Lately in Math we have continued to explore geometrical figures. This week we focused on finding volumes of different types of prisms. The basic formula we have used for finding the volume of a prism is to find the area of the base (B) and multiply it by the height (h). Our standard formula for finding the volume of a prism is therefor V = B x h. When working with rectangular prisms, we just multiply the length, width, and height together to get the volume, but when working with a triangular prisms, we make sure to figure out what the correct area of the triangular base is first. Here is a link to a page that tells a little more about prisms and offers a visual basis for the volume formula we have been using. Our next step in our geometry unit will be to discuss the concept of surface area.
Even as we have moved on to volume, some students are still having a little difficulty properly finding the area of the bases of prisms and are getting confused between finding area and perimeter. Here are a couple tutorials that come with some activities for differentiating between finding area and perimeter.
In Writing we have been working on constructing conclusions and on building in transition words and phrases into our essays. We will continue writing in the Response to Literature genre after the Spring Break, but we will shift from narratives to poetry as the subject matter from which we will write.
In Reading we are continuing to read The Sign of the Beaver. The major focus has been on building active reading engagement skills and strategies. After starting to move into group work earlier this year, I realized the students first needed a more robust foundation on building reading and discussion strategies in order to help let them get the most possible out of their discussions. Lately we have been working on creating, classifying, and supporting answers to different types of questions. I am gradually giving the students more and more control over the specific questions they are to answer after reading each chapter. The students are now correctly developing many types of questions including in-the-text detail, in-the-text summary, character trait, minor and major conflicts/ resolutions, in-your-head, and word analysis questions about both vocabulary clarification and figurative language use. It’s exciting to see the many types of questions they create and where they will take our future discussions.
Homework:
- Vocabulary: Finish packet and study
- Mathematics: Volume of prisms Study Link 9-9
- Reading: Read for 25 minutes and fill out summary section in Reading Log, get Reading Log signed
Mr. Weis
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