In Language Arts, students have been delving into some complex literary terms vocabulary - everything from foreshadowing to diction to connotation, to name a few! They are also getting instruction, gaining new skills, and refining their research report writing process. The theme of the research? The 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, of course! Focusing on one American Olympian, students are researching to report on the question, "How did this Olympian get to where they are today?" and they will report on performance results from the games, as well. A few have already been lucky enough to have selected gold-medal-winning American Olympians, such as Men's Slopestyle Snowboarding Gold Medalist Sage Kotsenburg!
In Math, 8th graders are looking at data and statistics with histograms, box-and-whisker plots, and more. 7th graders have moved from ratios into unit rates and finding equations. Both groups are doing a lot of work to improve their basic math computation skills, such as working with fractions, decimals, and percents. Students use WIN time for individualized self-directed instruction and practice to test out of their skills and to prepare them for the next Basic Math Skills Assessment.
21st Century has us digging deep into earth and space science. We have learned about rocks, minerals, the solar system, plate tectonics, and more. Mr. Citro has all kinds of models, materials, hands-on labs, and investigations for everyone to explore. In addition, he tries to work in "the science of the Olympics" during morning meeting, from the friction caused by skis on snow, to the types of energy produced and absorbed during crashes and falls!
