Week 13

Oh my goodness - only 2 weeks left?!?  And only one week until our first mock trial competition!!!  You guys have worked so hard and I am very proud of you!  Now buckle up and get ready to fly through our remaining days of Challenge B!

DEVO 

We wrapped up our discussion of Do Hard Things - how students would summarize the book and what parts were their favorites.  We also looked at several "rebelutionaries"in the Bible and discussed what we can learn from them:

David in 1 Samuel 16—17 and Psalm 18 
Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1 
Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 and Philippians 3:12—4:13 
Timothy as seen in Paul’s letters to him in 1 Timothy 4:1- 16 and 2 Timothy 6:11-21. 

This week, take a look at the appendices in the book if you are able.  I'd also love to finish our conversation about something interesting or encouraging you read or learned in the Bible, where you saw God moving this week, or what it looked like for you to focus more time in the Word and with the Lord.

LATIN

This week you are in pages 314-322.  We took a look at rules 267-282 (the present, imperfect, and perfect passive subjunctive - yes, more charts to memorize, but we did see how they were fairly simple with discernible patterns); new vocabulary and how causa & mōs are used in the ablative; and the Ablative of Cause (rule 78).

It feels like a lot to push through at the end of the year, but do your best to gain some familiarity with these concepts.  You will have another pass through it next year - just focus on being diligent and finishing strong!

SCIENCE   

We discussed valance electrons and electron orbitals from lesson 4.  Everyone practiced charting these and most seemed to have a good grasp.  Students competed in vocab review and their memorization of the periodic table.  I was impressed with how much people knew - keep up the good work!

This week you need to get through two lessons (5 & 6), and it's normal for this to seem harder than what you've done so far.

Keep working on your Adopt-an-Element assignment.  You will present this as part of your blue book exam on week 15.

LOGIC

We discussed lessons 25-28 this week.  This week, try to finish the exercises for these lessons because you will likely want to have time next week to prepare for the blue book assessment.  These are the last lessons for the year, however, so you can continue to work on them for the next two weeks.

MATH

We discussed a math problem using the 5 Common Topics in which each student took a turn asking a question of their classmates based on one of the common topics.  We also played Number Knockout, then celebrated the completion on our short stories with Kona Ice. 😉 

SHORT STORIES
Congratulations!  Your short stories are complete!  We had a great conversation in class about the two stories we read and whether unrequited love can be worthwhile or not.  We also looked at mood and moral application in stories.  This week, you have two VERY short stories to read!  Enjoy the lighter load in this strand (intentional since mock trial will be taking so much of your time!).

MOCK TRIAL

We worked through the bailiff's role and making introductions at the beginning of trial, and then we practiced making objections.  Every attorney should look for at least one opportunity to object during trial.  We also listened to a great opening statement for the prosecution and gave feedback.

All exams and openings/closings need to be completely finished by our practice on Thursday afternoon.  Details will be emailed for that day.

POSTREMO

• Our Challenge B BBQ will be Saturday evening, May 4.  Plan to be there with your family (we'll work out details after we get through this first mock trial!).

• As I mentioned, blue books will be shorter this semester, since mock trial and short stories already cover a lot.  Expect to have questions for math, logic, Latin, Discovering Atomos, and possibly Defeating Darwinism and Do Hard Things, in addition to presenting your Adopt-an-Element project.

• Don't forget to bring to class: math problem; printed copies of your final mock trial exams and openings/closings; relevant Bible verse(s) for our assigned short stories; and your Discovering Atomos book with exercises completed from lesson 5 AND 6; logic and Latin books.

Blessings on you and your studies this week!  

~ Mrs. D

Week 12

DEVO 

We diverted from chapter 11 of Do Hard Things since no one had time to read it, and instead a couple of students shared some things they have learned or appreciated in their own devotional time recently.  Our discussion uncovered that we all struggle some in prioritizing time to nurture our relationship with Christ.  I encouraged the kids to take that on as a "hard thing" to be disciplined about this week.  I'd love to hear from each of you next Monday about what you did, something interesting or encouraging you read or learned, where you saw God moving this week, or what it looked like for you to focus more time in the Word and with the Lord.

Please also continue in Do Hard Things (chapter 12)!

LATIN

This week you are in pages 300-313, looking at using the subjunctive in "wishes" and "exhortations", and also the use of suus and sui in direct and indirect reflexives.  We reviewed vocabulary from lessons 25-27 (units 7 & 8) - continue to practice with flashcards or Quizlet.

SCIENCE   

We tested our memory of the first 20 elements of the periodic table and also reviewed the exercises from Chapter 3.  We discussed how to determine whether an element is neutral, an ion, or an isotope.  We will continue to review the first 20 elements as well as vocabulary from the lessons.  There are quizzes for our class on Quizlet.  You should memorize the element name, the abbreviated name, the atomic number, and the atomic mass (rounded number is fine).

Here are some more videos and links to check out:

https://youtu.be/h9bzQIsQMAI (fun video explaining the newest 4 elements)

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2004/02/how-do-they-name-new-elements.html (this explains how new elements are named)  

We also took a look at the upcoming Adopt-an-Element assignment - the parameters are spelled out in your Guide (in the appendix).  You can begin working on your project now.  The final product will be part of your Blue Book exam on week 15 - you'll bring your visual and completed fact sheet (found in the appendix of the Guide), and be prepared to give your oral advertisement for your element.  Here are the elements everyone picked so far:

SD: O
ZV: N
AW: Pu
MP: Cu
EC: Ti
TL: Am
EM: Fe
GP: He
AP: Au
JG: (still needs to choose)

LOGIC

We finished up lessons 22-24 this week, and worked through exercises from each as a class.  Now you've got lessons 25-28 for the next two weeks.  Be sure to read everything this week and get started on as many exercises as possible - mock trial is going to require increasingly more work over the next few weeks, so you should take advantage of any extra time this week to get ahead in logic!

MATH

Students paired up for math discussions using the 5 Common Topics.  We also played Number Knockout and worked through some multiplication and basic math facts drills.  Remember you can use Quizlet to work on any rusty spots you may have uncovered in class.  😉 

SHORT STORIES
You have a BIG WEEK ahead in short stories!!!  In addition to the assignments outlined in your Guide, you need to send me via email the following documents in PDF format no later than Sunday (earlier would be great, too!):

• 6-10 page story (12-point "normal" font, black text, line spacing of 1-2 lines, 1" margins all around)
• title page that includes the author's name and story title, plus any illustration or photo (full color is fine)
• author's biography with a description and photo (if there's room, put this at the end of your story - otherwise, on a separate page is fine)

And if you're interested in submitting a cover for consideration for our anthology (e.g., a drawing, painting, photography, etc.), send me that as soon as possible.

MOCK TRIAL

Students paired up to continue work on their direct and cross exams.  They also discussed exhibits, how to enter them, and which are valuable.  Opening statements and closing arguments were also assigned (TL: prosecution opening; AP: prosecution closing; GP: defense opening; SD: defense closing), and those students can begin working on outlining their material (note: students delivering the opening and closing on a particular side should work together on the theme, what evidence is needed and will be highlighted, etc.). 

POSTREMO

• Email me PDF copies of your final short story (following the parameters set forth above), author's biography/photo, and title page no later than this Sunday.

• Don't forget to bring to class: math problem; typed, printed copies of your final mock trial exams; relevant Bible verse(s) for our assigned short stories; and your Discovering Atomos book with exercises completed from lesson 4; logic and Latin books.

Blessings on you and your studies this week!  

~ Mrs. D

Week 11

DEVO 

We discussed chapter 10 of Do Hard Things - about a generation rising, what salt and light are, and the three pillars of the "rebelution" (character, competence, and collaboration).  Rebelutionaries are not only willing to make a difference, but are choosing to train themselves to be the difference.

LATIN

We are moving into Unit 8 (lesson 27).  We discussed the vocative case, when and how to use it, and how to parse and diagram sentences using a direct address.  Be sure to study rule 28, and remember the vocative generally does not come first in a sentence in Latin.  We also examined commands and the present imperative active (rules 208, 216-218), which generally come first in a sentence.

SCIENCE   

We had a great discussion about the periodic table, protons, neutrons, and electrons, atomic numbers and atomic mass, and electrical charges.  We quizzed vocabulary and the symbols of elements on the periodic table.  This week read lesson 3, work through all the exercises there, and memorize the first 18-20 elements on the table.  I also found several videos you might find useful in learning more about the periodic table:

VIDEOS on periodic table:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RRVV4Diomg  (my favorite!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYRlIAv0l-w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLSfgNxoVGk 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKZv9bsFD3w (understanding atomic number and atomic mass)

HOW TO MEMORIZE THE TABLE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgVQKCcfwnU 

LOGIC

Students took turns working through exercises in lesson 22, and we briefly reviewed the main points of lessons 23 and 24, too.  This is our last week in these lessons - reread them and complete the exercises.

MATH

Thank you to our students who shared math problems this week!  Everyone please be prepared with a problem for our next class.  You might also want to practice some drills and basic math facts on Quizlet this week....  ;)

SHORT STORIES
Between The Hammer of God and The Tell-Tale Heart, we had some wild stories this week!  I much preferred seeing all of YOUR stories so close to completion!  Students paired up to provide peer review and feedback.  This week should be one of substantial revisions:  Are there any plot or dialogue issues you need to tighten up?  Are you showing instead of telling?  What suggestions from your classmate should you consider?   Don't be afraid to make some significant changes or rewrites - this is pretty much your last opportunity to do that!

Also, we are deviating from the guide - your author biography is due NEXT MONDAY!  In addition, please bring a NEW copy of your fully revised story on Monday to turn in to me.  Remember your parameters:

• 6-10 pages (this is a strict limit, but you do not have to include your title page/illustration or the author's biography in this limit if you don't want to)
• 12-point font - you may use any legible, easily readable font
• Line spacing can be single or double (or anything in between)
• Normal margins - 1" all around (for binding)
• In addition to the story, you need a title page that includes the author's name and story title, plus any illustration or photo
• You also need an author's biography with a description and photo - I'll send you some samples
• Text needs to be black, but your photo, illustration, and anything on your title page can be in color

After next Monday, you will have one last week for final minor edits, completing your cover illustration, and getting all of your materials to me before class on Monday, April 15.  I need your story, author biography and photo, and cover page emailed to me as PDFs.

P.S. - if you're interested, you can also submit for consideration a cover for our anthology - this could be artwork you create (drawing, painting, photography) or anything else!  To be considered, these need to be submitted by class on April 8.

P.P.S. - don't forget to read the assigned short stories and bring a relevant Bible verse!

MOCK TRIAL

We reviewed opening statements and worked through themes for the prosecution and defense - nice work!  We also practiced the appearances by counsel and introduction of witnesses.  

I gave students handouts for introducing exhibits, impeaching witnesses, and making objections.  Be sure to continue to review the objections in the mock trial handbook.

Of critical importance now is for everyone to finalize their direct and cross exams.  Students are meeting on Wednesday to work as attorney-witness pairs.  I also hope to give you information on who is doing the opening statements and closing arguments.  Be sure to bring all of your work and materials.

POSTREMO

• Don't forget to bring to class: math problem; typed, printed copies of your final mock trial exams; typed, printed copy of your revised short story (following the parameters set forth above) and author's biography; relevant Bible verse(s) for our assigned short stories; and your Discovering Atomos book with exercises completed from lesson 3.

• We have Latin study hall at our normally scheduled time/place on Tuesday.  Hope to see you there!

Blessings on you and your studies this week!  

~ Mrs. D

Week 10

Happy spring break!  Enjoy your week off.  :)

DEVO 

We discussed chapter 9 of Do Hard Things - about going against cultural norms and standing "at the right time, for the right thing, and for the right reasons.”

LATIN

LOVED seeing so many of you at our Toga Party last week!  It blessed and honored Mr. Seitz, too - I'll send around the video of your skit, too - great job!

This week we finish LESSON 25 and head into LESSON 26 on the Perfect & Pluperfect Subjunctive Active.  I gave everyone Verb Chart 6 for this - our last chart!!!  And this one should be VERY easy to memorize!

SCIENCE   

We completed the Defeating Darwinism assessment in class.  Parents, your student should have given you theirs.  Students were allowed to use their summaries (but not the book).  If you did well on the assessment, that should indicate that you read and absorbed the material well and thoughtfully created valuable summaries - nice work!  If you felt you could have done better, use this as an opportunity to evaluate what you did - could your summaries have been more helpful?  If so, what will you do differently next time?  Is there a different format that works better for you?  Maybe you fell behind in your reading - how can you better plan next time to avoid this?

We also scanned Discovering Atomos together.  Our final 5 weeks of research will focus on learning the grammar of chemistry and gaining a basic understanding of chemical processes.  I promise this is EASY (compared to chemistry in Challenge 3 😬😂).  But seriously, I think it is fun - it definitely should feel like a lighter strand.

Each week you will have a short lesson or two to read and a few exercises to complete.  You’ll also make flashcards for first 18-20 elements and memorize them.  This week, complete lessons 1 & 2.

LOGIC

We worked through some problem exercises in lessons 18 and 19 - most people seem to have a good handle on these.  Now we move on to lessons 22-24 (reminder: lessons 20 and 21 are optional - we won't be doing them in class).  Read all 3 lessons this week and begin working on the exercises.

MATH

Thank you to our students who shared math problems this week!  Everyone please be prepared with a problem for our next class.  We also had fun working through a brain teaser - here it is if you want to challenge any of your family/friends….

SHORT STORIES
What a week of crazy stories!  A Man and the Snake, The Cop and the Anthem, and The Necklace all had plot twists and surprise endings - will your story?  Several students also found some great Bible verses!  Many students did not bring a verse, though.  Please make sure to find something for our next stories!

You now have two weeks to finish writing your short story - next time we meet, you need to bring a typed copy of your complete story to give me.  Here are the parameters - I'm changing a couple of things from what we discussed in class, so take note - I'll also email you a checklist and summary:

• 6-10 pages (this is a strict limit, but you do not have to include your title page/illustration or the author's biography in this limit if you don't want to)
• 12-point font - you may use any legible, easily readable font
• Line spacing can be single or double (or anything in between)
• Normal margins - 1" all around (for binding)
• In addition to the story, you need a title page that includes the author's name and story title, plus any illustration or photo
• You also need an author's biography with a description and photo - I'll send you some samples
• Text needs to be black, but your photo, illustration, and anything on your title page can be in color

If you're interested, you can also submit for consideration a cover for our anthology - this could be artwork you create (drawing, painting, photography) or anything else!  To be considered, these need to be submitted by class on April 8.

MOCK TRIAL

Nice work on closing arguments - we got to hear one from each student, discuss some good themes and proofs, and strategize about how to best collaborate as a class.

Thank you to the students who volunteered to get Google docs going:

• a list of all themes
• a list of all proofs and then the subproofs to go with them

Please be sure to add your information to the documents when you receive them!

This week you will be writing opening statements for the prosecution and defense.  Read Section 2 on opening statements (p. 19-21).  Remember, openings are a ROAD MAP for the jury.  They know NOTHING about this case, so you need to walk them through your story.  Generally, this will be done chronologically.  A basic out could look like this:

Intro:  "Your Honor. Members of the jury. May it please the court..."

Silver bullet (sort of like an exordium):  "This is a case about _______."  (Short theme/description....)

Narratio:  Briefly explain the "story" so the jury has their bearings.

Preview:  Go through either the main points of the witnesses or organize it around 3 proofs.  You can't "argue" in the opening - so use language like "the first witness will tell you...our second witness will describe....Then defense will call X, but she will show...etc."

Conclusion: wrap up your theme/story. And tell the jury what you want them to do: "At the end of this trial, we will ask you to return a verdict of (not) guilty on the charge of murder...."

Once you finish writing your two opening statements (again - 5 minutes each!), turn back to working on the examinations you are assigned (witnesses should be working with the attorney to draft these).

At our next Monday class, you will present your openings - you can read them. No need to work on memorizing them at this point. Bring a typed copy of each opening to turn in to me.  

POSTREMO

• Don't forget to bring to class: math problem; typed, printed copies of both opening statements; typed, printed copy of your complete short story (following the parameters set forth above); relevant Bible verse(s) for our assigned short stories; and your Discovering Atomos book with exercises completed from lessons 1 & 2.

• No class next week!  Enjoy spring break!

Blessings on you, your studies, and your time off!  

~ Mrs. D

Week 9

This week I am PROUD of you!  For a job well done on the NLE; for GREAT brainstorming and strategizing in mock trial; and for tackling your work (and your "small thing") with diligence and perseverance this week!

DEVO 

We discussed chapter 8 of Do Hard Things - about the "small things" that are hard!

LATIN

Students took the National Latin Exam or played some fun review games.  

This week we're in LESSON 25: direct questions are addressed to a person and generally are in the indicative mood.  Direct questions can be introduced by:

Interrogative ADVERBS (p. 267)
Where were you?  Ubi fuistī?
Why did he come?  Cūr vēnit?

Interrogative PARTICLES  (rule 503)
-ne  Vīdistīne Rōmam?  Have you seen Rome?


+ nōnne (yes expected) & num (no expected)

Nōnne Deus best bonus?  God is good, isn’t He?
Num Caesar victus est?  Caesar wasn’t conquered, was he?

Interrogative PRONOUNS 
Who, whom, what, whose = pronouns (here they don’t modify a noun, but take its place)
Quis & quid (who / what) = decline per rule 140

Interrogative ADJECTIVES
Pronouns can be used as an adjective:
Which men did you see?  Quōs virōs vīdisti?
Decline interrogative adjectives exactly like relative pronouns! (rules 139; 141)

I hope to see you tomorrow night at our Toga Party to celebrate the Ides of March and finishing the NLE!

SCIENCE   

We discussed our final chapter of Defeating Darwinism!  Students also took turns explaining the 3-5 main points from one of the chapters.  Hopefully you took very good notes in your journals!  We also played a trivia game - I am impressed with how much you all learned from this book!

Our Defeating Darwinism assessment is on Monday (3/18).  Please bring your completed summaries with you to class.  This week you will also survey/skim through Discovering Atomos - this is a pdf available through CC.  Be sure to bring your printed copy with you to class!

LOGIC

We worked through some sample exercises from lessons 18 and 19.  Reread these lessons this week if you are still uncertain about anything, and finish up all exercises for 17b-19.  Next week, we skip lessons 20 & 21....Stay tuned!

MATH

Be prepared with a problem to lead on Monday!  

SHORT STORIES

Students shared more from their plot outlines - this time focusing on OBJECTIVE, OBSTACLE, and OUTCOME.  You have one more week to develop your plot - this time thinking about plot twists and surprise endings.

We also discussed A White Heron.  A few of our classmates found some really interesting and varied Bible verses that apply to this story.  Please make sure you all bring a verse next week!

This week you have THREE stories to read (don't worry; they're fairly short!) and at least one applicable Bible verse.  You need to DEFINE the ending of your own short story and be prepared to share that with the class.  Will there be a plot twist or surprise ending?  Don't just tell us that Shrek and his son are reconciled, or the boy forgives his bullies, or the girl learns to value people outside of her societal class - these are all great OBJECTIVES, but on Monday we want to hear DETAILS about how the objective was realized.  

And remember....you only have two and half weeks left to write your story - the complete, typed draft is due week 11 (April 1)!

MOCK TRIAL

We had a great conversation in class about closing arguments, themes, and examinations.  I gave each attorney all of their classmates' work for their assigned examination.  And then on Tuesday - WOW!  Great job in working through all the statutes, case law, witnesses, and exhibits to really develop a strong structure for what you need to prove.  This should help you tremendously this week as you draft TWO closing arguments.  Remember your basic outline:

Intro: Your Honor. Members of the jury. May it please the court...

Silver bullet (sort of like an exordium): This is a case about _______. (Short theme/description....)

Enumeration: 3 basic reasons why defendant is guilty/not guilty. (Here you are “sorting” the evidence like you do your ANI chart - into 3 broad categories)

Proofs: then go through each category and argue the evidence that supports it (this can be testimony, documents/exhibits, statutes or case law....)

Refutation:  address any incriminating evidence the other side raised. How do you defuse or refute it?

Conclusion: wrap up your theme/story. And tell the jury what you want them to do: return a verdict of (not) guilty on the charge of murder....

Once you finish writing your two closing arguments (remember - 5 minutes each!), turn back to working on the examinations you are assigned (witnesses should be working with the attorney to draft these - it sounds like you all set up some google docs so you can collaborate - great idea!).

On Monday, you will present your closings - you can read them. No need to work on memorizing them at this point. Please bring a typed copy of each closing to turn in to me.  

POSTREMO

• Don't forget to bring to class: math problem; typed, printed copies of both closing arguments; written work on your short story plot/ending; relevant Bible verse(s) for our 3 assigned short stories; all of your chapter summaries for Defeating Darwinism; your Discovering Atomos materials; and your completed logic exercises.

• Friday, 3/15:  Toga Party

• Spring Break starts after class ends on Monday!  No community on March 25!

Blessings on you and your studies this week!

~ Mrs. D

Week 8

We are halfway through semester two - how did we get here so quickly?!?

DEVO 

We discussed chapter 7 of Do Hard Things - about collaboration.  Looking at several verses (Prov. 13:20, 2 Tim. 2:22, Heb. 10:24-25), we discussed the dual call to surround ourselves with people who encourage our faith while also stepping out into the world to bring Good News to the lost.

LATIN

Students paired up to lead a discussion with the entire class on our recent topics of study:

1.  Relative clauses (p. 246-247)
2.  Adjectives used as nouns (p. 241)
3.  The subjunctive & purpose clauses (including negative) (p. 226-230)
4.  The imperfect subjunctive & tenses (p. 235-238)
5.  The use of AD (p. 253)

The NLE exam is next Monday - and our Toga Party is Friday, March 15 (the Ides of March!).

SCIENCE   

We discussed chapter 7 of Defeating Darwinism on modernism - only one more chapter left!  Next week, we will discuss chapter 8.  Students will also take turns explaining the 3-5 main points from one of the chapters.  They volunteered as follows:

Chapter 1 - EC
Chapter 2 - EM
Chapter 3 - SD / FC
Chapter 4 - AP
Chapter 5 - MP / GP
Chapter 6 - JG
Chapter 7 - TL
Chapter 8 - AW

LOGIC

You survived lessons 14-17a - well done!  I can tell you that many people think lesson 17a is the most difficult one in the entire book.  We reviewed several exercises the students struggled with - be patient and persevere...you can do this! 

This week, we move on to lessons 17b-19.  Be sure to read all the assignments - maybe more than once or twice!  And I recommend you start working on a few exercises from each lesson so that we can go over any problems you're facing on Monday.

MATH

TL, JG, and AP led our math discussions - thank you!  Everyone should be prepared with a problem to lead each week - just because you were called on previously doesn't mean you're off the hook!

SHORT STORIES

Students shared their plot outlines.  You will continue to develop plot this week - start writing and have fun! 

We also discussed The Celestial Railroad.  Students found some great Bible verses, and we shared some wonderful insights into this story and its relationship to Pilgrim's Progress.

MOCK TRIAL

We had our big reveal for students' roles on direct and cross examinations.  Next Monday, I will distribute all of the direct and cross examination drafts I have from students.  Don't forget, we scheduled a mock trial work session during our usual Latin study hall next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

This week you will create PDI charts for each of the relevant statutes.  You should look at the statutes and case law on pages 81-82 and also review the Charge of Court on pages 104-109.  You do not need to summarize and chart each individual case.  Rather, have a separate PDI chart for such issues/crimes as (1) murder, (2) manslaughter, (3) confessions and the Miranda warning, (4) standards of proof and reasonable doubt, and (5) using prior convictions to discredit a witness's credibility.  You may find more issues to chart in the Charge of Court (students are planning to chat with one another as they find them).  The "P" column should list everything relating to that issue/crime that helps the prosecution; "D" includes what is helpful for the defense.  This could include specific elements you must prove, or simply language that is helpful to a particular side (e.g., as we discussed in class for reasonable doubt - the Charge of Court phrases it in places more helpful to the prosecution, and in other instances the language is more persuasive for the defense).

POSTREMO

• Don't forget to bring to class: math problem, PDI charts for statutes/Charge of Court, written work on your short story plot, a relevant Bible verse for short stories, summary of chapter 8 in Defeating Darwinism, your written out 3-5 main points for your assigned chapter in Defeating Darwinism, and your completed logic exercises.

• Monday, 3/11:  NLE

• Tuesday, 3/12:  Mock Trial at 10 a.m. at the library

• Friday, 3/15:  Toga Party

Blessings on you and your studies this week!

~ Mrs. D

Week 7

I pray you all have had a healthy and productive week.  The flu hit our home, so this post is late!  But hopefully a quick recap and checklist will be a bit helpful as we enter into week 8 on Monday.  :)

DEVO 

We discussed chapter 6 of Do Hard Things - about raising the bar of our own expectations, going beyond the minimum required, and not becoming complacent in our own excellence (what's "easy" for us).  Do you have any ideas for a "hard thing" the class could do?

LATIN

We played Bazinga and reviewed the imperfect subjunctive active, new vocabulary, etc.  This week we move into relative clauses and adjectives used as nouns.  We have just under two weeks until the NLE on March 11.  And our Toga Party will be Friday, March 15 - watch for an invitation with details soon!  Do you have your toga yet?  ;)

SCIENCE   

We discussed chapter 6 of Defeating Darwinism and worked through everyone's outlines.  Only two weeks left in this book, then we have our assessment in class.  After that, we'll transition to chemistry and Discovering Atomos.  If you are behind on any of your summaries, try to catch up!

LOGIC

This week, we're finishing up all the exercises for lessons 14b-17a.  This is HARD stuff!  Be patient and don't despair!  You can always email or text me with any questions.  Remember: sometimes it's easier to work backwards from the conclusion.

MATH

We discussed several problems, including one lead by Sydney (thank you!).  Come prepared with your math problem to lead each week - we'll roll the dice to see who it is!

SHORT STORIES

Students shared additional descriptions of main characters, got feedback, and discussed The Red-Headed League.  I am excited to hear about all the brainstorming, outlining, and writing you complete this week on your plot.  Please bring your written work to class to share, as well as a relevant Bible verse for The Celestial Railroad.

MOCK TRIAL

Students submitted their direct & cross exams of the defense witnesses.  If you haven't turned in some of yours, please be sure to bring them on Monday!!

This week you will create PDI charts for each possible piece of documentary evidence.  How does it help your case?  Which elements of the crime/defense/etc. does it prove or disprove?  What damaging information does it have that you need to mitigate?

POSTREMO

• Don't forget to bring to class: math problem, all printed direct and cross exams you have not already turned in to me, PDI charts for all mock trial exhibits, written work on your short story plot, a relevant Bible verse for The Celestial Railroad, summary of chapter 7 in Defeating Darwinism, and your completed logic exercises.
• NLE is March 11; Toga Party is March 15.

Blessings on you and your studies this week!

~ Mrs. D