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- Our Family
8th Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS – Mrs. Zaszczurynski
The fourth quarter is full of fun and exciting things as we approach the end of the year. Students, please remember that as the end of the year approaches the same quality of work is expected. It seems that some of you have already found the “Spring Fever” and we need to stay away from that and continue our hard work.
In reading, for the fourth quarter we will begin with classics. The seventh grade class has chosen Classic novels to read for their March book report. Each student has a different book that they will read and, in turn, present a project the last week in March. Please discuss the books with your children as they are reading them. Also, one of our focus genres will be poetry as April is Poetry Month. The students will be reading and writing different types of poetry.
For writing, the eighth grade will be working on a project where they will be traveling through a country of their choice and completing many activities. They will be working with journaling, realistic fiction, creating a brochure, and persuasive writing. Another focus for writing will be poetry. The students will be writing various types of poetry.
We are looking forward to a great ending to this school year.
MATH – Mrs. Anklin
Blue -- Chapter 6: Exploring Number Patterns -- This chapter develops basic ideas in number theory. Patterns are stressed. Students investigate prime factorization, greatest common factor, and least common multiple and then apply these concepts for fraction simplification and probability. Rational numbers are introduced, their relationship to decimals is investigated, and methods of comparing and ordering them are developed Students also learn to solve problems by making a list.
Chapter 7: Using Rational Numbers -- This chapter builds on the concepts learned in chapter 6. Methods for applying all of the arithmetic operations to rationals are developed. Students apply these methods to solve equations and inequalities involving rational numbers. Rational numbers are used in defining the areas of triangles and trapezoid and the circumference of circles. Students learn to solve problems by finding a pattern. Then apply the strategy to sequences, including the Fibonacci sequence.
Chapter 8: Applying Proportional Reasoning -- This chapter explores proportion and percents. The percent proportion, the percent equation, large and small percents, percent of change, and simple interest are explored. Students identify corresponding parts of similar polygons and solve problems involving similar triangles and scale drawing. They learn to graph dilations on a coordinate plane. Students also learn to solve more difficult problems by first solving a simpler problem.
Green -- Chapter 12: Exploring Rational Expressions and Equations -- In this chapter, students build on their understanding of fractions to learn how to simplify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions. Students use their knowledge of mixed numbers and improper and complex fractions to study mixed expressions, rational expressions, and complex fractions containing variables. The chapter concludes with students applying their new knowledge to solve rational equations.
Chapter 13: Exploring Radical Expressions and Equations -- In this chapter, students apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems involving geometry. They will simplify, add and subtract radical expressions and apply this skill to solving radical equations. The distance formula is introduced as integration with geometry. Students model completing the square and then apply this skill to solving equations.
SCIENCE – Mrs. Anderson
The 8th grade is working on a unit in “Waves”. Our next unit is light waves. In April, we will work on a space unit, including comparing Earth to other planets, the motion of planets, moons and comets, observations of the day and night sky, and wrap it all up with constellations.
SOCIAL STUDIES – Mr. Esterline
We have finished the Progressive and Imperialism times of our country and now are looking at the World War I era. The next times will be the Jazz Age and the Great Depression followed by World War II.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Mrs. Anderson/Girls – Mr. Esterline/Boys
Boys - We have been working on basketball skills and playing games. We are anticipating going outside by mid to late April so we have started working on hitting and throwing skill as well as the rules for baseball (softball). We will start a short unit on team handball which incorporates both basketball and throwing skills.
Girls - The girls have now begun a unit on hockey. We are working on the skills that are used to play through a few lead up games
RELIGION – Ms. Keagle
We will complete our WHIRLIGIG Project. We will continue on our pathway of activities centering on choices, forgiveness and repairing any harm our decisions/actions may cause others. We will develop and discuss spirit-led choices and prepare for transitioning out of St. Joseph Academy into high school. We will conduct a “world hunger” experience.
LEADERSHIP – Mr. Esterline
Students continue to work on parlimentary procedure and will begin to organize the student body election for new officers for 2008-2009.
SPANISH – Mrs. Machniak
The eighth grade will begin with a general review of basic vocabulary, patterns of conjugation, asking questions, plurals and definite articles. Following the review they will use the country of Spain to learn location, use the verb of ir, the Spanish contraction al, identify people and objects using complete sentences, answer and respond to commands and a series of mini-projects.
DISCIPLINE WITH PURPOSE – Mrs. Anderson
Students have been working on various lifetime skills as they apply to the DWP skills. Social skills have been a focus, as well as sacrifice – service to others.
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