New year, new mission

I've decided to try something different with this space this year.  Since HBHA no longer uses Edline, individual classes really don't have a web interface.  I would like to have one for my classes.  I decided to use this blog as sort of a weekly (or more) newsletter for all of my classes.  I intend to update with homework assignments and test dates and to encourage parents to check this space.

I am teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science this year, as well as a first semester US elective on Contemporary Issues in Science.  Since we are starting our 3rd week of school, I'll share our MS progress up to this point.  In 6th grade, we have been learning how to use the metric system through a series of mini-labs.  This will continue into next week, after which we will began a unit on astronomy that will last through the rest of the quarter.

The seventh graders were introduced to microscopes and have started working through the text.  They are expected to take reading notes on assigned section of the book and are required to complete and use vocabulary flash cards.  We are almost through the first chapter so they have done Reading Notes and Vocab (rnv) on sections 1-4.  Their first exam is on Friday, Sept. 3.  They will be given a study guide (practice test) on Wednesday (9/1).  The study guide answers will be posted on this blog (hopefully!).

In eighth grade we have been studying physics, specifically motion.  This is a math-intensive unit in which students learn how record and manipulate data - a perfect precursor to the upcoming science fair.  Their assignments so far are Reading Notes and Vocab (rnv) for Ch. 1, sections 1-3, a chapter project (already complete) and a review packet that was assigned yesterday (8/30) and is due on Weds.  Their first exam is on Friday, Sept. 3.  They will be given a study guide (practice test) on Wednesday (9/1).  The study guide answers will be posted on this blog (hopefully!).

Hopefully my posts will become more efficient and effective as the year progresses.  If parents or students need to contact me, the quickest way is by academy email at cwelton@hbha.edu.