MATH
This week we launched our study of geometry and measurement. In 7th grade, students study 3-Dimensional geometry, including the measurement and algebra skills of finding finding surface area and volume of solid figures. After administering a pre-test on the learning objectives, I introduced the students to our new content through a great video on 3-Dimensional Shapes in real-life contexts. (Click here to view) We also explored the two new sets of manipulatives we will be using: Omnifix cubes and Geofix shapes (see pictures above). The purpose of these particular manipulatives is to support the acquisition of spatial sense as well as the language of three-dimensional geometry (base, edge, vertices, etc). Our classroom activities included constructing and drawing 3-D shapes, as well as identifying and creating different views (and nets) of the shapes they constructed. These types of activities enhance visualization skills, as well as promote the ability to analyze characteristics of various polyhedra. During this unit, we will focus specifically on the characteristics of the following solid figures:
• Triangular prisms
• Rectangular prisms
• Triangular pyramids
• Rectangular pyramids
• Cubes
• Cylinders
• Spheres
• Cones
Students will also be responsible for mastering the formulas for surface area and volume for the following solid figures:
• Triangular and rectangular prisms
• Cylinders
Normally, I do not allow students to use calculators on homework assignments. However, I am suspending this policy throughout the duration of this unit on geometry assigments. (Note: Students still should NOT use a calculator on Mixed Review assignments). Since the objective of these assignments will be mastery of the formulas and not necessarily the calculations, I believe the use of a calculator is very appropriate. I have made it clear to the students, however, that I do expect them to show all formulas and number sentences as “stand-alone answers” are not sufficient demonstration of knowledge.
The Geometry/Measurement Test was announced this week during class for Wed/Thurs March 24th and 25th. Study guides were handed out to the students, and they will be due during Advisory on Thursday, March 25th. However, if your child is in Section 2 or 3, then he/she should make sure the study guide is completed prior to taking the test to receive the intended benefit. In addition to this Study Guide and other homework assignments that will be coming home weekly, I highly encourage the students to make use of their wonderful Math On Call resources, as well as the information I provide on http://www.mrsv.org/.
Just so you know… upon return from Spring Break we will begin our EOG Testing Review, Preparation, and Practice unit. I have Study Guides for this test that we will begin at that time. If you feel your child would benefit from this information prior to then, please let me know, and I’ll gladly get you a copy! Thanks for all you do!
SCIENCE
"GOT MILK?" Calcium was one our minds and in our bones this week in science. We began the week with a lesson on the skeletal system. We are talking about what makes bones and why bones are so important. We were talking about osteoporosis and how calcium consumption now will help them have healthy strong bones when they are older adults. We talked about how much the body needs calcium for our teeth and bone strength, all cellular metabolic processes, blood clotting, blood vessel dilation and constriction. If you body needs calcium and you have not consumed enough in your diet your body withdraws the calcium from your bones for all the other calcium requirements. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and teens between 9-18 years old require 1200 mg of calcium per day. We calculated our average calcium intake to see if we were acquiring enough calcium. I was happy to see most of the children were acquiring their daily requirements of calcium! To illustrate this we are removing all the calcium from chicken bones to observe what happens to the bone. "Got Milk?" lab investigation will conclude on Monday and Tuesday. Please ask you child about their "rubber bones" and why they became so flexible!
Bones need skeletal muscles to move. We had an activity this week to compare our upper body strength against our lower body strength. The students had a wonderful time pushing their muscles to the limit to find out how many pounds of pressure they exert with the upper and lower muscles! We practiced our comprehension and note taking skills with an outline from a body systems book on the muscular system. We reviewed the muscular system outlines and elaborated on the muscular system Friday in class.
We also had an opportunity to observe muscle cells, bone cells, cartilage, and blood cells with prepared slides. These slides are beautiful and show how different the cells appear for cells that have different functions!
Our tee shirts were utilized this week too! We we able to draw with accuracy and beauty the skeletal and muscular system on the tee shirts. this is just the beginning of our "Draw your Insides on the outside" project! The students worked really hard on this activity and i can not wait to see their products!
Bones need skeletal muscles to move. We had an activity this week to compare our upper body strength against our lower body strength. The students had a wonderful time pushing their muscles to the limit to find out how many pounds of pressure they exert with the upper and lower muscles! We practiced our comprehension and note taking skills with an outline from a body systems book on the muscular system. We reviewed the muscular system outlines and elaborated on the muscular system Friday in class.
We also had an opportunity to observe muscle cells, bone cells, cartilage, and blood cells with prepared slides. These slides are beautiful and show how different the cells appear for cells that have different functions!
Our tee shirts were utilized this week too! We we able to draw with accuracy and beauty the skeletal and muscular system on the tee shirts. this is just the beginning of our "Draw your Insides on the outside" project! The students worked really hard on this activity and i can not wait to see their products!
