"AccumulaTION, EvaporaTION, CondensaTION, PrecipitaTION, RUNOFF, and TRANSpiration, plant sweat that is..."  

...If you have no idea what I'm talking about.  Just ask your 6th grader.  THEY KNOW, and can sing/dance it to you!

In addition to learning about the water cycle this week, we began our study of the different types of energy.  We played some charades, laughed, and learned the differences between mechanical, chemical, potential, kinetic, and more!  We're still working on our terms and our foldables in our notebooks, but we're getting there.  The best part is, students are enjoying themselves as they learn, and they are remembering what they're learning!  I've had such a fun week with the 6th grade science class!

Seventh graders got to experience a lot of math this week in science.  We learned how to calculate friction loss and retained energy of our marble-skaters as they roll through our parks.  It's part of our application of knowledge of the laws of energy and motion.  The 7th graders are learning to use the terminology as they learn new skate-park builds.  The cooperation has been a struggle at times for a few groups, but with some direct instruction, they are learning how to better communicate and get help when needed with their group dynamics.  Learning to work as a team is a hard concept for some students, and this unit is challenging them to take on new roles, trust their teammates, and patiently help one another.  I'm excited to see where some of the groups take their projects in the next few weeks.

Eight graders began a short one-ish week review unit of the Periodic Table.  As this group of students studied the Periodic Table as 6th graders, I am teaching/review a few of the key concepts based on their pre-assessments I gave at the start of this week.  They are all doing a fun assignment called the "Periodic Table of WHAT?!" in which they design their own Periodic Table of whatever topic they choose.  From cats, to Pokemon, movies, to guitars, it should be an exciting project.  I'm looking forward to seeing their final product next Thursday.

We also are learning about the atomic model and how it has changed over the years.  Ask your student which model is their favorite, who created it, and when.  You'll be impressed by how much they know!

Don't forget: Only one more week in this Trimester (grading period).  All late work for all classes must be turned in by Friday.

Monday, November 12th
·         No School

Tuesday, November 13th
·         Subway Lunch orders due
·         3:00 to 3:45 p.m. – Leadership Team Meeting
·         3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Homework Club

Friday, November 16th - end of Trimester
·         MRA T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Orders due
·         3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Homework Club

Dates:
·         November 19th to 21st:      No School, Teacher Planning Days
·         November 22nd and 23rd:   No School, Thanksgiving Break
·         November 27th and 28th:   Pick up of Wreaths and Poinsettias
·         December 3rd to 11th:         Candy Cane Shoppe in the Library
·         December 7th:                    Winter Program at MRA, 7:00 p.m.
·         December 11th:                  2/3 Play, time TBA