Pre-algebra classes will continue the second topic of the school year this week, solving equations. Students will practice combining like terms to solve two-step equations. By the end of the week, they will be introduced to the distributive property. This is the most foundational topic of the school year. Please check in with your student at home about solving equations!

The algebra class will finish their continue their second topic of the school year this week, solving equations. Students will practice solving multi-step equations involving combining like-terms and the distributive property. By the end of the week, students will be introduced to solving equations where there are variables on both sides of the equation. This is the most foundational topic of the school year. Please check in with your student at home about solving equations! 

We have finished our Forces & Motion unit this week, that asked us to help determine the cause of the malfunction that occurred when a spacecraft was docking with the space station. We have worked cooperatively with a partner, explained key concepts with computer simulations, and created solutions using hands-on materials.  This week we will begin our unit on Magnetic Fields in which our student scientists must help the Space Agency to solve a problem with their Magnetic Spacecraft Launcher.  

Next week in Social Studies, we will begin a brand-new chapter, Tensions in the West. Our focus will be on the challenges and changes that took place as settlers moved westward in the late 1800s. Students will explore the experiences of homesteaders, ranchers, cowboys, and American Indians during this time of rapid change. Our new Essential Question will guide our learning: How did settlers change the West and affect American Indians? This question will help students connect the major themes of westward expansion to its lasting impact on people and the land.