7th Grade Math: Mr. Chris Devlin
Chapter 3: In this chapter, your student will learn about algebraic expressions. Some of the skills your student will practice are:
- Simplifying, expanding, and factoring algebraic expressions
- Translating verbal descriptions into algebraic expressions
- Solving real-world problems using algebraic reasoning
7th Grade Accelerated Math Pathways: Mr. Chris Devlin
Chapter 4: In this chapter, your student will learn how to solve algebraic equations and inequalities. Some of the skills your student will practice are:
- Identifying equivalent equations
- Solving algebraic equations and inequalities
- Solving real-world problems using equations and inequalities
7th Grade ELA: Ms. Amy Gonzalez
In ELA, students are currently engaged in planning and drafting their first literary analysis of the year. Students have done literary analysis essays in 6th grade. In 7th grade (and beyond), students continue to work on the framework of what makes an analytical essay: thesis, main ideas, evidence, analysis, and sentences that “link back” to the main idea. At this moment, we are working on gathering varied pieces of evidence to prove a thesis or main idea. The prompt for their essay is: What factors made survival possible for Salva in A Long Walk To Water? Essay Planner graphic organizers are available in Google Classroom.The essay will be due before we leave for our December break. We will also be discussing our independent reading choice books more during the last week before break. The purpose will be to boost our independent reading and think about the choices we are making as readers. You can support the process by asking your student to show you the work they have done on the planning stages of the essay. You can also ask what is hard about the writing process and what strategies they are using to push through the challenges!
7th Grade Science: Mr. Jay Mahoney
7th grade students in science have begun their Physical Science unit this month beginning a study on motion, force, and energy. The Driving Question of the unit is Why do Some Things Stop While Others Keep Moving? While continuing to develop scientific practices students will engage in a number of lab activities and readings that will develop their understanding of motion, force and energy. The first learning set of four lessons focuses on 2 major learning goals: (a) there are different types of energy, and (b) energy can be transformed from one type to another. After students view a teacher demonstration of a radiometer and they watch the Newton vs. Goldberg video showing a unique mation filled chain reaction, they examine devices that operate for an unexpectedly long time, raising questions about how they work. Students generate original questions and the unit is off and running. Students then explore falling objects, a pendulum, a bouncing ball, playground equipment, and springs to learn about kinetic, gravitational, and elastic energy, and multiple ways in which energy is transformed from one type to another. Should be a fun and energetic way to learn the basics of physics. Ask your student to explain to you the different types of energy and how energy can be transformed!
7th Grade Social Studies: Mr. Tom Trainor
In 7th Grade Social Studies, we are currently engaged in our first Document Based or Argument Based Question unit. We have been analyzing and exploring many different primary and secondary sources with the goal of writing our first analytical essay of the year! Our unit is ultimately going to answer to question: Why did Islam spread so quickly? Students are developing important critical thinking and organizational skills. Additionally, through discussion and group activities we are discovering the best ways to effectively participate in an academic argument. Ask your student to tell you what their answer is. And, ask what they think is the best piece of evidence and why it is the best!