Purple Curriculum Updates
Pre-Algebra I with Bina:
Pre-Algebra II with Jared:
In Pre-Algebra II, we began the week by making a scale drawing of the classroom. Students worked in partners, and practiced taking careful measurements so that their drawings matched their surroundings. We then went back and looked at similar polygons again, and stressed that all of the different aspects of this chapter were just different ways of looking at proportions. On Thursday we took our chapter test, and introduced our unit on percents. Next week I'll be putting an optional review packet in parent boxes, which can provide some math practice over winter break.
Pre-Algebra III with Emily (Alex):
Our class continued its study of proportions into Chapter 5,
where students learned techniques to apply ratios to solve real-world
scenarios. We explored dimensional-analysis (a critical concept in both math
and the sciences) using conversion factors to change units of measure. The
class finished the week by taking a quiz covering the first half of the
chapter.
Algebra I with Molly:
This week in Algebra, students finished reviewing for the test and
students took the test Tuesday. We began chapter 6 with a study of rate of
change and the slope of a line. Students learned how to write linear equations
in the slope-intercept form from the y-intercept and the slope of a graph. We
will continue with our study of linear equations next week.
Geometry with Holly:
We continued studying quadrilaterals this week. The students finished learning about the properties of specific quadrilaterals on Monday by discussing kites and trapezoids. Then on Tuesday, we pivoted a bit and discussed how to place quadrilaterals in the coordinate plane using variables to locate specific points. We used this technique on Wednesday and Thursday to create "coordinate proofs". We finished Thursday by comparing the stability of quadrilaterals and triangles in building projects in anticipation of the "Bridge Project" the students will be creating at the end of this chapter.
Language Arts with Jared:
Students spent this week working on their grammar unit on verbs, and took a quiz on the 23 helping verbs. They also wrapped up their latest vocabulary unit. In creative writing, students are typing up their creation myths, and are creating a word art poster about their outside reading book.
World Studies with Emily (Alex):
Finishing our unit covering ancient India, our class
explored the shared origins of Hinduism and Buddhism, comparing the means by
which these belief systems took shape. Classes discussed later contributions of
the Maurya and Gupta Empires, examining the interaction between theology and
the histories of this civilization. We discussed current events and the ways
bias (both personal and external) can influence the recording and reporting of
historical events.
In preparation for writing thesis statements over break,
students were instructed to bring all NHD research accumulated to ensure their
notes are organized. Next week we will continue developing the project’s
thesis, organizing notes and research materials for the upcoming break.
Life Science with Molly:
Students
continue to track and record the oyster mushroom growth this week. They also
began a lab on tooth decay. Each student collected bacteria and saliva from his
or her mouth and inoculated a PH sensitive agar. We put the agar in an
incubator and observed initial changes in PH at the end of the week. We will
complete this lab next week, finding out who is more cavity prone, due to the
amount of tooth-decay causing bacteria in their mouth. Students turned the
rough draft of the lab report in this week. We went over each section of the
rubric making sure they included each point on the requirements. They peer-edited
and turned a final draft in on Thursday. They scored their lab report on
Thursday against a numbered rubric and were given the opportunity to turn in a
revised final version for Friday. Science Fair display boards were discussed
and requirements were handed out on Tuesday. The boards are due next week on
Monday. Students are expected to present their science fair boards on Wednesday
evening at the Purple Room Science Fair 7-8pm. Parents, friends, and family are
invited to attend!
Spanish with Olga & Corinne:
Morning Spanish
We have been learning vocabulary to talk about
food. We continue to focus on verb
conjugations and sentence formation.
Spanish B
We revisited vocabulary to talk about clothing. We
also revisited numbers, and will continue practicing those. We started looking at irregular verbs that
stem change.
Spanish C
This week we reviewed for an assessment, which we had
on Wednesday. The students had a field
trip on Friday.
Spanish D
On Monday, we reviewed for an assessment, which we had
on Wednesday. After the assessment, we started a short cultural unit about
Puerto Rico.
Spanish D+
We have joined Spanish D in their study of the
subjunctive mood, as a review. We took the assessment with D.
Art with Patti:
Many students have been finishing their ancient civilization languages. They have also been gaining in experience on the wheel, throwing some unique vessels, as well as some interesting hand built clay pieces.
Many students have been finishing their ancient civilization languages. They have also been gaining in experience on the wheel, throwing some unique vessels, as well as some interesting hand built clay pieces.
Computer Lab with Holly:
The students completed their "Final Tasks" for the Stock Market Simulation. Afterwards, the 7th graders used their Excel skills to play Battleship and the 8th graders created reflections of their community service participation
Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:
This week we continued to focus on organizing and reflecting
on items in students’ portfolios. Students also spent time doing a mid-year questionnaire giving the teachers feedback about how they are feeling about the Purple Room academically and socially.
Next time we discuss Sex Ed. topics, 6th
grade students will learn more about changes during puberty, such as growth
spurts. In 7th grade, the girls will discuss breast growth and
changes during puberty. Boys will discuss male breast changes and male genital
changes and growth during puberty. 8th grade boys will focus on
masturbation, before moving on to female sex organs and 8th grade
girls will focus on male sex organs. It has been requested by more than one
parent that we discuss pornography. I will include this in a future focus on
sex in the media and on the internet.
Thank you from, The Purple Team
