Math:
In 7th grade this week we focused on writing and solving two-step equations from real-world applications. They practiced by solving a puzzle train and completing task cards around the room. The Algebra students practiced function notation, a concept introduced last week, on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday they talked about finding zeros and on Thursday they worked with arithmetic sequences. That completes the unit. Their next check-in will be at the end of next week.
Humanities:
It’s Johnny Tremain on the brink of Revolution as students continued reading and discussing Johnny Tremain, focusing on Chapters 8 and 9 and making connections between the novel’s events and the real-life events in Boston leading up to the American Revolution. A student-led “round” discussion explored Johnny’s role as British control of Boston increased, encouraging students to consider how his experiences reflected the growing conflict around him. Students also completed their pre-Revolutionary character project, examining figures such as Sam Adams and John Hancock through both Whig and Tory perspectives. Students explored how the same historical figures could be viewed as heroes by some and traitors by others, reinforcing the importance of understanding history from multiple perspectives.
Social Studies:
From Salutary Neglect to Revolution! This week, students explored Salutary Neglect as the bridge between the Colonization and Pre-Revolutionary eras. Through note-taking and discussion, we examined the French and Indian War as a key turning point that changed the relationship between Britain and the colonies. A creative “What If?” analogy compared the colonies’ growing independence to a young person becoming more independent—only to face conflict when an older generation returns and tries to reassert control.
Students also experienced a Salutary Neglect Simulation, moving through the changing enforcement of the Navigation Acts, Prime Minister Robert Walpole’s period of limited enforcement, and Britain’s renewed efforts to control the colonies following the French and Indian War. Next, students will begin a creative project rewriting the Declaration of Independence in modern language, connecting its ideas and arguments to the world they understand today.
Science:
In Ecology we finished up our unit on Energy Flow with trophic cascades. We learned the difference between top-down and bottom-up cascades and watched a video on how the wolves of Yellowstone changed the rivers. We then began the Biogeochemical Cycles unit with the Water Cycle. After taking notes and drawing the water cycle we watched the water cycle in action with a lab. Hot water was poured in a large beaker with food coloring. We then placed a small empty beaker inside and covered the large beaker with plastic wrap and a rubber band. Ice cubes were placed on top to simulate the cool atmosphere. Students observed water evaporate, form condensation, then precipitate into the small, once empty, beaker. Next class we will study the carbon cycle.
Spanish 1A: Explorando mundos:
This week in Explorando Mundos, students continued building confidence with the language they already know while adding more culture and numbers.
On Tuesday, we learned about El Grito de Independencia and the beginning of Mexico’s independence movement. Students watched a short history clip, learned key words like grito, independencia, México, and viva, and connected the history to geography and modern traditions. We also continued practicing the Spanish alphabet and spelling with ¿Cómo se escribe?
On Thursday, students completed Checkpoint 02, a short check-in on introductions, talking about someone else, classroom help phrases, alphabet/spelling, and a small culture connection. After the check-in, we began numbers 0–20 in Spanish and practiced recognizing and saying them in different ways.
At top, Spanish 1A Students are reviewing vocabulary play our Taco Tuesday game.
Epsilon students assemble to experience the era of Salutary Neglect, including smuggling trade goods and protesting the English Parliament’s increased taxes on Imports.
The latest internet dance craze, the Billie Jean Challenge. Found its way into the weekly exercise for Epsilon students as they hopped, skipped, and jumped their way through the hula hoops to the beat of the classic song by Michael Jackson.
History students experience the pre-revolutionary battle between growing democracy and British control.
Our first lab of the quarter gave students the opportunity to watch an Earth system come to life as they experienced the water cycle using hot water, cold ice, and careful observation. The results showed how this delicate process has recycled water for millions of years.