NMY Math Science

I just went back through my posts for this year and it appears I have not written an update yet.  I have written and posted other items on the blog, but not a straight update.  Due to the nature this year, one class, integrated studies and more of a homeroom setup, the former update structure does not seem to work as well. We have accomplished a lot of things in three months that doesn’t fit the confines of a math and science class.

Regardless, it feels appropriate to give you a low down of what has happened and what we have planned for the upcoming weeks.

In math class, the students cruised through the first couple of chapters in the algebra text.  They reviewed concepts such as, order of operations, writing and solving algebraic expressions, properties of numbers, proportions and solving for specific variables. We are now trying to put all these skills together to work through how to analyze linear equations. They are dealing with slope, x- and y-intercepts, slope-intercept and point-slope equations.

Our journey in science started with some philosophical discussions where science and humanities intersect. We contemplated where the earth came from and the role religion plays in our understanding. The Big Bang was discussed and explored.  Our first set of projects involved researching each of the planets in our solar system and doing scale comparisons.  Through that process, we decided to focus our attention on the earth and it’s history.  Before the Thanksgiving break, we shared presentations on the different periods of earth’s history.  This was fun for me, as I participated by making my own presentation of the Carboniferous Period.  Evidence of their research and projects should be up on their personal blogs if you would like to find out more.  We are in the process of identifying our next area of study, so stay tuned!

Besides all of this, the class prepared “Campus Hikes” for the Preschoolers, they went on the annual Harvest Hike, prepared and shared a “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” inspired presentation at Grandparent’s and Special Friend’s Day, and completed six high school visits.  Whew! 

 We hope the next three weeks will be calmer and we can get back to some basics.  Stay tuned for new posts from the students about their science and humanities projects.