South Central Middle School
We Have the Right Mental Attitude
News from the JH
Science with Mrs. Mozina: The 7th and 8th grade science classes started the year learning about scientific inquiry, the engineering design process, and the scientific method. Having knowledge of the basics of science will help with all future topics we learn throughout the year. Beyond that, 7th grade has been learning a lot about photosynthesis and energy transformation. They have completed a group project explaining the chemical reaction that takes place with photosynthesis and learned about the reactants (carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight) as well as the products (glucose / sugar and oxygen). Some groups chose to do a poster, some created a lesson to teach, and some made a video to name a few. Then we moved on to energy transformations by reading informational slides, interacting with them, and taking notes. We then tested out energy transformation by making solar ovens and testing them out by making smores! Next up, we will be learning about living things and the environment.
The 8th grade science classes have been learning about the layers of the earth and what makes up each one, as well as how the magnetic field of the earth works and why the center is a solid ball even though it is the hottest layer. They completed an individual project where they had to make a model of the earth’s layers and find facts about them. Some chose to create a poster, some made a food or styrofoam model, and some even a 3-D printed one and a crocheted one! I was so impressed by their projects! Next we moved on to learning about the plate tectonics that are responsible for crustal formations such as mountains, valleys, ocean trenches, earthquakes, etc. We completed two different labs, one of which included food that they got to “play with” and create those crustal features, and then eat it! Next up, we will be learning about natural disasters.
Social Studies with Mrs Adams: In seventh grade students have been learning about the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome and how they have made long lasting impacts and contributions to the world today. We have focused on geography and how it promotes or impedes where people settle, specialization and trade. They have done a wide variety of projects, everything from creating timelines to writing letters to veterans. The next several chapters are on ancient Rome as we dig more deeply into its history, geography and enduring legacies.
The focus of 8th grade social studies is American history and we have learned about early indigenous people, explorers, colonization, slavery and the Revolutionary War. We have learned how geography and natural resources influence trade, settlement, economic development and specialization. Students have completed a variety of projects, web quests and timelines to help them learn and understand the content. Next we will be learning about the birth of the nation and the three branches of government and their purpose.
8th Grade ELA/Reading with Ms. Camella
The 8th grade students have just begun their next unit of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, and so far it’s off to a great start! We began the unit by playing a game of “Fact or Fiction” where students had to use their knowledge from an introduction video on Charles Dickens and Victorian England, and then guess whether the slide on the board was a fact or if it was fiction. Things got pretty heated and competitive; especially when some groups lost points for talking or interrupting me after being warned not to! With this unit we will be comparing the text of the play to the recorded video of the play, as well as discussing plot, characterization, and much more. The difference with this unit is that after we read a scene we will watch the video version where normally we read everything before watching anything. I think the students are really going to enjoy this, but I’m not sure I can top their love for the last novel they read as a class. If you want to know more ask your child about Ground Zero or if they are in advanced ask them about their suspense novel they chose!
A friendly reminder, if you’d like to sign up for my 8th grade ELAR Remind text messages, where you can also text me instead of emailing, then text the message @mscamella to the number 81010.
7th Grade ELA with Mrs. Richards: In Reading, we just wrapped up an exciting unit reading the novel Drum, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick. Students analyzed elements of the novel and focused on dynamic characters. Their final project was a book talk. Students had to record themselves on Flip talking about the essential elements of the book. This week we started reading our next novel, Notes From the Midnight Driver also by Jordan Sonnenblick. As we dive into this novel, students will continue to examine characterization, text structure, setting, theme, and summarizing key plot points.
In English, we are focusing on developing complex sentences, clauses, and phrases. Students have been crafting paragraphs and stories integrating complex sentences into their writing. After Christmas break, we will turn our focus to argumentative and explanatory essay writing.
Spanish with Mrs. Richards: In Spanish, students are diligently working on their Spanish APEX course work. Their semester exam is coming up in a few weeks. Students are allowed to use vocabulary and all Spanish module notes on their semester exam. Just a reminder that there is live help available to students through the APEX help desk. Students have access to Spanish teachers that can explain the challenging content to them through zoom.
7th Grade Advanced Math with Mrs. Blankenship: In 7th grade advanced math we finished up our unit on proportions. The students paired up to complete projects that they had to present to the class. We are currently working on percentages in the real world. We have been talking about sale prices on items for Christmas and how much of a tip to leave when going out to eat. The students have been working really hard on looking at real world connections to the topics that we are discussing in class.
Math with Ms. Turner: The students have been working really hard in math reviewing skills from last year and learning new skills as the year progresses. One of the questions I hear often is, "How will I ever use this skill in the future?" My response to that question is this: We might not necessarily ever need to know how to solve a multi-step equation or know the Pythagorean Theorem, but math teaches you several useful skills that will be needed in the future. Students learn how to problem solve, work collaboratively, perseverance, critical thinking skills, logical thinking skills, and so much more.
On another note, I have tried very hard to scale back the amount of homework students are needing to complete outside of class. I still have students who are not completing the work which then hinders their grades on quizzes, tests and in class assignments. Please check in with your child and encourage them to complete their work so that they are learning the skills. We have very short periods and when students come to class without the proper work, it makes it difficult for them to stay caught up. We simply cannot get everything done in 48 minutes. All math work can be found on your child's google classroom daily. Your help and understanding would be appreciated in this matter. I am also offering tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays for any students who are wanting extra help.
📆 Upcoming Events this month
2 GBB Game H v. Plymouth
4 BBB Game at Willard
GBB Game Home v. Willard
5 GBB Game Home v. Crestview
6 Winter Band Concert (7-12)
7 BBB Game at Crestview
9 Winter Craft Show
BBB Game Home v. WR
GBB Game at WR
JH Wrestling at Huron
12 GBB Game Home v. St. Paul
13 Choir Concert
14 BBB Game at St. Paul
16 BBB Game Home v. Monroeville
GBB Game at Monroeville
18 Board meeting
DARE Graduation
19 GBB Game at NL
20 BBB Game home v. NL
22 JH Wrestling at Monroeville
21-2 Winter Break
🗓 Coming Up!
Winter Vacation!!
Reminder: Last day of school, 12/20, is an EARLY RELEASE!
Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023, 01:30 PM
HOME! 🏂 ⛸️ 🛷
💡 Reminders
1. Washington DC 📆
We have started putting money into DC accounts so make sure you get signed up and have your deposit made so you can enjoy some of the benefits of our fundraising. Information on how to register is locted in the Middle School office.