Early Native America
We studied early Native America, starting with the Bering land bridge, and watching how those cultures extended into North, Central, and South America. We tracked the progress of the Maya, Inca, and Aztecs, as they flourished into complex, advanced civilizations.
Miss Jensen
Minerals
This month we started to learn that the Earth’s crust was made of minerals. We learned, on an atomic level, what makes a mineral different than the other natural substances found in nature. We also learned how to identify the different types of minerals that are known today. In class we got to test our learning skills by using the identification markers like, color, luster, streak, and harness. The class will be studying more about how we mine for these minerals and what their uses are.
Mr. Lamb
Geology
We started the year off with a lot of review from last year to get the kids back into science mode. We went over the different branches of science to show the overlapping relevance of each area of study. We quickly moved through the introduction week and started focusing on Geology. We went outside to show how a makeshift compass can get you to the magnetic north-pole, but we also learned that the magnetic north-pole is not the true geographic north-pole. The science of mapmaking as a form of model testing is heavily relied upon by many branches of geology; to name a few, meteorologists, oceanographers, and cartographers. The students made a map model of the school and some of the results were quite colorful!
Mr. Lamb
Candy Animal Cells
This month we have been analyzing life on a cellular level. Last month we learned that all of life is comprised of cells, now we are delving deeper and seeing what a cell is and what its function is. Last week we studied prokaryotic and eukaroytic cells This week we studied animal and plant cells and in class the kids made a 3-d animal cell out of candy!
Mr. Lamb
Life Science
Our first month back to school was packed with so many interesting topics. We had a safety lab that was preparation for the upcoming labs that we will have this year. We started the year off introducing Life Science and the many different subcategories within Life Science. Our second section that we moved into was addressing the question of Life, what makes something alive and other things not alive? We discussed the six characteristics of living things and the way life was organized in the world around us.
Mr. Lamb
Protists and Fungi
Last month lead us into the kingdom of Protists and Fungi. In this section we took a close look at different single-celled organisms called Protists, a famous one being the amoeba. The simplest of life is found in the Protists and Fungi kingdom. At this microscopic end of the chain of life you find bacteria on the furthest link, and just passed it, viruses. We are currently reviewing the bacterial and viral diseases, their symptoms, and the current fight for life in the field of medicine.
Mr. Lamb
Lets Look At Cells
In class we looked at plant cells through a compound light microscope and learned that every living thing is made up of tiny organisms called cells. During the first month we compared animal cells with plant cells, and learned the main differences between them. We got to talk a little about photosynthetic organisms and how they differ from animals. We learned about mitosis and osmosis, diffusion and differentiation. In class we had a demonstration of how water, through the process of osmosis and diffusion, slowly changed a raisin back into a grape! All of these topics have to do with the cell’s life cycle, how it behaves in nature, and how it affects us.
Mr. Lamb
Middle School Music
Students in middle school have now played their first song on the guitar and have begun learning their first two chords. This month, students have focused on the “G” and “D” chord. In the midst of learning to play the guitar, they have also started learning their song for the Christmas program. Each class is learning how melody and harmony work together in producing a nice sound.
Mrs. Racoma
Middle School Clubs
Discipleship Club
What to Bring: Your Bible, paper, and pencil/pen and a highlighter
Purpose: To make disciples (Matt. 28:19); for the older women to teach the younger (Titus 2:3-5); and to encourage one another (Heb. 10:24)
Club Description: This is a club for MS girls who are serious about deepening their walk with the Lord and encouraging their peers. It will be discussion & Scripture-based. Much of what we do will focus on the spiritual interests and needs of each girl who attends. Additionally, we will learn about the character of God and some theology; HOW to study the Word of God, pray more specifically, put off sin, love others better, and defend our faith (apologetics).
Board Games Club
Come and hang out and play a game or two at the Board Game Club. There are several board games to choose from. It is a great way to lay back and unwind from a long day at school.
Runners Club
Get fit and learn techniques to make you a better runner! Open to all levels of runners.
Fitness Club
Thirty minutes of intense workout. We will be doing P90X workouts..the X is for Xtreme! With this 90-day program, we will be learning all the exercise necessary for developing our own workout regimen. Prepare to be challenged!
Equipment needed: water, towel, resistance bands (can be purchased at any sporting good store), and workout clothes.
Chess and “Go”
Exercise your mind as you play a classic game of chess. Utilize your thinking skills in a game of Go. Not sure how to play either? Stop by and learn!
Drama/Human Video Elective…
…will work on a skit which is acted out to music. The skit tells of a girl who is forced to make a decision between going the way of the world and listening to those who are leading her to Christ. The song and the skit will be put together by the middle school students who are acting it out. This is Your Life is the name of the song they have chosen. The words repeatedly say: This is your life. Are you who you want to be? These students will be so enthused at putting the skit together, choosing the music, and ending it with a dance. The dance will be performed to a song called Victory. Encouragement and room will be given to write their own skit, add the music, and choreograph the unexpected dance! They will thoroughly enjoy themselves, as well as have an understanding of the message behind it! To have them perform this at the Christmas Program is their desire and our plan.