Purple Curriculum Updates
Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:
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 7th and 8th 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
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