Math:
Marionettes started the week with completing two mazes. One maze was on adding integers and the other was on subtracting integers. After about 2.5 weeks of using models to solve integer addition and subtraction problems, on Tuesday they had a lesson on adding integers with an algorithm. Wednesday they all escaped from a three level escape room by adding and subtracting integers!
The Saplings had lessons over unit rates and measurement conversation. They practiced calculating unit rates and their fraction division skills by sorting how concentrated each kid liked their chocolate milk.
The Vroomshrooms practiced graphing functions by completing a choice board this week. Some students made posters graphing linear functions 3 ways. One choice to write a textbook lesson. A couple chose to make a foldable.
All students worked on a Halloween escape room on Thursday. The Marionettes again practiced adding and subtracting integers while the Saplings worked together with the Vroomshrooms to solve multi-step equations.
ELA:
Since we’re studying the genres of science fiction and short story, we read a script for an episode of “The Twilight Zone” called “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street.” Students really got into it with voices and mannerisms and had plenty to say about characters’ behaviors. Along the way we learned the difference between dialogue and stage directions and how they both reveal the plot. Afterward, partners put their heads together to identify elements of science fiction and short story, as well as the central social issue and theme.
This week we also explored the difference between connotation and denotation and how authors intentionally choose words to set the mood for literature. In this activity, partners got six words and had to sort them into two groups of synonyms using an online dictionary to verify and clarify word meanings. Next they ranked each set of synonyms by positive, neutral, and negative connotations and created a poster to display their new knowledge.
Finally, after Shipe Park we ended our Halloween together by scaring up some spooky fun with Edgar Allen Poe! Gathering in the orange room where the lights were turned low, we saw a brief biography about him then watched an illustrated dramatic reading of “The Tell-Tale Heart.” To fully round out the experience, we watched The Simpson’s adaptation of the iconic and macabre story. Fun facts about Edgar Allen Poe: the literary term onomatopoeia was named after him, and the Baltimore Ravens NFL team is named in his honor. Plus, if you enjoy books and shows about murder mysteries, you can thank him!
Theme:
Things really MATTERED this week in Theme as students tackled their first chemistry topic focusing on the states of matter. We began with Doodle Notes that outlined what the four main states of matter were from Solids to Plasma. Students defined each and discussed examples.
OUr weekly experiments allowed students to recognize and see how phase changes demonstrate the different states of matter. Students also differentiated between chemical and physical changes. One experiment applied heat to water in a vacuum. Students not only saw how water changed to gas but also how air pressure also caused a state of change when the balloon sucked back into the bottle.
The week ended with students creating projects on the topic. Marionettes made the substance Oobleck, which demonstrates a substance that is a colloid, one that shares both liquid and solid characteristics. The Saplings made States of Matter posters using actual physical examples of each state. The VroomShrooms began the process of making stop motion or animation videos of the states of matter. We will look forward to showing the younger students on chemistry demonstration day and PoP in December.
Students perform experiments on the phase changes in states of matter. At top, Vroomshroom students watch salt effects on ice. Above, Marionettes observe heat on water in a vacuum.
Students continue their observations during their weekly Lab sessions.
Students take on project challenges using various states of matter.
Students working together to exit a Halloween themed escape room.
