Math:
The Marionettes tackled a check in this week! They should be checked and in their binders sometime next week! Wednesday they began adding integers. We added using both counters and number lines. At the end of class students made necklaces that represented integer addition problems that equal their age.
The Saplings continued work on solving equations using the balancing scales on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday that learned how to solve and graph two step inequalities.
Vroomshrooms took a check in over relations and functions on Monday then pushed toward into their linear equations unit. They learned how to find slope, slope intercept form, and standard form.
ELA:
Students came back to school Monday morning eager to discuss all the events, new clues, and updated theories from our novel. Keeping that energy alive, we teamed up and played everybody’s favorite game show: The Westing Game Game Show!
Middle Schoolers spent the rest of ELA this week working on their small group projects from Nothing But the Truth. Their goal was to create a 3D model of the linear plot. Whenever I imagine a kid-fueled project, my brain never comes close to what they actually produce! Be sure to look at the pictures below.
Theme:
Theme week focused on the Legislative Process. We started by learning the complex process of taking a bill through the numerous steps to becoming a law. Students took notes and investigated various bills that are currently being debated.
Our next step was to play a board game that allowed the students to practice the process. Through rolling dice and picking cards, they moved through taking a bill to becoming a law. Several students were frustrated with how many times bills could fail, and how difficult it was to make laws. They debriefed on the process and reflected with the group.
The big step in learning how laws are made was our field trip to the Texas State Capitol. Students joined parents for a tour through the historic building, learning about its history and its place in the legislative process. Students got to observe the House of Representatives chambers, and roamed the ground outside for a full day of learning.
Delta students will have another visit with a legislative expert next week, and, after an editing session this past Wednesday, their argumentative essay project is due on Monday. We can’t wait to read their results!!
Students work in small groups to create a 3D plot line.
Imagination on parade! Middle schoolers working on linear timeline projects.
Middle schoolers building timelines for ELA class.
Building integer addition necklaces.
Vroomshroom students work on moving through the legislative process working their game boards.
Marionettes consider their next move after being filibustered.
Da Saplings successfully create a law after approval at all levels.
Delta students look around the Texas Capitol extension while listening to our tour guide talk about the completion of the dome. Students were able to tour all levels of the Capitol while learning about its history and the procedures that make laws for the state of Texas.
Delta students play Bus Surfing while traveling to the State Capitol. Part of the experience of our field trip was giving students the chance to ride public transportation.
The Capitol grounds gave students plenty of space to run off some energy, like playing “ring around the rosie”.
Delta students and parents gathered in the chambers of the Texas House of Representatives.
The structure and architecture of the Texas State Capitol gave students a lot of sights and sounds, including the levels of Governors’ portraits, and the famous “star to star” view inside the Rotunda circle.
