POW #4

The perimeter of a right triangle is 324 cm and its hypotenuse is 135 cm. Find the radius of the circle that can be inscribed in the triangle.

WOD Challenge #10

One final challenge before we bid one another a fond farewell:

Figure out the difference between PRESCRIBE and PROSCRIBE.

Extra credit: As you wander off into that great big world out there, filled with new words to conquer, send me word challenges you happen upon ... so that we can keep this investigation going! I double dog dare you!!

WOD Challenge #9

Here's another pair that often confuses adults!

Note the differences between ELUSIVE and ILLUSIVE.

Try to determine, as well, the differences in pronunciation! It's subtle but real!

WOD Challenge #8

Have you ever wondered about the difference between CONCURRENT and CONSECUTIVE?

No? Well, it's time to start!!

WOD Challenge #7

Compare COMPLEMENT with COMPLIMENT.

(You'll note that I didn't say "compare and contrast"...as that would be redundant! When you compare things, you note both similarities and differences, while when you contrast, you note only the differences...BUT I DIGRESS...regress??? Ahhhhrrrggg!)

Back to COMPLEMENT and COMPLIMENT: be sure your investigate not only what they mean when used as nouns, but also as verbs!!

WOD Challenge #6

What's the difference between BIMONTHLY and SEMIMONTHLY?

Again, ask an adult in your life if she /he can describe the difference, as this is one that I hear regularly misused in adult circles!

POW #3

Number Names

Think of a positive integer (e.g. 23).

Count the number of letters in its name (e.g. "twenty-three" has 11 letters).

Repeat this process using the new number (e.g. 11 produces the number 6).

What happens as the process continues?

Can you prove why this happens?

Also, what happens if you replicate the problem using numbers in other languages such as German and Italian?

WOD Challenge #5

We're just about to leave the "A's"...with one last offering:

Note the difference between AFFLICT and INFLICT.

Try to craft a sentence using BOTH terms correctly!!

WOD Challenge #4

Now that you're getting the hang of this "game," here's one that even stumps the stars.

Ferret out the difference in meaning and usage between ACCESS and EXCESS. (Hint: Access has several meanings that even word nerds are not always aware of!)

WOD Challenge #3

Here's a sticky wicket: determine the difference between AFFECT and EFFECT. Once you've figured it out for yourself, ask the significant adults in your life if they know!!

POW #1

This one's for the prize....

Evaluate (find a pattern and use it to solve the problem)

₁₀₀2_{- 99}2₊₉₈2_{- 97} 2₊₉₆2_{- 95}2_{...........+ 2}2_{- 1}2


Come see me if you have a strategy!

POW #2

Problem of the Week

Real-life Golf Problem

Context: The golf teams at the high schools in Whatcom and Skagit counties have a scheduling problem. We are trying to create a schedule that allows each school to compete against all of the other schools an equal number of times or at least fairly equal, plus or minus one match.

Scenario: Fourteen schools play a match every week for six weeks. Every week seven schools play at one course, while the other seven compete at another course.

Questions: Can a schedule be designed so that each school competes against all 13 other schools an equal number of times? Is there more than one solution? How can the schedule be created?

WOD Challenge #2

Determine the difference between ACCEPT and EXCEPT.

Not only should you be able to define these words, but you should also be able to highlight their differences in intelligent...dare I hope for creative...sentences!

WOD...taken a step further! (Challenge #1)

Ladies! In an effort to continue to spur as well as inspire, I'm adding an aspect to your daily Word-of-the-Day assignment. Twice a week I will present you with a vocabulary challenge: words/expressions that are commonly confused, making misuse seem like ignorance. Your task will be to determine the issue at hand and then clarify the misunderstanding for yourself as well as others. You will also be expected to use the terms and expressions correctly in a sentence to further insure (ensure???) mastery!

Your first challenge is one I see EVERYWHERE...

Determine the difference in meaning and usage of THEN versus THAN!

We will further discuss this pursuit and will demystify the THEN/THAN confusion when we meet on Friday for PPD.

Stay tuned for further installments of this new and improved WOD activity!

A Preview of Coming Attractions: a selection of these commonly confused words will constitute our May/Final Vocabulary Quiz...so you have THAT to look forward to! :-)

Your Book Recommendation Assignment

Your summer reading list recommendation Due date: Monday, May 18, 2009
In order to compile an SGS Summer Reading Suggestions (List) that is relevent for Middle School girls, I’ve decided to solicit suggestions from YOU…the soon-to-be SGS graduates! Sooo…here’s what I need you to do:

1. Think about all the titles you’ve read this year and choose one that seems to stand out as a GREAT read.
2. Submit it as your personal recommendation, using the following format:

FIRST LINE
a. State your name, followed by the word “recommends…”
b. Bold and italicize the title of the book you’re recommending
c. Do not bold or italicize the author’s name…but do put “by” in front of it!

SHORT ANNOTATION (plot description and/or rating)
a. indent your short annotation paragraph
b. check it carefully for spelling and punctuation errors
c. tell enough of the story to hook the reader but not spoil the story

AN EXAMPLE: (font = Geneva, size 12)

Sally McLaughlin recommends…Toning the Sweep by Angela Johnson
Grandmama Ola is dying of cancer, so her granddaughter Emily and her daughter Diane go down to the desert to help Ola pack up her life, her friendships, and her memories. This story is a lyrical examination of three women’s lives, memories and thoughts on life and death.

Your assessment for this assignment will be based on the following considerations:
1. whether you submit your recommendation on time
2. whether you write a thoughtful and engaging annotation for your title
3. whether you correctly follow the format outlined above.

When you’ve completed this assignment, you need to submit it to two different places:
1. A hard copy to your Women Fly folder
2. Email Sally a Word Document copy of your recommendation to smclaughlin@seattlegirlsschool.org (entitle the word document: your last name, first name, Summer Reading)

…and YES…you may suggest more than one book!! If you do, please add “also” to your phrase, as in Sally McLaughlin also recommends…