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March 08, 2010
MS Curriculum Update - March 4, 2010
Earth Science (6th & 7th)
Curriculum Notes
We are working from the California Science Standards for Earth Sciences, and are currently on Unit 4: The Shape of the Earth’s Surface, which includes the study of rock weathering, beaches, and natural hazards.
Classroom Commentary
Activities: We are finishing up working on Chapter 11, Water and Weathering that covers sediment and the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Lab: Students completed a lab creating layers of sediment from sand and dirt. They observed how different events create different layers. Students examined different sedimentary rocks to determine where in a river they came from.
Text References: CPO Focus on Earth Science (CPO Science); Chapter 11: Water and Weathering
Upcoming tests and due dates: Chapter 11 Test, Monday. Science Fair Materials and Procedures due March 19.
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Physical Science (8th)
Curriculum Notes
We are working from the California Science Standards for Physical Sciences, and are currently on Unit Five: Motion and Force, which includes speed, forces, and motion.
Classroom Commentary
Activities: We are finishing up Chapter 12 on Speed and Motion. Students completed a number of activities interpreting graphs of motion.
Lab: Students completed a lab using the energy cars and tracks. They took data from a car accelerating down a ramp using the photogate timers. They then graphed the data and were able to compare results from different groups with different angle tracks.
Text References: CPO Focus on Physical Science (CPO Science); Chapter 12: Distance, Time and Speed
Upcoming tests and due dates: Chapter 12 Test, Friday. Science Fair Materials and Procedures due March 19.
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Information Technology
Classroom Commentary
Over the last 2 weeks the 6th and 7th graders have continued working on their web pages. In addition to learning the basic structure of a web page and some of the basic codes for controlling text and images, they have learning how to create graphics in Photoshop, which they can then add into their web pages (for example a banner along the top). After looking at examples of local restaurant web pages, each student/group is creating a web page for their own imaginary restaurant.
In addition to the web page, we have started a new project in which students become "experts" in a particular technology, product or technology-related issue. For example, students have chosen topics from the iPad to Biometrics. After doing online research (and listening for their topic on the news), students will create an online blog and write on their topic.
Other Notes
You can learn more about either topic by going to the "MS-Lectures" and "MS-Projects" links on the Hillcrest Computer Class web page.
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Art
Classroom Commentary/Projects
‘Good painting is like good cooking: it can be tasted but not explained.’ Vlaminck
Last week 6th and 8th graders finished their self portraits in the “Cubist” style. Most students then had plenty of time to devote to a written project for the rest of the period.
In this additional lesson students were instructed to “paint a picture with words”, using the Japanese art of Haiku. Haiku is a form of poetry in which each poem is constructed of 3 lines; with the pattern: 3 syllables - 5 syllables - 3 syllables. Haiku also requires that, rather than referring to the object or event that the poem describes, the writer use words to inspire the reader with the poet’s experience.
Students were offered a choice of several art prints as their springboards for their haiku. Following is a lovely example penned by Niamh Collins (6th grade):
“Flowers”
A calm young woman
sits on her couch with flowers
as her only guests.
(inspired by Henri Matisse’s “Purple Robe and Anemones”)
7th graders, who were all finished with their paintings, with one exception, had a different project, also using the written word. This project required each student to write 2 paragraphs each answering/discussing 2 questions: “What is art?”, and, “What is art for?”
We began this project with an open discussion of the 2 questions. I let the students know that I did not expect a “correct” answer: that these 2 questions have been discussed/argued for over 2,000 years: and that what I was looking for was thoughtful, personal opinions. Students were given 10 minutes to discuss their ideas amongst themselves, after which they were required to work in silence.
This project was intended to have the students reflect on what it is that we do when we make and view (listen to, experience) art, and what value it has for them and for others. These brief essays yielded some pretty pithy comments, as well as some very moving descriptions of what may motivate us to make art. Following is a sneak peek of the students’ writings, most, if not all of which, I hope to have on view in legible form at the upcoming art show:
Art is the way that many choose to show what happens within one’s mind. Some cannot say what they feel like to others with ease. They may feel trapped inside without anyway to escape. So they become artists...’ by Morgan Malone
‘What defines art is how other people perceive it... Art can be painfully beautiful, or painstakingly ugly...Art is art. And that is that.’ by Victoria Mariolle
Other Notes
These lovely creations will be on view at the upcoming annual Hillcrest Art Show, Thursday, March 11th at 7pm. Accompanied by LIVE music!!! I look forward to seeing you there.
Posted by sholli at March 8, 2010 09:36 AM