Science: Mr. David Suchy
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8th graders have begun their study of Biology; specifically genetics. They are learning about inheritance through sexual and asexual reproduction. They will be investigation genetics by analyzing living plants models, 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
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Our 8th grade writers are stretching out their fingertips in order to get into composing their original short stories. After developing a complex protagonist and unearthing a major conflict for their protagonist, our young writers will begin drafting their original short stories that will include symbolism, grammatically correct dialogue, internal and external conflicts, flashback and flashforward techniques, and varied sentence structure. Later, our RAUC writers will be revise our first draft with character perspective in mind, analyze the choices we made through whole class and small group discussion protocols, and display excerpts of our writing for all to see. Ask your child about the progress they are making with their short story. Encourage them to read excerpts to you aloud. In addition, encourage them to read a collection of short stories.
Social Studies: Mr. Trainor
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Our 8th Grade students are continuing their exploration of the Age of Ideas. We are especially focusing on the different aspects and engines for change. We are investigating how the concept of humanism developed after centuries of intellectual darkness. In particular, students will research one important thinker or agent of change during this time period and create a resume for their historical figure. Additionally, students will begin to transition to our next unit of study on Mesoamerican civilizations. Students will evaluate characteristics of different civilizations to better understand other cultures and our own. Students will grapple with these three big essential questions:
What are the ways in which major civilizations contribute to the world? How do societies rise and fall? How do we tell the story of a society?
Math (On-Grade Level): Mr. Jose Oliveira
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Students have been learning about Systems of Linear Equations. We have looked at solving these systems using graphing and also the substitution method. This week we have begun to look at the elimination method of solving these systems. Shortly after returning from break we will begin our next unit on exponents. Be sure to ask your student about what the point of intersection represents in a system of linear equations.
Accelerated Math Pathways: Mr. Jose Oliveira
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We have been looking at exponential functions over the past few weeks. Students have learned about how to graph them, solve for a given input, and also using these functions in a real world context. When arriving back from break we will start to investigate polynomials. Ask your student about exponential growth when dealing with money and mutual compounds.