History and Writing: The students have continued their work on learning about the ethical beliefs of the five major religions in the world. Next week, we will begin working on answering the second part of our essential question: How have these religions, as institutions, played an important role in history? We will look at the work of Gandhi and his practice of nonviolent protest to bring independence to India.
Math: This week, 7th and 8th graders took assessments and began new chapter work. The 7th grade began a new unit studying proportions and percents, and the relationships between them. To begin this unit students used the formula d=r*t to determine distance, rate or time applying these calculations to real world scenarios. Next week we will be doing a lab that has students determine the speed of different Matchbox cars by collecting data and making calculations.
8th grade began their new chapter by looking at growth patterns on graphs and tables. Students explored how simple and compound interest look and work differently. Next week we will continue to look at how patterns grow, and determine if the growth is linear or exponential. This will lead us into using exponents and representing really large and really small numbers in scientific notation. The other 8th grade group will begin studying volume and surface area.
Science: We continued to work on nutrition. Ask your child:
How many calories do they require on a daily basis?
What percent of their calories should be from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins?
Why are fats important?
How does one read a food label?
Job Shadow Program: Some students have not turned in their job shadow interest survey. Please return them to school as soon as possible.
Operation Day’s Work: Even though the snow is falling, spring will arrive. Our day of work will take place in May. If you have a job that you would like to hire a 7th or 8th grade student to perform, please let us know. Our earnings will go to the Kenyan School House Project. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.
