Symbols in our lives...

As we have been reading Divergent, Hunger Games and other picture books, we have come across many examples of symbols. Wikipedia defines symbolism in the following way:

Symbolism is the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character. A symbol is an object, action, or idea that represents something other than itself, often of a more abstract nature. Symbolism creates quality aspects that make literature like poetry and novels more meaningful.

Given this meaning:
 What are some examples of symbols in your life? What is the object/action/idea and what does it represent to you? Share 3 or 4 examples.

One of my own examples would be my number pinny on my file cabinet from the Peach Bud race. For me this symbolizes accomplishment. I was able to achieve something that I didn't think I would ever do. It makes me feel proud that I was able to do it, and for me it shows that I just need to take a risk and step out and try something new. Unfortunately now, since I haven't been running (or working out as often as I'd like), it is also a symbol of what I've lost since I haven't been working at this. Often I look at it now and think, "Argh! I need to get back into that because I really enjoyed it."

Math Manipulatives Site

Here is the site for math manipulatives that I said I would share with you.Virtual Manipulatives

Subtracting Integers

Here is a video for subtracting integers as a preview for tomorrows math. Please watch and comment on the following question.

When you subtract two integers, the answers can be positive, negative, or zero. How can you predict the type of answer before you subtract? Use examples in your explanation.

Winter Festival...

So, it is almost here!!! Remember to get your plans/materials together this weekend for your contribution to the table and fill in your shopping list for Wednesday.

Here's one of the things on my list again this year!) What's on yours?




Great job so far on the Pennies for Change drive! You have made a change for five people already! Your enthusiasm is catching on with the younger students! Keep it up!
On the topic of younger students, I have an Active Playground initiative for interested students. It would involve learning and leading some games for nutrition breaks on the blacktop (variations of 4-Square, wall-ball,...). Let me know if you are interested in taking on this project.

Remember to come prepared on Monday for your first book talk with your group. If you are one of the directors, make sure you have some questions ready (if you are stuck, you can always look online for ideas). If you didn't finish your Eatum Hall response today, please have it submitted on google to me before Monday.

Homework

If your google account is working, please answer in that format. For those of you who don't have a working account now, you can answer here.

What did you like/dislike about the text so far? Explain.

What statements might the author be making about society in this book? Use evidence from the text.

Make an algaebraic expression that would solve for how many times your name would go in the draw for the Hunger Games (varies according to the # of people in your family and how old you are).

Into Integers...

So our next area of study in math will be integers. By grade 8 you will have added and subtracted integers and used some manipulatives to help you with this (calculator, counters). Here is a short video that will refresh your knowledge.
Integers With Chips

This video uses a numberline instead of the integer discs.
Integers with Number line


Which method do you like better?

If you like the number line, it might help to think of positives as hot and negatives as cold.

When we + hot (or a positive number) to something, it gets warmer.
When we - hot from something, it gets colder.
When we + cold (or a negative number) to something, it gets colder.
When we - cold from something, it gets warmer.

PIGGY

Here is one of your classmates responses to the assignment... What is your response to this?

Everyday, I work hard to rais my family. I am 16 and our family doesn't have much money. I try my best not to mess up...
"Can you pass the ketchup?"
"Sure mom." I answer politely. I mistaknely drop th eketchup onto the floor and a loud squishy noise sounds as it splatters across the floor like someone being shot.
My dad gives me a sharp look, slowly reaches over the dinner table and grabs me by the collar of my shirt. A fear slowly increases throughout my body. Adrenaline strikes as I struggle trying to unleash. He drags me upstairs, as I consistantly hit my back off each step.
I scream, as my screech pierces downstairs surrounding my little brothers ears. I don't exactly live perfect
...

"Beep, beep, beep." I shut off my alarm clock and quickly get out of bed, get dressed and run out the door so I don't get in more trouble. At school, my antagonism kicks in. My teachers seem to think something is happening at home, but if I tell them, who knows. A sort of meaty kid walks by, and I yell, "Piggy!" as others join me.

An unusual descent leads my mind. I wonder, as everyone yessl "Piggy!" becomes more fatal, and less hearable. I stop, I think about where I'm going in life. A dark puls engages with my viens and I tense up. I slowly leave the school, walking to the unknown field to think.
I hear voices...
"Hostile attitude will only get...Think about your life! Don't ruin hi...Stop!" I pass out as darkness overpowers the world.