DATA 8th Grade Newsletter

ELAR

"Respect your parents.  They passed school without Google." - Anonymous

The first week of school was busy but certainly fun in getting to know students!  We went over expectations and procedures, a syllabus, and students were given a brief presentation on academic dishonesty and plagiarism - this last topic is important to cover in an English class because students often aren't clear on what constitutes plagiarism, and students were assured that when it comes time to do any research in this class, I will guide them in the right direction.

In the week ahead, we'll explore personal connections in quotes as a way to begin unlocking our minds to decipher meaning.  Students will also produce a personal narrative essay.  Lastly, we'll begin a brief study on archetypes as slowly move toward our summer novel study.

-Mrs. Burciaga

Tutoring

Tuesday after school, 3:45 - 4:15

Thursday before school, 7:45 - 8:15

Lunch tutoring is available upon request

Questions or concerns?  Feel free to email me:  jburci@neisd.net

MATH

Mathematics knows no races or geographic boundaries; for mathematics, the cultural world is one country. — David Hilbert

As a teacher new to DATA I have been telling all of my friends about what great students I have. They have been very gracious in helping me fill in gaps in my understanding of the campus, I've they've risen to the task on everything I've asked of them, usually beyond expectations. They're a great bunch!

Algebra 1: This week we laid a lot of groundwork for the course--students got connected to my class groups in Khan Academy and DeltaMath, completed a Unit 1 Readiness Assessment, reviewed required policy update presentations, and responded to a short survey so I could learn some things about them. Friday (except for 2nd period, which did it already) they completed a team construction challenge, competing against my other 6 classes for best outcome.  Next week we begin our unit on Linear Equations and Inequalities.

Geometry: Geometry students engaged in the Class Construction Challenge on Wednesday, and are waiting so see if anyone betters their results. Their ability to form teams and collaborate under a tight time limit was amazing, and will allow for some deeper explorations as we learn this oldest of mathematical disciplines. Thursday saw an effort to introduce classical compass-straightedge constructions (as a unifying frame for much of the course) go off track due to technology challenges, but they seem resilient enough to come back at it afresh. Besides the Construction Challenge we completed the same foundation tasks as the Algebra classes. Next week we'll begin our unit on Coordinate Geometry and Proof.                     -Dr. Koepp

SCIENCE

EXPERIMENT. FAIL. LEARN. REPEAT. 

EXPERIMENT. FAIL. LEARN. REPEAT. 

It was great getting to know students the first week of school! We covered safety in the science classroom, safety rules, equipment, and procedures. Students took their first quiz! If students have still not turned in safety contracts, they need to be returned.  

This week in Science we will focus on the foundational skills of science. We will work on asking questions, generating hypothesis, collecting data, and sharing findings. We will make predictions and practice measuring volume, temperature, and mass using lab equipment. 

U.S. History through 1877

Mrs. Malin's Classes

Mr. Lovett's Classes

What a great start!!! Your student(s) did great this week. I had a lot of fun getting to know them a tiny bit. I hope they had as much fun as I did!

Principles of Architecture: 

Architecture students started a project in SketchUp to help them and the iMacs dust off the cobwebs. They had fun and stretched themselves a little as they were creating 3D models of their favorite place. Next week we will continue to go over expectations and I'll throw in a little fun-ish project as we get into the meat of principles of architecture. 

Digital Media 2:

Digital Media students started a project in Photoshop to help them and the iMacs dust off the cobwebs. Quite a few of them needed thier account fixed. Hopefully the district will get that fixed for them by the end of next week. Until then, they are able to do the projects, they are just on a "trial" period. These students were creating a digital "about Me" project.  Next week we will continue to go over expectations and I'll throw in a little fun-ish project as we get into the content of Digital Media.