Week of September 26, 2016

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II we spent the week on inequalities. We started with simple one-step inequalities, and then eventually moved to the more complicated two-step inequalities. We stressed that the process was very similar to solving equations, unless you are multiplying or dividing by a negative number. We then spent a couple of days reviewing the chapter, before Friday's test.

Pre-Algebra III with Andrew:

This week in Pre-Algebra III, we worked on applying our knowledge of solving multi-step algebraic expressions to inequalities.  We learned how to "move" variables to different sides of equations and inequalities by using mathematical properties.  We paid careful attention to changing the direction of inequalities when we multiply or divide both sides by negative numbers.  We finished out the week by reviewing for the chapter test, which will be next Tuesday.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, we continued to learn to apply the distance formula in a variety of ways, including one way travel, round trip travel, and two vehicles traveling away from one another. They now seem to have a good grasp of how to write and solve equations for a variety of situations. At the end of the week, students learned to solve for a single variable in formulas with multiple variables.

Geometry with Clare:
Chapter 2 was completed last week, along with the chapter test. The students also completed a short project on linear regression, and will turn in another on Monday that uses some of the geometrical deduction techniques to analyse some recent political statements made by the two main presidential candidates. We also made a start on Chapter 3, which uses the skills and vocabulary learned so far to build proofs.
 

Language Arts with Jared:

We began our unit on short stories with a discussion on types of conflict, and analyzed different plot summaries to identify each of the four types. 6th graders read "Three Questions" Leo Tolstoy and "Charles" by Shirley Jackson. 7th graders read "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber and by "Gator" by Robert Sawyer. 8th graders read "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain and "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry. We used the short stories to discuss conflict, theme, and other elements of literature. Students also made progress in their new vocabulary unit.

World Studies & Civics with Andrew:

This week, we reviewed what we had learned about note-taking in outline format, and applied that to our reading about social institutions.  We especially focused on the economy this week, and its role in society.  We learned about several of the differences between the political parties in how they approach economics, and the 7th and 8th grades listened to and analyzed the economics portions of the Presidential debates that occurred this week.  Next week, we will be learning about the social institution of the government.

Physical Science with Molly:

This week in our study of matter, students were given a mixture of three substances, sand, iron filings, and salt. They were tasked with separating the mixture into the three components. We also focused on weight, mass, and density of matter. As we continue to prepare for the science fair, 6^th and 7^th grade students learned about controlling variables. 8^th grade students continued their snack food packaging engineering design project. They tested their second prototype and will begin writing a report next week. In preparation for science fair, all students have been asked to research and look for three topics they would be interested in doing a science fair project on. I will provide feedback on their ideas.

Spanish with Corinne:

Morning Spanish

Sunshine A

This week students got their tests back, and put them in their portfolios. We began Chapter 1A in the textbook, talking about likes and dislikes. Students are learning to answer the question “qué te gusta hacer?” (What do you like to do?). To answer this question you have to use the phrase “me gusta” (I like) followed by an infinitive verb (a verb in its unconjugated form).  We also watched the first video accompanying the textbook.

Sunshine B

This week we reviewed for a test on Chapter 5A and took the test on Thursday. Tests will be graded and passed back to go in portfolios next week.

Spanish B

This week we continued to work through Chapter 5B. Every day we review the new vocabulary through a series of questions and activities. This chapter contains vocabulary to talk about description, so we are reviewing the verbs “ser” and “estar” (to be) and their different uses.

Spanish C

This week we began with a review of how to talk about what you like to do (“qué te gusta hacer?). We reviewed infinitive verbs, locations, and the verb “ir” (to go). We then began  to add to the vocabulary to answer this question by learning new words to talk about extracurricular activities.

Spanish D

This week we continued to work on Chapter 6B, talking about movies. We reviewed indirect object pronouns and began learning the present progressive tense (to have done something).

Art with Patti:

For our art warm up this week, we reviewed value and how to use it to imply dimension in an artwork. The middle school artists also looked at examples of how repetition, pattern, and rhythm is used in art, then practiced how to apply it. Anthropomorphic art is being finished up, along with some students beginning to work on the next project. We have also discussed how art is graded, and their mid-term grades.

*A note about mid-term art grades: We have been very busy in art doing a lot of all class art projects, which required full participation. There has been a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which is reflected in student grades.  Students are now moving into individual projects, where pacing and engagement are self-motivated, which is when grades will reflect more variation.

Computer Lab with Lauren:
This week we continued working on touch typing skills. The 8th graders created a Google Sheet to keep track of their typing test scores. The 6th and 7th graders began working on a Powerpoint portfolio to highlight their community service efforts.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week we read about emotions from our health textbook. Many different scenarios were given and productively discussed. I have been surprised by the engaged discussions they are eager to have. We will continue to focus on emotions and our brain next week.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team