sawing wood

Hello,

Well, the students got a chance to saw some wood this afternoon. This is part of our study of simple machines and how they work. We will pound a few nails tomorrow. These are two common uses of wedges.  Levers, pulleys, gears, inclined planes, wheels and axles, and screws to follow.

Students were introduced to Rube Goldberg Devices today.  See below for an example.



Their final project for our unit will be to create a Rube Goldberg. It can (and often should be) completely useless, but it should show a knowledge of combining the simple machines into something more complex.  We will have many lead up activities that will combine individual simple machines.  The final project will be an all day Rube Goldberg building extravaganza.  Parents will be encouraged to stop in at anytime during the day to see how things are progressing.

This is my favorite unit, because all mistakes are an opportunity to figure out. All successes can be built upon.

Our final read aloud of the year, The Power of Un, is also about an invention.  Nancy Etchemendy writes a fast-paced novel where her main character discovers a machine that allows him to travel back in time.  Our writing homework will be related to this in the upcoming days (including tonight).

Tests grades were pretty good for the Parallel and Perpendicular Lines test.  They should have been. Students only needed to know those types of lines to do well.  On to more geometry.

Classes are being made up for the upcoming year. Anyone wanting to opt their child out of the loop, should do so as soon as possible. I hope we can keep as many as possible together, but I also understand that I can't be a best fit for everyone. No hard feelings if you feel the need to opt out. We all want what is best for your child, and it is obviously your call. I'm available to discuss it, if that might help.

Homework club tomorrow night.  Quidditch practice on Friday.  Harry Potter Club will vote on the time and date of our big match at our lunch meeting tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Mr. Shea