Splashing in Puddles and Middle School Chemistry
Joyful Rainy Days
During this short week, the students enjoyed lots of rainy day fun. All classes ventured out in full rain gear and splashed and skipped in puddles!
Important Dates
Monday, February 23: Fundraising Events Committee Meeting at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, February 27: Parent Association Family Dance from 5 - 7 p.m.
Friday, March 6: Parent Evening with Cynthia Hoven 6 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 7: Eurythmy Workshop 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
March 16-20: Parent-Teacher Conferences - early dismissal at 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18: Board of Trustees Meeting at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25: Spring Performance from 6 - 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 26: Last Day of Winter Term
Friday, March 27 - Tuesday, April 7: Spring Break
Middle School Chemistry
In Grade 7/8, the students are currently in a block of chemistry. In the Waldorf curriculum, Chemistry is taught in both seventh and eighth grades; first with a focus on inorganic chemistry then moving onto organic chemistry.
The lessons unfold so that the chemistry arises through living processes. For instance, what is the chemical process of digestion? How does a human body absorb nutrients? How do fats, proteins and carbohydrates act individually or together? Where in our natural world do these different macronutrients exist (such as starch in potatoes, fats in dairy products, protein in eggs) and what can our bodies do with them?
The curriculum is rich with hands-on experiments - this includes cooking and many other activities that involve consumable products. When I popped into the class, I found the students observing various kinds of sugars (using taste, touch, smell, and visual senses).
This block is an excellent bridge from the literal into the abstract, meeting the developing middle schooler right where they are.
Sewing Dolls in Grade 7
In Handwork class, the Grade 7 students are hand sewing dolls. A challenging yet rewarding project, the students create their choice of representation. Meanwhile, the Grade 8 students are machine sewing pajama pants.
Helicopter "Show and Tell"
Our neighbors at South Coast Montessori have invited us to join them to watch as a helicopter lands on the field. One of their parents is a Santa Barbara Sheriff and has arranged this "show and tell'. The Grades classes will join on Tuesday afternoon for the event.
Family Dance Evening
Next Friday, February 27, the Parent Association is hosting an evening of dance. Though the RSVP for dinner has closed, everyone is welcome to join the dance portion of the evening which will start at 5:30 p.m.
