DATA 8th Grade Newsletter

ELAR

"Every project is an opportunity to learn, to figure out problems and challenges, to invent and reinvent." 

- David Rockwell

Due to an unexpected absence I had last week, the summer reading novel exam moved to this week ... first thing on Tuesday, September 3rd!

We'll spend some time during class starting Wednesday discussing some novel highs and lows as well as general themes.  We'll move immediately into mini-project options over the summer reading:  Students will be able to choose a project from a pre-determined list that exhibits their personalized understanding of the summer reading novel.  Students are given class time to work on this project over a number of days.  If students opt to do a paper-based project, I have most of the supplies they may need (other than poster board).

-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

Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.        — Albert Einstein 

We had our first MAP test this week, and this was hands-down the best group I've ever administered one of these standardized tests to. I continue to be impressed at all of the talents and skills your students possess!

Algebra 1: We worked last week to start closing out our coverage of linear equations, and introduced Algebra Tiles, a powerful concrete tool for developing conceptual mastery of equations. This proved helpful to a number of students, although some are still struggling. The techniques they have been working on continue into the next topic, linear inequalities. The Unit 1 Exam is currently scheduled for Tuesday, September 10. If your student is struggling, please encourage them to reach out for help. I can set up a tutoring time they can work with.

Geometry: Geometry students have finished up the Algebra review topics for now, showing quick recall and re-mastery of some key ideas of coordinate geometry. We finish out Unit 1 over the next couple of weeks with look into logic and mathematical proof. Our opening step into this area was more challenging that I intended, but served as a reminder that even very strong math students still have growth ahead. Lesson learned, we'll come at this area in smaller chunks as they grow this domain of critical reasoning. 

-Dr. Koepp

SCIENCE

EXPERIMENT. FAIL. LEARN. REPEAT. 

We have completed our unit on Brain Boosters, students took a CFA on Friday. We covered safety, lab measurement tools, inquiry, and we created and analyzed several graphs. 

This week we enter our category on Organisms and Environments. We will begin with cells. Students will identify key structures of the plant and animal cell and identify the function of each of the organelles. Students will identify the function of the cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, ribosomes, cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles in plant or animal cells. 

U.S. History through 1877

Mrs. Malin's Classes

Mr. Lovett's Classes

Principles of Architecture: 

Architecture students started the unit on career exploration as well. They had fun this week exploring their personality traits and identifying ways in which they can be better humans. Next week, they will be learning what it takes to become a licenced architect. 

Digital Media 2:

Digital Media students have begun the unit on career exploration in digital media. They will be working on a Photoshop next week. They will also begin an in depth study of symmetry!