Math:
The Meatballs had lessons for percent applications and percent change this week. That allowed them to work on a real-world application assignment that had them calculating percent change for airplane tickets, tax on in-flight purchases, and tips for the airport restaurant. On Thursday they reviewed for their check-in this coming Monday. The 8th grade class had a performance task on Monday comparing two bbq restaurants to use for a family reunion. The rest of the week they finished their unit with lessons on systems of equations, proportional vs. non-proportional relationships, and direct variation. The Algebra students worked on an art project Monday where they are to create a picture only using linear equations. On Tuesday they learned how to solve systems of equations by elimination, on Wednesday they practiced, and on Thursday they had a lesson on solving systems of equations word problems.
Humanities:
It’s Pre-Writing time in Humanities classes as students begin to craft their short stories for the quarter. Along with reading some interesting short stories, students began to investigate using setting, point of view, and conflict to set the tone for their character development and short story summaries. Looking at the best ways to begin their stories, students identified five methods. From plot driven, to outlining motivations for their characters, students will look for three ways to start their tales this weekend.
In addition, we looked at the Jack London adventure into life below zero degrees in the tale To Start A Fire. Students were split on its readability with some claiming its length and storyline of struggle with man vs nature led to a difficult read, while others said it was their favorite story, full of description and suspense. We will be using next week to create student short stories ahead of the Thanksgiving break.
Theme:
Our focus this week turned to the chemical process of Photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students jumped in with a review of prior experience with the process, then documented the structures and actions that help plants produce both energy and oxygen. We also practiced using the computers as tools for completing work by engaging in a process exercise.
Our lab this week challenged students to address cellular respiration by asking if plants breathe like humans do. Students wrote their hypothesis, then prepared to test them by gathering fresh leaves and placing them with rocks as weights ina jar of water. Placing them into the direct sunlight, they checked the conditions after four hours, and discovered tiny bubbles throughout the area. They theorized that the bubble represented the release of oxygen from photosynthesis while being placed in the sun. We ended the week modeling the structure of the leaf in our notebooks. We will be starting our rough drafting process for our quarter Informational Essay project next week for P&P. But the drafts will not be due until well after the break. Just a nugget to plant!
At top, students discuss the development of their characters and the special time of day as the clock hit 11:11am on 11-11. Above, the writing process for short stories began with directed organizers on main characters.
At top, Humanities students give their opinions on their short story for the week in a body poll. Above, Meatball students work together to calculate the percent markup from changing from economy to first class.
Theme students braved the cooler weather to start the week by going in to the field for observations and modeling of photosynthesis
At top, students make observations to discover if leaves “breathe” during their weekly lab. Above, using crafts and storage tubs, students play a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos.
