We are currently solving a system of equations by using the Graphing and Substitution Methods.

We are ending our system of equations unit next week by learning about the Elimination Method. Our next unit will focus on systems of inequalities.

In this unit, students investigate how atmospheric and oceanic processes drive weather and climate patterns on Earth. Students analyze weather data, model air mass movement, explore global wind patterns, and evaluate how human activities influence climate. Emphasis is placed on using data to predict weather, understanding cause-and-effect relationships in Earth systems, and applying scientific reasoning to real-world environmental challenges.

We start the new year in Lit/Comp with our Literary Elements & Analysis unit, reading the classic story, Flowers for Algernon, and later moving into short story book clubs.  As a reminder, students still need to be reading outside of class for 10 minutes every day. Ask your student what they are reading! 

After learning about the Illinois Constitution and our state government's structure, leadership, and responsibilities, we are going to practice applying our own citizenship responsibilities.  To do so, each student will be researching an issue that they feel needs a change in our society--everything from potholes in Bloomington/Normal to national issues we might see on the nightly news.  We will learn how to draft professional business letters, show that we are informed and concerned citizens, and create a call to action.  These letters will be sent to one of our national or state representatives.  We often get letters back, which is pretty cool!

Our next unit will be about World War I: its causes, US involvement, new technologies, geographic impact, propaganda, the roles minority groups played in the conflict abroad and at home, and how this war, thought to be The War To End All Wars, sets up the dominoes to fall toward World War II.

Writers will conduct research on topics through questioning and convey information, concepts, and ideas in a focused, coherent, and formal manner. Students will organize concepts, ideas, and information. Students will explore and recognize the primary purpose of writing research reports: engage in the investigation of materials and resources in order to establish facts, report or evaluate research findings, reach conclusions, and inspire further research and exploration while following the scope and sequence of the writing process.