gr8 House Newsletter

8th Grade Math - Mrs. Stanislawski and Mr. Pabst
The 8th Grade Math students are finishing up Topic 5 in Digits. This topic has focused on proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations. The Topic 5 Test will be on January 17th or 18th. We will then begin Topic 6, which will deal with systems of linear equations. The students are taking the Winter MAP test on January 10th and 11th.
8th Grade Math - Ms. Pakroo
Students have been working on numeric and algebraic expressions.We are moving on to equivalent expressions, and working with different mathematical properties. Along the way we are reviewing foundational math skills that will help when working more complex mathematical processes.
Algebra - Mrs. Stanislawski
The Algebra students have just finished up Chapter 5, which focused on polynomials. They have been adding, subtracting, multiplying, and factoring polynomials. The next several days will be spent reviewing for the Semester 1 Exam, which will be taken on January 17th and 18th. The students are taking the Winter MAP test on January 10th and 11th. At the beginning of 3rd Quarter, the students will begin graphing linear equations, which will include working with slope and slope-intercept form of an equation.
Geometry – Mrs. Stanislawski
The Geometry students have just finished up Chapter 6, which focused on triangles. The next few days will be spent reviewing for the Semester 1 Exam, which will be taken on January 16th and 17th. The students are taking the Winter MAP test on January 10th and 11th. At the beginning of 3rd Quarter, the students will begin working with Quadrilaterals.
Social Studies - Mr. Pfeiffer and Mrs. Hajewski
In Social Studies, we are finishing up the American Revolution. Students are creating a book on the American Revolution which describes numerous events that led up to the war and our fight for independence. We'll be looking at the development of our government and westward expansion as we go into the 3rd quarter.
Science – Ms. Heling and Ms. Schalk
What's all that ComMOTION going on in 8th grade Science Class?
8th grade scientists have just started their unit on motion and forces. We have been learning about the topics of speed, velocity, and acceleration. Students have performed some exciting labs where they calculated speed, acceleration, and velocity of their own movements (i.e. leap frog, hopping, and walking backwards toname a few)as well as toy cars and other objects down a ramp.
This week students will be using their skills to design and engineer their very own roller coaster. Look forthem at your local amusement park!
In the upcoming weeks, students will be experimenting with forces and Newton's Laws. They will be using their knowledge of Newton's Laws to create balloon powered rockets that they will challenge against other rocket designs. Towards the end of this unit, we will be looking forward to someentertaining guest speakers who apply forces and motion in their workplace.
Communication Arts and Literacy – Mrs. Grossman, Mrs. Hajewski , Mr. Maloney, and Ms. Pakroo
Grade 8 Readers are currently starting to read a self-selected book with a partner. Students are reinforcing and practicing the skills that make for effective and deeper conversations. As part of this unit, partnerships will determine reading goals for which they will hold each other accountable. In addition, partners will come prepared to discussion sessions by having notes and responses prepared in their Reader’s Notebooks.
Grade 8 writers are formalizing the kinds of literary observations they make regularly in their independent reading. The objectives of this process include being able to not only identify and recognize literary elements, but to be able to organize this thinking in writing by examining the impact of literary elements on the meanings found in a text. Being able to write a literary analysis essay is a strong step toward high school readiness, but it also sharpens the thinking students at this level are engaging in with their reading.