Religion 7
In Grade 7, we study Jesus Christ, Son of God, Gift of the Father. Our textbook this year is entitled, "Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life." During our time together, we will study what is required to belong to the Kindgom of God earth. We will then study the mysteries that we believe about Jesus, for example the Trinity and His Gift of the Holy Spirit. In the third part of our course, we will study the Life that Jesus brings us, namely His Gift of the Church and the sacramental way of Life. This is the content of the seventh grade course.
We will also be studying about the prayers of the Eucharistic Liturgy, their meaning and historical significance. We will study Evocative, Meditation, and Contemplation forms of Praying. During the year, we hope to intensify our relationship with God.
Finally, we will expand our knowledge of the traditional prayers and celebrations of the Church. This is the proclaimed, "Year of St.Paul," so we will be studying the teachings of Paul about Jesus Christ as well as his extraordinary efforts to spread the gospel of the Kindom of God during his own time on earth.
Science 7
In Grade 7, we examine what makes up living things; from the cell to the more complex human being. Through hands-on learning, such as experiments, we will explore the most minute living communities, to the largest communities on the planet. Technology will aide us in our journey through the world of living things. Keeping a notebook record of all our work is an important skill of all scientific study which is why students were asked to provide a three-section spiral notebook. All will understand in June as we see notes, graphs, graphics, questions and answers collected there from the year's work. Living things is the emphasis this year and you will have to visit the class from time to time to see what we mean!
Science 8
The German scientists have presented the largest atom smasher to the world this summer. There was a time when such physical science was far too advanced for elementary school students of science to learn. That was my time. Now, I am teaching atomic science to my eighth grade students!
(It's not about how old I am; it's about how quickly "cutting edge" science changes!) However, I have to believe that here at O.L.M. we are keeping up with the knowledge of, if not the theory behind the cutting edge Physical Science.
What is the chemistry that promotes the changes in photosynthesis? How do we seem to defy the
same gravity that "imprisons" us here on the earth? How does that same force, working in conjunction with other forces allow the earth and the planets to maintain their faithful journeys around the Sun?
THINK! Oh, that is what we are learning to do in this science course! Learning the skills and theories that try to explain our physical world--and perhaps, how can we make it better? That is what our Physical Science Course is about in eighth grade. Oh, yes, don't forget your notebook!