Week of February 8, 2016

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with Bina:

This week we learned about the metric system and unit conversion in the metric system. Next week we will continue chapter 9 on the metric system, area, and volume.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

This week we wrapped up our unit with some review on Monday of word problems and circle graphs. Since we weren't having math class on Tuesday (initially due to a field trip, later due to the snow day), we discussed ways to review and study for Wednesday's test. Then we introduced area, and on Thursday we "proved" the formulas for parallelograms and triangles with a craft activity.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

During this short week with snow days and field trips, we finished chapter six. We learned how to find a probability and a sample space. Students did a chapter review, which we then reviewed as a class, and then everyone took a chapter test.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week students finished the topics in the chapter as they learned to graph inequalities on a coordinate plane, shading above or below the line. They then learned to solve systems of inequalities to find the overlapping range of solutions. They also spent time practicing solving systems of linear equations as applied to real-world situations, choosing the appropriate method to use for solving, elimination, graphing, or substitution. They will review next Tuesday and take their chapter 7 test on Wednesday.

Geometry with Holly:

We finished the teaching for Chapter 8 this week.  On Monday we discussed angles of elevation and angles of depression, and on Wednesday we discussed vectors.  Then on Thursday the students took a quiz over the trigonometric functions and applications. They will take the chapter test next week.

Language Arts with Jared:

Students turned in the rough drafts of their creative stories about Loki, and will be turning in their final drafts after the long weekend. We then wrapped up our Norse mythology unit by viewing the movie "Thor" (though 6th and 7th graders just saw the parts relevant to the original myths we were studying). Next week we embark on to a new unit related to Greek mythology.

World Studies with Emily:

Students chose a topic from a list of people and genres from ancient Greek humanities and sciences and did independent internet research. Most students started making a poster to showcase what they learned about their topic. They will present their posters next week. 

Life Science with Molly:

This week students learned about the chicken egg as it represents a cell, although there is only one small part in the egg that is considered a single cell. We candled an egg, then they diagramed a raw egg and learned the specifics of each part. They also checked the density of each part of the egg in water. Students read about how photosynthesis works in a cell.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish

Spanish B

We finished reviewing for our test, which will be our next class (next Wednesday Feb. 17). The test will include  the material from the book, but also numbers and the verb to go.  This is something the students need more practice on.  We also have been reading "La Gran Aventura de Alejandro" about a Mexican boy who visits Spain with his family- and learns many interesting things about culture and history.

Spanish C

We reviewed and had our unit test on Wednesday. The students have a project due on the 19th. They also have  ordering to do, paying attention to the verbs being used. This is in preparation for learning to differentiate between the two past tenses (preterite an imperfect) in Spanish.

Spanish D

We are revisiting the subjunctive!  We reviewed the forms and uses we had learned before, and added one more type of use.  We will have a short quiz on this next week, before looking at the past subjunctive.

Spanish D+

We have joined Spanish D in reviewing/revisiting the subjunctive mood.

Art with Patti:

This week we started to find our routine again in art after interjecting the collaborative art class auction pieces. Students were brainstorming, researching, sketching or composing their ideas for the Artist based project. I’m seeing a nice variety of ideas, and enjoying their connections to artists and styles.

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week the students prepared the clues for the landmark they are submitting to the Landmark Game, which begins next week.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week Life Skills class times were used for Computer Lab classes that were missed on Tuesday’s snow day. We will continue our focus on body image in the media in future classes.

Thank you from, The Purple Team