Monday, 9/10 - Friday, 9/14

I will be switching to Edmodo for student assignments so this week will only be info on objectives and some general info.

Pre-AP Biology:  Objectives for this week's lessons:

1. Distinguish between ionic and covalent bonds
2. Discuss the properties of water
3. Define pH and identify pH as acid, base, or neutral
4. Research the importance and characteristics of trace elements and food additives

• Mon., 9/10: Test. Login edmodo and review assignments. HW: projects; study notes
• Tues., 9/11: Covalent bonds. Login to new textbook. HW: projects; study notes
• Wed., 9/12: Water lab. HW: projects; study notes
• Thurs., 9/13: Test review; pH activity: WS bonding HW: projects; study notes.
• Fri., 9/14: Food additives collaboration. Share info into one spreadsheet and discuss. HW: Complete project. Study notes.

Multimedia. 

• • Mon., 9/10: Remix
  • Tues., 9/11: Remix
  • Wed., 9/12:Video download and add audio
  • Thurs., 9/13: Video download and add audio
  • Fri., 9/14: 

Tech Essentials

• • Mon., 9/10: Flashcards
  • Tues., 9/11: Complete unfinished assignments
  • Wed., 9/12: TEST: vocabulary; last day to complete unfinished assignments
  • Thurs., 9/13: 
  • Fri., 9/14:

Tuesday, September 4 - Friday, September 7

Two weeks down! We are proceeding to "full content mode" in all classes.  My biology classes in particular should have all procedures (textbook logins, class procedures, Edmodo sign-up) completed by the end of the week.  This will allow us to focus our time entirely on class content and objectives.

Pre-AP Biology:  Objectives for this week's lessons:

1. Graph and analyze data
2. Convert metric measurements
3. Explain why the metric system is used in science
4. Assess knowledge of chapter objectives

• Mon., 9/3: Labor Day holiday.  No school!
• Tues., 9/4: Review classwork; Sign up for student account on Edmodo (see links below for help/info); CW: metric system notes; HW: Metric system review; study notes; complete Successnet assignments.  Test on THURSDAY - Chapter 1
• Edmodo website.  You will need your class code and be ready to create a unique username and password.  username = first.last; password= your choice (but remember, I cannot reset this.  It needs to be something you can remember.)
• Student sign-in instructions
• Student sign-in video with more instructions
• Wed., 9/5: Test objectives review.  CW: metric; variables; scientific method review.  HW: study for test on FRIDAY.
• Thurs., 9/6: Review chapter objectives.  Review "BeriBeri" worksheet answers. Complete online assessment assignment. HW: test tomorow
• Fri., 9/7: Because so many of you reported having multiple tests assigned, the test has been postponed until Monday. We will begin chapter 2, Chemistry.  CW: Notes sec 2.1 review key concepts and vocabulary
• Write each key concept and answer it as a question
• For the 3 sub-atomic particles, name AND define each
• Isotope concept: Define isotope, element and answer the question
• how compounds differ - define compound + answer
• Main types of bonds
• define each
• draw/label examples of each
• covalent/ionic bond animation/explanation

Multimedia. 

• Mon., 9/3: Labor Day holiday.  No school!
• Tues., 9/4: Work on/Complete James Bond trailer.  New project:  Use "magic garageband" to create a song.  View this tutorial. 
• Wed., 9/5: Complete magic garageband. View tutorials on re-mixing a song.  
• Thurs., 9/6: Downloading audio and adding to garageband. Notes: audio formats; itunes/garageband integration.  Download audio into itunes.
• Fri., 9/7: Adding itunes music into garageband.  Begin remix.
• Find itunes audio/video
• Rip audio from video and convert to mp3 (online converter)
• Should save to itunes but if not, put into itunes
• Open garageband - media browser (itunes) - select song
• Cut any unwanted music
• Add loops

Tech Essentials:  Objectives

• Learn basic statistics about the current digital landscape
• Explore the role that media plays in their lives
• Reflect on the positive and negative impact digital media have on themselves and on society
• Define digital citizenship and identify their online responsibilities
• Explore online ethics by analyzing a mock social networking page

• Mon., 9/3: Labor Day holiday.  No school!
• Tues., 9/4: Intro Internet Safety; Intro Video ; Digital Smarts Info/Test; 
• Wed., 9/5: Define the following terms in google docs and share with me: 
  • adware, cookie, cyberbulling, firewall, flaming, griefers, identity theift, malware, mouse-trapping, netiquette, peer-to-peer network, pharming, phishing, social networking, spim, spam, spyware, trojan horse, trolling, worm, virus.  TEST on these terms on FRIDAY  as well as digital smarts discussion/questions.
• Thurs., 9/6:  
• Go to glogster and sign up for an EDUCATIONAL account.  Review "how to" tutorials. Create a "practice" one if needed. 
  • Create two posters in glogster - one on each of your assigned topics. Copy/paste url and email to me: jljones@ncths.net  DUE Mon, 9/10. Make sure you include:
  • Appropriate images relating to the topic
  • Minimum of one video on the topic (examples)
  • Information on the topic
  • Links to pages on the topic.
• Fri., 9/7: Test: vocabulary; digital smarts. CW: Work on poster. 

Monday, August 27 - Friday, August 31

Monday, September 3 is Labor Day - no school!

Our first week in our new building with new laptops and new digital textbooks is history!  I want to congratulate our parents for getting their students ready for this new year.  I had no more than 2 or 3 in each class without their laptops the first day of school.  By the end of the week, everyone had a laptop.  This is a testimony to all who made sure their students had the equipment they needed to be successful.  For many, it was a real sacrifice in both time and money.

Thanks also to my students who were very patient as we worked through login procedures and other minor problems relating to both laptops and digital textbooks.  

Week two is here and we will be picking up the pace and focusing less on procedures and more on content.  

Pre-AP Biology:  Objectives for this week's lessons:

1. Describe the steps in scientific methodology
2. Explain the difference in a scientific theory and society's use of the word "theory"
3. Contrast dependent and independent variables and give another term for each
4. Identify variables and controls in selected experiments
5. Write-up an experiment using scientific methodology

• Mon., 8/27: Set up notebook.  Add key questions (my objectives) for 1.1.  Notes: scientific methodology; Begin experiment. HW: study vocabulary; complete What is Science: Lesson Overview/Notes/Art in Motion..
• Tues., 8/28: Vocabulary check (QUIZ); Notes: variables vs control in an experiment; Grp work: determine variables and control in an experiment.  Art Review and Interactive Art online assignments.  HW: Think of an experiment you could perform at home.  Write the question you would like to investigate. Study notes.  Review online text 1.1.
• Wed., 8/29: HW check - what is your experiment? Return quiz and discuss.  Work in pairs to discuss how to best perform your experiment.  ID variables (dep/indep) and control HW: worksheet; write up experiment procedure. TEST Friday 
• Thurs., 8/30: Check HW. Discuss what is meant by a theory in science vs society's use.  CW: Self Test (online textbook); Biology and Society. p. 16 - complete;  HW: study notes; assignments.  Complete/re-do experiment procedures as discussed in class
• Fri., 8/31: CW: Review experiment hypothesis/problem; graph and analyze data.  Turn in notebook.

Multimedia. 

• Mon., 8/27: Intro Mac platform (trackpad - 1, 2, 3, 4, pinch, 2 fingers down (rt click) finger navigtion; dashboard; applications, other basics to get started); Intro garageband.  Complete teacher-directed project. Skills/Objectives to be covered:
• Add tracks
• Insert loops
• Fade in/Fade out
• Copy/paste
• Reset
• Record voice
• Mute tracks
• Tues., 8/28: Project 1:  Audio for new James Bond trailer.
• Wed., 8/29: Finish skills; Begin project 1
• Thurs., 8/30: .Continue project 1  
• Fri., 8/31: Practice with keyboard; continue project 1

Tech Essentials

• Mon., 8/27: Google spreadsheets- intro, compare to Excel, adding info.  Students will:
• Title spreadsheet
• Change cell size (width/height)
• Add info and change: formatting; text color; font
• BDs:  add months, # bds, graph.  (Highlight column headers!)
• Graph should be a column.  Include:
• Add Title
• Change background color
• Change column color
• Customize other as you like
• Save - move to a new sheet
• Share with me (jljones@ncths.net)
• Tues., 8/28: Review and complete missing assignments and share with me (jljones@ncths.net).  Assignments: google document; presentation; drawing; spreadsheet.  New CW:  Using Excel formulas:  average; add; subtract; multiply; divide. 
• add a column of numbers (at least 3 numbers)
• subtract one number from another
• multiply two numbers
• divide 338 by 14
• average 5 three digit numbers
• fill down: by 3s; days of the week; months of the year
• email as an attachment: jljones@ncths.net 
• Wed., 8/29: Google sites - students will make a google site that they can use as a reference site for textbook urls.
• Thurs., 8/30: Continue google sites:
• Add themes
• Add new page for: Textbooks.  Add links to all of your textbooks. Add link to Pearson successnet helpdesk.
• Fri., 8/31: Finish google site.  This is a website that will contain resource information for your use.  You should add to it as you learn new information.  On your HOME page - add your Other info to include could be:
• your google calendar
• School Links:  Edmodo; HCS; New Century home page; other?
• Select other pages that will help you remember items/info (locker info; schedule; fees due; a "to do" list

Monday, August 20 - Friday, August 24

Welcome back to school.  We are starting this school year in a new building, with a new digital curriculum and a one-to-one laptop initiative for the majority of students in our system.  

As your schedule indicates, all students will be enrolled in 8 classes and will have these each day.  Class periods are 46 minutes long with 4 minutes between classes.  

Pre-AP Biology

• Mon., 8/20: Student introductions; Class rules and expectations; Unit 1 Objectives; Notes:  Observations vs Inferences; Slide 1; Slide 2; Slide 3.  
• Tues., 8/21: Login to online textbook; Complete Observation/Inferences activity;
• Online textbook login page
• username: firstname.lastnameMMDD (MM=month) (DD=day)
• example: jane.jones1214
• password: welcomeN (N=your grade level)
• example: welcome9
• Wed., 8/22: Safety contract; online textbook login
• Thurs., 8/23: Safety contract quiz; login successnet - diagnostic test
• Fri., 8/24: Complete diagnostic test/remediation.  Intro to textbook.

Multimedia

• Mon., 8/20: Student Introductions; NCTHS email; Online multimedia resources
• Tues., 8/21: Prezi presentation.  Use their online tutorials to make a presentation titled, "What is Multimedia?".  Include info/sound/video/images on Audio, Video, Graphics, Animation.
• Wed., 8/22: Prezi
• Thurs., 8/23: Add to prezi using grouping/frames
• Fri., 8/24: Prezi presentations.  Share link for your presentation.
• Intro to online music editing/creating.  
• Visit each of the sites below.  Follow online directions for creating original music.  Save/download if possible. Use google docs to take notes on what each does/what it produces (midi, mp3, etc.)/ease of use/functionality.  Be prepared to share creations.  Share notes with: jljones@ncths.net.  If you have other sites or software you would recommend, share those also.
• Incredibox
• Beatlab
• Soundation

Tech Essentials

• Mon., 8/20: Student email; Google docs
• Tues., 8/21: Student email; Sharing google document
• Wed., 8/22: Complete google document; Collaborate on presentation
• Thurs., 8/23: Complete presentation; Google calendar setup - add HCS dates
• Fri., 8/24: Share document and presentation; jljones@ncths.net ; Drawing - explain assignment and show example
• Make a chart of your family:  Title - My Family
• Shapes - use different shapes/colors
• Text box - different text colors
• Connecting lines
• Re-size/change fonts
• Insert a minimum of 2 images - re-size as needed
• Insert a link to a page someone in your family would like
• share with me (see email above)

Congratulations to students in my Multimedia class! They were selected as the state winners in the ALEX iChallenge for grades 9-12.

Friday, June 22


HCS Workshop:  Multimedia Resources

• Website 

Monday, May 14 - Friday, May 18 (B Week)


Senior exams: Tues, B1


Underclass final exams begin Friday.  Half day classes.  

• Fri: B1 & B2
• Mon: A1 & A2
• Tues: B3 & B4
• Wed: A3 & A4

A Days: (Mon., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: 

• Mon., 5/14: Complete plant kingdom worksheets and share.  Lab:  Squid Dissection.  Hand back tests.  HW: Animal Kingdom worksheets due Thurs.
• Thurs., 5/17 : Review plant and animal kingdom worksheets.  Final Exam review.  HW:  Final exam Monday, 8 am, Lab:  Frog Dissection

Medical Tech Essentials:  

• Monday, 5/14: Work on commoncraft video.
• Tuesday, 5/15:  Work on commoncraft video.
• Wed., 5/16: Work on commoncraft video. How to move video from camera to iMovie.
• Thurs., 5/17:  Finish video and email .m4v or .wmv to jljones@ncths.net
• Friday, 5/4: No class.  Final Exams B1 and B2.  
• Final Exam:  Tuesday (B3), 8:00 am.  NO CLASS FOR A3 EXAM.

Principles of Engineering: 

• Mon., 5/14: Wrap-up Judobots activity.  Students will critique their performance and group work.  Begin final engineering challenge:  Egg Drop.  Directions and criteria shared via Google Docs.  Students will work individually. Follow these instructions and rubric.  CW:  Drawing of their container as well as materials THEY will bring.  
• Thurs., 5/17:  Egg-drop challenge.  Build container.  Any student exempting final exam will leave their container. 
• Final Exam:  Wednesday (A4), 10 am.  Egg Drop Challenge

B Days: (Tues., Wed., Fri.)

Multimedia: 

• Tues., 5/15:  Review Mother's Day videos; New assignment: "Commoncraft video". Topics:  Flash; Graphic Design; Audio Editing; Video Editing, other technology topic as approved by teacher (ex: file formats - graphics, flash, audio, video)
• Wed., 5/16: Create video and email to: jljones@ncths.net  Review opening .mov and saving as .m4v
• Fri., 5/18:  Final Exam, 8:00 am:  Present commoncraft or parody video.  Download .mov, save as m4v and email it as an attachment to: jljones@ncths.net. 

Medical Tech Essentials: See A Days
Honors Biology:  

• Tues., 5/15: Complete plant kingdom shared documents.  Lab:  Grasshopper, Earthworm dissection HW: Complete animal kingdom notebook check
• Wed., 5/16: Final Exam Review.  Lab:  Squid dissection.  
• Final Exam: Wed., 10 am, Lab:  Frog Dissection

Monday, April 30 - Friday, May 4 (B Week)


A Days: (Mon., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: 

• Mon., 4/30: (SUB) Students will finish a project they began on Friday.  They will complete research on a beneficial protist and fungi and a disease caused by a protist and one caused by a fungi.  They will use Prezi, Glogster, or Google Presentation to present their information.
• Thurs., 5/3 : Student presentations.

Medical Tech Essentials:  

• Monday, 4/30: (SUB) Video: "Crash" - anatomical implications to a couple after being involved in a car crash.  CW: PPT notes: Skin; Worksheet: Integumentary System
• Tuesday, 5/1:  (SUB) Video:  "Alcohol" - effects of drinking too much alcohol.  CW:  Students will research specific topics related to the skin. See link below for topic assignments. (Substitute teacher also has the list.) They will use that information as well as downloaded images and narration to create a video using MovieMaker. 
• Link to student topic assignments
• Link to copyright free music, tutorials (try four bees - mp3 - right click to download)
• Wed., 5/2: (SUB) Video: Heart Attack - what happens to the body following a heart attack.  Lab:  1) Students will use braille cards to determine how the sensors in the hands can be used to "read" when vision is gone.  2) Students will determine how different areas of the body have touch sensors that are farther/closer apart.  CW:  Complete written narration for images
• Thurs., 5/3: Complete video.  Narrations should be written and will be checked. 
• Friday, 5/4: Video presentations.

Principles of Engineering: 

• Mon., 4/30:  (SUB) Students will continue to work building judobots. 
• Thurs., 5/3: Begin judobot "battles" - judobots will combat each other.

B Days: (Tues., Wed., Fri.)

Multimedia: 

• Tues., 5/1: (SUB) Students will finish video making a "story" out of photos/videos of themselves and "props".  When complete, begin video for Mother's Day.
• Wed., 5/2: (SUB) Students will make Mother's Day video using photos (min 4) and videos (min 2) from photobooth - import into iMovie.  Add transitions, music.  
• Fri., 5/4 : Show both videos.

Medical Tech Essentials: See A Days
Honors Biology:  

• Tues., 4/30: (SUB) Students will research a beneficial protist and fungi as well as a disease caused by both.  They will use this information to produce a multimedia presentation using Prezi, Grogster, or Google Presentation.  
• Wed., 4/18:  Complete presentation.  Video:  Life on Earth
• Fri., 4/20:  Present presentations - bacteria, protista, fungi.  

Monday, April 23 - Friday, April 27  (A Week)


Four more weeks before finals. Make them count!


A Days: (Mon., Wed., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: Students will end the year with a study of the plant and animal kingdom.

• Mon., 4/23: Test Classification/Bacteria.  Notes: Protista/Fungi HW: List characteristics of Kingdoms Protista and Fungi
• Wed., 4/25:  Notes: Protista/Fungi.  Discuss home project: Kingdom Animalia.  Lab: Protists/Fungi  HW: worksheets - protista/fungi
• Thurs., 4/26: HW check.  Lab write-up.  Notes: Protist/Fungal diseases.  HW: Complete Animalia project 1 - 5. 

Medical Tech Essentials: 

1. Distinguish between 3 types of muscle.
2. Explain how skeletal muscles contract
3. Discuss how muscles move bones
4. Distinguish between flexors and extensors
5. ID major muscles of the body

• Monday, 4/23: Review video podcast scoring rubric. Save to network folder as .wmv. After lunch: Show podcasts. Revise as directed.  HW: Study for test on muscles (Wed.). You will need to be able to ID muscles from biology book. 
• Tuesday, 4/24: Discuss and review muscle system.  Edit podcasts. HW: Study for test - muscular system. 
• Wed., 4/25: Test: Muscular System. Finish podcast editing. HW: WS: 46_4
• Thurs., 4/26: Take up HW.  Notes/Lab: Integumentary System.  
• Friday, 4/27: Intro Circulatory System.  Discuss CW for next week (sub in class Mon - Wed) 

Principles of Engineering: Students are studying the principles and history of robotics.  This week they will work with hydraulics and make a robot that will work with hydraulic pistons.

• Mon., 4/23: Students will research how hydraulics work.  Take notes (notebook): Basic ideas - hydraulics and pistons; pictures with explanations to help with basics as well as pistons; Explanation of how judobot hydraulics will work. Review hydraulics for "claw".  Review construction materials and criteria for building judobots.  Instructions here.  Grading rubric. 
• Wed., 4/25: Build judobots. HW: Bring in materials for an individual "bot" that will use a claw to pick up ping pong balls.
• Thurs., 4/26: Judobot Challenge!  HW: Bring in materials for individual "bot" if not done today. 

B Days: (Tues., Fri.)

Multimedia:  Students will finish garageband as a stand-alone piece of software and will begin unit on video.

• Tues., 4/24: "Show and Tell" - Garageband song remix. Notes: video/camera basics. HW: Complete a storyboard using 4 images and two videos (of yourself) that tells a "story". Begin taking pics/videos if time.
• Fri., 4/27:  Research questions (from shared Google doc) about iMovie and how it is integrated with photobooth and iPhoto. Prepare storyboard for "Mother's Day" Video - a video made similar to previous (4/24) video but a tribute to your mom or other loved one. 

Medical Tech Essentials: See A days
Honors Biology: Same as A days assignments for Wed and Thurs. 

Monday, April 16 - Friday, April 20 (B Week)


A Days: (Mon., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: 

• Mon., 4/16: Review: gram stain; facultative-obligate anaerobes/aerobes; most bacteria helpful.  CW: Students will research the following topics: 1) How bacteria are beneficial - select one specific bacteria and describe why it is beneficial; 2) Research assigned disease caused by a bacteria - disease, cause, treatment; 3) Research the growing problem of antibiotic resistance by bacteria as well as pros/cons of using antibacterial hand sanitizers.  Take notes today - product will be Word, Google Doc/Presenter, PPT.
• HW: Complete research project
• Thurs., 4/19 : Present/discuss research information.  CW: Complete a poster about the use of hand sanitizer.  HW: Study for test - Classification/Bacteria - Monday, 4/23.

Medical Tech Essentials:  Students will work in groups to complete a video podcast on a disease, disorder, or injury of the muscular system. This podcast will be uploaded to ALEX for acceptance in their Podcast 360 program.

• Monday, 4/16: Complete storyboards. Begin filming/editing.
• Tuesday, 4/17:  Complete filming/narration.  Continue editing. 
• Wed., 4/18: Add intro to podcast. Finish editing.
• Thurs., 4/19: Review ALEX submission requirements and select COS objectives.
• Friday, 4/20: Finish podcasts and submit to ALEX.,

Principles of Engineering: Students will complete a unit on the history or robotics, how they work and how they are used today.  They will begin a series of making robots for different uses.

• Mon., 4/16:  Finish robotics presentations.  Begin construction of Bristlebot. HW: Research other "bristlebots" or robots that could be made with paging motor, copper wire, watch battery.  Review materials I have. Bring in other materials. 
• Thurs., 4/19: Finish bristlebot.  Construct second robot. 

B Days: (Tues., Wed., Fri.)

Multimedia: 

• Tues., 4/17: Garageband skills (objectives).  Students will be able to: 1) cut/edit/trim music from beginning, middle, end of music; 2) complete dubstep and wobbly bass effects; 3) remix a song.  Test tomorrow on these skills.
• Wed., 4/18: Students will edit a song.  Students will remix a song.  Students will prepare a 10 second background song.
• Fri., 4/20: Prepare dubstep with wobbly bass effect.

Medical Tech Essentials: See A Days
Honors Biology:  Objectives: See A Days

• Tues., 4/17: Same as Monday (A Days)
• Wed., 4/18:  Same as Thursday (A Days)
• Fri., 4/20:  Test: Classification/Bacteria

Monday, April 9 - Friday, April 13 (A Week)


Congratulations to all of our ACTE participants.  We took 55 students to the competition and they ALL placed!


A Days: (Mon., Wed., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: Students will complete their Ecology project as well as our unit on classification and begin a review of Kingdoms Protista, Archaebacteria, and Eubacteria.


Objectives (Alabama Biology Course of Study).  COS# 9.1,9.3,9.4 AHSGE III-1,V-1,VI-1

Viruses/Bacteria/Protists

· Define symbiosis and explain 3 different types (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism)

· Discuss the differences in Kingdoms Archaebacteria and Eubacteria

· ID habitats of archaebacteria (thermophiles, acidophiles, extremophiles)

· Explain the importance of nitrogen-fixing, fermentation and pathogens

· Eukaryota

· Describe how protists move and reproduce

• Mon., 4/9: Review and take notes: greenhouse effect, ozone layer.  Check HW assignments from Ecology project.  HW: Complete ecology project, study for quiz on classification.
• Wed., 4/11: (sub)  Complete/organize ecology project folder. CW: W/S 23-1
• Thurs., 4/12: Notes: Archaea vs Bacteria domains; bacteria shapes/structures.  Lab: Bacteria shapes.  HW: Vocab 467

Medical Tech Essentials: Students will complete our study of the skeletal system and begin completing objectives on the muscular system:

1. Distinguish between 3 types of muscle.
2. Explain how skeletal muscles contract
3. Discuss how muscles move bones
4. Distinguish between flexors and extensors
5. ID major muscles of the body

• Monday, 4/9: Finish video broken bones. Review chicken wing dissection objectives.  Vocab: osteoblasts; osteoclasts.  After lunch: Complete website on Bones (career, two topics).  Share with me. CW/HW: Complete the following as CW.  If not completed in class, complete as HW - Vocab: p. 917
• Tuesday, 4/10: CW: WS 45-3; Research common muscle disorders/injuries. Students will compete research in groups of 2 or 3.  They will use their info to complete a storyboard for a podcast on their topic. HW: Study for test on muscles and vocab Thurs
• Wed., 4/11: Teacher notes - what is a podcast; software involved; storyboard features; video vs pictures only.  After lunch: Audacity tutorial.  Students will record their voice and add music as a second track.  
• Thurs., 4/12: Complete storyboard before lunch.  Moviemaker/imovie tutorials.  Students will practice using moviemaker or imovie - add images as well as audio track from Audacity.  
• Friday, 4/13: Students will begin a video podcast on their research topic.  Must include: short video introduction (same for all students); audacity audio - music + narration; images; video is optional.  

Principles of Engineering: 

• Mon., 3/5: Complete website
• Wed., 3/7: Present website
• Thurs., 3/8: Bristlebot construction

B Days: (Tues., Fri.)

Multimedia:  Students are working with Garageband to make original song clips for movie genres.  

• Tues., 4/10: "Show and Tell" - Garageband original song
• Fri., 4:12:  Garageband Tutorial

Medical Tech Essentials: See A days
Honors Biology: Same as A days assignments for Mon. and Wed. 

Monday, April 2 - Friday, April 6 (B Week)


A Days: (Mon., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: 

• Mon., 4/2: Notes - Classification of Organisms, Ch. 17.  Objectives: Discuss why we need a classification system; List common levels of modern classification from general to specific; Compare common and scientific names.
• Discuss why we need a system of classification
• Notes: Levels of classification; scientific name
• CW: Students will write down 6 animal and 4 plant names and research and list their scientific names. They will also research the scientific name of the bacteria that causes strep throat.
• HW: Ecology Project - 18, 19 due 4/5. Sec Rev p. 350 - 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9
• Thurs., 4/5 : Review Ecology project topics: biomes; greenhouse effect. CW: Lab - Using and Formulating Dichotomous Keys - p. 354, 355

Medical Tech Essentials: Students going to ACTE will complete their project this week including their notebook.  Other students will review the skeletal and muscular system.  Objectives: Distinguish between axial and appendicular skeleton; Identify major bones in the body; List 3 types of joints and give an example of each; Describe a common disorder that affects the skeletal system; Research careers associated with bone disorders; Distinguish between the 3 types of muscle tissues; ID common muscles found in the body (p. 917) 

• Monday, 4/2: ACTE Project/notebook/rubrics.  Video: broken bones. CW: Students will research the following: Careers: chiropractor; orthopedic surgeon; Topics:  rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; knee replacement; arthroscopic knee surgery.  Download pics (network folder) for each as well as info (google docs). Pick one career and research: job description; education required.  Select two of the 4 topics and research: symptoms, causes, cures. For surgeries, describe the procedure.  Take notes using google docs.  Download pictures into network folder. HW:  Study for test Wed. on bone ID and info from 45-2. 
• Tuesday, 4/3:  ACTE Project /notebook. Notes: Joints; Video: Arthroscopic surgery; CW: Finish research.  HW: Study for test sec. 2
• Wed., 4/4: ACTE Project /notebook. CW: TEST Sec. 2. Begin study of muscular system.  
• Thurs., 4/5: Notes:  Muscle contraction. Vocab. p. 917: all except Z line.  Lab:  chicken wing dissection
• Friday, 4/6: (sub) W/S: Sec. 3. CW: Students will use info from google docs and network pics to create a google website on "Bones".  Pages will include: Home, Career, Topic One; Topic Two.  Share WHATEVER you have completed with me: jljones@ncths.net

Principles of Engineering: Students will begin a unit on robotics by researching what industries robotics are being used in and how they are being used.  

• Mon., 4/2:  Research the use of robotics: History; How they Work; Uses in: Manufacturing; Automobile; Space; Defense/Military.  Take notes using Google docs.  Save pictures in network folder - Whnt1 - Teachers - Jones - Engineering - Your folder - Robotic_Pics.  Share google doc with me: jljones@ncths.net
• Thurs., 4/5: Use info and teacher instructions to create ???

B Days: (Tues., Wed., Fri.)

Multimedia: 

• Tues., 4/3: Garageband tutorials - create original music - become familiar with instruments, layers. 
• Wed., 4/4: Use garageband to create an original song that could be used as background music for two of the following movie scenes: scary night; carnival scene; war battle scene; two teens - first kiss; car chase scene.  Use google docs or Notes to write down what you are attempting to accomplish with your music - what sort of emotion, why...
• Fri., 4/6: (sub): Finish two songs. Be prepared for "show and tell" next Tuesday.

Medical Tech Essentials: See A Days
Honors Biology: Students will begin a brief overview of classification of organisms.  (Objectives: See A Days)

• Tues., 4/3: HW check (completed in class 3/23); Intro Classification. Students will research scientific names of 6 animals and 4 plants.  HW: Study for test on Evolution; Ecology Project #18, 19 due 4/6
• Wed., 4/4:  Test Evolution.  Notes: Classification.  Lab:  Dichotomus key.  HW: Ch. Rev. p. 352: 6-8, 10-16.
• Fri., 4/6: (sub) Turn in Ecology project HW - put in folders.   HW Check. Classwork: Ch. Rev. 21, 25.  Standardized Test Prep p. 353: 1-Short Response.  (Questions + correct answer) Put all in notebook and leave notebook with sub.

Monday, March 19 - Friday, March 23


A Days: (Mon., Wed., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: Students will continue working at home on their Ecology project as well as taking notes on changes in their terrariums. We are also completing our unit on Evolution.

• Mon., 3/19: Turn in biome charts. Complete Bird Beak activity as well as chart/questions.  Vocabulary, p. 302 - Vocabulary.  HW: SR p. 307
• Contrast homologous and analogous structures
• List the 4 parts of Darwin's theory of natural selection
• Wed., 3/21: HW check/review correct answers. CW: vocab. p. 308. . HW: chapter rev., p. 312: 2,4,6,8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20. Study for test - ch. 15
• Compare/contrast divergent and convergent evolution
• Thurs., 3/22:   Review correct answers HW. Test: Ch. 15

Medical Tech Essentials: We will continue our reading of "The Hot Zone" as well as work on our project suitable for ACTE Competition. 

• Monday, 3/19: Notes - anatomical terms; Students will use Google spreadsheet to compare/contrast organ systems using p. 909 as an example.  Columns will include: System; Major Structures; Functions/Characteristics; Example Picture.  Share spreadsheet with me (jljones@ncths.net) when completed. 
• Tuesday, 3/20:  Notes - skeletal system; CW: Sec. 1 worksheet.  
• Wed., 3/21:  CW: Sec. 2 worksheet (before lunch); Complete chart on organ systems
• Thurs., 3/22:  Video: Broken Bones; Research: orthopedic surgeon; rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; knee replacement; arthroscopic knee surgery.  Download pics (network folder) for each as well as info (google docs).  HW: Study for test - anatomical terms, skeletal bones, chart info p. 909
• Friday, 3/23:   Timed test: Terms, bones, chart.  After lunch:  Use info from Thurs. to begin a "movie" of researched topic. 

Principles of Engineering: Students will continue to work on Creo or Mathcad tutorials.

• Mon., 3/5: Work with Creo or Mathcad to learn as many skills as possible.
• Wed., 3/7:  Same as 3/5
• Thurs., 3/8: Students will present findings/skills using Mathcad or Creo

B Days: (Tues., Fri.)

Multimedia: Students will work on ACTE projects OR finish video podcasts and upload to ALEX.

Medical Tech Essentials: See A days
Honors Biology: Contrast homologous and analogous structures. Describe Darwin's theory of natural selection and give examples. Vocabulary, p. 302. chapter rev., p. 312: 2,4,6,8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20. HW: Study for test ch. 15

Monday, March 12 - Friday, March 16


A Days: (Mon., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: 

• Mon., 3/12: Review HW p. 286 1-6. Notes: Ch. 15  HW:  P. 306 SR. Ecology poster due: Terrestrial Biomes - chart comparing Temp-Precipitation-Plants-Animals (names+pics/drawings)-MajorCharacteristics. Print out animal pics, get from magazines, or draw.
• Thurs., 3/15 : Review answers p. 306. Lab: Bird Beak Lab ASIM. HW:  Vocab. p. 302. SR. 1-5, 7, 8 (p. 307)

Medical Tech Essentials: Students will complete their ACTE project this week including their notebook.  Students selected to go to ACTE will need to pay their fee and return their forms by Thursday, 3/15 to Mr. Morse.

• Monday, 3/12: ACTE Project/notebook/rubrics
• Tuesday, 3/13:  ACTE Project /notebook
• Wed., 3/14: ACTE Project /notebook   
• Thurs., 3/15: ACTE Project /notebook Presentations
• Friday, 3/16: ACTE Project Presentations. 

Principles of Engineering: Students will continue working on the Real World Design Challenge - Surface Transportation project while, at the same time, continue with the West Point Bridge Building Project. 

• Mon., 3/12:  Review West Point Bridge Building status and update if needed.  Work with Creo and Mathcad - Course Materials
• Thurs., 3/15: Work with Creo, Mathcad, Safety Guidelines; Criteria - update Mathcad and Creo work. Creo Tutorials, Mathcad Tutorials

B Days: (Tues., Wed., Fri.)

Multimedia: Students will complete video podcasts and submit to ALEX.  Students competing in ACTE will complete their projects and notebooks.

Medical Tech Essentials: See Tues, Wed., and Friday above
Honors Biology: 

• Tues., 3/13: HW Review, p. 286. Notes, Ch. 15. HW: p. 306 SR
• Wed., 3/14:  Review answers p. 306. Lab: Bird Beak Lab ASIM. HW:  Vocab. p. 302. SR. 1-5, 7, 8 (p. 307)
• Fri., 3/16: Rev HW answers. Test Review. Lab: Biomes  HW: Study for test Evolution - selected items Chapters 14 and 15

Monday, March 5 - Friday, March 9


A Days: (Mon., Wed., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: Students will continue working at home on their Ecology project as well as taking notes on changes in their terrariums. 

• Mon., 3/5: Test Ch. 12 Vocab; Notes: Terrarium; ASIM Lab: Good Buddies - review of symbiotic relationships; Intro Evolution Unit - Sec. 2, p. 282, chapter 14. HW: Ecology project - 15,16 - due 3/7.
• Outline the modern scientific understanding of the formation of Earth
• Summarize the concept of half-life
• Describe the production of organic compounds in the Miller-Urey apparatus
• Summarize the possible importance of cell-like structures produced in the laboratory.
• Wed., 3/7: Ecology project HW check (quiz on assignments). Notes: Early history and thoughts; Natural Selection; descent with modification.  HW: Sec. Rev p. 301 1-8
• Thurs., 3/8: HW check; Activity: Natural Selection (ASIM Lab: Bird Beaks).  CW: Vocabulary p 302.  HW: p. 307 1-8

Medical Tech Essentials: We will continue our reading of "The Hot Zone" as well as work on our project suitable for ACTE Competition. 

• Monday, 3/5: Read Hot Zone (Lunch); ACTE Projects and notebook
• Tuesday, 3/61:  Read Hot Zone (Lunch); ACTE Projects and notebook
• Wed., 3/7:  Read Hot Zone (Lunch); ACTE Projects and notebook
• Thurs., 3/8:  Read Hot Zone (Lunch); ACTE Projects and notebook
• Friday, 3/9:   (Sub) Read Hot Zone (Lunch); ACTE Projects and notebook

Principles of Engineering: Students are competing in the West Point Bridge Building contest as well as building paper airplanes suitable for UAH Paper Airplane contest.

• Mon., 3/5: Students will begin using Creo and Mathcad as well as other assignments. Work on bridge building assignment.   
• Wed., 3/7:  Same as 3/5.
• Thurs., 3/8: Same as 3/5.

B Days: (Tues., Fri.)

Multimedia: Students will Audacity, Movie Maker/iVideo to create and finish a video podcast and upload to ALEX.  Some students will use this class time to complete ACTE projects and notebook.

Medical Tech Essentials: See Tues and Friday above
Honors Biology: Same as  A days (above) Monday (Ecology project 14, 15 due Friday, 3/9) and Wednesday. Ecology HW check/quiz on Friday.

Monday, February 27 - Friday, March 2


" Racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can." ~Arthur Ashe  ... the first black player selected to play on the US Davis Cup Team and the only African-American to win singles titles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.


A Days: (Mon., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: 

• Mon., 2/27: Review ecology project answers 10-12. Students will correct/add to their answers. Lab: Predator-Prey Owl Pellet Dissection HW:  Vocab test on Thurs. 
• Thurs., 3/1 : Vocab test - Ch 12 sections 1 & 2. CW: Notes Ch. 14, Sec. 2 HW: Ch 14 Sec. 2 Rev. p. 286

Medical Tech Essentials: We will continue our reading of "The Hot Zone" as well as work on our project suitable for ACTE Competition. ACTE form due by Friday. 

• Monday, 2/27: Read Hot Zone. ACTE Project. . 
• Tuesday, 2/28: Read Hot Zone. ACTE Project
• Wed., 2/29: Read Hot Zone. ACTE Project - present for grade. 
• Thurs., 3/1: Read Hot Zone.  ACTE Project
• Friday, 3/2:  Read Hot Zone.  ACTE Project 

Principles of Engineering: Students will begin working on the Real World Design Challenge - Surface Transportation project while, at the same time, continue with the West Point Bridge Building Project. 

• Mon., 2/27:  Review challenge criteria; Sketch possible bus design and narrow designs. Select three design types and complete scale drawing of bus design. (HW if not completed in class.) 
• Thurs., 3/1: Work with Creo, Mathcad, Safety Guidelines; Criteria - students will be divided into groups based on interests and talents. Westpoint bridge contest as time allows. 

B Days: (Tues., Wed., Fri.)

Multimedia: Students will use critique info from last week (on their audio podcast) to begin production and organization of their video podcast.  Biggest problems on audio podcasts: speaking slower; background music too loud; "reading"; need for intros; interlude music too loud. Tues: Spend time organizing video podcast - write down group responsibilities, changes that need to be made; pics to get; scripts for videos...

Medical Tech Essentials: See Tues and Friday above
Honors Biology: Same as  A days (above) Mon. and Thurs.  Vocab test Tuesday!

Tuesday, February 21 - Friday, February 24


"Have a vision. Be demanding." ... Colin Powell, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of State, George W. Bush Administration.


A Days: (Wed., Thurs)
Honors (Pre-AP) Biology: 

• Wed., 2/22: Vocab review. Research genetic disorder for PPT or Prezi presentation.Students will select two genetic disorders resulting from the following chromosome mutations: deletion; inversion; translocation; nondisjunction; substitution; frameshift; insertion. Include the definition of the mutation as well as a description of the genetic disorder and specifics of the mutation in that disorder. Link with info. HW:  vocab p. 241
• Thurs., 2/23: HW Check; PPT/ Prezi presentations. HW: Study for vocab test Monday, 2/27.

Medical Tech Essentials: We will continue our reading of "The Hot Zone" as well as finish our project suitable for ACTE Competition. 

• Monday, 2/20: President's Day Holiday - No school. 
• Tuesday, 2/21: Read Hot Zone. ACTE Project
• Wed., 2/22: Read Hot Zone. ACTE Project
• Thurs., 2/23: Read Hot Zone.  ACTE Project
• Friday, 2/24:  Read Hot Zone.  ACTE Project - complete for grade.

Principles of Engineering: Students are competing in the West Point Bridge Building contest as well as building paper airplanes suitable for UAH Paper Airplane contest.

• Wed., 2/8:  Paper Airplane Designs. Students will complete 4 airplanes that will compete in one of the 5 following categories:  Distance; Flight Time; Accuracy; Aerobatics; Artistic
• Thurs., 2/9: Paper Airplane Contest 

B Days: (Tues., Fri.)

Multimedia: Students will use Audacity to create and finish an audio podcast. Students will work individually to complete a video podcast using the same topic as their audio podcast.  

Medical Tech Essentials: See Tues and Friday above
Honors Biology: Same as  A days (above) Wed and Thurs.  Vocab test Tuesday!