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