Mrs. Matthews Computer Class

Second Quarter Begins

2009-10-19T09:26:00.002-05:00

We have made it through the first quarter and now we begin our adventure through the second quarter. The elementary classes seem to enjoy coming across the street to the Big Computer Lab and using the brand new computers. Most students have memorized their passwords and can sign onto the computer with no help.

The middle school students are working on several applications, as well as their science fair projects and their history day projects.

First Quarter Coming to an End

2009-10-03T20:45:00.003-05:00

The first quarter is coming to an end. We have had so much fun in the computer classes. The fifth, fourth and second graders have learned how to make a power point slide show. The third graders have just finished writing and typing stories in Microsoft Word. The first graders and kindergarteners have been practicing finding letters on the keyboard and using the mouse by making pictures on Tux Paint.

The Middle School classes have learned the basics in Microsoft Word, Power Point and are now working on spreadsheets. I have been sending home weekly progress reports for middle school students. If they are not getting home, please let me know and I will email a copy to you.

Having Fun!

2009-08-31T11:00:00.004-05:00

We are having a great time in computer class this year. I really like the new online curriculum and the students seem to have a lot of fun with it, too. All grades, except kindergarten, are logging onto the computer, the internet and to the K to the 8th Power program. Each student has lessons I have assigned that we will complete in class. These lessons can also be done at home if an internet connection is available. If you would like to know your child's user name and password for the program, send an email to me at tmatthews@bps14.org. Please include your name, your child's name and grade. I will then email that information back to you.

The website for the computer curriculum is kto8.com.

New Year!!

2009-08-07T09:10:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the new school year. I am very excited about the new class we are adding for elementary students this year---computers!!! Elementary students will have computer class weekly this year and middle school students will alternate computers with P.E. (I think) We have an online computer curriculum this year so students will be able to access it anywhere they can get on the internet. Students will be working on applications such a word processing, publisher, spreadsheets, and presentations. They will also be learning about ethical computer use, computer skills, operating systems and files, internet browsing, email, and multimedia applications. Our goal is to have all students ready for post-high school education and/or the job market when they graduate from high school. My goal is to have the students ready to learn at the high school level when they leave middle school.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, you can contact me by leaving a post on this blog, email me, or call the elementary or middle school offices. I will be updating this blog and sending newsletters home to keep parents updated on what the students are learning in computers.

Science Fair

2008-10-18T22:10:00.002-05:00

The Science Fair is approaching fast! We have started working on our display boards. Students who have not completed their experiments should do so soon! The local science fair is on November 3. All projects need to be finished no later than October 31. I will be staying after school until 4:00 for the next two weeks on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. If you have questions or need help, please let me know!

Week of Sept. 29- Oct. 3

2008-09-28T17:39:00.003-05:00

This week in math we should finish Chapter 2. We will review and have a test next week.

In science we will be learning how to use a microscope. We will look at pond water to see what organisms we can find.

Students should be finishing their experiments for their science fair projects. We will begin analyzing the data and drawing conclusions later this week. Students will be able to start on their display boards after that.

In social studies we are discussing cultures in Chapter 4.

This Week

2008-09-21T21:46:00.002-05:00

In math we have started Chapter 2. This chapter introduces variables and expressions, and we will begin solving algebraic equations.

In social studies, we have just finished reading and discussing chapter 3. This chapter focussed on populations of the world. We will be having a test on Wednesday.

In science, students should have at least one trial completed of their science fair projects. We will begin working on analyzing the data and drawing conclusions this week. We will also be starting chapter 2, which covers cells and using the microscope.

This Week

2008-09-08T19:10:00.002-05:00

This will be a busy week in 6th grade! We have finished chapter 2 in social studies and will be having a test on Wednesday. We have also finished chapter 1 in math and will take that test on Friday. In science, all of the science fair projects have been approved and students are to start on them as soon as possible. I will be staying after school on Wednesday until 4:00 if students want to work on their projects.

Today, we went to the computer lab during math to do Study Island. Most of the students had used it last year and got right to work. Students took pretests in math and science. Students are encouraged to log in and complete lessons whenever they have time and access to the internet. This can be done from home as well. One assignment in math and one in science will be assigned each week. We will be going to the computer lab each Monday to work on these. I will be printing reports every few weeks and sending home to let parents know how their student is progressing in the program.

Planners and Missing Assignments

2008-09-04T21:54:00.003-05:00

Students should be writing all assignments in their planners each day. You will receive a grade for this. Also, remember to highlight assignments in your planner as you turn them in. At the end of the day, look at your planner, anything that is not highlighted is homework. This will help prevent missing assignments.

Missing assignments are posted weekly. Check the list on the board and your weekly progress reports for assignments that have not been turned in. When you have 3 or more missing assignments, you will be referred to Mr. Bollinger.

Math

2008-09-04T21:49:00.002-05:00

In math we have been working in Chapter 1. We have been reviewing whole numbers and exponents. The first math test will be next Friday. Students will complete a study guide with sample problems to review for the test.

2007 Science Fair Winners

2008-09-04T21:32:00.001-05:00

Let's Go!!

2008-09-04T21:03:00.002-05:00

Our Science Fair questions have been chosen, our hypotheses and procedures written, and we are ready to get started on our experiments! Students should be bringing home their science fair proposals so the parents know the experiments that have been planned. The students are to complete the experiments themselves. The data from the first trial is due by Monday, September 15. All experiments should be completed by the end of September. We will spend some class time in October analyzing data, making graphs, and drawing conclusions. Then the students will complete their display boards for the Middle School Science Fair which is scheduled for November 3.

I will be available after school several afternoons for students to work on their projects. Next week students may stay on Wednesday until 4:00. One of the computer labs is available after school Monday through Thursday if students need to use a computer to work on their project.

First Test

2008-08-26T20:59:00.002-05:00

We will have our first test of the year tomorrow. It is over Chapter 1 in Social Studies. Today we reviewed by playing Eggspert. I expect lots of "eggsperts" tomorrow when you take the test!!

We are still working on choosing topics and writing questions for the science fair. Tomorrow in science we will go to the computer lab to do research on our topics. By next Tuesday we should have decided on our science fair topics and have our hypotheses written.

Science Fair

2008-08-21T19:49:00.002-05:00

The Bloomfield Science Fair will be held on November 3 in the Middle School Gym. Students are deciding on their topics and reviewing the steps of the scientific method. More information will be available as we progress.

Off to a Great Start!

2008-08-19T19:53:00.002-05:00

The school year is off to a great start! We are getting to know each other and our schedules. Some are still showing up in the wrong classes, but they'll get into the routine soon. I'm still calling some students by the wrong name, but I'll learn them soon, too. Keep the positive attitudes I've seen so far and we'll have a great year!

2008-2009 School Year

2008-08-15T22:15:00.000-05:00

I am looking forward to a great year and I am excited about meeting everyone on Monday!