Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Happy Friday, FWM Middle School community! Another great week is in the books. Students are moving right along with their independent study projects, joining their younger peers during Social Impact, and plugging away on their Leadership initiatives. They had a great experience hearing speaker Kelsey Tainsh and participating in International Peace Day with our school community.

**A reminder that on Thursday, 9/28, we will travel to the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport from 10 to 2 for a day of high ropes and fun! Closed-toed sneakers and a bagged lunch from home will be needed.

Here’s what went on in some of their other classes this week:

Math

In the Pre-Transition math class, students worked hard to prepare for their first chapter quiz. Students learned how to find equal fractions, measure lengths in customary units, and convert mixed units to single units. This class works hard to stay organized with their daily notes and is now more comfortable using their binders to file past lesson master assignments.
In the Transition (pre-algebra) math class, students explored how to solve order of operations questions, convert powers to word names, and multiply rational numbers by powers of ten. This class wrote the Chapter 1 Quiz on Friday, September 22nd, and will receive their grades next week. Ms. Sutherland encourages all students to study well for assessments to feel prepared and confident in their work.
In the Algebra 1 math class, students concluded their learning of Chapter 1 and can now successfully use algebraic statements to describe unique patterns. This week, they learned about calculating a data set’s range, mean, and mean absolute deviation, as well as evaluating expressions with absolute values. This class will begin learning Chapter 2 next week!
In the Geometry math class, students finished learning all six lessons in Chapter 1 of the UCSMP textbook. This class was assessed on their understanding of determining distance on a number line, finding the point of intersection of two lines, and recognizing the use of different postulates. Next week, the class will begin learning Chapter 2, “The Language and Logic of Geometry.”
Math Joke:
What was Sir Isaac Newton’s favorite dessert?…. Apple Pi
Science

6th-year Earth Science students worked on creating their resin molds this week. Students chose an item they wished to preserve in their resin. Some students chose leaves of native plants, while others chose a mosquito (very Jurassic Park). The intention of this activity was for students to apply their working knowledge of the different elements that affect preservation potential.

This week, 7th-year Physical Science students finished their unit, Combining and Separating. Students were tasked with collaborating to separate a mixture using a set of materials provided and later separate a mixture independently. Students could determine which tool was best suited to remove certain items based on their physical properties, such as size, shape, color, density, or magnetism. Each student was able to apply their knowledge of past activities, making each process moving forward more efficient and effective.
8th-year Life Science students have worked hard creating their list of items to represent the organelles of both a plant and animal cell. Beginning next week, students will create their cell cake construction, which will be presented to and consumed by the middle school. In association with the unit Cell Theory, students are conducting research on the use of stem cells. Students will be divided into groups of two, providing evidence that is either in favor of or against using stem cells.

Humanities

The 6th-grade Humanities class had a busy week! They have been reading Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind and getting into the book discussion flow. They have a lot of insight to offer, and the conversations surrounding the book have been great. They have been finding ways to relate to the novel, and the plot certainly evokes some strong emotions from the class. To hear the story of this week’s guest speaker, Kelsey Tainsh, offered another layer of understanding for this class. Like Melody, Kelsey’s physical challenges have caused people to have major misconceptions about what she can and cannot do. As the class learns about empathy, these stories give students perspective and another sense of understanding for the diverse people they have and will encounter. Additionally, this class completed revisions of their “Where I’m From” poems, learned and used editing marks, and began their descriptive writing unit.

7th-grade Humanities classes had students wrapping up summer work and continuing their study of China. First, students delivered presentations about their summer independent choice novels. A variety of genres and topics were covered in these books. It is always exciting for Mrs. Lamb to note what students recommend to add some new titles to the Humanities library! Next, the class continued reading Lensey Namioka’s Ties That Bind, Ties That Break. Students are following the story of Ailin, who is growing up in a changing culture with a family that is split on whether to maintain tradition or change with the times. Class book discussions have been gripping, with almost everyone getting involved and providing perspective for each chapter. Their reactions and insight have Mrs. Lamb excited for the rest of the year’s novels and topics! Finally, they will continue visiting China’s provinces virtually and wrap this up next week.

8th Humanities classes took on a good amount of reading this week. First, they continue to read their class fictional novel, The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. They have reached the turning point in the story when a lot of action takes place. Book discussions surround their annotations on the chapters, and the students are providing insightful responses and reactions to the events in the plot. Additionally, they read the first chapter of A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki. This chapter discussed the notion of the Master Narrative and what qualities determine if a person is American, addressing common assumptions as well. It tied in well with this week’s poem by Nellie Wong, “Where is My Country?”

Middle School: Welcome to the ’23-’24 Year!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Welcome, Middle School Families, to our 2023-24 school year! We would love to welcome our returning and new families to middle school. This group of students has been an absolute pleasure to start the year with. Each day has been full of new and exciting experiences, from navigating a new schedule to meeting new students.

Before we get to the weekly class review, here is some important Middle School information:

  • Thursday, 9/28, from 10-2, MS and Upper El will go to the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, CT, to participate in their ropes courses. A bagged lunch will be needed.
  • The Middle School Play will be on the evening of Thursday, 12/7, with immersion weeks beginning 11/27. We are trying a new time of year to spread out some of our bigger middle school experiences.
  • 8th-grade families: Internship dates will be Monday, January 22-Wednesday, January 24—more information to come.

Now for our week in review:

Math

Welcome to Middle School Math! Students are off to a busy start with textbook distribution, completing their first homework questions, and practicing note-taking skills. Ms. Sutherland is excited to learn and grow alongside the energetic middle school mathematicians this year.
In the Pre-Transition math class, students reviewed how to write numbers in written form and identify place values in large numbers. This class can measure units using customary measures and divide line segments into equal parts.
In the Transition (pre-algebra) math class, students learned how to use rational numbers to solve real-world problems, graph integers on a number line, and multiply values by powers of ten. This class can use inequalities to compare numerical values and define a rational number.
In the Algebra 1 math class, students explored how to use variables to describe real-world situations, determine if expressions are equivalent, and identify the associative and commutative properties of multiplication/addition. This class is learning how to use new graphing software called Desmos and should remember to bring their Chromebooks/ laptop computers to class each day.
In the Geometry math class, students can determine distance on a number line, write and graph linear equations without technology, and determine the properties of Euclidean geometry. This class can also use the various descriptions of points and lines to model real-world situations.

Math Joke: Why did the math teacher bring a ladder to class?
Because she wanted to show her students the steps to success!

Humanities

All Humanities classes completed Identity Maps to start the year. These maps include identifiers and visually represent what students wish their peers and teachers to know about themselves. They can certainly change each year, so it is a great way to start fresh.
Most classes have also presented their summer independent reading presentations to classmates. There were great book choices and a good mix of genres. Mrs. Lamb also added some books to her must-read list!
In addition to the work above, the 6th grade Humanities class did some additional group-forming activities. While the group already knew each other well, they found some new information they didn’t know about each other. This helps students become comfortable sharing. In Humanities class, students often share personal writing and perspective, so these additional activities help with listening and responding. Students also drafted a poem titled “Where I’m From,” inspired by George Ella Lyon’s poem of the same name. This is another way to demonstrate identity and consider how familiar items, people, and culture define who you are. 6th-year students also completed writing assessments to demonstrate independent writing skills and began their first class novel, Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper.
The 7th-grade Humanities class began their unit surrounding China by starting the class novel Ties That Bind, Ties That Break by Lensey Namioka. They researched and defined some key vocabulary that will be seen in their study of this region and completed political maps of China. Finally, students completed a writing assessment to identify their independent writing skills at the start of the year.
After giving their summer reading presentations and completing identity maps, 8th-grade Humanities classes began their class novel, The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. This timeless novel has students discussing stereotypes and how they can influence groups of people (in this case, socioeconomics) and loyalty among friends. Students additionally began reading together A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America and defining what it means to be American. Finally, students completed a writing assessment to identify their independent writing skills at the start of the year.
Science

6th-year Earth Science students have begun the year exploring how to generate an experiment to answer a question or solve a problem. Students spent several days identifying examples of dependent and independent variables from a set list of experiments while creating their own at the end. We also began our first unit from our Discovery Education tech book, Earth’s History. Students will learn what factors influence the preservation potential of fossils and the information one might obtain from this discovery.

7th-year Physical Science students have begun the term learning about the scientific process of combining and separating mixtures. Students were tasked with separating a mixture in class using various methods, such as magnets, sifters, filter paper, and evaporation. Real-world applications of this practice, such as the clean-up of oil spills, were later discussed and analyzed.

8th-year Life Science students have begun the term on the unit Cell Theory. Within this unit, students are first introduced to the three tenets of cell theory: “All living things come from preexisting cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all organisms are made up of one or more cells.” Students are working on identifying similarities and differences between a plant and animal cell, which they will represent by creating their plant/animal cell cake. Students will choose items to represent and identify each cell’s organelles using the food that best represents each organelle. Students will present their work to the middle school students once completed.

Thank you for adhering to your child’s scheduled, staggered arrival and dismissal times. Arrival for middle school is at 8:00, and dismissal is from 3:10 to 3:20. If you arrive before 8:00, please have your child wait in the car until arrival begins.

We are looking forward to seeing you next Thursday, September 21st, at 5:30 for Curriculum Night!

We hope everyone has a great weekend,
Michelle, Zak, & Megan

Middle School: Wrapping Up

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

**All families are welcome to the 8th Grade Commencement held at The Meeting House, 31 Main St., Newtown @ 5 pm.**

It is hard to believe that in less than a week, we will be out for the summer and have new graduates headed to high school. It has been a year full of friendships, ideas, projects, and progress. The teachers are proud of all the middle school students for their hard work and growth. While it is a good time for a break, it is sad to know that we won’t be meeting again for a couple of months. Here’s our final weekly recap:

Spirit Week: Thank you to the middle school for getting into the spirit this week! Most of the students participated, and it was fun to see how everyone dressed up!

Math

In the Pre-Transition math class, students used this week to complete their Dream Summer Vacation plans. This class was asked to research a destination of their choice, plan a 4-day holiday within the given budget, and create a 3D mini model of a monument they plan to visit on their trip. This class will present their travel documents on Monday, June 12th, and showcase their scale factor models to each other.
In the Transition math class, students worked tirelessly on completing their Geometry City Project (geomcity). This class was responsible for illustrating four linear equations on a coordinate plane (representing the roads in their town), building four unique 3D geometry structures to represent buildings, and finally designating an area on their map to parks/parking lots given specific dimensions of the spaces. This class will present their cities to each other on Monday, June 12th, and each student will explain their theme and construction process.
In the Algebra math class, students worked in pairs to build and design Algebra-themed escape rooms. This class needed to create five different puzzles that involved the learnings from this year’s curriculum. Students will be given 15 minutes to break free from each other’s unique escape rooms on Monday, June 12th.
Make Joke: What did the square say to the circle?…… Haven’t I seen you around?
Humanities
6th-grade Humanities class focused on finishing N.H. Senzai’s Shooting Kabul this week. The book will be completed for Monday’s final Humanities class over the weekend. This week we learned about 9/11 and the different reactions this caused in the people in the U.S. As it related to the book’s protagonist, we also discussed how racial profiling affected people post-9/11.
The 7th-grade Humanities class completed reading the memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles by Marion Blumenthal Lazan about her experience during the Holocaust. We continued to look at Hitler’s goals during this period and the progression of the Nazi regime over Europe.
8th-grade Humanities classes completed their graduation speeches and rehearsed them in class. They also planned the final 8th Grade News segment.
Science

6th-year Earth Science students have spent the week working on constructing their model rockets as part of our Solar System unit. Students worked individually, constructing each rocket to their specifications. Several students had the opportunity to launch their rockets this week, while the remaining students will do so in the coming days.

7th-year Physical Science students are in the unit, Friction. The objectives of this unit are to define friction, explain how it relates to kinetic energy and the transfer of energy between objects that are in contact with each other, and describe how friction can affect the motion of an object. Students have conducted several experiments that test how density affects friction, along with Issac Newton’s involvement with this principle.
8th-year Life Science students are in the unit Digestive System. The objectives of this unit are to describe the process and function of digestion and the organs involved, work with their classmates to create a model of the digestive system, and explain how food moves through the alimentary canal. Students are currently working on creating their model representation of the digestive unit, identifying each organ involved in this process and its function.
In closing, thank you, FWM Middle School families, for your steadfast support this school year. For those graduating, we hope you will keep in touch and visit us in the years to come. For returning middle school families, we look forward to welcoming you back in September.
We wish you peace, rejuvenation, and great memories in the coming months,
Michelle, Zak, & Megan

Middle School: Washington DC

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

 

PLEASE SEE THE SHARED ALBUM FOR THE PHOTOS OR GO TO:  FWM 2023 Washington DC

Wow! What a trip! Memories were made, bucket list items were checked off, and blisters were popping. Here’s a brief rundown of our fun.

Tuesday: After a long train ride, everyone was excited to explore! We checked into the hotel and headed out for the National Archives Museum. Afterward, we enjoyed a yummy dinner from District Taco before heading out on our walking tour of monuments and memorials. Everyone was looking forward to this because students acted as our tour guides. In the weeks leading up to the trip, students partnered, researched, and wrote a brief blurb about the monuments: history, architecture, and significance. At each stop, we had the groups read their writing to the group. We saw the White House, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.

Wednesday: A busy day began with breakfast at the hotel buffet and Capitol Hill. It was really busy due to the impending vote on the debt ceiling. First, Congressman Van Orden approached our group and introduced himself. Then he led us to an off-limits location in the front of the Capitol building for a photo op! We then had a tour of the Capitol before heading to the Supreme Court for a lecture about how it functions. We were able to sit right in the courtroom for the lecture. After lunch, we headed to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. That evening we went to Carmine’s Restaurant for an Italian dinner and then off to the Escape Rooms. Half completed a mission as 007 agents, and the other half had to destroy DNA samples of dinosaurs in a Jurassic Park theme. We may not have escaped, but we had fun trying!

Thursday: We had another incredible day at the museums. The first stop was the Hirshhorn Museum of Modern Art. The students really enjoyed this, and we were able to cover most of the museum. Next, we were off to the Spy Museum. This was a favorite for many. We were given undercover identities and had a mission to complete as we went through the exhibits. What a great, interactive museum! Finally, we headed to the Smithsonian Museum of Africa American History and Culture. We all wished we had more time here, as there was so much to see, from historical exhibits to music, education, sports, entertainment, etc. It would have taken a full day to see it all! Next, we went back to the hotel, and the students went to the rooftop pool. Then, they enjoyed pizzas until the pool closed for the evening. Next, a small group went with Mrs. Lamb on a 4-mile sunset run around the National Mall and monuments, and the rest of the students went to the National Mall in front of the Capitol for games. They played tag and frisbee until after dark, and the runners joined them.

Friday: Departure day! After a leisurely breakfast, we packed and cleaned, then had time for a quick walk to the National Mall. Some students stopped for souvenirs, then we played games briefly before our departure to Union Station.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. They were well-mannered, respectful of all of the sites’ rules, and made us proud. It was truly a trip to remember.

Middle School: Week In Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

We are approaching the end of May, and it has been a great week of learning and looking forward to next week’s trip.

First of all, the Middle School teachers want to congratulate this year’s 8th-grade class on their successful Expert Presentations this past Monday. The culmination of five months of research, writing, and practice, the 8th grade delivered 15-30 minute presentations to an audience of faculty, families, and peers. Without the use of a podium, students commanded the stage. They educated the crowd on the following topics: The Great White Way: A History of Broadway, The Final Verdict: Reality TV Court v. The Official Courtroom, The Power of the Present: How Social Control Affects Teenagers, and “You Never Thought That Hip Hop Would Take it This Far”: An Evolution of A Genre. It was a truly impressive evening. Bravo, Class of 2023!

Math

In the Pre-Transition math class, students concluded their learning of Chapter 8 and wrote their last unit test of the school year. This class has studied dividing fractions, reciprocal values, and solving ratios from a word problem. This class also started working on the end-of-the-year project titled Dream Vacation. Students randomly selected a budget amount to plan their dream vacation and will be required to pick a destination. This project includes calculating all travel expenses, planning meals, and constructing a 3D model of a famous landmark they “plan” to see on their vacation.
In the Transition math class, students were excited to start building their GeomCity project. This project includes creating a mini dictionary with the geometry terminology in the Chapter 11 glossary; constructing a 3D cityscape with a cylinder, prisms, and pyramids; and picking a unique theme for their new town. Students will have until June 9th to complete this project and present the final draft to their peers.
In the Algebra math class, students received mini lessons on factoring polynomials and learned to complete the square in a binomial. In addition, students started solving part one of their Escape Room end-of-the-year project. Students will need to solve the paper puzzle escape room challenge and then have an opportunity to design their own. This project is due June 9th in order for the other students to have a chance at solving each other’s unique escape rooms.
 
Make Joke: Who invented arithmetic?……Henry the 1/8
Science

6th-year Earth Science students continue exploring their unit, Formation of the Solar System. This week, students hypothesized how the arrangement of our solar system was created in addition to the spacing between each planet. To do this, students were assigned groups to space out dodgeballs according to the respective distance from each other and the sun. From this, students were able to gain a much better perspective of the length of our solar system and the reasons why planets are in their current locations.

7th-year Physical Science students will begin their new unit, Friction. The objective of this unit is for students to be able to define friction, explain how it relates to kinetic energy and the transfer of energy between objects that are in contact with each other, and describe how friction can affect the motion of an object.
8th-year Life Science students have begun their Body System Project, which consists of dissecting a dogfish shark and sheep brain. Throughout this process, students are encouraged to identify each specimen’s key features related to the concepts learned throughout past units. In addition, students will have opportunities to work with both specimens, referencing diagrams throughout.
Humanities
6th-grade Humanities students continue to read the class novel, Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai. The students have rich discussions about the plot, historical context, and characterization. Poetry Tuesday had students drafting their versions of Nikki Giovanni’s “Knoxville, Tennessee,” a nostalgic poem about summer. This week students also completed their final current events presentations for the year.
7th-grade Humanities classes continue their Powerful Leaders unit and progress to the mid-1900s. They are learning about how the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party) gained traction and Adolf Hitler’s rise. Additionally, students are learning the history of Anti-Semitism, stemming from the first millennium. They will read the short memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, by Marion Blumenthal Lazan, about her and her family’s experience during the Holocaust. Finally, students completed their final current events presentations for the year.
8th-grade Humanities students began the week with Expert Presentations and then spent a day reflecting on the experience. Next, they brainstormed and drafted their graduation speeches. The class also spent a class reading and discussing the U.S. National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” This was accompanied by reading and analysis of U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon’s poem, “A New National Anthem.”
We are excited to travel to Washington, D.C., next week with the students!

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Happy Friday! Another great week in Middle School, and we are excited to welcome Upper Elementary and Middle School families to the 8th Grade Expert Presentations on Monday at 6 pm in the Commons.

Humanities

6th-grade Humanities classes have been exploring the Asian Subcontinent this week. With their completed maps, we used Google Earth to explore capital cities, bodies of water, and areas of interest in each country while discussing their demographics. While in this region, the class is reading Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai. This book takes place during 9/11 and discusses both U.S. and Afghani history and culture during this time.

The 7th-grade Humanities class finished their work with Animal Farm this week. They spent a class period giving their planned lesson from their Humanities Rebellion activity last week. The lesson centered around how children of color are affected by racism and included an article from Harvard University, a short video clip from the show “All American,” and prepared discussion questions. They even provided a snack for the class! Finally, students ended the week writing their final essay for Animal Farm. 

The 8th grade exclusively worked on their Expert Presentations this week and was able to practice in the Commons on stage. Tech setup, movements, and eye contact were focused at the end of the week. The students are working hard these days leading up to their final presentation, and they are going to rock!

Science

6th year Earth Science students have finished their unit, Phases of the Moon. Our next unit will be, Formation of our Solar System. Within this unit, students will be able to describe the formation of our solar system and the orbits of the planets in our solar system. Additionally, they will explain the relationship between a planet’s distance from the sun, its length of a year, its orbit duration, and why the inner and outer planets have different sizes and compositions.

7th-year Physical Science students are continuing their work on the unit, Refraction. Students spent the week conducting experiments and representing concepts from our unit, such as how white light refracts through a different medium (prism) to generate a rainbow. They learned how each color represents a different wavelength and frequency, relating it to ultraviolet (U.V.) and infrared light. Students have just begun a laboratory experiment focusing on refracting light from bubbles.
8th-year Life Science students have finished their unit, Circulatory System. Our next unit will be, Digestive System. From this unit, students will be able to describe the process and function of digestion and the organs involved, create a digestive system model, and explain how food moves through the alimentary canal.
Math
In the Pre-Transition math class, students explored different ways to solve proportions. This class can solve proportions in real-world situations, divide mixed numbers, and solve for an unknown variable in an equation of A.X. =B. They will conclude their learning of Chapter 8 next week and introduce the year-end project.
In the Transition math class, students concluded their learning of chapter 10 and can successfully understand linear equations. This week, they worked with distance-time graphs and wrote creative stories to match a given graph. In addition, students practiced translating situations of linear combinations and can now rearrange equations in the form y=mx+b.
In the Algebra math class, students have shown an excellent understanding of polynomials. This class can find common monomial factors, multiply polynomials using a FOIL technique, and expand problems involving a difference of squares.
Math Joke: I like Linear Algebra…… It’s straightforward!
Enjoy the weekend!

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Another beautiful week here at FWM. The teachers have been enjoying watching the middle school kids start games of kickball and frisbee out on the field. We will definitely be bringing a frisbee to Washington, D.C., with us! Look for a packing list for the trip; it will be sent out soon.

8th-grade Expert Presentations will happen on Monday, 5/22, at 6 pm in the Commons. All MS students and families are encouraged to come and support their peers as they give their final presentation of their Fraser Woods career as a student! 

Humanities

6th-grade Humanities classes completed essay drafts as their culminating writing piece for The Eye of Ra. They composed essays demonstrating the change in the protagonist, John, over the course of the novel. Next, students completed maps of the geographical region of Subcontinental Asia as the class began their final novel, Shooting Kabul. This book will have students examining Afghani culture, in particular.

7th grade completed the novel Animal Farm this week. In conjunction with the novel, we studied Russian history as Russia changed to the USSR following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. The students completed an assignment called Animal Farm: Who’s Who, in which students evaluate each character and identify who or what they represent in Russian history. In the end, the class went over it, and the students could see if their educated guesses were correct! Next, they had a Humanities Rebellion and overthrew Mrs. Lamb. Then, they needed to establish how they would run the Humanities class. If a cohesive plan is formed by the end of the week, they can run the class one day next week.

8th grade is in the second round of feedback and revisions of their Expert Projects. They are heading into their final week of practice, and their hard work since January is really showing.

Science

6th-year Earth Science students continued working on their unit, Phases of the Moon. Students were asked to collaborate to create and artistically represent a poem/song that details how a moon transitions through its phases. Once each group finished their project, the work was presented to the class. Students have been able to apply their background knowledge of this unit by referencing their observations of different moon phases on clear nights.

7th-year Physical Science students have continued their work on the unit, Refraction. In class, we have established key terms and vocabulary for the unit, which numerous hands-on experiences have accompanied. Students have demonstrated how a laser beam behaves through different mediums and how white light diffuses to create a rainbow when traveling through a prism. Students have begun illustrating how a rainbow is formed after representing their own earlier in the week.
8th-year Life Science students are working on the unit, Circulatory System. Students have been doing a great job asking questions about the importance of the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels) in our daily lives/activities. Students were asked to illustrate a cross-section of the human heart, labeling and identifying the main components and the path which blood flows through.
Math
In the Pre-Transition math class, students are learning about ratios and proportions. We covered topics such as dividing fractions and converting improper numbers to mixed numbers. This class learned about the properties of reciprocals, and they can now use the division of fractions and mixed numbers in real-world situations.
In the Transition math class, students continued to practice graphing linear equations and inequalities on a coordinate grid. This class can also understand linear statements in the form Ax + By = C and Ax + By < C. Next week students will conclude their learning of chapter 10 and begin the final year-end project of building a geometry cityscape with 3D nets.
In the Algebra math class, students are eager to learn about multiplying polynomials and expanding squares of binomials. This class can classify all polynomials and degree values and rearrange a polynomial in standard form. Next week, students will write the chapter 11 assessment and finish their learning for the year with chapter 12 in the UCSMP textbook.
Make Joke:

What did the cubic function say to the second-order polynomial?………….. Nice quads

Have a beautiful weekend, Middle School Community!

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

It’s hard to believe that we have entered the month of May, our last full month of the school year. There are many exciting events to look forward to, like Expert Night Presentations on Monday, May 22nd at 6 pm and our trip to Washington, D.C., at the end of the month on the 30th.

We enjoyed welcoming grandparents into the classroom last Friday and watching the middle schoolers interact with them was a real pleasure.

Science

6th-year Earth Science students have finished their unit, Tides. Their next unit will be, Phases. From this unit, students will be able to describe the patterns of the moon’s appearance in the sky, describe the moon’s motion in space, and explain the lunar cycle. To fully comprehend many of these objectives, students will participate in numerous hands-on activities, modeling moon phases using food and in-class manipulatives.

7th-year Physical Science students have finished their unit, Reflection. Their next unit will be, Refraction. From this unit, students will be able to design an experiment to test the Refraction of light in water, identify properties of different types of lenses, and describe why light refracts when it travels from one medium to another. In addition, we will conduct experiments that represent how the Refraction of light is around us and the real-life applications of this knowledge daily.
8th-year Life Science students have finished their unit, Nervous System. Their next unit will be the Circulatory System. From this unit, students will be able to describe the function of the circulatory system, create a drawing to illustrate the path of circulation in the body, know the difference between veins, arteries, and capillaries, and understand the structure and function of the heart.
Math
In the Pre-Transition math class, students reviewed concepts for Chapter 7 and took a formal assessment for this chapter. Students reviewed how to divide decimals, perform long division, write the prime factorization of a number, and practice how to divide negative numbers. They also started to explore Chapter 8 and discovered the reciprocal of a fraction and how to divide negative fractions.
In the Transition math class, students began learning about linear equations and inequalities. They discovered how to plot ordered pairs on a coordinate grid, solve 2-step equations, and graph a linear regression based on a real-world word problem. Students concluded the week by translating situations of constant increase or decrease that lead to sentences of ax + b = cx + d.
In the Algebra math class, students were excited to investigate polynomials and can properly classify a monomial, binomial, or trinomial expression. In addition, this class can collect like terms in a complex number sentence and FOIL ( use the distributive property), two binomial statements.
Make Joke: Why did the polynomial tree fall over?………………. It didn’t have any real roots.

Humanities

With the 6th-grade Humanities class finishing their class novel, The Eye of Ra, last week, they completed culminating activities surrounding the book. First, they wrote a reaction to the novel using a few guided questions to help them. Then, they had a wrap-up discussion using the reactions as their guide. Next, students wrapped up their group writing of the last chapter and discussed how their predicted endings either did or did not happen. Finally, students began an essay examining the change in the novel’s protagonist, John. The 6th grade also completed a unit of vocabulary this week.

The 7th grade continued their class novel, Animal Farm, and also continued to learn the historical context behind it. They specifically learned about the October Revolution of 1917 and key players during and right after this time. Specifically, the class learned about Nikolai Lenin, Leon Trotsky, and Joseph Stalin. At the end of the week, students were asked to identify which characters in the book were representative of historical figures of Russian history. The 7th grade also completed a unit of vocabulary this week.

The 8th grade had a busy week with both expert presentations and history. They began their first run-throughs of their expert presentations and received a first round of feedback. Next, students continued reading their class novel, If I Ever Get Out of Here. This week’s chapters mentioned Indian Boarding Schools, so we spent time discussing what they were and how the progression of movement of the Native Americans in the U.S. and treaties being created led to these schools that attempted to change the culture of Native Nations in youngsters. Finally, we read the Declaration of Independence, which mentioned the British legislation imposed on the colonists following the Seven Years’ War and the Boston Tea Party. Students researched and presented these last week.

Have a beautiful weekend!