WEEKLY HOMEWORK

Week 1 (2nd Semester): HW DUE 2-9-23

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WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!!!

It’s so fun to be back with all of you in class – this semester will be great!

Everyone should have the following handouts from class:

  • NEW HW Checklists
  • Debate Info Packet
  • Utopia HW Worksheet

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1. NOTEBOOK

Brainstorm your ideas for a Utopia!

Complete the HW worksheet

Be ready to share your Utopian dream with everyone in class this week!

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

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Continue to strengthen your habit of personal study in your scriptures and math!

Please share what concepts you are learning about on your HW Checklist! Think about some questions you’ve been wondering about in your life and see if you can connect how your personal study is helping you find answers.

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3. READING

Science: Usborne Encyclopedia of Science, pgs 188-195

  • Watch at least 2 videos on any of the topics from that selection of pages
    • Usborne Quicklinks site: Science

Philosophy for Kids: Questions #1 and #2 (pgs 10-15)

  • Remember to write down your favorite parts in your notebook.

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4. DEBATE PROJECT PROGRESS

We will be picking our partners and topics in class this week!

Read the list of topics in your packet and choose at least 3-5

You’ll want to have options in case someone else picks one your choices first.

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Choose at least 2 more options this semester from the list:

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*BONUS

Here’s a larger version of the gravity model we had in class!

Maybe a trampoline would work too? If you have one at home, try it out and tell us how it goes!

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And still MORE to help wrap our brains around Einstein’s picture of spacetime:

By Julie Ward, ago

WINTERIM!

**We have absolutely LOVED having you in our class this semester! Can you do us a favor & give us some feedback about this class? Fill out this short survey!**

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1. NOTEBOOK

In your notebook, write down what you are finding fascinating or inspiring from your Elective choices.

What connections have you made between the topics or people you are learning about in these books or movies and what we have been learning in class?

Get excited to share these with the class next semester on our first day back – Feb 1st!

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

Keep up your personal study of scriptures and math! Try to relate the things you are learning to the goal of this class – finding answers to our questions and becoming better thinkers!

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3. READING

Read The Giver over the Winterim break.

We’ll have a book discussion on the first day of class next semester.

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

Fantastic job on your Science Projects and presenting your results in our class Science Fair! You asked our classmates great questions and hopefully everyone feels like they have a better understanding of the Scientific Method as a tool for finding answers.

If anyone feels like they weren’t satisfied with how their project turned out and want a “do-over,” use the Winterim break to try again. Share your new results on the first day of class!

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

If you finished your 2 choices for this semester, be thinking about which options you’d like to do for NEXT semester (or use Winterim to get ahead!)

Electives Resource List OR use the link in the upper right corner of this website.

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By Julie Ward, ago

Week 10 HW DUE 11-17-22 (Last Day of 1st Semester!)

1. NOTEBOOK

Keep pondering the Ship of Theseus and identity – what can it teach us about ourselves and how can it influence your life for good? Were there any questions or arguments you didn’t get to share in class?

And way to go, guys! You were able to successfully transfer chemical energy into electrical energy – from pennies to potatoes, you were able to channel voltage from simple, everyday things. That’s pretty much a superpower!

Even though we weren’t successful in class at powering the remote to turn on the fan, try it yourself at home. Be creative, you may have an LED that requires less voltage and can power something else. Researchers are seriously investigating sustainable energy in things like fruits and veggies!

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

Keep up your personal study of scriptures and math! Try to relate the things you are learning to the goal of this class – finding answers to our questions and becoming better thinkers!

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3. READING

None!

(But check back next week for the Winterim reading)

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

It’s our class Science Fair this week AND the last day of the semester!!

Finish your project and create a display board that explains what you did, shows your data, and presents your conclusions. (**Refer to the packet in your binder for more details!**)

Be ready to present your results. Practice answering questions and talking about your science fair project so that you are ready to discuss it with others in class.

Hopefully by now you have a better understanding of the Scientific Method and critical thinking as you prepare to share your Science Fair project with the class. Here are some wise words and helpful tips from Mark Rober to help motivate you to finish strong!

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Choose at least 2 more options this semester from the list:

Electives Resource List OR use the link in the upper right corner of this website.

If you finished your 2 choices for this semester, be thinking about which options you’d like to do for NEXT semester (or use Winterim to get ahead!)

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By Julie Ward, ago

Week 9 HW DUE 11-10-22

1. NOTEBOOK

Great job on your drawings and interpretations of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave!!

This week we also learned about basic wave structure and the 2 types of waves, specifically Mechanical (like sound, water, and seismic that need to travel through matter) and Electromagnetic (like UV, x-ray, visible light, and radio that can travel with or without matter like space).

After our lesson on waves, we discussed analog versus digital signals with our graph paper “telephone” game. We showed how those signals represent information in different ways and the varying ability to accurately reproduce them. Digital signals use digits, like 1s and 0s, to code for information, whereas analog signals are analogous, or similar, to the information. Analog signals like waves can have a lot of variation and a range of values like the curvy lines of your drawings. Digital signals rely on the very basic 0’s and 1’s of binary code and logic maps to relay information – like only following the lines of the boxes of your graph paper.

This graphic shows how binary coding can be used to represent pathways through a series of “high” and “low” choices.  Following the binary code will guide the path to take on a logic map, and help in finding the intended colors.

A “1” will indicate to take the “high” path and a “0” will indicate the “low” path. With this map, called a “logic gate map”, a binary series of 0’s and 1’s can indicate when to “go high” or “go low”, conveying a path in the map to “code” for a color. For example, using the logic map above, 010 would indicate “0” go down, “1” go up, “0” go down. This will code for the color green.
(Science Friday’s “Binary, Pixels, And Data, Oh My!“)

HW Challenge:

  • Figure out the binary code for your favorite color using the logic map above
  • Make your own logic map for something

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

How is your personal study of scriptures and math going? Have you been able to make it a habit and find a regular time to do it? We love reading about the concepts and topics you are learning!

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3. READING

Science: “Light, Sound & Electricity”

  • Usborne Encyclopedia of Science, pgs 228-247
  • Watch at least 2 videos on any of the topics from this section of pages
    • Usborne Quicklinks site: Science

Philosophy for Kids: Questions #28, #29 and #30 (pgs 86-93)

  • Write down your thoughts and favorite parts in your notebook.

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

Finish up your projects this week! Remember to take pictures AND notes/measurements!

Consider re-reading through the Science Fair Project packet in your binder. Be thinking about how you would like to present your project on your display board.

Our class Science Fair is on the last day of class – Nov 17th!

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Have you picked at least 2 more options this semester from the list? What are you learning?

Electives Resource List OR use the link in the upper right corner of this website.

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By Julie Ward, ago

Week 8 HW DUE 11-3-22

1. NOTEBOOK

At the end of our field trip to UVU’s Roots of Knowledge exhibit, we discussed inspiration and the artwork titled “The Listener”

  • What are ways YOU can cultivate inspiration in your life as a way to seek out truth? 
  • Come ready to share ideas or experiences!
“The Listener” by James Christensen

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

Great job sharing some of the concepts or topics you are learning during this study time of your scriptures and math! Continue to think about how they might relate to what you learn in this class. How do you think scripture and math can be used as tools for finding answers and truth?

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3. READING

Science: “Light, Sound & Electricity”

  • Usborne Encyclopedia of Science, pgs 202-227
  • Watch at least 2 videos on any of the topics from this section of pages
    • Usborne Quicklinks site: Science

Philosophy for Kids: Questions #25, #26 and #27 (pgs 75-85)

  • Write down your thoughts and favorite parts in your notebook.

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

Work on your project! Go shopping for project supplies, if you haven’t done this yet. Test things out while you still have some time to figure out mistakes. Remember to take measurements and RECORD them. Write stuff down and take a lot of pictures!

We will hand out Display Boards again this week for you to use in our Science Fair on the last day of class – Nov 17th!

If you haven’t yet, fill out BOTH of the following worksheets and TURN THEM IN 🙂

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Choose at least 2 more options this semester from the list:

Electives Resource List OR use the link in the upper right corner of this website.

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By Julie Ward, ago

Week 7 HW DUE 10-27-22

1. NOTEBOOK

In class we explored the concept of buoyancy – the upward force in liquids & gas (air). See if you can figure out these Buoyancy Brainteasers and write your answers in your notebook:

  • Imagine you are in a small boat in a swimming pool. Also in the boat is a rock. You pick up the rock and toss it into the pool. The rock sinks to the bottom. No water leaves the pool from the splash made by the rock.
  • You’re sitting in a car that’s not moving. Also in the car is a helium-filled balloon, which is resting up against the car’s ceiling somewhere near its middle. The driver hits the gas and the car accelerates forward. You’re thrown back into your seat.

History of Greek Philosophy Timeline

Here is the bird’s eye view that we discussed in class. It’s helpful to know where these ideas came from as we go forward in our “conversation” of philosophical questions and the pursuit of critical thinking skills!

Check out these 2 bonus Philosophy articles:

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

Share with us (on that handy HW checklist!) some of the concepts or topics you are learning during this study time of your scriptures and math! Think about how might they relate to what you learn in this class.

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3. READING
  • Carry On, Mr. Bowditch – we hope you’ve finished this required book for the 1st semester AND that it stays with you – hopefully you’ll make a lot of connections between it and the many things you continue to learn elsewhere! Now, pick at least 2 more options that interest you. See #5 below: Elective Resource List.
  • None for Science this week!
    • But if you want to read ahead, next up is: “Light, Sound & Electricity” (202-247)
  • Philosophy for Kids: Questions #23 and #24 (pgs 71-74)
    • Write down your thoughts and favorite parts in your notebook.

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

If you haven’t yet, fill out BOTH of the following worksheets and TURN THEM IN 🙂

Work on your project this month! Go shopping for project supplies, if you haven’t done this yet. Test things out while you still have some time to figure out mistakes. Remember to take measurements and RECORD them. Write stuff down and take a lot of pictures!

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Choose at least 2 more options this semester from the list:

Electives Resource List OR use the link in the upper right corner of this website.

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**BONUS: Field Trip Info!**

This Thursday (10/27) is our FIELD TRIP to the UVU Roots of Knowledge exhibit!

  • We’ll leave very soon after Block 1 classes begin at 10:15, so PLEASE be on time so you don’t get left behind. We will return to ASA for Lunch at 12:15.
  • The temperature is dropping this week, so remember to dress comfortably as we will be spending some time outside.

WATCH this 3-minute video about the exhibit: UVU Roots of Knowledge

EXPLORE the exhibit using UVU’s Virtual Tour & see if you can find YOUR presentation topic/person!

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By Julie Ward, ago

Week 6 HW DUE 10-20-22

1. NOTEBOOK

Think about some rabbit trails you went down this week… What question took you down that hole? Pick something to put down on your HW Checklist. (Please, please, please turn in a checklist!)

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

Share with us (on that handy HW checklist!) some of the concepts or topics you are learning during this study time on your own! How might they relate to what you learn in this class?

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3. READING
  • Carry On, Mr. Bowditch – we hope you’ve finished this required book for the 1st semester AND that it stays with you – hopefully you’ll make a lot of connections between it and the many things you continue to learn elsewhere! Now, pick at least 2 more options that interest you. See #5 below: Elective Resource List.
  • Science: “Energy, Forces and Motion”
    • Usborne Encyclopedia of Science, pgs 106-151
      • This week we will focus on Floating & Flight (138-145)
      • Watch at least 2 videos on any of the topics from this section of pages
  • Philosophy for Kids: Questions #21 and #22 (pgs 66-70)
    • Be ready to discuss these in class!
    • Write down your thoughts and favorite parts in your notebook.

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

If you haven’t yet, fill out BOTH of the following worksheets and bring them to class (if you don’t want us to hunt you down, and your parents) 🙂

Science Project ideas were DUE Oct. 6th. You’ve got a whole month left to work on your project, test things out, figure out mistakes, take measurements, analyze your numbers and come to conclusions you can share with the class at our Science Fair on Nov 17th!

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Choose at least 2 more options this semester from the list:

Electives Resource List OR use the link in the upper right corner of this website.

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**BONUS: Presentations!**

Thanks to everyone who presented in class – great job!!

Presentations continue this week: Oct 20th!

Make sure you’ve claimed your topic: Presentation SIGN UP

Remember to fill out the Presentation Worksheet to help you prepare.

You each will have 5 minutes to help us learn why your topic made important contributions to the world and to share your favorite fun facts! How interactive can you make your presentation? What supplies do you need from us – whiteboard, outside space, tv, etc.? Please let us know!

Next up:

  • Doug
  • Darian
  • Hyrum
  • Shawn
  • Dylan
  • Katelynn
  • Shandiin
  • Simon
  • Connor
  • Eli

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By Julie Ward, ago

Week 5 HW DUE 10-13-22

1. NOTEBOOK

You’re doing an awesome job of sharing these each week! Remember to pick something to put down on your HW Checklist. (Yep, that checklist. The one you really want to turn in every week!)

  • This week’s philosophy challenge, write down in your notebook:
    • One way you can express feelings or emotion more accurately than just using language or words.
    • How can understanding the idea that we can lie to ourselves help you make better decisions or lead a happier life?
  • And just in case you want them, here’s a link for the Logic Puzzles & Answers we did in class.

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

How is your personal study going? Do you have a regular routine? Have you set a goal to finish a specific section? Or do you change it up a little each week?

Share with us (on that handy HW checklist!) some of the concepts or topics you are learning during this study time on your own! How might they relate to what you learn in this class?

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3. READING
  • Carry On, Mr. Bowditch – we hope you’ve finished this required book for the 1st semester AND that it stays with you – the lessons you learned, the example of Nat, whatever this book taught you – hopefully you’ll make a lot of connections between it and the many things you continue to learn elsewhere! Now, pick at least 2 more options that interest you. See #5 below: Elective Resource List.
  • Science: “Energy, Forces and Motion”
    • Usborne Encyclopedia of Science, pgs 106-151
      • This week we will focus on Simple Machines, Work & Power
      • Watch at least 2 videos on any of the topics from this section of pages
  • Philosophy for Kids: Questions #19 and #20 (pgs 61-64)
    • Write down your thoughts and favorite parts in your notebook.
    • Be ready to discuss these in class!

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

Science Project ideas were due LAST week – Oct. 6th.

If you haven’t yet, fill out BOTH of the following worksheets and bring them to class (if you don’t want us to hunt you down, and your parents) 🙂

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Click here for the Electives Resource List OR use the link in the upper right corner of this website.

Choose at least 2 more options this semester from the list. 

This list is continuously being added to and updated – please share your recommendations! Make sure you review each suggestion with your parents to make sure it is appropriate for you.

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**BONUS: Presentations!**

Presentations begin THIS week: Oct 13th!

Make sure you’ve claimed your topic: Presentation SIGN UP

Remember to fill out the Presentation Worksheet to help you prepare.

You each will have 5 minutes to help us learn why your topic made important contributions to the world and to share your favorite fun facts! How interactive can you make your presentation? What supplies do you need from us – whiteboard, outside space, tv, etc.? Please let us know!

EVERYONE should prepare to be ready to present this week, but these brave souls have volunteered to go first (thank you very much!!)

  • Owen
  • Brady
  • Sonora
  • Shandiin
  • Braxton
  • Kawai
  • Ivan
  • Cameron

No pressure, but maybe check out this kid’s presentation (aka YouTube video) on the fascinating tale of phlogiston that we mentioned in class – when science got it exactly wrong before they got it right.

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By Julie Ward, ago

Week 4 HW DUE 10-06-22

1. NOTEBOOK

We love hearing the fascinating things you are curious about and are willing to share each week! Keep it up & pick something to include on your HW Checklist.

Also, remember to think about these questions:

  • What is the difference between knowledge and opinion? Knowledge and belief?
  • Knowledge challenge:
    • In your notebooks right down a statement that you think is an opinion.
    • Then write down a statement that you think is a belief.

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

How is your personal study going? Do you have a regular routine? Have you set a goal to finish a specific section? Or do you change it up a little each week?

Share something you’ve learned in both your Core Book and Math on your Homework Checklist!

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3. READING
  • Electives – we’ve finished the required book this semester (Carry On, Mr. Bowditch), now you get to pick at least 2 more options that interest you. See #5 below: Elective Resource List.
  • Science: “Energy, Forces and Motion”
    • Usborne Encyclopedia of Science, pgs 106-151
      • This week we will focus on Energy, Heat, and Forces
      • Pick at least 2 videos to watch on any of the topics from this section of pages on the Usborne Quicklinks site: Science
  • Philosophy for Kids: Questions #17 and #18 (pgs 55-60)
    • Bring your book or write down your thoughts and favorite parts in your notebook.
    • Be ready to discuss these in class!

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

Science Project ideas are due this week – Oct. 6th.

Fill out the following worksheets and bring them to class:

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

Choose at least 2 options this semester from the list of inspiring books, movies, etc. 

This list is continuously being added to and updated – please share your recommendations! Make sure you review each suggestion with your parents to make sure it is appropriate for you.

To view the Electives Resource List, click here OR use the tab in the upper right corner of this website.

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**BONUS: Presentations!**

Presentations begin Oct 13th!

Remember to fill out the Presentation Worksheet to help you prepare.

Make sure you’ve claimed your spot on the SIGN UP spreadsheet below:

Presentation Sign Up

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And remember, stay safe out there and watch out for dihydrogen monoxide!

If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a Mark Rober video break 🙂

By Julie Ward, ago

Week 3 HW DUE 9-29-22

1. NOTEBOOK

Dig deeper about what fascinates you, then write these down in your notebook during the week so you can be ready to share your curiosity and excitement in class! Remember to include it on your HW Checklist.

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2. PERSONAL STUDY

Make your personal study of your Core Book (scripture) & Math a priority at home – there is a lot of truth to be found in scripture, and math is based on logic!

Work with a parent on a weekly agreement of what personal study looks like for you each week. Share what you’re learning on your Homework Checklist.

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3. READING
  • Electives – now that we’ve finished the required book this semester (Carry On, Mr. Bowditch), you get to pick at least 2 more options that interest you. See #5 below: Elective Resource List.
  • Science: “Mixtures and Compounds”
    • In class, we will focus on Mixtures, Compounds, and Chemical Reactions
      • If you have the Usborne Encyclopedia of Science, the “Mixtures and Compounds” section is pgs 58-103
    • Pick at least 2 videos to watch on any of the topics from this section of pages on the Usborne Quicklinks site: Science
  • Philosophy for Kids: Questions #15 and #16 (pgs 51-54) – be ready to discuss these in class, so bring your book or write down your thoughts and favorite parts in your notebook!

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4. SCIENCE PROJECT PROGRESS

Science Project ideas will be due Oct. 6

Project Proposal Worksheets will be handed out in class this week.

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5. ELECTIVE RESOURCE LIST

In addition to required reading, students will get to choose at least 2 additional options each semester from a list of inspiring books, movies, etc. This list is continuously being added to and updated – please share your recommendations! Make sure you review each suggestion with your parents to make sure it is appropriate for you.

To view the Electives Resource List, click here OR use the tab in the upper right corner of this website.

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**BONUS: Presentations!**

Presentations will be Oct 13th & Oct 20th – more info will be given in class this week. If you already received the Presentation Worksheet, start filling that out to help you prepare.

Choose a topic or person from this list & SIGN UP to claim your spot:

Presentation Sign Up

By Julie Ward, ago