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Finding Symmetry

Recently students flipped through magazines looking for images that included lines of symmetry. Once an image was selected they cut along the line of symmetry and drew the missinng half. Not all of the images they selected are true defintions of symmetry but I believe that came away with a better understanding of how to identify symmetry.

Merriam Webster defines SYMMETRY as:
 the property of being symmetrical; especially : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis

Giving Students Choice: Planning and making decisions together.

All year long students have sat together in groups. Each group is named after a college in Washington (UW, WSU, Seattle U, Seattle Pacific U, WWU, and Gonzaga). Groups are important for communication, collaboration, and provide a sense of belonging. Together, students become a part of a whole. Students for the most part have the opporutnity to move their desks where they see fit. Some have chosen to steer away from the group and sit alone. At the beginning of the year, they chose to use a draft system when it was time to change desks. Every month or so, a student would communicate using the "Parking Lot" to let the class know that they thought it was time for groups to change.

For the last three weeks I decided to let the students choose how they'd like the desks to be set up. Any student who had an idea came up with a blueprint plan and presented it to the class. Students then had a chance to preview the plans and anonymously drop their vote in a hat.

Here was the result:
  
It's too often that decisions are made for students without asking them what they want. If someone (teacher) is always making the decisions, as a student, it's easy to always comply or wait for something to happen. As you can see, these students do not shy from generating ideas and making decisions.  I truly believe that if we give students opportunities to make decisions, eventually they will become better decision makers.

Tessellations

   

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, a tessellation is:  a covering of an infinite geometric plane without gaps or overlaps by congruent plane figures of one type or a few types.

Here are some examples of tesslations that students created.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

Taking a Closer look at Paper and Plastic Bags

We've spent the last two days breaking down the differences and similarities between paper and plastic. Using the informational visual to the right, we read about consumption, production, pollution, recycling, and whether either is biodegradable.

Throughout this experience I've thought about my consumption for both paper and plastic. When I go to the grocery store, I generally ask for plastic. I reuse the plastic bags for garbage can liners, a bag to take my lunch in, as well as bags to have in the classroom in case students need to bring things home. I'm personally going to make an effort to try and reduce the amount of plastic bags I use by purchasing a reuseable bag for groceries. I'm not ready to quit using plastic but if I can limit my use, I know I'll be making somewhat of a difference.

What do you do with paper or plastic bags at home?

Do you use a reusable bag? If so, how often do you use paper or plastic?

What unconscious behavior (things you do that you don't notice yourself doing) do you catch yourself doing that you'd like to change (with paper or plastic)?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2007/10/03/GR2007100301385.html

Paper, Plastic, or Neither?

 
Imagine going to the grocery store and NOT hearing the question, "Would you like paper or plastic?" The longstanding debate over whether to use plastic or paper or neither is an issue we will be tackling over the next several weeks.  Students will be learning how to do the following:

• Write persuasively.
• Research and gather information to support ideas.
• Form opinions.
• Make decisions.
• Plan
• Inspire
• Debate

Edmonds Beach Walk

Last Tuesday we went to the beach to observe and explore. Here are some pictures of some of the fascinating things we discovered. Enjoy!