The 743 Blog Spot

It's The End! -- 05-14-13

2013-05-14T17:33:08-05:00

Whoo Hoo!!! You've made it through 7th grade!! I am really proud of all you've accomplished this year - you should be too! We've had our ups and downs, but here we are at the end.
For your final blog of the year, I want you to reflect. How was 7th grade? What was successful? What wasn't? What did you learn academically, personally, etc? What would you change? Were there some things you learned the hard way?
THEN.... what would be some things you would like to change or do in the 8th grade- regardless of where you will be?

AND....leave a piece of advice for next year's 7th graders on how to surivive 7th grade!

Amazing World History Fair!!! -- 05-08-13

2013-05-08T11:24:44-05:00

WOW!!! I was so impressed and proud of you all today with all that you did! Everyone put in quite a bit of work, and you learned a ton!!! I know I did, just in talking with you and looking at your displays. Now is the time share with all! There are two parts to this blog- be sure you answer both parts.

So, now tell how world history influences our lives today. Add your guiding question, and tell us what you learned! What was the most interesting part for you? What did you find out? ( I know some of you have started this part in the previous blog, but add more here!)

You also had a chance to look at what all the other 7th graders did as well. In a second paragraph tell what you learned from them? What were some of the really cool, interesting things you learned from them- either by reading or looking at their project and/or what they told you?

PLEASE use a creative blog title!

Vocab Review -- 05-03-13

2013-05-03T10:18:46-05:00

There are two blog posts for you this week. This is the first one!

REVIEW FOR VOCAB FINAL:

1. Pick about 20 words from your vocab and prefix lists that you really need to focus on and study. (You can choose more if you find you need to.)

2. Create a free account on www.quizlet.com . You may either use your email address or mine.

3. When you receive the email saying they’ve created your account, click on their link to then access your account. (If you use my email, I will do that part for you.)

4. Start creating the flashcards. Click on the "Create" button at the top. Follow the directions listed on their page.

5. Once you’ve created your flashcars, click "Create Set" at the bottom of the list.

6. Look at the blue box under the "cards" in the middle of the page. Find the 3rd category down, "Tools." Go across that list and find the "Embed" button.

7. We are going to embed these in our blogs, so click on the “flashcards” HTML and copy it. Login to your blog, open your “articles,” and paste into the article box. Don’t forget to title the blog, AND request publishing!

8. THEN…. Study!! Play the games. Practice the spelling! Practice testing! Have fun!

Let me know if you need help!

Mandella Postcard -- 04-29-13

2013-04-29T17:22:36-05:00

As you left International Towne, the leader talked about Nelson Mandella and said you would receive a postcard from them with a quote on in from Mandella.

andquot;Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.andquot;

Knowing what you know about Mandella, what does this mean to you? I know you were given opportunity to send this postcard, to whom did you send it? What message did/do you want to get across?

Hero -- 04-21-13

2013-04-21T00:11:18-05:00

Our All School Reads book this year, Hero by S.L. Rottman, has been one of my favorites for years! I’ve heard some great comments from many of you since we started it this week. What do you think about the book so far? What do you like and/or dislike? What do you think compared to last year's book? Please be specific and use specific events or descriptions from the book to support your answer.

International Towne -- 04-17-13

2013-04-17T15:35:14-05:00

What a great day! We were all really proud of you. You worked hard and the behavior was great! It was very impressive and so fun to watch you all work!
What do you think of the experience? What did you learn? What would you change if anything? What was the best part?
(Don't forget to come up with an original title for your blog - NOT "International Towne"!!

Chicken Wings Anyone? -- 04-08-13

2013-04-08T13:03:23-05:00

I hear that you "played" with some chicken wings last week! Fun! Why? What did you think? Was it worth while? Did you learn anything? My favorite dissection was always the frogs!

I Towne or World History? -- 04-02-13

2013-04-02T16:08:02-05:00

I know you've been working on your World History project and preparing for I Towne, but haven't heard too much about either. Choose one to talk about and go into detail.
I Towne - What position did you apply for and why? What makes you the best candidate? What are some other jobs you'd be interested in? Are you looking forward to it? Why? Etc.

World History - What's your question? How have things gone so far? How are you feeling about all the up and coming things? Do you have specific plans for your 2D-3D project yet? Details?

DON'T just answer the questions!! Come up with a statement and put all into paragraph format!

Ernest Green -- 03-11-13

2013-03-11T18:28:00-05:00

Lastandnbsp;Monday we watched The Ernest Green Story, which was the story of The Little Rock Nine. We all talked quite a bit about what happened. What is your reaction to the movie? What would you have done? Would you have had the courage to continue on or to not fight back? What did you think? Please support why. Also, how have things changed, or have they? Are there other instances of discrimination going on in the world today? Watch the following videos which show two of the actual students talking about their experience.andnbsp; Be sure to watch the 2nd one!

***If you were absent onandnbsp;Monday and missed the movie, watch the following videos and check some of the links to read about what happened, so that you can post a response.

This is a video with Minnie Jean Brown talking about her experience.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

It's Free!! -- 02-26-13

2013-02-26T16:58:35-05:00

Iandrsquo;ve been hearing many verbal andldquo;complaintsandrdquo;, suggestions, and ideas for blogs over the last few weeks, so I thought we would do another choice or free write. I know some of you hate having to choose something, so go look at some other posting and other blogs to get some ideas. Again, remember you can choose what you want to write about, and how you want to write about it- just DONandrsquo;T summarize your day or your week!

PART 2: PLEASE go to Mrs. Gandrsquo;s class and look through their comments and feedback for the wiki. Leave comments there as well. I would love to see you leaving comments on other blogs from the andldquo;Related Linksandrdquo; on the left side of our main blog page. Please let me know which blogs you posted a comment on and I will assign credit to you for your comments.

Quotes and Poetry -- 02-20-13

2013-02-20T16:55:52-05:00

Think about a quote or saying that you like or really "speaks to you." If you can't think of one, find one! It can be inspirational, sensible, etc. List it as a part of your blog along with the author.
THEN.... write a poem with at least 8 lines which expresses it's meaning or your reaction to it. Try to use some of the elements we've been talking about in class.

What's Your Choice? -- 02-11-13

2013-02-11T17:39:02-05:00

Here's another of the posts for you to choose what you'd like to write about. Many of you have been saying that you'd like to have a little choice in what you choose to write for your blogs, so...... here's your opportunity!
You can write about anything! It can be poetry, nonfiction, etc. You can look at other's blogs to get ideas if you want, or check some of the links of classrooms to the right.
You CAN NOT, however, write a summary about your day or week!!!
HAVE FUN!!
DO... also go to Mrs. G's class and see what responses her students have had to the wiki, and leave some comments. (Proper spelling, punctuation, etc.)

Cell Some Poetry -- 02-05-13

2013-02-05T13:48:58-05:00

Let's have a little fun with science and LA! Since I hear you've been studying cells, and we've been working on some poetry, let's mix it up! Write a poem using cells as the topic. It can be funny or serious. It must contain information of some sort. Length requirement - 10-12 lines minimum. Don't forget to use the tools of the poet to help make this poem better!
I'm excited to see what you come up with!

Wiki Reflection -- 01-29-13

2013-01-29T17:16:44-05:00

Now that you've wrapped up this big group project, reflect. How did it go? How was it working in a group this way? Was the communication in your group effective or were there things you could have done differently?
What went well? What things could you do differently or the same? Were you a problem solver? (Did you carefully review all pages/handouts/tutorials, etc. BEFORE asking for help?)

ALSO.... give Mrs. G and I some feedback. What would be ways that we could improve this project for next year's students?

Don't forget, this is a one time post, so check for errors! This blog will receive a grade for the way it is posted the first time!!

I'm so proud of all the hard work you put into this!

Bullying -- 01-22-13

2013-01-22T18:44:03-05:00

We all know it exists, so I’m curious about your thoughts on our speaker from last week, Mark Brown. What did you think of what he had to say? Did it have an effect on you, your friends, our school? What was your take away? What did you like or dislike about him? I’m curious to know if there has been an effect or change in you, your friends, or at MRMS. I feel like, as a teacher, I’ve seen some positive things, but at the same time, some of the same old thing! Let me know what you think and see.

Don’t forget a topic sentence with your paragraph! You should address the prompt! Then… check back and respond to some of the posts.
If you were absent, watch the video below and use the info provided to help construct your response.p>

Take Your Pick -- 01-14-13

2013-01-14T13:57:57-05:00

Pick one of the motivational quotes below and address the following in a paragraph in your own blog:

a)Explain/interpret what you think it means.
b)How could you apply it to our own life?
c)Could it be used to make a positive change in someone's attitude?
d)How could it make an impact on the world?

1) "Believe you can and you're halfway there." Theodore Roosevelt

2)"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." Kahlil Gibran

3) "Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength." Dalai Lama

4) "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." Albert Einstein

5) "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Goals for 2013 -- 01-07-13

2013-01-07T13:14:29-05:00

andquot;'Nothing endures but change,' said Greek philosopher Heraclitus. Itandrsquo;s the beginning of a new year, a fresh start, and for some, a time to make resolutions. However great or small, deciding to make changes in our lives can be powerful...andquot;(www.thisibelieve.org)

This is the time of year when people evaluate or reflect on the previous year and set new goals for the new year. What are your goals for the year 2013 and how do they involve change? Be specific and give details. Don't just say, andquot;I want to get good grades.andquot; You must also state what you will need to do, add, or change to accomplish them. Think about bothandnbsp;academic and personal goals.

Greece! It's the Word! -- 12-10-12

2012-12-10T09:56:38-05:00

Humanities has been all about Greece lately! I've been hearing all kinds of fun information! Tell what you know! You will need two separate paragraphs. In the first paragraph, talk about what you know about the country and culture. This should be fact based. The second paragraph should talk about what you are doing in class. Let's hear about it!
Be sure you have a topic sentence and details for each paragraph!

Geologic Time -- 12-03-12

2012-12-03T13:31:58-05:00

I hear you are talking about rocks and fossils in science! Let's hear what you think? Answer the following questions - paragraph format, topic sentence, detail, conclusion. Mrs. Kosters will be grading these in science as well!

“Scientists base the geologic time scale on fossil records and the ages of rocks. Do you agree with what scientists think? Why or why not? Which parts do you disagree/agree with?”

Go back and read others' responses and leave comments.

Choices! Choices! -- 11-26-12

2012-11-26T15:50:17-05:00

Many of you stated that you'd like to have a little choice in what you choose to write for your blogs, so...... here's your opportunity!

Please visit another person's blog and start with one from another class blog. Try Mrs. G's, Ms. Casey, and Mr. Ullrich's or http://ricmac.edublogs.org/2012/10/14/which-country-will-leave-the-most-comments/#comments classes first. Find something interesting you'd like to write about and again, give credit where you got the idea. If you already have an idea, run with it. You guys had some great ideas in our previous "Blogging" article. However, please find another blog (not ours) and leave some constructive and meaningful comments.

You can write about anything! It can be poetry, nonfiction, etc. You CAN NOT, however, write a summary about your day or week!!!

Thanks and Giving! -- 11-12-12

2012-11-12T17:57:15-05:00

I saw many things in the news and on several different tv programs, as well as our assembly last week which reminded me even more about things to be thankful for. Since this is the season for giving and thanks, I thought we could stop and think about what we are really thankful for because we don’t always do that. What are you thankful for? Come up with at least three things and explain why you are thankful for them.

Some things that come to my mind are my family, my profession, and my country. I am truly lucky to have both my kids and parents who are healthy and able to do what they want to do in life. I am lucky to be able to enjoy and be with them all the time! I enjoy my job and enjoy those who I work with- both kids and adults. I am truly blessed to work where I do. I don't know that other professions are as engaging and rewarding as this one! Finally, with all that goes on in our world, I must say that I am so thankful for the country I live in and for those who sacrifice to make and keep our country what it is! The assembly we had last week was a great reminder of what individuals and families sacrifice in order for us all to have what we have!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you are thinking!

It's a Mystery -- 11-05-12

2012-11-05T13:02:44-05:00

What is the best mystery you've read so far and why? What has the author done well enough for you to claim it as "the best"?
AND THEN... Write a short mystery story starter that you think would make a great mystery.

Saying Thanks! -- 10-29-12

2012-10-29T21:01:26-05:00

As we prepare for Veteran’s Day, Mrs. Gagnon has asked you to write a “Thank You” letter, where you addressed the theme of GRATITUDE, and were asked to share your thanks, appreciation, and gratitude. Please blog your introductory paragraph or one paragraph you think either needs some help or feedback on, or your strongest paragraph. ASK for feedback regardless of which you choose. THEN…… go give feedback on other paragraphs posted by your peers. You must give feedback on students who are not in your humanities class!

Blogging! -- 10-21-12

2012-10-21T22:04:41-05:00

Now that we've spent the last quarter blogging, I'm interested in your thoughts about it.. What do you think? What has been your experience? Has it gone smoothly for you or have you had problems? Explain. Since we would be writing anyway, what do you think of blogging as writing assignments? Be honest and give constructive feedback! Check back to see what others have experienced, and do some commenting!

**** Be sure to click on the "Assignments" pull down menu after you write your article and click on "Blogging". ****

Your Take on a Current Event! -- 10-15-12

2012-10-15T20:45:42-05:00

There's a lot going on in the World and I know you all have opinions!! SO.... check out the links below and find a current event article which is interesting to you. Give a short summary of what you read and then your opinion with support.

PLEASE copy andamp; paste the URL of the actual article you are referring to so that someone else could go back and read what you did. Don't forget those basic writing rules! :)

http://www.headlinespot.com/for/kids/

http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/

Books? -- 10-08-12

2012-10-08T21:51:46-05:00

Read a good book lately? What are you reading now? What are you enjoying or disliking about your current book? Don't forget to mention the title and author. I just finished a book called Shadow of a Doubt by S.L. Rottman. Rottman is one of my favorite authors. The character's name is Shadow. I really like that the character is real and has real problems, maybe more extreme than others, but real none-the-less. Great book!

Banned Books or Not? -- 10-01-12

2012-10-01T14:29:31-05:00

This week is Banned Books Week, the week we celebrate the freedom of speech and freedom to read in America. In America, no book can truly be banned due to the First Amendment, but books are constantly challenged -- people ask that certain books not be used in the classroom, that certain books be removed from the library shelf, etc. Freedom of speech includes the freedom to speak out against an idea or a book.

Check out the following links and find a list of banned books andamp; background on the books themselves and the background in the banning of books. http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm

http://animoto.com/play/t2wqNA74yFvN2OJ793eC7A

How do you feel about this? Where does Freedom of Speech fall into this? Is this something thatandrsquo;s ok or do we all have the choice to choose? Should books be banned? Give your opinion and SUPPORT it.

Your Choice -- 09-24-12

2012-09-24T17:14:32-05:00

Ok~ You are all awesome with the blogging! I am so impressed! This week you have two tasks to complete.

#1 This week you get to choose what you write. Write about anything! You can write a story, a poem, an article, your response to anything, etc. Just DO NOT write a summary about your day or week! Come up with a descriptive title which is spelled correctly and capitalized!

#2 Read the post below about "Other 7 Random Fact Classrooms" and follow directions.

Other 7 Random Fact Classrooms -- 09-24-12

2012-09-24T17:06:35-05:00

I've found several other classrooms doing 7 Random Facts! I have the links listed below. Take a look and leave some comments!! Please be sure that you leave positive comments in complete sentences which are spelled correctly! Donandrsquo;t forget to run your spell check, capitalize your name, all proper nouns, AND andhellip; andquot;Iandquot; when referring to yourself. Do NOT leave any email addresses, but DO make sure you are logged in so it leaves your URL with your comment andamp; name. Let's see how many comments you get back!

andnbsp;http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blog_id=1471423andamp;blogger_id=364444 Thornton Bloggers

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=195166 Mrs. Casey

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=4771andamp;l=1336443512 Mr. G

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=127350andnbsp;Mrs. Wood

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blog_id=1358831andamp;blogger_id=346357 Mrs. Hill

andnbsp;

Adventure at Fox Run -- 09-19-12

2012-09-19T16:20:21-05:00

Woo Hoo! A field trip! I love field trips! Our day at Fox Run turned out fabulously! The weather was perfect! I loved the science activities, and the team building too! It was fun to watch you all work together to figure things out! Your teachers really learned a lot about you all! Hopefully, you enjoyed your time as well. What did you think was the best part of the day (besides lunch!)and why? What were the activities you enjoyed the most and why? AND…. What did you learn?

Can You Do The Math? -- 09-10-12

2012-09-10T17:05:48-05:00

Watch the video below. Give a "mathematical" response to what you've seen. What other way could or would you do this? How did you figure it out?
Are there other numbers that work like this as well?

Enjoy!

Funniest Thing -- 09-04-12

2012-09-04T16:14:36-05:00

What is the funniest, strangest, weirdest thing that's ever happened to you? It can be one of those scary things too! I can think of several incidents that could qualify! I can't wait to read your stories!

Mrs. Lubich's Random Facts -- 08-29-12

2012-08-29T22:27:12-05:00

Many of you have asked where my random facts are, so here it goes!
1. I was the Princess of the Beulah Valley Saddle Club when I was in 7th grade. (See I really am royalty!)
2. I grew up in Pueblo and have a younger sister.
3. I would rather have a chocolate chip cookie than a bowl of ice cream.
4. I LOVE chocolate! However, I don't like chocolate pudding!
5. Growing up I had 4 horses named Annie, Ed, Lester, and IT.
6. I'm allergic to peas! (Darn!)
7. I'm training to run my third half marathon this fall.

7 Random Facts -- 08-22-12

2012-08-22T09:56:39-05:00

This is a great assignment! (Thanks to Professor McGonagall) 7 Random Facts gives us a chance to look for connections all around the world. We post 7 things about us, everybody else posts 7 things about themselves (not personal)...we go around the world and leave comments! It's supposed to be fun and supposed to teach us how to leave appropriate comments with other classes around the world. You will need to sign your comments with your online name and leave a hyperlink back to your blog. (Please do not fill in your email address.)

Keep track of the blogs that you respond to, and be ready to turn that in. You may do it as an article posting on your blog, OR give it to me the old fashioned way.

THEN.... We wait until the other classrooms have posted their 7 Random Fact assignments, then we start our search!

~Welcome Team 743~ -- 08-16-12

2012-08-16T17:19:34-05:00

Welcome to our Blog! We will write and post throughout the year. Feel free to write any time. You are required to respond or comment to students within each of our classes. Start checking out some of the classes listed to the left in our "Related Links" as well, and work on leaving comments for them. That's the best way to get others to read and give feedback on your posts! Let's get this started!