Week of May 4

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

In Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn, the students had a week of assessments. On Monday they took the end of Unit 12 assessment and then on Wednesday and Friday we had end of year assessments. I will hand back the end of Unit 12 assessment next week and I will share the end of year assessments at our final parent-teacher conference.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, we finished up our unit on displaying and analyzing data by learning how scientists estimate population size through a capture/recapture method, and then we talked about scatter plots.  After reviewing the chapter, students took their Chapter 11 test on Thursday, on which they had to graph the data they had collected throughout the week. On Friday we started reviewing for the end-of-year assessment, which will be next week.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

In Math this week, we started the second-to-last chapter of the book, which is about probability. We began by using tree diagrams and the counting principle to find the number of possible outcomes. We moved on to finding permutations – using diagrams, the counting principle, factorials, and by using permutation notation. Then students found combinations by making organized lists and by using combination notation. We practiced describing different situations as a permutation or a combination. Students did an extension activity working with Pascal’s Triangle and used it to find a number of combinations. We finished up the week with a quiz on the first three sections.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week 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. They then learned to use the discriminant to find whether there are two, one, or no solutions to a quadratic equation. At the end of the chapter, students learned to write an equation by choosing a linear, quadratic, or exponential model for the set of data. 

Geometry with Holly:

This week we completed teaching in Chapter 12.  On Monday we discussed circles in the coordinate plane and on Tuesday we discussed the concept of  locus as a set of points.  Some of these concepts required a bit more "soak time" so we spent Wednesday reviewing our last three sections prior to taking a quiz over them on Thursday. We spent Friday reviewing the entire chapter for the chapter test on Monday.

Language Arts with Jared:

This week eighth graders took a blue-book-style essay test on To Kill a Mockingbird, and finished watching the film version of it. Sixth graders took their book test on Witness, and then joined the seventh graders in reading Act 1 of "Much Ado About Nothing." Students read through the section of Shakespeare's play out loud in class, we discussed the meaning of many of the passages, and then we viewed a section of a British production of the play. In addition, all three grades started preparing for the end-of-year play, which will be a condensed version of "Much Ado." Each student will be helping out by memorizing lines, building props, arranging costumes, or working on the set.

World Studies with Emily:

Purple roomers continued their study of World War II. This week we mostly focused on the U.S. entering the war. Students learned about the bombing of Pearl Harbor and 7^th and 8^th graders listened to an interesting audio about whether or not FDR knew the Japanese were planning an attack on Pearl Harbor; some historians believe he did while others do not. The audio also included FDR’s request to Congress for a declaration of war. All classes read a section in our textbook about the U.S. getting ready for the war, including women’s roles, and some of the racial/ethnic issues going on around the country, including segregation in the military and the internment of Japanese Americans. Students viewed U.S. war posters, completed a choose your own adventure about how they would have helped out (victory gardens, collecting can and scrap metal, or writing letters to soldiers), and tried various dishes and snacks from military MREs (Meal-Ready-to-Eat). We will be finishing up our study of the war next week and taking a test on Thursday.

Earth Science with Molly:

This week students learned about volcanoes. They watched a powerpoint with vocabulary about volcanoes, their origins, and their different forms. They did a lab on viscosity to help them understand the different kinds of magma and whether they flow or explode from the volcano. This completed our unit, so we spent some time reviewing concepts and vocabulary. Students will take a unit test next Tuesday.

Spanish A with Rebecca:

On Monday and Wednesday, the students reviewed the grammar concepts and vocabulary covered this year, and also spent time practicing their conversational skills. On Friday, they took the written portion of the End of Year Assessment. On Monday, they will have the listening and speaking portion, but they do not need to do any additional studying for it. Great job, Spanish A students!

Spanish with Olga:

All Spanish classes continued working on review packets, vocabulary games, and general review for the end of year assessment. The students will have a short oral interview with me on Monday, May 11, and the written portion of the test will be on Wednesday, May 13.

Art with Patti:

The students tied and dyed their items for our annual tie dye.

Computer Lab with Holly:

On Monday the students learned how to change the orientation of  a single page within a document as they created an order form for their store catalogs. Afterwards they continued creating their catalogs.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week we watched a great video on gender in the media and sex in the media. Students were surprised by the ways they may be unknowingly influenced by radio, movies, TV, and video games. We watched a Dove Evolution video showing a model getting ready for a photo shoot, then the computer editing that was done to the image. The students agreed that the original person photographed looked very little like the woman in the ad. We ended the class with a short video and discussion about altering the body through the use of steroids.

Thank you from, The Purple Team

Week April 27

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

In Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn, we concluded Unit 12 on Thursday. Unit 12 consisted of solving two step equations, writing and graphing inequalities, square roots, and the Pythagorean Theory. We reviewed in class today with the Chapter 12 test at the end of this unit. We worked all the even number problems. I encouraged the students to use the time between now and Monday to practice with all the odd number problems as it is a good review for the end of unit assessment on Monday, along with their final notebook check. Next week we will begin our end of year assessments. They will have assessments on Wednesday and Friday. The students have review packets for chapters 1-8, which they can continue to practice with, and we review chapters 9-12 in class on Tuesday.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, we continued looking at ways to graph data. We explored Venn diagrams, double-line, and double-bar graphs. We then reviewed Box-and-Whisker plots some more, before taking a quiz on this group of graphing tools. Then we started looking at data, and how best to obtain and represent data accurately. We discussed how to find random population samples, and how to ask questions that are not biased. Students will be using these tools to collect their own data next week. On Friday, we looked at how graphs can appear misleading if they are not created in the truest way possible, and how graphs can be manipulated to support different points of view. We'll be keeping a look out for how graphs are used by the media.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

The class compared two sets of data displayed on box-and-whisker plots, made scatter plots and used scatter plots to find trends that two sets of data may or may not have, and read and made circle graphs. We worked on choosing an appropriate graph depending on the type of data in order to best analyze the data by practicing as well as making a table comparing all the graphs we studied this chapter. Students took a culminating chapter 10 quiz on Friday. We will begin Chapter 11: Probability on Monday.

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. Next week we will learn to use the quadratic formula.

Geometry with Holly:

We continued our study of circles by discussing inscribed angles on Monday, and then the students took a quiz over the first three sections of the chapter on Wednesday, On Tuesday and Thursday, we discussed Angle Measure and Segment Lengths, and finished the week with a half period on Friday where we discussed Tangent Lines and Tangent Ratios.

Language Arts with Jared:

In literature, this week students finished reading their novels. Seventh graders took their book test on Friday, and sixth graders will take theirs on Tuesday. Eighth graders will have a "blue book" essay test on Wednesday. Students also finished their Authors' Tea stories, and orally presented the first few pages to the class. Their homework has been to continue practicing reading them out loud in preparation for the evening presentations. Next week we'll start the transition from Authors' Tea to Shakespeare.

World Studies with Emily:

6^th and 7^th graders had time on Monday to discuss or finish reading their novels, or work on their book review that was due on Thursday. On Tuesday, all classes presented their historic profile posters with their partners. As a whole, the posters and presentations were very well done. On Thursday we heard Mr. Nathan Kranowski’s personal experience with the Holocaust; he was born in 1937 in Paris and his parents were taken from him in early 1942 and sent to Drancy Internment Camp in France and then deported to Auschwitz, where they were killed. His talk was excellent and age appropriate. Students had a chance to ask some questions afterwards and generally were very respectful and engaged. As I walked Nat out, he complimented the audience. We are grateful that he could share his horrible story and all of his knowledge with us. In World Studies, A-D and C read a couple current articles about an ex-Nazi trial going on in Germany and about the commemoration of the 70^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, as well as finished up a geography activity. World Studies B reflected on NHD with the Blue roomers and explained how it is different from lower grades History Night.

Earth Science with Molly:

Students began learning about volcanoes this week. We spent some time focused on the two major earth science related current events, the volcano in Chile and the earthquake in Nepal. 7^th & 8^th grade students completed their lithospheric plate movement models and labeled them. 6^th grade classes modeled three types of volcanoes and will complete these next week.

Spanish A with Rebecca:
The students reviewed all the vocabulary and grammar concepts of Chapter 4A on Monday, including the verb "ir" and how to use interrogative words when asking questions. There was no Spanish class on Wednsday since the students were visiting Purple. On Friay, the students took the Chapter 4A test. **Next Friday, May 8th, will be the End of Year Assessment. Monday (5/4) and Wednesday (5/6) will be review days. Students are encouraged to review the vocabulary and "Gramatica" sections in their book next week.

Spanish with Olga:

In all Spanish classes, we are working on a review packet that includes the material from the end of year assessment. The assessment will be on May 13.

Art with Patti:

The Charcoal Drawings with a Twist were looking great as students were finishing them up this week. They are use value to show dimension using charcoal and colored pencil, creating a nice focal point. Reminder to bring in something white for tie dye next week!!

Computer Lab with Holly:

The students continued working on their Store catalog projects.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week students learned about our overnight field trip, were introduced to the property where we’ll stay, voted on dinner meals, gave breakfast food preferences, and provided me with tent companion preferences. I encouraged them to let me know if there was anything they were feeling uncomfortable about and to ask questions privately if they’d like. Next we will focus on over-exercise and the use of steroids. Soon after, we will look at body images for both males and females in the media.

Thank you from, The Purple Team

Week of April 20

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

In Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn, the students completed Unit 11 and had an assessment on Wednesday. I was very pleased with the results of this test. On Thursday, we began Unit 12 which is on two step equations, solving inequalities, and the Pythagoream Theory. This is a very short unit and it is anticipated students will have their end of unit assessment a week from this coming Monday. If that changes I will let you know. End of year assessments will begin that same week. I have been handing out review packets to the students and having them work a few problems on each page. They can help themselves by continuing to work an occasional problem or two as they have time.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, we began the week by reviewing our chapter, followed by taking the test on Tuesday. We then started discussing various types of graphs, including Frequency Plots, Line Plots, Histograms, Stem-and-Leaf Plots, and Box-and-Whisker Plots. Purple roomers were on a field trip on Friday, so when we return on Monday we'll be revisiting these types of graphs online for more practice.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

As a whole, the class did very well on the Chapter 9 Geometry test. We went over some of the missed problems on Monday and then started Chapter 10: Using Graphs to Analyze Data. We began by making frequency tables and line plots and displaying data using intervals. We reviewed how to read graphical displays and the important characteristics to include in graphs, such as titles, labeled axes, and scales. Students practiced recognizing and selecting appropriate scales and analyzed why certain scales can give a different impression of the data than other scales. Students made and used stem-and-leaf plots as well as box-and-whisker plots. The class took a quiz on Thursday as well.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week students learned a new way to graph quadratic equations, by finding the axis of symmetry and the vertex. After that they are able to find the y-intercept and an addition point before easily mirroring the points across the axis of symmetry. They reviewed computation with square roots and found the solutions of quadratic equations by solving for x for the x-intercepts.

Geometry with Holly:

We started the week by reviewing for the Chapter 11 test, which the students took on Tuesday.  On Wednesday we began Chapter 12 and the study of circles by discussing tangent lines, followed by chords and arcs on Thursday.  Due to the field trips on Friday we did not have math class.

Language Arts with Jared:

In language arts, students continued working in their groups on their picture books, and will have about half of it completed by next week. In literature, sixth and seventh graders have reached the climax of their novel, Witness, and are working on reading about the community decides to handle the presence of the Klan. Eighth graders are also building up to the climax of To Kill a Mockingbird, following the events of the trial. And in writing, students finished the rough drafts of their Authors' Tea stories, and have begun the editing process.

World Studies with Emily:

Students had some more time to study a collection of WWII primary sources and evaluate them. All three classes were assigned a historic profile poster project, completed with a partner, on leaders during WWII. They spent all of class on Tuesday and Thursday researching, planning, and making their poster with an assigned partner. They will present these poster this coming Tuesday. The leaders include: Hideki Tojo, Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, Francisco Franco, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill. All students should be independently finishing up their WWII novels as the book reviews are due this Thursday. 6th and 7^th graders will have some time on Monday to read, discuss with their group, or start their review, as well as put finishing touches on their profile poster. In World Studies, students listened to summaries of current articles, including an article from the Washington Post that I read to the students called “FBI director got it wrong on the Holocaust”, and answered many political and physical geography questions about Asia by looking at different maps.  

Earth Science with Molly:

7^th & 8^th grade groups created playdough models of the different types of lithospheric plate movements and features that result from these movements. The main focus of the week was learning about earthquakes and earthquake safety this week. Students did a lab simulating the friction between two lithospheric plates and measured using strain gauges.

Spanish A with Rebecca:

On Monday, the students learned how to conjugate the irregular verb "ir" (to go) and practiced using it in sentences, describing where we and others are going and for what purpose. On Wednesday, the students took a vocabulary quiz and also learned all the Spanish interrogative words (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How many/much, etc.), how to order words when posing a question, and also practiced creating their own questions and answering them appropriately. Friday was a review day. The test on Chapter 4B will be on Friday (May 1st).

Spanish with Olga:

Spanish B

We continued working with reflexive verbs and manipulating the pronouns. We learned new command forms, both in the affirmative and negative. We had a quiz on vocabulary for reflexive verbs. The students have a verb review packet that is due next Wednesday.  I will give them another review packet on Monday, in preparation for the end of year assessment. The end of year assessment will be on May 13.

Spanish C

We learned and practiced the present perfect form of verbs. We revisited verbs that have the same structure as "gustar" and learned new verbs that work that way. On Monday, I will give them a review packet in preparation for the end of year assessment. The end of year assessment will be on May 13.

Spanish D

We reviewed irregular verbs in the past tense. We also started reviewing pronouns: object, subject, possessives, etc. On Monday, I will give them a review packet in preparation for the end of year assessment. The end of year assessment will be on May 13.

Spanish D+

We continue working on the imperfect subjunctive, conditional, future, conditional perfect and future perfect, to express ideas that are contrary to fact (such as "If I were a rich man..." On Monday, I will give them a review packet in preparation for the end of year assessment. The end of year assessment will be on May 13.

Art with Patti:

The representational charcoal drawings the students have done look great, and they’ve done a great job showing dimension. They’ve also started working on the background using a repeated element that intertwines around each other. They will also use value to show depth on those objects.

Computer Lab with Holly:

 This week the students continued working on creating their store catalogs, in addition to practicing their typing skills.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week in 6th & 8th grade classes, we focused on eating disorders. We read about anorexia and bulimia, how to recognize them, the impact on one’s body and the importance of getting help from professionals. We watched a video interviewing teens and medical professionals who have experience with these eating disorders. We learned about recovery and both short-term and long-term health effects. Next we will focus on over-exercise and the use of steroids. Soon after, we will look at body images for both males and females in the media.

Thank you from, The Purple Team