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Care for community – helping the toddler community
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It’s been another productive week in Middle School! Classes are busy, and everyone is doing research for either Research Night or their Expert Project. We look forward to another full week coming up.
**We still like to go outside for some fresh air during the winter months, so please ensure your middle schooler has the proper outerwear!
Science
6th-year Earth Science students began writing their formal lab report on how density affects the movement of seismic waves. Earlier in the week, students represented a change in density and seismic waves using a shoebox, rocks, a marker, and a golf ball to simulate energy traveling through a medium while recording the waves on paper. Each student worked alongside a partner on this project while compiling their data and analysis individually.
7th-year Physical Science students have been working on identifying what makes up a polymer and how to balance equations. We discussed the history of how the first polymers (chains of large molecules) were discovered and the application of this new technology (plastics) throughout the world. The objective of learning how to balance chemical equations was for each student to see how matter can neither be created nor destroyed but, rather, changed. Each student is continuing to understand more concepts and patterns found within the periodic table from each exercise.
8th-year Life Science students have continued to work on their unit, Genes. We are currently holding several class discussions and exercises related to whether certain gene mutations are beneficial or harmful. As a part of this unit, students will be asked to create a 3D model of DNA, labeling key features such as nitrogen bases, sugar-phosphate backbones, and the overall description of what a gene is.
Math
In the Pre-Transition math class, students are able to use fact triangles to find related facts for addition and subtraction sentences. This class learned how to identify linear pairs and vertical angles as well as supplementary and complementary angles. They will continue to study acute, obtuse, and right angles next week in class.
In the Transition math class, students are confident in working with the three different types of geometry transformations: translation, reflection, and rotation. They applied their learning by creating tessellation art installments that will be displayed in the classroom next week. This class will continue to learn about the properties of angles and lines in order to solve for specific measurements.
In the Algebra math class, students are excited to learn more about slope and rate of change. They discovered the slope-point form and slope-intercept form of linear equations this week. During chapter 6, students have been using a creative doodle notes technique to learn the key information from the unit.
MATH JOKE: Why did the mathematician spill all of his food in the oven? ……….The directions said, “Put it in the oven at 180°.”
Humanities
All classes recognized Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. this week and his impactful life. After discussing his goals, students learned about the new monument commemorating his life in Boston and the story behind this impressive sculpture. They also took time to read and analyze Amanda Gorman’s poem, “The Hill We Climb” in its relation to the initiatives MLK set forth.
6th-grade Humanities classes were split between students researching for their project and beginning their study of Ancient Civilizations of North Africa, the Middle East, and Subcontinental Asia. We are beginning with Mesopotamia before going to Egypt and the Indus River Valley. The class defined what it means to be a civilization and we covered some examples. Students also completed a map of the Fertile Crescent and looked at the geography of the region, discussing what makes this region an ideal spot for a civilization. Finally, they researched a few terms related to Mesopotamia and will learn about Sumer next week.
7th-grade Humanities students completed their class novel, A Gift From Childhood. This memoir by Baba Wague Diakite showcases the importance of storytelling in culture as well as highlights the differences between traditional, modern, and Westernized cultures. Students are now gaining their prior knowledge in folktales and fables before embarking on their own. Additionally, students continued their research that is due on Monday for their research projects.
8th-grade Humanities classes focused on their reading of The Crucible by Arthur Miller. This play has an abundance of historical context, and the students have enjoyed discussing this and questioning this troubling time in the colonies’ establishment. 8th-grade students have also done a great job reading for the characters!
We hope you have a lovely and peaceful weekend, FWM middle school families!
