Students are still working on their "Prospectus" group project.  The "Prospectus" may be a brochure or poster. I will provide paper and large Post-Its. We are ready to begin the final project after numerous assignments and hard work. Monday, January 11th, 2010, students were given a "Pop Quiz" to determine how much they remember about who they are as archaeologists and the purpose of their project.

Many could not remember!!   Two weeks vacation can be a deal breaker.  The good news is that they will have an opportunity to redeem themselves this Thursday, January 14th, as the quiz will be given again to them.  Several students did well on Monday and do not have to repeat the quiz.

Beginning Wednesday, January 13th, 2010, students should bring art supplies and any pictures or printed information they want to include in their Prospectus.  I will instruct students to take their assignment and rubrics home with them for you to view.  They have been really working diligently! The goal is for them to finish the "Prospectus" next Friday, January 22nd  and have them on display by the first week in February, 2010.

 Students have been reading Science Fiction and Fantasy novels of their choice since the second week in December 2009.

Monday, January 11th, 2010, students were given two handouts for their next book report due on or before Friday, 1/15/10.  One handout gives them instructions and the other is the actual book report.  They are to use complete sentences and should be neatly done in black or dark blue ink. The book report should be about the Science Fiction and/or Fantasy novel they have read or are currently finishing.

Students are currently working on an IB-MYP Project in class. 

CHALLENGE;  Students are archaeologists. They "are beginning a new phase of digging at a site of an ancient culture and need additional financing to undertake the project.  To apply for this funding, (they) need to create a "prospectur" (description brochure) for people who may be interested in financing the project."

Students were allowed to choose 2 peers, in order of preference, to work with, and rank the chapters/ancient civilizations they wanted to work on.

Students must: 1.  Complete vocabulary, key events, key people and places, Lesson Review Focus questions and Chapter Assessment assignments.  Most students have completed this step.  2.  Individually restate the challenge and create 2 designs, which will be assessed by the student.  Most students have completed this step also.  3.  In groups, students will choose and sketch a final design, divide up the assignments as prescribed by the teacher and decide what materials are needed to complete their Prospectus.  Most students have also completed this step.  4.  As a group, do further research and begin doing what is needed to create their Prospectus.

Students are reading Fantasy and Science Fiction novels for the months of Mid-December through mid-January.  Students were instructed to go, preferably to the library, and choose an age appropriate Fantasy and/or Science Fiction novel to read at home each night for homework.  They had  from December 8th until Thursday, December 17th to bring the novel to class for teacher approval.  Any student who does not submit a novel for approval will earn a 0 and will have to wait until we return from the winter break to show to teacher.  They should be reading this/these novels during the break.  An indepth book report will be required.  Requirements for this report will be given to students by January 15th 2010, and will be due the week of January 16th.

Vocabulary lessons and assignments will begin approximately January 11th, 2010.  We will begin with common root words.  Expect homework each night.  Students should also continue reading their novels 20-30 minutes each night.