Welcome to Waverly High School!

Bibliography Notes

What is a bibliography?

It is a list of materials on one topic, for example:  books, magazines and encyclopedia articles.

When do I use a bibliography?

You need to write a bibliography any time you use information written by someone else in your own writing.

Where does the bibliography appear?

You write it on a separate page and place it after your written product.

While you must have one whenever you have researched what someone else wrote about your topic, the bibliography never counts as a page in your own written product.

Where do I find the information for the bibliography?

Locate the needed items on the title page and copyright page of the research tool you are using.  Remember to write down the nexessary information before you forget, just as soon as you have decided to use the source.

What information do I need about the research tool I decide to use?

You need to write down the following:

In what order do I write down this information?

Each research tool has a particular style you must follow for what items are written first, second, third, etc.

Here are a few examples:

A book with one author

Gunther, Max, Driving Today and Tomorrow, New York, McGraw-Hill, 1978, pp. 25-38.

A book with two authors

Brockway, Wallace and Herbert Weinstock, The World of Automobiles, New York, Dodd, Mead & Company, 1980, p. 62.

A book with no author's name

Webster's Biographical Dictionary, Springfield, Mass., G & C Merriam Co., 1978, p. 50.

Signed magazine article

Kane, Will, The 55 Mile an Hour Speed Limit,  Travel, 119, Feb., 1981, pp. 34-40

Unsigned magazine article

Lives Saved on the Highway,  Time, LXXXI, Jan. 4, 1980, p. 62.

Encyclopedia Article

Teenage Drivers, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1978 ed., vol. 23, p. 220.

Anthology

Untermeyer, Louis, ed., Modern American Poetry, New York, Harcourt, Brace and World, 1975, p. 210.

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Ten Problem Solving Strategies in Mathematics

1. Work Backwards
2. Find a Pattern
3. Adopt a Different Point of View
4. Solve a Simpler Analogous Problem (Special Cases, w.l.o.g.)
5. Consider Extreme Cases
6. Visual Representation: Drawing, Diagram, Table, Chart, etc.
7. Guess and Check Intelligently (Including Approximation)
8. Account for all Possibilities
9. Organize Data
10. Reason Logically

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What makes a quality student?

• Respect for yourself and others
• Responsible decision-making
• Accepting responsibility for personal actions
• Positive contributions to your school and community
• Showing real effort in class work
• Contributing in class
• Doing your personal best in all you do
• Resolve your conflicts peacefully - ask for advice or help
• This is your school - you have a right to be safe and healthy

AND REMEMBER...You miss school...You miss out!

You and your contributions to class and to this school are VALUABLE!

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A positive attitude can go a long way

Please make each day count - Rachel R. Woodburn

Sing in the shower * Plant a tree on your birthday * Smile * Hold the door open for someone * Watch a sunrise at least once a year * Compliment three people every day * Never refuse homemade brownies * Buy whatever it is kids are selling on card tables in their front yards * Floss your teeth * Strive for excellence, not perfection * Wear polished shoes * Say Please a lot * Over-tip breakfast waitresses * Learn three clean jokes * Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know * Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures * Leave everything a little better than you found it * Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full * Avoid negative people * Remember other people's birthdays * Have a firm handshake * Carry jumper cables in your trunk * Send lots of Valentine cards and sign them, Someone who thinks you're terrific * Use the good silver * Be the first to say, Hello * Make some new friends, but cherish the old ones * Keep secrets * Don't expect life to be fair * Wave at kids on school buses * Look at people right in the eye * Plant flowers every spring * Be there when people need you * Return all things you borrow * Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation * Never ever underestimate the power of love * Rekindle old friendships * Always accept an outstretched hand * Stop blaming others * Don't be afraid to say, I made a mistake * Count your blessings * Buy a kid a chocolate ice cream cone * Feed a stranger's expired parking meter * Compliment even small improvements

If you have other little things you would like to add to this list, send them to Mr. Stocum.

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Keep Cool!

1. Treat others with respect.
2. Listen until you hear the other person's side.
3. Stay in control. Don't let anger or fear force you to fight.
4. Keep calm.
5. Keep voice low and don't name-call or swear.
6. Give other person a way out or a chance to save face.
7. Delay action. For example, walk away.
8. Compromise (win/win)
9. Find someone to help.
10. Apologize. Say, I'm sorry.
11. Use humor when possible.

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---

Homework Help Sites (Or, the Dog Ate My U.R.L)

from the New York Times, Thursday, January 6th, 2000

by Alice Keim

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Setting Up a Home Study Center

Make study time personal by setting up your own place to hit the books.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Why set up a study center?

It's a good idea to have one place or area in your home where studying is the only thing you do. (Don't study on your bed; you'll think of sleep!) A study center is a great way to keep school books, paper and supplies organized.

Where should you study?

You might convert a corner of your bedroom or another room for your study center. Make sure it's quiet and free of distractions, such as TV, telephone and stereo. Your study center should be well lighted to help you read and work without straining your eyes. If possible, choose a spot near a window for natural light.

What should your study center include?

Include the basics: dictionary, thesaurus, paper, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, calculator, ruler and clock. Add other tools and materials as you need them.

When should you study?

Choose a time that works best for you. For most students, studying right after school works best because school is still on their minds.

Whom should you study with?

You'll usually study best by working alone or with one or two other classmates. If you choose to study with others, remember to stay focused on what you're there for -- to study!

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Organizing Your Time

Organizing Your Time

Time is your most important resource! Like most students, you might feel there's not enough time for the things you need to do and want to do. Although your time in school is planned for you -- classes, lunch, study halls -- what about your time away from school? How can you spend it wisely? Time management techniques can help!

Make a time chart

List the thing you usually do in 24 hours and how much time you spend doing them. Your list might look like this:

Everyone's lists will be different. Also, keep in mind that your weekend time will differ from the rest of the week. For one thing, you can schedule more sleep time!

Set priorities

Review your list. Your purpose is to block out time for homework, meals, sleep, chores and personal time. What items are most important? What items need more or less time? For example, if you know your grades could stand improvement, you need to devote more time to homework and studying and less time to hanging out with friends.

Put it in writing

After you've revised your list, be creative! Here are some ideas.

• Make a colorful poster or cut out the shape of a clock for your time chart. Write your time management chart on it.
• Use several small charts in a decorated notebook.
• Buy or make a personal calendar that includes To Do lists and sections for recording homework assignments and other items, such as dentist appointments.

Stick to it!

You have to be serious if you want to be organized. Try to stick to your time management chart as much as possible, but remember to be flexible. Here are some time management tips.

• Do you have extra chores to do? Try cutting back on relaxation time in order to meet your responsibilities.
• Don't be too hard on yourself if managing your time is a little difficult at first. You'll find yourself becoming better organized as time goes by.
• You might schedule reward time for yourself when you follow your time chart. Time management doesn't have to be boring.

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Note-taking Tips

Do you remember everything your teacher says and get an A on every test? No? That's okay -- most students can't. That's why it's good to know how to take notes.

Why take notes in class?

• Note taking is a valuable skill that you'll need for high school, college and on the job, so it's best to learn now.
• Writing things down helps you to remember important information. Plus, it helps make you a more active listener.
• Some teachers cover material in class that's not in the book. If you don't write down the material, you won't have it to study later.

Before Class

• Complete assignments before class so you're not finishing up work while your teacher gives new information.
• Review you notes from last class before class begins. Look over the main points you wrote down.

During Class

• Write the date and the title of the subject.
• Record information that your teacher writes on the board. It's not necessary to write down everything your teacher says, only the min points.
• Highlight or put a check mark or star next to information your teacher repeats or emphasizes.
• Write down questions your teacher asks. They might be on a future test!
• Don't worry about spelling, punctuation or grammar during note taking. You can make corrections later. Use abbreviations for faster note taking.
• Put a question mark by anything you don't understand. Ask your teacher to explain these points later.

After Class

• Read over your notes as sonn as possible.
• Reorganize your notes and spell out any abbreviations.
• Check with your teacher about your questions.
• If you miss a class, ask to copy a friend's notes.
• See your teacher for any make-up work.

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Keeping Track of Daily Assignments

You probably have different teachers for different subjects. Do you ever find it hard to keep up with all the work your teachers assign? Have you ever worried about forgetting your homework or being unprepared for class? It happens to a lot of students.

Write it down!

• Your memory is not always the most reliable source for recalling your many assignments. It's also risky to scribble your assignments on a loose sheet of paper that can be lost easily. What can you do to keep track of assignments?
• Get a small spiral notebook to write down all class assignments for each day. With a spiral notebook, nothing is lost and you can always refer back to it. Also, 7th and 8th graders at Waverly Middle School have to purchase and assignment notebook at the beginning of the year.
• You might also record assignments in a journal. By doing so, you can write more detail about the day's assignment.
• Some teachers provide assignment sheets, with spaces for the date, the subject, due date, pages and so on. These sheets can be reproduced and kept in your notebook.
• You can also design your own assignment sheet.

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Doing Homework

In order to be a successful student, you need to study and practice the information and skills you've learned. Homework builds on what you already know; it helps you to learn new information. Doing your homework well can give you an edge in class, and that can mean earning A's and B's!

The O word

Organization is the key to getting homework done. So get organized! Before leaving each class, write down assignments in your assignment notebook or on your assignment sheet. Before you leave school, double-check your assignment notebook. See your teacher if you don't understand the assignment. Make sure you take home all the books and supplies you'll need. Some students like to do their homework at school, the library or even a friend's house. Whether you're working at your own home study center or elsewhere, be sure it's a quiet place free of distractions. Do you need to make an at-home place to study? Check the sections Setting Up a Home Study Center for tips on how to set up a place to study at home.

Getting down to business

Your books and paper are spread out in front of you, your pencils are sharpened, and your calculator is within reach. Now set a goal. How long should it take to finish your homework? 30 minutes? an hour or more? Most students can study well for 25 toe 45 minutes before they need a break. Try to concentrate on your homework for at least 30 minutes, then take a 5 or 10 minute break before starting again.

Working smarter, not harder

Working smarter means working efficiently. By completing your assignment carefully, you avoid careless mistake and you don't create extra work for yourself.

• Make sure you've written the assignment down correctly before you leave class. Don't rely on your memory. If you do all the problems on page 82, but your teacher assigned only the even questions, you've created extra work for yourself.
• Review notes you took in class.
• Before you start the exercises, read the section in the text that comes before the exercises to make sure you understand the information or concepts.
• Follow directions carefully. Pay careful attention to key words that tell you what to do, such as list, summarize, explain and describe.
• After you've completed your homework, take a break. Then come back and check or proofread your homework for errors. These extra minutes you take might mean the difference between getting a C, a B, or even an A!
• File your homework in your notebook so you can find it easily when it is time to give your homework to your teacher.

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Starting a Study Group

What are the advantages of studying in a group? Some students like it because they stay focused on the work better and learn more. The most productive groups include students who:

• Know how to manage their time
• Get along well together
• Will be serious about studying (not those who are unwilling to do their share)

Who should be in your study group?

• Keep your group small (no more than four students).
• Have a trial study session first. If that goes well, plan another session or set a regular time to meet.
• Frequent, short sessions are better than a cram fest the day before the test.
• If it's difficult to meet at school, try your local library or take turns meeting at one another's homes.

Setting up a game plan

• Try assigning each group member a subject to teach. That person should lead your group in studying that subject.
• If there are areas you find difficult, prepare your questions and problems in advance so your group can discuss them. Sometimes a friend can help you understand a subject better.

During your study session

• Plan in advance the subjects your group will cover. Estimate the amount of time you'll need to study each subject.
• Elect a member to keep track of the time so the group sticks to its agenda.
• Let each teacher teach his or her lesson.
• Include a question-and-answer period in your study session.
• Take practice quizzes. Check each other's work.
• Stick to the point -- STUDY!

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Improving Your Memory

So many things, so little time . . . Do you feel you'll never remember everything you need to remember? What about homework? tests? school schedule? addresses and phone numbers? Don't worry. Your memory is sharper than you think. Here are some ways to exercise your brain and improve your memory.

Attention, Please!

Try to discipline yourself to pay attention in class or when reading so the information you receive gets in and doesn't slip out of your short-term memory. Cutting down on distractions helps, too.

Rehearsal

Practice storing and recalling information while it's still fresh. Suppose you meet someone at a party. Take a moment to repeat his or her name. Then associate the name with a fact or characteristic of the person. for example, you might associate the name Bob Mudd with the color black (a color of mud). Take a short break, and then call the name up from your memory bank.

Recitation

Read aloud or recite what you are learning to a family member or study partner. Speaking and hearing can help you remember information.

Picture This!

You visualize when you form a clear picture in your mind of what you want to remember. Suppose you want to visualize a five-sided figure, or pentagon. Try to see in you mind a sheet of paper or the board with the pentagon drawn on it. Your mental picture can help you recall the drawn shape. You also can combine word clues and pictures to prompt your memory. For example, to remember the name of singer Patti LaBelle, you might think of patting the Liberty Bell.

Make the connection

Salt and pepper . . . bat and ball . . . Some things just go together! You can also improve your memory through association. You connect, or associate, two or more related items. Remembering one item might help you recall the others.

Grouping

Some people remember things by grouping related items. Think of the name of the group as a main idea; related items within the group would be supporting details.

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Studying Smarther for Math Tests

The time to start preparing for a math test is when your teacher first presents a concept, such as how to add decimals. The following steps might help the next math test you take less scary.

In Class

• Pay attention. Listen and ask questions if you're confused. Copy sample problems in your notebook.
• Keep up with daily assignments.
• Self-check your work.
• List common math terms and definitions in your notebook and memorize them.

Study Sources

You have more study tools available than you might realize. They include:

• notes you take in class
• your math book
• completed and corrected homework assignments (Keep your homework in a separate folder or a specific section in your notebook)
• quizzes you have taken

Study Tips

• Don't wait until the last minute to study!
• Organize your notes. Make sure they're complete.
• Create a study sheet of corrected sample problems from the four sources above. Be sure to show your work.
• Practice doing at least two of each kind of assigned problem from class. Check your answers with the corrected ones. If you're stuck on a problem, get help from your teacher.

Test Tips

• Show your work when solving problems. This will increase your understanding of the process. Plus, you might receive partial credit for your work even if a careless error gives you the wrong answer.
• When solving word problems, ask yourself these questions: What information is given? What does the problem ask for? What do I have to do to find the answer? Does my answer make sense?
• Remember, answers are important, but an understanding of the process is more important. If you don't understand the process, ask your teacher for help.

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Tips for Taking Math Tests

Taking a math test doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience! There are strategies for test taking, and you can learn them. First of all--Relax! A test is designed to find out what you know. Think of a test as a tool your teacher uses to know what extra help you need.

Multiple Choice

Do you

• A.  Panic
• B.  Fake a stomachache
• C.  Copy from your neighbor
• D.  None of the above

If you picked D, you're already well on your way! Use this strategy for multiple-choice questions:

1. Read the question carefully and completely.
2. Read all the choices given. Look for the best answer, even if the first one is correct. (There might be an All of the above answer.)
3. If you've read the choices and you're still not sure which is correct, try the process of elimination. Cross off the remaining choices you know are wrong. Then select the best answer from the remaining choices.
4. If you still have no clue about the right answer, take a guess only as a last resort.

Fill-in-the-blank Questions

These questions have only one correct answer. But what if you're not sure what the answer is? What is you know only part of it? Do you know something related to the right answer? Write it down anyway. You might receive partial credit.

• If the blank is broken into two or more parts, you are to write a separate work on each part.
• If the word before the blank is a, the answer should begin with a consonant sound. If the word before the blank is an, the answer should start with a vowel sound.

Match Columns

Match columns are often vocabulary terms and their definitions. The number of items in each column are usually the same. Use this strategy for match-column tests:

• Read all the items carefully.
• Answer the ones you know first. Cross off the answers as you go.
• Use the process of elimination to answer the remaining items.

True/False

Remember, for a statement to be considered true, it must be entirely true. If any part of a statement is false, the entire statement is false. Hint: Be careful with statements that include the words all, always, only, or never. These are often false.

Essay Questions

Essay questions are unique. They require answers written in paragraph form. You might need to discuss, describe, explain, compare, contrast, illustrate, or summarize. To answer essay questions, you must know what these words mean.

Use these strategies to answer essay questions:

• Read the question carefully. Look for key words and phrases, such as the ones listed above. They tell you how to structure your answer.
• Don't start writing immediately. Take a few moments to organize your thoughts.
• Develop an outline of your main ideas. Follow your outline to write your essay.
• Begin with an effective opening sentence. This normally restates the question.
• Make your answer thorough and complete. Give as many details as you can, but stick to the point.
• Proofread your answer. Carefully reread what you actually wrote in your essay, not what you meant to write.

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