Students have been working on determining theme and central idea, developing vocabulary, analyzing plot elements and character traits, and producing clear and coherent writing in both small- and whole-group discussions while reading short stories and informational texts. Eighth graders will also focus on building community and meeting our PACK agreements.

8th graders have been preparing to dive into their genetics unit with a review of cells and mitosis. To study cells, students took a sample of their own cheek cells, then viewed the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus under the microscope. We then explored the difference between plant and animal cells, modeled the organelles of a plant cell with construction paper, and next week will be moving into mitosis and cell division.