Week of September 7, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II this week, students focused on integers and word problems. They spent a lot of time working on adding and subtracting integers (especially subtracting negative integers), as well as learning about absolute values. Their work on IXL was especially useful this week, as the program allowed students to visualize integers in a number of different ways. We then started our first word problems unit, and we will slowly be creating a "toolbox" of a variety of techniques students can use to solve word problems.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

During this short week of school, we finished up chapter one by practicing powers and exponents some more, learning about the properties of numbers, including the Commutative Properties of Addition and Multiplication, Associative Properties of Addition and Multiplication, Identity Properties of Addition and Multiplications, and the Distributive Property, and reviewing the chapter. Students took their chapter test on Friday.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, we reviewed for the chapter 1 test and students received these back for revisions. They were all given the opportunity (while learning the first two chapters of the book) to earn half points back for their quizzes and tests. After the first two chapters, they may still be asked to revise, but their assessment scores will not be changed. They were asked to complete the practice sheet problems associated with each chapter by either the day of the test (for 1% bonus on a quiz grade) or by the day after the test for full credit. We began chapter 2, which is a review on solving equations. We practiced solving one-step and two-step equations, including the properties associated with the steps one uses to solve the problem.

Geometry with Holly:

We finished chapter 1 this week.  On Tuesday we discussed placing figures in the coordinate plane and the calculations this allowed us to make, such as the distance formula and the midpoint formula. On Wednesday reviewed area, perimeter, and circumference calculations.  The students took their second quiz on Thursday and reviewed for the chapter test, which they took on Friday.

Language Arts with Jared:

In Language Arts, students took a vocabulary quiz and a prepositions quiz this week. They received their new vocabulary words, and will have their next quiz the week after next. Students also spent time starting to create their individualized spelling lists. We will be accumulating spelling words (from student misspellings) over the next month. In our short story unit, all of the students read and analyzed "The Gryphon." Eighth graders finished analyzing "The Yellow Wallpaper," and comparing and contrasting it to a PBS adaptation of the story. Seventh graders read "The Landlady," and sixth graders began "All Summer in a Day." Students also broke off into groups to create plot-diagrams of one of the short stories that they have studied this year.

World Studies with Emily:

Most of this week we studied different primate skulls, predominantly fossils of ape-like human species from the last two million years, as well as a modern chimpanzee and a modern human. We collected data on their features from both printed pictures of skulls as well as from the Smithsonian Institute website (their collection of 3-D fossil and modern skulls). Students used their best judgment to determine, for example, whether the sagittal crest was large, medium, small, or absent, whether the forehead was sloped or vertical, or whether the foramen magnum was towards the rear of the skull or more underneath/center. They measured facial slope with protractors, cranium width and length and canine length with rulers, whenever possible. Classes are finishing up the collection of data and moving towards analyzing the trends in the evolutionary process. We started reading an article entitled “What Happened to the Neanderthals?” by Erick Trinkaus and Pat Shipman. In NHD world, 7^th and 8^th graders had a class period to continue to brainstorm and do preliminary research on potential topics. 6^th grade worked on brainstorming possible NHD topics. Classes shared a wide array of current event summaries, including a report on this week’s exciting discovery in a cave in South Africa of a new hominid species!

Life Science with Molly:

This week students set up the mummification lab by cutting meat (chicken or beef) to equal weights, weighing the different salts available for preservation, and applying the salt to the meat. This provided great practice for controlling variables and practice using scales. Students will make quantitative and qualitative observations of the meat (which is outside under a crate) during each science class over the next week or so. We also focused on the parts of scientific inquiry in preparation for the science fair.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne: 

Morning Spanish

We started looking at personal pronouns and verb conjugations.  The students should be studying vocabulary and grammar every day for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Spanish B

We finished the unit on family, parties, the verb tener and possessive adjectives.  On Friday we did papel picado.  Hopefully, you saw it hanging in the lobby of the Middle School.  The students enjoyed this fun activity.  We'll have a test on Chapter 5A on September 16. The students should be studying vocabulary words regularly.

Spanish C

We finished Chapter 1A. We practiced forming sentences with negative and positive words (such as nobody, nothing, someone, etc.). We made a list of material for the assessment, which will be next week, on September 16. The students also have a short writing piece due on September 18. I am always available to help them if they need it, during homework help (Wed. and Thurs. 3:15).

Spanish D

We continued talking about food and Hispanic cuisine. We listened to a song about food, and talked about the double meaning of the word "salsa" (ask the students!). We learned about Pablo Neruda, a well known poet from Chile, and read some of his poems. We have a test on Chapter 7A on September 16.

Spanish D+

We are almost finished with our first short story. We have been taking part in the discussions about Hispanic cuisine with the Spanish D class. We listened to music, and talked about the double meaning of the word "salsa". Next week we will start reading poems and another short story.

Art with Patti:

This week in art we  tied and dyed the class color shirts as they continued to work on their graffiti art designs. They are doing a good job in coming up with creative ideas in how to incorporate the graffiti style into their art. We also discussed the upcoming field trip to the Taubman Museum on Thursday, September 17.  Reminder that lunch forms are due on Monday, September 14.

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week the students completed their Cascades Hike posters and continued practicing typing with the new typing masks which they are starting to get used to.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week students again focused on handwriting. Students explored how their writing changes based on mood. We then looked at how personality is studied by graphologists through handwriting. In the coming weeks 6^th grade students will begin talking about puberty and the changes the adolescent body goes through, 7^th grade students will learn about the anatomy of their respective gender, and 8^th grade students will review the anatomy of their respective gender before discussing feelings of sexuality in the body and mind.

Thank you from, The Purple Team

Week of August 31, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, students worked with the metric system this week. They began with a kilometer-long-jump contest (one student jumped 0.00245 kilometers!). We then measured all sorts of things in the classroom, and worked on converting the measurements to different units within the metric system. We then reviewed the four sections we've covered, and took our first chapter quiz on Friday.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

We had a great, full week of Pre-Algebra III. The class took their first quiz and did quite well. We practiced adding and subtracting integers some more, multiplied and divided integers, found the mean, median, mode, and range of many different data sets as well as decided which was the best measure of central tendency for various types of data and then calculated it. We learned how to simplify positive and negative powers (positive exponents with both negative and positive bases) and practiced the difference between the opposite of 2 raised to the fourth, -2^4 , which equals -16, and -2 raised to the fourth, (-2)^4 , which equals 16. Students simplified algebraic expressions that incorporated each skill from chapter one (except measures of central tendency).  We will have a second quiz as well as our chapter test next week.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, we continued a review of basic computation with real numbers. Students were reminded of how to multiply and divide with real numbers, while not dropping any negative signs. We also worked with the distributive property. Quizzes were returned and students have been given the opportunity to revise these for half the points back (during the first two chapter of the book). Students reviewed what makes a “term” of an algebraic expression, and whether a number is a constant or a coefficient. Students learned about the properties of real numbers and began using these to justify EVERY move they make in simplifying a problem. These skills will help them next year in Geometry! At the end of the week, we reviewed the coordinate plane for graphing. Next week will begin with a review, then a chapter test on Wednesday.

Geometry with Holly:

We continued working on some of the basic tools we will be using throughout our course of study.  On Tuesday the students took their first quiz over the material from last week.  On Monday, the students were introduced to our first theorems and postulates as we discussed measuring and adding segments, and on Wednesday we discussed measuring and adding angles.  We took a bit of a break from theory on Thursday as the students tried their hands with their first geometric constructions.  On Friday, the students were introduced to the geometry software, Geogebra, which the students will be using periodically to explore some of our geometric concepts.  We finished the week by practicing constructions and by reviewing strategies to properly complete problems and avoid small math errors.

Language Arts with Jared:

Students continued working with prepositions, and will have a prepositions quiz on Tuesday (8th) or Wednesday (6th/7th). They also wrapped up their first vocabulary unit, working on memorizing their 20 vocabulary words and being able to use them correctly in a sentence. (This quiz will be on Tuesday for the 6th/7th grade, and Friday for the 8th graders.) In our literature unit, we continued with our focus on short stories. 6th graders read "Charles" and "Chivalry," 7th graders read "Gator" and "We Can Get Them For You Wholesale," and 8th graders read "The Yellow Wallpaper." Students then spent time in groups working on drawing plot diagrams for the stories.

World Studies with Emily:

All grades read and discussed an essay entitled Prehistory by Richard E. Leakey and then outlined the essay – 6^th grade together as a class, 7^th and 8^th on their own in pairs. Each class watched the first video of a four-part BBC series called Walking with Cavemen.  As a follow-up, students read a short section about human evolution from https://humanorigins.si.edu/resources/intro-human-evolution and answered ten questions, either independently or with a partner. In our current events and NHD section of World Studies, students presented a summary of their summary of the current event article they read and wrote about for homework. I did notice that a number of students waited until quite late on the night before the assignment was due to complete the assignment, which had been assigned a full week earlier. I would encourage students to work on this weekly assignment earlier in the week so as to not find them stressful the night before they’re due. 6^th graders read most of the 2015-2016 NHD theme sheet in class, but should finish reading it for homework, and star some possible topics that they find interesting. 7^th and 8^th graders should think about, discuss with parents, and create a list of potential topics that they are interested in researching (that work with the theme). If they have time, do some preliminary research on at least two topics, but three (or more!) is preferable. 

Life Science with Molly:

This week students read about the characteristics of living things. This first reading and note-taking assignment provided 7^th and 8^th grade students reminders about what important information they should write down in their notes while reading, while 6^th grade students read the selection and took notes together. They began practicing some phonological observations of different plants and animals around the playground. This gave them a baseline to discuss which detailed observations would be most helpful for scientist trying to notice changes in the cycle of a living being. We began learning or reviewing the important skills needed for conducting a controlled experiment using scientific inquiry. Students were introduced to a mummification lab we will begin next week and began writing down the steps of the procedure. This will be good practice in scientific inquiry for their own science fair projects.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Sunshine Spanish

We continue to review basic vocabulary and have started learning verb conjugations. We will have a quiz on Tuesday.

Spanish B

We continue working on the vocabulary for family members and parties.  We have started learning possessive adjectives (my, yours, his/hers, etc). The students answered questions about their families and made a draft of their family tree.  We'll have a test on Chapter 5A on September 16. The students should be studying vocabulary words regularly.

Spanish C

We have been talking about rules that are usually followed in schools. We learned new irregular verbs (stem changers) and we talked about negative and positive words. We worked on sentence structure. We'll have a test on Chapter 1A on September 16. The students have a short writing piece due on September 18. We talked about how it is a good idea to write a draft, take a break from it, and revise it.  That way they can catch mistakes. I am always available to help them if they need it, during homework help (Wed. and Thurs. 3:15). Finally, we finished this week with some music.

Spanish D

We have been talking about food and cooking methods. We are learning about different dishes from the Hispanic world. We revisited command forms and learned negative informal commands. We also learned a new structure "se impersonal."  This structure is similar in meaning to a passive voice in English.  Those two structures (commands and se impersonal) are used when reading/writing recipes in Spanish.  We have a test on Chapter 7A on September 16.  The students also have a short writing piece due on September 11. Finally, we finished this week with some music.

Spanish D+

We continue to focus on reading comprehension and fluency.  We continue reading an authentic short story called "Cajas de Cartón" (Cardboard Boxes). We are making a vocabulary list of words and phrases that are new.  We are also active participants in the oral discussions with the students in Spanish D.

Art with Patti:

Students have been busy in art. We have been talking about the graffiti art movement and what that style is and how it has impacted our culture. Students have been working on making a statement word in the graffiti art style. They have also started work on their classroom t-shirts and have screen printed this week.

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week the students began work on  posters to document the class Cascades Hike.  They will be practicing downloading photos, creating documents on irregularly sized paper, and arranging the photos into a collage with captions.  The students also began typing practice with the new typing masks.  Some are not too happy with them, but they are learning to adapt.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week all students focused on handwriting. They wrote a sample of their names and copied a short poem. We discussed the various situations for which writing neatly would be considered important. We tried out and talked about different letter formations and pencil grips and how they relate to efficiency in writing. I shared with the students that now may be a time when they could decide to change their writing and to decide how they would like to write as adults. Next week we will discuss the “personality” in one’s handwriting and talk about different forms of handwriting. In the coming weeks 6^th grade students will begin talking about puberty and the changes the adolescent body goes through, 7^th grade students will learn about the anatomy of their respective gender, and 8^th grade students will review the anatomy of their respective gender before discussing feelings of sexuality in the body and mind.

Thank you from, The Purple Team

Week of August 24, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with Bina:

We reviewed decimal comparison, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II students started the year with a skills review packet, which I will use to determine which skills to emphasize over the next month. Students then worked on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals. We stressed the need to show work on the page, and to be neat and organized with their work. On Fridays we practiced these skills on the laptops, using the program www.ixl.com - and students are welcome to continue working on their level at home.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

After setting-up our binders, previewing chapter one, and completing a diagnosing readiness last week, we started Chapter One: Integers and Algebraic Expressions. We reviewed and practiced: writing and evaluating algebraic expressions, using the order of operations, using a problem-solving plan to solve word problems, finding the absolute value of integers, comparing and ordering integers, and adding and subtracting integers. We will have our first quiz on Tuesday.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, we focused on review to get our math brains working. We practiced using variables, exponents, and order of operations. We defined and added with real numbers. We had a quiz on our first two sections, 1-1 and 1-2 on Friday and there will be a quiz on 1-3 and 1-4 next Tuesday. The students are doing a nice job showing their work and computing carefully.

Geometry with Holly:
We began the year in Geometry by reviewing Algebra skills which will be used throughout the year.  Then we started collecting some basic skills we will be using as we study Geometry.  The students have studied patterns and inductive reasoning; types of 3D drawings, nets and other models; points, lines, and lanes; plus segments, rays, parallel lines, and planes. 

Language Arts with Jared:

We started the year with a focus on short stories, using them as a springboard for the discussion of the elements of fiction. Sixth graders read "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Three Questions." Seventh graders read "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Eighth graders read "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Cop and the Anthem." We also introduced our first grammar unit (prepositions), and students will have a quiz on memorized prepositions in a few weeks. And finally, students created flashcards for our first vocabulary unit, and students will have a quiz on these 20 words in a few weeks.

World Studies with Emily:

With three World Studies classes this week – two Ancient Civilization classes and one National History Day, current event, and geography class. We discussed what we will learn about this year regarding human origins and ancient civilizations/cultures as well as course and assignment expectations and read and discussed a thought-provoking essay entitled Why Study Ancient World Cultures? I introduced the 2015 – 2016 National History Day theme (Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History); 7^th and 8^th graders read the official theme sheet while 6^th graders watched an introductory film about NHD. 8th graders discussed themes of geography, the five guiding questions for our studies this year, and read the “World Overview” pages of our textbook.

Life Science with Molly:

After setting up our binders and learning about the topics that will be covered in Life Science this year, students began by answering the question ‘What is life?’ These writings were discussed and students realized it was more complicated than they realized to answer simply. We began a reading in the text on The Origin of Life and practiced taking notes together. We also began reading the book From Lava to Life by Jennifer Morgan. Students learned about phenology and the regular observations we’ll be making of plant and animal cycles throughout the year.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish
We started the Sunshine Spanish with vocabulary for body parts and verbs.  We made posters to talk about what we like and dislike.

Spanish B

We started with a review of verbs in the present tense and a quick overview of vocabulary.  This week we learned vocabulary to describe our families and talk about celebrating with family and friends.  We watched a video to listen to the vocabulary. There is Spanish homework help every Wednesday and Friday from 3:15 to 3:45, in the Spanish Room.  I am delighted to be working with the students again.  Corinne McCoy will be teaching them with me this year.

Spanish C

We started with a review of the present and past tense of the verbs. We also did a quick vocabulary review. We started learning words to describe things we do at school, rules, materials, classes, etc.
We watched a video to listen to the vocabulary. There is Spanish homework help every Wednesday and Friday from 3:15 to 3:45, in the Spanish Room.  I am delighted to be working with the students again.  Corinne McCoy will be teaching them with me this year.

Spanish D
We started with a review of the verb system in Spanish. We also did a quick vocabulary review. We started learning terms for cooking and food.  We talked about a Spanish dish called paella. Ask the students to tell you all about it!  

There is Spanish homework help every Wednesday and Friday from 3:15 to 3:45, in the Spanish Room.  I am delighted to be working with the students again.  Corinne McCoy will be teaching them with me this year.

Spanish D+

To begin the school year, we are focusing on reading comprehension.  We are reading an authentic short story called "Cajas de Cartón" (Cardboard Boxes).  We are also joining the D class for vocabulary reviews, question and answer practice, and games. There is Spanish homework help every Wednesday and Friday from 3:15 to 3:45, in the Spanish Room.  I am delighted to be working with the students again.

Computer Lab with Holly:

During the one period which we met, the students were introduced to the plan for the year, set up their computer filing system, and were given codes so that they could join their Edmodo groups for their different classes.  Basic touch typing skills will receive much more emphasis this year, and towards that end, students were introduced to the new keyboard covers which they will be using to hide the key names.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week students began life skills class sharing something about themselves, completing a short questionnaire about how they feel in/about the Purple Room thus far, and learned about the topics that will be covered in Life Skill and Sex Ed this year. We will begin the year with a short hand-writing unit for all groups. There will be three focuses to the unit: legibility, personality, & art.

Thank you from, The Purple Team