8th Grade

2017-18

June 5th & 7th: LAST 2 ClassES!

If you have not completed your final project by the end of this class, you will need to arrange time to do so. This could be during study halls, PE, perhaps during a class where you have completed your final with the teacher okay, or after school. You need to talk to me about this to make sure space is available in the lab.

  • How this project will be graded
  • Complete coding on your project, if not done. Use the Micro:Bit - Make a Project slides as a reference.
  • Create a video of your project & what you built - you might want someone else to video this. No faces shown. The best videos would include you explaining how your project works in the video which means you will need sound. If you are going to include sound either to explain or because your project has sound, try to do it somewhere quiet.
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and complete and turn in Assignment 016 - Micro:bit Final Project
  • Done?

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

  • Middle School will be showcasing your Micro:bit projects on June 12th from 11:15am - noon, after the volleyball game. Do NOT get picked up for the pool party before noon!

May 31st: 2 Working Classes Left

  • Complete coding on your project. Use the Micro:Bit - Make a Project slides as a reference.
  • Build something to go with your project in some way.
  • Can you expand/enhance your project in some way? This isn't required but if you have time, you might want to do this. Some suggestions below:
    • Rock, paper, scissors: Use the radio functions to send your selection (R, P, or S) to the opposing player and receive their selection. If you won, show a W or a smiley face, etc. to show you won and add to your wins. If the opposing player won, show an L or a frowning face, etc. to show you lost and add to the other player's wins. If you tied, show a T or a no emotion face, etc. to show a tie and add to a ties variable.
    • Step/Jump Counters: Have your micro:bit show the steps right after you increase the number AND when you press a button. Add sound and play a tune/sound when you reach 100 steps.
  • Create a video of your final project - you might want someone else to video this. No faces shown. If you need sound (because your project uses sound), make sure to record when things are quiet.

May 29th:

May 22nd & 24th:

  • Whole Class: Light Levels & Music
    • How to code
    • How to "hack" your headphones
  • Follow instructions on Micro:bit Light Level & Sound for slides 3-5. Links you may need:
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and complete and turn in Assignment 015 - Micro:bit Light Sensor & Sounds
  • Done?
    • Micro:bit Introduction Post: Make sure that this is complete according to the instructions for the post. Also, make sure that it uses complete sentences with proper spelling and grammar. There are posts that do not talk specifically about the input(s) used and output received. Re-read your post and fix problems with it - you might want to ask a classmate to read your post and identify problems with it.
    • Micro:bit Compass Post: Did you complete this project? Have you documented it on your Google Site? Please do so, if you completed it. Use Assignment 015 as your guide for what it should include.
  • Finished with all posts? Find a partner who is also done & complete slide 6 of the Micro:bit Light Level & Sound slides OR complete Micro:bit Compass or Compass Extension OR Typing Lessons in Typing Club with cover

May 3rd - 17th:

  • Whole Class: Introduction to Micro:bit
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and complete and turn in Assignment 014 - Introduction to Micro:bit
    • If creating videos:
      • Use iPads to create and iMovie to remove sound, crop, add titles, etc.
      • Upload the video to your Google Drive and Share it so anyone with a link can view it.
  • If done, make a micro:bit compass - make sure to name your project 8th-YourFirstName-Compass. You will be updating and downloading this program multiple times.
    • Follow the video tutorial to make your compass. When you have a working compass:
      • Take a screenshot of your code
      • Add a post to your micro:bit page on your Google Site explaining what you did, what input and output you used, any problems you encountered and how you overcame them, and the screenshot of your code. Don't forget, this post needs 2 text boxes: one with a heading (perhaps, Compass) and one with the information about what you did, etc.
    • Can you complete the Compass Extension? If you do, update your Google Site to add information about the extension and don't forget to update your code!

May 1st:

April 26th:

  • Photo shoot

April 24th:

April 19th:

April 17th:

April 12th: Last Day of 3rd Quarter

  • Complete outstanding work - see April 10th. Make sure that you resubmit completed assignments with a comment that you have completed the fixes when you are done! If you do not resubmit, work will not be re-graded!
  • Work on Monster Project Redraws: Assignment 012
  • If not done, work on Step 2 of Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup to convert your previous Google Site to the new format
  • Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

April 10th:

  • If not done, finish Ignition: Complete modules & Google Site posts for each module. Do not forget to turn in a module when complete using the turn in form.
    • On your Ignition page, you should first have a brief introduction of what Ignition IS
    • For each module you complete, you need a Heading, with the title of the module, and a description of what you learned. This should be interesting to read and needs to make sure to answer the required questions. It can include other information that you found valuable in the module. This should not just be a sentence for each answer to the required questions. Your post could also include any badges you earned, if one was earned during a module.
    • When you have finished, the final reflection is turned in as a Google Classroom assignment.
  • Sign in to Google Classroom, check for feedback and fix any problems with the following. Make sure that you resubmit this with a comment that you have completed the fixes when you are done! If you do not resubmit, this will not be re-graded!
  • Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover for 15 minutes
  • If not done, work on Step 2 of Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup to convert your previous Google Site to the new format

March 13th - 22nd:

  • Ignition: Complete modules & Google Site posts for each module. Do not forget to turn in a module when complete using the turn in form.
    • On your Ignition page, you should first have a brief introduction of what Ignition IS
    • For each module you complete, you need a Heading, with the title of the module, and a description of what you learned. This should be interesting to read and needs to make sure to answer the required questions. It can include other information that you found valuable in the module. This should not just be a sentence for each answer to the required questions. Your post could also include any badges you earned, if one was earned during a module.
    • When you have finished, the final reflection is a Google Classroom assignment.
    • If you finish all modules of Ignition and have not completed the My Digital Life Simulation, complete this.
  • Work on Step 2 of Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup to convert your previous Google Site to the new format
  • If you have not done so, see the post in Google Classroom on March 8th and read 6th Grade Valentine Rebus Stories & fill out the feedback form.
  • Complete Monster Project Redraws: Assignment 012 (this does not need to be turned in and will probably have more to redraw after Easter break)
  • Done? Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

February 15th - March 8th:

  • Whole Class: Turning ON Computers. At end of class, Turning OFF Computers
  • Whole Class: Turn In Reminder! If you have completed an Ignition Module and the Google Site post for the module, you must turn it in using the Ignition Turn In Form!
  • Ignition: Complete modules & Google Site posts for each module. Do not forget to turn in a module when complete using the turn in form.
    • On your Ignition page, you should first have a brief introduction of what Ignition IS
    • For each module you complete, you need a Heading, with the title of the module, and a description of what you learned. This should be interesting to read and needs to make sure to answer the required questions. It can include other information that you found valuable in the module. This should not just be a sentence for each answer to the required questions. Your post could also include any badges you earned, if one was earned during a module.
    • When you have finished, the final reflection is a Google Classroom assignment.

February 13th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and complete and turn in Assignment 008 - App Lab Post, if not done. This is the last day to work on this in class!
  • Ignition: Complete modules & Google Site posts for each module. Do not forget to turn in a module when complete using the turn in form.
    • On your Ignition page, you should first have a brief introduction of what Ignition IS
    • For each module you complete, you need a Heading, with the title of the module, and a description of what you learned. This should be interesting to read and needs to make sure to answer the required questions. It can include other information that you found valuable in the module. This should not just be a sentence for each answer to the required questions. Your post could also include any badges you earned, if one was earned during a module.

February 8th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
  • Ignition: Complete modules & Google Site posts for each module. Do not forget to turn in a module when complete using the turn in form.
    • On your Ignition page, you should first have a brief introduction of what Ignition IS
    • For each module you complete, you need a Heading, with the title of the module, and a description of what you learned. This should be interesting to read and needs to make sure to answer the required questions. It can include other information that you found valuable in the module. This should not just be a sentence for each answer to the required questions. Your post could also include any badges you earned, if one was earned during a module.

January 23rd & 25th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Complete & Turn in Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero
    • NOTE: Even if you have previously turned this in, you have average scores now in the comments for this. Make sure that you have corrected any identified problems in both your essay & the Google Site post
    • Complete and turn in Assignment 008 - App Lab Post. If you have previously turned this in, use the feedback on assignment 004 to help you to improve this post, if needed.
  • Ignition: Rework existing information on Google Site
    • On your Ignition page, you should first have a brief introduction of what Ignition IS
    • For each module you complete, you need a Heading, with the title of the module, and a description of what you learned. This should be interesting to read and needs to make sure to answer the required questions. It can include other information that you found valuable in the module. This should not just be a sentence for each answer to the required questions. Your post could also include any badges you earned, if one was earned during a module.

January 16th:

  • Whole Class: 1st-3rd "winners" of If I Were a Superhero
  • Whole Class: Expectations for 8th grade Google Site posts
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • If NOT DONE, complete and turn in Assignment 007 - App Lab This is late and every day it is not turned in will affect your grade.
    • Complete & Turn in Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero
    • NOTE: Even if you have previously turned this in, you have average scores now in the comments for this. Make sure that you have corrected any identified problems in both your essay & the Google Site post
    • Complete and turn in Assignment 008 - App Lab Post
    • NOTE: If you have previously turned this in, read the instructions again. A few things have been added.
  • Done? Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

January 11th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Complete and turn in Assignment 009 - Let's Get Appy!
    • If NOT DONE, complete and turn in Assignment 007 - App Lab This is late and every day it is not turned in will affect your grade.
    • Complete and tun in Assignment 008 - App Lab Post
    • Continue working on Assignment 006 - Reading Superhero Essays and turn in if done
  • Done? Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

January 9th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • MUST BE COMPLETED TODAY! Complete and turn in Assignment 007 - App Lab
    • Complete and tun in Assignment 008 - App Lab Post
    • Continue working on Assignment 006 - Reading Superhero Essays and turn in if done
  • Done? Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

January 2nd & 4th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Complete and turn in Assignment 007 - App Lab
    • Complete and tun in Assignment 008 - App Lab Post
    • Continue working on Assignment 006 - Reading Superhero Essays and turn in if done
  • Done? Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

December 5th - 14th:

November 30th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and complete and turn in Assignment 006 - Reading Superhero Essays
  • Done? Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

November 16th - November 29th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Work on Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero, if you have not turned this in.
    • Work on Assignment 005 - Q2 Keyboarding Speed Tests
  • Ignition: Complete modules & Google Site posts for each module. Do not forget to turn in a module when complete using the turn in form.
  • Done? Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club with cover

November 14th:

  • Typing Jungle Lessons in Typing Club until timer sounds
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Work on Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero, if you have not turned this in.
    • Work on Assignment 005 - Q2 Keyboarding Speed Tests
    • Work on step 2 of Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup, if needed

November 7th & 9th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Work on Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero, if you have not turned this in.
    • Work on Assignment 005 - Q2 Keyboarding Speed Tests
  • Get a keyboard cover and complete Typing Jungle Lessons for 15 minutes in Typing Club
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and work on step 2 of Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup, if needed

November 2nd:

October 24th - 26th:

  • Finish your self-portrait and make sure to save a copy as a PNG
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Finish & turn in Assignment 002 - Self-Portrait, if not done
    • Complete step 1 for Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup, if not done. Make sure to add a comment to the assignment that you have completed step 1 so I know this is done.
    • Work on Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero. If previously turned in, check for comments from me and fix any problems identified and resubmit.
    • Work on step 2 for Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup, except for Valentina
  • Get a keyboard cover, sign in to Typing Club and complete lessons.

October 19th:

  • Finish your self-portrait and make sure to save a copy as a PNG
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Finish & turn in Assignment 002 - Self-Portrait, if not done
    • Complete step 1 for Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup, if not done
    • Work on Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero
    • Work on step 2 for Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup

October 12th & 17th:

  • Whole Class: New Google Sites
  • Finish your self-portrait in Pinta: Video Tutorials (use these as a guide but you can always do things your own way).
    • When completely done:
      • Make sure to save one last time
      • Delete the background layer (click on it and click the delete icon under the layers)
      • Add a new layer and move it to the bottom. Fill the new layer with white.
      • Then do Image / Flatten to combine all layers
      • Select File / Save As and change the file type to PNG (do not change the file name) and save
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and:
    • Check for comments and fix problems on Assignment 001 - DAR Essay
    • Finish & turn in Assignment 002 - Self-Portrait
    • Complete step 1 for Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup
    • Work on Assignment 004 - If I Were a Superhero
    • Work on step 2 for Assignment 003 - Google Site Setup

October 10th:

  • Sign in to Google Classroom and finish & turn in Assignment 001 - DAR Essay
    • Check for comments on your the assignment and your document and fix the problems. Use the videos provided!
    • Complete a bibliography for your essay with at least 3 sources (see October 5th for more details)
    • NOTE: This must be complete & turned in BEFORE your next class. Since your 1st draft is due to Mrs. H. before then, this should not be a problem.
  • Done? Work on your self-portrait in Pinta: Video Tutorials (use these as a guide but you can always do things your own way).
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and change your avatar to your self-portrait - you must use the PNG version.
  • Get a keyboard cover, sign in to Typing Club and complete lessons.

October 5th:

  • Whole Class:
    • How to count words on your essay
    • Using EasyBib
  • Sign in to Google Classroom and open Assignment 001 - DAR Essay
    • Sign in to EasyBib and create a Bibliography for the sources you have used for your DAR Essay . You might find these tutorials on using EasyBib helpful - they were created using examples from 4th grade Mission Reports but the instructions are the same for this except that MLA8 includes the URL of websites and no longer gives an option.
      • If you do not have any sources on your assignment document, you will need to select at least 3 sources from the DAR Essay page, preferably what you have actually used for your research. You MUST have at least 3 sources for your essay.
      • Make sure you are using MLA8 style citations.
      • Books: You MUST have title, author, publisher, and publication date for books.
      • Websites: You MUST have the correct article and website titles and the URL of the page. If at all possible, you should have an author, publisher/sponsor, and electronically published date - these may not be automatically found; it is your responsibility to look for them on the websites you use.
      • When done, use the Export / Copy & Paste option to copy your bibliography information onto the Bibliography page of your essay. This should format correctly - do not fix this! Do NOT copy the Works Cited title.
    • Fix any outstanding problem on your essay document.
    • Update the number of words on your title page - You will need to do this on your actual essay when you have finished it. All word processors have this capability.
  • Done? Finish your self-portrait in Pinta: Video Tutorials (use these as a guide but you can always do things your own way)
    • Draw the outline of your head, neck & shoulders on a new layer - do NOT fill in with skin color, yet! Do NOT put anything else on this layer other than your hair and the neck of your shirt. Video Tutorial
    • Add a new layer to draw each of your features; you can duplicate a layer to create a similar feature. To get an idea of where each feature should be, check this out.
    • When you are done, delete the template layer and add your skin color to your outline layer.
    • Here's how the drawing on the original template turned out.
    • To save layers, save as .ORA file type.
    • When completely done:
      • Make sure to save one last time
      • Delete the background layer (click on it and click the delete icon under the layers)
      • Then do Image / Flatten to combine all layers
      • Select File / Save As and change the file type to PNG (do not change the file name) and save

October 3rd:

  • Algorithms with Legos

September 26th & 28th:

  • Anyone need reminders on Science Labs?
  • Work on self-portrait in Pinta

September 21st:

  • Complete your self-portrait in Pinta:
    • NO FLOATING HEADS.
    • Save your self-portrait as 8th-YourName-Portrait in your folder (ask how to create this when you save!)
    • Open & copy template and then copy & paste it into a new image in Pinta:
    • Draw the outline of your head, neck & shoulders on a new layer - do NOT fill in with skin color, yet! Do NOT put anything else on this layer.
    • Add a new layer to draw each of your features; you can duplicate a layer to create a similar feature. To get an idea of where each feature should be, check this out.
    • When you are done, delete the template layer and add your skin color to your outline layer
    • Here's how the drawing on the original template turned out.
    • To save layers, save as .ORA file type.

September 19th:

September 14th:

September 12th:

September 7th:

  • Whole Class: Review What You Will Be Doing Today
  • Complete the Student Technology Survey
  • Complete the Start of the Year Keyboarding Speed Tests
    • Go to your sheet and enter your name in cell A1 - First Name ONLY!
    • Click on the Test Name & select the link
    • Do NOT change the settings on the test
    • When the test is done, you will see a message that says "Your typing speed was xx words per minute with xx errors. Your calculated speed is: xx words per minute." Take note of the CALCULATED speed. That is what you will record on the spreadsheet.
    • Take the test twice. Do NOT answer the "Do you want to place your calculated wpm speed on the scoreboard? Instead, use the Reload icon on your browser to reload the test after you have noted your calculated speed.
    • Record the best of your two calculated speeds from the test on your Keyboarding Speed Tests spreadsheet in the Start of the Year column.
    • Add a formula to cell B7 to calculate the average of your speed tests for the start of the year. Read/watch video on this if you need help with this.