Math: Mr. Jose Oliveira, [email protected]
Prior to our break, students worked on scatter plots and lines of best fit. We will continue our work with two-variable statistics that will include two-way tables and correlation coefficients. Students will take their Spring interim assessment next week. We are working with the students to review for this interim assessment. They will receive a study guide and review problems throughout the next week. Ask your student to describe to you what a scatter plot is and when you might use one. Be sure to ask your student to explain what we call a piece of data that doesn’t fit in with the rest of the data. Additional math help is available Tuesday-Friday mornings before school (starting at 8:00 AM) and after school (by appointment).
Science: Mr. David Suchy, [email protected]
8th graders have begun their study of Biology, specifically genetics. They are learning about inheritance through sexual and asexual reproduction. They will be investigating genetics by analyzing parent/child traits, pedigrees and virtual models. We are also honored to have three scientist volunteers from the Broad Institute working with us every Wednesday from now through April. One of the scientists will be visiting and teaching a class each Wednesday based on their direct experiences from the lab and research they have done. This is one of the best experiences of the year for our students, ask them about the scientists and what they have learned about genetics.
English Language Arts: Mr. Saveriano, [email protected]
As our 8th grade writers compose their well-developed compositions relating to their thinking around the novella "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, they will soon jump into the world of persuasion. In this upcoming editorial unit, 8th graders will study the craft of persuasive writing and utilize the techniques they will learn while writing an editorial on a topic(s) of their choice. The unit begins with an immersion phase. During this phase, students will be exposed to a variety of editorial articles through interactive read-alouds. This will allow students to construct their own understanding of editorials, including key elements of persuasion. Throughout the writing process, the class will engage in a combination of intensive exploration of mentor texts and frequent teacher modeling. Students will then publish their work in a celebratory activity such as creating a class collection, orally sharing with classmates, and possibly submitting work to professional publications including newspapers and literary magazines. Get ready to ask your child why editorials are so important to our society and what they are writing their editorial on.
Social Studies: Mr. Thomas Trainor, [email protected]
In this interdisciplinary (ELA and Social Studies) unit and project, students will conduct research on a relevant topic and produce an editorial—a persuasive type of writing in which students state their opinion on a current issue or topic of importance, targeted to a specific audience. Editorials are one avenue for passionate and engaged members of a society to use their voice to create a fair, just, and free society. Through this unit, students will examine mentor texts, brainstorm topics, conduct research, and engage in peer reviews. Through research, students will also consider how their topic relates to equity or fairness in society. Ask your student what issue they are choosing to speak up about.