Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Mathletics Maths Week

This week is Mathletics Maths Week in New Zealand.  Students have been challenged to complete as many Mathletics activities as possible over the week.  According to my calculations, we are on sitting on roughly 90,000 class participation points - this places us within arms reach of the current NZ Top 50.  50th place is sitting on 116,333 points.  There are prizes for the NZ Top 25.  Competition closes on Sunday.

To add spice to the competition, Mr P and I are offering a $10 New World voucher to the top scoring student from Room 18 and 19.  In addition to this, the Maths group with the most points will earn a wee sweet treat also. 

Looking at tonight's participation points, there is someone in Room 19 who is currently challenging Jonas for top spot.  Keep going guys!

Learning Update

Maths
In Maths we have been focusing on cementing our numeracy strategies and knowledge, and are now moving onto revising our knowledge of volume and mass.   The Yellow Maths group has been working hard this week to grasp some pretty tricky concepts in trigonometry. Awesome work!

Inquiry
In inquiry, we have been Tuning In to our topic on biomechanics.  Students have been working on developing an understanding of some of the key concepts, such as: force, motion, balance and stability, and centre of gravity.  We have watched some videos on Science 360 that specifically relate to the physics of sport.  Next term, students will conduct a biomechanical analysis of their chosen sport/skill, (e.g. 100m sprint, high jump, football kick, golf swing etc.), and make recommendations of how their chosen skill can be improved.  Exciting stuff!

Canterbury Tournament
Tomorrow, our Year 7/8 Rugby team and Hockey A team will participate in the Canterbury Winter Tournament.  Most of the rugby team is made up of Room 18 boys.  Best of luck!  Go hard!

Novel Study (due this Friday)
Over the term, students have read a novel and are now working on completing their 11 novel study activities.  Well done to the 3 students who have already handed in their completed projects!  What brilliant time management!     

Storytelling
On Tuesday 2nd September, we will be having a day of storytelling.  Each student has chosen a story (myth, legend, fairytale or personal story) to share with the class.  Given all the oral language that we do in Room 18 and 19, students are pretty comfortable with speaking in front of the class, but learning a 2-3 minute story off by heart is quite a different challenge.   From what I've seen and heard so far, I can't wait! 

Students are asked to bring in a shared plate of food on the day.  We intend to treat it like a true theatre experience! 

As a class, we'll select one Year 7 and one Year 8 student to go through to the syndicate storytelling competition in the hall on Wednesday 3rd September.  Will we be able to secure the Class Eagle this term? 

Red and Black Dress Up Day
Along with storytelling next Tuesday, it's Red and Black Dress Up Day.  Some of the Canterbury rugby players will be visiting our school and judging the best dressed class.  The winning class will get to attend a training session.  Get creative!

Figure Skating Physics

Work, Energy & Power

Science of NFL Football

Science of Winter Olympics

Newton's Second Law of Motion

Force, Impulse and Collisions