Fire and Explosions
We have been learning about Fire and Explosions and how crime scene investigators, the FBI and firefighters investigate accidents, arson and terrorism. Students have identified forensic vocabulary as they have researched information on the recent Boston Marathon bombings. They have also discovered the chain of custody of crime scene evidence and a variety of search methods used to find the bomb seat or point of origin in a fire.
Miss Stahler
Algebra 2
We have been working on statistics and probability this quarter. The students have been using the Norm Curve Standard Deviation to calculate percentages based on standard deviations found from a set of data. We have incorporated real-life examples such as grades, income, and housing costs.
Miss Stahler
Advanced Geometry
We have been working with circles during this last month. Students are learning vocabulary and several formulas to calculate segment and arc lengths and angle measures without the use of a protractor. They are working together to solve complex problems by remembering theorems and definitions to prove facts.
Miss Stahler
Advanced Algebra
We have been working with probability during the last quarter. Students are learning how to calculate it through both theoretical and experimental examples. They have used spinners, dice, playing cards, weather forecasts, Apple-bee’s menu items, etc.
Miss Stahler
Advanced Pre-Algebra
We have been building some amazing items with our newly discovered geometry knowledge. The students have memorized and used several perimeter, area, volume and surface area formulas and were tested on their knowledge using a building project. They had to come up with a 2-dimensional scale drawing first and then construct the object using blocks or polydrons. We have some promising engineers in our future.
Miss Stahler
The end of the year for 8th grade Social Studies was quite fascinating as we ventured into the 1990’s and 2000’s. We analyzed Bill Clinton’s and George Bush’s presidencies and the students each presented about the various culture wars that started in the 90’s. Groups of students read different NY Times articles about the many terrorist attacks by al-Quaeda in the 90’s, which set the stage for the attacks on 9/11. We debated about the United States’ declaration of war on terrorism everywhere, and had what turned out to be a very timely discussion about the Patriot Act and the right to privacy vs. the NSA. The students have been reviewing for their final by drawing timelines, creating cause-and-effect diagrams to see how technology drives history, and writing essays to describe enduring themes in American history.
Mrs. Roh
Civil War
The 7th graders finished up the year studying the Civil War and Reconstruction. They were fascinated to read and analyze first-hand accounts of the war from Civil War veterans and see just how devastating that war was economically, politically, and socially. The students wrote letters to each other as if they lived in the time of the war – some pretended to be soldiers, others were women who became nurses for the Red Cross, others were escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. They had a great time acting out these letters for each other. They also read a lot about Reconstruction and analyzed through essays the various methods used by the North and the South to rebuild the United States after the war.
Mrs. Roh
Algebra
The 7th graders covered a lot of material this year and some of them really worked hard to improve their critical thinking skills. They enjoyed being creative with their algebra unit as they came up with their own sample problems to challenge each other.
Mrs. Roh
Integers
The sixth graders finished out the year strong tackling integers and reviewing for their state tests and finals. They have worked hard all year and were able to have some fun playing fraction games after their final.
Mrs. Roh
Integrated Algebra
Tenth graders spent several days reviewing trig ratios and Pythagorean theorem. They learned how to calculate surface area and reviewed area and volume formulas.
They then began a review of all topics covered in the last two years. They reviewed radicals, functions, and quadratics.
Mrs. Wong