Mrs Leah

This week, we wrapped up our novel Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. Students wrote objective summaries, ensuring they captured the main ideas without personal opinions. We also mapped the entire plotline, analyzing rising action, the climax, falling action, and resolution. One key discussion point was how the most exciting or emotional moments in a story are not always the actual climax—sometimes, they are part of the build-up or resolution.

To deepen our understanding, we watched the 1998 film adaptation, The Mighty, and compared it to the book. Students examined major differences in plot, character development, and themes, questioning why the director may have changed certain elements. For example, we discussed how visual storytelling and time constraints often require films to alter details from their source material. Some students pointed out how the movie modernized certain aspects, while others debated whether the book or movie conveyed the story’s message more effectively.

In math we completed our final unit assessments, covering key concepts from the past few weeks. Students demonstrated their understanding through problem-solving, application tasks, and showing clear reasoning in their work. For those who want to continue strengthening their skills, Khan Academy mastery goals are available! To access these resources, students should log in using their school email and password.

Students completed their entrepreneurship project, which challenged them to develop an innovative solution to an environmental issue. This project required them to think like real-world entrepreneurs:

Problem-Solving: Identifying a real environmental challenge (e.g., plastic pollution, energy efficiency, water conservation).
Innovation: Designing a prototype of a product or service that could help address the problem.
Business Strategy: Planning how to market and sell their product, including target audience, pricing, and promotional strategies.
Presentation Skills: Pitching their ideas to the class, explaining their design choices, and answering questions about feasibility.

Great job to everyone!

Busan Science Museum Trip

On Wednesday, we took a school trip to the Busan Science Museum, where students had the opportunity to participate in hands-on STEM experiments and interactive exhibits. One of the highlights was building light boxes using LEDs, batteries, and conductive tape. Through this activity, students explored how electrical circuits work and learned about alternative ways to conduct electricity using special inks and tapes. This concept is widely used in modern wearable technology and compact electronic devices. To wrap up the day, we had some time to relax and play in the museum’s outdoor activity area.

With this busy and rewarding week behind us, I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved spring break! Take this time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends.

Next week, we’ll visit the Busan Science Museum! Please remember to sign up and submit 2,000 won to the office by Wednesday morning to secure your spot. https://forms.gle/5dKgvbC6aZdMp6Ur6

Sorry for the delayed class post, I was sick on Friday!

In English, we wrapped up our novel Freak the Mighty. To deepen our understanding of the characters, we discussed key events and analyzed how each character might present themselves in the modern world. Using a social media template, students imagined and designed profiles for the characters, showcasing their personalities, relationships, and motivations.

In Science, we are exploring how metals are extracted from their ores using carbon reduction and electrolysis. Students are learning that reactive metals like aluminum require electrolysis, while less reactive metals like iron can be extracted using carbon. We discussed real-world applications, including how these methods are used in industry and their environmental impact.

Students were able to present their 3D rendered designs for our Design Thinking lesson. It was a lot of fun to see how they addressed the problems presented by the cafeteria and their ideas to address them. We will do more presentation type activities to give students the opportunity to speak publicly.

In Social Science and Design, students have taken on an exciting project: developing a product to address an environmental issue and creating a business and brand to market it. This multidisciplinary project involves:

• Researching current environmental challenges and solutions
• Brainstorming innovative product ideas
• Developing prototypes
• Creating a business model and branding
• Preparing a pitch presentation to showcase their work

Students are collaborating effectively, and their creativity and critical thinking skills are shining through!

We have a great last week of term 2 ahead! Remember no clubs week 10 🙂

Mrs. Leah

Wednesday the 19th, Week 10, the whole school will be going to the Busan Science Museum for scheduled activities. Please arrive at school at 8:45am so we can board the bus at 8:55am and be on the road to make our activities. We will be back by 3:30 for regular bus schedules (no clubs in week 10!)

Please submit the permission form and pay 2,000 won to the office by Monday March 17th.

Location name: Busan Science Museum 

59, Dongbusangwangwang 6-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan

부산광역시 기장군 기장읍 동부산관광6로 59

www.sciport.or.kr

Date: Wednesday March 19th, 2025

Cost: 2,000 won

Description: Activity:Light Box Using Conductive Tape – Learn about simple circuits using conductive tape to create your own light box! Then explore the museum until time for departure.

Important Information: On this day, students should bring the following:

• Water Bottle
• Packed lunch that does not need to be microwaved
• A morning snack

Please ensure your child wears at least one piece of HFS uniform, such as the HFS T-shirt or hoodie.

After a 3 day weekend, we came back to class a bit lethargic, but we picked up the pace! It felt like an even shorter week due to International day this Friday!

English: We are in the midst of our novel study on Freak the Mighty. This week, we explored plot structures, literary devices, and character development, examining how these elements work together to bring the story to life. Everyone seems deeply invested in the novel, and we’ve had some insightful class discussions about the themes and character relationships.

Design & Technology: Students completed their 3D renders of their prototypes, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving skills. Next week, they will present their designs to receive peer feedback before making final refinements.

Social Sciences: We examined case studies of smaller yet highly successful entrepreneurs and their businesses, learning that success comes in many forms. We also explored the importance of intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and geographical indications. Next week, students will begin their final project—designing a product and developing a brand and business plan.

Science: Our focus this week was on metals and their extraction processes. We examined the reactivity series and how different metals require different extraction methods. For example, highly reactive metals like aluminum are extracted using electrolysis, while less reactive metals like iron are obtained through reduction with carbon. Students enjoyed exploring these concepts and will continue to deepen their understanding next week.

International Day: Friday’s all-day international event was a great success! Students had a wonderful time celebrating different cultures and tasting the incredible food provided by the PTA and HFS families. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed—your hard work and support truly made this event special!

Homework:

• Maths: Lesson Review
• English: Chapters 14-16 with reading comprehension questions (DUE MONDAY!) + work on the reading journal (you should be at lesson six!)
• Science: Metals Review

Have a lovely weekend and see you on Monday,

Mrs. Leah

This week in English, we kicked off our novel study unit with Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. We began reading together in class, and students are now responsible for reading 1–2 chapters each night. Alongside their reading, they are keeping a reading journal, which includes guiding and interpretive questions, vocabulary study, and reflections to deepen their understanding of the text. In class, we explored plot structure, breaking down the exposition, rising action, and character motivations to understand how the story is developing. We also examined characterization, discussing how the author reveals personality, relationships, and internal struggles through dialogue, actions, and descriptions.

In Learning Design and Technology, we explored design thinking and how it helps us create solutions to problems in a human-centered way. Students enjoyed interviewing each other about their school cafeteria experiences, defining key issues, and brainstorming creative solutions. Now, they are applying their ideas by developing 3D-rendered prototypes to test and refine their designs based on feedback.

In IMYC Social Studies, we continued our unit on entrepreneurship, examining the characteristics, duties, and responsibilities needed for success. Students conducted mini-research on various entrepreneurs, demonstrating that success comes in many different forms. We also explored bias and stereotypes, identifying implicit bias and their effects on decision-making and behavior. Students evaluated strategies to address biases and discussed how stereotypes can impact well-being and a sense of belonging.

Enjoy the three-day weekend, and get ready for a fun-filled International Day on Friday, March 7th!

Homework:

Math: Review
English:

• King Arthur Reading & comprehension questions (related to Freak the Mighty)
• Read Chapters 8–9 of Freak the Mighty and answer the comprehension questions (use full sentences)
• Complete Reading Journal for Lessons 1–4 (includes vocabulary study, guiding questions, and reflections)

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Leah

This week in English, students wrapped up their persuasive speech writing by finalizing their written work and engaging in some exciting on-the-spot argument games. These activities challenged them to think quickly, defend their viewpoints, and apply persuasive techniques in real-time. We also revisited our “rant write” activity, and it was great to see how the persuasive skills they’ve been developing started to shine through in their writing!

In Math, both Year 7 and Year 8 students completed their unit studies and took their final tests this Friday. Workbooks and tests have been sent home for review. This marks the conclusion of an important set of concepts, and I encourage students to reflect on their progress and identify areas where they may need extra practice.

In Science, students also took their unit tests, and I’m happy to report that most performed very well! As always, I highly encourage everyone to take thorough notes and use them for studying. Nearly all test questions come directly from classwork and previous quizzes, so reviewing regularly can make a big difference in performance.

In IMYC, we kicked off our new unit on Entrepreneurship with a WebQuest, where students explored famous entrepreneurs and the companies they founded. We discussed the key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, using Elon Musk as a case study to understand how persistence, creativity, and problem-solving drive innovation. Next week, we’ll take a deeper dive into the skills and responsibilities of an entrepreneur, explore design thinking, and experiment with rapid idea development to bring creative solutions to life.

Homework

Homework is lighter this week, with a mix of targeted practice and research activities:
Math: A short set of practice problems to reinforce key concepts.
English: A reading comprehension activity focused on entrepreneurs.
IMYC: A brief research task where students will explore an entrepreneur they personally resonate with. Since we’ve already done a similar activity in class, students should choose a different person this time. This assignment is due Wednesday, not Friday!

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Mrs. Leah

This week in English, students explored persuasive speech writing to refine their paragraph structure, use of quotes and citations, and rhetorical techniques. We analyzed advertisements and speeches to identify persuasive strategies, focusing on ethos, pathos, and logos. Students have now begun crafting their own speeches on the effects of technology on young people, building arguments with evidence and rhetorical language.

In History, we wrapped up our unit on genocide, with a discussion on the ongoing crisis in Darfur. We examined the impact of conflict on civilians, the humanitarian response, and the challenges of international intervention. To conclude, students wrote a final piece on why the international community does not intervene more often in humanitarian crises, using examples from our class discussions and case studies.

In Science, we conducted experiments to observe the factors that affect the rate of change in chemical reactions. Students dissolved sugar in different temperatures of water and timed the differences, and they also cracked glow sticks to compare how temperature affects the speed of their luminescent reactions. We wrapped up with a quiz, and everyone is on track for a great end-of-unit assessment next week!

In DTI, students worked diligently on their water treatment infographics, following a strict checklist to ensure accuracy and clarity. Using class notes and internet research, they are creating detailed and visually appealing final pieces that explain the steps of water treatment effectively.

It has also been wonderful meeting with families this week to discuss students’ progress in class. Thank you for your time and support!

Homework this week includes:

• Maths review packet
• Rhetorical Devices with a paragraph-long persuasive speech
• Human Rights brief reading
• Chemical Reactions and Rates of Chane Review packet

Looking forward to another productive week ahead.

Mrs. Leah

A friendly reminder that Student Reports are being sent home this Friday and Parent-Teacher Conferences are happening next week! If you haven’t scheduled a time yet, please do so at your earliest convenience. https://calendar.app.google/UmWRNiVjHt6V5zuq9

Additionally, we are considering moving Friday’s PE session to Thursday due to Ulsan College pitch availability. We will confirm this change as soon as possible and keep you updated.

This week in English, students honed their inference skills through a variety of activities. We worked with task cards containing short text excerpts and practiced drawing conclusions based on implicit details. We also watched short films, analyzing character actions, settings, and dialogue to infer themes. On Friday, students had a blast with a rant writing activity, where they passionately argued their viewpoints on topics of their choice. This fun exercise will prepare us for next week’s challenge—writing and delivering a mini persuasive speech!

In Math, Year 7 students tackled multiplication and division applications, focusing on multiplying with integers, decimals, 0.1, and 0.01, as well as metric unit conversions. Meanwhile, Years 8 and 9 wrapped up their respective units and completed their unit assessments.

In History, we took a deep dive into the Bosnian Genocide, examining the concept of ethnic cleansing and the power dynamics that contributed to such a tragic event. We discussed how nationalist ideologies and belief systems can shape conflicts, even leading to neighbors turning against each other. Students engaged in thoughtful discussions on the impact of historical memory, international intervention, and the lessons we can learn from these dark chapters of history.

In Science, we investigated reaction rates and the factors that influence them, including temperature, concentration, surface area, and the presence of catalysts. Using the Colorado PhET Lab simulator, students conducted a virtual lab, manipulating different variables to observe how they affect reaction speed. This hands-on approach helped solidify our understanding of chemical reactions in real-world scenarios.

In Design, Innovation, and Technology, we explored water treatment systems, analyzing the process of purifying raw water into clean, usable water. Students examined key steps such as filtration, sedimentation, coagulation, disinfection, and storage. Through discussions and research, we gained insight into how water is treated before reaching our homes and why access to clean water remains a critical global issue.

In PSHE (Personal, Social, and Health Education), we focused on bullying and peer relationships. Students discussed how to identify warning signs of bullying before it escalates and explored strategies for supporting peers who may be experiencing issues. We emphasized the importance of speaking up, knowing who to turn to for help, and fostering a safe and supportive school environment.

Homework:

Year 7 – Math review steps 1-6, all lesson videos are linked on Classroom to review as needed. (Recommended to complete by Monday as we will continue to build upon these steps)

Year 8/9 – Math Review Packet from Mr. Green

English – Making Inferences in a Fictional Text

DTI- Water Filtration and Treatment reading with comprehension questions

On Friday February 7th students will take home mid-year progress reports. If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss, please use the appointment calendar below. Please email me for alternate accommodations as needed.

Link to booking page

We’ve had an exciting week in our classroom, filled with hands-on activities, meaningful discussions, and creative projects. Here’s a detailed look at what we’ve been working on in each subject:

English

This week, students explored inferences in music by selecting songs of their choice and analyzing the lyrics. They crafted narratives to explain the deeper meaning behind the lyrics, highlighting emotions and storylines. This personalized approach allowed students to connect with the material in a unique way, sparking thoughtful conversations and insightful interpretations of their favorite music.

History

In History, we delved deeper into the Cambodian Genocide, focusing on the complexities of seeking justice after such a devastating event. We discussed the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals who participated in the atrocities under duress or threat. Students reflected on the challenges of accountability in these situations, developing their understanding of historical justice and empathy for those affected. Their perspectives on who should be held accountable were reflected in thought-provoking paragraph response showing their growing maturity in grappling with difficult topics.

Science

Students enjoyed a hands-on experiment this week by making bath bombs using citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and glycerin. After crafting their bath bombs, students tested how they dissolved in water at different temperatures to observe the effects on reaction speed. This activity reinforced the concepts of chemical reactions, exothermic reactions, and the role of temperature in influencing rates of reaction.

Design and Technology

Building on their research about water scarcity, students began designing infographics to convey their findings visually. While the initial results were mixed, we are using this as a learning opportunity to improve their design and communication skills. These posters will serve as a foundation for our next section, where we’ll focus on water sanitation and refine their ability to present information effectively.

PSHE (Personal, Social, and Health Education)

This week, we focused on friendships and bullying, topics that remain crucial in our close-knit classroom and school community. We’ve started exploring how to build and maintain friendships, handle conflicts, and express ourselves positively. Students are engaging in role-playing activities and discussions, reflecting on their own behavior and how they interact with peers. These lessons aim to foster empathy, resilience, and better communication skills. As we continue, we hope to see these lessons translate into a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

There in no homework as many student travel for this holiday.

Everyone be safe, enjoy your family and friends, and see you Monday February 3rd!

Mrs. Leah