Thursday, Oct. 31

Today in class ... Continued discussion from yesterday in looking at longitude and how it connects and relates to time zones. We used practice examples and different time zone scenarios.

Homework ... Students were given 10-12 minutes at end of class to complete the time zone practice activities, but if it wasn't completed it should be done for class on Friday.

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Today in class ... Each class was introduced to time zones, their relationship with lines of longitude and the need for them. We practiced a few time zone examples.

Homework ... Using the time zone packet we began going over in class, students are to complete numbers 1-4 on page 69 of the packet.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Today in class ... Continued discussion and working on sun, seasons, latitude through activities and using class atlas. Compared our seasons we have where we live to seasons in other parts of the world that are distinctly different -- and the reasons why they are different. We also assessed students with a critical thinking question and excercise based on the topics we've practiced and discussed in class.

Homework ... No homework was assigned. We will complete what we started working on in class tomorrow.

Thursday, Oct. 24

Today in class ... Introduced "Earth and the Sun's Energy" section, focusing on seasons, differences in hemispheres and a brief introduction of time zones.

Homework ... Read pages 26-29 in the book and complete section notes based on the model and examples we set in class. Also complete questions #1 (a,b,c), #2 (a,b) and the #3 (cause and effect) on page 29. Also, students are to write down four distinct descriptions/details on the four seasons they live in (4 for each season).

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Today in class ... Each class finished up the Using and Understanding an Atlas/Map Test. We also went over the test as a class.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Friday, Oct. 18

Today in class ... Continued working with various types of maps, practicing how to utilize the various parts of them, along with the use of the key, charts, graphs, etc.

Homework ... There will be a using and understanding maps/atlas test on Monday. The test will consist of previouis activities and specific maps we've used and practiced with for the past two weeks, thus there is no real way to study for this particular test -- aside from knowing some of the basics (i.e. cardinal and intermediate directions, different types of maps, etc.). The preparation has been done in class.

Students should be familiar but can review pages H6-H9 in the front of the book, which focuses on types of maps and parts of maps.

Thursday, Oct. 17

Today in class ... Each class continued with various map and atlas activities, using different types of maps. Today we focused on reading and intrepreting charts and graphs associated with maps, along with using and understanding road maps and directions.

Homework ... Complete Getting Around Town map practice sheet for Friday.

* There will be a using and understanding maps/atlas test on Monday. The test will consist of previouis activities and specific maps we've used and practiced with for the past two weeks, thus there is no real way to study for this particular test -- aside from knowing some of the basics (i.e. cardinal and intermediate directions, different types of maps, etc.). The preparation has been done in class.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Today in class ... Each class worked on, completed and went over the many map/atlas activities we've been working on using the in-class atlases and maps.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Friday, Oct. 11

Today in class ... Each class worked on the in-class map and atlas activities, including reading and interpreting maps, along with the reading, map keys, charts and graphs that go along with the map activities.

Homework ... No homework was assigned as the map atlas activities include using the in-class atlas. We will work on and complete the map and atlas activities on Tuesday.

Wednesday, Oct. 9

Today in class ... Each class went over the map activities from the previous day and discussed. We also discussed and worked on using map scale.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Today in class ... Went over the differences between maps (physical, political and special-purpose) and their uses. Reviewed cardinal and intermediate directions and using them with maps.

Homework ... Complete map packet and compass rose worksheet.

Monday, Oct. 7

Today in class... Introduction and discussion on maps -- their types, uses and value.

Homework ... Complete map reading (pages H8-H9) and complete questions and examples handed out.

Friday, Oct. 4

Today in class ... Following our mini-landform unit and quiz, each class completed a higher-level landform activity in class, matching, connecting and relating specific landforms and their locations.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Today in class ... Each class took the Landforms Quiz and writing assessment that went with it. Students will have time to complete the written portion on Thursday.

Homework ... No homework was assigned.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Today in class ... Worked in computer lab finishing up the interactive landform activity.

Homework ... No homework was assigned, though students can review for landform quiz on Wednesday. Students should also bring all landform materials to class, including the landform drawing and terms, the video list and short answer responses and the interactive website review activity completed. Students can review pages H10-H11 in their book -- and their previous work -- to prepare for quiz.