Advanced English 8: Class on Friday, September 2nd

Step 1:  You are to take your vocabulary quiz on Schoology.  Your quiz will be in the blue, Advanced Vocabulary folder. The quiz is worth 10 points and must be completed before the end of the period.

Step 2:  You are to participate in the second discussion on the novel, A Long Walk to Water.  The second discussion is posted in the orange, A Long Walk to Water folder.  You will need headphones for this discussion.  You are permitted to use your novel for the discussion as well.  This discussion is worth 4 points and must be completed before the end of the period.  You are to check the rubric and read all of the directions before beginning the discussion. You must follow all of the directions to receive the highest score.

Step 3: You are to turn in your A Long Walk tot Water novel to Mrs. Porter.

Step 4:  You are to begin reading the short story, "The Elevator" in your textbook.  It begins on page 31 in your textbook.  The reading guide is NOT homework.  If you do not finish reading "The Elevator" and would like to continue reading this selection at home, it is available on the online textbook.

Science Schoology Sign-up

1. Sign-in to: Schoology

• Note: If you do not already have a Schoology account, you will need to create one using the access code listed below and your school email/password.  You will also need to enter your first name, last name, and your birthday.

2. Click on "Courses" and select "Join"

3. Enter the following access code: NHRND-SBSRR

4. Explore the Schoology site, the Supernova Blog, and/or the Science Materials page while the rest of the class completes the sign-up process.

Required Homework and Bonus Opportunity: Designing a Controlled Experiment

Required Homework:

• Complete the following paper: Designing a Controlled Experiment
• Due: 9/9/16
• This homework assignment is worth 2 points.

Optional Bonus Opportunity (2 Bonus Points Possible): 

• Actually conduct the experiment that you designed during the homework.
• 1 Bonus Point: Provide visual proof that you conducted the experiment.  
• This can be as simple as a photograph of your experiment. 
• 1 Bonus Point: Organize the data you collected in a chart, table, graph, or written paragraph.  
• This bonus work can be turned in with the homework, or it can be emailed to Mr. Wolf.  
• Due: 9/9/16 - (Unless arrangements are made with Mr. Wolf due to your experiment requiring additional time.)

English 8 & Advanced English 8: No Red Ink Quotes Practice Activity

Once you have completed your book cover project and your outline for your informal presentation, you are to log-on to No Red Ink and complete the "Quotes Practice" that has been assigned to you.

This practice is NOT graded.  No Red Ink requires that a point value is placed on the assignment, but this practice will not count as a grade. You can use your score to assess your own performance.

This practice will prepare you for an upcoming writing assignment.

If you do not get to complete the No Red Ink practice today, it is not homework.  You will have an opportunity to complete this practice next week.

English 8 & Advanced English 8: Online Account & Class Instructions

Task #1: Schoology Instructions
(Period 10 is to skip Task #1)

Step 1:  Go to Schoology

Note: If you already have a Schoology account, you do not need to create a new one.  You just need to log in using your username and password and click courses. Next, you will click join, add your class code from the list below, and click join. (If you created a Schoology account for another class and did not follow the directions that I have below for new users, you need to edit this in Schoology.)

Step 2:  Click the sign up button in the top right-hand corner of the screen and click student.

Step 3:  Enter the access code for your class period.

Class Names                                                   Codes

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 16-17: Period 1        QSMN4-K4KG8

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 16-17: Period 4/5      HW7FT-9PV36

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 16-17: Period 6/7      GMGZR-64S3D

Mrs. Porter’s English 8: 16-17: Period 11       WCSRK-NXPQD

Step 4: Type your first and last name

Step 5: Type your school email which is 21 your last name first initial (in most cases) @ cmsd.k12.pa.us

Step 6: Type your password which is your student I.D. number followed by cmsd.

Step 7: Select your birthday from the drop-down menu.  This is just to verify your age for access to the site.

Step 8: Click the blue register button.

Task #2: No Red Ink Instructions

No Red Ink is a web-based learning platform that helps students to improve their grammar and writing skills.  You are to follow the directions below to create an account.

Note: If you already have a No Red Ink account, you do not need to create a new one.  You just need to log in using your username and password.  If you had a No Red Ink account last year for another class, you are to remove yourself from that class.  If you created a No Red Ink account for another class and did not follow the directions that I have below for new users, you need to edit this in No Red Ink.

Directions for Creating an Account with No Red Ink

Step 1: Go to No Red Ink

Step 2: In the center of the page, it says: "Sign up for free" and click student.

Step 3: Type in the class code for your specific class period.  Be careful and use the correct class code.

Class Names                                           Codes

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 1: 16-17                 chhxacxf

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 4/5: 16-17 ca9kcwae

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 6/7: 16-17 kwmda8md

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 10: 16-17 wkcv3vh9

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 11: 16-17 md93kmax

Step 4: Type in your username.  It has to be 21 your last name first initial (You are to use whatever you use to log on to the student computers or the first part of your school email address.)

Step 5: Type in your password.  It has to be your student ID number followed by cmsd.

Step 6: Type your first name, last name, and select your gender.

Step 7: Click the box to agree to the privacy policy.

Step 8: You are to select your preferences. The website will prompt you to do this.

Task #3: Online Lesson

You are to complete the level-up activity by using the online textbook.  All of the instructions are on the sheet. Please be sure that you are completing all parts of the activity.  You will need headphones to complete this task. When you select your username and password pair from the list, you are to select your desk number.

Task #4: Gathering Book Cover Supplies

If you finish the online textbook activity, you can begin or continue to gather supplies online for your book cover.  All supplies are to be brought with you to class tomorrow.  Please let me know if you need a pass to the LMC or computer lab 312 for tomorrow morning to print out your supplies. 

Advanced English 8: A Long Walk to Water AR Quiz & Discussion # 1 on Schoology

Activity #1: Accelerated Reader Instructions

Step 1: You will use the Accelerated Reader Quiz Link under the Helpful Links on the Supernova Team Blog.

Step 2: You will take the AR Quiz on A Long Walk to Water.  (You can check for your AR username and password on the list on the front table.) You are able to use the novel while taking the quiz.

  

Activity #2: Schoology Instructions & Schoology Discussion Directions

Step 1: Go to Schoology

Note: If you already have a Schoology account, you do not need to create a new one. You just need to log in using your username and password and click courses. Next, you will click join, add your class code, and click join. (If you created a Schoology account for another class and did not follow the directions that I have below for new users, you need to edit this in Schoology.)

Step 2: Click the sign up button in the top right-hand corner of the screen and click student.

Step 3: Enter the access code.

Advanced English 8 Class Code for Schoology

Mrs. Porter’s Advanced English 8: 16-17: Period 10:      3V2HC-24HKC

Step 4: Type your first and last name

Step 5: Type your school email which is 21 your last name first initial (in most cases) @ cmsd.k12.pa.us

Step 6: Type your password which is your student I.D. number followed by cmsd.

Step 7: Select your birthday from the drop-down menu. This is just to verify your age for access to the site.

Step 8: Click the blue register button.

 Schoology Discussion Directions

Once you have joined the class, you can begin the discussion.  You are to reference the rubric attached to each of the discussion questions.  This discussion is worth 8 points. You have to submit a response before you can see other responses from your class.  

Welcome 2016-2017 Supernovas!

Welcome to the CMS Supernova team blog.  Please use the blog to view announcements and updates throughout the school year.  Utilize the "helpful links" on the right-hand side of the page to access commonly used team resources.  We hope you have an enjoyable 8th grade year!

Reminder - Beginning of the Year Forms to Turn-In:

• Handbook Form (Yellow) - Due 8/31/16
• Return to your homebase teacher
• Emergency Card - Due 8/29/16
• Return to your homebase teacher
• T-Shirt Order (Optional) - Due 9/2/16
• Return to Mr. Wolf

Mr. Wolf's Scientific Scholars - 4th Nine Weeks

Supernova Students of the Year: 2015-2016

The following students have been selected as the Supernova Students of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year.

English: Ethan S.
Science: Zachary B.
Social Studies: Jonathan Q.
Outstanding Citizenship: Brianna F.
(Pictured from left to right)

The Supernova Team's "Honorary Citizen of the Year" is Officer Fetchko for keeping our team members safe this school year!

Students of the Month: May

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of May.

English: Emily K.

Science: Zachary M.

Social Studies: Reggie L.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Leah G.

When Disaster Strikes

FINAL CLASS ACTIVITY: When Disaster Strikes (Student Copy)

• Helpful Websites: https://www.diigo.com/user/wolfpaul/natural_disasters
• Google Presentation (AKA: Google Slides) Due Date: June 2nd, 2016
  
  • Create in Google Drive
  • Share with Mr. Wolf: wolfp@cmsd.k12.pa.us
  • Periods 4-5 and 8-9 should aslo share with Mrs. Killmeyer: killmeyerm@cmsd.k12.pa.us
  • Share with all your group members
  • Make sure your group members have permission to edit
  • How to Name Your Google Presentation (AKA: Google Slides):
  • classperiod_yournaturaldisaster
  • Example: 4-5_hurricanes
  • This would be the name of the file for the group presenting on hurricanes in my period 4-5 class.
• What to Include in Your Google Slides Presentation 
• Define - Include a basic description of your natural disaster.
• Hazard Map (Likely Locations) - Include a visual map that shows areas that are more likely to experience your natural disaster. 
• Science Details and Diagrams - Include the details of how your natural disaster works.  Describe any scales that are used to measure or classify your natural disaster.  Have at least 1 diagram or other visual to help explain your natural disaster. 
• Warning Signs - List any warning signs that your natural disaster is about to happen. 
• Preparation and Emergency Kit - How should you prepare for your natural disaster? What items should you include in an emergency kit?
• How to React - How should you react during the natural disaster to increase your chance of survival? 
• What to Expect - What would you expect to take place while the natural disaster is occurring? What will be the aftermath?
• Case Studies - Provide as much details as possible for a real-life example of your natural disaster.
• Works Cited - Include a list of the resources that you used. 

Science Class: 5/24 and 5/25

Please complete all the steps in order when given time to use the Chromebooks during class.

1. Complete: Webquest: Tornadoes and Hurricanes - Due 5/31 

• If the link on your document does not work, try this link: http://nationalgeographic.org/interactive/forces-nature/
• This will be graded for accuracy.  Please take your time.

2. Complete any late work that you owe.  

3. Complete the "Volcano Research Activity" after reading the following information.  

• Helpful Websites: http://www.diigo.com/user/wolfpaul/volcanoes.  IMPORTANT: The links that state "research various volcanoes" will help you find information on specific volcanoes.  
• Due - 5/31 (Optional Bonus) - 2 Points 

4.  Once have completed all the steps listed above, please choose from the following options.  

• Explore: NOAA - Severe Weather 101
• Explore: Storm Surge Animation
• Explore: The National Hurricane Center
• Explore: Live Science - Tornadoes
• Explore: Inside a Tornado (Headphones Required)
• Explore: Chasing Tornadoes (Headphones Required)
• Explore: Interactives - Weather
• Explore: Natural Disasters
• View: CH 16-3 - Severe Weather (PowerPoint)
• Complete a "Read and React" paper.

English 8: Act Two Vocabulary List

The vocabulary list has been posted on Quizlet for Act Two of the play, The Diary of Anne Frank.  The test on these terms and Act Two will be on Wednesday, June 1st.

Science Class: 5/16-5/19

Please complete the following steps in order. Please remain silent and on-task the entire class period.

1.  Complete the following anonymous survey to help Mr. Wolf improve his science class.

• Mr. Wolf's Science Class (2015-2016)

2.  Complete your paper copy of the guided notes using the link below.  Take your time and read through the PowerPoint.  See Mr. Wolf if there is something you don't understand.

• PowerPoint Notes - CH 8-1 and 8-2: Earthquakes

3.  Complete: "Webquest: Earthquakes."  Read the instructions listed below before starting the webquest!!!!

• Show your green certificate (4 points) to Mr. Wolf once you reach step 4 on the webquest.  If you complete this assignment outside of class, you must print or email your certificate to Mr. Wolf.  
• Due 5/23/16
• When working on the National Geographic website, please take your time and read through each step on the lab.  DO NOT SKIP TO TAB 7.   
• Please turn in the webquest paper once it is complete.  (4 points)
• Due 5/23/16

4.  Go to Schoology to complete a short quiz on earthquakes: https://www.schoology.com/

• Your final attempt is due on 5/24/16

5. Complete any late work that you currently owe.

6. If you finish early, please choose from the following options:

• Watch: Megaquake - The Hour the Shook Japan (Headphones Required)
• Link 1: Google Drive
• Link 2: SchoolTube
• Explore Volcanoes (National Geographic):  (CLICK ON THE VOLCANO TAB.  DO NOT EXPLORE THE HURRICANE OR TORNADO ACTIVITIES because we will do this at a later date).  
• Explore Virtual Volcanoes:  http://kids.discovery.com/games/build-play/volcano-explorer
• Explore Additional Earthquake or Volcano Websites:
• Earthquake Websites
• Volcano Websites
• Complete a "Read and React" bonus paper

Career Research Paper Online Tools

The students of Mrs. Porter's English classes are writing career research papers. The students will be completing their research in the CMS Library and are to use the career databases and career pathfinder on the CMS LMC website to gather their research. 

The students are required to use the Purdue OWL website to assist them with using the MLA format for their in-text citations. The students will be using Noodle Tools to create their works cited pages. 

The papers with a works cited page and the packet are due at the end of class on Wednesday, May 18th.

Preparing for the Career Research Paper

Directions for Creating An Account for No Red Ink

*If you already have a No Red Ink account, you are to go directly to "Step 9" and follow the directions.

Step 1: Go to No Red Ink

Step 2: In the center of the page, it says: "Sign up for free" and click student.

Step 3: Type in the class code for your specific class period. Be careful and use the correct class code.

Class Codes for No Red Ink

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 1: 15-16: d33wxwxx

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 4/5: 15-16: acdcekea

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 6/7: 15-16: 8h48433f

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 8/9: 15-16: h8d49kxc

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 10: 15-16: 837x8mmk

Step 4: Type in your username. It has to be 20 your last name first initial (You are to use whatever you use to log on to the student computers or the first part of your school email address.)

Step 5: Type in your password. It has to be your student ID number followed by cmsd.

Step 6: Type your first name, last name, and select your gender.

Step 7: Click the box to agree to the privacy policy.

Step 8: You are to select your preferences. The website will prompt you to do this.
*********************************************************************************

Step 9: You are to complete the “Using Quotes & MLA Formatting Practice” and the “Comma Practice” activities. The score that you receive from the two activities will not be counted toward your grade, but you must complete the activities as part of your required class work for today. No Red Ink allows the teacher to track the student’s performance to see which students are completing the assigned activities. 

If you don't finish all of the activities in class today, you are encouraged to complete them for homework to prepare you for the career research paper.

Virtual Field Trip: Explore the Anne Frank House Museum

You are to use the embedded links to explore the Secret Annex that Anne called home during her time in hiding. You will need headphones for this activity.

The steps below take you through navigating the Anne Frank website. You are to take your time and explore. Along the top of the page is a bar with different options for you.

1. Click on the "Enter the 3D house" link at the top of the page and explore the 3D house. This page can take a while to load. You can get to the 3D house by clicking the Secret Annex link.

2. Click on the “About the house” link and explore the page. Be sure to click on the link that says “See it on Google StreetView”

3. Click on the “Who is who?” link and explore the page by clicking on the arrow beneath the person's picture and caption.

4. Click on the “Outcome” link and explore the page by clicking on the various links.

5. Finally, you are to explore the timeline to gain an understanding of that time period.

This can be an emotional and mature topic. If at any time, you are uncomfortable with the subject matter, you are just to click on another link. You do not have to view the entire Anne Frank site.

Astronomy: Think-Tac-Toe (2015-2016)

Mr. Wolf's 8th grade science classes are conducting a student choice activity in which they choose and complete astronomy activities.  The due dates for the activities are listed below.  The students are only required to complete one activity.  They can complete up to two additional activities for bonus points.

1st Submission (Required) - Due Date: May 13th (25 Points Possible)
2nd Submission (Optional) - Due Date: May 20th (2.5 Bonus Points Possible)
3rd Submission (Optional) - Due Date: May 27th (2.5 Bonus Points Possible)

Helpful Astronomy Websites

Astronomy Think-Tac-Toe (Printable PDF File)
Note: Students wishing to complete the wild card will need prior approval from Mr. Wolf.  The second and third submissions are worth 2.5 bonus points instead of the 25 points listed on the document.  Also, the students can select any of the projects listed on the board.  They do not need to get a winning tic-tac-toe board.  However, they cannot complete the same project twice.  The Astronomy: Think-Tac-Toe will be discussed in detail during science class on April 29th.

Student Song Examples from Previous Years (Option # 2):
Solar System Song
Space Story Song

Students of the Month: April

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of April.

Social Studies: Andrew H.

Science: Ava D.

English: Lindsay B.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Novilie B.

Mr. Wolf's Scientific Scholars - 3rd Nine Weeks

Students of the Month: March

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of March.

Science: Sarah D.

English: Sydney S.

Social Studies: Lauren P.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Brianna F.

Figurative Language & Grammar Practice Activities

Online Lesson Instructions

You will need a set of headphones for this activity. You can use your own or get them from the bin at the front of the room.

Step 1: Type in http://my.hrw.com or you can click the link provided on the right-hand side of the Supernova Team Blog.

Step 2: Enter a user name and password for the online English and science textbooks (There is a link to a  list of usernames and passwords on the right-hand side of the Supernova Team Blog.)

Step 3: Click on the link that says, “Go to the Online Textbook”.

Step 4: Click on blue tab that says, “Student Resources”

Step 5: Select from the first drop-down menu “Unit 5: Poetry”

Step 6: Select from the second drop-down menu “Assessment Practice”

Step 7: Click the blue button that says, “Go!”

Step 8: Click on the “Student Resources” tab.

Step 9: On the left-hand side of the page under “Online Extras” click “Level Up: Figurative Language”. You are also to click on the yellow "Practice" tab and complete the activities after each tutorial.

Step 10: In addition, you will work through the "level-up" lessons on Narrator and Speaker, Rhythm, Rhyme, and Elements of Poetry.

Step 11: Finally, you will complete the "Interactive Practice Test" that is listed first under the "Online Extras.

Additional Options:  

1.  You can read your independent novel.  The next A.R. Quiz is on Tuesday, April 19th.

2.  You can practice your figurative language terms on Quizlet for the test on Friday, April 8th.

3. You can also log on to No Red Ink, and complete the three grammar practice activities that I have "assigned" to you.  If you need to set-up a No Red Ink account, you are to follow these instructions.
If you do not complete the online activity or the  No Red Ink "assignment(s)", they are not homework.  

Directions for Creating an Account with No Red Ink

Step 1: Go to No Red Ink

Step 2: In the center of the page, it says: "Sign up for free" and click student.

Step 3: Type in the class code for your specific class period. Be careful and use the correct class code.

Class Codes for No Red Ink

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 1: 15-16:                     d33wxwxx

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 4/5: 15-16:                  acdcekea

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 6/7: 15-16:                  8h48433f

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 8/9: 15-16:                  h8d49kxc

Mrs. Porter’s: Period 10: 15-16:                   837x8mmk

Step 4: Type in your username. It has to be 20 your last name first initial (You are to use whatever you use to log on to the student computers or the first part of your school email address.)

Step 5: Type in your password. It has to be your student ID number followed by cmsd.

Step 6: Type your first name, last name, and select your gender.

Step 7: Click the box to agree to the privacy policy.

Step 8: You are to select your preferences. The website will prompt you to do this.

Science Class: 3/24/16

After turning in your "Forecasting Lab," please complete step 1.  After completing step 1, you may explore the websites listed in step 2.

1. Finish - Weather Maps: Online Activity (Due 3/31)

2. Explore:

• Station Models
• How Did Clouds Get Their Names (Video - Headphones Needed)
• Where Do Snowflakes Come From? (Video - Headphones Needed)
• Interactives: Weather

Middle Level Education Month

March is Middle Level Education Month!

CH 11 Vocabulary