DATA 8th Grade Newsletter


DATA@EWMS WEBSITE

Week 13:  Nov 6 - Nov 10

Please check the newsletter homepage for Important Information and Dates!

ELAR

"The world is changed by your example not by your opinion." - Paulo Coelho


Over the last couple of weeks in other classes, 8th grade DATA students have been studying and working with ideas around the dangers of vaping, to generate further awareness of this issue.  Now equipped with facts and numbers and some history around the subject, students will spend this week studying various informational texts and preparing to write their own.  Writing an informational text may sound simple, but understanding the purpose of informing can often get confused with the purpose of convincing (the opportunity to offer opinions comes in a later unit).  

So the questions to answer in ELAR this week, as students begin thinking about their own piece of informational writing, are: 

1) What is the purpose of my writing? and, 

2)  How do I structure my writing so that my purpose clear and the information I offer is understood?

So we'll begin by studying brief texts that help students understand purpose and structure.  Once there is a good handle on these, then we'll move on into a condensed writing process to achieve a solidly written informational text.


TUTORING

Tuesday & Wednesday: 

7:45 am-8:15 am*

Thursday:  

after school

*pass required

Lunch time tutoring is available - please see Mrs. Burciaga


Questions or concerns?  

Feel free to email me:  jburci@neisd.net


MATH

"Mathematics is the abstract key which turns the lock of the physical universe." 

-John Polkinghome

Algebra: We finish Unit D LInear Equations in 3 forms this week and will test Wednesday November 8

Algebra 5th period: We are continuing our unit on Systems of equations. Students will learn two algebraic methods after having mastered solving by graphing. 

Geometry: We finish Unit 4 Triangle Congruence this week and will test Wednesday November 8. 

Tutoring: Thursday before and after school or by appointment. mlund@neisd.net

SCIENCE

"The country which is in advance of the rest of the world in chemistry will also be foremost in wealth and in general prosperity." - WILLIAM RAMSAY


As we continue our Chemistry unit, we're in for an exciting journey leading us through the holiday break. Last week, we delved into the fascinating world of atoms, exploring their structure, subatomic particles, and their relationship to the periodic table. This week, we'll take it a step further. We'll dive into the intriguing realm of chemical bonding. We'll investigate how atoms combine to form molecules and discover the forces that hold them together. Get ready for some captivating experiments and discussions that will deepen our understanding of the molecular world. 

Tutoring is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, students can attend from 7:45-8:15 am. 

If you have any questions, you may email me at egonza10@neisd.net

U.S. History through 1877

We are Living History!

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Three months down, and just seven left!! Can you believe your historian will be a high schooler in seven months!?!

We're still chugging along in out government unit. Your historian has learned all about how the American Constitution was created.  This week your historian will take a quiz about the creation of America's second government (because the first one fell apart). 

This week is going to be an odd week, thanks to having Tuesday off and our Veteran's Day assembly on Wednesday. Regardless, we push on! Your historian will start looking at what the Constitution actually created. So we'll be looking at things like the three branches, the seven principles of the Constitution, and the first 10 amendment that make up the Bill of Rights. 

📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜📜

My Puzzle Club meets after school on  Thursday from 3:45 - 4:30. 

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Tutoring is available Mondays, 7:45-8:20 am and 3:45-4:15. Students can also tutor during lunch every day, except Wednesdays.

You can reach me at lvanho@neisd.net

Have a wonderful week! 

-Ms. Van Horn

AV Comm/Video Game Design

Greetings DATA Families!
Have a great week!

AV Comm: This week, students will delve into core photography concepts: lighting, ISO, aperture, and DSLR operation. Through practical exercises, they'll gain proficiency in camera use and enhancing photo quality. By the workshop's conclusion, they'll have the skills to capture captivating images and elevate their photography.


Video Game Design: In the coding workshop, students will use SNAP! to learn about lists, a crucial data structure in programming. They'll discover how to create, modify, and work with lists, gaining a solid understanding of their ability to store various items. Additionally, students will explore real-world uses of lists, like managing contacts, tracking game scores, and handling input data. The workshop will provide hands-on experience, offering students valuable insights into the versatility and practicality of lists in coding and computer science.

My email is emalin@neisd.net --Mrs. Malin

Tutoring is available Tuesday mornings and by appointment. 





Mr. Lovett's Classes

Principles of Architecture: 

Architecture students now understand that there are three basic designs to a home. Next week they will be creating bubble diagrams as they move into planning the design of their project. 

Digital Media 2:

November, November, November is upon us. This is the month we are tackling repetition in type, line, color and all sorts of things. For example, if you look over this newsletter, you will see repetition used all over the place. I am looking forward to seeing the projects students complete!

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send me an email

PBL: Vaping / Tobacco Awareness

Our 8th Grade DATA  students engaged in a comprehensive cross-curricular Project-Based Learning (PBL) initiative centered around the pervasive issue of vaping and tobacco. This interdisciplinary project aimed to provide students with a holistic understanding of the subject by incorporating elements from various core classes. Students delved into the historical roots of smoking and vaping, examining the evolution of these habits over time. They meticulously gathered historical statistics and facts to shed light on the societal impact of tobacco. Additionally, students explored the health concerns associated with vaping and smoking, considering the long-term consequences on individual well-being. To showcase their newfound knowledge, the students created a digital art piece that serves as a visual representation of their insights and understanding derived from extensive research. This PBL initiative not only enhanced their academic skills but also empowered them to critically assess the complex issue of vaping and tobacco from multiple perspectives.