Bears May Newsletter
In RLA’s latest literary journey, we've just concluded our captivating exploration of George Orwell's timeless classic, "Animal Farm." Through its allegorical lens, we've delved deep into themes of power, corruption, and societal structures. But the adventure doesn't end here! As we bid farewell to the farmyard inhabitants, we will begin to wrap up our year with a new unit that allows us to see the connection between fiction and fact. We will be tandem reading the fiction novel "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson and the nonfiction book “An American Plague” by Jim Murphy. These gripping stories promise to transport us to the tumultuous times of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia to enrich our understanding of the historical context and deepen our analytical skills.
Launch into a captivating journey through the world of geometry! In this exciting exploration, your child will discover the wonders of shapes, angles, and spatial relationships. From the simplicity of points and lines to the complexity of polygons and circles, students will unlock the mysteries of geometric concepts. They will learn to measure angles, and calculate area, surface area, and volume of geometric shapes. Students will also learn how to create accurate representations of real-world objects and spaces in smaller or larger proportions. Join us on this geometric adventure and let the world of shapes and patterns unfold before your eyes. Get ready to think critically, reason logically, and explore the beauty of geometry!
For our final subjects in Geography, we are embarking on an exciting journey down under to explore the vibrant landscapes, rich cultures, and unique ecosystems of Australia. Australia's physical geography is as diverse as it is breathtaking. From the iconic red deserts of the Outback to the lush rainforests of Queensland, students are learning about the country's varied landscapes and the forces that have shaped them over millions of years. We will look at the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, and explore the unique flora and fauna that call Australia home. Our final project will include in-depth country studies using locations of the students’ choosin. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of their country’s history, politics, economy, and society. By analyzing case studies and real-world examples, students are honing their critical thinking skills and developing a global perspective on Australia's place in the world.
In recent weeks, our seventh graders have become adept at unraveling the mysteries of inheritance through the powerful tool of Punnett squares. Through interactive lessons and real-world examples, they've honed their skills in analyzing genetic inheritance patterns and making informed predictions about offspring traits. The mastery of Punnett squares represents a significant milestone in their understanding of genetics, setting the stage for deeper explorations into the mechanisms of inheritance and evolution.
Currently, our students are embarking on an exploration of natural and artificial selection—the driving forces behind the diversity of life on Earth. Students are gaining insights into how environmental pressures and human intervention shape the characteristics of populations over time through interactive labs, high quality Kurzgesagt videos, and designing their own humans. This unit provides a fascinating window into the mechanisms of adaptation and survival, laying the groundwork for our upcoming study of evolution.
In the coming weeks, your seventh grader will delve into the captivating world of evolution—a journey that will take them through the annals of time to explore the origins and diversification of life on our planet. Students will examine the compelling evidence of evolution, including fossils and embryonic development. They will unravel the intricate threads of the human evolutionary chain, tracing our species' remarkable journey from ancient ancestors to modern Homo sapiens.
As we approach the end of the school year, students will have the opportunity to engage in a hands-on learning experience that brings science to life. They will dissect frogs—an experience that provides valuable insights into vertebrate anatomy and physiology. Additionally, we have an undisclosed game planned as a culminating activity—a fun and interactive way for students to apply their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills in a collaborative setting.
