News from 8-N

 

English

         Marking period three is going to be very busy!  We are kicking off the marking period with a new literature unit.  In this unit, we will be focusing on the craft and structure of literary works.  We will be specifically looking at author’s purpose, point of view, the tone and mood of text, and how authors use figurative language and irony to engage the reader.  We will be reading a variety of short stories and poems, and the unit will culminate with an essay comparing and contrasting two pieces of literature. 

          After this unit, we will transition into a writing focused unit which will explore how to write narrative text while incorporating different forms of punctuation like dashes and ellipses along with active and passive verbs and verbals such as gerunds, infinitives, and participles.  As this unit ends, students will write a fictional narrative using the literary elements and literary devices learned throughout the year along with using all of the writing and grammar skills we have studied.

          Additionally, students will be taking the Writing, Reading, and Math PSSA tests this marking period.  Please pay attention to the updated school calendar, and make sure that students are well rested and ready to take these tests. 

           Finally, we encourage students and parents/guardians to regularly check the English Edline page. Due dates for assignments can also be found on the English Edline page, and students’ grades are also posted on Edline.

Math

All 8N math classes have begun preparations for the PSSA exams, which are coming up at the end of March.  We will continue to work on our regular curriculum materials, while blending in some PSSA material that is not covered in our class curriculum. 

We are still completing Study Island tests, and have a February assignment that will be due by the end of next week. 

Science

Our science classes successfully navigated river systems, and stayed in the boat despite tough rapids, meanders, and pollution.  Now we take on oceans, and may have to dive deep...the Marianas Trench in the middle of the ocean is actually deeper than Mt. Everest is tall!!  Along our journey we'll get bumped around by waves, currents, tides, and the Coriolis Effect.  Sea sickness is not an option for a serious scientist.

Health

Students started their study of genetics by going on a ‘field trip’ around the room to become familiar with the vocabulary that will be used through the lessons.

Academic Literacy

Students are currently writing their introductions for their research papers.  They broke into groups and sequenced several introduction examples.  Students will start their introduction with an engaging hook to capture their readers’ attention and finish their introduction with their thesis statement.  They will soon write their 3 body paragraphs and conclusion paragraph.

 

Social Studies

We have just started a new unit in Social Studies called The Nation Takes Shape.  Nationalism is the theme of this unit.  We are currently learning about George Washington and the precedents he set while in office.  We will be covering some of the highlights of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson’s presidencies.  I am excited to teach the students about the Louisiana Purchase and what impact that will have on our country at that time.  Remember to ask your child what he/she is learning in class, hopefully they will share some interesting stories or historical tidbits with you.