School Notes Site
Welcome to St. James, the Best School in St. Louis. I am Mrs. Diana Robben, the 7th grade homeroom teacher. I have a Masters of Arts in Education, Religious Ed Certification, and am a Certified Trainer for DASH and FAST Science. I have been teaching for more than 20 years, with the last 11 spent at St. James in the upper grades. During this time I also served as a member of the Archdiocesan Science Committee, helping over 1000 teachers learn about teaching science through hands-on methods. Our team was recognized for our contributions, receiving the Shining Star Award from the Science Center. I personally received the Loeb Award in 2002 for Excellence in Teaching Math and Science.
I teach Religion to 7th and 8th Grade, and I am the Confirmation Catechist. One of the most enjoyable times in my year is sharing the Confirmation Morning of Reflection and the Retreat with our candidates. In 7th Grade Religion, we study the history of the Catholic Church from its beginnings at Pentecost through the 21st Century. We also study Morality, Family Life, and the Sacrament of Confirmation. In 8th grade we study the New Testament and our Catholic beliefs. My hope for my students is that they will come to understand our faith and become more active Christians.
In all our upper grades I try to engage students in doing Science. We learn to investigate using the Scientific Method. We do experiments and build models. Rather than use a text book, we learn concepts through real life research. In 5th grade we learn about the universe, our atmosphere and weather. We study the microscopic world and how lenses allow us to see. Then we do our first Science Fair Projects. Everything is completed at school so that I am sure what the students have learned. In the spring we begin studying the Physics of energy and motion. After learning about each of the simple machines, the students work together to create Rube Goldberg types of projects, transferring energy to complete tasks using all the simple machines.
In 6th grade, we study the physics of matter, beginning with density. We perfect our use of the Scientific method and experimental design, learning to set up valid experiments. We also do field studies and learn about plants, soil, and rocks. Our Science Fair projects focus on plant propagation.
7th grade we study our water and air resources. We also continue the study of matter, with physical and chemical properties. Students in 7th grade are free to choose any type of Science Fair project and develop a scientific research report as well.
In 8th grade we use what we learn about the ecosystems of the world and photosynthesis by studying World Hunger. We learn the basis of the study of Chemistry and the systems of the body. My goal is to prepare students to be active learners about the world around them.
Many of our graduating students have gone on to study Science in college. I like to think that I've had something to do with that. Hopefully, I am helping to create more future scientists with love and respect for all God has given us.
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