Mr. Mathews

September 28, 2007

Good evening parents and students!

I have wonderful news...Here is a link to the Earth Science textbook online. Students, you no longer have to bring your textbooks home if you have access to the Internet.

The "Wanted Mineral" Poster Projects were due today.  I didn't get as many turned in as I would have liked, but I do accept late work.  Please don't ask if I do because you know I do!  That goes out to the students. 

I do want to mention something about the test that was announced on the September 21st blog.  The announcement was that the Minerals test would be at the end of this week or beginning of next week.  I gave a pop quiz that was announced on September 21st blog and after grading them, was so pleased with the results I have decided to NOT test on minerals.  I do not want to use class time testing students on something I feel they know very well based on the quiz results.  If you have any questions regarding my decision, please feel free to contact me. 

So as of today, we are finished with the minerals section and moving right along to the rocks section.  "Rocks" is no longer a "bad" word in my class. 

Classwork

Today, we did a reflection on Minerals warm up and discussed aspects of the topic that students thought were interesting, things they enjoyed the most about the topic, and also things they enjoyed the least or disliked.  We then discussed the quiz results and passed them out.  I will post the Pop Quiz as soon as all my students have taken it.  The students began a Chapter Survey over chpt 3 section 1 only!  Please refer below for a copy of that Chapter Survey form.  (It will not be up immediately as I have to scan it in at home.)

Homework

For homework, students are to read pages 74-77 in the book and finish their chapter survey.  When finished, students must get a signature from the parents in their agenda on the date of September 28th showing that the parents did see the students reading or at least know that they did read.   The signature is the grade!  That is the only way I know if students actually completed the assigned readings.  Just like I said in class: it is not a suggestion, a recommendation, or an option if you get around to it, but a graded assignment!  Again, find a link for the chapter survey below.  Remember the textbook is online at the link at the top of this blog. 

I think that about covers it all.  I look forward to seeing you at the Cooper Carnival tomorrow.  If you are able and willing to volunteer some of your weekend time to lend a hand, we would greatly appreciate that. 

Download chapter_survey_front.pdf - Chapter Survey (Front)

Download chapter_survey_back.pdf - Chapter Survey (Back)

Thank you so much,

Mr. Mathews

An Apology!

I did not bring my example of a finished mineral poster home tonight so I can not scan it in.  However, I do have a completed poster without the picture.  Click on the link below to view it.  I am so sorry it didn't get posted. 

Download my_most_wanted_mineral.doc - Completed Poster Without The Picture

Extra Credit

For extra credit, students my complete the Mineral Mania online scavenger hunt.  Each blank will count as 1/4 extra credit point so if the entire assignment is complete with correct answers, you can earn up to 28.5 extra credit points.  This is due, however, no later than Tuesday 10/2 before I leave to go home!  No late extra credit will be accepted!

To find answers, go to sciencespot.net, kid zone, earth science rocks and minerals, and follow the sites indicated on the Mineral Mania.

Thanks,

Mr. Mathews

September 27, 2007

Good evening parents and students!

I have wonderful news...Here is a link to the Earth Science textbook online. Students, you no longer have to bring your textbooks home if you have access to the Internet.

Today's Schedule

Homeroom 8:55-9:20, 2nd Period 9:20-12:00, 3rd Period 12:00-1:37, 4th Period 1:37-2:55.

Classwork

Today we finished gathering information on our mineral for our "Wanted Mineral" Poster Project for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.  Any research that was not finished is now to be done outside of class.  The posters are due tomorrow 9/28.  Parents, your students should have their papers in the very back of their science notebooks. 

Homework

Students are to complete their "Most Wanted Mineral" Poster Project that will be due on Friday.  Below you will find the poster template that can be downloaded, a sample background that can be used for the poster, and directions on how to type on the template.  I will post my "Wanted Mineral" Poster later this evening when I get home and can scan it into the computer.  If there are any questions, please email me and I will be glad to help. 

Download mineral_poster_template.doc - This is the poster background option.  Directions about how to get it on the poster will be given below.

Download mineral_poster_template_2.doc - This is the poster template that can be typed on. 

Directions:

1. Click on Download mineral_poster_template_2.doc above.

2. Select "Save" and save in a folder on your computer.  "My documents" would be a good place to save it. 

3. Open "Microsoft Word" and open the file you just saved.

4. Begin typing your information on the template.

5. When finished, save your document.

6. Click on Download mineral_poster_template.doc above or here.

7. Click "open" and then print.

8. When it has printed, put that paper back in your printer.

9. On the template you have type your mineral information, click print. 

10. That document will now print on the background picture you just printed from step 7.

Thank you so much,

Mr. Mathews

September 26, 2007

Good evening parents and students!

I have wonderful news...Here is a link to the Earth Science textbook online. Students, you no longer have to bring your textbooks home if you have access to the Internet.

Classwork

Today we wrapped up the research portion of the Mineral Poster Project for 1st, 3rd, and 5th period.  Any research that was not completed will have to be done on the students own time. 

Homework

Students are to complete their "Most Wanted Mineral" Poster Project that will be due on Friday.  Below you will find the poster template that can be downloaded, a sample background that can be used for the poster, and directions on how to type on the template.  I will post my "Wanted Mineral" Poster later this evening when I get home and can scan it into the computer.  If there are any questions, please email me and I will be glad to help. 

Download mineral_poster_template.doc - This is the poster background option.  Directions about how to get it on the poster will be given below.

Download mineral_poster_template_2.doc - This is the poster template that can be typed on. 

Directions:

1. Click on Download mineral_poster_template_2.doc above.

2. Select "Save" and save in a folder on your computer.  "My documents" would be a good place to save it. 

3. Open "Microsoft Word" and open the file you just saved.

4. Begin typing your information on the template.

5. When finished, save your document.

6. Click on Download mineral_poster_template.doc above or here.

7. Click "open" and then print.

8. When it has printed, put that paper back in your printer.

9. On the template you have type your mineral information, click print. 

10. That document will now print on the background picture you just printed from step 7.

Thank you so much,

Mr. Mathews

Properties of Minerals Guided Reading 1-11

It was brought to my attention that this assignment had not yet been posted on my blog, so...here it is below. 

Download properties_of_mineral_guided_reading_111_front.pdf - Properties of Minerals Guided Reading 1-11 Front

Download properties_of_mineral_guided_reading_111_back.pdf - Properties of Minerals Guided Reading 1-11 Back

Thanks,

Mr. Mathews

September 25, 2007

Good evening parents and students!

I have wonderful news...Here is a link to the Earth Science textbook online. Students, you no longer have to bring your textbooks home if you have access to the internet. 

Any parents interested in volunteering for this Saturday's Cooper Carnival, please email me at joshua1.mathews@cobbk12.org.  I could use as much help as I can get with games. 

Classwork

Today we began our "Most Wanted/Missing Mineral" Poster Project.  We spent the majority of the class picking out the mineral we wanted to research and discussing the aspects of the project.  Only about 15 minutes were dedicated to computer and Internet usage.  Much more time will be given tomorrow in class to finish research and began working on the poster.  Below you will find a copy of the project handout and a copy of the rubric that will be used to grade the assignment.  I have a few requirements as for content and they are listed in the handout.  As far as format and creativity, I want the students to feel free to come up with whatever they want.  I am requiring at least a regular size sheet of paper for the poster size, but if students want to purchase a large poster to use that is perfectly fine. 

Homework

There is no formal homework, but students should begin brainstorming ideas for their poster project.

Download most_wanted_mineral_project.doc - Most Wanted/Missing Mineral Poster Project Handout.

Download most_wantedmissing_mineral_poster_rubric.doc - Project Grading Rubric.

On a final note, students if you have color pencils, please bring them to class tomorrow.

Thank  you so much and have a wonderful night,

Mr. Mathews

September 24, 2007

Good evening parents and students!

We will be getting started tomorrow on a Mineral Project.  This will require the use of the Internet along with laptop computers.  This is a great privilege for the students to be using these.  It will require all students to be on their very best behavior and to pay close attention to ALL of my directions.  Just as a heads up to parents and students: NO playing or inappropriate use of the Internet will be tolerated.  Consider this the first warning students, which means in class you will only have one chance.  These computers are too expensive to let students who do not cooperate use them.

On a more pleasant note, however, those students that are capable of following directions will thoroughly enjoy the project.  Nice completed work will be displayed in the hallway along with some special projects being blown up to poster size!  Again, this starts tomorrow.  The handout will be available on my blog very soon.  You will not need your science books for class! 

Below you will find today's classwork and homework.  Again, if you are missing any work and can't find it on my blog, email me and I will get it to you. 

As a side note, I did get the mineral video that we watched in class to load on my blog site, so check it out.  You don't need a password, just Windows Media Player.

Classwork

Today in class we started off with a warm up over the properties used to identify minerals.  I then took up the vocabulary homework from the weekend.  Next, we peer graded our Mineral Guided Reading 12-25 and I took those up as well.  (If you were absent or do not have the handouts for homework from Friday, please look at the blog posted 9/21/07 and 9/23/07 for both handouts.)  Finally, we took a Pop Quiz over Minerals. 

Homework

We have no homework for the night.  A good thing to do, however, would be to continuously look over Chapter 2 section 1 Properties of Mineral in your textbook. 

Finally, a good website to visit for mineral review is Science Spot.

Thank you and have a wonderful evening!

Mr. Mathews

September 23, 2007

Good afternoon parents and students!

I am very excited to know that there are a lot of students and parents that have been visiting my blog site.  If you are not finding what you need, please let me know by emailing me at joshua1.mathews@cobbk12.org.  I have already had a few parents and students email me about some things they needed and I will post those things, so please do if you need.  Please look below for any missing assignments and videos to watch.  Some of the documents you will need adobe reader.  That can be downloaded easily from download.com.

Thanks for taking the time to visit and I hope you are finding what you need.  Again, if not, please email me!

Download qualitative_and_quantitative_observation_quiz.doc - Qualitative and Quantitative Observation Quiz.

Download observation_and_inference_footprint_activity_front.pdf - Handout assigned towards beginning of year designed to help students make inferences.

Download observation_and_inference_footprint_activity_back.pdf - Backside of handout above.

Download science_process_skills_vocabulary.pdf - This is a list of vocabulary words over Science Process Skills given towards the beginning of the year.  This should be the first thing in the "notes" section of the science notebook.

Download using_the_triple_beam_balance.pdf - Using the Triple Beam Balance Assignment

Download properties_of_minerals_guided_reading_1225_front.pdf - Mineral Guided Reading 12-25 Homework (9/21/07) front.

Download properties_of_minerals_guided_reading_1225_back.pdf - Backside of above assignment

Download Geologist_s_Notebook__What_Exactly_Are_Minerals_.asf - Mineral Video we watched in class.

Thanks,

Mr. Mathews

September 21, 2007

Good evening parents and students!

This will be a busy weekend for me as I will be scanning in and uploading assignments and notes from class and doing some much needed paper grading.  Please continue to check the blog as it is updated every weekday. 

Parents and students be looking for a Mineral and Science Process Skills test 9/28 or 10/1.  Plenty of notice will be given along with a study guide outlining exactly what will need to be reviewed. 

Don't forget the Cooper Carnival next Saturday 9/29/07 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Contact Ms. Rogers with any questions at Kyra.Rogers@cobbk12.org. 

Classwork:

Today in class we finally put an end/finished up our "Mineral Properties Lab."  That lab was designed to get students familiar with some of the ways minerals are identified.  A copy of that lab can be downloaded from the blog below titled "Various Handouts..."  We also discussed some of our findings from this lab along with visiting my blog site in class to highlight some features.  Finally, I passed out the two homework assignments that can be found below.  I will attach the vocabulary sheet now and the Guided Reading assignment later this weekend as I have to scan it in at home. 

Homework:

Students are to complete the Minerals Vocabulary sheet defining the words listed from the back of the book and then in their own words.  This sheet can be found in the "Notes" section of their notebooks.  Please make note of the word "Mohs hardness scale."  There is an exception for that word.  Next, students are to complete Chapter 2 section 1 Guided Reading questions 12-19 and 23-25.  This sheet can be found in the "Assignments" section of their notebooks.  Students are not to do questions 20-22 or the Reading Skill Practice at the bottom.  Parents, please see to it that students have put their full paper heading on both papers.  Their heading includes their first and last name, date, my name, and their period.  They get points for doing that.  There will also be a Pop Quiz first thing Monday.  It will only be Pop, however, to those students that didn't visit my blog site this weekend.  Study the 5 characteristics of a mineral and the 6 properties used to identify a mineral. 

Download properties_and_characteristics_of_minerals_vocabulary_sheet.doc - Vocabulary Homework Sheet

Have a wonderful weekend, get some rest, and be safe!  See you on Monday!

Thanks,

Mr. Mathews