Post date: Nov 11, 2011 5:16:51 AM
I suspect that my weekly ramblings are just too long for most of you, so I'll keep this one (comparatively) short.
This week:
English: The biggest tangible accomplishment of the week was the students' informational articles, which are now done and posted online. The students brainstorming, expansion, and outlines should be in their comp books, and I'm hoping that their published final copies exhibit the organization that the pre-writing is designed to facilitate. The other task that we were able to accomplish was the selection of books for the upcoming 4 literature circle sessions. This would be a good time to start looking for your books at local libraries, bookstores, or friends' shelves.
Science: The highlight was definitely the interactions with liquid nitrogen. It was a perfect way to demonstrate the gas laws (Boyle's and Charles') as well as undersand more about phase change and temperature. During the week the students were to compare the melting points of a few household objects and enter their data into an online form. The resulting spreadsheet show light participation but good ideas. Some of the science time was used for preparation for the Age of Sail trip, including forming groups, choosing mates, learning knots, adapting to the rigors of maritime protocols, and even setting up the rigging on a small boat of mine.
Next Week: We'll be at school for only 2 days next week. Tuesday is the all-day trip to the Tech to see the Islamic Science exhibit, and Thursday-Friday is the overnight trip to SF. By the way, on Thursday, the Age of Sail program doesn't start until 1:30, but the drivers need to deliver us in the morning. We'll have 3 hours in The City (near Hyde Street Pier) and if you have suggestions of things to do, please let me know so I can come up with a variety of plans and contingencies.
I hope that you have a good long weekend and, as always, would love to hear from you.
Chris