Welcome to 8th Grade

8th Grade

Current Units of Instruction

Unit 2 - ELA

What are we learning?

The unit theme is Coming of Age: Immigration. Students will evaluate the immigrant experience past, present, and future.

What to expect in this unit?

Students will explore a number of nonfiction and informational text resources. They will read a literature circle novel covering this theme and respond to high level questions. They will write a creative short story.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because students develop analysis skills related to reading literature and information. They will develop organizational and creative writing skills.

Unit 2 - Solving One-Variable Equations

What are we learning?

Students will be learning how to solve multi-step equations with variables on both sides and different types of solutions.

What to expect in this unit?

At the end of the unit, students will have a summative assessment and will also complete a performance task to apply their understanding of solving equations. This year we have IXL as a resource to support student learning. Each unit students will be provided with IXL topics that align with what they are learning. Some topics will be assigned as homework and others are for students to complete if they need extra practice on a particular topic.

Why does this unit matter?

Solving equations is a foundational algebraic skill. Students will further develop their problem solving skills as they write and solve equations that model situations.

Algebra Unit 3 - Functions & Graphing Linear Functions

What are we learning?

Identifying linear and nonlinear functions
Graphing and analyzing linear equations in standard form
Graphing and analyzing linear equations in slope-intercept form
Graphing and analyzing absolute value equations

What to expect in this unit?

This unit will build on what students learned in Math 8 and will extend their understanding of linear equations as they apply their ability to graph linear equations to absolute value equations. The unit will consist of formative and summative assessments.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit is foundational to all future units this school year, in particular the first half of the year as we focus on linear functions.

Science Unit 1 - Safety, Equipment & Measurement

What are we learning?

Lab Safety, Equipment & Measurement

What to expect in this unit?

A review of lab safety practices and equipment/measurement applicable to 8th grade science. Students will take separate assessments on safety and equipment/measurement.

Why does this unit matter?

Students will be working with chemicals and fire in Unit 2.

Unit 2 - A Modern Nation Emerges

What are we learning?

Essential Question: What major political, economic, and cultural changes occur as a result of imperialism?

Supporting Question #1

What are the motivating factors of expansionism, colonialism or imperialism?

Supporting Question #2

Do greater weapons create greater peace?

Supporting Question #3

Are treaties a fair and effective settlement for peace?

What to expect in this unit?

We will complete an Inquiry Chart, Content Checks, and a Summative Project involving the topic of World War One. 50 States Geography Test will also occur this unit.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit directly correlates with our Social Studies state standards and it will prepare us to propel us forward into Unit 4.

Unit 0 - Clay

What are we learning?

I can make coils of clay
I can properly use the clay tools (wooden knife, needle tool, turntable)
I can build a clay container using the techniques show in class

What to expect in this unit?

Students will get a chance to practice and learn the tools and techniques
Students will see examples of finished ceramics
Students will learn how to fix problems, clean up, and how to store their clay

Why does this unit matter?

This is our first lesson in 3D art. It sets the tone for getting time to try new techniques and build our confidence before completing our summative.

Gold Band - Unit 0

Gold Band - Unit 1

What are we learning?

Refining of basic band skills (tone production, posture, ensemble skills, notation reading, rhythmic accuracy, articulation, dynamics and expression, to name a few)

What to expect in this unit?

Preparation for the Winter Concert

Why does this unit matter?

This unit includes the Winter Concert. This is the first of two large-group performances shared with parents. Performances are an integral part of being a band musician and are public celebrations of the music students have been making in band class since the beginning of the year.

Automation & Robotics Unit 1: Automating Mechanisms

What are we learning?

I can build a simple gear train using VEX parts.
I can explain and identify the input movement and output movement of a mechanical system.
I can explore careers in automation and robotics.
I can build and program a motor to spin a gear train.
I can assemble, wire, and program a system to complete a task.
I can plan a program using appropriate strategies such as flowcharting.
I can create appropriate event handlers to respond to runtime events, such as the push of a bumper switch.
I can demonstrate successful collaboration within a team to meet development goals and design requirements.
I can create algorithms that use loops.
I can calculate the gear ratio of a system.
I can describe the relationship between gear size, speed, and torque in a gear train.
I can build a prototype using a universal joint or bevel gears.
I can communicate a plan for creating a system using sketches and prototyping.
I can follow the steps of the design process to effectively develop a design solution.
I can use a decision matrix to evaluate potential solutions.

What to expect in this unit:

Students explore how gear trains and other mechanisms transfer movement in mechanical systems and design, build, and program automated systems to meet the needs of clients. In the end-of-lesson project, students can choose to design an interactive device to keep pets physically and mentally active, a spinning street sign to warn drivers to slow down and stop, or a high-speed dragster.

Why does this unit matter?
This unit is the students' introduction to some basic mechanisms that are a part of everyday systems, some coding using the VEX V5 coding platform, and the structural and mechanical hardware of the VEX robotics systems used throughout the course.

Unit 1 - Super Chef

What are we learning?

I can identify ways to prevent common kitchen accidents. NS 8.2
I can describe what to do if a kitchen accident occurs. NS 8.2
I can measure ingredients properly. NS 9.6

What to expect in this unit?

We will review kitchen safety and proper measuring techniques.
Students will demonstrate these skills while preparing foods in the cooking labs.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit will teach skills and knowledge that will be used throughout the trimester as we do a variety of fun cooking labs safely and collaboratively.

Unit 0 Spanish - Review

What are we learning?

Students will review and focus on the different vocabulary and grammar strategies that will help them communicate in Spanish as they continue to learn the language.

What to expect in this unit?

In this unit, students will activate prior knowledge of the target language. They will review and be assessed on a variety of grammar and vocabulary from units 1, 2, and 3.

Why does this unit matter?

This unit matters because it provides feedback and helps to activate background knowledge for the upcoming units.

Unit 0 -

What are we learning?

We will be focusing on the following standards

Demonstrate the rules and procedures in both the gymnasium and locker room. (19.C.3a,21.A.3a,b,c)

Demonstrate and explain the importance of teamwork, communication, decision making both in PE class and in life situations. (21.A.3b,c,21.B.3a)

What to expect in this unit?

You will be receiving your homebase spot, gym locker and lock and your Physical Education uniform.

You will be reviewing Phys.Ed expectations, routines, materials needed, grading and units!

You will also be focusing on sportsmanship and team building skills through a variety of activities.

Why I like this unit? Why does this unit matter?

This unit will set us up for success throughout the year so we can do a variety of fun activities safely and collaboratively.

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