Thursday, December 14, 2017

Snow Day Packet 1


 To Log in go to:

Username: student id number
Password: student id number
 
 
 
Details: The activity handouts were provided from Myon.  Select the activities preferred to print and complete or write responses on a separate sheet of paper.  Uitlize It's Learning to submit completed answers (as login information is provided). Click the pictures to enlarge.
 
 
K, 1st, and 2nd Grade Scavenger Hunt
 
 
 
 
 
Myon Family Reading Activities
 
 
 
 
3rd and Up  Myon Scavenger Hunt
 
 


4th - 8th Grade Myon Scavenger Hunt (Option 2)







Students may also utilize titles (or encyclopedias)  available at home to complete the Scavenger Hunt (as applicable) if Myon is not accessible.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Computer Science Week

Myon Books
How Coding Works (P-2)
https://www.myon.com/reader/index.html?a=odp_hcdw_s17

Understanding Programming and Logic (3rd and up)
https://www.myon.com/reader/index.html?a=uc_uplgc_f15

Other Resources

Hour of Code: My Robotic Friend (Offline Coding)
Demonstration from Act Out Games
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2EbfhcQ0bw

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Mock Science Experiment, Report, and Display Template


Let's Reverse Engineer the Process

 "to disassemble and examine or analyze 
in detail (a product or device) to discover 
the concepts involved in manufacture usually
 in order to produce something similar." - Merriam Webster

Using the mock experiment provided, let's look at the final project check sheet in reverse. I recommend that you find each area in the Science Fair Packet for definition, steps, and other information.


F. Bibliography (References) and E.  Acknowledgements/Credits 

Easy Bib

Google Doc (Citing Sources)

Use one or more of these tools to try Creating a Sample Bibliography with the Packet Recommended Sources. Also remember, to use the word Bibliography (center) at the top of the page.  Citations should be listed in alphabetical order by the first word.  

Selecting Sources Reminder(s)
Utilize a Recommended Database or Evaluate the Source (What #?)
http://fhsalmc.blogspot.com/2016/10/reliable-sources_17.html

E. Ideas for Future Research, Conclusion, Data Analysis and Discussion, Experimental Procedure, Materials List

Conclusion (Packet info.: Answer investigative question/prove or disprove hypothesis/ summarize and evaluate procedures/include supporting data/Explain how the data supports/suggest changes: procedures and/or possibilities for further study)

Plagiarism Reminder
"Some descriptions of plagiarism include cheating, using someone's else's work as your own, using someone's work inappropriately, and/or not giving credit to sources used."
Read More at: http://fhsalmc.blogspot.com/2017/10/


D. Background Research (Study your topic and become a scholar)

C. Abstract, Table and Contents, Questions, Variables, and Hypothesis

Introduction (Abstract, Question, Variables, and Hypothesis)


Question: (see the Science Fair Guide Checkpoint Planning Sheet and Defining the Terms)

Variables and Hypothesis:

B. Title Page

A. Selecting a Topic

1. Science Fair Experiments Examples
http://www.education.com/science-fair/ (see for ideas and possible sources)

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml (see for ideas and possible sources; ask your teacher about preferences for this site)


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8EeKjxvOy9IN205dzItem5oZUE/view?usp=sharing (Book list at FHSA)

Consider using Wikipedia for ideas even if you don't use it as a main source.  Also, look at the sources in the selected Wikipedia article.

2. Creating an Original Science Project Idea
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/3-strategies-for-an-original-science-fair-project/




Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Five Finger Test (Create Your Own with these in Mind) - Writing in the Library Media Center

Have you heard of the five finger test for choosing the right book?  If not, I have a few examples linked below.  Once you understand the five finger test, find a way to paraphrase or come up with your own test to find the right book.


http://www.bookadventure.com/book_finder/5_finger_test.aspx  (Suggests the middle of the book)

http://www.monroe.k12.tn.us/mis/library/five_finger_test.htm

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/book-selection-tips/choose-books-right-reading-levels

Join the blog with your Little Rock School District email, XXX@students.lrsd.org (3rd-8th) and K-2, ask the media specialist.  After joining the blog, post your Five Finger Test as a comment.  If you have problems, see the media specialist.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Reading Goals 2017-18 and Reading Challenges



Current Reading Challenge 
(12 Weeks Beginning Nov. 29)


Reading Goals 2017-18



Reading and other school programs can be found at:

Myon Login Instructions: Go to the FHSA Symbaloo > Click Myon
> Login username: Student ID and Password: student ID

Accelerated Reader (quizzing at school only): Go the the FHSA Symbaloo >
Click Renaissance Learning >
Login Username: firstname.lastname and Password: Student ID

Accelerated Reader Book Finder

Monday, October 30, 2017

Plagiarism

Pre- Assessment
Review Library Procedures (Reminders: Sign-in location and an Adult must be present)


Pre-Assessment
TBA Answer Sheet and Pen/Pencil

 Introduction
What do these people have in common?

Justin Bieber
Tyler Perry
Cold Play
Nicki Minaj



Some descriptions of plagiarism include cheating, using someone's else's work as your own, using someone's work inappropriately, and/or not giving credit to sources used.

Essential Question
Throughout the rest of this lesson ask yourself, what is plagiarism and how does it relate to you as a student in the 21st century.

Share class answers at: https://docs.google.com/a/students.lrsd.org/forms/d/1VVIkvR8Tp0OikL2uUGgfpR3huJoonPpkzYbMMqFOjCc/viewform?c=0&w=1Please be advised that you will have a post-test over the information.  You should've taken the pre-test already (let your teacher know immediately if you have not).

Post Assessment


1. Go to the FHSA Symbaloo > Click Renaissance Learning > Login as user: firstname.lastname and pswd: id number (lunch).


2. Click Take a Quiz > Search for Avoiding Plagiarism> answer the questions and submit the quiz.


Resources

Fair Use (Using Content Legally)
http://education.ky.gov/districts/tech/ciits/Documents/TeacherCopyright_chart.pdf

Google Drive and Research Tools
https://support.google.com/docs/answer/2481802?hl=en

Easybib
 http://www.easybib.com/ (there is also an add on for Google Chrome)

Cite Fast
http://www.citefast.com/

Lesson Plan Notes:

Standard
SR.4.X.3 Respect and follow copyright laws 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Why Not Google? 5 Things Students Should Consider for Academic Research



Consider:

  1. There is a difference between search and research (see Myon book, Computer Search and Research). In addition, Google (and other free search engines) are designed for searching (often showing top searches for paid and/or popular sites) and academic and professional databases were designed for research (schools, libraries, and groups pay to have access to the information compiled by professionals and experts).

    "... Searching is the first step, when yo use a computer to find information. Research is the second step--looking at the information carefully, to decide whether it is useful."

  1. Current research projects are building a foundation for high school credit work, collegiate, and/or professional research. Aside from gaining knowledge about the topic, another purpose is to acquire research skills based on best practices that will save you time and help you to more likely obtain accurate information. With the Internet as a common tool, students often don’t have the skills to complete high level research observed often in college settings.  (Articles available, linked as handouts)

  1. Consider fair use of material (use of words, pictures, video and audio (example: 10 % of a song or no more than 30 sec), paraphrasing, quoting with limits (consider fair use and ask your teacher), and citing sources to avoid plagiarism. (ask your librarian).

  1. Using Google (or use another search engine) instead of going straight to an available library database (example: Proquest/eLibrary at FHSA OPAC Links: http://www.library.arkansas.gov/landing-page/details/databases-by-title), means you should master boolean operators (AND, OR, NEAR, NOT)  and other strategies.  Know that research is often not a quick activity.  With this in mind, quicker may still mean after a time of looking, reading, and trying different strategies that some professional may have already done for you in an available database.

  1. Choosing to Google (or use another search engine) instead of going straight to a professional or academic database (example CALS A-Z: https://www.cals.org/research/databases-atoz.aspx), requires using a teacher recommended plan to ensure you have reliable sources and consider that some professionals may have already saved you some steps/time in an available database..
     



Previous Post Addition (10.25.17)
Review Library Procedures
http://fhsalmc.blogspot.com/p/rules-and-procedures.html
(A few reminders and updates: 1- Be sure to sign in by the workroom door everytime you come into the library and are not with a class. 2- If for some reason there is no adult present in the library, you should return to class immediately (usually there will be a sign posted on the front door so look for it as well).


Handouts  (login to view draft)
https://docs.google.com/a/lrsd.org/document/d/18hmXV4hRkoS9-Fz_CMoV_FKohzeVQkKXOsBrheyS7Sw/edit?usp=sharing 

Challenge:
List some of your favorite sites for research and use the chart provided to see how well these sites score for credibility.

References 
Compiling...

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Author to Visit FHSA, J. Scott Savage and Don't Forget B & N (Correction Oct 10, 6pm)


Update!!!!!!
We had a great time with Mr. Savage.  
Be sure to check him out at Barnes and Noble (and receive your free signed poster).

Author Event, Children's Event, Young Readers (Childrens) 
(Correction, Tuesday, Oct 10 not Monday October 09, 2017 6:00 PM 

Join the "meet and greet with children's author J. Scott Savage. Mr. Savage's latest book Embers of Destruction is the third book in the Mysteries of Cove series." 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Mole Day (23rd) and October Library Resources


Mole Day
https://www.moleday.org/

From National Geographic*
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/thisday/oct23/happy-mole-day/family/


From Scholastic
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/stacey-burt/mole-day-celebrating-amadeo-avogadros-number-with-style/

PBS
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/science-lovers-celebrate-mole-day-with-guacamole-and-chemistry/

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2013/10/23/its-mole-day-whats-that/?utm_term=.3e8a119296d1




Use Text Above to Practice Analyzing with the 5W's (K-2) and Text Structures/Features (2-5)

Scholastic 5W's Chart
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/tguide/5doubleyous.pdf


5W's Teacher Resource and Song TBA
https://layers-of-learning.com/the-five-ws/


Text Structures
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k4vpgwzle45z2i6/Text%20Structure%20Reference%20Sheet2.pdf?dl=1
from:  http://msjordanreads.com/2012/04/19/non-fiction-text-structures/

Text Features
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nonfiction-Text-Features-Poster-547324

From Scholastic Text Features and Text Structures (Also a Scavenger Hunt)
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/beth-newingham/my-march-top-ten-list-nonfiction-reading-resources/ (23 posters: https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/blogs/beth-newingham/migrated-files/pdf-slideshow-1.pdf)

From Scholastic
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/learning-read-nonfiction-and-its-text-features/


Other

Create and Utilize Word Puzzles about Mole Day and Analyzing Text
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/  (online and printed TBA)
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/crossword-puzzles-30068.html  (online and printed TBA)


Practice Vocabulary  about Mole Day and Analyzing Text
www.spellingcity.com/dldwilliams > Mole Day*


Poetry using 5W's
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson391/5W.pdf

Don't Forget to Sign-up for Maker Space Workshops
(forms available in the library)

http://fhsalmc.blogspot.com/2017/10/maker-space-workshops.html 


Sunday, October 1, 2017

Makerspace Workshops


Limited slots (First come, first served by application)
K-5 receive applications from their classroom teacher
4th - 8th pick-up applications in the library or counselor's office
Workshops run for a month by grade
2 to 4 Thursday's after school to 3:30 (# of days based on # of applicants)



October: Becoming a Makerspace Presenter
4th -8th Grade
-select a topic of interest to explore
-create mini tutorials and challenges to videotape for younger students
-present video, answer questions, and help students in 1 or more workshops for classes or possibly after school
Topic ideas: legos/other building challenges, 3D modeling/printing, knitting/crocheting, recycled and duct tape creations, etc.

**********

Lego Challenges
November: Kindergarten
December/Jan.: 1st Grade
February: 2nd Grade
March: 3rd Grade

-given and complete a Lego build challenge
-share Lego creations with group

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Science Fair and Library Resources (Including Tips)

Before beginning below, review the Middle School Library Procedures (updates 9.19.17) at: http://fhsalmc.blogspot.com/p/rules-and-procedures.html


Science Fair School Guidelines and Outline for Middle School
http://forestheightsstemacademy.weebly.com/science-fair.html


Title page
Abstract.
Table of contents.
Question, variables, and hypothesis.
Background research (your Research Paper).
Materials list.
Experimental procedure.
Data analysis and discussion (including data table and graph(s)).
Conclusions.
Acknowledgments

Bibliography

Science Fair Resources and Tips

1. Science Fair Experiments
http://www.education.com/science-fair/ (see for ideas and possible sources)

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml (see for ideas and possible sources; ask your teacher about preferences for this site)


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8EeKjxvOy9IN205dzItem5oZUE/view?usp=sharing (Book list at FHSA)

Consider using Wikipedia for ideas even if you don't use it as a main source.  Also, look at the sources in the selected Wikipedia article.

2. Creating an Original Science Project Idea
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/3-strategies-for-an-original-science-fair-project/

3. FHSA Library
Online Public Acces Catalog (OPAC)
http://lime.lrsd.org/opac/forestheightsmiddle/index.html#menuHome or (Symbaloo > OPAC)
(Request a book order for a title that we do not have that you would like to check-out.)

eScience Library (Database features: lexile level, audio read to, change language, click to definition, book carts (teacher recommended sources) and more)
http://science.bigchalk.com/sciweb/science/do/search

ProQuest Central (Databases)
http://search.proquest.com/central

The FHSA Library also has quite a few printed encyclopedias that could be used as a source.

**********Why use databases versus the Internet?******

4. Central Arkansas Library

OPAC (check-out requires a library card)
http://vera.cals.lib.ar.us/

Databases (some links may require a library card)
http://www.cals.org/ > Reference and Research > Databases by Subject > Scroll to Science

5. Help with Citing Sources  (seeing defining terms and example in Science Fair Packet: Bibliography)

Easy Bib
http://www.easybib.com/

Google Docs/Google Slides Research Tool
Open File or New > Click Explore (bottom right) > Type in search bar > Find the source > Click Cite as Footnote or Insert
https://support.google.com/docs/answer/2481802?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

Purdue OWL Research and Citation Resources
(Google: Owl Purdue citing sources)

6. Science Fair Board Display Tips

Discovery Education
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Presentations/How-to-Create-a-Winning-Science-Fair-Display-Board.html

Science Fair Buddies Advanced Tips
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board_advanced_design.shtml

7. Ask for Help
If you have attempted to locate the information that you need and are having trouble, come by the media center for additional information about any of these resources  and/or make an appointment for a science fair consultation.  Also, see resources in your S Fair Packet.

*********************************************************************************


RESOURCES (from FHSA Science Fair Packet as of 9.19.17)
The Kids’ Guide to Science Projects:www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/ 
NCES Kids’ Zone Graph Maker: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/

Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental ideas/Research)  http://www.epa.gov/students/waste.htm 



Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Resources Spotlight September (Substitute Packet as needed)


Library Procedures Spelling City (review words and click/play games)
https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=29930220


Scientific Method (3-5)
https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=47742873


Scientific Method (K-5)
https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=47742877

Scientific Method Printables/Other (Taken from listed sources, copy and paste link)
http://sciencespot.net/Media/scimthdwdsearch.pdf
http://www.schoolofdragons.com/resources/scientific-method-crossword
https://wordmint.com/public_puzzles/25085     (Create Your Own)
http://www.schoolofdragons.com/how-to-train-your-dragon/the-scientific-method/scientific-method-worksheets      (flash cards, activities, and more)

Scholastic Book Fair Previews
https://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/spring-es-video (Preview Videos, Select Grade)

Online flyer, booktalks, and more
http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/books


Book Trailers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynfVN7wnPvI&list=PL0A3EC21903A84659
(must be logged in to the school computer as staff)

Scholastic Printables
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/collection/reading-printables/reading-printables-all-ages

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/collection/writing-printables/writing-printables-all-ages

Grandparent's Day (Non-Fiction Text)
(Taken from listed source, copy and paste link)
http://www.legacyproject.org/guides/gpdhistory.html

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Accelerated Reader and Best Results

Tips/Resources

1.  After each chapter, review the characters, plot, and setting.

2. 10 Ways to Boost Reading Comprehension for AR
http://blog.heidisongs.com/Free_Downloads/assets/AR_Testing_Tips-Download.pdf

More Coming Soon!!

Friday, August 11, 2017

August STEM Resources: Pythagorean Theorem and Eclipses

(1) FHSA Books and other resources

(A) Pythagoras
920 One The 100 most influential philosophers of all time (In) 

512 Bri The Britannica guide to algebra and trigonometry (On Reserve)

What's Your Angle, Pythagoras?  (On Order, expected 8.14.17)

Book Samples Available Online
(B) Pythagoras

(C) Other TBA

Online
(D) Pythagorean Theorem Rap

Google Search What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? 


(2) Myon Resources


Eclipse  (May be Solar and other Eclipse)






Eclipse Related
(TBA) Projects on Myon:The Universe and It’s Stars (2nd-4th)

Pythagorean Theorem (None Found At This Time)


(3) Khan Academy


Pythagorean Theorem


Eclipse (TBA)

(4) Google Drive Resources


Pythagorean Theorem  (Challenge Projects Created by a 5th Grade Teacher)

Eclipse (TBA)


(5) Classroom Plans and Projects at FHSA
Tell about or find out what activities classes will participate in:







Tuesday, August 8, 2017

City Year

City Year Book Processing Day

Introductions and Refreshments

Purpose

Tasks/Procedures
 -Ice Upstairs
 -Remove items on shelves to be used
 -Black-out school name
 -Sort To Keep or Giveaway (see list for duplicates and favorite authors)
 -Stamp FH for Keeps
 -Scan Keeps and Print Barcodes
 -

Shelve additions for FHSA

Discard/Disperse to boxes and move to...


Franklin Shelf List
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zIN5BmtmFJmqqhUPfwzs_xrHmLF33DkHcd0vJCFJUr4/edit?usp=sharing


https://www.perma-bound.com/popular-authors/