Mr. Spann's Updates

E-Mail: john.spann@cathedralschooljc.com

Field Trip Permission Form - Added January 4, 2009 (PDF File)

Nov./ Dec. Newsletter

JR. HIGH SCIENCE

Sixth grade has been busy with Chapter 2 on Cells.  As we progressed through the chapter the students did a LAB Activity studying and classifying seeds.  We just finished another LAB Activity studying water movement in plants.  Tuesday, 11/25, will be our test over the chapter.  We will begin Chapter 3 – Bacteria.  We will work on Chapter 3 through December and plan to have our test before the Christmas holiday.

In seventh grade we finished studying animal behavior (Chapter 7.  During this study we did a LAB Activity observing earthworm behaviors.  We started out with Chapter 6 (Respiration/Excretion) getting our exercise.  We did an Explore Activity which involved running in place and observing breathing rates.  We just finished another LAB Activity allowing us to study and discuss lung capacity.  There is a test Tuesday, 11/25, over Chapter 6.  I really feel the students will do well on this test.
After Thanksgiving we will be working on Chapter 2 – Measurement.

The eight grade students continue to study Space.  Most recently we have been working on Chapter 3 – The Sun, Earth, & Moon System.  During this time, the eight- graders broke into groups and had a lively, but respectful debate.  The debate was whether the US should spend money solving problems on Earth or spend money on space exploration and colonization.  A third group separated from space colonization and debated the possibilities of cities under water.  All seemed to enjoy this activity.

Our next adventure in 8th grade will be studying the Solar System (Chapter 4) while at the same time working on power point presentations involving space and space travel.  This was to have been done earlier, but was postponed until our new computer coordinator was hired.

I pray that all of you have a peaceful and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Yours in Christ,

John Spann