News from 8-N

8N Blog

Health

We have just finished the male and female reproduction systems.  As a culminating piece, the students completed a Venn diagram as a way to show their understanding of the parts (shown below).  We are now starting lessons on the process of fertilization, pregnancy and birth. 

Academic Literacy

Students have just started their research unit.  They will be participating in debates to help select their topics, choose a stance on their topic, develop a thesis statement, and then begin conducting research on their topic.  Eventually, students will turn their research into a five paragraph argumentative essay.

Science

As 8N scientists, we have been floating down river systems and their tributaries.  As we exit our raft, we will be digging to get to groundwater and how we conserve and protect our water supply...without cutting back on tooth-brushing and showers... 

English

Students just started a new unit, "Craft and Structure in Fiction Text."  As we move through the unit, students will be reading and analyzing the structure of a variety of texts, including poetry and short stories.  Additionally, students will be writing several short answer essays, and the culminating assignment will be a compare and contrast essay.  Students should also be reading their independent novels to prepare for a variety of projects that will require students to apply what has been covered in the unit to their own novels.

Math

Mr. Mikula's 8N math classes will be taking the CDT tests on January 24 through the 28.  Students do not need to do anything special to prepare for these diagnostic tests.  However, they should come to school well rested and have a good breakfast on these days. 

December Study Island assignment has not been graded yet, so students have an opportunity to finish the tests for December if they have not done so yet. 

Social Studies

            Students are currently studying the United States Constitution, and why it is considered a living document.  Starting next week we will be taking an in depth look at each of the twenty-seven Amendments. Each student will be creating and designing a power point presentation, then teaching the class about his/her selected Amendment.  Students will also be looking at scenarios and having to decide if the subject in the situation is protected by the Bill of Rights, and which Amendment the situation is referring to.  Students will learn much about their basic freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.