Sixth & Seventh Grade: April 28 - May 2, 2025
Hello, Middle School Families,
Last week, we continued construction on the Gaga Ball court with Ki Derek. Measuring and sawing angles for the sides of the court were a wonderful exercise in patience and precision. Additionally, we had discussions on placement in the playground and decided that more work upfront to level an area in the playground would be better for the preferred location. The class was not afraid to push up their sleeves and get to work!
We explored the mechanical advantage of using pulleys for work and how the addition of multiple pulleys significantly reduced the effort required. We translated this from our small classroom set of pulleys to moving a really large weight (Ki Derek in a wagon with rocks and logs!) and compared pulling him up a hill with just a rope, versus using a pulley system. Some students were able to use just one arm to operate the pulley and still move the very heavy wagon uphill! It was a meaningful demonstration of the power of simple machines.
Through building the Gaga ball court, the students also have had real life experience with the other simple machines: inclined plane (the hill leading to the playground, the screw, wheel and axle, and the wedge.
We are looking forward to our big class field trip! Please get a good night’s sleep tonight. See everyone bright and early tomorrow morning!
Announcements and Reminders for Sixth/Seventh Grade:
5/6: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Field Trip
5/7 - 5/9: Overnight Hiking Field Trip
5/10: Community Work Day
5/14: Literature Circle Book and Assignment due
5/20: Sixth/Seventh Class Play at 5:30 pm
5/21: Field Day / Half-day for Kindergarten
5/23: Last day of School / Full Day
Thank you for the honor of teaching your children,
Ki Lesley
