In one of my science classes we were talking about the Autumnal Equinox, which is Saturday, September 23rd. An urban legend states that you can stand an egg up for a few minutes during both the spring and autumnal equinox. Contrary to belief, this is not true…check out the science here. However, this urban legend led me to think about the potency of communication and how what we say matters. A convincing message can be interpreted as fact, when in fact, it can be quite false. Messages our children receive from the internet, movies, social media, and even friends mold their opinions about the world around them and themselves.


I am grateful to be in an environment everyday that brings misconceptions to light, encourages discussions about messages in the media, and has difficult conversations when friends may give a conflicting message that could be perceived as hurtful. I also will not be wasting an egg on Saturday 🙂


-LD




Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:


What’s happening in Science?
Seventh graders learned more about space exploration this week! Using spectroscopes, they observed the different spectrums diffused through visible light from various light sources. They learned that each element has a unique spectrum which is used by astronomers to learn more about the universe. The seventh graders also considered how most space exploration is not done by astronauts, but through telescopes such as Hubble. Lastly, they presented slides they created that answered wonders they have about the moon. Some of the presentations included information about eclipses, the moon landing, and what causes a red moon. Next week, they will learn more about the surface of Mars.

What’s up in Math?
This week, 7th graders began their second unit of study by analyzing scale copies, scale factor, and developing their own scale drawings using scale factor.

Next week, students will continue reviewing scaled copies and their scale factors before they will receive their optional study guide on Tuesday for their Mid-Unit Assessment (quiz) which they will take on Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday, they will begin studying figure dilation.

What’s happening in ELA?
Seventh graders dove into their first writing unit this year. We discussed the art of writing realistic fiction and how writers might pull from real experiences to inspire fictitious stories. We spent time on ideation and brainstorming, as well as writing lots of ‘starter stories’ to potentially develop later into publishable pieces. 7th graders also kick-started their vocabulary study with brand new workbooks to work on and study with over the next four weeks.

Next week, we’ll zoom in on plotting stories and developing characters before we even write the first page. We’ll use many tools to create ‘grounded stories’ with focused points of view.


What’s going on in Social Studies?

This week the students diligently finished their first DBQ that answered the following question; “In early Jamestown, why did so many colonists die?” Student’s dove into primary and secondary sources to gather their arguments before writing an argumentative informative essay. Students then progressed into their unit by discussing the colonial regions, and the formation of each of the 13 original colonies.

Next week, the students will create their own colony based on historic facts of the region they choose. Students will then be asked to present their colonies before finishing the unit. Students will be given a study guide and a full day of review.

Important Dates:
Saturday, September 23rd- Charleston Battery Family Fun Night
Tuesday, September 26th- Picture Day
Monday-Tuesday, October 9-10 Fall Break