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
What’s happening in Social Studies?
This week students focused on beginning their first research project. Students were asked to choose a Revolutionary Woman in history. Students are taking part in a two part research project. The first week, the students are working diligently to complete a research paper for their woman of choice. Students began brainstorming their ideas on a “chicken foot” graphic organizer before completing an outline to prepare them for their rough drafts.
Next week, the students will be turning in their final draft of their research papers, before participating in part 2 of the project. Students are expected to complete a slideshow about the woman they researched. Students will present this information in front of the entire middle school. This is will be a student only event.
What’s happening in ELA?
This week in 8th grade, students started a rich study of photography. While learning how to ‘read’ a photograph, we discussed how photographic principles might inform our writing–topics and writing prompts centered around creating conflict, establishing points of view, and capturing detail. Students will play the role of photographer and writer in this unit– both angles being an opportunity to tell a story.
Next week, 8th graders will look at mood, distance, tension, and background when studying photos and developing their writing.
What’s happening in Science?
Eighth graders explored the difference between mass and weight this week! They observed how air resistance impacts acceleration. They calculated how the gravity of different celestial objects impacts weight but not mass. Students experimented with marbles and spring scales to learn about Newtons and Newton’s Second Law. Lastly, eighth graders researched influential engineers and physicists they were interested in learning more about and then created a presentation to teach the rest of the class. Next week, they will learn about the difference between potential and kinetic energy.
What’s happening in Math?
This week, students reviewed what they knew about solving one-variable equations, compared two equations to look for equivalence, and rearranged equations to pinpoint a certain desired quantity.
Next week, students will learn how to solve for a certain variable, investigate graphs and what they tell us, solve systems of equations, and use substitution to assist them in solving a system of equations.
Important Dates:
Saturday, September 23rd- Charleston Battery Family Fun Night
Tuesday, September 26th- Picture Day
Monday-Tuesday, October 9-10 Fall Break
