Acoustical Engineering and Kwame's Sound

Dear Friends of Gefen and Tamar,

In Science this semester we are in the midst of a unit called Sound and Acoustical Engineering. One of the things that makes the unit special is that it is much more than just a science unit. Rather, the curriculum integrates science with technology, engineering, literature, and geography to offer students a comprehensive understanding not only of sound, but of how sound effects and communicates with the world in which we live.

Most recently, we did a lesson that involved reading a story called Kwame's Sound. The story is about Kwame, a young boy who lives in Ghana. Kwame's father is an Acoustical Engineer and he works with research biologists to use sound recording devices to track elephants' movements in the forest. They then represent these sounds in pictures called spectrograms, where they can measure the sounds more accurately. By using spectrograms to track the sounds the elephants make, Kwame's father and his colleagues can estimate the number of elephants living in the forest without actually seeing them.

After spending time with his father and another research biologist, Kwame decides that he could use spectograms to help him in his own life. He and his cousin are planning to play drums together at an upcoming new year's celebration but they live too faraway from one another to practice together in advance. Kwame creates a spectrogram to represent a drum beat he has written and mails it to his cousin. Then the two boys practice on their own in the days leading up to their performance. On the day of the performance the boys are able to play the same rhythm together and be in sync with one another without having practiced together a single time before!

The purpose of this story is to introduce students to the concept of sounds that we can see or feel. Students learned many vocabulary words and concepts like the Engineering Design Process, which is a process that engineers use to design technologies. Here are some photographs of the students completing worksheets on the EDP (Engineering Design Process) and relevant vocabulary.

Next class we will do some hands-on exploration that involves learning what it means to "dampen" sound. In the meantime, ask your Gefen and Tamar students about the Engineering Design Process. They should be able to outline it for you succinctly.

Best,
Hamorah Eliza

Amanda's blog

The best thing we did last week was gym because it is so much fun playing soccer. I liked it because it is so much fun playing with all my friends.

Something that happened last week which I am proud of was math because I did a good job on my multiplication. I would still like to improve how I read because I am not the best at my reading. The hardest part of last week was reading My Sister Is A Vampire.

I hop that this week I have Art because I have fun in Art with my friends.

I would like to compliment Hamorah Janis and my friends for being nice to me and my friends last week.

-Amanda Mintz

What's Up Readers!

The best thing we did last week was gym because I got to play soccer. I liked it because all of my friends were on my team. Something that happened last week which I was proud of is how I write. I would still like to improve how I write. The hardest part of last week was art because everyone was screaming and Hamorah Patty was upset. I hope that next week I won't get in a fight with anyone. I would like to compliment Talia for helping my sister get better at soccer in after school last week.





sincerely,

Alyssa!

Week In Review

Hello Persons,

The best part of my week was the mock trial.

I liked it because I liked the part I played. I wrote down what the judge said.

I am proud of how I taught my kindergarten buddy how to read.

I would still like to improve how I behave.

The hardest part of my week was listening to my classmates sing a song I don't like.

I hope next week I behave better and pay attention more.



                                                                                                                    From,
                                                                                                                            jonathan

Week In Review

Hi Readers,

The best thing we did this week was debate. I liked it becouse it was fun. I would still like to improve how I behave. The hardest part of the week was preparing for the spelling test. I hope that next week I don't have trouble controlling my behavior.

-Hadass

Week In Review

Dear MWJDS readers,

The best thing we did this week was: the extended program with Mr. Merlyn.
I liked it because Eliana S. and I did a funny skit together called "Get a Job."
I would still like to improve how I do in math class.
Something that happened this week which I am proud of is: my spelling.
The hardest part of the week was: at kindergarten buddies my buddy, Ashley was not there.
I hope that next week: Ashley is there for k-buddies.
I would like to compliment Eliana S. for being a really nice friend this week.

                                                                                                                       from,
                                                                                                                               Avia.

Debate

Shalom Friends,

The best thing we did this week was debate. I liked it because it helps in some situations. Something that happened this which I am proud of is getting a interception in football. I would still like to improve on how I catch the football. The hardest part of the week was writing this post. I hope next week writing this will be easier. I would like to complement Mr. Merlyn for holding the debate club this week.

As Always, Stay Cool,
Sam

Week Review

Dear Blog Readers,
The best thing we did this week was drama with Mr. Merlyn. I liked it because I did a skit with Avia.
Something that happened this week that I am proud is working on my spelling test. I would still like to improve how I read. The hardest part of the week was getting over Shiloh because it is sad. I hope that next week we work on our colony project and video for the Gala. I would like to compliment Avia for being a nice friend :).

Best Wishes,
Eliana S.

Hi People

The best thing I did this week was dibate.
I liked it because i like to argue.
Something that happend this week which I am proud of is creating a new tipe of paper airplane.
I would still like to improve how i am behaved.
The hardest part of the week was not getting to angry at some people that were being mean to me
i hope that next week hamora wayne comes back.
i would like to compliment hamorah eliza for being a good teacherthis week


your blogger,
bryce

My week review

The best thing we did this week was Nathans in school bar mitzvah.

I liked it because we got Donuts,Cookies,fruit and candy (not our language candy ).

Something that happened this week which I am proud of is my debate abilities .

I would still like to improve how I debate.

The hardest part of this week was debating.

I hope that next week was we will have fun at drama.

I would like to compliment Mr. Merlin for hosting Debate and Drama this week.

Elliana

Gefen's Weekly News

Every week we will have a special blogger to report the highlights in the Gefen class.  This week Nate will be the blogger.

Here's the news:  In social studies we finished the unit on Massachusetts and started to learn about the Wampanoag Tribe.  They got everything they needed to live from nature.  They got their food from the soil and the boats they used were made from tree trunks.

A highlight of the week was when we celebrated Nathan Nichols' Bar Mitzvah.  We would like to wish the whole family a hearty mazel tov!


Shabbat Shalom,
Janis

Week in review

                  Week in review

The best thing we did this week was kindergarten buddies.

I liked it because my buddy Sofia is adorable and enjoys the tire swing.

Something that happened this week which I am proud how amazing I've been with Sofia.
-Elliana

Zip Zap Boing and Multiple Turnover in Math Class

Dear Friends of Gefen and Tamar,

This morning in my section's Math class, we played two really fun games. First, we played a game called Zip Zap Boing. It's a game that helps students practice their knowledge of factors and multiples. In the process, though, it gets very silly (and fun). Students count around the room. Whenever someone gets to a number that's a multiple of 3, they say the word "zip" instead of saying that number. Whenever someone gets to a number that's a multiple of 5, they say "zap" instead of that number. And whenever someone gets to a number that is a multiple of both 3 AND 5, they say "boing" instead of that number. It's a lot harder than it sounds. And we definitely had some tongue-twister moments!

After Zip Zap Boing, we played another game called Multiple Turnover. Multiple Turnover is another game that deals with factors and multiples, which is the focus of our current unit. It's a bit more complicated to explain the rules of this one, so I've uploaded the directions here.

And here are two more photos of students playing Multiple Turnover.

Students each have their own Multiple Turnover "decks" so it might be fun if you tried playing the game at home as a family!

Best,
Hamorah Eliza

What the Week was.

Shalom Friends,

The best thing I did this week was hot lunch. I liked it because there was so many choices to choose from. ( There was pizza! ) Something that happened this week which I am proud of is that I finished my graph in math. I would still like to improve my working pace. The hardest part of the week was doing my graph. I hope that next week I will ace my hebrew test. I would like to compliment Aiden for throwing away my trash.


As Always Stay Cool,
Sam

The Weekly Tamar News

Hi Readers,

                       The best thing we did this week was going  to the jazz concert. I liked it because the music was nice. something that happened this week which I am proud of is not going to the principal.
Something I would still like to improve how I write. The hardest part of the week was taking a million math assessments. I hope that next week we take a field trip. I would like to compliment Avia for tolerating me.





                                               Your Blogger,
                                          Hadass

Jonathan's Week

Dear Blog Readers,

 The best thing of this week is the jazz concert. I liked it because of the music. I would still like to improve my behavior. The hardest part of the week was taking all of the math assessments. I hope that next week I will do better on the math assessments.

Jonathan

My Week

The best thing I did this week was make a movie with Elliana, Sam, Me, Melanie, Will, and Max.
I liked it because it is an actual movie!
Something that happened this week which I am proud of is making the movie.
I would still like to improve how I play with people.
The hardest part of my week was when my dad had surgery.
I hope that next week we will have a field trip.
I would like to complement Elliana for directing the movie!

Your Blogger,
Meg

Gefen's Weekly News

Hello Gefen Parents,

This week the students have been learning map skills and facts about Massachusetts.  Next week we will begin to learn about the Wampanoags and Pilgrims.

I have planned a trip for the third grade students to visit Plimoth Plantation on November 6, 2013.  We will need chaperones/drivers to accompany us on our trip.

I will be sending emails regarding this fun trip with important information regarding lunches, dress, etc.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Shabbat Shalom,
Janis

Week Review

Dear Blog Readers,

The best thing we did this week was The Jazz Concert. I liked it because I love music.
Something that happened this week which I am proud of is working on highlighting in social studies.
           I would still like to improve how I write.
     The hardest  part of the week was taking a million math assessments.
I hope that next week we work on our colony house project.
                  I would like to compliment Hadass's hair.

Yours Truly,
 Eliana S.

Week in review

      Dear MWJDS                                           

The best thing I did this week was probably: going to see our kindergarten buddies on Thursday,
   I liked it because: our buddies are adorable.
   Something that happened this week which I am proud of is: we are making a leaf pile and it is huge.
I would still like to improve how I :do in hebrew.
The hardest part of the week was: taking a test in math.
   I hope next week: we finish the leaf pile.
I would like to compliment: Hadass for being a really good friend this week.
                           
                                                                                                          Love,
                                                                                                               Avia

This Week

The best thing we did this week was gym.
I like it because we got to run around and I like the gym teacher.
Something that happened this week which I am proud of is making a giant leaf pile.
I would still like to improve how I do my homework.
The hardest part of the week was helping my kindergarten buddy Max get along with everyone at recess.
I hope next week we have gym.
I would like to compliment Hamorah Eliza for being a great teacher this week.


Your Blogger ,
Bryce

MWJDS Students Enjoy Jazz Concert at Mechanics Hall

Dear Friends of Gefen and Tamar, 

This morning Gefen and Tamar, along with MWJDS's fifth, sixth, and seventh grades, were treated to a concert for children, Conversations in Jazz. The concert took place at the famous and historic Mechanics Hall concert hall in Worcester. Students learned about the origins of Jazz and were exposed to several different types of Jazz music. Here is a video of students enjoying a rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In". 

The Jazz concert, which lasted about an hour, was a wonderful way for students to learn about this genre of music. Here are some more pictures from our trip.

Best,
Hamorah Eliza

Our First All-School Tefillah

Dear Friends of Gefen and Tamar,

This morning we had our first all-school Tefillah of the year. We typically have all-school Tefillah on Rosh Chodesh (the first day of a new month); today is the first day of Heshvan. This morning was fun for all MWJDS students, but it was particularly special for our class because five fourth graders read from the torah. All the fourth graders came together to lead the school in Ahavah Rabbah. And third graders led the school in Ashrei.

Third Graders lead Ashrei.

Another shot of the Third Graders leading Ashrei.

Fourth Graders lead Ahavah Rabbah.

Fourth Grade boys lead the school in prayer.

Another shot of the Fourth Graders leading Ahavah Rabbah.

Mother and son:)

Here is a video Hadass reading from the torah! I attempted to take video footage of all the students reading from the torah, but unfortunately, the others did not come out.

Jake helped Rav-Hazzan dress the torah when it was time to put it away. 

 It was fun to have some parents from the Gefen/Tamar class join us to pray this morning. We hope you will all consider joining us for an all-school Tefillah in the future.

Best,
Hamorah Eliza

Dear Gefen Parents,

This morning we had a wonderful all school tefillah and the Gefen students led the Ashrei.

We had a busy week so the students wanted to share some of their reflections and highlights:

Alyssa - "I like math because we are using flashcards."

Amanda M - "Math is fun because I like doing multiplication."

Justin - "I like math because I am using my brain."

Nate - "During recess I like playing football."

Aiden - "I liked reading, Weird But True, during DEAR time."

Amada - I liked writing in our journals about a family tradition."

Jake - "I liked Hebrew this week because we got to play games."

Talia - "I liked reading and writing!"

Maayan - "I like our read aloud.  The book is called, The Thing About Georgie."

Hamorah Janis - "I loved the fact that we had a full week of school and accomplished many things this week!"

Shabbat Shalom,
Janis

Fourth Graders Meet With Their Kindergarten Buddies!

Dear Friends of Gefen and Tamar,

Fourth Graders had their first formal meeting with Kindergarten Buddies today! We did introductions and then played a Getting-To-Know-Each-Other game in their classroom, which everyone seemed to enjoy. We spent the last few minutes together on the playground. Here are a few pictures of our time together.

Best, 

Hamorah Eliza

k-buddies

Dear MWJDS,

I can't wait till we get to hang out with our kindergarten buddies for the first time this year! 

I wonder what we are going to do with them, hopefully something fun.

I think we are going outside. :)

                                                

                                Best,

                                      Avia 

Hummus with Hazzan

Shalom Friends,

My favorite thing we've done at school is making hummus in Jewish Living with Rav-Hazzan. It was super fun eating it as well. I thought my group's was the best but people have their own opinions.


As Always Stay Cool,
Sam

Dear Parents and Friends,

My favorite thing this year at school would be math with Hamorah Michelle. Me and Avia are now doing a project a dream house with Perimeter and Area we are in the 5th and 6th grade math. That makes us excited every morning and every day we are going there happy and leaving with a smile and nice homework
we both say"We enjoy going together and it makes us bond and were glad to go there every day".

                                                                                                                     Enjoy are blog, 
                                                                                                                      Elliana

Hello Parents,

My favorite thing we've done at school is blogging and math. I like it because blogging you get to tipe and math i love it.

Your Blogger

bryce

 

Favorite Things

Dear Readers,

My favorite thing this year so far is blogging even though this is the first time ever.

This year is awesome so far.

I like blogging because it is fun to post stuff online like I am doing right now.

I also like reading.  It is really cool.

Best Wishes,

Eliana S.

Favorite Thing in School.

Hi,
 my favorite thing we've done at school so far this year is Rav Hazzn's surprise birthday party at school.
that was so fun.I like it because we had cupcakes!
best wishes,
Meg