Monday, , Dec. 13 - Friday, Dec. 17

This will be the last week with following a regular classroom schedule.  Mid-term exams begin on Thursday with a half-day schedule:

• Thursday: A1, A2
• Friday: B1, B2
• Monday: A3, A4
• Tuesday: B3, B4
• Wednesday: Teacher Work Day (no students)

A Days

Honors Biology: 

• Monday: Cellular Respiration - chapter review; Discuss lab; Begin review: Chapter 1 - 3
• Wednesday: Review Chapter 4 - 6
• Thursday: Mid-term exam

Tech Essentials: Students will complete website as well as receive mid-term study guide.  Mid-term exam will be Monday, 12/20

Modeling and Simulations:  Students will complete work on their visualization/animation project and receive mid-term study guide.

B Days

Multimedia:  Make-up missing/late assignments. Begin flash animation of a science, math, or social studies process. Mid-term exam on Friday.

Tech Essentials:  Same as A days.

Anatomy and Physiology:Mid-term review; return chapter tests

Monday, 12/5 - Friday, 12/10

This will be our last full week before mid-term exams begin.  Remember, for mid-term:

• School will be dismissed at noon
• Exams will begin on Thursday, 12/16 and end on Tuesday, 12/21
• Wednesday, 12/22 is a teacher day.  Students should not be at school unless they are making up a missed exam (with PRIOR approval from Mr. Thorson)
  

 A Days

Honors Biology: 

• Monday: Discuss and take notes on aerobic respiration from online animation. CW: Sec Rev, aerobic respiration; HW: Study for quiz - summary of cellular respiration
• Thursday: Quiz - summary of cellular respiration; Online research: fermentation 

Tech Essentials: Students will complete their first webpage using Dreamweaver. Begin research on an educational topic to complete a website on that topic.

Modeling and Simulations:  Students will complete work on their visualization/animation project.

B Days

Multimedia:  Continue using actionscript to manipulate flash animations - stop; goto; drag and drop project; buttons. Begin flash animation of a science, math, or social studies process.

Tech Essentials:  Same as A days.

Anatomy and Physiology:Complete research on skeletal system topic.  Present info. Bones of skull, CW: complete Sec VIII, IX, XIV

Monday, 11/29 - Friday, 12/3

A Days

Honors Biology: 

• Monday: Take notes on domains, kingdoms, cellular respiration. Complete observations and determine new masses of "halloween pumpkins".  CW: Objectives p 131 (3rd and 4th); Vocab p 131 last 4.HW: fig. 7-1; 7-2; 7-3; 7-4; 7-6; study for quiz on notes/CW
• Wednesday: HW check; Discuss fermentation process. Research the following and how the phrases are related to cellular respiration: "Say Cheese"; "Don't Drink and Drive"; "Yum, I Smell Bread"; "Feel the Burn". No HW
• Thursday: Discuss research topics; Take data: Demise of the Halloween Pumpkin Lab: Compare CO2 production. HW: P 137; Sec Objectives + Vocab

Tech Essentials:  We will begin a review of HTML and webpage design.  Students will use html to make a website. We will also look at CSS as well as using Dreamweaver to make a webpage.

Modeling and Simulations:  Students will work on their visualization/animation project.

B Days

Multimedia:  Introduction to actionscript using Flash; drag and drop project; buttons. Begin flash animation of a science, math, or social studies process.

Tech Essentials:  Same as A days.

Anatomy and Physiology:Continue study of skeletal system; parts of skull, axial vs appendicular;

Monday, 11/22 & Tuesday, 11/23

A Days

Honors Biology: Test on Monday, chapter 6, Photosynthesis, plus functions of leaves. If time allows, we will complete our online lab on Photosynthesis

Tech Essentials:  Students will complete questions utilizing the online Titanic database.

Modeling and Simulations:  Students will begin their research and storyboarding for their visualization/animation project.

B Days

Multimedia:  Students will complete and upload a Thanksgiving animation.

Tech Essentials:  Students will complete their presidential database and upload.

Anatomy and Physiology: Complete sec VII in the study guide. Label the bones of the skeleton - anterior and posterior.

Monday, 11/15 - Friday, 11/19

A Days

Honors Biology:  We will begin a study of photosynthesis (Ch. 6), including the Light Reactions and the Calvin Cycle.  The parts of a plant will also be incorporated into this unit.

• Mon., 11/15: Re-take free response test (optional); Lab Activity: Demise of the Halloween Pumpkin - notes, data table; Discuss role of stomata; View various leaves using dissecting/comparative microscope; CW: SR p. 602
• Thurs., 11/118: CW/HW Check; Explore Learning Activity on what affects the rate of photosynthesis; Class code: JMBJMVTAJL; HW: study for test Monday, 11/22 - Photosynthesis/Leaves

Tech Essentials:  Students will conclude their work with Excel. CW Skills: sorting;merging; IF function; Quiz: Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe - download from Moodle, complete, and upload. Begin study of Microsoft Access. 

Modeling and Simulations:  Students will present their spreadsheet using interactive functions as well as complete online overview of their SS.

B Days

Multimedia:  Students will present a flash animation using the following skills: masking; adding sound; shape tween, special effect (explode, expand, blur), trace bitmap and motion guides. New skill: utilizing movie clips

Tech Essentials:  Same as A Days

Anatomy and Physiology: Complete our study of sections 7.1 through 7.5. Begin study of bones of different parts of the body.

• Tues., 11/16: Complete PPT presentations;Study various bones and their characteristics; HW: Study for quiz Wed. and test Friday.
• Wed., 11/17: Quiz 7.1 - 7.4: Notes: bone formation; axial vs appendicular skeleton: HW: Study for test 7.1 - 7.5
• Friday: 11/19: (SUB) Test 7.1 - 7.5; CW: Study Guide Sec VII. Leave SG in classroom

Monday, 11/8 - Friday, 11/12

Don't forget that there is no school this Thursday - Veteran's Day observance.

A Days

Honors Biology:  We will begin a study of photosynthesis (Ch. 6), including the Light Reactions and the Calvin Cycle.  The parts of a plant will also be incorporated into this unit.

• Mon., 11/8:Check outline/vocab from Sec. 1. Notes/discuss light reactions.  HW: Read section 2 and complete: vocab p 120, Sec. Rev p. 124
• Wed., 11/10: HW Check; Explore Learning Activity on what affects the rate of photosynthesis; Class code: JMBJMVTAJL

Tech Essentials:  Students will continue working with Excel, specifically comparing the surface area and volume of a cube and a sphere. Skills include: formulas, referencing cells, exponents, and absolute cell references.

Modeling and Simulations:  Students will continue working with advanced functions in Excel as well as complete a business model with interactive variables.

B Days

Multimedia:  We continue working with Flash animation software. Students will complete and then present a flash animation using the following skills: masking; adding sound; shape tween, special effect (explode, expand, blur), trace bitmap and motion guides.

Tech Essentials:  Same as A Days

Anatomy and Physiology:  We continue our study of the skeletal system, specifically looking at bone development and grown, bone functions, and bone structure.  

• Tues., 11/9: Complete Flash or PPT on anatomy topic; Study Guide 7.1 - 7.4.  HW: Complete any questions from study guide and study.
• Fri., 11/12: PPT/Flash presentations; Notes: Skeletal Organization (Sec. 7.5); HW: Study Guide Sec VI (7.5)

Monday, Nov. 1 - Friday, Nov. 5

A Days

Honors Biology:  After a very short chapter on active and passive transport, students will begin a study of photosynthesis. 

• Mon., 11/1: HW due on lab procedure for osmosis; Lab write-up egg diffsion; Lab: movement of iodine through semi-permeable membrane; test review.  HW: study for test Ch. 5 (Thurs.)
• Thurs., 11/3: Test, Ch. 5; CW: Vocab. sec. 1; HW: Read sec. 1, OUTLINE, and be ready to discuss Monday (notes will be checked)

Tech Essentials:  Students will continue working with Excel, specifically reviewing functions available.  They will complete spreadsheets to show their proficiency in filling down, averaging, determining percentages, absolute references, inserting formulas, editing charts and IF statements.

Modeling and Simulations:  Students will continue working with advanced functions in Excel as well as complete a business model.

B Days

Multimedia:  We continue working with Flash animation software.  Students will learn skills relating to text animation, special effects, tracing bitmaps, breaking apart, and distributing to layers. These skills will be used to complete Project 2. 

Tech Essentials:  Same as A Days

Anatomy and Physiology:  We are completing our study of the integumentary system and beginning our study of the skeletal system.

• Tues., 11/2: Test Integumentary System; CW: Notes/discuss functions of skeletal system HW: Sec. 7.2 vocab + drawing of long bone fig 7.1. + ck recall Q&A p. 127.
• Wed., 11/3: Notes on bone development and bone fracture healing.  Video: broken bone healing.  HW: Read 7.3 and take notes + ck recall Q&A p. 130. Test 11/12 on 7.1 - 7.4.
• Friday: 11/5: Notes - bone development and bone fracture healing; research topics related to bone injuries and disorders. HW: Sec. 7.4 Ck Recall p. 133.  Complete research.

Monday, October 25 - Friday, October 29

Report cards issued Monday, 10/25!
A Days
Honors Biology:  Students will begin the week with a quiz on the cell:  identifying and listing the functions of cell parts and organelles.  We will also review test objectives in preparation for a chapter (4) test on Wednesday. Chapter 5 covers active and passive transport as it applies to movement in and out cells. Assignments to be completed in student notebooks include:

• Vocab. P. 97 (CW 10/27)
• Sec. Rev., P. 102 (Q&A)  (HW due 10/28)
• Lab Report: Diffusion 
• Notes: Active Transport  (If absent, copy Active Transport notes, P 107 + vocab)

Tech Essentials:  Students will continue working with Excel as well as reviewing basic technology functions. 
Modeling and Simulations:  Students will continue working with advanced functions in Excel as well as complete a business model.
B Days
Multimedia:  We continue working with Flash animation software.  Specifically, we will review skills using motion tweens, shape tweens, motion guides, as well as produce original graphics. 
Tech Essentials:  Same as A Days
Anatomy and Physiology:  Test Friday on the integumentary system. Students will work in groups using google docs to research and produce a paper on a skin disorder. 

Monday, 10/18 - Friday, 10/22

A Days

Honors Biology:  On Monday there will be a sub in the classroom.  Students will complete two classwork assignments: 1) Make a chart showing cell organelles/parts, their function, and a student drawing of the organelle or cell part; 2) Answer the objectives on p. 87 as though they were questions.  Thursday:  Students will complete a lab comparing plant and animal cells and we will also have a test review. HW: Study for test on Monday

Tech Essentials: Students will complete their collaborative project on states.  They will begin working on the class Moodle page by logging in and uploading their paper and works cited page. They will begin a review of Exce and compare Excel and Google Spreadsheet.

Modeling and Simulations: Students will continue working with Excel.  On Monday, students will present their researched functions to other class members.  Each student will complete a spreadsheet showing all functions with examples.  They will research the use and function of pivot tables

B Days

Multimedia: Tues: Students will begin working through a series of skills and lessons on Flash animation as well as login to the class Moodle page.

Tech Essentials:  Same as A Days

Anatomy and Physiology:  Tues: Students will complete a lab on skin receptors and compare the density in different parts of the body.Wed: 1) Analyze lab and complete questions in NB; 2) Complete Ck Recall Q&A 6.3 and 6.4; 3) Complete braille lab; 4) HW: SG test and assigned questions - study for quiz on Friday (25 pts - no book - no notebook)

NCTHS Rocks the House

HOW ABOUT THAT PEP RALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys were awesome - I especially have to commend the Freshmen and Seniors for their spirit and also our administrators - did they dress up or what??? Also, when half of you showed off your "cha-cha slide" moves, that was fantastic! In fact, I would say that our entire "spirit week" was a great success because so many of you participated.


A big "shout out" to some Spirit Week faculty participants, Mr. Thorson, Mrs. Brewer, Mrs. Suiter, Mrs. Ferrell and Mrs. Savage-Owens - "REPRESENT"! (Pictures to prove it ... later.)


Our pep rally was to cheer on the robotics team in their competition this past Saturday as well as to recognize students who represent our school in academic and technology competitions. As a USA Today Silver Medal School for the last three years, we have much to showcase.


So, let's add this all up

• Mr. Thorson dressing as "Erkle" as well as in a tux - check
• A fantastic dance team showing their skills - check
• 350 students making some real noice - priceless

Monday, 10/11 - Friday, 10/15

Welcome back - hope you all had a great Fall Break! The first two days of the week will be spent presenting projects that were completed prior to Fall Break.  

A Days

Honors Biology:  Tests taken prior to fall break will be returned and reviewed.  We will begin our study of the cell (chapter 3) by reviewing prior knowledge and taking notes on its history.  We will also complete a lab that introduces you to the microscope as well as looking at different plant and animal cells.

• Monday: Notes (if absent, complete Sec 1 Review, p. 71); HW - Vocab Sec. 2, p. 72 (due Wed.)
• Wed: Spreadsheet activity cell surface area vs volume; HW - Vocab Sec 3, p. 77 (due Thurs)
• Thurs: Lab - Cells; HW - study notes, vocab 

Tech Essentials: Students will present their PPT presentations as well as begin learning some of the advanced features of Excel.

• Monday: Upload PPT to network folder; Begin presentations
• Wed: Complete presentations; Begin review of PPT - Compare volume/surface area
• Thurs: Complete spreadsheets and graphs volume vs surface area

Modeling/Simulations: We will review prior assignment on the rainforest and variables that affect its viability.

• Monday: Present assignment information from Friday; complete online simulation
• Wed/Thurs: America' Army simulation

B Days:

Multimedia: Students will complete and present slide show on their project, "All About Me" and begin new unit on HTML/webpage design.

• Tues: Project presentations
• Friday: HTML notes/review/complete first webpage

Tech Essentials: Same as A Day assignments

Anatomy & Physiology: Students completed the chapter on Tissues and will begin a new unit on the Integumentary System.

• Tues: Study Guide, chapter 6; Lab - Measuring Skin Sensitivity; HW: Ck Recall (3) Sec. 6.1
• Fri: Notes - Sec. 6.2; Research common skin disorders; HW: Study notes, study guide

Monday, 9/27 - Friday, 10/1

A Days

Honors Biology:  Monday will be spent reviewing for our test on Organic Molecules, scheduled for Thursday.  Students were directed to online resources as well as textbook information and objectives.  In addition, we reviewed the results of our labs on starches, monosaccharides, proteins, and lipids.  After the test, students will watch the video, Supersize Me, a documentary about a young man who eats all of his meals at McDonald's for a month-long period.

Tech Essentials: Students will have this week to complete their PPT on Advanced PPT.  Continue to review the scoring rubric to make sure you are including all you need to.  I have shown you how to: add menu (hyperlink) buttons; use a custom motion path; complete an advanced timeline; insert custom animation; and how to insert a flash animation.  Links have been added on copyright info and we will review this on Monday or Tuesday. There will be a substitute for the class on Thursday and I expect students to stay on task and finish their project. I have uploaded my PPT to my lesson plans (webpage).  This has instructions on how to add a flash animation, how to get to the advanced timeline, and a checklist of what to complete.

Modeling and Simulation: We will take part of Monday to complete our reviews of different simulations.  Afterwards, students will present their selection as to which they consider the best and why.  On Thursday, there will be a substitute in class and students will complete a reading assignment on the Rainforest and complete an online simulation, River of Venom 

B Days

Multimedia: Students will complete their last assigned "skill" and will begin on a project due Friday. Specifically, they will design a series of graphic items for different "businesses".

Tech Essentials: Same as A days - Students will complete their Advanced PPT and turn in notebooks.

Anatomy & Physiology:  Students have been studying chapter 3, Tissues.  On Tuesday, we will look at different slides and identify their types as well as review for a test.  On Wednesday, students will complete a review worksheet packet and watch an anatomy video.  On Friday, students will take their test on Tissues.

Monday, September 20 - Friday, September 24

A Days
Honors Biology:  We continue to study Organic Molecules (chapter 3).  Monday: Complete a lab testing various foods for proteins. HW due: SR p. 55. On Wednesday, about half the class will be testing so we will use that opportunity to revisit and review sections 1 and 2.  On Thursday, we will test foods for the presence of monosaccharides.  HW: Sec Rev p 60 Q&A.
Tech Essentials: Students continue to work on advanced skills in PPT including: adding narration; custom animation; inserting a flash animation; and adding a menu slide.  Scoring rubric link on my website. 
Modeling and Simulations: Students will review and evaluate a series of online simulations (see blog links). Students will present what they consider to be their best simulation and explain why. 


B Days
Multimedia:  Students are really doing well working with Fireworks and editing and creating original graphics.  By Thursday, most students should have finished their latest assignment editing bitmap graphics and working with masking effects.  Next week we will begin working with HTML and creating CSS (style sheets) for webpages.
Tech Essentials:  Same as A Day class.
Anatomy and Physiology: Due to overall poor test grades on Friday's test, specifically on the production and function of digestive enzymes, students will have an opportunity to re-take that part of the test.  On Tuesday, we will review the chart they completed a couple of weeks ago and make sure they have correct info.  In addition, students will complete a section of their study guide on tissue types.  On Friday, students who wish may re-take the test section on enzymes as well as complete the last section of their study guide on tissues. 

Monday, 9/13 - Friday, 9/17

A Days

Honors Biology:  We start the week off with a test (Monday) on Chapter 2.  Homework: Read Chapter 3, Sec. 1 and complete the section review questions.  We will go over these on Thursday as well as discuss the organic compounds carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.  Students will make concept maps showing the relationship between monomers, polymers, and macromolecules.

Tech Essentials:  Students will complete all assignments using Word and will begin to use some of the advanced features of PPT (inserting sounds and flash animations, adding links between slides, to websites, and to open software and files, and inserting custom animation). 

Anatomy and Physiology:  Students will complete their research on energy drink ingredients (9/13)and make their presentations (9/15).  On Wednesday, students will complete a lab that allows them to test various foods and determine the presence of different organic molecules. They will have a test on organic molecules and the digestive system on Friday, 9/17.

B Days

Multimedia: We continue to work with Adobe Fireworks - moving from making original graphics to editing graphics.  Specifically, students will colorize all and parts of black and white photos as well as remove and edit areas in photographs.

Tech Essentials:  Same as A Day classes

Modeling and Simulation:  Students completed the exercise showing the diffusion of arsenic into groundwater and will create a spreadsheet using manual calculations and averaging to step through a diffusion simulation.  In addition, they will review different online simulations.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 - Friday, Sept. 10

This is a short week following the Labor Day holiday.  Hope you football fans had good results and, if not, there's always "next week"! This is an "A" week which means that Wednesday is an "A" block day.  

Progress reports will be handed out in homeroom and sent home this week!
A Day Classes

Biology:We meet Wednesday and Thursday this week.  HW due - 1) lab write-up (Procedure, ID constants, control, dependent and independent variables) 2) vocab sec 2-2 3) Study notes on chemistry, water

Objectives:

• List 3 states of matter and explain how matter can change state
• Explain how enzymes affect chemical reactions
• Describe and ID reactants and products
• Describe activation energy and how catalysts affect this
• Review lab write-up and make changes as needed

What's going on in class?

• Notes/vocab review Sec 2-2
• Lab: How can I dissolve sugar?
• Re-write lab procedure if necessary
• HW: Chapter Review
• Labs: pH, organic molecules, dissolving sugar
• Test: Monday, September 13

Tech Essentials:  Students should have completed their technical papers which should include examples of the following skills: two columns; justified; font styles and colors; inserting tables; editing tables; headers and footers; title page; automatic page numbers; and word art.  This week we will look at how to complete a Works Cited page using MLA style. In addition, we will continue working on organizing and study skills.

Modeling and Simulations: Students will continue working with an online simulation showing business production, from the factory to retail.  In addition they will evaluate different examples of simulations and examine the math models behind them. 

B Day Classes

Multimedia Design

Students have been making great progress in utilizing some of the more difficult skills in Fireworks, specifically using vector tools such as the pen and path tool and manipulating text. They should have created 5 different logos (3 for NCTHS, 1 personal, and 1 business) as well as an original image of "spongebob".  This week we will work with some of the bitmap tools. Students will:

• Create a personal "avatar"
• Edit photographs
• Notes: images

Tech Essentials

Same as "A" week classes

Anatomy and Physiology

HW Due: Table or outline (in nb) showing organs of digestive system (including accessory organs), their functions, chemicals/enzymes, and their function.

Students will continue to review the importance of inorganic and organic molecules.  Specifically they will:

• Analyze various foods for the presence of monosaccharides, starches, proteins, fats
• Determine the claims of different energy drinks as well as review the function of their ingredients - present results

Anatomy and Physiology: 8/31 - 9/3

Students will be working on a project to determine the effectiveness of various energy drinks.  Objectives include: 

• Define energy in a biological / nutritional context.
• Identify valid biochemical sources of energy.
• Discuss how foods are metabolized to generate ATP.
• Critically evaluate marketing claims for various energy drinks.
• Describe and categorize chemically the components of various popular “energy drinks.”
• Determine the physiological role of these components in the human body.
• Explain scientifically how the marketing claims for these drinks are supported (or not).
• Determine under what conditions each of the “energy drinks” might be useful to the consumer.

Energy Drinks on the Rise Watch video

Questions

Task

Marketing Claims

Biochemical Information

August 30 - September 3

We are entering our fourth week of school - a "B" week (B classes on Wednesday).  Students have already had tests and should have an idea of class expectations.  Thanks to all the parents who attended our Open House.  It was great to meet so many of you.  Please continue to follow teacher blogs to keep up with what is going on in each class.


Our Robotics Team will begin its first "build" of the season this weekend with the kickoff of the BEST competition.  Team members will meet at10:00 in the Kelly Gym on the campus of Calhoun Community College in Decatur this Saturday (9/4).  Afterwards we will return to Huntsville for lunch at Cici's on University and a team meeting at New Century.


Students interested in learning more about the team should stop by my room after school on Monday OR Tuesday for a brief meeting.


A Day Classes


Biology


We begin a study on chemistry, which for most should be a review of material learned in middle school.  Students will:

• Differentiate characteristics of protons, neutrons, and electrons
• Contrast ionic and covalent bonds
• Discuss the importance of water
• Determine the pH of different substances
• Analyze different foods for the presence of sugars, starches, proteins, and fats

Tech Essentials

Students are working on a technical paper and the skills needed to complete one.  Skills learned this week will include:

• Adding headers and footers including automatic page numbering
• Determining reliable and valid online resources
• Using MLA style to complete a Sources Cited page
• Inserting a page break

Modeling and Simulations

We have been looking at characteristics of models and simulations as well as completing some simple models using spreadsheets.  Students will continue their studies this week by:

• Discussing different types of math models (diffusion, SIR, epidemic, queue theory, etc.)
• Creating a diffusion model using a spreadsheet or programming language

B Day Classes

Multimedia Design

Students have been making great progress in learning some of the more difficult skills in Fireworks, specifically using vector tools.  This week they will continue with these tools and use more skills to complete different logos (New Century, personal, company). Skills will include:

• Pen tool - open and closed
• Path tool
• Text manipulation (leading, kerning, text on a path)

Tech Essentials

Same as "A" week classes

Anatomy and Physiology

Students will review pH as well as the importance of inorganic and organic molecules.  Specifically they will:

• Determine the pH of various substances
• Analyze various foods for the presence of monosaccharides, starches, proteins, fats
• Determine the claims of different energy drinks as well as review the function of their ingredients

8/24: Tech Essentials - Adding On To Your Paper

Now that you have emailed me your paper and title page, let's add some more "advanced skills"!

Open your paper and:

1. Underline and change the color of your headings (your choice of color, but it should be easy to read)
2. Fill in your table headings with different colors - again, your choice of colors. If your color is too dark, change your text color to white.
3. Add a header (at the top - above paper content) to your paper - Me and New Century - centered. How to add header.
4. Add automatic page numbering to your paper (footer) How to do this!
5. Add a new heading (after your last heading info, "Four Years From Today": Three Careers For Me

Research 3 careers that would be appropriate for your field of study (example - if you are in Aerospace/Engineering, you might select 3 types of engineers to research).  Do not select "Doctor" - select a specialty.

Take notes on the following (Word/Google docs - copy/paste - and then put in your own words OR on a sheet of paper):

• What level of education is required
• List three places you can achieve the degree you need for this position (at least one needs to be in Alabama)
• What is the annual tuition for these places?
• How do you plan on paying for this?
• What will your work hours be?
• What range of salary could you expect?
• Is this something you would enjoy doing or are you doing it for the money?

Indent 3 spaces underneath your heading - type in your first career name - bold.

Include information above in paragraph form in your own words.

Repeat for the other two careers.

Monday, August 23

It's been a great two weeks! Remember, this is an "A" week - Mon, Wed, and Thurs are "A" days and Tues and Fri are "B" days.


Our Open House is Tuesday, 6 pm. We will also be presenting an iGoogle workshop for parents at 5 pm.  Students can earn 5 extra credit points added to your first test grade if your parents attend the open house, 5 extra credit points if they joint our PTSA, and  5 if they are unable to attend but send me email and follow my blog. 

Specific information on daily lesson plans can be found on my website. Select the lesson plan link for your class.

A Day classes

Honors Biology: We are continuing to lay the foundation for skills and class rules students will need for the remainder of the school year.

• Complete "Green Bean Lab" - determining volume; review data and draw conclusions
• Review metric system, scientific method, variables
• Test Ch 1:  metric system; scientific method; variables; lab equipment
• Ch 2 - Chemistry: covalent/ionic bonds;  

Tech Essentials: Students will use teacher-designated instructions to create a Word document that includes the use of the following skills: 

• adding two columns with a justified alignment and specific formatting
•  including a header and footer with page numbers
•  inserting a table and filling in cells
• using the "help" menu to find information
• inserting a page break 

Modeling and Sim: Students will continue to learn about what is involved in this class.  Specifically, they will:

• Complete presentations on science simulation examples
• Continue to take notes: simulation purpose; input(s); output(s)
• Distinguish between systems, models, and simulations
• Use an online learning environment to upload and receive assignments
• Write an essay defining system, model, simulation and explain their connection to each other

B Day Classes

Multimedia Design: We will continue working with Fireworks, a software program that can edit photographs as well as create original ones.  Skills to be taught and used include keyboard shortcuts for tools, vector basic shapes and auto-shapes, scale tool, stroke and fill, combining shapes, and working with layers.

Specifically, we will:

• Complete 3 logos for New Century using instructions from a previous blog
• Complete an individual logo - one that represents who you are
• Make two personal "avatars"

Tech Essentials: same as A day info

Anatomy and Physiolgy:  Students will have their first test on Chapter 1 - basic terminology; anatomical positions, planes, and regions; summary of human organ systems. 

• Tuesday: Test, Chapter 1
• Chapter 2: pH; inorganic and organic molecules - characteristics, examples, functions, ID
• Lab: organic molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids)

8/18: Tech Essentials

Word Review

You should have had an introduction to MS Word in middle school as well as further assignments in Computer Applications (Mr. Huggins). We will complete a couple of assignments using MS Word.

• Complete a paper on "Me and New Century"

Formatting Info:

• Font info: Arial - 12 pt
• Two columns
• Fully justified
• Headings: bold - same font and size
• Paragraphs - no indent
• Single space
• Dbl space between end of paragraphs and headings and between headings and next paragraph

Content

• Headings: 
• About Me (two short paragraphs - min 3 sentences/paragraph)
• Why I Came to New Century (one paragraph
• My Teachers - complete info in a table as provided by teacher
• My Selected Field of Study - info on what you are interested in studying and why (medical, computer science, aerospace/engineering
• Four Years From Today - info on what you will be doing after you graduate - college? If so, which one? If no college, what? Major?

• Footer: Your name on left - New Century centered - Page # on right

Title Page

• Separate from paper content
• Word Art for title
• Appropriate image that depicts your selected field of study
• Your name, date, my name
• Info should fill up most of the page

8/18: Multimedia Design

We are going to begin using Fireworks, a graphic editing and design program from Macromedia.  I describe it as a combination of Photoshop (photo editing) and Illustrator (original vector graphics).  It may not be as powerful as either of these but it provides a more than adequate substitute for our class.


Today we will:

• Set up a laptop and network folder to save work.  (The "two copy" rule is always in effect - save your work in two places.)
• Review computer use (no music, no food, no checking email unless specifically directed by me, no unauthorized use, ncths and HCS rules apply, consequences)
• Notes: Vector vs bitmap images (notebook or google doc)
• Fireworks skills:
• new image
• workspace
• basic shapes - make and edit
• square, rectangle, circle, ellipse, polygon, star, triangle
• use different stroke sizes and colors
• use different fills
• View video: basic shapes
• View video: combining shapes
• Add text
• Auto-shapes (those underneath basic)
• HW: Draw 3 logo designs for NC using text/shapes/modified shapes
• Project 1 (Friday): Create 3 New Century logos using different shapes combined with text
• One must use an autoshape
• One must combine shapes
• Size: no larger than 200 x 200 pixels (you can work with a larger shape and then scale down)
• Canvas background: one must be black; one must be white
• Use sub-selection tool to modify original shape on at least one image
• Should be aesthetically pleasing and represent NC

Monday, 8/17

Honors Biology (A1)

What a great class! We accomplished a great deal in laying a foundation for the rest of the school year.  This week we meet twice and will work on experimental procedures and data tables as well as lab safety, lab rules, and recognizing lab equipment and when each should be used.

     Monday

• Discuss/add to/correct procedure writeup from Thurs.
• Create data table for "green bean" experiment
• HW: Section Review (P 24) Answer all in notebook (Q&A)

     Thursday

• Lab: Green Bean Variation (Determine length, mass, volume of a green beans and snow peas)
• Lab write-up questions
• Review and correct HW

Multimedia Design (B1)

Lots of changes in student enrollment combined with "technology" left some students unable to complete assignments.  All students are making an iGoogle page using their ncths email as well as setting up calendars and subscribing to teacher blogs.  

     Tuesday: 

• Students should complete their iGoogle page with calendar and blog subscriptions.
• Make a google document with tech info on it
• Add school holiday, other info to their calendars
• Research how to make an iGoogle theme
• HW: storyboard/design for NCTHS iGoogle theme

     Wednesday

• iGoogle theme presentations
• Fireworks tutorial - original graphics - how to save

     Friday

• Continue designing  iGoogle theme

Tech Essentials (A3/B3)

Another great group of freshmen students!

A3: Discuss the importance of "Emotional Intelligence" and why we need to use it; Counselor Watson will be in class Thursday.

B3: Counselor Watson on Tuesday and Friday; Emotional Intelligence on Wednesday

Modeling and Simulations (A4)

We are completing our second mathematical model, Surface Area vs Volume and looking at what happens as a cell gets bigger in size.  In addition, we will review some examples of science and math simulations.

     Monday:  

• Complete spreadsheet and email to me.  
• Review online examples (get links from my webpage lesson plans) and answer questions
• Review science simulations (link on my webpage lesson plan) and be prepared to present how they work, their variables, and conclusions on Thurs.

     Thursday

• Students will present science/math simulations and discuss variables and "what you would need to know" to complete the math model used

Anatomy and Physiology (B4)

Students have been issued study guides as well as textbooks. We have reviewed correct anatomical position as well as anatomical directions. Homework was assigned from the study guide.

     Tuesday:

• HW check
• Review organ systems, organs included, ad their general function
• "Why is ___________ organ system the most important?
• HW: Study for test Friday - chapter 1

     Friday

• Test: Chapter 1
• CW: Chemistry of Organic Molecules
• HW: Study Guide Ch 2 I, III (H), IV (all), V

Thurs., 8/12

Pre-AP/Honors Biology:

• HW Check (Safety Contracts/Syllabus Signature Sheet/Characteristics of Life)
• Fees ($20) due the day after labor day - Thanks to all who have already paid!
• Tech Info: blog url; my email (jane@janejones.org); ncths email info
• CW: Review scientific method - read experiment info/answer questions 
• Hand out textbooks
• CW: Answer questions based on experiment info - 10 minute time limit
• Notes: Characteristics of living things (p. 6 in textbook). Circle ones you listed from your HW and explain. Add any from textbook that you did not include
• Hand out lab equipment sheet and review lab equipment

Tech Essentials

• Counselor Watson presentation on preparing for high school and college
• Subscribe to my blog
• Make a blog: today's topic - "Don't major in minor things" OR "Take care of your reputation. It's your most valuable asset".

Modeling and Simulation

• Excel basics: fill down; graphing
• Mathematical Model: How Big Can a Bee Be?
• What limits an organism's size?
• Why are cells so small? What limits a cell's size?
• Surface area vs volume - formulas for area/volume of a cube and sphere
• Use excel to compare surface area vs volume of a cube with at least 10 different sides
• Use excel to compare surface area vs volume of a sphere with at least 10 different radiuses (pi = 3.14)
• Graph area vs volume of each
• Discuss what is happening
• Why are cells microscopic?

Day One: Check

Day one is complete! I had a great day - Biology students showed why they were in Honors, Tech Essential students were patient as they logged in to our school network for the first time, and Modeling and Sim students were quite capable at setting up their iGoogle pages, calendars, and subscribing to my blog.

8/9: What's Happening in Class Today?

A1: Honors Biology

Syllabus, Supplies, Course/Class Info Notebook requirements Notes: Scientific Method Activity/Discussion: Fly Away (scientific method) Homework: Complete questions on scientific method

A3: Tech Essentials

Syllabus, Course/Class Info, Fees Emotional Quotient Computer Use Policies Google/iGoogle

Modeling and Simulations

Syllabus, Course Info/Expectations School email iGoogle Follow blog Modeling vs Simulation

Monday, August 9

Welcome back to a new school year.  First semester classes will include Honors Biology, Tech Essentials, Multimedia Design, and Modeling and Simulations. Second semester classes will include Honors Biology, Multimedia Design, Modeling and Simulations and Anatomy and Physiology.  

Tech Essentials:  A class for all freshman students that introduces them to the high school environment as well as the technology needed to succeed.  Students will use Google Apps to stay organized as well as share and collaborate with other students and teachers. 

Honors Biology: This class is a college-prep class that introduces students to the skills and information needed to succeed in AP Biology as a junior or senior or as a college freshman. Honors Biology is a college preparatory course in biological science. It is designed to challenge high achieving, self-motivated, academically responsible students.  

Anatomy and Physiology:  A lecture and laboratory course in the anatomy and physiology of the human body.  Our study begins with basic terminology; then extends to a survey of the organ systems.  Laboratory study is enhanced via microscopic study of tissues, preserved specimens and anatomic models, the use of interactive computer models, and dissection.

Modeling and Simulations: Students will learn about the importance of modeling and simulation to the solution of science and engineering problems, acquire basic modeling and programming skills, enhance their communication skills and apply those skills to understand and reinforce important concepts in mathematics, scientific experimentation and design.

Multimedia Design: The course focuses on using multimedia software programs that will enable students to produce computer-generated art, learn image manipulation, develop websites, and produce short videos using industry-standard multimedia production software. Students are expected to create individual work for end-of-the-year portfolios, produce projects suitable for technology competitions and work as part of a team on various assignments.