What We Are Learning

Math

September / October

We done a small grade 6 review and begun our unit on Number Sense that included divisibility strategies and rules, prime factorization, factors and multiples, lowest common multiples, greatest common factors, squares and square roots, exponents, fractions, and word problems throughout. To finish off the unit, we are doing an assignment that is a cost analysis for a trip to Disneyland with a 4000 dollar budget. The Unit Test will be communicated one week prior to the test date. We are aiming to complete Number Sense by the middle of October, with the goal of beginning our second unit - "Data Management" - upon the return from Ontario Pioneer Camp.

Science

September / October

The grade 7 curriculum is comprised of 4 major units. We have started our first unit - Life Systems- Interactions Within the Environment - We have started to examine biotic and abiotic (living and non-living) things and how they are all connected within ecosystems. We will be looking at the changes to an exosystem caused both by nature and human intervention. Towards the end of the unit, we will be looking at human activities that have the potential to alter the environment, and how aware humans are of these activities. This first unit generally lasts until about the third week of November, at which point we will have a major unit test before beginning Unit 2 - Earth and Space Systems- Heat in the Environment.

Language

September / October

Please speak to Mrs. Dobson for September. 6 word memoirs are completed and we have begun to examine the school wide novel "Sit". Our tech team will update more soon!

History

September / October

Our tech team will update soon!

French

September / October

The French program in grade 7 complements the history program very well, where they will be learning about the early beginnings of Canada, and specifically French Canadian culture. Learning about culture is one of the main learning goals for the both programs, although the French program has a direct focus on the grammatical functioning of the language. With the grammatical learning is the emphasis to speak French in the French classroom, and to remain aware that the assessments in class fall into four categories (speaking/listening/reading/writing). So far, we have reviewed infinitive verbs that resemble and do not resemble the English language, reviewed how to speak about the weather, learned numbers beyond 1000, done simple French introductions and classroom expressions, and learned about telling time. There will be a test on numbers and telling time in the last week of September, at which point we will then review adjectives and nouns before beginning a short unit in our On Y Va book entitled Galaxie Virtuelle.

Dance

September / October

This year, for a number of logistical reasons, we will be beginning the year with dance and completing the year with drama. Dance will be assessed term 1 and drama will be assessed term 2. In dance, we will begin with simple and basic movements, learn about rhythm, study the influence of dance within various cultures of the world, and participate in different rhythmic movement activities throughout the term. Participation, a positive attitude, and the ability to take risks are vital to the success criteria of this class. There will be no major tests or projects, but rather a series of small activities performed in class that depend on a great attitude. As we move into drama, we will connect the ideas presented in dance class to larger dramatic themes.

Physical Education

September / October

We encourage all RTMS students to participate in physical education wearing our branded RTMS gym clothes and/or spirit wear. as well as comfortable running shoes. This shows best preparation for our physical education program. On occasion, students will be outside for this class and must be prepared for the weather. We are focussing on volleyball right now within the class setting, although beyond the gym class, students are invited to play intramural sports during their designated time slots and try out for the competitive school teams.