Dec. 20, Jan. 6

UT Studies:
We are watching part of the movie: Utah the Struggle for Statehood, and taking notes.

Drawing:
We are playing pictionary.

Have a great break!

December 18-19

Utah Studies:
We finished up on the polygamy/statehood powerpoint and read journals about peoples experiences with polygamy.

Drawing:
Students worked on their winter or Christmas drawings.  Some made pictionary boards for our pictionary game day next class.

December 16-17

Utah Studies:
We watched a clip on the Utah War.  We went over a powerpoint on polygamy and Utah's struggle for statehood.

Drawing:
Students made a Christmas or winter drawing.

December 12-13

Utah Studies:

Today students got a chance to check out their grade on the retake test.  I gave them the unit 3 packet.  We went over the first two powerpoints (1,2) and took notes.

Drawing:

Students took turns presenting their inventions.  We also had a gallery walk around the classroom where students looked at each other's art.

December 10-11

Utah Studies:
I briefly talked about the symbolism of architecture for our government buildings.  We looked at pictures of the Pantheon in Rome and compared them to Utah's Capital Building.  Students who got in the C-F range on the unit 2 test retook it.  Students who got in the A and B range on the test either built Native American pots or architecture with clay or played a game about Utah.

Drawing:
Students turned in their starters today.  They had the option to get with partners and sketch out their own inventions.

December 6,9

Utah Studies:
Today we reviewed the unit 2 test and introduced the indictment forms we will use throughout unit 3.

Drawing:
Students turned in their grid drawing and we watched a movie on Da Vinci and the inventions he created.

December 4-5

UT Studies:
I introduced the new unit.  Here is the page they filled out as I did this.  They also looked at their grades and had time to work on missing assignments.  The intro page and the page on the state symbols is due today.

Drawing:
Students had one last day to finish up on their grid drawings.  They will be due next time.  If they were already done they worked on missing assignments or worked in their sketchbooks using oil pastels.

December 2-3

Utah Studies:
Students worked on an internet search to find out about Utah's state symbols.  Here is the worksheet they worked on.

Drawing:
Students worked on their grid drawing.  They will have around half the class time next time to finish up on these.  If they finished already make sure they bring their sketchbooks so they have something to work on.

Nov. 21-26

Parents- I tried to get all the grades inputted on skyward before the break, but it looks like it won't happen for all the classes.  Sorry about that.  I'm getting married on Saturday and am taking some time off for that.  Then I got sick this week and took some time off that I didn't anticipate.  I won't be here the next few days, so will include what we are doing while I am gone as well in this blog post.

UT Studies:
Today students reviewed for the test.  They made flash cards.  Here is the outline for the flashcards.  They can use these to study and be ready for the test.  The test will be next week on Monday and Tuesday.  It is on the Native Americans, Spanish explorers, Mountain Men, and Pioneers.  They will need to have all late work for the unit turned in by the test, so get on skyward and make sure everything is in!

Drawing:
Today and while I am gone students will continue to work on the grid drawing assignment.

November 19-20

UT Studies:
We turned in the mapping today.  Students had some time to finish it.  We talked about the Bear River Massacre.  Students read primary sources from differing perspectives and then classified it either as a massacre or a battle.  Most students turned it in at the end of class.  It will be due next class period.  The test will be next Monday and Tuesday.  All missing work needs to be turned in by then for the unit.

Drawing:
Students started a grid project today.  We watched this video and I also demonstrated how to do it.

November 15, 18

Utah Studies:
We went over powerpoints for Salt Lake settlements and Native American/settler relations.  I taught them some note taking tips.

Due Dates:  ***The due dates are for A days (or whichever day is being taught first....sometimes the district switches it to B days being taught first).  If your student has me on a B day, their due date will be the following day.
-The powerpoint notes are due today, and the mapping is due on Tuesday.  They will have a few minutes in class on Tuesday to work on mapping.
-Our Unit 2 test is coming up on November 25.  We will have a review day before the test.

Drawing:
We had a sketchbook day.  We all drew an orangatang together using chalk pastels.  Students had the rest of the time to make their own drawing using chalk pastels.

Due Dates:  ***The due dates are for A days (or whichever day is being taught first....sometimes the district switches it to B days being taught first).  If your student has me on a B day, their due date will be the following day.
8th grade- Their pointallism is due today.  I told them if they take it home over the weekend and bring it back Monday or Tuesday it will not be counted as late.
7th grade- Their scientist and organic shape shading assignments are due today!

November 13-14

UT Studies:
We read parts of Howard Egan's pioneer journal.  I went over powerpoints on the pioneers journey west and on the Mormon Battalion.  Students filled out more of their powerpoint notes and had time to work on their mapping assignment.

Starter 11/13
Powerpoint notes 11/15
Mapping 11/19

Drawing:
7th- Worked on their organic shape shading.
8th- Worked on pointallism drawing

Scientist (7th)- 11/15
organic shape shading (7th)- 11/15
pointallism (8th)- 11/15

November 11-12

UT Studies:
Today we talked about the start of the LDS church, the different places Mormons moved, and reasons why there was conflict with their neighbors.  They filled out more of their powerpoint notes worksheet.  We also talked about other pioneer groups that passed Utah.  We watched a short clip on the Donner Reed party (minute 2 to 7:30).

Some parents at student led conferences asked that I put upcoming due dates on the blog.  So I will start to do that. Due dates will be for A day classes.  So if your student has me on B day their due date will be the next day.
Powerpoint notes: November 15
Mapping: November 15

Drawing:
7th: Started another project to practice shading.  They drew some organic connecting shapes and shaded them from dark to light.
Scientist shading: November 15
Organic shading: November 15

8th: Continued working on their pointallism drawing:
Pointallism: November 15

November 6-7

Utah Studies:
We went over the trappers and government explorers powerpoint.  Students filled out notes and had time to work on more mapping.  We watched part of this clip on mountain men.  We also watched some clips on the modern day mountain men on the history channel tv show Mountain Men.  We filled out a Venn diagram with similarities and differences between modern and historical mountain men.

Drawing:
7th- Worked on shading their worksheet.
8th- Started pointallism drawing.  We watched some pointallism time lapse drawings on youtube.

November 4-5

Ut Studies:
We started a powerpoint on Spanish explorers and mountain men.  Students filled out notes to go with the powerpoint.  They also had time for mapping.  They watched this video clip on the gold rush.

Drawing:
8th- We reviewed shading.  We talked about Seurat and pointallism and looked at examples. Students practiced pointallism on the knight worksheet.
7th- We looked at lighting and shading and practiced shading different shapes.

Oct. 30-31

UT Studies:
Students learned about Manifest Destiny.  Here is the powerpoint and students can pick up in class a paper with questions they filled out to go with it.  We watched a movie on the history of Halloween from the History Channel.

Drawing:
Students drew a monster, a haunted house, or an autumn scene.

Oct. 28-29

UT Studies:
We finished up Native American presentations.  The matrix and map students filled out during presentations is due on Wednesday.

Drawing:
We had a sketchbook day and I finished checking off the sketchbook assignment.  For the sketchbook day students split the paper into 5 sections and filled out each section with a different design: numbers, letters, pattern, solid color, and something to do with their sketchbook theme.

Oct. 24-25

UT Studies:
We had the Shoshone and Goshute presentations.  We corrected the Anasazi cannibalism worksheet.  I read students a primary account of a government explorer meeting the Goshute Native Americans.  I showed some pictures of Native American rugs, pottery, baskets, and moccasins.

Drawing:
7th: Students finished up on their wire contour sculptures.  I checked student sketchbooks.  Students also had time to work on their sketchbook and their Egyptian inspired art.
8th: Students had time to finish up their self portraits.  They started a gesture wire sculpture.

Oct. 22-23

UT Studies:
Students had more time to work on the Anasazi cannibalism worksheet. The Fremont and Ute groups presented.

Drawing:
8th- Watched this video on drawing an eye. Students worked on their self portraits.
7th- Students worked more on their contour drawings and started a wire sculpture.

October 16, 21

UT Studies:

The Anasazi group presented.  We read an article on how some Anasazi practiced cannibalism and started a worksheet on that.

Drawing:
8th- I showed examples of self portraits and they started their own self portrait.
7th- I showed the following videos (1, 2) on continuous contour drawing and they started their own continuous contour drawing.

Oct. 14-15

UT Studies:
We went over the unit 1 test.  Students have an opportunity to retake the test this week after school.

Drawing:
We had a sketchbook day.  Students looked at this picture and came up with their own I believe statements.  They are making an artwork around their I believe statement.

October 10-11

Utah Studies:
Students last day to work with their groups to get their Native American presentations ready.  They should finalize everything so they can be ready to present next week.

Drawing:
Students learned to draw lips and ears.  They should be finished with their face proportions packet now.

Oct. 3-4

UT Studies:

I taught students how to make a powerpoint in google drive.  We went to the library and listened to a presentation on primary and secondary resources.  Students had time to research their Native American tribe with their groups.

Drawing:
I showed students an airbrush drawing I made of Orlando Bloom.  We discussed what made it look realistic.  I taught students how to draw an eye.  They filled out step 1 of their worksheet.

October 1-2

Ut Studies:
Today students turned in their starters and their 2nd current event.  I checked off step 2 of their road trip.  I introduced the Native American presentations.  And we had a counselor presentation.

Drawing:
I showed a powerpoint on gesture drawing.  Students took turns coming to the front of the class and striking an action pose and the other students drew it.

Sept. 27, 30

Utah Studies:

Students did step 2 of their road trip.  If it is not completed, do the rest as homework.

Drawing:
Students had a sketchbook day.  They drew something to answer the prompt, "If I were to go blind tomorrow what image would I want to remember forever?"

Sept. 25-26

UT Studies:
Students took their unit 1 test.  They had some time to study at the beginning of class.

Drawing:
Students had a critique of their texture assignment.  Students walked around the room looking at each others completed projects.  I gave them 3 beans and they could put a bean on three of the works of art they liked the best/stood out the most to them.  The drawings with the most beans came to the front of the class and we talked about what made their artwork stand out and how it fit in with the elements and principles of design.  Then students gave a positive feedback, an improvement, and a positive feedback to students sitting next to them.

September 23-24

UT Studies:

We played a review game.  The test will be next time!  Here is a link to what you need to study for the test.  We also watched these videos on renewable and nonrenewable resources: 1, 2.

Drawing:

Students had their last day to work on the texture assignment.  If you did not get done make sure you take it home and get it done for next class period!

September 19-20

UT Studies:

A day had time to finish typing up their immigration story.  I handed back papers that they can use to help them study for their unit 1 test--coming up September 25!  I read off who was missing things so they can turn things in before I zap them.  We also played the flyswatter game to help students memorize where the counties are located.

Drawing:
Students continued to work on their texture assignment.  I went over who was missing assignments.

September 17-18

UT Studies:
Today students typed up their immigration story.  Here is a link to how they will be graded and the outline they are to follow.  Students opened up their school gmail account (first.last@indianhillsmiddle.com with the password being the word "password.")  They used google drive, clicked on create then clicked on document.  They typed up their immigration story here.  It will automatically save.  If they need to finish it at home they can access it from any computer.  Once they are done typing they can share it with me.  They need to click on the blue share button in the top right corner.  They can rename their document.  They will need to click this to not be private so I can read it.  They type in to share it with me at sarah.schow@indianhillsmiddle.com.  If they are having trouble with this they can just print it out and give me a hard copy.

Drawing:
We continued to work on the texture assignment.  8th grade had the option of painting with a palette knife today.

September 13, 16

Utah Studies:

Today students shared information about their counties with each other.  They finished filling out their county research worksheet.

Drawing:

Today I introduced the texture assignment.  Here is a link to the powerpoint and prezi I showed in class.  Seventh graders are drawing an animal using patterned texture.  Eighth graders are choosing a subject matter and making two different works of art showing two different textures.  They can choose from patterned texture, simulated, rubbed, actual, and painting with a palette knife.

September 11-12

UT Studies:
Today I read students parts from my journal on September 11, 2001 and we talked a bit about 9/11 and primary and secondary sources.  I checked off students step 1 on their Utah Vacation Project.  Students had most of the day to work and get caught up.  Their mapping assignment is due September 13.

Drawing:
Today we watched part of this prezi on the element of design line. We looked at Disney princesses and villains to see how line quality can affect the mood of a drawing.  I also deconstructed Superman into his simple shapes.  Students had their first sketchbook day.  They drew whatever they wanted within their own theme and the guidelines of using simple shapes and line quality.

September 9-10

UT Studies:

Today students did research on their counties at uen.org/counties.  If they had extra time they played a counties matching game at http://www.purposegames.com/game/utah-counties-quiz.  If this is not popping up you can google search "purpose games utah counties" and it will be the first link.

Drawing:

Today we sketched different animals using basic shapes.

September 5-6

Utah Studies:

Today I introduced the Utah immigration story and road trip assignments.  This weekend, please help your kids figure out how your family came to Utah.  They will have time to type it up in class, but need to talk to you and research this weekend.  They did step 1 on the road trip, which is choosing the seven places to visit.  They signed up for which county they will research next week.  They also had work time.  Their textbook introduction worksheet will be due on Monday.  If they did not finish this in class they will need to finish that this weekend.

Drawing:
Today students worked on a one day sketch using six principles that show distance: overlapping, size, shading, detail, position, and vanishing point.  If they did not finish in class they will need to finish it at home.  They chose what to sketch, as long as they used the six principles.

September 3-4

Utah Studies:

Today we introduced the current events assignment.  Click here for a copy.  Students will need to read, watch, or listen to 15 minutes of news per week and fill out a current events sheet to go with it.

Students also watched this video to introduce mapping.  They had time in class to finish the textbook worksheet.  They also started their mapping project.  They can get a copy of that in class.

Drawing:

We went over the elements and principles of design and students took notes.  Here is a link to the powerpoint.  We also went over seven ways we can show distance and depth in drawing.

August 29-30

Utah Studies:
Today we finished watching any video clips we did not get to last class.  I introduced the textbook to them and they worked on a worksheet to go along with this.

Drawing:
Remember to pay the $10 art fee at the office!
Today students had more time to work on their portfolios.  I also introduced the sketchbook assignment.  They looked at various sketchbooks and chose a theme for their sketchbook.  Here is a link to the powerpoint.

August 27-28

Utah Studies:

Today we watched a video on factors that affect Utah's climate.  We finished up our worksheet (see previous post) and corrected them in class.  We watched the following video clips to help students visualize the rainshadow effect: 1 and 2.  We also watched the following videos to illustrate how natural forces affect environments: earthquakes, volcanoes, more volcanoes, mudslides, erosion, more erosion,and flooding.

We talked about the continental divide.  You can find the picture of it here.

I introduced the how to use your textbook worksheet and students had the rest of class to work on it.  They will have more class time to work on it if they don't finish it today.

Drawing:

Students have more time to work on their final portfolios.

August 23, 26

UT Studies:
Today we started a powerpoint on the 5 themes of geography.  We started a worksheet to go along with the powerpoint.
Here is a link to the powerpoint:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fsifj5ckzkk89di/5%20themes%20and%20Map%20skills.ppt
And to the worksheet:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/iwr0lbfwvwxxzpk/geography%20review.doc

Drawing:
Students continued sketching for their portfolio.  Some finished their presketch and started their portfolio.

August 21-22

Utah Studies:
Today we took a pre test and watched part of a video on the national parks.  Here is a link to the video: http://eq.uen.org/emedia/items/6f7b151c-6106-075f-61d3-18f9ce93a18c/1/

Drawing: Today we learned about lettering and started sketching for our portfolio.  For the pre sketch students need to try at least two different types of lettering and draw a picture.

August 19-20

Today we went over disclosures for both classes.  Remember to bring back a parent signed disclosure.

Disclosure Documents

Here are the disclosure documents for the year.  I'm excited to get to know y'all!
Ms. Schow

Drawing:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YHwv-GKomnG5j-p-jj1qys_FPTYIYYSpZ_mUEd5WFU0/edit?usp=sharing

Utah Studies:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dLK7IIA0AfN0AucvkFEsZGov7J5AlMK9uWtZ5ghC87g/edit?usp=sharing