We will start today with practicing on the keyboard - this will be your review for the blank keyboard assignment that we are going to do first.
After completing the blank keyboard assignment we will move to working on our Logo Practice #2 sheet that we started yesterday. As a reminder - each of the set of instructions must include a repeat statement. As you are working with each of the different shapes, you first need to find what repeats. Then, figure out how to write your instructions to recreate that shape.
Sometimes finding the repeating part of the design that you can make into a repeat statement is a little tricky. You may need to think outside of the box in order to come up with instructions that allow you to draw the design.
Wednesday, October 31
Tuesday, October 30
Logo Repeat statements; crossword puzzle handout
Today you will get a green crossword puzzle handout - this crossword puzzle will cover vocab lists 1-6. It is due Friday.
We will continue with working with repeat statements today. First we will work to finish the handout from yesterday, then you will have another sheet that you will need to use Logo with to complete.
Lastly, tomorrow you will have a Blank keyboard assignment. You will be given a sheet of paper that looks like a blank keyboard and you will need to fill in the letters, numbers, Return key, space bar, period, comma, etc.
We will continue with working with repeat statements today. First we will work to finish the handout from yesterday, then you will have another sheet that you will need to use Logo with to complete.
Lastly, tomorrow you will have a Blank keyboard assignment. You will be given a sheet of paper that looks like a blank keyboard and you will need to fill in the letters, numbers, Return key, space bar, period, comma, etc.
Monday, October 29
Last 3 numbers; Logo
Today we are going to finish the last three numbers across the top of the keyboard. They are the 3 (L2), the 6 (R1), and the 2 (L3).
So far in Logo we have learned how to move our turtle forward, back, and change directions by using the left or right commands. In addition we have also learned the abbreviations for all four of these commands: FD, BK, LT, RT. We also have learned HOME, PU, PD, HT, and ST (see if you can remember what those mean!).
Today we are going to add another command to our arsenal of Logo commands, and it is the REPEAT command. What this allows us to do in Logo is to use the same command over and over without having to type it over and over. For example, if I wanted to move forward 200 turtle steps I could enter FD 200. But, using the REPEAT command I could enter REPEAT 2 [FD 100]. Another example: say I wanted to turn right 90 degrees...using the REPEAT command I could enter REPEAT 3 [RT 30]. Both of these examples may seem a little unnecessary, but this should help you to understand how the REPEAT command works. In the near future we will be creating much more intricate designs, which will require more difficult statements to write. Because of that we'll be using the REPEAT command to help simplify writing these powerful statements - without a REPEAT command it would be much more difficult.
We'll start with Exercise 3 - in these problems you need to rewrite each series of statements using a REPEAT statement. Then we'll move to writing statements using the REPEAT command to create a series of designs
So far in Logo we have learned how to move our turtle forward, back, and change directions by using the left or right commands. In addition we have also learned the abbreviations for all four of these commands: FD, BK, LT, RT. We also have learned HOME, PU, PD, HT, and ST (see if you can remember what those mean!).
Today we are going to add another command to our arsenal of Logo commands, and it is the REPEAT command. What this allows us to do in Logo is to use the same command over and over without having to type it over and over. For example, if I wanted to move forward 200 turtle steps I could enter FD 200. But, using the REPEAT command I could enter REPEAT 2 [FD 100]. Another example: say I wanted to turn right 90 degrees...using the REPEAT command I could enter REPEAT 3 [RT 30]. Both of these examples may seem a little unnecessary, but this should help you to understand how the REPEAT command works. In the near future we will be creating much more intricate designs, which will require more difficult statements to write. Because of that we'll be using the REPEAT command to help simplify writing these powerful statements - without a REPEAT command it would be much more difficult.
We'll start with Exercise 3 - in these problems you need to rewrite each series of statements using a REPEAT statement. Then we'll move to writing statements using the REPEAT command to create a series of designs
Friday, October 26
Vocab Quiz #6; reflection; finish FA4
Today's activities will be as follows (and in this order):
- Review for the quiz
- Go to Classmarker to take Vocab Quiz #6
- KEEP YOUR SPEED SKIN ON YOUR KEYBOARD! Enter your reflection on your blog for this week. The week is October 22.
- KEEP YOUR SPEED SKIN ON YOUR KEYBOARD! If you did not finish FA4 from yesterday you need to do that now and email to me. Make sure to include everything that is needed in an email (if you forget a subject line I will take points off!).
- KEEP YOUR SPEED SKIN ON YOUR KEYBOARD! Turn to page 32 in your book; open Microsoft Word and type lines 1-6 twice on page 32, 14D. You will be learning the 3 (L2), the 6 (R1), and the 2 (L3).
- KEEP YOUR SPEED SKIN ON YOUR KEYBOARD! If you are done with steps 1-4, go to the Free Online Typing Games website and choose 3 (out of the 10 available) of the timed writings to complete.
- Once you get done with those timed writings, go to the 10 Fast Fingers website and see how you do compared to others. Do 3 of these "competitions". KEEP YOUR SPEED SKIN ON YOUR KEYBOARD!
- If you complete all of the previous steps you may choose any of the practice websites to play games on, but KEEP YOUR SPEED SKIN ON YOUR KEYBOARD!
Thursday, October 25
Vocab videos; FA4
Where do you see HTTP? What does it mean?
After watching the above two videos you need to work on completing FA4 - the directions to complete it are located below. When you are done you need to email me your file - make sure you include all parts of a correct email!
FA4
If you complete this activity today during class I want you to go to Edmodo and discuss with the other students in class the vocab words on this week's vocab list. Use this discussion to clarify any definitions of words. So, you may write a post asking others to help you with understanding what something on the vocab list means. Someone else may reply by helping to explain it. Go into as much detail as you can - keep your discussion on topic with any of the vocab words on this week's list.
After watching the above two videos you need to work on completing FA4 - the directions to complete it are located below. When you are done you need to email me your file - make sure you include all parts of a correct email!
FA4
If you complete this activity today during class I want you to go to Edmodo and discuss with the other students in class the vocab words on this week's vocab list. Use this discussion to clarify any definitions of words. So, you may write a post asking others to help you with understanding what something on the vocab list means. Someone else may reply by helping to explain it. Go into as much detail as you can - keep your discussion on topic with any of the vocab words on this week's list.
Wednesday, October 24
Video; Logo handout answers; FA4
Let's take a look at the vocabulary page here on the blog - I have made some changes to how we are going to do the vocabulary definitions from this point forward (it won't affect those people who had to do definitions for this week).
Get out your Logo sheet - we will go over the exterior angles for the shapes that were on our worksheet.
After we go over the Logo sheet we will begin learning about how to set tabs in Microsoft Word. Before we do that, though, you need to understand the difference between left justified (or left aligned), centered (or center aligned), and right justified (or right aligned). Below are visual examples to show you the difference between the three:
this is left aligned
(or left justified)
Wednesday
this is center aligned
(or center justification)
Wednesday
this is right aligned
(or right justified)
Wednesday
As you can see from the above examples, left aligned means that all lines are lined up on the left side. Right aligned is just the opposite - all lines are lined up on the right side. Center aligned means that the information you enter is going to be split in half and half of what you enter will be on the left and half will be on the right.
We also will be working with a "dot leader" tab. This is a type of tab that puts a series of dots in front of (or leading up to) the tab that you set. What you don't do with this is type in a bunch of periods between the actors and the characters - instead you set up tabs to create the dots for you. Here is an example of what a dot leader tab might look like:
Christopher Warwick...............................................................................Bob Cratchit
Lisa Fournier.......................................................................................Mrs. Cratchit
Benjamin Watson..................................................................................Uncle Scrooge
Tuesday, October 23
Shortened hours; complete work as needed
With the shortened hours today, you can work on anything you need to do to get stuff done. If you want to finish the Logo handout from yesterday you can use this time to get it done. If you want to post a definition to the Wiki spaces page I will allow that today. If you need to write your information in Edmodo for last week's discussion I will also allow that (this is not normal...but, I've had several people tell me that Edmodo was not working last night so I am allowing you to do this because it was not working).
If you are done with everything I would like for you to continue working on trying to draw letters in Logo.
If you are done with everything I would like for you to continue working on trying to draw letters in Logo.
Monday, October 22
New seating chart! Logo shapes
After arriving at your new seat, you may want to bookmark the following websites:
Classmarker
Edmodo
Class blog
Google (Gmail)
Speaking of Edmodo...remember that you have an assignment in Edmodo that is due tonight. The writing prompt is as follows if you have not yet entered your original response:
List one new vocab term you've learned and how, why, or in what way it will be important to you as you continue to live in a world dominated by computers.
Also, for those of you who are responsible for defining vocab words for this week, you need to get that done by tomorrow night! If you need to use time here at school to do that you are perfectly welcome to do so.
Get out your blue handout from Friday...we will go over it in class (it has "Exercise 1" at the top).
Today in Logo we are going to start drawing shapes. When drawing shapes we must keep in mind a couple of mathematical ideas. First, supplementary angles are 2 angles that when added together add up to 180 degrees. 180 degrees is also a straight line. Knowing that information we can make turns in order to draw shapes.
Additionally, we have been typing all of our commands in short "phrases". We can type in our information in the Commander Window all at once if we want to. For example, here are the steps to drawing a square, and you can type this all on one line (try it!):
fd 100 rt 90 fd 100 rt 90 fd 100 rt 90 fd 100 rt 90
For today's exercise we don't necessarily need to use Logo to complete the marking of angles on our paper, but you are welcome to use Logo if you feel that using it will help you complete each shape.
By the way, if you are interested in downloading this freeware on your home computer (or laptop), you can go to Brian Harvey's website and download it from there. You will not have any problems downloading from this website in terms of getting viruses or malware on your computer - it is a completely safe website to use (Brian Harvey is a Computer Science professor at U. of California-Berkeley).
Classmarker
Edmodo
Class blog
Google (Gmail)
Speaking of Edmodo...remember that you have an assignment in Edmodo that is due tonight. The writing prompt is as follows if you have not yet entered your original response:
List one new vocab term you've learned and how, why, or in what way it will be important to you as you continue to live in a world dominated by computers.
Also, for those of you who are responsible for defining vocab words for this week, you need to get that done by tomorrow night! If you need to use time here at school to do that you are perfectly welcome to do so.
Get out your blue handout from Friday...we will go over it in class (it has "Exercise 1" at the top).
Today in Logo we are going to start drawing shapes. When drawing shapes we must keep in mind a couple of mathematical ideas. First, supplementary angles are 2 angles that when added together add up to 180 degrees. 180 degrees is also a straight line. Knowing that information we can make turns in order to draw shapes.
Additionally, we have been typing all of our commands in short "phrases". We can type in our information in the Commander Window all at once if we want to. For example, here are the steps to drawing a square, and you can type this all on one line (try it!):
fd 100 rt 90 fd 100 rt 90 fd 100 rt 90 fd 100 rt 90
For today's exercise we don't necessarily need to use Logo to complete the marking of angles on our paper, but you are welcome to use Logo if you feel that using it will help you complete each shape.
By the way, if you are interested in downloading this freeware on your home computer (or laptop), you can go to Brian Harvey's website and download it from there. You will not have any problems downloading from this website in terms of getting viruses or malware on your computer - it is a completely safe website to use (Brian Harvey is a Computer Science professor at U. of California-Berkeley).
Friday, October 19
Vocab Quiz #5; Reflection; Logo
As usual on vocab quiz days, you will get a few minutes to review at the beginning of class. Do not go to Classmarker until I tell you it is ok to go there.
Once you get done with your vocab quiz, write your reflection on your blog (make sure it is on your Journal page!). Again, include your thoughts about what we have done this week in class.
When you get done with your reflection, I have a blue Logo handout that you need to come get from me. You only need to complete the first column! You will need to change each RT turn to the equivalent LT turn, and change each LT turn into the equivalent RT turn.
If you complete the Logo handout, your next objective is to see if you can give instructions to create all of the letters of the alphabet. You will want to do each letter individually; therefore, after writing the instructions to draw a letter clear your screen before you start the next letter.
Once you get done with your vocab quiz, write your reflection on your blog (make sure it is on your Journal page!). Again, include your thoughts about what we have done this week in class.
When you get done with your reflection, I have a blue Logo handout that you need to come get from me. You only need to complete the first column! You will need to change each RT turn to the equivalent LT turn, and change each LT turn into the equivalent RT turn.
If you complete the Logo handout, your next objective is to see if you can give instructions to create all of the letters of the alphabet. You will want to do each letter individually; therefore, after writing the instructions to draw a letter clear your screen before you start the next letter.
Thursday, October 18
Number keys; Logo - Zero heading and marking angles
VOCAB QUIZ TOMORROW!!
To start with, type all lines once from p. 30, 13D, lines 1-8.
Next we will learn the 5 (L1) and the 7 (R1). These will actually be two of the easier numbers to learn.
After learning these two numbers we will again be working with Logo. There are several new concepts we need to introduce today. First, let's review - when your turtle is pointed up on your screen we call this Zero heading (to get to this point you can type in HOME - another primitive). You should also remember FORWARD and BACK (these primitives move the turtle), as well as LEFT and RIGHT (these primitives turn, or rotate, the turtle). We also erased everything we typed on our screen by typing in CLEARSCREEN.
Other primitives we did not talk about yesterday but need to cover are: HIDETURTLE, SHOWTURTLE, PENUP, and PENDOWN. These should be fairly easy to understand; you would want to use HIDETURTLE when you want to see your screen without the turtle, and then you would use SHOWTURTLE to get your turtle back on your screen. PENDOWN is how Logo starts - the pen is down and your turtle is in "drawing" mode; however, if you want to move your turtle without drawing lines you can use the PENUP command.
One of the aspects of Logo that we can use are the abbreviations for these primitives. They are as follows: FD, BK, RT, LT, HOME (sorry - no abbreviation), CS, HT, ST, PU, and PD.
Today we are going to discuss the marking angles in Logo. It's important to remember several key mathematical concepts. First, a complete circle, or TOTAL TURTLE TRIP as it is referred to in Logo language, is 360 degrees. If you stood facing a direction, turned around one complete time, you would have turned 360 degrees.
Secondly, you can turn either right or left to get to the same "point"- it doesn't matter. For example, say we want to turn RIGHT 90; in order to find out how far the turtle would have to turn left you just subtract the 90 from 360 (why 360? Because that is one TOTAL TURTLE TRIP!). Therefore, to get to the same point (or more accurately, angle) you could turn LEFT 270.
Lastly, we need to understand a couple of things about polygons. The sum of the interior angles of a triangle add up to be 180. What are the interior angles of an equilateral triangle? You can use simple division to figure this out. Also, the sum of the interior angles of any quadrilateral are 360. For each additional side to a polygon you will add 180 degrees of angles (in other words, a 5-sided figure would have 540 degrees of angles; a 6-sided figure would have 720 degrees of angles, and so on).
To start with, type all lines once from p. 30, 13D, lines 1-8.
Next we will learn the 5 (L1) and the 7 (R1). These will actually be two of the easier numbers to learn.
After learning these two numbers we will again be working with Logo. There are several new concepts we need to introduce today. First, let's review - when your turtle is pointed up on your screen we call this Zero heading (to get to this point you can type in HOME - another primitive). You should also remember FORWARD and BACK (these primitives move the turtle), as well as LEFT and RIGHT (these primitives turn, or rotate, the turtle). We also erased everything we typed on our screen by typing in CLEARSCREEN.
Other primitives we did not talk about yesterday but need to cover are: HIDETURTLE, SHOWTURTLE, PENUP, and PENDOWN. These should be fairly easy to understand; you would want to use HIDETURTLE when you want to see your screen without the turtle, and then you would use SHOWTURTLE to get your turtle back on your screen. PENDOWN is how Logo starts - the pen is down and your turtle is in "drawing" mode; however, if you want to move your turtle without drawing lines you can use the PENUP command.
One of the aspects of Logo that we can use are the abbreviations for these primitives. They are as follows: FD, BK, RT, LT, HOME (sorry - no abbreviation), CS, HT, ST, PU, and PD.
Today we are going to discuss the marking angles in Logo. It's important to remember several key mathematical concepts. First, a complete circle, or TOTAL TURTLE TRIP as it is referred to in Logo language, is 360 degrees. If you stood facing a direction, turned around one complete time, you would have turned 360 degrees.
Secondly, you can turn either right or left to get to the same "point"- it doesn't matter. For example, say we want to turn RIGHT 90; in order to find out how far the turtle would have to turn left you just subtract the 90 from 360 (why 360? Because that is one TOTAL TURTLE TRIP!). Therefore, to get to the same point (or more accurately, angle) you could turn LEFT 270.
Lastly, we need to understand a couple of things about polygons. The sum of the interior angles of a triangle add up to be 180. What are the interior angles of an equilateral triangle? You can use simple division to figure this out. Also, the sum of the interior angles of any quadrilateral are 360. For each additional side to a polygon you will add 180 degrees of angles (in other words, a 5-sided figure would have 540 degrees of angles; a 6-sided figure would have 720 degrees of angles, and so on).
Wednesday, October 17
Learn 9, 4, 0; LOGO the Turtle!
VOCABULARY:
Vocabulary definitions should now be posted on the Wikispaces page! There will be a vocab quiz this Friday over vocab list #5 (Internet #1).
These people are leaders for next week's vocabulary list and should have already contacted their group members to give them their vocabulary words (if you have not done this yet, you need to get it done ASAP!):
3rd: JacobR
4th: MeghanW
6th: JarronN
7th: HeathH
8th: AbbyVNEW KEYS:
Open Word and turn to page 30 in your book. Start by typing lines 1-6 at the top of page 30 - 13C. Once we get done warming up we will learn 3 new numbers today - the 9 (R3), the 4 (L1), and the 0 (R4).
LOGO!!
Logo is a computer programming language created at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and is designed to give individuals an introduction into computer programming. What you are going to learn with Logo is how a computer programmer thinks abstractly and sequentially in order to get their program to run correctly. We will NOT be creating a program as you know it (however, we will be using Logo to create what I call "mini-programs" that will challenge you to understand the nature of what a computer programmer goes through in designing software).
On your computer, go to your Finder menu, click Applications, and find the program called "UCBLogo" - open it. You will see a black screen appear on your monitor.
FORWARD, RIGHT, LEFT, BACK
You can use these 4 primitives to move Logo (your turtle, but it actually looks like a triangle on your screen) by typing in FORWARD or BACK followed by a number that you want your turtle to move. Actually, you can give Logo multiple commands. RIGHT and LEFT tell Logo to turn; when you follow these commands with a number, the number you type in tells Logo what degrees to turn. For example, if I type in "RIGHT 75" (don't use quotes!) Logo will turn 75 degrees to the right. Get it??!! Alright, now it's your turn. See if you can create a square!
In addition to those 4 primitives that help to move your turtle, here are several others that will be useful to you while using Logo:
HIDETURTLE, SHOWTURTLE, PENUP, PENDOWN, HOME, CLEARSCREEN
After creating a design in Logo, you'll probably want to get rid of it on your screen so that you can move on and do what's next. That's what the CLEARSCREEN command does - it clears the screen. Typing in HOME moves your turtle back to the starting point and points it "up" on the screen. HIDETURTLE - should be self explanatory, as should SHOWTURTLE. The PENUP command allows you to move Logo on your screen without drawing any lines. PENDOWN is used after you have used the PENUP command (PENDOWN is actually how Logo starts when you open the program). You may want to try these commands to see how they work.
After creating a square, see if you can create other shapes - triangles, rectangles, circles, hexagon etc.
Tuesday, October 16
Numbers; Edmodo post; Reflection from last week on blog
Vocab words - URL, Netiquette
You will have another post this week in Edmodo. As we always will do when you post in Edmodo, you need to post your original response and then post 2 replies. Remember, you need to create discussion when you reply in Edmodo! Many of you posted replies that did not create discussion. Here are some poor examples from our last assignment that people posted that did not create further discussion:
"The bells are annoying"
"Being able to chew gum is great!"
"Good point! We do use use computers more often."
"I agree with you about having more homework."
"Yeah...math is hard."
None of those replies requires a further response from the person you are replying to, thus they stop the discussion. Remember, you want to create more discussion. Here are some examples of good posts that people posted to create further discussion:
"What class has more homework than 6th grade?"
"If they expect a lot from us now, what do you think it will be like in 8th grade?"
"Do you like the bells or would you prefer the teacher telling you when to leave to go to the next class?"
"What is your favorite class?"
"Who is your favorite teacher and why?"
Your Edmodo discussion board assignment will be due on Monday, Oct. 22nd, and your post for this week is as follows:
List one new vocab term you've learned and how, why, or in what way it will be important to you as you continue to live in a world dominated by computers.
Reflection for week of Oct. 8th - enter your reflection on your blog for last week - I would assume many of you would include your thoughts on the Rainforest and Brookfield zoo activities we did.
Open Microsoft Word - we will warm up before we start learning the numbers on the keyboard (these are the numbers across the top of the keyboard). Start with warming up on page 20 in the book (use all lines to warm up).
You will have another post this week in Edmodo. As we always will do when you post in Edmodo, you need to post your original response and then post 2 replies. Remember, you need to create discussion when you reply in Edmodo! Many of you posted replies that did not create discussion. Here are some poor examples from our last assignment that people posted that did not create further discussion:
"The bells are annoying"
"Being able to chew gum is great!"
"Good point! We do use use computers more often."
"I agree with you about having more homework."
"Yeah...math is hard."
None of those replies requires a further response from the person you are replying to, thus they stop the discussion. Remember, you want to create more discussion. Here are some examples of good posts that people posted to create further discussion:
"What class has more homework than 6th grade?"
"If they expect a lot from us now, what do you think it will be like in 8th grade?"
"Do you like the bells or would you prefer the teacher telling you when to leave to go to the next class?"
"What is your favorite class?"
"Who is your favorite teacher and why?"
Your Edmodo discussion board assignment will be due on Monday, Oct. 22nd, and your post for this week is as follows:
List one new vocab term you've learned and how, why, or in what way it will be important to you as you continue to live in a world dominated by computers.
Reflection for week of Oct. 8th - enter your reflection on your blog for last week - I would assume many of you would include your thoughts on the Rainforest and Brookfield zoo activities we did.
Open Microsoft Word - we will warm up before we start learning the numbers on the keyboard (these are the numbers across the top of the keyboard). Start with warming up on page 20 in the book (use all lines to warm up).
Monday, October 15
Missing work!! Practice
It is important that you take a look at the missing assignments list in the room - we have a large amount of people who have missing assignments! Many of those people with missing assignments will change their grade if they turn in what is missing. I will accept any late assignments up until school starts tomorrow! If you are missing the work in Edmodo and decide to complete parts or all of that assignment, please send me an email to let me know that you entered your responses in Edmodo.
If you have nothing missing you need type the following in Word:
page 19, 9B, lines 1-10 once
page 20, 9C, lines 1-9 once
page 20, 9D, lines 1-7 once
When you get done typing the above lines, let me know so I can come look at them. After you get done I will have something for you to do.
If you have nothing missing you need type the following in Word:
page 19, 9B, lines 1-10 once
page 20, 9C, lines 1-9 once
page 20, 9D, lines 1-7 once
When you get done typing the above lines, let me know so I can come look at them. After you get done I will have something for you to do.
Wednesday, October 10
Correct fingers assignment; Makeup day
To begin with, I want you to warm up using p. 18, all lines on Section 8E.
After a few minutes of warming up, we will complete a Correct Fingers assignment on Classmarker. If you don't remember, the Correct Fingers assignments are where you enter the correct finger you use on each key (for example, the right index finger, or R1, is used to type the letter J).
After completing that activity, we are going to use the rest of the time to make up any work that you have missing. There are plenty of people with missing assignments, so if your name is on the wall you should be working to complete and hand in whatever is missing. There are plenty of possibilities in terms of missing assignments - vocab quiz, crossword puzzle, Assignments (Formatting activities, 10 Facts about me, etc.). If you need to make up something missing and it is on Classmarker, please let me know before you start working on it.
If you do not have any missing assignments you have several choices as to what you can do. I will allow you to complete any work that is due - for example your Edmodo posts or your crossword puzzles that are due Friday (7th and 8th hour - we do not have class on Friday so I am strongly recommending that you get your crossword puzzle done today in class and turned in).
If you have everything done you can go to the practice websites listed on the blog. You WILL have your speed skin on your keyboard as you are working, and you will stay busy the rest of the period. You are not to be on a website that is unrelated to what we are doing in class (for example searching images in Google or on a website that we have never talked about using in class). Also, there will be no chatting in Gmail or posting unnecessary comments and replies in Edmodo (and other time-wasting activities) - once you have everything done you are to practice on the websites I've given you.
After a few minutes of warming up, we will complete a Correct Fingers assignment on Classmarker. If you don't remember, the Correct Fingers assignments are where you enter the correct finger you use on each key (for example, the right index finger, or R1, is used to type the letter J).
After completing that activity, we are going to use the rest of the time to make up any work that you have missing. There are plenty of people with missing assignments, so if your name is on the wall you should be working to complete and hand in whatever is missing. There are plenty of possibilities in terms of missing assignments - vocab quiz, crossword puzzle, Assignments (Formatting activities, 10 Facts about me, etc.). If you need to make up something missing and it is on Classmarker, please let me know before you start working on it.
If you do not have any missing assignments you have several choices as to what you can do. I will allow you to complete any work that is due - for example your Edmodo posts or your crossword puzzles that are due Friday (7th and 8th hour - we do not have class on Friday so I am strongly recommending that you get your crossword puzzle done today in class and turned in).
If you have everything done you can go to the practice websites listed on the blog. You WILL have your speed skin on your keyboard as you are working, and you will stay busy the rest of the period. You are not to be on a website that is unrelated to what we are doing in class (for example searching images in Google or on a website that we have never talked about using in class). Also, there will be no chatting in Gmail or posting unnecessary comments and replies in Edmodo (and other time-wasting activities) - once you have everything done you are to practice on the websites I've given you.
Tuesday, October 9
Crossword puzzle handout; learning new symbol keys
DO YOU HAVE ANY MISSING ASSIGNMENTS? IF SO, THOSE NEED TO BE COMPLETED BY THIS FRIDAY! FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY OF THE 1ST QUARTER AND I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY ASSIGNMENTS AFTER FRIDAY. AS USUAL, IF YOU NEED TO COME IN BEFORE SCHOOL, DURING REAL OR LUNCH RECESS, OR IF YOU WANT TO STAY AFTER SCHOOL PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY!
Today I will be passing out a new Crossword Puzzle (there is no vocab quiz this week...however if you are the leader for next week you should pass out your vocab words to the people in your group either today or tomorrow!). This crossword puzzle covers vocab words from lists 1-4 (in other words, up to last week). This will be due Friday! Be smart and don't wait until the last minute to do it...remember Thursday we will be gone all day in Chicago and you may find it difficult to remember to do it Thursday night.
Today we are going to add 3 symbols to what we have already learned on the keyboard. They are as follows:
' (apostrophe) = R4
- (hyphen) = R4
" (quotation marks) = Left Shift + R4
Turn to page 18 in your book and open Microsoft Word. We will begin learning these keys today by typing each line in 8D, p. 18 twice.
After learning these keys we will practice our timed writings. A timed writing is also sometimes called a speed test. So, we are going to go to the Free Typing Game website and practice our 1-minute timed writings. I will explain these a little more once we get to this part of the class.
Today I will be passing out a new Crossword Puzzle (there is no vocab quiz this week...however if you are the leader for next week you should pass out your vocab words to the people in your group either today or tomorrow!). This crossword puzzle covers vocab words from lists 1-4 (in other words, up to last week). This will be due Friday! Be smart and don't wait until the last minute to do it...remember Thursday we will be gone all day in Chicago and you may find it difficult to remember to do it Thursday night.
Today we are going to add 3 symbols to what we have already learned on the keyboard. They are as follows:
' (apostrophe) = R4
- (hyphen) = R4
" (quotation marks) = Left Shift + R4
Turn to page 18 in your book and open Microsoft Word. We will begin learning these keys today by typing each line in 8D, p. 18 twice.
After learning these keys we will practice our timed writings. A timed writing is also sometimes called a speed test. So, we are going to go to the Free Typing Game website and practice our 1-minute timed writings. I will explain these a little more once we get to this part of the class.
Friday, October 5
Software vocab quiz; 3-day weekend!
Diavi (3rd), Lauren (4th), Taylor (female - 6th), LaurenK (7th), and Dylan (8th) are the vocab leaders for the next vocab list, which will be for the week of Oct. 15th (not next week, but the week after). Your list is the week 5 list of vocab words - Internet #1. You MUST! get each person in your group their word(s) either next Tuesday or Wednesday so that they can have time to research a definition before they post to the wikispaces page.
Here is our plan of action for today:
Here is our plan of action for today:
- Review for the vocab quiz
- Take the vocab quiz (don't go to Classmarker until told to do so)
- Finish FA3 - email to me (make sure to include everything that is needed in an email
- Post your reflection for this week on your Journal page on your blog. Remember to put your reflection at the top of the page.
- If you get done with your reflection you can go to the Website Resources page and use the practice websites. Remember, you must stay on the websites that are listed - no "straying" to other websites you shouldn't be on. Also, remember your speed skin should be on your keyboard at all times!
Thursday, October 4
Edmodo post; Headers and Footers; FA3
After practicing with Edmodo yesterday, you are going to have your first assignment in Edmodo. Again, this is homework and should not be worked on here in the classroom unless you are specifically directed to do so. If you can't get this done at home then you are welcome to come in before school, during REAL, lunch recess, or after school to complete this assignment. It should be done by Friday, Oct. 12th (that's next Friday, and it is the end of the 1st quarter).
This is the type of assignment that you may need to work on a couple of days. You may go to Edmodo and find that you can not reply to anyone...if that's the case you will need to return at a later time or another day in order to get all of your work done. Remember - you are to write an original response and reply to at least 2 of your classmates (each of those responsibilities is worth 5 pts - so the entire assignment is worth 10 points).
The writing prompt is as follows:
You now have spent almost 9 weeks in 7th grade. What do you think has been the biggest difference between being a 7th grader versus last year as a 6th grader? (due Friday, Oct. 12th)
Today we are going to cover how to use your headers and footers. The headers and footers are areas of your document that you can use to enter information without affecting how the document is formatted. The header is the area at the top of the page; the footer is the area at the bottom of the page. Since you have already inserted filename and path into the header you should have a pretty good idea of what the header is, but today's lesson will help you understand a little more about what type of information can be included in the header or footer.
Activity 3 -
Once I explain how to use the headers and footers you will be able to get started with the Formatting Activity.
This is the type of assignment that you may need to work on a couple of days. You may go to Edmodo and find that you can not reply to anyone...if that's the case you will need to return at a later time or another day in order to get all of your work done. Remember - you are to write an original response and reply to at least 2 of your classmates (each of those responsibilities is worth 5 pts - so the entire assignment is worth 10 points).
The writing prompt is as follows:
You now have spent almost 9 weeks in 7th grade. What do you think has been the biggest difference between being a 7th grader versus last year as a 6th grader? (due Friday, Oct. 12th)
Today we are going to cover how to use your headers and footers. The headers and footers are areas of your document that you can use to enter information without affecting how the document is formatted. The header is the area at the top of the page; the footer is the area at the bottom of the page. Since you have already inserted filename and path into the header you should have a pretty good idea of what the header is, but today's lesson will help you understand a little more about what type of information can be included in the header or footer.
Activity 3 -
Once I explain how to use the headers and footers you will be able to get started with the Formatting Activity.
Wednesday, October 3
Flash drives; Edmodo;
When I grade your Formatting activities that you email to me (like FA1, for example), I will send you an email to let you know what you have done wrong and what your score is. If you do not receive an email you either did not turn in the assignment (check Skyward or the Missing Assignment wall in the room), or you did everything correct and I entered the maximum score in Skyward.
Flash drives - we need to name your flash drive. This should be done so that if it gets "lost" we can tell whose flash drive it is. Additionally, when you enter the filename and path (which you will be doing on all assignments) it will enter the name of your flash drive, and if it is labeled with your name it will be easy for me to tell whose paper it is that I am grading.
Along those same lines, the reason we use filename and path is so that I know you are handing in your own work. Stamping your document with the filename and path tells me that this is coming from your flash drive (or your account on the server). Additionally, it allows you to have your name printed on your document without you having to write it, or without you having to take up space or change the formatting of the document when you hand it in.
At this point we need to register on a new website called Edmodo. Edmodo is a secure social networking site, and we will use it to learn how to properly use a discussion board. Despite the fact that this is very similar to a social networking site, it is for educational purposes, and we will use it for that reason. The only people who will be able to access the discussion board will be the people in your class. We have already learned about Internet Safety and what not to do on a social network, so those rules will apply here.
Any time we have an assignment in Edmodo, you will have 2 responsibilities - 1) enter an original response to the writing prompt and post it for everyone to see (after creating your response, choose your class in the box next to "Send"; and 2) respond thoughtfully to at least 2 of your classmates. Thoughtfully means that you should make a conversation out of the discussion - find a way to get them to respond to your response. An easy way to do this is to ask them a question, although that may not be the only way to accomplish this part.
Your Edmodo assignments will always be worth 10 points - 5 points will be for entering your original response to the writing prompt, and the other 5 points will be for thoughtfully responding to at least 2 of your classmates. Your Edmodo assignments are generally to be finished outside of class; however there are times when you will be given permission by me to complete your Edmodo assignment in class. If you are not given permission in class then you are not to be chatting/discussing/working in Edmodo.
Today we are going to practice in Edmodo. Your job is to post an original response to the question, and then reply to 2 different classmates' posts. Also, if there is anyone who asks you a question you should respond to their question (it is considered rude to not answer a question - just as if you were talking face-to-face). Keep the discussion "on-topic" and educational.
The following websites will help you create an avatar that you can upload to your profile. These are just for fun and are not required.
Planet Creation
Build Your Wild Self
After you create an avatar at the website you will need to save a screenshot of your avatar to your flash drive, then you will need to upload the avatar to Edmodo. On the "How To" page of the class blog there are instructions for creating a screenshot, and then a video that shows you how to upload an image to a website (like Edmodo). In Edmodo you are going to want to go to "Account" in the top right hand corner of your webpage, then select "Settings" - here you will be able to upload your screenshot image.
Flash drives - we need to name your flash drive. This should be done so that if it gets "lost" we can tell whose flash drive it is. Additionally, when you enter the filename and path (which you will be doing on all assignments) it will enter the name of your flash drive, and if it is labeled with your name it will be easy for me to tell whose paper it is that I am grading.
Along those same lines, the reason we use filename and path is so that I know you are handing in your own work. Stamping your document with the filename and path tells me that this is coming from your flash drive (or your account on the server). Additionally, it allows you to have your name printed on your document without you having to write it, or without you having to take up space or change the formatting of the document when you hand it in.
At this point we need to register on a new website called Edmodo. Edmodo is a secure social networking site, and we will use it to learn how to properly use a discussion board. Despite the fact that this is very similar to a social networking site, it is for educational purposes, and we will use it for that reason. The only people who will be able to access the discussion board will be the people in your class. We have already learned about Internet Safety and what not to do on a social network, so those rules will apply here.
Any time we have an assignment in Edmodo, you will have 2 responsibilities - 1) enter an original response to the writing prompt and post it for everyone to see (after creating your response, choose your class in the box next to "Send"; and 2) respond thoughtfully to at least 2 of your classmates. Thoughtfully means that you should make a conversation out of the discussion - find a way to get them to respond to your response. An easy way to do this is to ask them a question, although that may not be the only way to accomplish this part.
Your Edmodo assignments will always be worth 10 points - 5 points will be for entering your original response to the writing prompt, and the other 5 points will be for thoughtfully responding to at least 2 of your classmates. Your Edmodo assignments are generally to be finished outside of class; however there are times when you will be given permission by me to complete your Edmodo assignment in class. If you are not given permission in class then you are not to be chatting/discussing/working in Edmodo.
Today we are going to practice in Edmodo. Your job is to post an original response to the question, and then reply to 2 different classmates' posts. Also, if there is anyone who asks you a question you should respond to their question (it is considered rude to not answer a question - just as if you were talking face-to-face). Keep the discussion "on-topic" and educational.
The following websites will help you create an avatar that you can upload to your profile. These are just for fun and are not required.
Planet Creation
Build Your Wild Self
After you create an avatar at the website you will need to save a screenshot of your avatar to your flash drive, then you will need to upload the avatar to Edmodo. On the "How To" page of the class blog there are instructions for creating a screenshot, and then a video that shows you how to upload an image to a website (like Edmodo). In Edmodo you are going to want to go to "Account" in the top right hand corner of your webpage, then select "Settings" - here you will be able to upload your screenshot image.
Tuesday, October 2
Finish FA2
VOCABULARY DEFINITIONS NEEDS TO BE POSTED BY TONIGHT!
Today you need to finish FA2 - it should be emailed to me before you leave the classroom. The directions can be found on yesterday's blog post. YOUR SPEEDSKIN SHOULD BE ON YOUR KEYBOARD THE ENTIRE HOUR!
Once you get done with the formatting activity I want you to open Microsoft Word and turn to page 36. Type all lines on p. 36 once.
If you get done with P. 36 print it out and show it to me - and then you can go to any of the practice websites listed on the Website Resources page.
Today you need to finish FA2 - it should be emailed to me before you leave the classroom. The directions can be found on yesterday's blog post. YOUR SPEEDSKIN SHOULD BE ON YOUR KEYBOARD THE ENTIRE HOUR!
Once you get done with the formatting activity I want you to open Microsoft Word and turn to page 36. Type all lines on p. 36 once.
If you get done with P. 36 print it out and show it to me - and then you can go to any of the practice websites listed on the Website Resources page.
Monday, October 1
Caps Lock/Question Mark/Tab keys; FA2
For those people who are responsible for the vocabulary for this week, please make sure that you have your definitions posted by Tuesday night to the wikispaces page. REMEMBER - definitions should be easy to understand; if you need help creating an easy-to-understand definition let me know.
For this week's vocabulary list we are learning about software. To start off today I want to show you a couple of software programs so you have a little bit better idea of what these software packages are and what they do.
Turn to your book and page 17.
Section 8B:
Caps Lock key (left little finger - L4) - this is used to type a series of capital letters; Question Mark (right little finger - R4). 8B, lines 1-6 twice.
Section 8C:
Tab key (left little finger - L4) - this key moves your cursor to a preset position on the line of writing. I want to you type all of the lines in Section 8C once.
After you have completed the above typing, you need to start working on Formatting Activity 2, embedded below.
FA2
For this week's vocabulary list we are learning about software. To start off today I want to show you a couple of software programs so you have a little bit better idea of what these software packages are and what they do.
Turn to your book and page 17.
Section 8B:
Caps Lock key (left little finger - L4) - this is used to type a series of capital letters; Question Mark (right little finger - R4). 8B, lines 1-6 twice.
Section 8C:
Tab key (left little finger - L4) - this key moves your cursor to a preset position on the line of writing. I want to you type all of the lines in Section 8C once.
After you have completed the above typing, you need to start working on Formatting Activity 2, embedded below.
FA2
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