Category: Specialists

Eighth Grade Math

The eighth graders have been working on an extremely important unit, The Linear Equation, in which they explore the interconnectedness of equations, graphs, tables, and patterns. First, the students used different tile patterns to make tables, write a rule or equation, or play games. They then looked at the relationship between the patterns and their graphs. Using what they found, the students were able to draw conclusions about the tables and graphs to write equations and to do it all in reverse, quickly drawing graphs and making tables from equations. This mastery of linear equations or y=mx+b will greatly help these algebra students as they move on to more complex quadratic equations.

After finishing the remainder of Algebra 1 at the beginning of the year, the students have moved on to geometry. Right now they are learning how to write proofs using various games to make it more fun. They will also continue to do challenging logic puzzles, focusing on writing clear justifications of the conclusions they reach. This will help them solve the complicated proofs that await them this year.

Middle School Clay Project

Judy Chicago’s installation The Dinner Party is the inspiration for this clay project. In 1974 the feminist artist created 39 table settings reminiscent of the Last Supper for influential women who might have never been celebrated for their contribution to society. The students researched women in history that follow the criteria Chicago used to choose her 39 women. Some of the many she dedicated her work to include Sacajawea, Sojourner Truth, Virginia Wolf, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
After choosing the woman the student is most inspired by, they have to find a dish that suits the woman’s culture. Using our new ceramic kiln, the students will create the plate/bowl and food out of clay. While the 6th grade has been in Yosemite this week, the 7th and 8th grade have started on making the cups for their table setting. Ultimately, the students will also install their work as a group in celebration of the The Dinner Party.

Earth Science

The sixth grade has spent the last few weeks learning about our Earth’s plate boundaries and earthquakes. They have seen how each plate boundary has moved our continents to where they are today and are continuing to move them. Students have researched historic earthquakes and reported on them to the class. They also learned about new technologies that help those in earthquake zone areas stay safe in buildings.

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Along with this, the students were tasked with building a four story building that could withstand an earthquake. The students were allowed to use different earthquake building technologies which can reduce the shaking to a building. These included x-braces, cross braces, mass-dampers and extended building shapes. Each student created their own design and we tested them to see which building would allow for the least amount of shaking.

Kindergarten at the Zoo

The Kindergarten has been working on a project in music centered around Camille Saint-Saens’ work Carnival of the Animals, a collection of music based on the movements and behaviors of many different wild animals. This Thursday, the project culminated with a trip to the Oakland Zoo.

Our Kindergartners re-listened to each song on a Bluetooth speaker, and used the musical clue to figure out the animal they were looking for. They then collaborated together with basic map skills to find the animal. Once there, they observed the animal and decided whether it’s behaviors were consistent or different from those expressed in the music.

This outing allowed our students to unify teamwork with excellent listening and observation skills by using their natural curiosity and love of animals. When the students return to class, they will finish with an in-class art project. Stop by next week to see the finished products!

4th Grade Inventions

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4th graders were in the Science Lab the last 3 weeks and were studying about electricity and currents. They learned about static and moving charges, what items are considered insulators and conductors, and built both a number of series and parallel circuits.
In conclusion to that unit, the students got to work with our new STEM kits and build their own inventions. They had light up Koala cups, beeping cat rear ends, a cat car, a galaxy vehicle and a cloud spinning car. It was a lot of fun!

Jazz in the Classroom

Grades 6-8th in Green Block are learning about Jazz music and creating their own record album cover. They learned about the history of Jazz in America and the artists responsible for the album covers.

The music department loaned us a real record player! So we have been listening to musicians such as Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong while creating our own album covers! The last part of the project the students are currently working on, focuses on writing their own song using a little bit of alliteration.

Save the Bees and Buterflies!

This year the third grade will be looking after the butterfly and bee gardens that our students helped to design last year during Earth day.
They helped plant flowers that will help our local populations, and will care for them throughout the year; watering and weeding when necessary.
All is welcomed to come see the gardens behind the science lab and get your photo taken as a butterfly or bee!

Qué Hora Es?

Es la una en punto.  OR  Son las dos en punto.

 

Telling time on an analog clock is a very important skill and can be very useful in your daily life or if you are planning to visit a Spanish speaking country. Clocks can help you wake up in time for school, tell you when it’s time for lunch, and alert you when your favorite TV show is about to come on. Learning how to tell time can be fun when you use games, so 4th and 5th graders made paper plate clocks and practiced setting the clock hands on the right time.

 

Using hands-on activities in the classroom is an essential part of a child’s learning experience. Allowing students to learn while participating in an exciting activity is very motivating for children in the classroom. Hands-on activities in Spanish give students the opportunity to get involved and interact with one another.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Every middle school student at Saklan had already known what “National Hispanic Heritage Month” was and when it was celebrated. To expand their knowledge, they watched a video called “Mes de la Herencia Hispana” created by CNN last week. After watching the video, they were able to share some additional facts about this celebration in the United States.

  • It is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. Independence Day in México and Chile fall within this 30-day period.
  • It is celebrated by American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
  • Hispanic Heritage week started in 1968 during President Lyndon Johnson.
  • Hispanic Heritage celebrations expanded to 30-day under President Ronald Regan .

In the 4th to 8th Spanish Class, students colored flags from 20 different Hispanic countries that celebrate this important day.

In the Art Room – Make a Wish!

Lilly wishes for better ways to treat mental illnesses.
Aaron wishes his cat was still alive.
Isabel wishes her dog would never pass but at the same time be healthy.

At the beginning of every year, K- 8th grades participates in a group installation project. Last week, colorful pieces of paper were hanging from the walkway. Thinking globally and locally, the students have made a wish for the new school year.

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Elena and Elishka wish for world peace and eternal happiness. Phoebe wishes to control water and be on Broadway!

This project was inspired by Japanese Artist Yoko Ono who has made wishing trees around the world. This year is off to a great start with all the positive wishes made!