December, 2008
Grade 7 Science
Mrs. Roberts - Quest Mr. Hilmer - Oceana
Would you be able to survive on the imaginary Island of Ert if shipwrecked? If you have your doubts, well then, the seventh grade students in Mrs. Robert’s and Mr. Hilmer’s science classes may just be able to help you make it back to civilization. Students just finished a unit on weather and climate. Looking to the skies perhaps they can tell you if a cold or warm air mass is approaching? The students on both teams studied the effects of global warming and the potential for increased climate change. Now that they understand more fully about the air they breathe, the next unit of study will bring them closer to the land they walk upon through various mapping techniques and weathering and erosion observations. By the end of this new unit, they will have completed a project on the “Changing Shape of Cape Cod” and hopefully will be better suited to help you exist comfortably on that imaginary Island of Ert.
 December. 2008 Grade 7 Social Studies
Mrs. Brackett - Quest Ms. Reid - Oceana Our social studies classes have been looking closely at the geography of the Fertile Crescent the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Nubia. Our main focus recently is to see how the rivers and seas influenced the growth of ancient Egyptians. The students will explore the many rulers of Egypt, the Egyptian religion, the cultures of Egypt and Nubia, and the gifts of the Nile River. History opens windows of information. We will learn how the people of Ancient Egypt lived and will discover what their social, economic, political, and cultural lives were like. Through this exploration of Ancient Egypt and Nubia, students will learn the interrelationship between geography and history. The next time you travel through the community or go on a long trip, please discuss with your child how geography can impact how a town develops. In addition to the academic life of our seventh graders, we have all made attempts to help others in need. Some students have contributed to various organizations like Toys for Tots, Socks for the Homeless, Coats for the Noah’s Shelter, and food for the LOCAL pantry. In January we will be getting ready for the geography bee. There will be grade level run-offs and then a school-wide competition. Practicing at home could be helpful for some of your children. December, 2008
Grade 7 English Language Arts
Mrs. McConchie - Quest Mrs. Gula - Oceana
Students on both teams have completed their first core novel study. Oceana students read Letters From Rifka by Karen Hesse. Instruction focused on how a character develops an identity through conflict. Activities included creating a plot line, writing friendly letters (RAFT), and responding to open-response questions. Quest Team read Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, exploring the themes of conformity, individuality, peer pressure, and self-awareness. Mrs. Williams worked with Mrs. McConchie, integrating the guidance curriculum with language arts through the themes of the novel. Students analyzed other genres with the same themes, as well as discussed and wrote about applications to their own lives. Mrs. Williams will be integrating guidance curriculum with the unit of study of Stargirl in Mrs. Gula’s class this marking period. Students have been working on developing expertise in writing expository essays. Instructional focus on reading and analyzing writing prompts has enabled students to more effectively respond in their writing. Many strategies have been utilized in the prewriting phase of the writing process. Students are learning how to select topics and generate effective supporting main ideas with appropriate details. Language arts classes will continue to use the “Empowering Writers” program to improve students’ writing of expository essays. Language Arts homework is recorded daily on the Homework Hotline (508-255-0016 Ext. 359 for Oceana and Ext. 358 for Quest) and online at www.nausetschools.org. December, 2008
Grade 7 Math
Mrs. Heleen - Quest Mrs. Boland - Oceana Seventh grade math students are applying algebraic concepts when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers. Students will then be solving one and two step equations. During term two pre-algebra students completed a unit on equations. Using properties of equality they were able to write and solve equations. They are presently working with algebraic fractions where their prior knowledge of simplifying and computation of fractions will be applied. To check homework assignments students and parents have the option of checking by phone, 508-255-0016 (Ext. 358-Quest and Ext. 359-Oceana), or online (essign) through the Nauset website. |
Seventh Grade Cores |