Litha: Summer Projects & Enrichment
The summer solstice brings the longest days—perfect for deep projects, exploration, and joyful learning. This optional unit offers enrichment activities to extend 7th grade studies.
UU Principle Focus
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
☀️ Summer Learning Goals
- • Pursue self-directed learning projects
- • Deepen understanding of topics from the school year
- • Develop research and presentation skills
- • Enjoy outdoor exploration and nature study
- • Read widely for pleasure and enrichment
- • Prepare for 8th grade with preview activities
Summer Project Ideas
Renaissance or Enlightenment Biography
Research and write an in-depth biography of a figure from the Renaissance, Reformation, or Enlightenment. Include their ideas, impact, and legacy.
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
Scientific Revolution Experiment Series
Recreate famous experiments from the Scientific Revolution or design original experiments inspired by Galileo, Newton, or other scientists.
⏱️ Ongoing
Create a Board Game
Design a board game based on the Age of Exploration, colonization, or another 7th grade topic. Include accurate historical information.
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
Ecology Field Study
Conduct a long-term study of a local ecosystem. Document species, relationships, and changes over time. Create a field guide.
⏱️ Ongoing
Enlightenment Debate Series
Research and prepare debates on Enlightenment topics: natural rights, social contract, separation of powers, free speech.
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
Art Portfolio
Create an art portfolio inspired by Renaissance techniques: perspective, chiaroscuro, observation drawing, scientific illustration.
⏱️ Ongoing
Genetics Investigation
Investigate heredity in your family or conduct plant breeding experiments. Document traits across generations.
⏱️ Ongoing
Historical Fiction
Write a historical fiction story set during the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Exploration, or Enlightenment.
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
📚 Summer Reading List
The Second Mrs. Giaconda
E.L. Konigsburg
Leonardo da Vinci and the Mona Lisa
I, Juan de Pareja
Elizabeth Borton de Treviño
A slave becomes an artist in Spain
The Midwife's Apprentice
Karen Cushman
A girl finds her place in medieval England
Anna of Byzantium
Tracy Barrett
A princess in the Byzantine Empire
Fever 1793
Laurie Halse Anderson
Yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia
Chains
Laurie Halse Anderson
Slavery during the American Revolution
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Elizabeth George Speare
Colonial Connecticut and witch trials
Johnny Tremain
Esther Forbes
A young silversmith in Revolutionary Boston
☀️ Litha Celebration
- 🟡 Celebrate the summer solstice with a bonfire or candle ceremony
- 🟡 Stay up to watch the sunset on the longest day
- 🟡 Create sun wheels or solar symbols
- 🟡 Hold a feast celebrating summer abundance
- 🟡 Share completed projects and summer reading
- 🟡 Reflect on the year's learning and growth
🔮 Preview: 8th Grade
Get ready for next year's adventures:
- • History: American Revolution, Constitution, and the new nation
- • Math: Algebra I—functions, linear equations, systems
- • Science: Physical science—matter, energy, waves, electricity
- • Literature: American literature, founding documents, persuasive writing