Math:
The Marionettes took on inequalities this week. They learned how to solve for inequalities and how to graph solution sets. On Thursday they completed stations to review both equations and inequalities.
The Saplings learned how to find the volume of both rectangular and triangular pyramids at the beginning of the week. They ended the week by starting Volumeville. In groups of 3, students are designing 3D buildings and calculating the total volume of the town.
The Marionettes had lessons over graphing quadratics using vertex form and identifying transformations. They started a stained glass project which requires them to graph both linear and quadratic functions to create a stained glass piece of art.
ELA:
We started off the week discussing our novels–The Fourteenth Goldfish for Marionettes and The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate for the Saplings and Vroomshrooms. Students were tasked with identifying rhetorical devices, plot points, character growth, setting, and new vocabulary words.They also discussed their predictions, opinions, new insights.
For the remainder of the week we zeroed in on two rhetorical devices: analogies and idioms. Besides looking at analogies in literature, we also learned how to solve them. Students made flipbooks to note six types of word relationships then applied their knowledge with an interactive class game. They had a fun time developing and exercising verbal reasoning skills and are now ready to take the SAT. Students also explored idioms and learned how they spice up writing and dialogue.
Since the Iowa Assessment is next week, each day we took a little time to learn about the genre of standardized testing and the tips and tricks that can bolster their success. Students got to practice the five different sections of the ELA text so they know what to expect in each section. Everyone earned a merit badge in bubbling with #2 pencils!
Theme:
Big week in Theme as students walked through the process of taxonomy classification. Living organisms categorized by physical characteristics and genetic make-up allowed students to create comprehension notes. We sent the rest of the week applying and acting out the process.
Students first created Taxonomic flow charts based on a single organism. On Wednesday, we conducted our first labs of the quarter. The Marionettes applied their understanding by simulating the spread of a virus through a population, citing prevention and how viral infections increase in open situations. The Saplings learned to classify the Pkoemon community by creating cladograms. The Vroomshrooms created their own classification system for various pieces of Lucky Charms cereal. They produced new dichotomous keys to test their new systems, then held a pitch and catch contest with their cereal materials.
Our Theme week concluded by placing students in the Kingdom Skit Project groups. Each team developed a theme for their skits, which allow groups to dramatically present the levels of the taxonomic system. Skits will be presented the week of May 12th.
Above: Students make flipbooks and use them to solve analogy puzzles.
Above: Some students solve analogies and add points to their team score while others share a laugh exploring idioms.
At top, students look up idioms on their computers in ELA class. Above, the Delta class annual trek to Quack’s bakery allowed students to celebrate their achievement in keeping organized.
Top: Marionettes solving equations at a station. Bottom: Ms. Amanda helping Saplings with Volumeville.
With the Iowa testing window opening next week, the Delta class celebrated the upcoming test with our annual Bubbling Party. Floating soap and great songs fired the students up for great results next week.
Teme week allowed stunts to explore taxonomy classification. Creating projects, and simulating the process in labs gave students a deep dive into the topic, including above a simulated remembrance of victims of a virus spread.
Theme memories from the week. Top left, Marionettes simulated a viral spread in a community. Top right, VroomShroom students classify pieces of Lucky Charms. Above, students used their lab materials to have a food toss contest.
