Week of December 14, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with Bina:

This week the students completed chapter 6 and took the test. For the remainder of the week, I
reinforced old math concepts such as adding and subtracting fractions, the order of operations,
changing fractions to decimals, and one-step algebraic equations using math games. The students
enjoyed reviewing concepts with online math games. If your student wants to keep practicing these
concepts over break they can find more math games at http://interactivesites.weebly.com/math.html.
They can also Google math other games because there are many options out there.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II we began the week by looking at percents. We eased into the unit by looking at what percent of a dollar various amounts of change is. On Wednesday we took a short quiz, and then did a general review exercise on IXL on Thursday. We'll be quickly reviewing the first half of the year when we come back from break, in preparation for a mid-year assessment.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily (Alex):

Students completed their study of ratios in Chapter 5 using scaled models, dilations/enlargements of figures, and the method of indirect-measurement to determine sizes. We also enjoyed creating questions of our own, relating scale models to their real-world purpose. Our class took its final assessment of the chapter and will begin its cumulative review after winter break.

Algebra I with Molly:

The last week of the year in Algebra was spent on linear equations. Students learned to find the slope of a line, then labeled linear equations with the standard form and the point-slope form. We reviewed when and how to use each type of equation, as well as practicing transforming between the different forms. When we return, we will spend a couple of days reviewing, then take the mid-year assessment. An optional Review Packet was sent home over winter break.

Geometry with Holly:

The students started the week by taking a quiz over the last half of chapter 6. After reviewing on Tuesday, they took their chapter test on Wednesday.  We finished the week on Thursday by using popsicle sticks to explore and compare the strength of cubes and tetrahedrons in preparation for their Bridge Project.  This project will enable the students to pull together many of the topics we have discussed so far this year, and will be completed the Friday after we return from Winter Break.

Language Arts with Jared:

We spent this week wrapping up a few projects. Students finished typing in class their origin myth (a two-page creative writing assignment about the origin of something), and finished creating their word art assignment on their fall outside reading book. We also continued working on our grammar unit on verbs. We then spent a day discussing Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" (using Star Wars as an example to explain the various steps). On Thursday, students who finished their other assignments early played a game of Scrabble (which had bonus points for using vocabulary words). Eighth graders have a reading assignment over winter break, getting a head start on our next (lengthy) novel on Norse mythology.

World Studies with Emily (Alex):

All classes reviewed for and completed their test covering Ancient India, demonstrating a strong understanding of the key principals of early Hinduism, Buddhism, and the civilizations surrounding their development. Students completed an optional assignment in which they reported on an event both with and without obvious bias. At the end of the week, classes began considering their thesis statements for their narrowed NHD topics and will continue this process in January.

Life Science with Molly:

This week was focused on presentations. Students finished presenting their microorganism posters to the class. Everyone took turns presenting their science fair boards to their classmates and to the elementary classes. They did an excellent job of sharing their projects during science fair night as well!

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish

We are studying how to talk about likes and dislikes using the verb gustar.  We also continue working with verbs and sentence structures.

 Spanish B

We had a short week.  On Monday we practiced stem changing verbs and used them in sentences and workbook practice. On Wednesday, we played some games to reinforce vocabulary.

Spanish C

We had a short week.  On Monday we started learning vocabulary to give directions and watched the Videohistoria for the next chapter. On Wednesday, we played some games to reinforce vocabulary.

Spanish D

We had a short week, which we used to finish the cultural unit on Puerto Rico.  We listened to music, and played some games to reinforce vocabulary. 

Art with Patti:

Most students have finished their hand built clay art pieces. They will continue to work on the wheel and complete their ancient civilization projects when we return from break.

Computer Lab with Holly:

Due to the Science Fair and Winter Break, only the seventh graders had Computer Lab this week  On Monday they prepared reflections of the community service work they have accomplished so far this year, and on Wednesday they practiced their Excel graphing skills by playing Battleship.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week 6th grade students completed portfolio reflections, 8th grade students prepped for science fair, and 7th grade students did not have class due to the Friday off. Students Next time we discuss Sex Ed. topics, 6th grade students will learn more about changes during puberty, such as growth spurts. In 7th grade, the girls will discuss breast growth and changes during puberty. Boys will discuss male breast changes and male genital changes and growth during puberty. 8th grade boys will focus on masturbation, before moving on to female sex organs and 8th grade girls will focus on male sex organs. It has been requested by more than one parent that we discuss pornography. I will include this in a future focus on sex in the media and on the internet.

Thank you from, The Purple Team