Donnell House-Homeschool Progress Report-December 98

Math: Kevin is continuing with his Saxon Algebra 2. He has learned about equations from geometry, graphing, percent word problems, pythagorean theorem, addition of fractions, inscribed angles, equation of a line, substitution, area of an isosceles triangle, and equation of a line with either two given points or a given slope, elimination, multiplication & division of polynomials, subscripted variables, angle relationships, ratio word problems and similar triangles .
Erin is continuing with Saxon Algebra 1/2. She has learned geometry, divisibility, word problems about equal groups, prime and composite numbers, three digit divisors, expanding and reducing fractions, fractions to decimals, and decimals to fractions, rectangular area, poducts of primes/cancellation, plus a multiplying and dividing fractions review.

Vocabulary, Language Arts: In Vocabulary we are continuing our weekly lists of 15 words. We had a major test on four lists, and both Kevin and Erin received 100%.
In Language Arts we are using the Easy Writing workbook by Wanda Phillips. This Month we are learning verbals and gerunds (as we call them, gerbils and vermin), past participles, and using past participles as adjectives (verbals).
We are also continuing Greek and Latin root words-to help with our vocabulary skills-the words we've learned are--

Writing Strands: This year we have selected Writing Strands Series(Level 5 & 6) from the National Writing Institute to help with our creative writing. Our latest assignments are to write a description of your thumb and the use of "flashbacks" in a written story.

Reading: Kevin and Erin will both be turning in one Book Report each month. The new books they have chosen are-
Kevin- Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Erin- Would My Fortune Cookie Lie by Stella Pevsner

The requirements for each Book Report are--

Social Studies: In Social Studies we have completed our study of the American Revolution. We had to write an essay on this section and Kevin got a 98% and Erin got a 97%.
We will resume our study of Africa (from last year) finishing the Northern coastal area and concluding with a separate study of Egypt (to include a museum visit). We will begin these lessons after the Christmas break.

Science: This year our science course is Biology. Kevin and Erin took a major test on the History and Branches of Biology, both received an "A". We have finished Taxonomy and we took a test. Kevin got a 100% and Erin got a 98%.
We are now using an Internet site to "dissect" a plant cell. { Virtual Cell Dissection Page} and have written a short paper on one aspect of this cell.

Bible Studies: We are discussing the Book of Matthew as a family Bible study. Dad is leading our study group. In December we have learned:

Computer: Kevin and Erin continue work on their homepages.
Kevin -- Paladin Castle
Erin -- Erin's House

The Fine Arts: This month we begin our next Art unit, Pop Art Posters. Our final project for the year will be designing and creating our own posters for our rooms.
We also have been creating a "storyboard" for a family "spoof" of a spy movie.