Math:
This week the Marionettes finished up working with rates on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday they had a lesson over classifying whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers. Thursday they completed their review for their check-in on Monday.
The Saplings worked at their own pace to complete their linear relationship review, check in, and then a performance task. The performance task involved ordering supplies for a chemistry lab and mixing proportional solutions.
The Vroomshrooms learned the three ways to solve systems of equations: Graphing, Substitution, and Elimination. They will practice these methods more Monday and finish the unit next semester.
ELA:
This quarter is coming to an end, so we wrapped it up by analyzing science fiction short stories. Students were presented with three: “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vennegut Jr., “Examination Day” by Henry Slesar, and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. Everyone chose a story then began a deep dive of the literature. Students looked for elements of science fiction and short story as well as the central conflict, resolution, and theme. They also found quotations from the text that revealed the setting and protagonist. After all this reading, re-reading, and analysis, it was time to break out the markers and colored pencils! Students designed a poster called a one-pager to present all their findings, adding colorful illustrations and borders to jazz them up.
Theme:
Theme Week focused on winding down our Chemistry topic and preparing for the end of the quarter. It was also about celebrating the season!
The week began with reviewing materials for our Theme Check-In. Students have a paper-based review to work on this week that will help them refresh their experiences and learning about our major topics in Chemistry, from States of Matter to Chemical reactions.
Students then processed their understanding of balancing chemical equations, practicing through a scavenger hunt. It was awesome to see the students taking charge of the learning process, as many served as peer tutors helping others that needed assistance during the exercise. The Vroomshroom students also began construction of a special apparatus that will be the centerpiece of our PoP celebration.
The week ended with the Candy Cane Olympics! From the parade of nations to kick off the ceremony, students marked the holiday season with a favored treat. From Candy cane fishing to the Snowman Stack, teams navigated through a number of timed events. New world records were set and laughs were shared by all. We will see everyone this week at the Pop celebration!
Marionettes, top, and Vroomshroom students work on solving chemical equations as the Theme classes focus on reviewing major concepts for their Chemistry Check-In.
Vroomshroom students, at top, begin construction of a special project for our PoP celebration. Above, the Marionettes complete the parade of nations for the Candy Cane Olympics
The Candy Cane Olympics gave middle schoolers a chance to unwind and have a little holiday fun. Events from the Candy Cane Stack, the Candy Cane Zipline , and Candy Cane Fishing allowed students to set world records in fun activities.
