Week of May 2, 2016

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with Bina:

We have completed our math end-of-year assessment. Beginning next week, we will continue reviewing concepts like fractions, percent, and problem solving using puzzle problems in class. This will reinforce concepts the Blue Roomers have learned throughout this year and prepare them for new concepts next year.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

This week we wrapped up our graphing unit by looking at how students can use graphs to solve word problems. We then reviewed all the different types of graphs we covered in this chapter, before taking our chapter test. On Friday we introduced probability, which the students were very excited about.

Pre-Algebra III with Emily:

We used rules to graph linear functions, and then wrote linear function rules from words, tables, and graphs. We related graphs to events by interpreting and sketching graphs. Students took a quiz on the first four sections of chapter 12. Then they began learning about nonlinear functions by graphing and writing quadratic functions as well as graphing other nonlinear functions.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week students practiced using the quadratic equation. 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. They will review and take the chapter test next week.

Geometry with Holly:

This week the students discussed the concept of a locus of points on Monday, then reviewed the last half of Chapter 12 prior to taking a quiz over that materiel on Thursday.  The finished the week by reviewing for the Chapter test which they took the following Monday.

Language Arts with Jared:

We spent this week working on reading and understanding "Macbeth," one of William Shakespeare's famous tragedies. To approach this in a way that students can figure out the text, we look at the play from a variety of angles. I showed students a graphic novel adaptation of the scenes they are reading, in order to understand the general storyline. Then students take turns reading through the play aloud, with us pausing to discuss the meaning of what they just read. Then we watch segments of a Globe Theatre performance of "Macbeth," to see how the acting and stage direction (which are missing from the text) complete their understanding of the scene.

World Studies with Emily:

Students worked all week on finishing their research, writing their scripts, and finding the best images and music for their documentaries. On Friday, when we don’t have access to the laptops, sixth graders worked on drawing the perimeters of the world’s countries on continent maps and labeling them.

Life Science with Molly:

We began the week working on mulching the rain garden. We did a great lab where students extracted DNA from strawberries. It was quite successful and exciting! Students began learning about evolution and natural selection this week.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish
We spent the week working through a study guide in preparation for the end of year assessment next week. The exam will be May 10-12, and will be graded and returned to students the following week.

Spanish B/C/D/K

After a final review on Monday, we spent the rest of the week taking our end of year assessments.  They will be graded and returned to students, who will then place them in their portfolios.  We will have a little "fiesta" on May 20 before and during lunch- I will provide more details soon.

Art with Patti:

This week students penciled in a composition using the rule of thirds for a watercolor painting, as well as talking about a few watercolor techniques using mingling or plastic wrap. Students continued to work on their projects, focusing on the element of art “space”, or finishing up their artist inspired project.

Computer Lab with Holly:

The students continued working on their Zoo Project catalogs, and should have finished most of the plant and animal entries.  They also took a typing test.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week we continued working on plans and preferences, such as roommates and lunch choices for the DC overnight field trip. In coming classes, students will prepare for the overnight field trip, prepare for end of year conferences, and if time permits: 8^th grade students will split into gender groups and learn about the sexual anatomy of the opposite gender. 6^th &7^th grade students will continue on their focus of changes during puberty.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team