Week of October 5, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

We wrapped up our Chapter 2 unit by reviewing for a few days. Students worked on IXL to manipulate the number line to graph inequalities, and to practice balancing equations. We then had a jeopardy review game, which covered the whole chapter. On Thursday we had our chapter test, and then introduced exponents. Finally, we discussed scientific notation, and labeled planets’ diameters and distances from the sun using scientific notation.

Pre-Algebra III with Alex:

We began our review for Wednesday's Chapter 2 test (covering the solving and graphing of inequalities) by studying last week's quiz and completing a two-part chapter review both individually and as a class. Giving students a chance to work through examples while explaining their steps to the class has improved our group's confidence in justifying and communicating their solutions. As we introduced Chapter 3, students began their investigation of the coordinate plane using ordered pairs and had the chance to use technology to reinforce these concepts.

Algebra I with Molly:

After taking the Chapter 2 test on Monday, students worked on a project about bicycle gears. They used the transmission and bike travel equations to answer questions about the gears ratios. They created some very nice looking posters explaining their work. We began a new unit working with inequalities. So far we’ve reviewed solving for a variable using addition and subtraction. Students received their Chapter 2 tests back and will be turning revisions in for Monday. This is the last test they will be allowed to earn back ½ points on their grade. Of course, doing revisions on homework and assessments will continue to be done and will help them gain a better understanding of their mistakes.

Geometry with Holly:

This week we continued our study of parallel and perpendicular lines.  We began the week on Monday by discussing the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem.  On Tuesday, we discussed the concept of lines in other geometries, specifically in Spherical Geometry, and then on Wednesday the students took a quiz over the first half of the chapter.  On Thursday we discussed the Polygon Angle Sum Theorem, and then finished the week by reviewing the topic of lines from Algebra.

Language Arts with Jared:

This week students wrapped up their short story units. Sixth graders watched a brief cartoon clip featuring references to “A Sound of Thunder,” and seventh graders watched a Russian cartoon adaptation of “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Students then turned in their compare/contrast essays. We introduced our first novel unit on Egyptian mythology, and seventh and eighth graders read and discussed a myth about the origin of Ra, and began reading The Sphinx’s Princess. Students also took their third vocabulary quiz, and started reviewing for next week’s vocabulary test. Finally, seventh and eighth graders took their grammar test on prepositions, which the sixth graders will take on Wednesday.

World Studies with Alex:

This week in World Studies, classes continued their study of Sumerian life covering the fundamental transition from early humans to civilizations. 8^th graders enjoyed our Survival Activity, reflecting on the advantages and challenges facing an early civilization.

Our NHD research trip to Newman Library was a success! Students were able to navigate the Library of Congress system and check-out materials related to their topics. We introduced source citation and began developing a format for the upcoming weekly research checks. Families are encouraged to stay involved with this process as we will begin these research checks at the end of next week.

Life Science with Molly:

This week students released two butterflies per grade level and celebrated as the adult monarchs were released. We wished them a safe migration to Mexico. Students completed their final observation of the monarchs in their phenology notebooks and turned these in for a score. For the science fair, we discussed single variable experiments using scientific inquiry. Students have been asked to research and find three experiments they would be interested in doing for their science fair project. Anyone considering doing an experiment with plans must talk with me as soon as possible, as they need to begin these experiments very soon. Eighth grade students learned about the engineering design process and have been given the option to do a science fair project using either scientific inquiry or the engineering design process.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish

We are alternating vocabulary lessons with verb conjugations. We started learning the verbs that mean "to be" in Spanish (ser/estar).

Spanish B

This week we worked with the two verbs that mean "to be" (ser and estar).  Both of these verbs translate to the same word in English, but one has to think about the context of what is being said to decide which to use.  One thing I am working with these students right now is moving away from translating into English.  It will not help them to get the grammar structures when they are trying to translate word by word. I have spoken with the students about this and given them examples. I suspect it will take time, but we will get there!   This week we also reviewed the vocabulary and the other verbs we have studied in this chapter.  We had a test on Friday. 

Spanish C

This week we reviewed the vocabulary and the grammar from this chapter.  We had a chapter test on Friday. We also started the next chapter by revisiting vocabulary for body parts and clothing.

Spanish D

This was a short week due to the half day on Friday.  On Monday we reviewed the grammar and vocabulary.  We played a game to review the vocabulary.  On Wednesday, we had a test on the chapter.

Spanish D+

We continue to work on grammar (past tense) and readings.

Art with Patti:

This week students had one day of art. They continued working on an artwork that incorporates both representational and non-representational elements. Some are finalizing that project and beginning work for the next one, color mixing with paint. 

Computer Lab with Holly:

Due to the field trip to the Va Tech Library on Tuesday and the half day on Friday, on;y the 7th graders had Computer Lab this week.  In honor of October being Cyber Security month, on Monday, the students researched Cyber Security topics and created reports.  Then on Wednesday, the students were introduced to our new topic which we will be studying for the next two months: we will be learning about MS Excel and spreadsheets by conducting a Stock Market simulation.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week 6^th grade students focused on the endocrine system and learned the function of each organ or gland in controlling functions throughout the body with the release and detection of hormones. They were split into gender groups, then diagramed and colored these organs and glands on the body. The independent group worked on completing a science sheet about hypotheses. The 8^th grade students worked in gender groups, and learned the function of each sexual organ. Independent groups made this month’s Micah’s backpack poster for collecting Spaghettios. 7^th grade students did not have Life Skills due to our half-day on Friday. Over the next two weeks each group will have a guest speaker from Virginia Tech who is training with the Philosophy Foundation. He will be introducing the students to philosophy through story-telling and Socratic discussion. Future topics are as follows:

6^th: Will be looking at how hormones initiate puberty, during which the students will be broken into gender groups.

7^th: Will be discussing acne.

8^th: Will compare the scientific names of the sex organs (of their respective gender) to the common and slang terms. We will also be learning the function of the sexual organs of the opposite sex.

Thank you from, The Purple Team