Thursday, September 29, 2011

New Access to BrainPop

Howdy folks!
     Another post to give you the link to Week 5 Science Homework

    Here is the link to Week 5 Brain Pop video  and below is the link to a whole bunch more that we will use throughout the year

Whole list of BrainPops

This week we are examining the scientific method and the first step is all about careful observations.  A fun way to train your brain for careful observations and noticing detail was introduced in last week's homework with the picture puzzle.  If you want to try some more, try these Spot the Difference Puzzles

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Week 4 and the science letters!

Howdy folks!
     Welcome to week 4 of the year!  We introduced our first unit question which is, "What makes Science Good and what makes Good Science?"  We started by brainstorming what science is and channeled all those ideas into writing the question in big letters outside the room.



The next step is to synthesize all those good ideas into one working definition so that we can begin to study "what does it mean to be scientific?" and "How can I think like a scientist?"

The link to this week's homework is available here :   Week 4 homework


Sunday, September 18, 2011

Sun House Welcomes 2 more teachers!

Hi there,
     Sun House Science is welcoming 2 more teacher's from the University of Minnesota!  Miss Walden and Miss Sheedy will be joining our class in the morning.  The classes have named themselves because "physical science period 3" is not all that exciting so the classes that will be working our guest teachers are "The Chemical Reaction" and "SpongeBob Swag."  The other classes have chosen the names "Super Samuari Butt Kickers" and "Pretty Pretty Princess and a King with a Chainsaw."  Well... it is definitely more interesting then the alternative.

If you want a peek at this week's homework... Quarter 1 week 3 homework

Last week we successfully set up (most) of our science notebook.  This coming week students will get a better understanding of why we use a science notebook, we will answer the question "What is science?" and begin to address our unit question "What makes good science and what makes science good?"

I am in the process of assessing the student's first homework assignment which will be posted on Infinite Campus for your viewing pleasure.  Weekly homework and science notebook checks every two weeks will be in the grade book as well as in class activities, labs, tests and quizzes.

If you have any questions, please email me at mark.russo@emid6067.net or call (651) 379-2653.

Monday, September 12, 2011

The Second Week at Crosswinds...

Hi there everyone!
     Last week students got the orientation and had some time to explore their new classes.  This week, students will be setting up their science notebooks, and practicing skills they will need for their homework (always due on Thursdays).  If you want to see what it looks like click on the link below.

Science Homework Week 2 (don;t panic... there was no science homework week 1.)

This is due Thursday Sept 15th. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Got Homework?

Howdy folks!
     Today was the last day of our Intro to Crosswinds program.  When we toured the grounds outside our school, saw horses (some saw turkeys), visited the park, played THICKETT!!! and fought our way through thistles and a downed tree that tried to block our path!  It wasn't all adventuring and games however, we created "Me Shields," processed the book "The Giving Tree" and prepared the all important planners for the rest of the year.  At the end of the day we had a little time left to set our goals for the quarter.  All in all it was a busy day.  I love to watch the growth the first few days of school.  They come in, not knowing any of the procedures here and they learn so much in just the first 48 hours.  The buses are working themselves out bit by bit, and should be smooth by week's end.

     Many students have been asking (almost pestering) me about homework.  Who am I to turn down all this enthusiasm?  On Thursday, I will ask students to check out this blog and answer the riddle posted there well here it is......



The Riddle:


You throw away the outside and cook the inside.  Then you eat the outside and trow away the inside.

What is it?


Hint... there are several correct answers.  Be prepared to justify your answer.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Need Locker Help?

Hi there!
Tomorrow is the first day of school and I am very excited! The Math teacher, Mr. Luepker, showed me a video on how to open your locker that I thought would be good practice for the first few days.
Of course, no amount of practice will help you if the office gave you the wrong combination.

In general, the schedule for the first 2 days are focused on getting to know each other, the school (inside and out) and the big ideas of the year.

If you have any questions, please let me know at mark.russo@emid6067.net or (651) 379-2653.