We had a very energy-filled week. Students finished their last core-class rotation on Friday to learn about different resources we use to generate electricity throughout the United States. We've shifted our learning and focus from the physics end of things (energy forms, potential/kinetic, law of conservation of energy, etc.) to think and talk about the social and economic ramifications of the uses of various energy resources. The students are doing an amazing job of talking about the issues and looking at data and evidence that is used to support or oppose them.
Our month-long unit on energy finishes next week with the Energy Teach-In! We have amazing speakers and presenters coming to talk to the students and lead break-out sessions throughout. Students will participate in role plays, examine how data can be manipulated to support or disprove hypotheses, and we will be watching Gasland at the Baghdad Theater. If you are interested in attending any aspect of this, please let me know-- I'll send you a schedule and you can choose what you'd like to partricipate in.
It would be great if you had check ins with your child this week about what they are learning, what's impressing them the most, ideas they have..Some content will be heavy and difficult to digest and make sense of, other sessions will be inspiring and hopeful. Also please support our amazing Sunnyside students to be on their best behavior and to "show up" ready to participate and learn.
Following next week we will be diving head-long into writing persuasive pieces that result from students' passions/concerns/interests about energy. Students will also be designing and implementing action plans to address an issue related to energy that they care about.
The other area of study we are focusing on is Biographies. On Thursday students checked out biographies and will be reading them over the next few weeks. If your child doesn't have one yet, please help out! I have some in the class as well. I gave an assignment that is due next Monday, 1/28 that students should be doing at home this week.
Hope you are all well, I managed to get that darned flu on this very beautiful 3 day weekend! uggg! I hope to be there tomorrow!
