Grade 7 LC Quarter Three Newsletter

Welcome back from December break! We look forward to more enriching learning experiences this quarter as we build on the skills and dispositions introduced during the first semester. Below you will find a brief overview of the topics and themes covered in the core classes this quarter. Should you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate teacher.

Make sure to follow the JIS Middle School social media accounts on Instagram .

Social Studies

In quarter three, we will continue to focus on the theme of interconnectedness, building on our previous units of resource scarcity and historical trade. This unit will focus on the spread of culture to Bali and the effects of tourism on the island and the globe as a whole. Students will examine the theme of sustainability through the lens of tourism using the sustainability compass and its components of nature, economy, society and well-being to examine the ways visitors impact communities. It is our hope that students will use this unit as a means to enrich and deepen their learning experience when traveling to Bali during ESP week.

English

We are excited to introduce our upcoming unit, which combines reading, writing, and collaboration skills. During Quarter 3, students will analyze literary elements, including theme, symbolism, and perspective. They will begin by reading a self-selected novel in small groups and use discussion skills to build their understanding.

Here are two simple ways to support your child at home:

Encourage daily reading for 20–30 minutes.
Ask questions about their book’s themes or characters.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Erin O'Dwyer (eodwyer@jisedu.or.id)

Moon Jang (mjang@jisedu.or.id)

Ryan Harwood (rharwood@jisedu.or.id)

Lidiya Reese (lresse@jisedu.or.id)

Science

In this unit, students will embark on a journey into the fascinating and astonishing world of genetics and natural selection. They will learn about the fundamental concepts of heredity, DNA, and genes, and how these factors contribute to the diversity of life on Earth. Students will also explore the mechanisms of natural selection and how they drive evolution in different species.

This unit begins by exploring the fundamentals of genetics, including genes, alleles, and the inheritance of traits. Students will also learn about dominant and recessive traits and how Punnett squares can be used to predict the probability of offspring inheriting certain traits. Students will understand the role of genetics in human biology and the genetic basis of human traits such as skin color, eye color, and blood type.

Students will then learn about natural selection and how it leads to the evolution of species over time. They will learn about the four principles of natural selection: variation, inheritance, selection, and time. Students will also learn about adaptation and how it helps organisms survive in their environment.

Lastly, students will also explore the ethical implications and considerations associated with advancements in genetic technologies, such as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats). Students will begin by discussing the concept of bioethics and its relevance in the field of genetics. They will explore the importance of considering ethical principles when making decisions about genetic research, technologies, and applications. The class will participate in structured debates and discussions on bioethical topics associated with CRISPR. Students will be encouraged to articulate their viewpoints, provide evidence-based arguments, and consider alternative perspectives in a respectful manner. This will foster an understanding of diverse opinions and the complexities of bioethical decision-making.

Mathematics

Have you ever heard the phrase “Accentuate the Positive”?

In the third quarter, students will be doing the exact opposite as we learn about operations with negative numbers. The Distributive Property, the Order of Operations, and diagramming Number Theory will also be covered at a deeper level than students have previously been exposed to. By the end of the third quarter, students will be able to flexibly alternate between fractions, decimals, and percentages whether the numbers are positive or negative, as well as perform multi-step operations in real-world situations using all of these skills combined.

These concepts, along with our recently acquired understanding of proportionality, will set the stage for future units as our class will eventually move into algebra, linear equations, and modeling equations.

Physical Education

Welcome to Quarter 3 – 7th Grade PE!
We’re looking forward to an exciting and action-packed Quarter 3 in 7th Grade Physical Education! This term, students will take their learning outdoors, "Net and Wall games" like wall ball, volleyball, and badminton, focusing on teamwork, strategy, and movement in open spaces.
We will conclude the quarter by completing games that require striking and fielding skills, such as baseball and cricket. Students will modify the games to make them more inclusive for individuals with disabilities as part of the lessons.
Please remember to bring your PE uniform, sports shoes, and a water bottle to each class so you can stay ready, active, and hydrated.
Let’s make it another great quarter of learning and movement!

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