I love the science topics in 8th grade and you will too! We'll learn about natural selection, evolutionary history, the Earth and Moon system, energy, forces and motion, and waves. We'll culminate the year with a water bottle rocket build and launch project.

Do you have an interest in the environment and are concerned about climate change? Join the Energy and Sustainability Club and make a positive impact at our school and in our community. Topics include the science behind climate change, environmental and biodiversity issues, pollution and the circular economy, emerging policy and solutions, and education and advocacy. We will culminate with hosting Earth Day events in April for our school community.

Junior Achievement is a national program that prepares students for workforce readiness. At Thornton we meet after school once a week for 7 weeks in the fall. We will use the JA - It’s My Future course. Topics include:

1. ​My Brand - Through interviews and self-reflection and creation of a personal logo, students explore the importance of building a positive personal brand for the future.

2. Career Clusters - Students explore career clusters and identify jobs for additional research.

3. High Growth Careers - Students learn four factors to consider in choosing a job.

4. Career Mapping - Students explore how to use life experiences to develop work skills and how to map a path to employment goals.

5. On the Hunt - Students are introduced to the basic aspects of job hunting.

6. How to Keep (or Lose) a Job - Students learn the difference between technical and soft skills.