Week of April 25, 2016

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with Bina:

We have studied for the end-of-year test throughout this week. The students will be taking this test in four parts. I have split up the test so that the students are not overwhelmed. They will take the first part of the test on Monday, May 2nd, and take the final part of the test on Thursday, May 5th. Friday, the 6th, will be a math game day.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:TH

We began the week by talking about box-and-whisker plots and stem-and-leaf plots. Then we took a math quiz on seven different types of graphs. Afterwards, we discussed how to get random samples of populations, and how to present unbiased questions. On Friday we discussed how people can use graphs to mislead, and we looked at dozens of examples of graphs used in the media, and what "correct" versions would look like.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

Students found the odds in favor of one of the options compared to another option from their survey question as well as the probability that their described population would choose the sample population’s most commonly answered option. Before starting chapter 12, we reviewed some key concepts from chapters two, three, and seven. Then we started Chapter 12: Algebraic Relationships. Thus far, we have studied sequences, functions, and linear functions. We will learn about and practice working with non-linear functions next week.  

Algebra I with Molly:

This week we focused on solving quadratic equations using the zero-product property, then by completing the square. We spent the week practicing solving these accurately. We learned the quadratic formula. Students heard it sung to the rhyme Pop Goes the Weasel and other tunes to help them remember it accurately. They have now learned 5 ways to solve quadratic equations. They made posters to help remember the methods and when to use each one.

Geometry with Holly:

This week we continued our study of Chapter 12 and circles.  On Monday and Tuesday we discussed the topic of inscribed angles followed by angle measures and segment lengths on Wednesday.  On Thursday the students took a quiz over the first three sections, and on Friday we discussed circles in the coordinate plane.

Language Arts with Jared:

This week we worked on wrapping up our unit on Greek mythology and students worked individually on essays based upon the novels that they read. We also introduced our Shakespeare unit on Macbeth. Students watched some fun songs about Macbeth, watched a stick-figure summary of the play, and signed up for roles for our own production. 8th graders also read a detailed analysis of the play, and took a vocabulary quiz.

World Studies with Emily:

All classes continued working on their student-led documentary projects, focused on either Maya, Olmec, Inca, Aksum (Eritrea, Ethiopia), Wagadu (West Africa), Zimbabwe, Jomon and Yayoi, or Heian (the last three from Japan). The students are doing a fantastic job researching, either independently or coordinating with their partners, and most have begun writing their scripts. We will continue working on this project all of next week. Then we will watch the documentaries the following week. I am quite excited to see all of these projects; there is going to be such a range of styles. J

Life Science with Molly:

This week students learned about genetic mutations and diseases, then about advances in genetics, such as cloning. We reviewed the unit and took a test on Thursday. We worked on the rain garden on Friday.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish
This week we began reviewing for the end of year exam. We are working on vocabulary from the beginning of the year, and will be starting a study guide next week to work on grammar. The exam will be on May 10 and 11 (written) and May 12 (oral).

Spanish B, C, D, D+
All Spanish classes continue working on review packets for the end of year assessments. We are working on practicing verbs, reviewing vocabulary, and preparing for oral assessments. The assessments will be On May 4 (written part) and May 6 (oral part).

Art with Patti:

Students continued to work on their projects, focusing on the element of art “space”, or finishing up their artist inspired project. Some glazed ceramic pieces. We also had tie dye day!

Computer Lab with Holly:

The students continued work on their "Zoo Projects",and most are nearly half way done.  They have been working hard researching their biomes and creating a professional looking catalog.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week 7^th & 8^th grade students learned about our plans for the DC overnight field trip. 6^th grade students had an extra science class in preparation for our test. In coming classes, students will prepare for the overnight field trip, prepare for end of year conferences, and if time permits: 8^th grade students will split into gender groups and learn about the sexual anatomy of the opposite gender. 6^th &7^th grade students will continue on their focus of changes during puberty.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team