Week of September 19, 2016

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:

This week in Pre-Algebra I we created and analyzed stem and leaf plots. In addition, the students discovered how some graphs and charts can be misleading and worked on changing these so that they are not misleading. We also had 2 quizzes and finished the week with a Friday test.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

We began the week with a review of algebraic equations, and took a quick quiz on how to solve one-step equations. Then we focused on 2-step equations, and looked at more challenging examples on IXL. We ended the week by looking at word problems, and learning how to directly translate the words into a mathematical equation.

Pre-Algebra III with Andrew:

This week, we focused on learning how to solve two-or-more-step equations with unknown variables.  We practiced especially with algebraic equations that have variables on both sides of the equation.  In addition to our regular classwork, we also practiced on IXL with solving two-step equations.  We finished out the week by practicing our new skills with word problems and realistic applications to what we learned.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, we reviewed distribution and combining “like-terms.” Students learned a couple of handy methods to clear an equation of fractions or decimals before solving for the variable. Students learned that some equations have no solution, while others have infinitely many solutions, called identity. We then learned to define one variable in terms of another in an equation with two unknowns. They learned to write equations to solve for consecutive integers, when they are given the sum of those integers. We have embarked on what I like to refer to as the “classic algebra” problems. These are problems of distance, rate, and time. We are taking them slowly and will continue to learn how to solve these next week as well. Students have completed any revisions to their Chapter 1 test, so these should be filed in portfolios for your viewing.

Geometry with Clare:

We have almost completed Chapter 2 in the text, on deductive reasoning and logic. The students took a quiz on Wednesday - excellent results all round! We reviewed Properties of Equality, the Distributive Property, and looked at Properties of Congruence. With just one lesson to complete next week (I forgot the Friday field trip), I anticipate the chapter test will be Wednesday. There are two short projects associated with Ch. 2; the first on Linear Regression is due Tuesday, the second will be assigned next week.

Language Arts with Jared:

This week we finished our unit on sonnets. We spent Monday and Tuesday reviewing the facts we learned about this poetic form, and we practiced our skills on marking out meter, and worked on strategies for determining meaning in the poems. We also took our second vocabulary quiz, and worked some more on prepositions.

World Studies & Civics with Andrew:

This week, we began our new chapter about the groups and social institutions that are at work in our society.  We practiced using outlines to read and organize notes, with a special emphasis on differentiating important and unimportant information.  We learned about the roles of the family, religion, and education as social institutions that train up new citizens in our country.  Next week, we will continue to learn about the economy and the government, and their specific roles in society.  Students also collected data and put the finishing touches on their Demographics and Census projects, which will be due next week.

Physical Science with Molly:

We completed our dry ice investigations this week, which support our study of matter. Students observed soap bubbles blown over a tank which contained dry ice. The resulting discussions about matter and supporting evidence show they are getting as much as I hoped from our investigations. We also continued our formal study of matter. Students completed their matter vocabulary posters and presented these to the class. They will have a quiz on these matter vocabulary terms on Wednesday of next week. As we continue to prepare for the science fair, 6^th and 7^th grade students practiced writing hypotheses. 8^th grade students continued their snack food packaging engineering design project. They tested their first prototype and evaluated the success of their design. Each group redesigned based on their results and will construct and test a second prototype early next week. 

Spanish with Corinne:

Morning Spanish

Sunshine A

This week we reviewed for and took a test on the introductory chapter of the textbook. The tests will be passed back and put in portfolios on Monday September 26.

Sunshine B

This week we finished Chapter 5A, talking about families and fiestas. We will have a test on this Chapter on Thursday September 29. I will pass out review work for students to complete during study hall on Monday and Tuesday, and we will review on Wednesday.

Spanish B

This week we began learning the vocabulary in Chapter 5B, going to a restaurant. This chapter also incorporates vocabulary to describe people (hair color, height, age, etc.). We learned how to conjugate the verb venir (to come), which is very similar to the verb from last chapter, tener.

Spanish C

This week we began learning the vocabulary in Chapter 1B. Students are making flashcards as we work through the new words to help them work on studying gradually as we move forward through the chapter. We also watched the videohistoria for this chapter.

Spanish D

This week we began learning the vocabulary in Chapter 6B, talking about movies that you have seen. We have done several activities and workbook pages to work with the vocabulary. On Thursday we spent half of the class listening to music and singing. We did not have class on Friday. 

Art with Patti:

The students’ drawings are looking great! They are doing a nice job finishing animating inanimate objects. Students also experimented with painting with tempera paint.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

We only had Monday classes this week, so the report is the same as last week: This week we 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