English
October - November
This fall, we have reviewed the various sentence structures of simple, compound, and complex. Students have had fun studying important unit concepts and analyzing how they applied to the text, "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street" and demonstrating their knowledge through comprehension exercises. Currently, we are wrapping up reading and annotating the play, A Christmas Carol. We will begin writing our essay over a guiding prompt tying into our unit's theme. We will review summarizing, paraphrasing, TAG, and other important writing concepts.
Class Donations- We are in need of prepackaged, allergy friendly (no nuts, peanuts, etc...) candy for some classroom rewards/incentives. If you would like to donate candy, please send it with your child to give to their English teacher. Thanks in advance!
Math
October - November
In math class, we wrapped up our rational numbers unit and learned how to solve expressions. We finished our 2nd test and we will jump right into the new unit. We are wrapping up equations this week and moving onward and upward to solving inequalities!
IA Math
IA Pre-Algebra: We will be solving equations and inequalities until Thanksgiving break. Our test will be on paper on November 21st. If your student is absent, they will take it when we return from break in Mustang Mania.
IA Algebra 1: We will be working on functions until Thanksgiving break. Our test will be on paper on November 21st. If your student is absent, they will take it when we return from break in Mustang Mania. Our last test was on paper, and the average was much higher, so I am going to continue giving paper tests.
Geography
October - November
In geography class, we explored the countries and cultures of Western Europe. Students learned about the region’s physical geography as well as its diverse climates and natural resources. We also examined how history, government and organizations like the European Union have shaped the region, as well as comparing the economic systems and forms of government. Over the next several weeks, our 7th graders will be exploring the rise and fall of the USSR as well as its echoes across Eastern Europe. We'll also explore the effects of humans on the environment in the region as well as the differences in economic systems from this part of the world (ie. capitalism vs communism). Towards the end of the month, we will be moving on to Southwest Asia (Middle East) and Northern Africa!
Science
October - November
We are learning about natural resources and how we impact them. The students are getting to do activities that demonstrate how both renewable and nonrenewable resources are used and replenished. They are also learning that not all natural resources are available in different parts of the world. Through this they are getting a basic understanding of the distribution and use of Earth's resources.
Literacy
October - November
Students are in the middle of their short story/drama unit. We just finished "Sorry, Wrong Number", a radio play that helped students analyze mood and tone and learn elements of drama. The first week of November we will be reading "Lamb to the Slaughter", a short story by Roald Dahl that has elements of suspense and dramatic irony and students will be focused on characterization. The rest of the month will be spent on "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury and a group drama project connecting this quarter's main concepts: mood, theme, characterization, summarization, and conflict. Bellwork will continue to be ReadTheory and Freckle. Finally, the Cheyenne Book Fair is coming soon, so please remember to bring your money on the day that we go to the Media Center. More information about this can be found by asking your Literacy teacher or by reading the Mustang Round-Up school newsletter.
