Week of November 17th

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

In Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn, we completed unit 5 with an assessment today and a notebook check. There isn't any homework over the break. When we return we will pick up with multiplying and dividing fractions. Happy Thanksgiving!

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In PreAlgebra II, we began the week with our Chapter Four test. We then discussed rates and unit rates, and used matchbox cars on inclines to measure and calculate rates with real-world data (one car went 3mph!). After discussing ratios, we used the online IXL program to practice finding out whether or not two fractions formed an equal ratio.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

This week in Pre-Algebra III we divided rational numbers, simplified and evaluated formulas, solved word problems in several different ways, took square roots of numbers, classified rational and irrational numbers, and practiced the Pythagorean Theorem. Students took a second Chapter 4 quiz on Friday. We will review the chapter when we return from vacation and take the test. 

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, we focused on calculating percent of change, increase or decrease. We also found the greatest possible error in measurement and likely ranges for errors in measuring to a given unit. We finished the chapter with a focus on probability. Students calculated the theoretical and experimental probability of different events. They went on to calculate independent and dependent probabilities. When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we will do a final activity on probability and review for a test on Chapter 4 mid-week.

Geometry with Holly:

This week we completed chapter 5 and the study of relationships within triangles.  We began the week by reviewing for then taking a quiz over midsegments, angle bisectors, and points of concurrence.  We then discussed indirect reasoning, and used it to prove a variety of theorems dealing with triangle inequalities, which we discussed on Wednesday.  After reviewing on Thursday, the students took the chapter test on Friday.  There will be no homework over the Thanksgiving break.

Language Arts with Jared:

In Language Arts, students read the final short story in our unit, and then looked at an interpretation of the story in a different media. Sixth graders read "A Sound of Thunder," by Ray Bradbury, and then analyzed the EC Comics adaptation. Seventh graders read "There Will Come Soft Rains," also by Bradbury, and analyzed a similar comic book. Eighth graders read "An Occurrence on Owl Creek Bridge," by Ambrose Bierce, and then analyzed the Academy Award-winning short film. Students made a list of similarities and differences between the two versions, and then I discussed how to write a 5-paragraph "key-hole" essay. They outlined their essays, and will begin writing a rough draft *after* Thanksgiving break. Rounding out the busy week, students also took a vocabulary quiz, a linking verbs quiz, and finished presenting to the class the poems that they had memorized.

World Studies with Emily:

In the beginning of the week, students worked independently on their second and final round of Immigration Menu projects. We studied U.S. expansionism and imperialism in the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including annexing Hawaii, the Spanish-American War, and briefly touched on the Open Door Policy with China and the Treaty of Kanagawa with Japan. We did an activity (See-Think-Wonder) with some images from the time and read two opposing outlooks on imperialism: Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden” and Ernest Howard Crosby’s parody “The Real White Man’s Burden”. We watched a few short video clips from Discovery Education and heard some students’ immigration projects. In World Studies, we listened to summaries of current news articles and played our jeopardy game.

Earth Science with Molly:

This week we completed the History of Astronomy Powerpoint and began working on doing research for a poster on a celestial body. Students chose from our Sun, Moon, one of the eight planets, plus dwarf planets, some moons of planets, and the bodies in the oort cloud. They are using their textbook, Nasa’s website, and library books to research the information on their posters. We also tried to interpret a hypothetical message from a distant star cluster. They were given a decoded binary image and were asked to interpret its meaning. The images they viewed relate to what they know and will be learning about the solar system, our galaxy, and the universe in the next couple of weeks. For Science Fair, students turned in either a partial data table or a complete data table. After the break, students will turn in a rough draft of their science fair lab report.

Spanish A with Rebecca:

On Monday, the students learned how to make comparisons between classes using "más...que" and to discuss which ones they preferred and for what reasons. We also discussed the readings on México from the past Friday, talking about the geography, history, and cultures of the country. On Wednesday and Friday, the students learned Spanish subject pronouns and practiced choosing the correct ones to replace nouns. They should study their flashcards over Thanksgiving break if they have time - otherwise, enjoy time with family and friends!

Spanish with Olga:
Spanish B

This week we worked on getting ready for the Thanksgiving Feast. We also studied vocabulary to describe clothes we are wearing. We talked about cultural differences in what people consider appropriate to wear to events and parties. We practiced completing a passage with vocabulary words. We read about polleras and molas, traditional clothing in Panamá. Finally, we watched another episode of ¿Eres tú, María? and we talked about possible outcomes.

Spanish C

This week we worked on getting ready for the Thanksgiving Feast. We started a new chapter about places in the community. We studied vocabulary for places we go to rune errands, such as post office, gas station, pharmacy, etc. We revisited the formation of the past tense and saw new irregular verbs.

Spanish D

This week we worked on getting ready for the Thanksgiving Feast. We also started a new chapter about careers and professions. We watched a couple of episodes of "¿Eres tú, María?"

Spanish D+

This week the students joined the D class as we worked on getting ready for the Thanksgiving Feast. They also continue working on grammar.

Art with Patti:

Students are continuing to work on hand building votive sets out of clay and rotate turns throwing on the wheel.

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week the students learned to use new drawing tools within PowerPoint.  They will be using these when we return from the break, to create a floor plan for their restaurants.  This week they used these tools to create a logo for their restaurants, and then included their logos in menus they created for their restaurants.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week students worked on our November Community Service project, a Coat Drive for the Montgomery County Christmas Store. Monday’s class made some very effective posters announcing the drive and Friday’s class took posters down, cleaned out the pockets of the coats, then began washing them. We collected several huge trash bags of coats, which will be collected along with the Red Room’s toy collection, just after the Thanksgiving Break. Students began preparing portfolios for taking them home for parent feedback. After the Thanksgiving Break, we will begin to discuss (or review with the 7th & 8th grade students) puberty and their changing bodies.

Thank you from, The Purple Team