8th Grade Learning Previews - January 2020
Posted on 01/22/2020
Math: Mr. Jose Oliveira
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Last week the 8th graders finished up our exponents/scientific notation unit. We have begun our rational/irrational numbers and Pythagorean Theorem unit. Students will take their mid-year assessment next week. Review has been on homework assignments and also in class. Historically Pythagorean Theorem has been a favorite topic for many students. Be sure to ask your student about what makes a number rational. Additional math help is available Tuesday-Friday mornings before school (starting at 8:00 AM) and after school (by appointment).
English Language Arts: Mr. Nathan Saveriano
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Our 8th graders will navigate through the pages of John Steinbeck’s controversial and captivating novella entitled Of Mice and Men. Since this novella is blanketed with profanity, racism, and violence, we are currently enhancing our background knowledge of America in the 1930s in order to be informed and educated readers. As explorers of the past, we are examining the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, segregation, and the plight of migrant farmworkers. As readers of the novella, we will analyze the following thematic ideas: Why are dreams important to live successful and fulfilling lives? Is the “American Dream” just a dream and not a reality? What constitutes a genuine friendship? How important is it for human beings to have a place where they belong? How is the world designed to prey on the weak? How can innocence be a form of corruption? Does society encourage or discourage loneliness or isolation? I encourage you to engage your child by asking them these thought provoking questions.
Social Studies: Mr. Thomas Trainor
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“Justice in Action” explores three core levers that civic actors can use to bring change: voting, the judicial system, and constitutional amendments. This unit pushes students to grapple with how the levers of change have been used to expand rights throughout U.S. history, as well as with the conflicts over values that have accompanied such moments of change. Students trace how voice may be converted into influence through case studies in which civic actors voice the need for change, identify the right strategic pathway to pursue it, and used the levers to change their political community. Throughout the unit, students will assess how well our democracy protects the rights of all individuals and supports access to democratic processes. Further, students will identify ways that individuals and groups can promote change by developing clear plans of action when governments do not meet the needs of citizens.
Science: Mr. David Suchy
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8th graders have been getting deep into their investigation of Physics. They have studied contact forces and demonstrated how Newton’s laws explain movement through several hands on engineering projects. Students will now investigate forces that act at a distance (magnetism and gravity) in more detail. They will continue to use a mixture of hands on and virtual experiences to explore the content with their classmates. Ask your child about the forces affecting everything around you every day.