM)	Friday   Joell Hamersly
11/1/2013 (Fri. 11:00AM - 11:30AM)	Friday   Megan Dodson
11/1/2013 (Fri. 11:30AM - 12:00PM)	Friday   Scott
11/1/2013 (Fri. 1:00PM - 1:30PM)	Friday   Shak
11/1/2013 (Fri. 1:30PM - 2:00PM)	Friday     OPEN
11/1/2013 (Fri. 2:00PM - 2:30PM)	Friday   Evan
11/1/2013 (Fri. 2:30PM - 3:00PM)	Friday   OPEN
11/1/2013 (Fri. 3:00PM - 3:30PM)	Friday   Tanya Elkins
11/1/2013 (Fri. 3:30PM - 4:00PM)	Friday   John
11/1/2013 (Fri. 4:00PM - 4:30PM)	Friday   Jessica
11/1/2013 (Fri. 4:30PM - 5:00PM)	Friday   Kasha White

Out of Office

This weekend I will be in Tulsa, OK with my daughter, who will be playing in the USARS Derby National Championships. While I'm gone, business will carry on as usual at school.

Thursday and Monday Mrs. Ellis will be subbing for me. I have left her detailed plans which include lots of reading and time for court cases. There will still be math homework, Riggs, and a vocab test on Monday. I'm confident that my 8th graders will be model students and will take care of what needs to be done.

Chances are excellent that I won't be checking email very often. Feel free to text in case of emergency and I'll get back to you as I can.

Physics in Action

T Shirt Finalists

After review by expert judges, the following shirts are the finalists! Voting will be open from 10/16/2013 until 10/21/13.

You may vote by leaving a comment in the comment section with the number of your favorite design.

In no particular order:

1.

2.

3.

4.

T Shirt Commericals

The competition was fierce! 8th graders were given the task of designing our class t-shirt and then writing a persuasive commercial to convince others to vote for them.

How do you think they did?

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGNPQaFZTWCRYsMfo4Qk6NNZFTFZKd_pz

Future Supreme Court Justices?

Coming Up This Week

This is going to be a great week in 8th grade! I hope everyone got lots of rest this weekend and is ready to hit the ground running.

Monday - Biographies are due. Students were given a photo taken somewhere between 1920 and 1960. Their task was to create the subject's life story. Where were they born? Who was their family? Did they go to school? If so, where? What was their adult life like?

Monday - Vocab test! We have been using the ACT vocabulary words for our daily Riggs words. The class has been doing an excellent job of learning to spell them, but not so great a job of retaining the meanings. To help ensure mastery of not only the spelling but also the vocab, we will be having weekly vocab quizzes on Monday morning. Students learned how to create flash cards out of the vocab words last week. They can also use Study Stack to practice. Our words can be found at http://www.studystack.com/flashcards-1358497.

Monday - Voting goes live for the 8th grade t shirt. Now that all the commercials are finally in, we can get them up and start the voting! Check the blog Monday night to vote for your favorite design.

Monday - After mastering the Executive and Legislative branches of the government, we're ready to move on to Judicial. We will be learning the basis of the this branch on Monday and getting our next project on Wednesday. Last week small groups were asked to create a diorama of the Legislative branch in two hours using only materials found in class. The results were very creative.

Tuesday - During science we will be completing the first of two labs this week on friction. 8th grade has completed 4 labs in 4 weeks, each complete with a write up! So far in physics we have covered speed, velocity, buoyancy, and friction. Below are some links that will reinforce these concepts.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/1dkin/u1l1d.cfm
http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/physics/phys01/velocity/default.htm
http://physics.info/velocity/
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pbuoy.html
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/buoyancy

Tuesday - New essay! It's persuasive week. Students will be assigned to a court case that they will need to prosecute or defend. This will tie in to our history unit. By becoming a part of the judicial system, they will truly understand what it takes and how the system works. This will be a two week essay, with the first week focusing on researching their case and writing the KWO.

Thursday - Field Trip! Thursday is our off site physics labs. We will be completing two labs, one at Evergreen Curling on friction and one at the Milwaukie Elks Club on force and vectors. Students will need to be in uniform with a warm sweatshirt. Everyone will need to be in tennis shoes, no dress shoes, heels, or slip ons. We will leave school at 8:15, so don't be late! Be sure to pack a healthy no waste lunch. I have room for one or two more chaperones if anyone is available.

Thursday - One of my favorite family events is this Thursday night. Find a warm jacket and join us for a fun filled family evening. The games this year are cheesy and wonderful, sure to make memories. Younger siblings and friends are more than welcome. Entries for the baking contest should be turned in to our room no later than 3:30. I highly encourage all of the 8th graders to participate! Cooking provides practice in math and reading informational text, but also teaches life skills they will need sooner rather than later. Extra entry forms can be found outside the office. The fun begins at 6:00 and ends at 7:00.

8th Grade End of Year Night

Thank you to everyone that joined us for the End of Year night. Many people asked for the notes to be posted, so here they are! 

In order to be ready for graduation 8th graders should be ready academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are the guidelines: 

Academically: 

Completed Course 2 math or above

Reads a variety of fiction and non fiction text at grade level

Reads for pleasure and to learn new things

Understands the power of words and uses the correct vocabulary for any given situation

Writes expository, narrative, persuasive, and scientific papers with few errors

Uses historical knowledge to put current events in perspective

Uses scientific knowledge to understand the world around them

Uses the scientific method to solve problems, not just in science

Speaks comfortably in front of a group

Knows how to research a topic with and without the internet

Evaluates sources of information critically

Completes work on time (stays out of lunch detention)

Socially:

Organizes space and manages time

Shows appreciation when it is due

Accepts praise appropriately

Uses a variety of communication methods to initiate and sustain conversations

Work in a group, listen and contribute

Choose appropriate attire for a situation

Use public transportation

Choose friends wisely and remove themselves from uncomfortable situations

Know who to talk to about what

Identify go to adults

Be open to new experiences

Explore or have a sport/physical activity that they enjoy

Know how to advocate appropriately/respectfully for self

Cooks complete healthy meals

Create and stick to a simple budget

Does laundry

Attends to grooming

Emotionally: 

Controls temper

Listen to and respond to differing opinions appropriately

Show affection for family and friends appropriately

Is not easily manipulated by friends

Understands family expectations for sexual behavior

Verbalizes emotions and seeks help when needed

Finds expressive or creative outlet

Identifies personal values and lives them

Looks to the future and begins to act on goals

Delays gratification

Can name role models and explain why they are admirable

The end of the year brings many exciting events. Details will flesh out as the year continues on, but here is what we know as of now! 

8th Grade T Shirts: Last week students created a design and a commercial to persuade others to vote for their design. The finalists will be posted on the blog for voting in the coming days. As soon as we vote, we will get them printed. Usually the final price is right around $10. Students may wear their shirt on Thursdays during the second semester. 

8th Grade Graduation: Graduation will be on the last day of school. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM with a dessert reception immediately following. It is semi formal and appropriate dress is required. We will further discuss appropriate dress as the time gets closer. I will need parents to help with decorations and the reception. If you would like to help, please sign up here:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0D4FA5AF23A20-graduation 

8th Grade Trip: 8th grade traditionally takes a trip just after school gets out. We are brainstorming possibilities at this time. If you have ideas, please let me know as soon as possible! 

Jog A Thon

Thank you to everyone that helped support the jog a thon! It was a gorgeous day and everyone worked really hard. 

October Field Trip #2

October 25th is Field Trip Friday! Please join us for a day of culture and higher learning.

Our first stop will be at the Lan Su Gardens.
"Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city in China's Jiangsu province that's famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from our Suzhou and is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China.
Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder -- a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony.

 

Once inside the garden's walls, you'll feel as if you've traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Lan Su is a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer - by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. " http://www.lansugarden.org/

There we have a guided tour of the gardens, which correlates beautifully to our current literature novel, The Good Earth. After our garden tour, we will walk just a short ways to lunch! Lunch will be traditional Chinese food. Students and chaperones alike will be expected to eat with chopsticks, so start practicing now.

The day will end with a tour of the Milwaukie Academy of the Arts. MAA is a local charter high school that many of our former students have chosen to attend.

• Our day begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM.
• Uniform of the day is regular uniform. Be sure to bring a coat, we will be outside and it is cold.
• Students DO NOT need a lunch.
• I DO need drivers for this trip. Please let me know via email if you can attend.

October Field Trips

Yes, you read that correctly! There are TWO field trips this  month and I need your help!

Our first trip of the year will be on the 17th of October. That is next Thursday. We will be leaving school at 8:15 AM and returning by 3:00 PM. Our first stop will be to Evergreen Curling.

"Curling first came to the Portland, OR area in the winter of 1847 when the HMS Modeste, an 18 gun British warship, spent a few months frozen in on the Columbia river near Ft. Vancouver. Four officers from the Modeste bested four locals from the Hudson Bay company in a 3 game series on the frozen river on January 26, 1847. They used locally found stones and a makeshift rink only 22 yards in length. During the after-match partying they cordially instituted the Vancouver Curling Club, the fate of which remains a mystery today.

In January 2013, Evergreen CC took another step by opening Oregon's first dedicated curling facility. The three sheet facility is located in a rented warehouse in Beaverton, OR. Evergreen CC provides a variety of programs during curling season including nightly leagues, learn-to-curl classes, corporate events, a junior instruction program, skill clinics, bonspiels, competitive playdowns and private parties. The facility includes a warm room with bar, and state-of-the-art video monitoring with live streaming and commentary to the Internet during competitive events." http://www.evergreencurling.com/media/history.php

Curling is a fantastic example of friction, one of the many aspects of physics we have been studying. Students will learn to curl and get a chance to put their book smarts to the test. Can they use friction to their advantage and score well in this Olympic game?

After saying goodbye to our friends at Evergreen, we will head over to the Milwaukie Elks Club to practice more physics. Working with pool tables we will practice geometry, physics, and patience.

• Uniform of the day is our regular school uniform and tennis shoes. No sandals, slip ons, etc.
• Everyone will need a healthy low waste lunch.
• We have a bus, but I do need chaperones. Please let me know via email if you can join us!

Government Shut Down Links

The current government shutdown directly relates to our study of how the US government works. As I find sites that are 8th grade appropriate, I'll post links here. Students that read them should let me know.

http://math.scholastic.com/news/2013/10/Government-Closed-for-Business?eml=Teachers%2Fsmd%2F20131006%2FFacebook%2F%2F%2FTeachersPage%2F1200%2FCM%2Fgovernment-closed-for-business%2F

Great American Shake Out

At 10:17 a.m. on October 17, 2013, thousands of Oregonians will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great Oregon ShakeOut, the state’s largest earthquake drill ever!  Cascade Heights, in our quest to ensure the safety of our children and community, will be participating again this year.  The Willamette Valley is above the faultline of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and "The Big One" is not a question of if, but when.  We will be prepared! We are working on emergency preparedness here at CHPCS; will your household be ready?  Visit the Oregon Trail chapter of the Red Cross for resources, ideas, and information (http://www.redcross.org/or/portland/preparedness).

Looking to the Future

Bonus ticket to anyone who watches this and tells me what it is that you really want to do.

http://www.upworthy.com/something-every-teacher-should-watch-and-student-and-person?g=2

Science Lab #3

Lesson Objective: Students will prove the formula for calculating buoyant forces.

Skills Learned: Lab safety, filling graduated cylinders with fluid, setting up and using Labquests with extensions, writing lab reports, collecting data, graphing data, looking for causes of outliers, reasoning quantitatively, and working with others. \\

8th Grade End of Year Meeting

8^th Grade End of Year Meeting

October 8^th, 2013

6:00 PM

 

Agenda

 

1.    Academic, Social, and Emotional Graduation Requirements

2.    8^th Grade T Shirts

3.    Graduation Ceremony

a.     Date/Time/Location

b.    Appropriate Dress

c.     Decorations

d.    Slide Show

e.     Reception

4.    End of Year Trip

5.    High School

a.     Choosing the Right School

b.    Tours/Open Houses/Field Trips

c.     Requirements

   i.     Letters of Recommendations

  ii.     Transcripts

  iii.     Testing

d.    Deadlines

6.    Colleges

a.     How your high school choices affect college options

b.    Preparing for Testing (PSAT/SAT/ACT)

c.     Extra Curriculars

d.    Volunteerism