Math
In Math 7 this month, we finished the Inequalities unit. Students learned that unlike an equation, which has one solution, an inequality has an infinite number of solutions. Furthermore, they learned how to write, solve, and graph one- and two-step inequalities. Our next unit focuses on setting up and solving ratios and proportions. During this unit, we encourage students to bring a calculator so they can learn how to use it efficiently in order to make the most of their time on assignments and assessments.
In addition, students are starting the next three SOFs 7.1- EE.B.3, 7.1-EE.B.4a, and 7.1- EE.B.4b Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.
In Advanced 2 this month, we covered one of our Geometry units where students learned about different angle relationships that are created when a transversal cuts through a set of parallel lines. Students also learned the Angle Sum Theorem and Exterior Angle Theorem for triangles and learned how to find indirect measurements using the properties of similar triangles. This unit was recently assessed and this is the first assessment to count towards their Quarter 3 grade.
This chapter involved two of our 8th grade SOFs:
G.A.5 -1: Use informal arguments to establish facts about the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal.
G.A.5 - 2: Use informal arguments to establish facts about the angle sum and exterior angle of triangles and the angle-angle criterion for similarity of triangles.
Our current unit is linear equations where students are learning to find the slope of a line, graph equations in slope-intercept and standard form, and write and interpret equations and graphs that represent real world situations. This unit is a crucial building block for Algebra next year.
Literacy
This month in Literacy, students completed their work with SOF RL.7.2 (theme) and began working with a new SOF RI.7.1 - I can cite several pieces of evidence from a text to support an author’s claim. The texts students will be reading the next few months will be informational. Topics will range from missions to Mars being dangerous because of boredom, the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964, teenageers being locked up for life as well as a few memoirs. Students have been taught about the different types of evidence author’s use in informational text to make their claims credible. The evidence acronym we learned is FEAST ExO. Ask your child if they can tell you what the letters stand for!
Another acronym we use in class is for our written responses called RACE: R - restate the question, A - answer the question, C- cite evidence, E- explain how the evidence supports the answer. Students will be asked to use the various types of evidence they find in detailed written responses using this strategy.
Current academic vocabulary words we have been studying with our new SOF RI.7.1 are: claim, argument, key details, conclusion, sufficient, reliable, credibility, and credible source. We will be adding new words every few days while we continue working with this standard. Students can always review these words with the RI.71 Vocabulary QUIZLET that is posted in Google Classroom!
Social Studies
Throughout the month of January, students engaged in learning about Ancient Africa. Students were able to learn through various methods and had opportunities for voice and choice in their learning.
Throughout this unit, students learned about the geography of Africa, the culture and daily life, various African kingdoms, and had an opportunity to analyze artifacts to see what we can learn about a culture through primary sources.
As we conclude this unit, students worked on a project where they created their own primary source cultural mask that was representative of their own values and personal culture. Students also assessed on this unit on Friday, so scores will be available in Infinite Campus this week.
Looking ahead, our next unit is on Ancient China, followed by a brief unit on Mesoamerican empires like the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca.
As always, please be sure to check Infinite Campus for the most up-to-date information about missing assignments and scores on summative assessments.
Science
During January students began their investigations into the Kingdom of Plants. Students engaged in lab practices and content learning that introduced the concepts of how organisms function at the different levels of complexity (Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems). Their first look into the tissues of an organism involved the “tissue-layers of cells” that make up the plant vascular system-which will later be the basis for understanding the human cardiovascular system! We learned that the cells work together as tissues and those tissues support the needs of the organism by completing different life functions.
Exploring this more, students tested theories of transpiration and water properties through observing changes in the vascular bundles of celery, dissected the celery to observe the structure, observed Stomata at work, and hypothesized about how the structure impacts an organism's function.
As evidence of these interactions, students had to make observations, calculate, chart, model and explain where water actually goes and how it is used in plants and plant cells.
The vascular lab and their stomata observation labs helped students to conceptualize their learning about the chemical interactions that support life functions (Transpiration, Photosynthesis, and Cellular Respiration). We will revisit some of these processes again and continue studying the levels of complexity in plants during our next unit, Plant Reproduction beginning January 31st.
As always, students will be provided their full unit (SLP) or weekly learning plans which are used by students in outlining in-class activities, labs, lessons and our guided practice (workshop/homework). Please be sure to check in regularly with your child and preview their learning pathway.
Rolling Agendas Reminder
Below are the links to ALL 7th-grade core teachers Rolling Agendas. Please remind your child to check agendas when they are absent so they can stay caught up!
Literacy:
Math:
Social Studies:
Science:
