English
This week we took an x skills test. Students received their scores on the screen immediately, and will be bringing home a printout of the score. Please sign the handout for them to return. In addition, our theme essays were completed and handed in on Thursday. Some are overdue. Please encourage your child to complete assignments in a timely manner. Any borrowed books should also be returned at this time. We also introduced our new whole class novel, Rumble Fish, by S.E. Hinton. Books were distributed on Friday, and we expect to work on Chapters 1-6 over the course of the upcoming week. There will be small activities, both at home and in class, to complete during this time.
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Mathematics
Both classes will have a Unit Exam on Friday December 19th. Accelerated will be tested on Chapter 7, along with review material. Regular will be tested on Chapter 5, along with review material. Start studying over the weekend!Science
This week in science we explored the plant and animal cells. A quiz was given on Tuesday and a laboratory investigation on Wednesday and Thursday. In the lab, we used microscopes to compare and contrast plant and animal cell structures. Students observed their very own cheek cells and compared them to onion root cells. Students were introduced to the microscope technique of staining cells. We completed the unit with the culminating cell/homeostasis analogy project. Looking to next week, we will begin the study of the skeletal system. In addition, Science Congress Candidates will be re-judged next Wednesday, December 17. Students were notified if they qualified and must bring in their boards in by next Wednesday. The re-judging will take place during the school day. We will select 15 projects from the 7th and 8th grade to move on to Science Congress competition in the spring.
Social Studies
This week we will be assessing our understanding of the causes of the American Revolution. Just as teens fight with their parents and peers over issues of power, the causes of the American Revolution can be seen as gradually poorer relationship between "mommy" England and the 13 Colonial "children." This week we will conclude our notes, and complete a document based question. Using our critical thinking skills with specific details, we will be writing an essay on the causes of the American Revolution as a take-home quiz and we will be having a tradition paper and pencil twenty-five question test this Thursday. A quilt will go up on my website (www.team72.co) by Monday. Have a wonderful holiday vacation!
