The Middle Schoolers have transitioned their studies into empathy during their advisory time. Within these studies they learn what being empathetic means and how to be empathetic in a variety of situations. They have begun to use these studies in their daily lives when interacting with the people around them at school. It is really amazing to see them take a lesson from the classroom, understand it, and proceed to use their new skills with their classmates. 

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

What’s happening in Science?

Seventh graders began to work on their ecosystems this week on our field trips! Our trip to Folly Beach was a science teacher’s dream come true. Not only was the weather beautiful, we found echinoderms, mollusks, and gastropods. While our trip downtown for the urban ecosystem was definitely what you would expect…ants, worms, soil, litter, litter, and more litter. Monday we will go to James Island County Park to work on the salt marsh ecosystem and maritime forest ecosystem. The seventh graders will then present their research about the abiotic and biotic factors in their ecosystem and how they interact with each other.

What’s up in Math?

Seventh graders have been using equations, expressions, and inequalities to solve problems – both explicit and real-world problems. Students are showing their understanding through many different methods. It is always interesting to see how everyone’s brain works. Today, they are taking a Unit 4 Assessment. Next week, we will correct and review the Unit 4 Assessment and begin some prep-work for Unit 5, which we will start after break! 

What’s happening in ELA?

Seventh graders have completed their work on the “Investigating  Characterization” unit. Their one page book reports look great! We will begin working on using figurative language in our writing and get started on our “Writing About Reading” unit next week. This unit will continue in January. Your students also completed week ten in their grammar workbook. Remember, there will be no reading log homework assignments from November 28th through December 9th. 

What’s going on in Social Studies?

In seventh grade the students took a look at the War of 1812. Students then used the information they learned to create a mindmap of the war. Students then ended the week analyzing primary sources and reviewing using Quizizz (an online review tool). 

Next week, the students will be finishing their Early Republic unit by looking at Monroe’s Presidency and completing study guides for their assessment. The assessment will take place on Thursday before break! This will allow us to jump right into the new unit upon the return in January. 

Important Dates:

• December 16th: Holiday Extravaganza- 11:30 Dismissal (Pajama Day)
• December 17- January 2: Winter Break