Week of December 5, 2016

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with MaryAnn:
We finished Unit 6 today with an end of unit assessment and notebook check. Next week we are going to work on a couple of math projects. The students are going to create a math board game in class. The game will have to consist of skills and concepts they have learned this semester. Enjoy your weekend.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

This week we looked at applications of proportions. We looked at how they are used in Geometry to determine missing sides of similar polygons. We then plotted out a road trip across the US in order to see how proportions are used in scale drawings. Finally, we made a 0.25":1' scale drawing of our classroom, including all of the furniture. On Friday we began to review for Tuesday's chapter test. Next week I will be putting an optional math review packet in the parent boxes, which students can work on over winter break.

Pre-Algebra III with Andrew:

This week in Pre-Algebra III, we worked on finishing up our unit on fractions and rational numbers.  We learned about square roots and how they apply to the Pythagorean Theorem.  We spent the middle part of the week reviewing the chapter, and finished out the week with a test.  Next week, we will begin learning about ratios and how to use them to solve real-world situations involving different measurements and scales.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week students learned to calculate the constant of variation in a set of data. They learned to find terms in an arithmetic sequence using an equation they derived from finding the common difference of a function. We completed chapter 5 with a review and took the chapter test on Friday.

Geometry with Clare:

We had a busy week! We finished the lessons for Chapter 5, Relationships within Triangles, which included some review of logic vocabulary. Last week's quiz and some other work were reviewed, discussed, and fixed as needed, and a second quiz taken. We spent time getting ready for the chapter test which is Monday 12th, and made a start on Chapter 6, which is on Quadrilaterals.

Language Arts with Jared:

Students continued to read Animal Farm, and to learn about the symbolism in the novella, and the parallel history of the Russian revolution that it tells. Students worked a bit on irregular verbs in our grammar unit, and are preparing for an individualized spelling quiz and a vocabulary quiz next week.

World Studies & Civics with Andrew:

This week in Civics, we learned about the Constitutional Convention, and the important ideas that the Founding Fathers followed in crafting the plan for the U.S. Government.  We also discussed the major issues that the Founding Fathers debated and came to compromises on, such as representation in Congress, the strength of the national government, and slavery.  In addition, Emily taught a guest-lesson for each class, focusing on Alexander Hamilton, and tying together the current musical with his writings in "The Federalist" about the purpose and design of the Constitution.

Physical Science with Molly:

This week students focused on Bernoulli’s principle. They learned about the different things Bernoulli’s principle helps with such as lift on an airplane, or the rise of smoke in a chimney. Students were fascinated with our investigations with a ping pong ball! For science fair, students brought in rough drafts and did some peer editing before turning their final version in on Friday. Each class has been given the requirements for their science fair display boards and should have these completed for next Monday.

Spanish with Corinne:

Morning Spanish

Sunshine A

This week we finished Chapter 1B, describing yourself and others. We learned about basic sentence structure, and where the adjectives are placed in a sentence. We will have a test on Chapter 1B on Tuesday December 13.

Sunshine B

This week we continued to work with Chapter 6B. We worked on building sentences using comparisons, and also learned two new stem changing verbs “poder” (to be able to) and “dormir” (to sleep).

Spanish B

This week in Spanish we finished Chapter 7A, rooms in a house and chores. We learned the present progressive tense (the “ing” form), and practiced having conversations using this form and informal commands. We will have a test on Chapter 7A on Friday December 16.

Spanish C

This week in Spanish we continued Chapter 2A. We reviewed the uses of ser and estar (to be), and learned about possessive adjectives. We will have the second quiz on Chapter 2A on Friday December 16.

Spanish D

This week in Spanish we continued working with Chapter 7B. We reviewed formal commands (the students learned these last year) and the uses of “por”. This is a short Chapter, so we will have a test on Friday December 16^th. When we return from break we will only have four units left in the Spanish II curriculum.

Art with Patti:

Every student has had an opportunity to experience throwing on the wheel, and are having a new appreciation of artists who make it look so easy. We will continue to do rotations on the wheel. Most students have started building with clay using such techniques as coil, pinch and slab.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week we did a community service project through Kiva, a non-profit lending company. Students in each class researched, presented, and voted for projects around the world they were interested in funding. They voted and loaned a total of $75 at $25 each to three different individuals or groups. This money was designated through donations or awards for this purpose. The Purple Roomers have been funding Kiva projects for 4 years. When the money is returned to our Kiva account, we make new selections for loans.

Thank you from, 
The Purple Team