Math:
The Meatballs started proportions this week. They had a review lesson on solving proportions Tuesday and started a project Wednesday and Thursday. First we read If You Hopped Like a Frog by David M Schwartz. This book had comparisons like, if you scurried like a spider you could run a football field in 2 seconds. We used those ratios and our body measurements to solve how far we could scurry.
The 8th grade class learned functions are like vending machines on Tuesday and had lessons over slope on Wednesday and Thursday. They can now identify the slope of a line given a graph and two points.
The Algebra class learned how to calculate the line of best fit given a scatter plot on Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday they had lessons over direct and indirect variation.
Humanities:
Coming back in from break and shifting focus to the short story format was the main topic of discussion for Humanities students this week. We started by sharing information on exciting events from the fall break. We used those fragments as the basis for outlining the short story format by focusing on the details and descriptions that jazzed those fragments up.
Our focus then shifted to the structure for the quarter, working on the language and reading logs that students will work on as we dive into the personal novels students will select. We also started reading a short story “The Next Seven Years”, using it as the basis for the PLOT MAP exercise. Students will choose their novels and begin reading logs and circles next week.
Theme:
After a great visit with parents, and some brave students who attended conferences as well, we got the second quarter off with a big BANG. Well, maybe not a bang but at least we have moved to SCIENCE for our theme of Cell Biology and Genetics.
The week began with a review of the Scientific Method. We will be conducting experiments and needed to get a fresh idea on the process of hypothesizing and experimenting. After a note taking session on Tuesday, students practiced the process with a series of stations. They measured, inferred, recognized variables, collected data, and tried to catch rulers! The experience hoped to sharpen their skills in predicting, testing, and concluding all scientific concepts involved in the theme topic. We ended the week putting the practice into reality with a practice lab. Our test of the solubility of sugar cubes was simple, yet gave students the arena to create their first lab reports. We also introduced the Q2 Informational Essay project. Students will be exploring the research process, with the goal of writing a formal paper based on gathering data and information and presenting it. Students are picking topics this week and are excited about their choices!
At top, Epsilon students use their PE time to compete in the first annual “Scooter-Ween” event. Above, Students practice the Scientific Methods steeps by inference and observing.
At top, students collect data in their first lab assignment for our quarter two focus on Cell Biology. Above, sugar cub solubility is the focus on a scientific method experiment.
