7th Grade Panther Update

ELA

Recently, we have traveled into the great beyond, beginning our argumentative unit on space exploration. We are reading and analyzing two texts, one which supports the idea that space exploration is a daring adventure and fully supports space exploration and one which supports the idea that space exploration is a dangerous risk. We will also be watching a video from NASA, Seven Minutes of Terror, which shows simulations of a landing on Mars. After each text, students are recording evidence on both sides of the argument. When we return from Spring Break, students will write their own argument essay on space exploration. As we head into Spring Break and the week following, we are changing gears to do some review and practice in preparation for the Wisconsin Forward Exams.

For homework, students are expected to read for at least 30 minutes each day to strengthen their comprehension and analysis skills. Keep reading! We look forward to the rest of our year together!Htoo - McDonough

MATH

First off I want to thank all the parents that came to the Parent Teacher Conference at the end of February. A little recap the students did a great job on their inequalities unit. They are currently on vocab over load in math class for module 8. . They had many vocab terms that they are learning this module and they are doing really well at it. It might not be perfect yet but they are working towards it efficiently. After we are done with this unit, we will start practicing and reviewing for the FORWARD EXAM. At this time they really won’t get much homework, so making sure they are working on their grades at this time would be great support at home! If you have any questions or concerns please reach out. I hope you all have a great time on your spring break. Prust - Kautzer

Science

This month we have tied together concepts of motion through the work of Isaac Newton. Newton discovered that objects resist changes in motion, a property called inertia (First Law). He also showed that the more mass an object has, the more force it takes to make it speed up, slow down, or change direction (Second Law).

Students also explored how objects interact. When two objects collide, (rolling marbles), they push on each other with equal strength in opposite directions (Third Law). These investigations help students see how forces affect motion in the real world. Next quarter we will explore our fourth unit titled, “Chemistry of Materials”, where we will look into atoms, molecules and particle motion!McDonough - Suszek

Social Studies

We've had an exciting month in social studies, and we are thrilled to share what we've been working on! We're wrapping up our comprehensive study of Judaism and will next explore Islam, the fifth major world religion in our unit. This unit has given students insight into diverse belief systems and cultures. Following our world religions unit, we'll be transitioning to studying genocide through the lens of the Holocaust. We'll be using the powerful graphic novel White Bird to help students engage with this historical event in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.

If you have any questions on your student's progress, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are happy to discuss our learning in more detail.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful and restful spring break!

McDonough - Suszek - Htoo - Kautzer - Prust