Eighth Grade
Newtown Friends School :: February, 2016
Clay & Mosaics
English
Latin
Math
On Level
Now that the eighth graders have researched and constructed their own linear systems on topics that interest them, students will be writing linear inequalities, provide multiple solutions by graphing, and identify the constraints based on scenarios given. Next, students will analyze the similarities and differences between graphs and their parent functions as well as graph absolute value functions and families. Toward the end of the month, students will jump into the polynomials unit where they will be performing all operations with polynomials, using Alge-blocks and algebra tiles as a concrete visual for an abstract concept. Using home value data, the real estate developers will determine which city in Pennsylvania has the most promising future for a profitable investment. Within this project, students will practice modeling polynomials, assess the fits of polynomial models, describe features of a graphed function in words, evaluate polynomials for specific values, and solve polynomial equations.
Advanced
Eighth graders will continue performing translations on the Cartesian plane with absolute value families. Given scenarios, students have been identifying the three variables, describing the relationships between variables, and solving the systems to draw conclusions. Mathematicians will then be diving deep into the polynomials unit where they will be performing all operations with polynomials, using Alge-blocks and algebra tiles as a concrete visual for an abstract concept. Eighth graders will be wrapping up the polynomials unit by factor by grouping and analyzing the end behavior of polynomial functions on the graphing calculators. Students will synthesize how the lead coefficient and the exponent of the highest degree in the function affect the end behavior. Engineers will put their regression, prediction and polynomial skills to the test by analyzing the population of communities that are bidding to build a new shopping mall and devising a proposal articulating which area of the city they think is the best place to build.
Musical Theater
P.E.
Science
Social Studies
In February the eighth grade social studies students will complete their study of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. The students will explore the Jim Crow era though a photo essay in which they make an argument through primary source images. The unit will culminate with a five-paragraph DBQ (Document-Based Question) essay test. This skill will be extremely useful if they take Advanced Placement history classes in high school. After the African-American Civil Rights Movement we will move on to the Women’s Rights Movement.
Spanish
Upcoming Events:
Friday 2/12 - No School, Parent-Teacher Conferences
Monday 2/15 - No School, Presidents' Day
Friday 2/19 - Ski Club Trip #2
Friday 2/26 & Saturday 2/27 - March Madness Basketball Tournament