Purple Curriculum Updates
Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:
Pre-Algebra II with Jared:
In Pre-Algebra II, we began the week with review and our Chapter 3 test. Then we started working on fractions, adding and subtracting them, and working on finding common denominators to facilitate this. On Friday students worked on a Halloween-themed review packet, which reinforced these skills.
Pre-Algebra III with Emily:
This
week we focused on graphing linear equations by finding both the x and y
intercepts and writing equations for word problems, graphing each equation’s line
and finding the solution for the system of linear equations by locating the
intersection point of the two lines. We graphed
and described translations, and graphed reflections and identified lines of symmetry.
We took the second quiz on Chapter 3 and students made quiz corrections. We
have one more section in this chapter, so next week we will have our test.
Algebra I with Molly:
This week in Algebra, students completed the
chapter. They learned to solve absolute value equations and inequalities. They
have needed to do quite a few revisions to their homework and we spent some time
working on these during the week. We reviewed the chapter and will have a
Chapter 3 test on Monday.
Geometry with Holly:
This week we continued studying congruent triangles. On Monday we reviewed the theorems which allow us to prove triangles congruent, and followed up with a Geogebra lab where we discovered why the angle relationships of Angle-Angle-Angle and Side-Side-Angle can not be used to prove triangle congruence. After a quiz on Tuesday, we learned on Wednesday how to use congruent triangles with the acronym CPCTC (corresponding parts of congruent triangles are congruent). In our shortened period on Thursday, we reviewed CPCTC, worked on IXL, and programmed graphing calculators to create a ParaBOOla. We finished the week by learning about congruences in isosceles and equilateral triangles.
Language Arts with Jared:
Students continued exploring the works of Edgar Allan Poe, creating illustrations for the poem "Annabel Lee" and listening to the short story "The Pit and the Pendulum." They then explored many of Walt Whitman's poems. In grammar students worked with irregular verbs, and they continued work on their next vocabulary unit.
World Studies with Emily:
In U.S. History, I showed students some examples of
first-person accounts written by immigrant adults and children from the second
half of the 19th century and into the 20th century about
the journey across the Atlantic as well as accounts of getting settled in their new country – the U.S. We read some secondary sources about immigration in
class and 7th and 8th graders read “A Rumbling in the
Mines” about Chinese immigrants in Wyoming territory for homework. Students
worked in-class on their Immigration Menu
projects, which are due this coming Thursday. In World Studies, students summarized their current events, played a
geography games, looked at a political map of Senate races, and continued with
NHD research checks. The current event assignment is cancelled for next week,
but there is a NHD final topic selection sheet due instead.
Earth Science with Molly:
This week students learned more about the sun, the different types
of energy it gives off, and how it affects Earth. They learned about the electromagnetic
spectrum and the photon energy given off every day by the sun and the bursts of
higher levels of energy given off during a solar flare. They also learned about
the charged particles that leave the sun as solar wind and are ejected violently
from the sun during a coronal mass ejection. They are in the process of writing
scientific reports summarizing their findings and explaining the events explained
in our mystery. 6th grade students outlined this report together and
began writing it in class. They are learning about the formation of the sun,
the sun’s nuclear energy, and the layers of the sun’s atmosphere. We finish
this unit next week and have a test on the Earth, Moon, Sun unit November 11th.
Students have received a study guide for the test.
Spanish A with Rebecca:
The students spent Monday creating full sentences to describe themselves and others. For example, "I am an intelligent student" would become "Yo soy un(a) estudiante inteligente." They reviewed word order, putting adjectives after the nouns they describe and how to change adjectives' endings to reflect the gender of the noun they describe to create agreement. On Wednesday, they practiced writing short paragraphs about themselves using the phrases "Según mis amigos/profesores/etc....soy....pero a veces soy..." and shared them with the class. On Friday, they did a fun art project to celebrate El Día de los Muertos and heard stories related to the traditional Mexican holiday. We have moved the Chapter 1B Test to this coming Wednesday, November 5th. Monday will be a review day. I would encourage the students to begin reviewing vocabulary flashcards and grammar concepts this weekend.
Spanish with Olga:
Spanish B
We
have been practicing the mandatos verb forms and talking about chores done
around the house. On Friday, we talked about El Día de los Muertos, an
important cultural aspect of Mexico. We
talked about the traditions, its meaning, and how it is related to The Monarch
Butterflies. We watched a video about it and read a story.
Spanish C
We
have been practicing the past tense verb forms and learning new
vocabulary. On Friday, we talked about
El Día de los Muertos, an important cultural aspect of Mexico. We talked about the traditions, its meaning,
and how it is related to The Monarch Butterflies. We watched a video about it
and read a story.
Spanish D
We
continue talking about and practicing the subjunctive mood, its forms, and
forming sentences that have two clauses, where one of the clauses uses the
subjunctive. On Friday, we talked about El Día de los Muertos, an important
cultural aspect of Mexico. We talked
about the traditions, its meaning, and how it is related to The Monarch
Butterflies. We watched a video about it and read a story.
Spanish D+
The
students continue working independently. On Friday, they joined the students in
Spanish D and we talked about El Día de los Muertos, an important cultural
aspect of Mexico. We talked about the
traditions, its meaning, and how it is related to The Monarch Butterflies. We
watched a video about it and read a story.
Art with Patti:
Students
drew several compositions of trees in “worms eye” perspective, and chose which
one they liked best to use for their painting. They sketched out the composition
on their analogous background. Using value and brush strokes they created the
look of form in the trunks, and made sure they didn’t have any flat shapes of
color. They turned in their paintings, and we started talking about clay!
Computer Lab with Holly:
We prepared to begin our new unit by learning about formatting controls in MS Excel. The students used these tools to create the boards for and play the game Battleship. The students also took a typing test. On Friday, the 6th graders took their Digital Citizenship test and completed their project reflections.
Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:
This week’s meeting focused on a discussion of what causes drama or social stress here at BNS. We created a concept map, while naming the various things they identified. They were very enthusiastic about naming many of the things that frustrate them on a daily basis. One major cause of drama that was identified for the 7th and 8th grade groups was social media. This week our P.E. teacher Matt will discuss the different online platforms for social interactions and identify problematic ways they are sometimes used, especially by teens. We will continue the topic of drama this week and next, with a focus on ways to minimize its impact on our lives.
This week’s meeting focused on a discussion of what causes drama or social stress here at BNS. We created a concept map, while naming the various things they identified. They were very enthusiastic about naming many of the things that frustrate them on a daily basis. One major cause of drama that was identified for the 7th and 8th grade groups was social media. This week our P.E. teacher Matt will discuss the different online platforms for social interactions and identify problematic ways they are sometimes used, especially by teens. We will continue the topic of drama this week and next, with a focus on ways to minimize its impact on our lives.
Thank you from, The Purple Team
