Student-made Caftans

Sixth grade students made traditional caftans to wear for our upcoming International Festival. We had lots of help from a great group of seamstresses: Grace's mom, Shea's mom, Nohemi's grandmother, Erin's mom, Matt's mom, and Iain's mom all came to school and sewed their hearts out so that we could have these great caftans. A BIG thank you, to them all! The pattern comes from the Free Islamic Patterns website, and working on this project gave students a great opportunity to measure, and follow directions to create their own personal design. Here is a first look at our creations.

Sewing Help Needed

As we begin working to prepare for the 6th Grade International Festival, students will make caftans to wear for the event. Each student has calculated the amount of fabric that she or he needs to make a caftan. We will cut them out on April 28, and will sew them up in class on the morning of Wednesday, April 29. I have a portable sewing machine, but I could use more machines and some helpers to work with students on this project. If you have a portable sewing machine and are available and willing to volunteer on Wednesday 4/29, between 9:00 and 10:30, please call the school office or email me so I can schedule you in. Thanks in advance for your help with this project!

Empty Tomb Buns

A recipe for Easter morning --

Empty Tomb Buns

by Anne Feenstra

After these have been baked, discover that there is an “Empty Tomb” in the center of each bun, along with some sweetness at the bottom – yum!!! Ingredients

Favorite prepared yeast dough recipe or frozen crescent rolls

Melted butter

Large marshmallows

CinnamonWhite Sugar

Method

Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Roll a marshmallow in melted butter and then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Enclose sugared marshmallow in a small amount of dough, sealing together well. After placing on cookie sheets, let the buns rise until almost doubled in size. Then bake for 10-12 minutes in a 350-375° F oven. Immediately remove buns from trays, especially if any of the sugary mixture has seeped out of any buns.

Notes

Prepared buns may be placed seam-side down on the tray for a smooth bun look or: seam-side up for a slightly rougher look like that of a rock. Seam-side up also helps to prevent more seepage of the sugary mixture. Plain marshmallows (without melted butter and the cinnamon-sugar mixture) may also be placed in the dough. Without butter, the dough is easier to seal.

Symbolism Marshmallow - body of Jesus Butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture – the oil and spices Jesus’ body was anointed with Dough – the tomb Cavity in bun – the empty tomb

Harp Presentation

Yesterday, we spent the morning learning about and coming to understand the music of the harp. We learned about the science and mathematics of harp music, and had the opportunity to learn some simple melodies that we all played together on small harps.

The program was brought to us by Holly's Harps, and it was excellent.

Here are some extra credit questions that you may answer if you are interested. Completion of this "extra" work can earn you 20 points extra credit in all three of my classes.

Extra Credit Assignment --

1. Show a drawing of how the air pressure cycles when a harp string is plucked.

2. Is the note that you illustrated a high note or a low note? How can you tell?

3. Draw a picture of a VERY LOW note.

4. What is the function of the resonator box on the harp?

5. What is the relationship between the length of the harp string and the note that it plays?

6. What are the two reasons / advantages to the triangular shape of the harp?

7. What 3 materials are used to make the strings for a large (concert size) harp?

8. What is the meaning of the Italian word, "glissando?"

9. Draw and color a picture of yourself playing the harp.

April Fool's Day History

From April Fools : The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1. Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke. This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way. In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance. In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered bad luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon. In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day." In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends. The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring. So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.

March Homework -- Archive

3/31/2009 --Math 64 -- pp. 296-297, problems 4-17, 48, 49Math 63 -- p. 208, problems 11-31 (odd)Science -- finish arm model write-upSocial Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- read pp. 386-394, questions 2-6Social Studies -- projects are due 4/9Geography -- Europe tests: 4/3 and 4/73/30/2009 --Math 64 -- p. 293, 1, 2, 4-26 (even). Make the foldable shown on p. 293.Math 63 -- p. 204, problems 8-28 (even)Science -- crossword puzzle.Geography -- Europe map tests: part 1, 4/3part 2, 4/7Social Studies -- Europe projects are due on April 93/20/2009--Math -- Basketball bracket math page is due 4/3Social Studies (all) -- Europe projects are due on 4/9Geography -- Europe tests are 4/3 and 4/23/19/2009--Math -- writing in math #3 is due tomorrow.Fill out your March Madness bracket and answer the probability questions.Social Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- p. 385, 1-5Social Studies (all) -- Europe projects are due on 4/9Geography -- Europe tests are 4/3 and 4/23/17/2009--Happy St. Patrick's Day!Social Studies -- Europe projects are due on April 9.Geography -- Europe map tests will be given on April 3 and April 7.3/16/2009--Math 63 -- p. 188, problems 4-11Math 64 (project Group) -- projects are dueMath 64 (Lessons Group) -- p. 197, problem 26p. 204, problems 8, 10, 20, 22p. 208, problems 10-133/13/2009--Chinese (Ms. Daniel's class) -- Students are to discuss class behavior evaluation forms with parents and obtain a parent signature.Math 63 -- p. 184, problems 17-29Social Studies (Ms. Daniel's class) -- be prepared to present your lessons on Monday.Science/Health (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- finish your advertisement.Geography -- Europe test part 1 -- April 3, part 2 -- April 73/12/2009--Math -- Writing in Math problem.Science/Health -- Eating Disorders questionnaireSocial studies -- projects are due tomorrow.Geography -- Europe test part 1 -- April 3, part 2 -- April 73/11/2009-Finish the questions about the "Drugs" article on http://www.kidshealth.org/ website.Social Studies (Ms. Daniel's class) -- Travel Guide projects are due on 3/13.Social Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- Book projects are due on 3/13.Geography -- Europe test part 1 -- April 3, part 2 -- April 73/10/2009--Math 64 (lesson group) -- p. 188, problems 17-29Math 63 -- p. 179, problems 10-253/9/2009--Math 64 -- p. 184, problems 17-29Math 63 -- p. 176, problems 1-53/6/2009--Math 63 -- Budget projet is due Monday.Writing in math is due Monday.Health -- Observe yourself for changes or "events" of adolescence. Look for physical, mental, and emotional events and changes.Social Studies (Ms. Daniel's class) -- Travel Guide projects are due on 3/13.Social Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- Book projects are due on 3/13.Geography -- Europe test part 1 -- April 3, part 2 -- April 73/5/2009--Math 63 -- Invention Convention Project is due on Friday. Budget project is due Monday, 3/9.Writing in math assignment is due on Monday.Math 64 -- Budget project and Invention Convention Projects are due Friday.Math 64 (lesson group) -- p. 179, problems 6, 8, 9, 17-21, 26, 27Health -- read puberty packet and write questions/commentsObserve yourself for changes or "events" of adolescence. Look for physical, mental, and emotional events and changes.Social Studies (Ms. Daniel's class) -- Travel Guide projects are due on 3/13.Social Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- Book projects are due on 3/13.Geography -- Europe test part 1 -- April 3, part 2 -- April 7Re-unicycle permission slips and money are due at this time.3/4/2009--Math 63 -- Invention Convention Project is due on Friday. Budget project is due Monday, 3/9.Math 64 -- Budget project and Invention Convention Projects are due Friday.Math 64 (lesson group) -- read lesson 5-1 in your textbook.Health -- read puberty packet and write questions/commentsObserve yourself for changes or "events" of adolescence. Look for physical, mental, and emotional events and changes.Social Studies (Ms. Daniel's class) -- Travel Guide projects are due on 3/13.Social Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- Book projects are due on 3/13.Re-unicycle permission slips and money are due at this time.3/3/2009--Math 63 -- Music Hall math is due on Wednesday. Invention Convention Project is due on Friday. Budget project is due Monday, 3/9.Math 64 -- Invention Convention Project is due Friday.Writing about math problem due tomorrow.Health -- read pp. 34-41. Questions 1-3 & 5 on p. 41Observe yourself for changes or "events" of adolescence. Look for physical, mental, and emotional events and changes.Social Studies (Ms. Daniel's class) -- p. 385, questions 1-5.Travel Guide projects are due on 3/13.Social Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- Book projects are due on 3/13.Re-unicycle permission slips and money are due at this time.3/2/2009--Math 63 -- Have budget figures ready for tomorrow.Music Hall math is due on Wednesday. Invention Convention Project is due on Friday.Math 64 -- Music Hall Math is due tomorrow. Invention Convention Project is due Friday.Health -- Observe yourself for changes or "events" of adolescence. Look for physical, mental, and emotional events and changes.Social Studies (Ms. Daniel's class) -- Travel Guide projects are due on 3/13.Social Studies (Mrs. Elfers' class) -- Book projects are due on 3/13.Re-unicycle permission slips and money are due at this time.