Week of October 12, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra I with Bina:

The students completed chapter 3 on numeric sentences, variables, and one-step equations on Thursday. On Friday I began teaching chapter 4 on factorization and fractions. Over the coming week we will cover exponents, prime numbers, factorization, equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, and improper fractions. There will be checkpoints to evaluate student understanding. These checkpoint handouts say “quiz,” but I do not treat them as such, and the students know this. They are simply a way for me to double-check student understanding before a test. The students do not need to study for the checkpoint. If they complete the nightly homework and correct it in class, they should be prepared for each checkpoint and quiz.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

In Pre-Algebra II, students started the week with learning about divisibility rules (they found the rule for 11 fascinating, though they will not be required to use it). We then discussed factors and prime factorization. We reviewed these first three sections of the chapter, and took a short quiz on this material on Thursday. On Friday we spent the full day working on IXL, and students were able to explore these topics more in depth than the book's coverage.

Pre-Algebra III with Alex:

Our study of the coordinate plane continued as the class began working with the slope and y-intercept of linear equations. We practiced making graphs from a given equation by evaluating test-points as well as using its slope-intercept form. As we continue becoming more familiar with graphing linear equations, the class is preparing for its first quiz of the chapter early next week.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, students continued working with inequalities. They learned to switch the inequality sign when they multiply or divide a negative number across it in the process of solving for the variable. They also learned to work with compound inequalities. They are now applying the many skills they’ve brought to algebra to new situations. They are working on very careful calculations, keeping track of negative signs, doing steps in the correct order, and sometimes changing the direction of inequality signs. These are all opportunities for mistakes and require careful attention from the students.

Geometry with Holly:

This week the students reviewed lines from Algebra, specifically parallel and perpendicular lines. They applied the theorems they had learned about lines and learned to construct parallel and perpendicular lines using a compass and straight edge.  We finished the week with a quiz and then learned to utilize the capabilities of a graphing calculator.

Language Arts with Jared:

This week students took their vocabulary tests (and sixth graders took their grammar tests, too). They also continued in their Egyptian mythology unit, and we discussed a number of different myths. Seventh and eighth graders continued to make progress in their novel, Sphinx’s Princess, and sixth graders read a chunk of Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos. We spent a class brainstorming where the plot might go. Following this, students broke off into groups to brainstorm about their NaNoWriMo stories, and where their plots might lead. Next week students will have their first spelling quiz.

World Studies with Alex:
World Studies took an exciting turn this week as students were introduced to some of the first empires of the ancient world: the Babylonians and Assyrians. As 6^th and 7^th grades completed the Survival Activity classes continued to reflect on key developments of early civilizations as well as the opportunities afforded by improvements in agriculture, technology, and language.

All classes had their first National History Day research check this week. Students are expected to make weekly progress compiling notes from research while refining and exploring the historical context surrounding their topics. Since self-organization is a vital component of this process, students have been encouraged to develop a system that is best suited to their project and personality. This week's current-event discussion was particularly engaging as students become more comfortable responding to situations shaping their world.

Life Science with Molly:

Students continued our classification powerpoint this week learning about how Darwin and his theory of evolution changed the way we think of classification. They learned about the three domains and the kingdoms of Eukarya. They can tell whether the members of the classification have a nucleus and whether they are unicellular or multicellular. At the end of the week, they used their notes in an open-note quiz on classification. They tested their Leaf Classification posters to make sure they work with a collection of leaves from the playground. These posters are up on the walls of the science lab. 8^th grade students began an engineering design project about tire treads to help them understand how the steps of the engineering design loop work. They researched, designed, and carved a prototype of their tire tread design out of clay. Next week, we will test their treads. 6^th & 7^th grade students worked on developing effective hypotheses for scientific inquiry. All students were asked to come up with science fair project topic ideas and will receive feedback from me at the beginning of the week. They also have all of the deadlines for science fair through December. On Friday next week, we will visit the VT Duck Pond to classify the organisms we find there during each grade level’s science class.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish

The students continue to work at a good pace.  We have been learning new verbs and vocabulary to describe ourselves.

Spanish B

This week we started the next unit by looking at vocabulary to describe our bedrooms.  We read (role played) a short skit using the vocabulary. We will be focusing on grammatical agreement as we work with this vocabulary.

Spanish C

We started our next unit by learning vocabulary to describe daily routines.  We will soon start revisiting reflexive verbs, which were introduced at the end of last year.  I returned last week's tests to the students, and they should be in the portfolios.  Revisions (required for some students, optional for others) are due on Monday. I am still reading their essays and will get it back to them next week.

Spanish D

We started a new unit by looking at vocabulary to talk about traveling, airports, and flights.  This chapter introduces grammar that will be completely new to the students, as opposed to looking at more complex aspects of structures they had previously seen.  As usual, we will move at the students' pace.  The cooking projects are due next Friday, Oct. 23.  They should bring their prepared dish and their posters to school.  We will share the food at lunch on Friday, and then present our posters during class.  Parents of 8th grade students are welcome to join us for lunch, if you wish.

Spanish D+

We continue to work at our own pace on grammar (past tense) and readings.

Art with Patti:

I’m excited about some changes in art class we have been formulating this year. We have been having a lot of discussion about how artists work and use their time in the studio, and how we can better represent that in the classroom, as well as meet class-grading requirements. Many school art classes are typically geared toward the end result, and not the process of making art (and therefore removing much of the creative thinking process), which is what is so important.  The middle school students and I have been having discussions during every art class to see how we can have a grade that better reflects the working process of an artist. The students are more wholly aware of how they should be controlling their own engagement in their art making, and reflecting at the end of each class on their progress. I have updated the curriculum and posted it on the art website.

This week in art, many students have completed their project that includes representational and non-representation elements, and have moved on to color mixing. They will think of a way to represent the colors in the spectrum in an artwork. 

Computer Lab with Holly:

The students were introduced to Excel spreadsheets and our Stock Market trading activity this week as they completed their first trades and built their first spreadsheets.  Next week the students will continue their trading simulation, and possibly start tracking an actual stock portfolio.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

8^th & 6^th grade students were introduced to philosophy by guest speaker, JC Wright, through story-telling and Socratic discussion. He presented the story of the Ship of Theseus for the students to discuss.7^th grade students will meet with JC in the coming week. 7^th grade students focused on learning about acne and the treatment of acne during Life Skills this week. In the coming weeks, we will cover these topics:

6^th: Will be looking at how hormones initiate puberty, during which the students will be broken into gender groups.

7^th: Will be discussing different topics based on the genders. Girls will discuss breast growth and changes during puberty. Boys will discuss male breast changes and male genital changes and growth during puberty.

8^th: Will compare the scientific names of the sex organs (of their respective gender) to the common and slang terms. Girls will focus on the vulva and boys will focus on sperm and ejaculation in the coming week. In future weeks we will also be learning the function of the sexual organs of the opposite sex.

Thank you from, The Purple Team

Week of October 5, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

We wrapped up our Chapter 2 unit by reviewing for a few days. Students worked on IXL to manipulate the number line to graph inequalities, and to practice balancing equations. We then had a jeopardy review game, which covered the whole chapter. On Thursday we had our chapter test, and then introduced exponents. Finally, we discussed scientific notation, and labeled planets’ diameters and distances from the sun using scientific notation.

Pre-Algebra III with Alex:

We began our review for Wednesday's Chapter 2 test (covering the solving and graphing of inequalities) by studying last week's quiz and completing a two-part chapter review both individually and as a class. Giving students a chance to work through examples while explaining their steps to the class has improved our group's confidence in justifying and communicating their solutions. As we introduced Chapter 3, students began their investigation of the coordinate plane using ordered pairs and had the chance to use technology to reinforce these concepts.

Algebra I with Molly:

After taking the Chapter 2 test on Monday, students worked on a project about bicycle gears. They used the transmission and bike travel equations to answer questions about the gears ratios. They created some very nice looking posters explaining their work. We began a new unit working with inequalities. So far we’ve reviewed solving for a variable using addition and subtraction. Students received their Chapter 2 tests back and will be turning revisions in for Monday. This is the last test they will be allowed to earn back ½ points on their grade. Of course, doing revisions on homework and assessments will continue to be done and will help them gain a better understanding of their mistakes.

Geometry with Holly:

This week we continued our study of parallel and perpendicular lines.  We began the week on Monday by discussing the Triangle Angle Sum Theorem.  On Tuesday, we discussed the concept of lines in other geometries, specifically in Spherical Geometry, and then on Wednesday the students took a quiz over the first half of the chapter.  On Thursday we discussed the Polygon Angle Sum Theorem, and then finished the week by reviewing the topic of lines from Algebra.

Language Arts with Jared:

This week students wrapped up their short story units. Sixth graders watched a brief cartoon clip featuring references to “A Sound of Thunder,” and seventh graders watched a Russian cartoon adaptation of “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Students then turned in their compare/contrast essays. We introduced our first novel unit on Egyptian mythology, and seventh and eighth graders read and discussed a myth about the origin of Ra, and began reading The Sphinx’s Princess. Students also took their third vocabulary quiz, and started reviewing for next week’s vocabulary test. Finally, seventh and eighth graders took their grammar test on prepositions, which the sixth graders will take on Wednesday.

World Studies with Alex:

This week in World Studies, classes continued their study of Sumerian life covering the fundamental transition from early humans to civilizations. 8^th graders enjoyed our Survival Activity, reflecting on the advantages and challenges facing an early civilization.

Our NHD research trip to Newman Library was a success! Students were able to navigate the Library of Congress system and check-out materials related to their topics. We introduced source citation and began developing a format for the upcoming weekly research checks. Families are encouraged to stay involved with this process as we will begin these research checks at the end of next week.

Life Science with Molly:

This week students released two butterflies per grade level and celebrated as the adult monarchs were released. We wished them a safe migration to Mexico. Students completed their final observation of the monarchs in their phenology notebooks and turned these in for a score. For the science fair, we discussed single variable experiments using scientific inquiry. Students have been asked to research and find three experiments they would be interested in doing for their science fair project. Anyone considering doing an experiment with plans must talk with me as soon as possible, as they need to begin these experiments very soon. Eighth grade students learned about the engineering design process and have been given the option to do a science fair project using either scientific inquiry or the engineering design process.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish

We are alternating vocabulary lessons with verb conjugations. We started learning the verbs that mean "to be" in Spanish (ser/estar).

Spanish B

This week we worked with the two verbs that mean "to be" (ser and estar).  Both of these verbs translate to the same word in English, but one has to think about the context of what is being said to decide which to use.  One thing I am working with these students right now is moving away from translating into English.  It will not help them to get the grammar structures when they are trying to translate word by word. I have spoken with the students about this and given them examples. I suspect it will take time, but we will get there!   This week we also reviewed the vocabulary and the other verbs we have studied in this chapter.  We had a test on Friday. 

Spanish C

This week we reviewed the vocabulary and the grammar from this chapter.  We had a chapter test on Friday. We also started the next chapter by revisiting vocabulary for body parts and clothing.

Spanish D

This was a short week due to the half day on Friday.  On Monday we reviewed the grammar and vocabulary.  We played a game to review the vocabulary.  On Wednesday, we had a test on the chapter.

Spanish D+

We continue to work on grammar (past tense) and readings.

Art with Patti:

This week students had one day of art. They continued working on an artwork that incorporates both representational and non-representational elements. Some are finalizing that project and beginning work for the next one, color mixing with paint. 

Computer Lab with Holly:

Due to the field trip to the Va Tech Library on Tuesday and the half day on Friday, on;y the 7th graders had Computer Lab this week.  In honor of October being Cyber Security month, on Monday, the students researched Cyber Security topics and created reports.  Then on Wednesday, the students were introduced to our new topic which we will be studying for the next two months: we will be learning about MS Excel and spreadsheets by conducting a Stock Market simulation.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week 6^th grade students focused on the endocrine system and learned the function of each organ or gland in controlling functions throughout the body with the release and detection of hormones. They were split into gender groups, then diagramed and colored these organs and glands on the body. The independent group worked on completing a science sheet about hypotheses. The 8^th grade students worked in gender groups, and learned the function of each sexual organ. Independent groups made this month’s Micah’s backpack poster for collecting Spaghettios. 7^th grade students did not have Life Skills due to our half-day on Friday. Over the next two weeks each group will have a guest speaker from Virginia Tech who is training with the Philosophy Foundation. He will be introducing the students to philosophy through story-telling and Socratic discussion. Future topics are as follows:

6^th: Will be looking at how hormones initiate puberty, during which the students will be broken into gender groups.

7^th: Will be discussing acne.

8^th: Will compare the scientific names of the sex organs (of their respective gender) to the common and slang terms. We will also be learning the function of the sexual organs of the opposite sex.

Thank you from, The Purple Team

Week of September 28, 2015

Purple Curriculum Updates

FALL ELECTIVE UPDATES:

Yellow Room Helpers

Our Purple Room Pals have been assisting the Yellow Roomers in their learning about water and the weather cycle. PR students are working with different YR's (one PR to 1-2 YR's or two PR's to 3-4 YR's) to conduct science experiments, to observe and identify cloud types, and to correctly read thermometers. PR Pals have also read aloud to YR's. We love our Purple Room Pals!

Book Club

The students in the book club elective have been reading the Jaguar Stones, a four-part adventure book series based upon Mayan mythology. So far they have read Middleworld, The End of the World Club, and are almost finished with The River of No Return. While everyone has enjoyed learning about the Mayan legends and about the Death Lords, we collectively agree that the protagonist is annoying, and we're all rooting for him to suffer a violent death in book four.

Music Elective

We have experienced a variety of European and American folk music as well as Native American, African American, and Latin American music.  Upcoming topics include African, Middle Eastern, Jewish, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian music.  Our two students have proved far more than satisfactory in this course so far and they make elective time the highlight of my day.

Children's Garden

This trimester the BNS students engaged in age appropriate play with children ages 4-5 years. We talked about modeling helpful phrases to initiate play ("hi! Can I play too?") and phrases that respect personal boundaries ("please stop that--I don't like it." Or "you can hold my hand but please don't pull on my clothes"). The BNS students played preschool "soccer," ran in foot races, built nests in our fairy garden, and jumped through hula hoops. On rainy afternoons, they worked with kids in small groups to build giant floor puzzles and sing songs.

HTML Elective

The students have been using Codecademy to learn how to create websites using HTML for structure and CSS for design.

Cooking Elective

So far in the elective, we have learned about kitchen safety; identifying fresh herbs; playing a card game about building sandwiches (these activities occur while the food is in the oven).  We have alternated sweet and savory recipes each week so that they experience cooking treats like fruit pizza but also full meals such as fish and veggies.  The popover cooking class even included some scientific concepts about the power of steam and temperature.

Stop-Motion Elective

Students have been creating background sets and characters in their choice of media. They will photograph their characters making small movements, then put the photos together using a movie program to make a video.

Red Room Learning Buddies

The Learning Buddies have been helping Red Roomers learn in small groups--much to the delight of the Red Roomers! They have taught matching games, made rainbow bead necklaces, and demonstrated hand shadows.

Geocaching & occasional Greenhouse Elective

We have enjoyed finding geocache locations near the public library and some near BNS. We've learned they're not always easy to find! We have "grabbed" some trackable geocoins donated to us by John McGee and plan to deploy these the next time we find a geocache. We spent one class at the Dollar Store finding good prizes to trade when finding the larger geocaches. The students have each made up their own medium sized geocache containers and have been scoping out locations near BNS to start their own geocache. We've spent a couple of days at the YMCA Greenhouse scoping out locations for the new geocaches and preparing our two BNS plots for use during the Winter Greenhouse Elective.

Backcountry Skills Elective

This week we continued developing our backcountry skills with another injury simulation (insect sting) and introduction to the "rule of 3's" and basic gear needed to survive in the wilderness. We also began our study of knots by learning the Siberian hitch and a modified figure-8 knot.

Pre-Algebra II with Jared:

We started the week with 2-step equations, practicing re-writing each step, and showing all of our work. We then introduced inequalities, and looked at the similarities and differences between them and solving regular equations. We ended the week by working on 2-step inequalities.

Pre-Algebra III with Alex:

This week we extended our study of equations to solving and graphing inequalities. Students applied various solution strategies to word problems and evaluated their efficacy as a class. We completed a quiz reinforcing the week's concepts (sections 2-4 through 2-7) and will continue our review of Chapter 2 in preparation for next week's chapter test.

Algebra I with Molly:

This week in Algebra, students used geometry formulas to solve for different variables and answer questions. We finished the chapter with a focus on using data to find the mean, median, mode, and range. They also learned to create and read stem and leaf plots. We spent time reviewing the chapter and will complete the Chapter 2 test on Monday.

Geometry with Holly:

After finishing chapters on review and basic tools, this week we get into the meat of our study of Geometry.  So far this week we have studied the properties of parallel lines; proving lines parallel; and identifying parallel and perpendicular lines.  With this work, we are getting heavily into formal proofs.  These require a lot of logical thinking and attention to detail which the students may not be used to using.  Your students may become frustrated at first as I catch their mistakes, but remind them that this is the same as learning any new skill.

Language Arts with Jared:

Students spent a lot of time this week typing up their essays in class. Students wrote their full rough draft of their compare/contrast essays, and then we spent a class period working together in a "Thesis Statement Workshop" and another day in a "Concluding Paragraph Workshop." After working through their revisions, students are going to turn in their final drafts next week. We also finished reviewing their vocabulary unit (quiz on Monday), and students turned in the words that will be on their first individualized spelling lists.

World Studies with Alex:

Greetings Purple Room families! It has been an exciting first week at BNS and I'm eager to continue getting to know this enthusiastic group of learners. Thank you for making me feel immediately welcome in the community!

This week in World Studies we began our study of Mesopotamian civilizations with an introduction to the Sumerian culture. We also continued to develop our NHD topics and began researching potential sources for our trip to Newman Library next Tuesday. Students are beginning to refine their topics and relate them to this year's theme of "Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange." I'm looking forward to watching these projects grow and with them our students' connection to the material!

Life Science with Molly:

This week students continued to focus on insects and specifically our chrysalides. They drew and described the changes they observed in the chrysalides and many were lucky enough to catch a butterfly or two emerge from its chrysalis this week. They also compared the head of a caterpillar to that of the butterfly. 7^th & 8^th grade students took a quiz on insects this week and 6^th grade students will take a quiz on Monday. They learned about taxonomy and how scientists classify organisms. They came up with their own groupings for a collection of leaves and began making a taxonomic key for each group. They continue to practice scientific inquiry skills in preparation for science fair projects.

Spanish with Olga & Corinne:

Morning Spanish
We continue to work on verb conjugations. We had a quiz this Thursday.

Spanish B

We continued practicing the vocabulary we would use when we are at a restaurant.  We reviewed the verb "guitar" (to like) and learned another verb that has the same structure: faltar (to miss___). We also learned two other irregular verbs: venire and traer (come and bring).  Finally, we reviewed the verbs see and star.  These verbs are tricky because they both mean "to be", but each is used in a different context.  After reviewing the forms, we started talking about when to use each.  We will have a chapter test next Friday, October 9. I told the students that if any of them would like to borrow a textbook from last year to review vocabulary, they are welcome to do so.  Just let me know!

Spanish C

We continue talking about extracurricular activities.  We revisited and practiced  the structure of comparative sentences, and added statements of equality. We learned how to tell/ask someone for how long they have been doing something. We will have a chapter test next Friday, October 9. The students also have a writing assignment du on October 14.

Spanish D

We continue talking about the great outdoors! We continued practicing command forms and giving directions to a group of people.  We also learned usage of the preposition "poor".  We read about El Yunque, a tropical forest in Puerto Rico. We also watched a video about it. We learned about la cotorra  (Puerto Rican parrot), an animal that is very endangered, and the preservation efforts to save it.  We will have a chapter test on Wednesday, October 7.  The students have their cooking project.  Their top choices for what to cook are due to me on Monday Oct. 5, so that I can assign each of them a different dish.  Projects are due on October 23. Please let me know if there are any questions about the project.

Spanish D+

We continue to work on grammar (past tense) and readings.

Art with Patti:

Students continued working out their compositions for an artwork that included something that was representational with something non-representational.  They are all coming up with individual ideas. We have been having a lot of discussion about how artists work, and how we can better implement that process in the classroom.

Computer Lab with Holly:

This week we finished our unit on Cyber Security and the student demonstrated their skills with two written activities.

Life Skills / Sex Ed with Molly:

This week 6^th & 8^th grade students focused on learning the basic techniques of calligraphy writing. We will occasionally take breaks from our sex-ed lessons and focus on calligraphy. 7^th grade students will get to do this another week, as I was out for their class on Friday.

Future topics are as follows:

6^th: Will be looking at how hormones initiate puberty, during which the students will be broken into gender groups.

7^th: Will be discussing acne.

8^th: Will be learning the function of each sexual organ.

Thank you from, The Purple Team