Making 3-D Shapes

 

 

We have been studying geometry in math group, and students are currently exploring the differences between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.  Using foldable patterns, the boys and girls made paper models of many three-dimensional shapes including triangular pyramids, rectangular prisms, cylinders, cones, and cubes.  They also used their models to compare the various attributes (faces, verices, and edges) of these figures.  Prior to cutting out the patterns, students used colored pencils to design their shapes.  This resulted in many artistic 3-D shape creations!

Exploring Pi

 

This year, Pi Day (March 14) occurred over Spring Break, so the Lower School celebrated on March 7 instead.  As Pi Day approached, the Tenth Agers challenged themselves to memorize at least 25 digits of pi.  The highlight of the day was a special assembly.  Mrs. Holt selected two lucky students - one Ninth Ager and one Tenth Ager - to throw pies at Mr. Wareheim!  During math class, the boys and girls also started  creating color-coded "pi chains" using strips of construction paper.  Each color represented a different digit (0-9), and the students learned that there is no distinct pattern for the digits in pi.  The Tenth Agers recently completed their chains, which are displayed in the Tenth Age homerooms and Mrs. Holt's classroom. 

March Reading Madness

Last Friday, the Lower School kicked off its annual "March Reading Madness" with an assembly in the auditorium.   Please encourage your son to "Read Around the World," which is this year's theme. Students have received their 'passport' to travel and record books they have read involving countries around the world.  Suggested reading lists have been provided to help them get started on an amazing journey through books!  If you have any questions, please be sure to contact Mrs. Stone.

State Report

The 10-2 boys continue to work diligently on their state reports.  While working on their notes packets, the boys have used a variety of different sources to collect their research, including books, encyclopedias, electronic databases, and a variety of helpful websites.  The next phase of the project will be the rough draft.  For your reference, the due dates for the remaining components of the project are listed below.

                                           Rough Draft                                        March 20

                                           Final Copy                                          April 17

                                           Oral Report and
                                           PowerPoint or Prezi presentation       May 1
                          

Grammaropolis

This week, the 10-2 boys explored an exciting grammar web site, Grammaropolis.  Grammaropolis includes a wide array of interactive grammar lessons, with an emphasis on the parts of speech.  The boys had a great time exploring the various learning tools, and especially enjoyed listening to the many clever (and catchy) grammar songs featured on the site.  The songs that included "rock music" were identified as the class favorites.

Pilot Buddies

 

This week the Tenth Agers read winter stories with their buddies in Pilot 1.   They read about a wide variety of topics, including penguins, Antarctic expeditions, and snowy days.  Together, the students illusrated a favortie scene or an interesting fact from their book.  The 10-2 boys always enjoy spending time with their Pilot buddies.

Maryland Unit

The 10-2 boys have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Maryland and its history, economy, and culture.  They have learned a wide array of interesting facts and discovered the answers to many questions about their home state (including the ones listed below).  Be sure to ask about these details!

• Why were Revolutionary War soldiers from Maryland known as "troops of the line"?
• What is the purpose of a skipjack?
• What was the first settlement in Maryland?

The boys will take their Maryland test this Thursday, January 10.  The Quizlet set can be found here.