Monday, December 11, 2017

Week of November 27, 2017

Purple Curriculum Updates
Pre-Algebra I with Seema:
This week we worked on multiplying and dividing fractions (both with proper fractions and mixed numbers). The step that many students are forgetting in this process is the simplification of the fractions prior to multiplying the numbers. When they forget this step, they end up making calculation errors and make mistakes while working with the larger than necessary numbers. On Friday we reviewed material to date by playing a game of BINGO.

Next week we will finish up chapter 6 by studying customary units of measurement and changing units in the customary system. After two in class review days, they will take chapter 6 test on Friday. I also returned chapter 5 test to the students and they made the necessary test corrections.


Pre-Algebra II with Jared:
We began the week by looking at unit rate. Students raced matchbox cars in order to measure distance and time - one car we calculated went 12 mph! We then spent time focusing on unit price, and suggested how they could help out with grocery shopping. In the middle of the week, we did some dimensional analysis and word problems. On Friday we took a short quiz on this material.

Pre-Algebra III with Ann:
We began Chapter 5: Rates and Ratios.  Students learned how to create rations nd use them to solve word problems.  We also worked with unit rates and calculating unit price and miles/gallon.  Students practice dimensional analysis (factor label method) as a way to convert units and completed a lab using marbles and containers!  They should be well prepared to make an educated guess next time they are faced with guessing how many marbles are in a jar!

Our next quiz will be Tuesday followed by the Chapter 5 Test on December 12.

Algebra I with Molly:
This week we began chapter 5, which is focused on graphs and functions. Students learned to test whether a relation is a function and had a fun time labeling and interpreting graphs. They graphed functions, including non-linear functions with absolute values and square roots.

Language Arts with Jared:
Students spent much of the week wrapping up their NaNoWriMo projects. As a whole group, we ended up typing 200,000 words in November! I've told students that if they are interested, I could help them through the publishing process (printing out their story using CreateSpace), but they'll first need to *finish* the story, then work on editing/revising, cover design, and formatting. The first deadline will be a general goal of working outside of class to finish the story they were working on by January. We then looked at our new group of vocabulary words, started the first chapter of our 1st novel this year (7th/8th graders are reading The Truth About Sparrows by Marian Hale, and 6th graders are reading No Promises in the Wind by Irene Hunt, both of which are set in the Depression-era). We also worked on our grammar unit, and will have a quiz on the 23 helping verbs on Tuesday.

World Studies & U.S. History with Ann:
This week, all grades wrapped up their study of immigration. Groups (Individuals in 8th) presented their Nativism posters and we discussed how common stereotypes were applied to many groups throughout history. This lesson spurred incredible conversation and pushed many outside of their comfort zone.


Earth Science with Molly:
As we finish up our unit on the Sun, students did an interesting lab using radiometers to measure the intensity of light produced by different sources. They also focused the photons using a magnifying glass. They were asked to be VERY careful with this knowledge, as it is possible to start a fire. We talked about the danger of fires and how easily they can get out of control. Students turned in their final science fair progress report this week. At the end of the week students showed me their data tables. Next week students will be completing the rough draft, followed by the final version of their science fair lab reports.

Spanish with Corinne:
Sunshine Spanish
Sunshine A
This week we started Chapter 2B, talking about classroom materials and describing a classroom. On Tuesday we went to Regal Cinemas to watch Coco, a wonderful movie about Día de los muertos.

Sunshine B
This week we completed a short unit on interrogative words and asking questions. On Tuesday we went to Regal Cinemas to watch Coco, a wonderful movie about Día de los muertos. We will have a midterm exam on all of the material covered this year on Tuesday December 19 and Wednesday December 20, students should study their previous tests to prepare for the midterm.

HS Spanish I, part II

This week we started Chapter 6B, talking about rooms in the house and chores. On Tuesday we went to Regal Cinemas to watch Coco, a wonderful movie about Día de los muertos. We will have a midterm exam on all of the material covered this year the week of December 18th, students should study their previous tests to prepare for the midterm.

HS Spanish II, part I

This week we started Chapter 2B, talking about shopping and bargains. On Tuesday we went to Regal Cinemas to watch Coco, a wonderful movie about Día de los muertos. We will have a midterm exam on all of the material covered this year the week of December 18th, students should study their previous tests to prepare for the midterm.

HS Spanish II, part II

This week we started Chapter 5B, talking about accidents and injuries. On Tuesday we went to Regal Cinemas to watch Coco, a wonderful movie about Día de los muertos. We will have a midterm exam on all of the material covered this year the week of December 18th, students should study their previous tests to prepare for the midterm.

Art with Patti:

Check out the art blog at http://bnsartstudio.weebly.com/

Computer Lab with Lorraine:

This week the students presented their Industry and Traveling Map projects. Without an exception, the students did a fantastic job. As I said before the 8th grade Purpler Room students covered the following events: Tour De France, Amelia Earhart's flight plan, Clipper's Boat Race, The Westward Expansion,  The Forts of Puerto Rico, The Vikings Conquests, The migration of butter flies from North America to Mexico, the migration of the wildebeest in Africa and the Milwaukee Road Railroad: The last United States Continental Railroad.  The 8th graders developed their ability to solve various solutions to a problem. For example, if  a link did not work, to making sure each followed the rubric for this project. For the 6th and 7th grade Purple Room- their Industry maps too were packed full of surprises and information. The students traveled to so many places, Manitoba, Canada, Spain, Great Britain, Fiji, Iraq, North Korea, Iceland, Greenland, Vatican City, France, Portugal, Brazil.  We have been every where. It was like the game, "Where in the World is Waldo". For the 7th graders, students finished early enough that this class started their first project in Google Sheets. 


P.E. and Health with Matt: 

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:
6th, 7th, & 8th grade students discussed the concept of gratefulness. We watched a TED Talk given by David Steindl-Rast about how being grateful can lead to happiness. Students wrote down things they are grateful for as well as one thing about each peer they appreciate. I will be compiling these lists for each student for them to keep.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team

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