EOCT: Decoded.

Most people thing that the EOCT is like the end of the world. Well, its not. While huge and scary, it can really help your grade if you do well on it.

The EOCT is much like UFC Champion Minotauro Noguiera;

it's huge, it's scary and it ends worlds.

How does one do good on it? That's why I wrote this handy guide to surviving the academic apocaplyse that is the EOCT.

Read this and you'll be ready for anything. Except being attacked by zombies. No one is ever ready for that...

A Complete reference to taking the Georgia
Physical Science EOCT.

STEP ONE: Study.
-Review concepts well in advance.

-If you have a comprehensive study guide, complete it.

-If an instructor is giving a review session, go to it.

-If you consistently have trouble with a concept, write it down and ask your teacher questions about it. Make a list, and then take that list to your instructor.

-Avoid “Cramming”. The EOCT is far too much information to “Cram” the night before.

STEP TWO: Plan ahead.
-Get a schedule of the testing days. KNOW WHICH EOCT YOU ARE TAKING
THAT DAY, and KNOW THE ROOM NUMBER WHERE YOU WILL BE TAKING THE TEST.

-Get plenty of sleep the night before the test (again, forethought helps to avoid cramming).

-Eat Breakfast before you come to school. NO FOOD WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE TESTING AREA.

STEP THREE: Making an EOCT survival kit
Get a bag. Your book bag will work.

Put in the bag:
2-3, #2 pencils
A NON-GRAPHING CALCULATOR (calculators will not be provided).
A book to read when you are finished. (It CANNOT be school related).
NO CELL PHONES or INTERNET CAPABLE DEVICES.

STEP FOUR: The day of the test.
-When you enter the room, put your bag on the counter. You must put everything you don’t need for the test in the bag.

-Food will be left outside. NO DRINKS OR WATER.

-Take a seat.

-Listen to all instructions.

-INSPECT YOUR ANSWER SHEET. Does it say PHYSICAL SCIENCE? Is that your name on the label? Is there a label? If not, tell the proctor.

STEP FIVE: Taking the test:
-Remember to use the formula sheet and periodic table. It has been provided in the test booklet.

-Keep your eyes on your own paper. Copying is CHEATING, and will be punished according to school policy.

-You cannot tell other students about the contents of the tests. It will be considered CHEATING.

-You MAY write in the booklet.

-You MAY ask for a piece of scratch paper.

-The teacher CANNOT provide you with a calculator!


-READ all the answer options:
a. Choose the BEST answer. There may be one that looks correct, but is not. Also, some choices are “more” correct than others.
b. Check for “All of the above” and “None of the above” answers.
c. Check the units of the answer. Make sure they make sense, given the content of the question.

-If the problem is a calculation, write down all data given, and the variable that stands for it. (v = velocity, m= Mass ect.)
a. Once you’ve done that, pick the appropriate calculation.
b. If none of the equations have the required variables, see which you can solve for (Example: Work = Force x Distance, Force = Mass x Acceleration, So if you’re solving for work, you may first have to calculate force given mass and an acceleration. If you don’t immediately have the variable you need, don’t panic. Its just a 2 step question).

-Read Graphs carefully. Make sure you’re aware of the units on the X and Y axis.

-When you finish, be careful about going back and changing answers. Many times your first answer is the right one!

After the test: Wrapping things up

-You CANNOT talk during the test, even if you are done. Even if it appears that everyone is done.

-BRING a BOOK that is not related to any kind of school subject.

ENJOY! Remember EOCT means NO Final!

EOCT Preparations are underway!

Get ready for the EOCT!

Take the www.usatestprep.com practice test! Remember, if you want them to take a homework grade, they are due THIS friday!

EOCT Test Prep!
Go to www.usatestprep.com
Click on “member
login”
Enter username: chattahoochee
Enter Password:
newton52
Click, “I agree”
Select “ScienceGPS” from the lists of subject
tabs at the top of the page
Select “Physical Science EOCT” at the top of the
page.
Under “Diagnostic tests” (to the left of the screen,) Select “Large
(75% test)”
Fill in first and last name on the form
Under “other e-mail”
fill in “mclain@fultonschools.org”
Click, “yes” in the “My teacher requested
e-mail results” box.
Start taking the test.


You
can take the test up to 3 times. For each test that scores a minimum score, a
homework grade will be replaced. The scores increase with each test, however.
You MUST provide an OFFICIAL e-mail from the site and a PRINT OUT from the site
to receive any credit.

First test: Must score over 50% to replace
grade
Second test: Must score over a 65% to replace grade
Third test: Must
score over a 75% to replace a grade.

EGG DROP!

Yes, it is time again for the most infamous egg drop. I know as I watch all of you, brows furrowed, working diligently that the competition is going to be getting much stiffer this year. Already I can see you all using your newfound knowledge of forces and energy to safely deliver the egg back to Terra Firma.

There may be a surprise for at least one period, but I have yet to confirm it. It will definitely add to the legacy that is the Egg Drop!

In other, boring, news the tests are graded and should be appearing on Parent connect very soon, for better or worse. As usual, the grades ran the gambit from "WOW!" to "Oh, geeze..."

Make up work: As many people noticed, if you don't turn in an assignment, I put a 0 in for that grade (sometimes I put one in even if you DO turn it in, but that's just a mistake...I'm human too). These zeros are devastating to a fledgling GPA, and will get parents, administrators and coaches all over your case.

If you need to make something up, DO IT. Make a plan to meet with me.

In random news, UFC 82 is this weekend. Here's the fight card:

Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson: UFC Lightweight title bout. Hendo will also be putting the PRIDE belt on the line for this one. Anderson "Spider" Silva will probably take Hendo, mainly because he's a bad, bad man. He landed a spinning back-kick on Rich Franklin, and hey, how many folks can say that?

Heath Herring vs. Cheick Kongo: KONGO SMASH Herring!

Alessio Sakara vs. Chris "Cat Smasher" Leben. Alessio will PWNED Leben before the fight even starts.

Yushin Okami vs. Evan Tanner: I really don't know about this. I'm going to go with Okami on this, mainly because I went to elementary school with a Josh Tanner and didn't like him. Name association and all...

Have a good weekend!

GOOODBYE RUBY TUESDAY....

Alright. Everybody in both classes is all freaked out about the dateless quiz (aka "Pop" quiz) this week.

So guess what? I'll post here the night before the quiz just to give you guys a heads up. The faithful readers will be rewarded.

Let me make one thing clear: You can use your polyatomic ion sheet on the quiz but NOT on the TEST. You are responsible for memorizing the names of the polyatomic ions.

Physical Science: (HWK: p128 #1-4, p.137 1-15, 18, 26). We are in the "review" phase of Ionic and Covalent bonding. This means that we will be doing a lot of individual and partner work. If you are still having trouble, please come in before or after school for help. I am available every morning this week except THURSDAY.

Chemistry: Today we will be moving out of chemical bonds and into covalent bond angles and polarity. These will not be on your quiz, but will be on the test.

Random:

Inbred to an almost cruel degree, UGA mascot Uga is notoriously aggressive. Did you see him go after someone on the sideline last saturday? Kinda makes you wonder what type of person would want to be associated with that school doesn't it?

Holy Crap! Its Monday!

I know you were all as excited as I was when your alarm went off this morning. I personally came bouncing out of bed 2 hrs early, bright-eyed and excited for the day! I'm sure many of you did the same!*

Well, your good natured enthusiasm and open curiosity about the world around you will be rewarded! This week you can show your canny skill at forming and naming ionic and covalent compounds by taking a QUIZ! Thats right my eager young scientists! This week both classes will be having a quiz, but not just any quiz, a POP QUIZ! Please contain your excitement at this unique and wonderful opportunity to show off your mad science skillz!*

And if that wasn't enough, both classes can expect a TEST BEFORE THANKSGIVING! There is no need to thank me for these awesome opportunities to improve your grades, its what I do.*

*denotes sarcasm.

Random:

UFC 78 is this Saturday. Its got some really amazing matchups, including Michael Bisping, who is coming off a controversial win over Matt Hamill. He'll be facing Rashad Evans who appears to be completely indestructible. I favor Rashad in this fight, but only because Bisping had such a tough time with Hamill.

Also on the the card is Houston Alexander, who may actually be scarier than the alien from predator. I imagine he'll be turning Thaigo Silva into some form of human spam.

You heard it here first kids...

And remember: Violence is not the answer...

...its the question, and the answer is always "yes".

Thursday? Already?

Whoa did the week ever go fast! To think I haven't posted anything!

Progress reports will go out friday, but you should already know the general range your grade is in, becasue I passed out those print-outs last week.

Remember that 12 week progress reports must be signed by a parent.

If you are unhappy with your grade, NOW is the time to start changing it. Its up to YOU.

Very few people have come in to retake their test, which tells me many people are unconcerned with their grades. Listen, most motivation in your life will have to come for you. I don't feel like its my job to be your personal cheerleader, because its unrealisitic to expect others to motiviate you in the "real-world".

Now is the time to show your maturity and take responsibility. There is still enough time to change your grade (up or DOWN).

Chemsitry:

The last few Special Circumstances PA are due today. Other than that we will begin talking about Ions and compounds.

It should be fun as we finally get into real chemistry.

Its FRIDAY WHOOOOOOO....

General:

Today is the day of labs, as once again you will all be entrusted with the heady responsibility of USING SCISSORS! I fully expect fatalities by the end of the day.

There were some questions regarding test grading. The most frequently asked, is "Why don't we get them back the next day?". This is a legitimate question, depending largely on the tone of voice its asked in.

Here is why I take my time with tests. Its not the actual grading that takes time, but the assigning of points to each individual mistake. I look at the most commonly made mistakes, and assign partial credit appropriately. This means that I have to grade all the tests and then decide how to give partial credit to the incorrect short answer questions.

It takes longer, but I think it works in your favor. Mainly because I usually sleep on it. I make the decision the next day when I have a clear head. This usually means I'm in a better mood, which always works in your favor.

So please be patient.

Chemistry: (Hwk: Finish Pre-lab), Expect to start the PA sometime next week.

Random:

Ligers are real. They are a cross between a male lion and female tiger.

Though they are not bred for skills in magic, they are in fact, freaking huge! At 10 feet in length, and 700-900lbs they are the biggest kitties in the world. They are also quite fond of swimming.

There are also Tigrons which are Tiger-father/Lion-mother, but they pretty much just look like a tiger.