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How do I better understand a non-fiction text? What were the causes of WWI? What is a literary essay? How do I perform up to my potential on the upcoming ELA Exam? These are some of the questions 8th grade Humanities classes will explore in module two. In the first weeks of the module, students will learn strategies for reading non-fiction texts, such as using text features (titles, pictures, graphs, maps) and searching for the big idea and supporting details in the text in order to cultivate greater comprehension. In social studies, we will focus on the causes and effects of World War I, the boom and prosperity of the Roaring 20’s, the economic hardships and struggles of the Great Depression and the inconceivable events of the Holocaust. In some sections, students will read Maus I and Maus II by Art Spiegelman, examining the relationships between the characters and the profound impact that the Holocaust had on the Spiegelman family. To prepare for the ELA Exam in January, students have recently completed writing three literary essays to practice the structure and skills required to write a highly competent essay. In the weeks prior to the test, we will conduct an intensive test prep unit in which students will learn how to navigate through the test by utilizing effective test-taking strategies.

Science Module Two

In the second module, we will zoom in to an atomic level and study a few concepts of Chemistry. The focus questions of this module are “What are things made of?” and “How do things change?” These investigations will focus on physical and chemical properties and changes of matter. Topics include phase changes of matter, measurement and safety, elements and compounds, density, solutions, and chemical reactions. In beginning to study these concepts, students will need to first learn how to use a variety of laboratory equipment to measure the mass and volume of different items. These skills are very important for their state performance assessment that will be given in May, as well as being crucial in knowing how scientists conduct experiments. Following the study of measurement, we will study matter and phase changes and how different substances have different boiling and freezing points. Density is another important topic studied and will help students to identify different substances such as minerals. Minerals will lead into our study of matter on a molecular level as we study elements and compounds. And last, we will distinguish between chemical and physical changes. In our final project, students will identify a variety of unknown substances based on a physical or chemical property (boiling point, density, or gas given off in a chemical reaction).

Math Module Two

In the second module in 8th grade Mathematics, the students will continue to explore algebraic relationships. We will study quadratic and exponential relations and discuss how these non-linear forms differ from what we had done in the previous units. A large portion of the second module will consist of students working with Geometric relationships. Students will explore angles and transformations as we move along in this unit. Although these may look very different, the connection to the yearlong question of relationships continues. The content is moving along at a quick pace preparing us for our upcoming exam and preparation for Math A in 9th grade. I believe that students will rise to this challenge and continue the hard work that we started in the first module. Once again, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the school or by email.

Art Module Two

As we enter into the second and final module for the eighth graders, we are busy making masks, optical art designs, one-point perspectives and self-portraits. They will be utilizing one of the specific techniques of their Art History tour for their self-portraits. For example, they might chose to paint themselves using pointillism, draw themselves using realism, or even create their appearance in a collage. This will be a wonderful way to end their art class at TSMS with a memory of themselves at this time and place in their lives.

Spanish Module Two

Dear Family, I am looking forward to a great and productive second module. We will continue with the program Realidades1, published by Prentice Hall, to introduce your student to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures. In grammar, we will be dealing with the present tense conjugation of -AR, -ER and -IR verbs, the conjugation of the verbs SER and ESTAR and the plurals of nouns and articles. The topics we will be covering are the classroom/ school and the food/meals. Our goal is to give students a foundation for exploring and understanding Spanish-speaking cultures and peoples. Through the classroom activities and videos, students will employ critical thinking skills as they compare the Spanish language and its cultures with those of their own community. We hope that your student will become aware of how Spanish is used every day in the real world and that you will be involved with the learning process through projects and activities sent home.

Technology Module Two

Second module in Technology class embarks upon a challenging new project: creating The Phoenix Review, an online magazine featuring original writing by TSMS students. During the first module, students learned the basics of HTML and creating web graphics. In the second module, students use those skills to design the online magazine. Students act as writers, editors, graphic designers, and webmasters. The project requires extensive writing for all students. Students also have the opportunity to take on leadership roles for the project. We are hoping to have the Phoenix Review available on the TSMS website early in the new year.

Physical Education Module Two

The 8th grade students are building on last year’s basketball experience. After a brief review, they are being introduced to more intense skills of dribbling, between the legs and spin, passing behind the back, and shooting lay-ups. In addition, the students will also continue to explore different modes of conditioning.

Eighth Grade Curriculum Archive