Hornet's Nest
FMS 8th Grade Newsletter: Week of Sept. 3-6
Classroom Notes
Circle Up!
We celebrated twin day for STUCO Kindness Week
Analyzing plot diagrams through short films
ELA
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be focusing on the story elements of setting, character traits and development, and seven different types of conflict in literature. We have started this conversation by examining story elements and plot development in both silent and short films. Students have enjoyed applying the different elements of a story to these different mediums. They are learning that emotions and stories can be told in a variety of ways, but often follow the same plot layout.
During the week of September 2-6, we will utilize the NWEA reading assessment to establish a benchmark for our students. This will test will allow us to see where our students are currently, and where we need to be meeting them academically. We will use the data from these assessments to create learning goals and lessons that will best suit the students.
Although the NWEA assessment will likely take several days for most students to complete, throughout the week, we will continue to touch on story elements, independent reading, free writing and grammar lessons. We will be encouraging our students to do their very best on their NWEA assessments, and helping them understand why that benchmark score is important to their growth.
Beginning this week, we will start visiting the library on a biweekly basis. Students will be able to check out books to bring home or leave in the classroom for their independent reading time. The library is a fantastic resource for our students and we are excited to implement all that it has to offer!
We're excited for another busy week at FMS!
Grammar work while listening to the rain fall....
Exploring elements of a story
Reading and personal reflection
Math
GM.A.1 Verify experimentally the congruency properties of rigid transformations.
GM.A.5 Use informal arguments to establish facts about the angle sum and exterior angle of triangles and about the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal.
Learning Target for the Week:
To identify and use transformations.
Monday: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday: Lesson 3 Grid Moves; Week Sheet #2
Wednesday: Lesson 4 Making the Moves
Thursday: Lesson 5 Coordinate Moves
Friday: Lesson 6 Describing Transformations
Week Sheet #2 (Lessons 3-6) assigned Tuesday; due Monday
Advanced Math
Understand how to write and solve equations and inequalities.
Learning Target for the Week:
To use and solve equations and proportions.
Monday: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday: 1-2 Solving Linear Equations (Simplify Expressions); WS 1-2
Wednesday: Lesson 1-2; pg 16 16-25
Thursday: Lesson 1-2; pg 16 26-34, 38
Friday: Quiz 1-2; WS 1-2
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Unit Objectives:
6-8.ETS1.A.1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
MS-ETS1.B.1: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem
6-8.ETS1.B.2: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
6-8.ETS1.B.3: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
Lab Safety Contracts are due signed by Sept. 6
Learning Target for the Week: Put the steps of the engineering design process to work to build a lander.
Monday: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday: Introduce Lander problem and basics: Students are given build time.
Wednesday: "Test" the prototype lander and collect data: Review criteria and constraints
Thursday: Share lander data with the class: Redesign cycle.
Friday: Final lander test day: Lab Safety Contracts Due today.
Why study history? Because it's interesting!
Social Studies
Unit Objective:
6-8.AH.3.GS.E: Apply the principles of rule of law, representation, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism to explain the purposes and functions of the Constitution.
This Week in History:
We will begin our unit on the development of the Constitution. This will include examining the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how it led to the need for a new plan. The students will then get to participate in a Constitutional Convention simulation to see what it would have been like for the delegates to debate issues like states' rights and balance of power.
Questions? Email your child's social studies teacher:
Lara Brunk - lbrunk@fulton58.org
Chris Crowson - ccrowson@fulton58.org -