Week of October 20th

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

In Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn, the students worked on exponents, prime factorization, finding the greatest common factor, equivalent fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. We will probably have an end of unit assessment on Friday.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, students spent the week working with fractions and decimals. They learned how to find a common denominator in order to compare and order fractions, how to convert between a mixed number and an improper fraction, and how to convert between fractions and decimals. On Thursday they took their second quiz on this material, and then on Friday we began to review for Tuesday's test.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

We practiced finding the slope of lines from two ordered pairs, from graphed lines, and from linear equations. We did an extension activity equating rate of change to slope and defined what the slope of various linear equations meant depending on the word problem scenario. Students learned how to use graphing calculators (TI-82s and TI-83s) this week—writing equations in slope-intercept form, setting the parameters of their tables, and graphing the lines. We compared lines, practicing using precise language to articulate similarities and differences (both have negative slopes, but line b has a positive y-intercept, or line a is in quadrant I, III, and IV whereas line c is in quadrant II and IV and passes through the Origin (0, 0)). We finished up the week by learning slope-intercept form and practicing that on IXL, taking a quiz, and using a range of strategies to solve word problems. I’m encouraging students to look to write equations to solve word problems rather than first going towards the strategy of trial and error and logical reasoning. 

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, students continued working with inequalities. They learned to switch the inequality sign when they multiply or divide a negative number across it in the process of solving for the variable. They also learned to work with compound inequalities. They are now applying the many skills they’ve brought to algebra to new situations. They are working on very careful calculations, keeping track of negative signs, doing steps in the correct order, and sometimes changing the direction of inequality signs. These are all opportunities for mistakes and require careful attention from the students.

Geometry with Holly:

This week, after a review, the students took the Chapter 3 test.  On Wednesday, we began Chapter 4 and the study of congruent triangles.  After discussing what makes figures congruent, we discussed triangle congruence by the Side-Side-Side Postulate (SSS),  the Side-Angle-Side Postulate (SAS), the Angle-Side-Angle Postulate (ASA), and the Angle-Angle-Side Postulate (AAS).

Language Arts with Jared:

This week students took a test on the 60 vocabulary words we've studied so far this year. Two of the sections also took a quiz on helping verbs (sixth graders will have their quiz on Tuesday). We continued in our 19th century American poetry unit by looking at the work of Edgar Allan Poe, followed by some amusing Poe-related cartoons. We also worked on writing formal letters, and the students each mailed a letter to a government representative regarding the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

World Studies with Emily:

Students finished working on historical timelines with a focus on U.S. history. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders did a couple short readings about immigration, both general and looking at the time period 1880s to the 1920s (the time with a massive influx of European immigrants to the U.S.). We watched a Discovery Education movie about immigration. Students took a pop quiz, which I’m only counting as classwork. I described and gave students their major assignment for our study on immigration; half of which will be due before the end of the fall trimester (11/06). It should be a fun series of assignments, some of which will be shared in class on the due date. There is a lot of student choice for this project and students will have a few class periods to work on this Immigration Menu project.  

Earth Science with Molly:

This week students participated in solving a mystery involving power outages, cell phone and radio communication disruptions, and high levels of gamma rays. They worked in groups to research likely causes and narrow down the likely culprits. They are fairly certain it has to do with the sun and will learn more about the causes in the coming week, as we discover more about the sun. They turned in their moon observation charts and each class was able to sketch 3 weeks worth of moon observations as they observed the moon pass through its phases. They turned in their Lab Report Preliminary to get advice on their materials and method for their science fair projects. In the coming week they will receive a study guide for a test the first week in November on the Earth, Sun, and Moon unit. 

Spanish A with Rebecca:
On Monday, the students enjoyed watching a video featuring the daily lives of two children in Puerto Rico. On Tuesday, we discussed differences and similarities between life in Puerto Rico and life in the USA and the students did a great job noting differences in climate, relationships, food, and customs. The students also learned about singular indefinite articles ("un" and "una"), which are the equivalents of "a" and "an" in English. They practiced using them in sentences, writing out phrases and then practicing speaking them with a partner. On Friday, the students learned in Spanish that adjectives almost always come after the nouns they describe. They practiced this concept by creating sentences describing different people. For example: "Elena is an artistic girl" = "Elena es una chica artística."

Spanish with Olga:

Spanish B

We learned a new verb form! It is the informal, positive, commands!! We practiced using it with the new vocabulary we learned: vocabulary to talk about chores around the house. We also watched the next episode of "¿Eres Tú, María?" and made some guesses/inferences about what will happen next.

Spanish C

We continued practicing the reflexive verbs. We also revisited the two verbs "to be" (ser and estar). We watched the videohistoria for the next chapter and started talking about vocabulary to describe clothing and shopping situations. Finally, I reintroduced the forms of the past (preterite) tense, which we will be focusing on next week.

Spanish D

We continue talking about the subjunctive mood, its forms, and forming sentences that have two clauses, where one of the clauses uses the subjunctive.

Spanish D+

The students continue working independently.

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week, the 6th graders gave their Internet Safety presentations.  The 7th and 8th graders discussed group project expectations, and reflected on the Internet Safety presentations they gave last week.  On Wednesday, the 7th and 8th graders took a test over the entire Digital Citizenship curriculum.  Afterward, they watched a video on "AutoCorrecting Humanity" and as a typing project, composed an essay reflecting their thoughts on the video.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

Our next meetings will begin on Monday with a continued focus on the drama in their lives. There was no meeting on Friday, due to Messy Day activities.

Thank you from, The Purple Team