Shakespeare learns about chemistry and Google apps.

Shakespeare went to visit the Seventh Grade Science classroom. Shakespeare is always intrigued by modern science. There have been so many exciting discoveries in the last 500 years!  The students are in their chemistry unit. The theme is "How do I get new stuff from old stuff?" 
Shakespeare also got to test out the new technology being used in Mrs. Keigher's classroom this year. The whole class used Chromebooks to collaborate with the other students in class on a Google Doc. For those of you who are not familiar, a Chromebook is a relatively new device, put out by Google. It is faster than a traditional laptop, because it does not have hardware. It's an internet only device. They are compatible with all the the Google apps that are being used at The Junior High.  
Mrs. Keigher's class is using the Chromebooks to collaborate with their classmates to suggest questions for the Driving Questions Board. This will be used to drive their learning for the whole unit. The questions that they ask will be answered as they complete the unit.

Shakespeare also learns about good lab safety!

All students received instruction about lab safety skills and appropriate behavior when dealing with chemicals. It's a must if they want to participate in labs. Safety first! There are lots of fun opportunities to learn about chemistry first hand if they show that they can be responsible enough to handle it. Shakespeare is demonstrating some smart and responsible lab behavior by wearing safety equipment.  

Shakespeare Experiences Africa

Shakespeare, along with the 7th grade social studies classes, got to learn about Africa from Mr. Bruce and Rene Lauer, who have been to Africa many times. Shakespeare and the students were thrilled by the Lauers' personal accounts of adventures to this amazing continent.  

The students got to see wildlife caught on camera, as well as, pictures and videos of students their age in Africa.  The Lauer’s have been to many different schools, and are generous enough to come here annually.  Students get to experience what it night be like for them if they lived in Africa.  

The Lauers are supporters of National Geographic and the World Wildlife Fund, and they are associated with the Field Museum.  They discussed poaching with the students and how they can help stop this decline in animal populations.  The 7th grade social studies classes have just started their unit on Africa, so this was a perfect addition.