This Week--December 10-14

This week will be strictly devoted to Science class.  Please bring your science notebook for every class this week.  We are now deep into our unit studying soil and we should finish before the holiday break.  I will pass back all the work form Humanities, including the exams.

The week before break I hope to start a new unit in Humanities and we may work a little on History Fair.

Please finish your boards as we will have short presentations this week and get ready for the Science Fair on Thursday!

Mr. Parsons

My Summer Travels...

This post is probably a little late, but we often talk about geography in class and about my second love behind teaching, baseball. I was fortunate this summer that I was only taking once class and was able to sneak in some traveling between my summer school schedule.  Chicago is also great as we have two Major League Baseball teams and Milwaukee is also only a 90 mile drive.  I had a goal to visit 10 different cities and see 10 different baseball stadiums.  I enjoyed traveling throughout the country.  Here are pictures from 10 different stadiums.  We enjoy playing review baseball in class prior to exams.  Now you know why!

Wrigley Field--Chicago, IL Opening Day

Miller Park--Milwaukee, WI

Comerica Park--Detroit, MI

PNC Park--Pittsburgh, PA

Great American Ballpark--Cincinnati, OH

(I caught a homerun ball here!)

US Cellular Field--Chicago, IL

Target Field--Minneapolis, MN

Petco Park--San Diego, CA

Angels Stadium--Anaheim, CA

AT&T Park--San Francisco, CA

S.T.E.M. Class

Since many of you are new to the Peirce Middle Years Programme, I wanted to get you up to speed with the S.T.E.M. class.  The purpose of the class is to challenge students and continue to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.  The class will run from 6th-8th grade and be part of the quarterly wheel classes.

Currently the 6th graders are working on basic building skills.  They are focusing on how structures are built and why tall building are not only magnificent in height, but also really strong.  They have built strong chains out of paper, paper towers, and towers using straws.  They are currently working on creating a tall tower made of drinking straws, paper clips, and tape with the idea that it will hold a tennis ball for 2 minutes.

Egypt Review Guide

I.  Vocabulary terms: hieroglyphics, papyrus, delta, deity, pyramid, tribute, savanna, dynasty, cataract, mummy, pharaoh, embalming, incense

II. Multiple choice: length of Nile, Nubia, know about iron ore, the Great Pyramid

III. Analysis: Analyze a chart and answer the questions that follow-comparing Egypt to Mesopotamia

IV. Short Response: Answer 3 of the following questions.

Describe how Egyptians are like humans today?  What traits do they have as members of organized civilizations?  Please be very specific with your details.

Explain why the pyramids were important to the ancient Egyptians.  Please provide specific details about what led to the creation of the pyramids.  What did they do to the bodies?  What was inside of the tombs?  How did the creation of the pyramids lead to advances in math and science?

Describe and explain the differences between the rule of Ramses II and Hatshepsut.  Provide evidence to support your idea.  Was there anything unusual or strange about the leaders?

Explain why the need for more land led to the growth of the Egypt and eventually led to its decline and disappearance?  What factors would lead civilizations to fail?  How was the rise of Kush partly responsible for this demise?

V. Geography:  Label the following on a map-Nile River, Nile River Valley, Red Sea, Upper Egypt, Kush.  Pick 5 of the 10 and label these-Giza, Memphis, Theebz, Napata, Meroe, Nile Delta, Arabian Peninsula, Great Pyramid, First or Second Cataract.

This Week-December 3-8

Please note Wednesday is a half day of school for students.  They will dismiss at 11:30

Please continue to turn in forms and payment for the Indiana Dunes field trip in January

Science Fair is December 13, 2012.  Please refer to the orange sheet that went home Friday in regards to how the fair will be conducted this year.

Science Fair boards are delivered and students should have them in their possession.

The written projects look fantastic.  You all did some fabulous work and I am proud of your dedication.  Let this carry over to all of your classes.

On Friday, we will have a speaker for Global Studies class in the gym to end the day.  We will discuss questions this week in class.

Humanities

• Collect comparison questions on Egypt: Past and Present
• We will engage in Review Baseball for questions on exam
• Exam will be on Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Science

• We will work on Science Fair boards in class on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
• On Thursday and Friday we will start a new lab comparing composition of soil

As always, please post comments if you have questions or need some help.  That is what I am here for, to make sure you are successful. 

Mr. Parsons

Humanities Questions

These questions were due today for homework.  Here they are for your review:

Short Response Questions

1.  How does the current situation in Egypt compare or relate to the Egyptians of the past?  Compare the past events to the current situation in Egypt.

2.   What are some ways in which the Egyptian Republic of today mirrors the ways of the Ancient Egyptians?

Science Fair....take some deep breaths!

Tomorrow the written portion of your project is due.  This should be typed in 12 point font using Times New Roman.  All the sections in the Green Science Fair Packet should be listed.  Please staple the yellow rubric on the back of your paper.

The following things should be listed:
1.  Question/Purpose
2.  Research
3.  Hypothesis
4.  Variables/Materials
5.  Data
6.  Results
7.  Conclusion

Review of Literature and References should also be attached.

The Boards will arrive tomorrow and you will able to work on them over the weekend.

Most of you have done some tremendous work and I am looking forward to seeing the final projects.  Keep working hard and you will be rewarded.  Your work gives a sense of accomplishment and shows the Peirce Community what great students I have!

Mr. Parsons

This Week and Homework

There was no homework over our short Thanksgiving break, although your conclusion for Science Fair is due tomorrow.  Many of you have already turned this and that is great to be working ahead.

What's on for this Week
Science:

• Conclusion due tomorrow for Science Fair
• Work on boards (should arrive this week), review of literature, and references

• We will have 3 labs this week in Earth Science and continue to focus on soil and the garden problem

Humanities:

• Humanities will discuss the past 100 years of Egyptian history
• We will also review for our culminating piece, our exam

I hope you are all well rested and ready to continue to work hard!  We have much to discover for the remaining 3 quarters.

Mr. Parsons

Science Fair Timeline & Class Homework

Science Fair
November 19th--Sections V and VI in the Green Science Fair packet are due on Monday.  This means that you must have done your experiment by Monday so that you have data and can make an analsys.

November 26th--Section VII, the Conclusion is due.  Please make sure to use the rubric to see what you will be graded on.

November 30th--A Final, typed project is due.  If you need to use a computer, please come after school any day of the week except Monday to do so.

December 3rd-5th--You must be ready to present your results to your classmates.  You will be graded using a rubric that is worth 50 points.

BOARDS-Are ordered and paid for and will be available next week.  Please remember, this is the last thing you do and can not start until you actually do the experiment.

Homework
There are 2 assignments due Tuesday.  The first is the Article #3 for the Current Events.  You must read an aritcle about a scientist, researcher, or an invention.  This is worth 15 points.  Due for all 3 Periods

For Periods 1 & 2--you must finish the worksheet on "Evidence and Opinion".  Be prepared to work on the analysis on Tuesday.  You also must have your Review of Literature to me by that date for it be used in the Science Fair

Period 3--Please complete your reference page for Tuesday based on the article(s) you read for your Review of Literature.  We will do a peer review in class, find information that needs to be cited, and complete a reference/bibliography page.

Humanities--Due November 1st

Period 3

Complete the last page of the mummy reading for today.  Organize your thoughts, evidence, and interpretation for our writing exercise on Thursday.

Periods 1 & 2

·      Complete notes for Section One, pages 38-40

·      Create a bar graph that compares the length to scale (use your fraction skills!)

·      Prepare a chart of the 10 longest rivers in the world

·      Create columns that include:

o  River Name

o  Location

o  Length in miles and kilometers

o  Countries Crossed

Science Update

Exam tomorrow on Unit 1: Scientific Method

Know the difference between and independent and dependent variable

Explain the difference between a test and trial

Identify the question, the independent, dependent, and control variable for an experiment

Place in order the Scientific Method

Vocabulary:  Data, Observation, Independent Variable, Control Variable, Dependent Variable, Hypothesis, Question

Science Fair
Due Friday: Review of Literature.  Please note you must have at least 1 reference for your experiment.  In order to go the city science fair you will need at least 12.

Turn in your variables for your experiment as soon as possible and please start your experiments at home.

The $10 fee for the display boards is due on Friday, no exceptions.  You have 8 choices of colors to choose from.  You do NOT need to purchase this board, it is not mandatory.

Humanities Homework-10/24/12

Period 1 & 2

Study for Exam!  This will be your end of unit assessment

Period 3

·      Complete notes for Section One, pages 38-40

·      Create a bar graph that compares the length to scale (use your fraction skills!)

·      Prepare a chart of the 10 longest rivers in the world

·      Create columns that include:

o  River Name

o  Location

o  Length in miles and kilometers

o  Countries Crossed

Science Fair Homework

DUE FRIDAY-Pick 1 Experiment

1.                        Question

2.                        Hypothesis

3.                        Materials

4.                        Procedure

Please TYPE or complete on LOOSE LEAF paper in the proper order

If you want to add your Variables to this list, feel free to do so.

Mr. Parsons

Global Studies--Homework

Assignments for character Nora

·      Create a plot of land in your garden

o  What do you want to plant?

o  How would you grow it?

o  How much money are you going to spend for seeds and equipment? (be realistic)

o  You might need to research this at home

·      Pick out 10 vocabulary words.  Use each new word in sentence.  Here are some examples:

infants  prams   gales     vegetating   stroke

declined      dignified      pioneers      hoeing

nostrils    miniatures   haphazard   domestic    

suspense       tragedy          startling developments 

tremolo       prescribed       refuge      cilantro

pantomime

Homework--Humanities 10/22/12

Periods 1 & 2

• Finish Section 3, pages 26-30
• Outline Notes
• Highlight Key Vocabulary
• Be sure to have a strong understanding of the Assyrian military

Here is a fun linke you can check out to help with understanding of Mesoptomia:
http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078241332/student_view0/unit1/chapter1/student_web_activities.html

Here is a practice test:
http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078241332/student_view0/unit1/chapter1/self-check_quizzes.html

Please leave a comment if you have questions.

Test will be Friday, we will review on Wednesday.

Mr. Parsons

Period 3
None for today.  Please work on Science Fair materials and procedures

Homework--Humanities, October 16, 2012

Periods 1 & 2
Finish the outline notes for Section 2, Mesopotamia up to page 19 "What Were City-States?"  Please make sure you have completed your table of contents and your notes are neat and organized.

Period 3
Finish mapping exercise for Thursday.  This is a quick review on the geography of Mesopotamia and will be a good study guide for your Unit Test #1 Next Week!!!  :)



Progress Reports
If you are unhappy with your current grade, please come see me.  This is more than likely due to missing work or under performing on a test or quiz.  We have plenty of time to work and get the outcomes you would like to see.  If you do not understand things, please ask me, I am here to help you do your best.  Your classmates may not give you all of the details you need.

Keeping working hard and good things will happen!

Mr. Parsons

Science Fair---Experiment #1

Please complete parts I-VII in your notebooks for the experiment your class completed today.  You should also complete the conclusion by using the conclusion rubric that we worked on last week.  If you choose to do this experiment at home and advance to the competition you must complete a review of literature.  I will go over one early next week with you as a group.  Please ask for help tomorrow if you are unclear about the assignment before you turn it in on Wednesday.

Period 1

• Were there any controlled variables that could make the experiment different?
• Was there a chance for human error?

Periods 2 & 3

Questions We Still Have?

·      What is the difference between the raisins and the chocolate chips?

·      Why does the club soda/seltzer cause bubbles to form?

·      Why did they float to the top?

Mr. Parsons

Homework--Weekend

1st, 2nd, 3rd Period Science

Continue the current events activity.  Try to find an interesting article about an experiment if you are able.  These are due Monday.  Monday is a B-Day, we will start our first Science Fair Experiment!

Humanities
Periods 1 & 2

Finish Extended Response on Early Humans for Tuesday

Period 3

Answer the following questions: Comparing Ancient Mesopotamia to modern day New Guinea

Past vs Present

End of the Stone Age in Mesopotamia, but not in the rest of the world.

·      Why do you think the people of New Guinea never grew out of the New Stone Age?

·      Were their farming skills and technology enough to keep them alive?  How do you know?

·      Why did the coastal people come in contact with Europeans first?

·      Why are there still groups that have not been discovered?

·      Why were Europeans in New Guinea to begin with?

Enjoy your weekend and good luck to all of our athletes particpating in contests.  Please email me with questions.  Go Panthers!

Science Fair

Science Fair projects will being in class on Monday, October 15th, 2012.  Students in each of the 3 periods will have 3 different projects to choose from.  There will be a total of 9 presented by Peirce 6th Grade students at the Science Fair.

Please note, for those wishing to do their own experiments at home, I will need a written procedure before I can approve any experiment.  It is important that students explore science on their own.  While the goal is to perform and present at a high level, it is also significant for students to learn the process and reasoning behind science experimentation.  Please contact me with questions.  I am looking forward to seeing some amazing work!

Homework 10/11 and 10/12

1st & 2nd Period Humanities
Extended Response on Early Humans is due Tuesday, October 16th.  Please start now so you can ask questions tomorrow if you have any.  I have additional tools that may help you with the writing process if something is not clear.  Remember, Early Humans used tools to make their lives easier, so can you!

1st, 2nd, 3rd Period Science

• Work on Current Events assignment.  This is due on Monday, October 15
• A few students are still missing the Conclusion part of the Penny Drop Experiment.  This must be done in your notebooks and must answer all 7 questions.
• Please turn in all missing work:  Variables Chart, Scientific Method Practice, 1st Current Events, etc.  Progress reports will be distributed next week.

Science Homework--October 8, 2012

Homework

Please finish the 4 column chart on Independent, Dependent, and Controlled/Constant variables.  Please make sure the controlled variable has at least 2 things listed.  In come cases, you could list as many as 5.

Remember, you may end up observing different things (dependent variable), thus, having more than one point or answer.

Please send me a message with questions or email at ncparsons@cps.edu

Homework--Week of October 1st

S.T.E.M.
Students had a reasearch component about irrigation that was given on Wednesday.  Information should be ready to present today in class.

Science
Science Fair Packets will be sent out on Monday to parents with a persmission slip.  Experiments will be conducted in class, at school unless special permission is given.

Humanities
There is no homework for Humanities for the weekend.

Enjoy the Fall weather!

Science Homework for Tuesday, October 2nd

^{Science Homework}

• Complete the conclusion rubric, questions 1-7 for the Penny Experiment
• Must be done in your notebook
• Skip at least one line between each
• Please leave comments if you have any questions

THIS IS DUE OCTOBER 2nd

Homework—Humanities September 27, 2012

Periods 1 & 2

·      IF you have not finished the notes for the Paleolithic Era, please do them as soon as possible, pages 8-11

·      Complete Outline Notes for pages 13-15

o  For extra points, add a section about Otzi the Iceman

·      Finish your 3-Column Comparison Chart

·      NOTES are due tomorrow!

Period 3
NONE

Humanities Homework-Sept. 25, 2012

Periods 1 & 2

• Read Section 1, pages 8-11
• Continue taking notes in outline format

Periods 3

• Finish the 3 column comparision chart
• Creat notes for pages 13-15 in outline format

Global Studies

• Finish the map ofr your neighborhood

Softball

The Peirce Panthers Softball team had an excellent season.  I had 17 boys out for the team and all worked extremely hard, were focused, and practiced hard to improve each day.

We had games multiple were Joselito and Luis hit home-runs into the street, which was amazing! It was exciting for them and exciting for me to coach them and see them grow.  We finished the season 3-3, although we lost those 3 games by 1 run, two of which were in extra innings.  Boys 16" softball usually means there will be tons of runs scored and the games can go either way.  I preached ball first and to not make mistakes.  I look forward to coaching again next season.

Great action shots of Aureliano and Manuel hitting the ball while in mid-air!!  Great photography by the Yearbook staff at Peirce.

Springfield Trip

We went to Springfield as part of class trip for 7th Grade students.  I tried to get them up to speed on the history of Lincoln and the Civil War before we arrived as it is not something we have covered directly in class.  The students had tons of questions, which is what learning about history is all about!  We visited the state capital building, Lincoln's home, the presidential library, and Lincoln's tomb.  We enjoyed lunch in the Union Park and overall had a fun time.  It was a long day to say the least, but the kids had energy and were active with no complaints!

Yearbook Dance

Peirce wanted a yearbook created this so I graciously agreed to lead a group of 15 students.  One way to reduce costs was to create fundraisers.  We had a dress down day where students came in sports gear and could wear their favorite team apparel.  We also held a middle school dance to raise money for the book.  Overall we raised close to $700 and reduced the cost of each book around $3-4.00.  Below are some pics of the dance with 8th graders.

 

Yearbook Club

This was the first year our school had a yearbook.  I recall doing this in high school and enjoyed working with my friends and classmates.  What I soon began to realize though was that in high school this was a daily class we had.  My current club only meets once a week but works extremely hard and are a highly focused, committed group.  We use an online program through Treering and many pages are pre-made.  We simply tweak it to our needs, change colors, add descriptions, and put in our own photos.

The twenty 8th grade students did a fabulous job.  The book is now complete and consists of 80 overall pages.  They should arrive at school around June 1st.  The preview copy I received looked amazing!

Phobias & Disorders

The Middle School Health classes recently finished a unit on "Understanding Your Mental Health".  During this unit they learned about many of the common mental/emotional disorders and phobias that exist today.  Students were required to research in class and at home on the various mental health issues.  They came up with some information and then made a project for the class.  Many chose to make posters or displays.  Some offered up PowerPoint presentations as well making their own videos at home.  Other groups chose to do skits.  Below you will find some examples of the students work.  Students had to write down 3 new ideas they learned.  Later they turned these into their own exam.  Talk about taking ownership for your learning time!

New Game?

I took the rules of a few different games in P.E. class and came up a with a game that my classes really enjoyed.  It is a modified Speedball game with a few added rules.  You use an indoor soccer ball for starters and each team is 6 on 6, including a goalie.  The rules are pretty simple.  The ball stays on the ground and must be kicked.  If the ball is kicked in the air or bounces off of a wall you can catch it.  Once caught, you can take one step and have three different options.  You can throw it into the goal (LaCrosse/Dodgeball style), pass it to a teammate or shoot a basket.  The nets extend from the bottom of the basketball hoop to the floor (although they were added later than pictures show) and are as wide as the lane or paint area of the basketball court.  Goalies can move around anywhere and pick the ball up with their hands at anytime.  Sort of arena style soccer meets some football meets some basketball.

All I can say is the games were intense and almost all of my students participated.  They enjoyed the healthy competition, were fired up, and had plenty of exercise.  Many realized that there was strategy to the game and learned quickly that short passes moved the ball up the court and kept the defense on their toes.  Overall, I enjoyed teaching new rules to the students and they enjoyed a new game that allowed many different types of student athletes a chance to use multiple skills in class.

Sorry...

I wanted to apologize for not posting for a few months.  Being at a new school and taking on a ton of responsibilities has kept me from posting like last year.  I am coaching multiple sports, leading some after school clubs, taking some professional development as well as working on my ESL endorsement and taking classes at the University of Chicago.  Fortunately, I have ton of blog posts coming up soon that will go over the past few months of the school year.  These will include interesting projects, sports, and unique school activities.  Stay Tuned......!!!! Mr. Parsons