MATH

Mon-Wed: This week students received their Chapter 3 tests back and we began chapter 4.  We completed lesson 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 and students are beginning to work on the foundations of algebra and creating numeric expressions.  Check IC for Chapter 3 test scores and stay tuned for Makeup scores soonthereafter. 

Thursday:  Test corrections are due Thursday (they had 1 day of class to make corrections and consult me and their classmates in class).  Students can elect to do a makeup of any of the 3 sections which will raise their grades on Thursday.

SCIENCE:

This week we wrapped up our 1st unit on Physics with some explorations of friction and measuring the Newton's of Force of friction.  The week culminated in the 12th annual Great Marble Race (started by the excellent Mr. David Long years ago) where students were tasked with creating the most friction they could to slow down the movement of a marble as much as they could.  Much fun was had and great engineering displayed.  After winter break we will begin our journey into Diversity of Life (Biology).

**apologies, I thought I made this live earlier this week but I missed "Publish" doh!

READING

We began our unit focusing on the essential question, "What's important and how do we know what's important?"  This is a nonfiction unit emphasizing analytical and summarizing skills.  Students chose their nonfiction books and the unit officially kicks off after break.  Students will read a required number of pages each week and will work on targeted nonfiction reading strategies each day in class.


**Friday:  We're having a fun day away from curriculum periods 1-5 with a goal of building our classroom community and improving communication amongst students.  Students can bring in nut-free snacks and Duffield/Kruger kids will hang out together throughout the day.**

Language Arts: Finished co-writing theme based literary essays with writing partners. They will be shared in class tomorrow.

Reading: Duffield hour 2- Discussed nonfiction projects.

Social Studies: Presented Egypt Brochure Projects.

Language Arts: Worked on co-writing theme based literary essays with writing partners. These will be presented in class on Thursday. Homework- school and home literary essay due TOMORROW.

Reading: Nonfiction work- presentations for nonfiction projects start tomorrow. 

Social Studies: Reading informational texts about Egypt and turning notes into full paragraphs with topic sentences, was our focus today! 

Language Arts: In class this week, we are woking literary essays among common texts. The students are working with their writing partners and co-creating a "trifold" essay using a theme the texts share. The partnerships will present on Thursday in class.  Homework- Home & school literary essay are due on 12/16.

Reading: Duffield- hour 2- Worked on Latin Stems- quiz on 1/11/16.

Social Studies: Worked on taking notes and turning them into paragraphs with a clear topic sentence.

Language Arts: Last work day in school to edit and revise home & school literary essays. They are due 12/16.

Reading: Duffield hour 2- work day. Latin Stem Quiz- 12/14 and nonfiction project due 12/16.

Social Studies: Determined importance (while taking notes) in nonfiction writing while reading Egypt books. Students are working on an Egypt Brochure that will be completed in class.

Language Arts: Caution- We have been diligent about writing STRONG Literary Essays, do NOT take your conclusion lightly. Above, you can see suggestions for writing strong conclusions. Also, on the right hand side are 2 examples of conclusions for our mentor text (please click on it to enlarge). Homework- School and Home Literary Essays are due 12/16.

Reading: Duffield hour 2- Worked on nonfiction project- there is one more class period to work an them and they are due 12/16. Latin stem quiz is 12/14.

Social Studies: Finished Pyramid video. Assigned Egypt Books to work on an in-school brochure.

Language Arts: Work day focusing on introductory paragraphs. Homework- school and home literary essays are due on 12/16.

Reading- Duffield 2nd hour- Read The Open Window while completing our Reading Logs.

Social Studies: Watched a video on Egyptian Pyramids.