Posts by Carrie Marting
Social Studies with Tim and Daniela
6th Grade: Before spring break students turned in a formal paragraph about Ötzi the Iceman, which concluded our unit on the Neolithic Agricultural Revolution. After break I led the class through an exploration of the concepts of belonging, fitting in, and identity. Using the prompt “I am _____ ,” students thought about what identifiers they…
Read MoreProgram Update: Language Arts with Lisa and Cilla
Happy Spring from your Language Arts department! 6th Grade: Sixth graders just finished the novel, One Crazy Summer, and are preparing to write a literary analysis essay. Last week they completed an exercise, “Analyzing a quote,” which helped them generate ideas and organize the information they need for a body paragraph. This exercise involves four…
Read MoreProgram Update: Science with Kristin and Virgil
6th Grade: The 6th graders have been exploring what happens to light after it’s been emitted from an object like a lightbulb or the sun. By tracing light’s path, they’re learning that some light can be absorbed and turned into infrared (heat). This is why it is better to wear a light-colored shirt on a…
Read MoreTeacher Spotlight: Math Teacher Scott
Q: How long have you worked at EW? A: This is my second year teaching at Explorer West. Q: How long have you been a math teacher? A: I think I have now taught math in the classroom for two years more than a quarter of my age and one more year than my youngest…
Read MoreTeacher Spotlight: Art Teacher Sarah
Q: How long have you taught at Explorer West? A: This year is my 17th year at Explorer West! The time has gone so quickly. In the beginning I had eight mixed-grade afternoon classes per week; now it’s sixteen classes. The art room back then was shared with music, and yes, it was crammed full.…
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