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Humanities

The third module in Humanities will begin with a Social Studies Unit on WWII. Students will study the causes of WWII, Europe's involvement, the United States' position of neutrality, and the attack on Pearl Harbor. In conjunction with this unit, students will write Feature Articles on WWII topics of their choice, exploring such subjects as D-Day, Japanese Internment, and the dropping of the atomic bomb. Other subjects may include the French Resistance and women's roles in the military. Students will first look at examples of current Feature Articles, then conduct independent research on their chosen topics. In the process, students will learn how to conduct proper research and write as a journalist. Lance's class will conclude the module with mini-units of the Cold War, focusing on both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Independent reading is, again, a major focus of this module. Students are working hard at logging their daily and weekly reading. In preparation for book groups in module four, students will also be working with reading partners to practice interpretation strategies. Reading partnerships will choose a series of short stories on the themes of race/class and teen issues and will practice discussing the texts in class, cultivating "book talk" and inference skills. Of course, students will continue to write thorough weekly reading reflections in an effort to increase higher level thinking.
Sabrina and Mary's class will end reading for the module with a unit on ‘Romeo and Juliet.” Students will have an opportunity to analyze various film interpretations of the play and do some performing themselves! Lance's class will conclude the reading curriculum this module by reading “From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun” by acclaimed young adult author, Jacqueline Woodson.
Our concluding writing project for module three will be realistic fiction. This provides students with a well-deserved respite from the constraints of formal writing. They will be able to tap into their creative talents and write a story of their own choosing. Our readings of short stories in our reading curriculum will inform our work on fiction. Traditionally, this writing unit is one of the favorites!

Math

During the third module in 8th grade Mathematics, students will finish their unit on working with expressions. Over the last few weeks, students have been extremely focused on their review of previous topics in preparation for the State Mathematics exam. The students once again have impressed me with their drive and they should be commended for their efforts. So it is on to bigger and better things for 8th grade Mathematics, as we begin our unit on Trigonometry and Equation Building. Students will get to know the basics of Trig and how it relates to real world problems. I am looking forward to the rest of this module and school year, as it has been a great one so far. As always, feel free to contact me at the school or by email at forman32 at hotmail.com.

Science

In the 3rd module, we will continue into the study of rocks and minerals. We last ended module 2 discussing the formation of mountains. This module picked up with the discussion of the forces that erode and break down mountains, such as rivers. The subsequent deposition of material by water and wind led us into our current study of sedimentary rocks. Rocks are a key in studying past environments and our goal is to be able to study rocks in particular area, such as the Grand Canyon, and thereby determine its geological past. Following our geology unit, we will begin investigating the chemical make-up of rocks and minerals. In this chemistry unit, we will study elements and compounds and their physical and chemical changes. This unit will review the scientific measurement skills needed for the upcoming science performance exam.

Art

Our eighth receive art class for four days a week for half a year. Now that we have entered third module, all students who had not yet received art have now begun. With eighth grade, the focus is on art history. We begin the year learning about realism, pointillism, expressionism and impressionism. They have begun work on pencil drawings for their realism project using a grid system to enable them to learn to draw more easily. There is already a great deal of success and amazement in the room as our more hesitant students are discovering that they actually can draw!

Spanish

We are beginning this module with a review of Spanish and Spanish-speaking countries. In class, we will focus on honing our conversational and writing skills by using real-life situations. We will be using an array of authentic materials, which I will provide photocopies, from textbooks to newspapers. Students will develop critical-thinking skills and make connections to their other academic subjects.

Technology

During third module Technology class, eighth grade students continue to build expertise in the applications they use in their academic work at TSMS. In a directed series of assignments and projects, students practice typing, learn how to properly format papers, create presentations, conduct Internet research, and write research papers. Additionally, students use our computer lab resources to express themselves creatively with graphic design, animation, and more advanced web design. Overall, students are encouraged to experience the computer both as an academic tool and as venue for active self-expression. Students are encouraged to see themselves as active creators of computer and web based media, not solely as consumers. The class aims to build skills that will allow students to create a web-based project during the fourth module.

Physical Education

The 8th grade students are building on last year’s volleyball experience. After a brief review they will be introduced to new skills like the 4-2 and 5-1 offenses and the bowl defense. In addition, the students are exploring various modes of conditioning including aerobic (like jogging and jumping rope) and strengthening exercises (like push-ups).

Eighth Grade Curriculum Archive