Week of September 12, 2016

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:
The students received their Unit 1 tests back on Tuesday and had to make corrections by Friday. I hope you have been able to take a look at how your student did on this first test. We have moved on to our next unit. This week we have reviewed the concepts mean, mode, and median. We have also learned about frequency tables, line plots, bar and line graphs, and spreadsheets. Next Friday the students will have their Unit 2 end of assessment and a notebook check. The students  have a copy of the notebook rubric in their notebooks. They are encouraged to look over this rubric before they turn in their notebooks. Next Tuesday, Reagan Whelan will be subbing for me for the next nine days. You will not have a weekly update for the next two Fridays. Beginning Monday, September 26, the students will begin Unit 3. These entire unit is focused on solving algebraic expressions. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II we began the week with a Jeopardy game to review the material from Chapter 1. We then took our first chapter test (multiple-choice this time). We then explored variables with a m&m activity, and then discussed algebraic expressions & equations, before practicing these on IXL.

Pre-Algebra III with Andrew:
Students began Unit 2 with the Addition/Subtraction and Multiplication/Division Properties of Equality.  We used these properties to learn how to solve one- and two-step algebraic equations.  We also practiced combining like terms in order to simplify algebraic expressions.  This week, we also reviewed our previous mathematical properties by using the IXL.com website, as well as making posters to explain each property in class.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, students received their chapter 1 test back for revisions. They were all given the opportunity (while learning the first two chapters of the book) to earn half points back for their quizzes and tests. After the first two chapters, they may still be asked to revise, but their assessment scores will not be changed. They were asked to complete the practice sheet problems associated with each chapter by either the day of the test (for 1% bonus on a quiz grade) or by the day after the test for full credit. We practiced solving one-step and two-step equations, including the properties associated with the steps one uses to solve the problem. 

Geometry with Clare:

This week, we finished Unit 1 as planned, with the unit test being taken on Tuesday. The students did a good job all round and the minor revisions have also been completed. We are now nearly halfway through Chapter 2, Reasoning and Proof, a very short chapter. Next week should see us complete the lessons and take a quiz (probably on Tuesday or Wednesday). With student input, I am also working on short project ideas to go along with the chapter topic.

Language Arts with Jared:

We continued this week with our prepositions unit, and on our new vocabulary unit. We also continued discussing and analyzing Shakespeare's sonnets, breaking up into groups to closely analyze one of the poems. We also looked at how Shakespeare fit his syllables into an iambic pentameter pattern. Students then typed up the final draft of their own sonnet. On Thursday we discussed the characters, themes, and plot of "Two Gentlemen of Verona," before going to the Lyric Theatre to see it performed by the American Shakespeare Company.

World Studies with Andrew:

We worked hard this week!  This week, students took their first test, on Unit 1.  In class, we reviewed the tests and talked about concepts that are foundational to the study of Civics, and we assigned test revisions to be due by next Wednesday (9/21).  We also spent class time working on our Census and Demographics Project, in which students developed surveys and questionnaires to find out demographic information about our school.  Next week, students will work on tabulating the information that they collect, and comparing Blacksburg New School's data to national data.  At the end of the week, students presented their current events.

Physical Science with Molly:

This week students read a section from the book on describing matter, they defined the vocabulary terms, and broke into partners to create a visual poster to help us remember the terms. As we continue to prepare for the science fair, 6^th and 7^th grade students practiced writing testable scientific questions. 8^th grade students continued their snack food packaging engineering design project. They made a plan for their package and completed an order form for materials, carefully keeping to a budget as they purchased materials. We discussed the tests the snack package prototypes would go through and wrote specifications and values for evaluating the test. 

Spanish with Corinne:

Morning Spanish

Sunshine A: This week we finished the introductory chapter in the textbook and will have a test on Tuesday September 20.

Sunshine B: This week we learned about the verb “tener” (to have) and its uses. We also began learning about possessive adjectives. Possessive adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun, so we reviewed agreement and ways to tell is a noun is masculine or feminine.

Spanish B

This week we reviewed for and took a test on Chapter 5A. Following the test we watched the first episode of “eres tú, María?” We also read the first two chapters of “La gran aventura de Alejandro” and began learning about Spain. 

Spanish C

We spent this week reviewing for and taking the test on Chapter 1A. 

Spanish D

This week we reviewed for and took a test on Chapter 6A. Following the test we reviewed the previous episodes of “En busca de la verdad” in preparation for watching the new episode.

Art with Patti:

Young middle school artists continued working on their anthropomorphic drawings. They are doing a great job coming up with a variety of ideas for their drawings, and creating interesting compositions using color and value.  Students also started exploring watercolor.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week (and next Monday) we (will) continued our focus on emotions with a written reflection and discussion. Students answered and discussed questions like, ‘Are you comfortable sharing your emotions? Do you wish people would share their emotions more or less? Is there a time when you think it is a good idea to not share your emotions?, etc’ Next class we will read more about emotions and our brain.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team