Blog Entry, August 31st

 

Language and literature	We have been introduced to our unit, ‘A Chameleon’ by Anton Chekhov. After understanding the Global Context, Key Concepts and Related concepts for this unit, we determined the Statement of Inquiry. Through a class discussion, we prepared a list of similes to describe various characteristics of humans especially those that are reminiscent of certain animals. We now comprehend how the expression ‘changing color’ is applicable to humans and the situations that might compel them to behave in this manner. We have started reading the short story and are annotating unusual and interesting words/phrases used by the author to sketch the characters, setting and situations in the mind of the reader. As part of this unit, we are also brushing up on our grammar skills.
Math	We learnt about GCF & LCM and practiced solving various types of word problems.  Thereafter, we  studied the use of fractions in the number system. We took a formative assessment to check our areas of improvement with respect to the Reflection Skills  (ATL)
Science	Physics- We explored the difference between scalar & vector quantities, speed & velocity through real life situations. We looked at the application aspect of time, speed and distance problems.   Chemistry-We investigated various signs of chemical reactions through a lab activity and shared our observation in the class. Next, we watched a video on physical and chemical properties of the materials.  followed by a self-assessment Thereafter, we discussed the terms pure and impure substances.   Biology- We did a starter activity to review what we had learned about nutrients, balanced diet and cellular organisation. We then watched a video showing the journey of food through the digestive tract. While watching the video, we listed the digestive organs. This was followed by class discussion a group task detailing the role of various organs in the digestive process
Individuals & societies	We had discussion on the recent natural disaster in Kerala and suggested solutions to the on-going flood crisis. We discussed the effects of the plate tectonic movements. We were introduced to the theory of continental drift and enhanced our learning through a pair-share activity.
Language acquisition	French-This week our benchmarking results were declared. We discussed the papers and some exemplary responses were shown in order to demonstrate what is deemed as a correct way to respond to the four criteria. Apart from these results, we commenced with the unit  ‘Ma routine’  . We revised how to tell time using appropriate expressions. Moreover, we learnt expressions to describe our daily activities as well as the new type of verbs (Reflexive verbs) that support such expressions. We did storytelling and Kahoot Quiz activities in the class to describe daily routine and also used expressions with the verb “jouer a” and “jouer de”. Spanish- We learnt to describe a person in Spanish using the verbs “ser, tener, and llevar”. We chose a person ;either a favorite sportsperson, a family member or a best friend and described them in Spanish. Hindi Phase 1 We had discussion on the topic ‘Me, My Family and Friends’. We discussed the concept of family and extended family  We read the stories ‘Makhmal Mein Lipte Joote’ & ‘Mere Raaste ke Sangee’ and enjoyed vocabulary building activities Phase 2 We had discussion on the topic ‘Me, My Family and Friends’. We discussed the concepts of family and extended family  Thereafter, we practiced paragraph writing on the topic ‘My Memories with Family and Friends’. We read the story ‘Mere Padosi ka Jaana’  followed by vocabulary building activities.
DT	Progressing towards our summative assessment, we are predicting the design of a modern building 50 years from now.To achieve this we are analysing the existing buildings to come up with the final design.
ICT	We have started brainstorming on our individual website and its clients. We identified different elements that should be included in our website Last week we framed our own definition of the command terms that are used in Digital Design. In the coming weeks, we will focus on the design problems and the first phase of Design Cycle, i.e., inquiring and analyzing.
Drama	We discussed and explored the historical and geographical background of Greece and its cities and states.  We shared theories associated with the origin of Greek theater and aspects associated with it. This was followed by group improvisation on the relationship between humans, Gods and forces of nature.
Music	We learnt the names of all the music intervals and their role in our tonal system. We learnt how categorizing sounds and giving those names makes them clearer and conveniently communicable. We also watched a video demonstrating different songs based on different intervals and how recognition of the intervals becomes easier by humming some popular tunes.
Art	We have completed our research work on different art movements, artists and art works associated with them Thereafter, we tried to understand composition arrangement, symbolic representation of colours and ways in which innovative ideas have been used in the compositions. Following this ,we tried to critically analyze how art works vary in different art movements;  created mind maps and finalized the layout for our art work.
PHE	We discussed the importance of exercises in maintaining  healthy lifestyle.