Odes! Odes! Odes!
Posted by Eric Snow
In their study of Chile, 7th Graders have been reading I Lived on Butterfly Hill by Dr. Marjorie Agosin. In the book, Pablo Neruda is highlighted as a favorite poet of the main character because of his ability to capture big moments in history as well as small mundane moments in beautiful language. After learning a little about Neruda, students were turned loose to create their own odes (one of Neruda’s favorite poetic forms) about whatever they hold most dear. Students wrote about beloved pets, the beach, the tension between loving and being overwhelmed by competitive sports, and a host of other topics important to them. Once we were finished, students enjoyed sharing their creations! And who knows – maybe a few might wind up in this year’s edition of Pen & Paper!
Staying Strong with Cross Country!
Posted by Sarah Pollex
Our athletes know that best times are the ultimate prize. They are making significant improvements towards this goal at each practice and at each meet. The crowning achievement is for a runner to place in the top 5. Our results from the meets at Ridgefield and Waveny Park:
Ridgefield
- 5th grade boys: Jackson 1st, Adam 4th,
- 6th grade boys: Asher 5th
- 8th grade girls: Charlotte 4th, Eloise 5th ,
Waveny Park
- 5th grade boys: Jackson 4th
- 6th grade boys: Asher 2nd
- 7th grade girls: Chipili 4th, Piper 5th
- 7th grade boys: James 3rd
- 8th grade boys: James 2nd
Congratulations to these individuals for placing in the top 5 and to the entire team for achieving personal best times!
Top Secret: Cuban Missile Crisis
Posted by Ariel Warshaw
To cap off our study of Cuba in Humanities 7, we got to become CIA analysts on a Virtual Field Trip with the International Spy Museum! Prior to their mission, students received a memorandum from Base Ops and a description of their roles as all source analysts. On the day of our mission, the students were transported back to 10 October 1962. They received their dossier containing classified information on the movement of missiles on the island nation of Cuba. Their job? Counsel President Kennedy on whether there was enough evidence to send a U-2 spy plane to the island. They pored over memos and accounts from sources before determining that a reconnaissance flight was in order. Once the students had made the call, they then received the images the plane had collected. They needed to determine whether there was evidence that the missiles in Cuba were ready to be deployed – from the photographs, they found that this was not the case. Because of their smart thinking, their intelligence guided JFK to diffuse the crisis and come to a negotiation with the Soviets. This simulation was an engaging way to learn about those 13 days in October of 1962, when the entire world waited with bated breath on the brink of nuclear war. The students asked excellent questions and got into character as we brought the crisis to a peaceful resolution!
Comida Cubana with 7th Grade Humanities!
Posted by Ariel Warshaw
As part of our study of Latin America, seventh grade Humanities students have been learning about the island nation of Cuba. After exploring the country’s history, geography, government, and cultural influences, we thought we might try our hand at cooking up some classic Cuban dishes! With the help of Chefs Will, Adam, Helen, and Jeffrey, and some Buena Vista Social Club playing in the background, the students whipped up a memorable and delicious meal for the entire school. From chopping peppers and onions for our arroz to shredding the pollo, melting chocolate and cutting and frying our churros, peeling avocados and sautéing sofrito, it was a great morning spent connecting with the Spanish, African, and Amerindian cultures that make up modern-day Cuban cuisine. Entree: Arroz con Pollo Sides: Platanos Maduros and Black Beans. Salad: Avocado, Pineapple, and Watercress Salad with a Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette. Soup: Ajiaco. Dessert: Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Creating Cell Models! (Cell structures and functions)
Posted by Joshua Bartosiewicz
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- Designing!
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- Planning!
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- Skin cell representation based off the books description!
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- Recreating muscle cells.
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- Making a plant cell!
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- A single cell!
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- A look inside an animal cell!
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- This model represents the tightly packed skin cells!
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- This model represents the long, stretchy muscle cells!
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- Cell models from the whole 7th grade.
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- Cell models from all of 7th grade.
Science students in 7th grade started learning about the structure, function and organization of cells in organisms (both animal and plant cells!) . To help demonstrate our understanding and express our creativity, students were able to build their own cell models in lab! The scholars were asked to create models of either skin cells or muscle cells (or both!) based off of the information presented to them in the activity. Once students completed their sculptures and a couple of lab questions, they were given the freedom to create a cell of their choosing! Some students constructed plant cells while others made animal cells. The materials used in this lab were modeling clay, pipe cleaners, pompoms, tooth picks, glue, markers, tape and even goggly eyes to add some extra fun! Students were asked to explain their models and the relationships between the structure and functions of each cell. Overall, this lab was incredibly fun and we saw some very unique designs which are now on display in the science lab!
What’s The Buzz?
Posted by Joey Casey
We have been reviewing some of the broad topics of Makerspace as we have started the school year, including electrical circuits. Students have been challenged to create a circuit that can make an LED bulb light up, and eventually they have a circuit with an on/off switch, an LED bulb, and a buzzer. Everyone is super excited about the buzzers! With these basic circuits, we have been able to discuss the following vocabulary: conductor, insulator, current, and volts/voltage. Students have been so excited when completing a successful circuit and have learned about working with electricity, especially safest practices. We have been busy conducting experiments with basic circuits, and have yet to create a project for the topic to take home. As I discussed on Back to School Night, Students are laying the foundation of skills for the remainder of the year so that we can continue to build upon those skills in future projects. Looking forward to sharing our progression with volts!
