8th Grade

updated 11/20/2025

8th Grade GATE - Fall Highlights

Our 8th grade GATE students have had an exciting and thoughtful start to the year. We began the fall by exploring the world of psychology and how understanding human behavior, personality and creativity can deepen students’ self awareness and help them grow as learners and leaders.

Introduction to Psychology

Students were introduced to several foundational concepts in psychology, including how psychologists study behavior, why people think and act differently and how personality can shape the way we learn and work with others. We discussed case studies to help students understand how psychologists analyze real world situations, identify patterns and make informed conclusions. These case studies sparked important conversations about empathy, decision making and how our environment influences our behavior.

Students also learned about the Myers and Briggs personality framework and took a modified personality assessment to explore their own preferences in areas such as communication, decision making and problem solving. They enjoyed discovering which personality tendencies matched them and how these tendencies appear in teamwork and creative situations.

To extend this work, students explored their Creative Type, a research based model that identifies how individuals generate ideas, approach challenges and express creativity. This helped students better understand their natural strengths as innovators, collaborators or imaginative thinkers. Altogether, our psychology unit helped students learn more about themselves and others and laid the groundwork for the leadership responsibilities they will take on this year.

Planning the 2nd and 3rd Grade Science and Arts Learning Carnival

Our 8th graders are now using their leadership skills to plan the upcoming Science and Arts Learning Carnival for the 2nd and 3rd grade convocation, which will take place in February 2026. Students are responsible for designing, preparing and facilitating hands on learning workshops for younger GATE students. This is a significant leadership opportunity and one of the highlights of the middle school GATE experience.

Workshops currently being developed include:

• The Science of Sound

• Creative Writing for Character Development

• American Sign Language

• Video Game Development

As part of the planning process, students must develop a detailed lesson plan, determine the materials needed for their workshop and create a budget for their supplies. They are learning how to structure engaging activities, communicate ideas clearly and anticipate the needs of early elementary students.

This project allows students to apply their creativity, leadership, communication and planning skills in a meaningful and authentic way, and their early preparation shows great care and thoughtful design.