Full moon yesterday…While walking my dog in the morning, gawking at the moon, I contemplated how crazy it is that there is this whole other side of the moon that we have never seen here on Earth…ever! This “dark side” of the moon is not visible to us due to a phenomenon known as Tidal Locking. The Moon and Earth have altered their orbits through their gravitational interactions over millions of years. Because the Earth is much larger than the Moon, the Moon’s rotation has slowed to a balance point. The time for the Moon to have a full rotation around its axis is the same time for the Moon to fully orbit around the Earth. WILD…RIGHT?!
Many people use the phrase “the dark side of the moon” to describe things that are unknown and mysterious. With Franci leaving, Merle stepping up as the interim Head of School, and starting the 2025-2026 school year with Jason, there’s a lot of unknowns. We all know that change is inevitable. Maybe instead of thinking about the unknown side of the moon as the “dark side,” we could consider it as the “far side.” It’s there, we know it, but we just don’t know what it looks like.
-LD
Math:
This week in Algebra 1, we applied this knowledge to systems of linear inequalities to analyze and interpret their solutions. Next week, we’ll take our test on equations, inequalities, and systems before moving on to unit three, focusing on two-variable statistics.
ELA:
8th grade transitioned to their photographic writing unit this week, comparing the elements of conflict and perspective as they are approached in photos and writing. We also switched back to a grammar study, unpacking more complex parts of speech.
Next week, photographers/writers will study more photography concepts and see how they influence writing. Famous photographs will be viewed closely as “mentor texts” for our own creations. We will have a grammar test on 10/24.
Social Studies:
The eighth grade test has been moved to the 23rd to allow more time for them to complete their projects. This has given us more time to review and continue to learn about the impacts of revolutions around 1800. The students are researching a country that gained their independence between 1790-1840 and their impact on world history. These projects are a great opportunity for students to see just how much the world changed in this time period and the impact it has had still to this day on world events. Once we are finished with the test and the project we will move into the growth of nationalistic pride and how it led to wars in the upcoming century.
Science:
Eighth graders wrapped up learning about Newton’s Laws this week and started to apply their knowledge to their Rube Goldberg projects. We have a group turning off a light, one closing a laptop, and another making a cup of tea. They are using household objects, gravity, speed, and acceleration to transfer energy to accomplish their tasks in absurd ways. I will be honest…there is a lot more to learn in this process than applied physics. They are collaborating, critically thinking, practicing determination and patience, as well as using creativity.
Important Dates:
October 22: Picture Day
October 28: LeAnn Gardner Parent Presentation (5:30)
October 31: Halloween Carnival (11:30 Dismissal)
November 1: Teacher Work Day (No Students)
November 11&12: Parent Teacher Conferences
November 22: Harvest Feast
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
