by Nicole Ayers, Math & Science

Actually, there was a strange chemical preservative odor that filled the air as seventh-grade students performed a dissection of four fetal* pigs. The students, along with two additional members of the Anatomy & Physiology team, have spent extensive time researching human body systems. The dissection helped make this research come to life, bringing their learning to a new level.

Many students had to overcome personal fears and apprehensions to participate in this lab, but everyone pushed their limits to fully engage. This experience would not have been nearly as insightful without the assistance of four adult experts who volunteered their time. Dr. DuBois and Dr. Yost led the process, as they did with last year’s class. Angela O’Rorke shared her knowledge of zoology, and Caty Burks brought experience from the nursing field. Altogether, it was a learning experience these students won’t soon forget!

*Preserved pigs were not raised for the purpose of dissection; they are a byproduct of the pork industry. Most of the pigs were stillborn and would be discarded were they not reutilized for educational purposes.

by Nicole Ayers, Math & Science

Seventh grade brought an assortment of pies to measure radius, diameter, circumference, and area. We learned that pi, an irrational number commonly approximated as 3.14, is the constant of proportionality between the diameter and circumference of a circle. It is also used to find the area of a circle when multiplied by the square of its radius. What a tasty way to apply our math skills!

by Nicole Ayers, Math & Science

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon, we started the year with a study of human space exploration. The seventh-grade students researched characteristics of the solar system capable of sustaining life, along with adaptations necessary for humans to travel, work, and live in space. As part of the investigation, they made a simulation of NASA’s upcoming Lunar Gateway, in anticipation of humankind’s next steps on the moon. Fellow students got to imagine and experience how microgravity affects basic necessities such as eating, drinking, and sleeping. They learned about the value of growing plants in space, as well as the importance of keeping a sound mind in tight quarters. Students even got to suit up for a moonwalk and communicate with one another via headset and webcam. The Life in Space Experience was…out of this world!

7th Grade History

By Jennifer Jordan 

Seventh grade’s first history unit is the Renaissance, that lovely period of European history in which art, beauty, and classical thinking flourished. What an exciting time to study, as students can engage their senses artistically and aesthetically. We began with learning about why the Renaissance started in Italy, which brought us back to the classical works of Ancient Rome and Greece, topics studied last year. It’s great for the students to make these connections. Students have studied the three most prominent city-states--Florence, Rome, and Venice--and learned their contributions to the Renaissance. As a bonus, we had the opportunity to play with 3-D models of Florentine buildings as they were in the 14th century, through Florence As It Was, a digital art project led by George Bent, Art History professor at my husband’s and my alma mater, Washington and Lee University. We also learned about the construction of il Duomo, Bruneschelli’s amazing accomplishment, the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, as well as the Pantheon in Rome. The magnitude of these works is astounding. 

Last week, students  took a gallery walk of landscapes and portraits by the most famous Venetian artist, Titian. They viewed the printouts and analyzed the use of color and emotion. We also took a 360 degree online tour of several Venetian buildings constructed during the Renaissance. This week, we delve into the Renaissance’s most famous individuals-- artists, scientists, and inventors-- and learn how they were inspired. Soon, we will begin work on an evaluative project-- the Renaissance Academy Awards. Stay tuned! 

Visit Florence As it Was at http://florenceasitwas.wlu.edu/. There are maps, 3-D models, and art collections in Sketch Fab. It is worth your time!

By Susie Rogers 5th-8th English Language Arts

What a great time we are having in English Language Arts! I have loved getting to know each one of my students, and I sincerely appreciate all the genuine smiles, warm hugs, and fantastic manners. The family Christian atmosphere is quite evident, and everyone has graciously welcomed me with open arms.  

We spent time getting to know one another with a One-Pager activity called, “What’s in a Name?” To introduce this topic, students read lines from the Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet Act ii Scene Ii where Juliet says this phrase in reference to her family and Romeo’s name. She says, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose/ By Any Other name would smell as sweet.” Students made connections with the meaning of their own name. They then used their names as the anchor to questions such as “What are your biggest fears?,” What are two goals?,” and “What Bible verses or quotations reveal an aspect of your personality?” Students were so creative with their artistic interpretation of whom they are.

Seventh grade is reading the young adult dystopian novel, The Giver. Characteristics of both utopia and dystopia were discussed along with moral questions of following authority. The students have a novel study packet, which incorporates literary devices and elements, that will be completed in class, and a final project of designing and creating their interpretation of a utopian society. Benefits of daily reading include mental stimulation, vocabulary expansion, stronger analytical thinking skills, improved focus and concentration, and better writing skills. 

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy of first two weeks! These seventh grade students have already impressed me with their maturity, knowledge, and kindness. What a fabulous year we are going to have!