Week of September 22nd

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, we spent the week working on balancing equations. We started with one-step equations, learning how to use inverse operations (adding/subtracting or multiplying/dividing) in order to isolate and solve for a variable. We took a quiz on this on Wednesday, before starting to explore two-step equations and forming equations to solve word problems.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

In Pre-Algebra III, we practiced simplifying algebraic expressions by combining like terms and solving multi-step algebraic equations all week. Students took a quiz; corrections are due Monday. We have started writing algebraic equations and drawing diagrams to solve a range of word problems. I have encouraged students to slow down their pace while doing homework, and especially quizzes and tests, because there have been many careless errors. I am reminding them to show their work, write legibly, and check their work (and not to forget their negative signs!). 

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, students learned that some equations have no solution, while others have infinitely many solutions, called identity. We then learned to define one variable in terms of another in an equation with two unknowns. They learned to write equations to solve for consecutive integers, when they are given the sum of those integers. We have embarked on what I like to refer to as the “classic algebra” problems. These are problems of distance, rate, and time. We are taking them slowly and will continue to learn how to solve these next week as well. 

Geometry with Holly:
This week we completed Chapter 2 on logic and reasoning by studying how logic is used in Algebra (this included a review of the Algebraic properties) and also how to prove angles congruent.  After a review of the entire chapter, the students took the chapter test on Friday.

Language Arts with Jared:

In our 19th century American poets unit, we focused this week on John Greenleaf Whittier, analyzing "At Port Royal" and "Barbara Frietchie," as well as James Russell Lowell's "The Present Crisis." In creative writing, students started presenting their power point tutorials, and the rest of the class worked on writing similar poems. In grammar, we finished our Prepositions unit, and will have a test on Tuesday.

World Studies with Emily:

In US History this week we finished reading the first five chapters from Joy Hakim’s “A History of US: Reconstruction and Reform”.  We tackled many difficult questions like: how to rebuild a nation after a civil war; should the leaders of the rebellion be punished; if not punished, should they be allowed to vote; what about hold office; is too much change, very quickly, less likely to be sustainable; does freedom necessarily include the right to vote; and does the federal government need to protect minorities when a state votes and legislates in a way that disproportionately affects or singles out a specific type of people. We compared four different Reconstruction plans: Lincoln’s (what we know about it before he was assassinated), the Wade-Davis Bill, Andrew Johnson’s, and the Radical Republicans'. Eighth graders read a primary source of a Northern general writing a letter to President Johnson about his observations of the post-war South. Students are beginning to look at some specific states’ Black Codes, as well as taking a closer look at the 13th, 14^th, and 15^th Amendments.

In World Studies, we read National History Day’s  “What is history?” and “What is research?”, which included eight steps to historical research and five keys to success. We discussed the importance of choosing a topic that you are naturally curious about and interested in, and that it’s not too late to abandon their three possible topics for a new one, but that now is the time! We read and discussed a NHD metaphor about doing a group project versus an individual project. Students are working on choosing their NHD topic, and will turn in a preliminary topic selection worksheet next week. All middle schoolers received a “current event homework pass” for successfully completing four current event summaries. Each of them may use it as he/she wishes to be excused from one current event assignment. In the future, sixth graders will receive one after three current event assignments, and seventh and eighth graders after four.

Earth Science with Molly:

We finished our focus and investigations into the causes of the seasons. Students found that the tilt of Earth’s axis causes changes in the amount of light and heat an area of the Earth receives. They also found that the difference in the concentration or intensity of light angles received on an area of Earth is also caused by the tilt. They are writing culminating essays explaining and supporting these ideas for next week. We completed our focus on science fair topics and students are ready to design their own experiments. They have turned in three topic ideas and will receive feedback from me early next week before they write a proposal for their science fair project.

Spanish A with Rebecca:
This week, we started Chapter 1A in the textbooks, which focuses on expressing likes and dislikes for different activities and pastimes using the verb "gustar." The students are learning how to ask each other what they like or don't like to do, and also how to agree and disagree with each other about mutual and different likes and dislikes, using the new vocabulary for different activities. They enjoyed watching the videos that supplement the book and help explain these new grammar concepts! They had a vocabulary quiz today (Friday).

Spanish with Olga:

Spanish B

This week we started a new chapter about the parts of the house, describing things, and chores. We started out by talking about our bedrooms- what is in them and what colors they have.  We reviewed vocabulary for colors, and we all enjoyed singing the color song. The students were very excited because we started the miniseries "¿Eres tú, María?" They have been looking forward to this for a while. We watched the first two episodes and made a list of what we know so far. I gave the students their assessments back. They were asked to revise the parts they missed. I explained that revisions do not result in more points on the test, but rather count as an extra assignment. I explained the importance of revising, in order to understand mistakes and identify potential problems.

Spanish C

This week we started a chapter that talks about extracurricular activities. We watched a videohistoria. We started looking at comparisons. We revisited what we had learned last year- comparing things with "more/less…than" and then talked about comparisons of equality ("as...as"). We finished the week with some singing. I gave the students their assessments back. They were given the option to revise the parts they missed. I explained the importance of revising, in order to understand mistakes and identify potential problems.

Spanish D

This week we started a new chapter with vocabulary about movies and the cinema. We reviewed verbs that take an indirect object, such as gustar. We saw new verbs that act this way and added pronouns, such as reflexives.  I introduced a new tense: the present perfect. We saw how to form it (with the verb haber plus a participle), saw how to form participles, and started working with irregular participles. I gave the students their assessments back. They were asked to revise the parts they missed. I explained that revisions do not result in more points on the test, but rather count as an extra assignment. I explained the importance of revising, in order to understand mistakes and identify potential problems.

Spanish D+

The students continue to work independently and efficiently on their own. I graded their first assessment and gave it back to them. Their next assessment will be next Wednesday, October 1st. I have asked them to focus on ser and estar (the "to be" verbs), particularly in instances where either one could fit the sentence, but the meaning would change depending on the choice.

Art with Patti:

Students had one art class this week where they finished their sketchbook activity of creating a color wheel, along with learning about different hues and color groups. They selected a photo to draw from, and drew a line drawing of it to translate into complimentary colors.

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week we began a unit on Digital Citizenship.  In the Monday groups, we discussed a variety of ideas emphasizing how pervasive computers are in our daily life, and also learned how to search more efficiently and effectively on the internet.  Later in the week, in the grade level groups, the students began work on internet safety presentations with their partners.  This unit will last several weeks and will culminate with the students presenting their projects to their class, and taking a class prepared test over the presentations.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This meeting (7^th Fri, 6 & 8 next Mon.), we reviewed and created the rest of the instructions for the Purple Room student jobs. Students completed a survey about the Intergalactic Nemesis field trip at the Center for the Arts. We finished sharing their “If I were a …” posters, while they worked to complete their Reflections over the Rainbow Self-Portraits. Students spend the last 15 minutes in small groups discussing the character trait they feel is most important in life. I heard many meaningful explanations in support of their character trait and we shared these with the class. Next week we will continue to focus on activities about character.

Thank you from, The Purple Team