Yearbook Is Coming May 24

This year in mathematics, students were eager to learn and fascinated with the real-world applications of math.

The 8^th graders were working hard to learn the skills necessary for Algebra 1. By working in groups they explored many areas of mathematics that will strengthen their knowledge and prepare them for the rigors of Algebra 1.

Algebra 1 has worked on a project that involved shooting basketballs and developing an equation to predict the number of shots made relative to the distance they are standing from the basketball hoop. Students were able to apply their graphing skills learned in the first semester to this project. In May, Algebra 1 students will be investigating and designing a roller coaster and applying their knowledge of quadratic equations to the velocity of a cart traveling down a track.

Geometry worked on a kite design project the first semester, which involved knowledge of polygons and their special properties. Students attempted to fly their kites and learned that angles and measurements are important for flight! In May, Geometry students will be applying their knowledge of trigonometric ratios to find the heights of objects as well as the distance between objects. You may see students wandering the campus trying to find the heights of trees and buildings!

Algebra 2 students were able to design a town using their knowledge of graphing lines and the relationship between parallel and perpendicular lines. Students were very creative with the designs of their towns. In May, students will be exploring conic sections and where they might see them in the real world. With cameras in hand, pictures will be taken and then equations formed to represent the appropriate conic section.

Trigonometry and AP Calculus have been working hard all year and are preparing for their end-of-the-year exams.

Go Figure?

Ms. Bertolucci

April 2010 it is spring time all the flowers are blooming and all the colors are coming out. All the colors remind me of how beautiful the world is. I got thinking “man this world is so beautiful there should be a holiday just celebrating the earth”. Then it dawned on me there already is Earth Day! I realized I am not doing enough to help and make this world more beautiful than I found it. Earth day is such an uncelebrated holiday and such unknown that I wanted to find out how it started so I did a little research and this is what I found.

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in held on April 22, 1970 and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. Earth day is celebrated in spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. In 1969 Sen. Gaylord Nelson thought that there should be a holiday teaching people environmental awareness. He pushed the idea but had no backing till college students heard of the idea. On the first earth day over 20 million people participated in earth day making environmental awareness.

The goal of earth day is to teach people to protect the environment and to be aware of what we are doing to it. What you can do for earth day is get a group of your peers and go for a hike. Enjoy the environment and the earth. You could go plant flowers or trees. Do some kind of environmental clean up project. But mainly be aware that the environment and earth is a very delicate thing.

Sawyer WIlson