In the Flow!
The second full week of school meant stepping into the thick of grade-level learning. With routines, procedures, and culture thoroughly workshopped and introduced, our middle schoolers tread confidently into the content they’ve been anticipating all summer. Though some of the ‘rust’ of summer may still be there, we’ve watched each grade gain confidence, drive, openness, and excitement for what this school year really holds for each of them. I’m encouraged by the sight of upper grade students embracing leadership roles in class and 5th graders who are finding their middle school groove. It’s still early in the year, but these Cooper School Kids adapt and grow so quickly.
Of course, Hurricane Season found us midweek, but we were glad to see diligent students enthusiastically complete e-learning to keep their minds engaged through the storm. We’re always grateful for the support from home when Charleston weather does its thing. Looking forward to yet another week of bravery and growth!
-Maggie Keim
Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:
What’s happening in Science?
Sixth graders explored the layers of the atmosphere this week! They considered where weather occurs, where meteors burn up, and the layer that blends into space. They also explored that air takes up space. They used syringes, tubes, and clips to feel the air pressure build up in a closed system. They then learned about what exactly compression is and that the volume of air doesn’t change. Lastly, they finished up their severe weather projects (great timing), and began to present. They were so entertaining! Next week, they will learn about weather maps and how to read them!
What’s up in ELA?
This week in sixth grade we continued our novel study of Roald Dahl’s memoir Boy. Our class is constantly shocked and delighted by the wild stories of a childhood from a totally different era and culture. 6th graders also continued to push their annotations to a higher level as we gave one another peer feedback on our markings. Students have even kept running lists of unknown vocabulary and concepts from Boy in their reader’s notebooks. All readers have eagerly tracked down definitions or built definitions out of context clue analysis for these fascinating new words.
Next week, we’ll begin wrapping up our novel study. Upon completion, 6th grade will begin crafting longer form writing responses to concepts and questions presented in the book. Previous annotations will soon be an asset as we workshop and revise our writing about the novel.
What’s going on in Math?
This week in math, 6th graders wrapped up their area unit by exploring surface area and how much of something is needed to cover a 3-D object’s surface. They also investigated the nets of 3-D shapes, using that to help them find the surface area.
Next week, students will review for their Unit 1 test that will cover area, surface area, and nets which will be on Friday, September 8th! I look forward to seeing you all at Curriculum Night on Wednesday!
What’s happening in Social Studies?
This week, the students were assessed on the origins of civilization. This allowed the students to combine the different requirements of a civilization before diving into the earliest of them, the Sumer.
Next week, the students will map the early civilizations of Mesopotamia after completing a jigsaw activity to master the different empires and compare their characteristics.. This includes; the Sumer, The Akkadian, the Babylonian, the Assyrian, Persian, and the Phoenicians. Student’s will finish the week by learning about the origins of Judaism.
Important Dates:
Monday, September 4th- Labor Day (No School)
Wednesday, September 6th- Curriculum Night (5:30-6:30)
Friday, September 15th- Parent Coffee (8:15-9:00)
Saturday, September 23rd- Charleston Battery Family Fun Night
