8th Grade MP3 Campus

School Data is open on the 1st for parent reviews. These are due by the 5th. We hope the cut and paste grade level newsletter will be helpful to supplement your remote learning plan reviews. Thank you for submitting in a timely manner and if you need help please reach out to your SLPC.

Topics: Addition and subtraction with scientific notation, solving equations with variables on both sides of the equation, solving variable equations with decimals and fractions and parenthesis.

Activities: This month, our two primary focuses have been to expand our understanding on scientific notation – specifically adding and subtracting with scientific notation, and then solving equations with variables on both sides of the equation. In one Desmos activity “Adding and Subtracting with scientific notation”, students used real world examples dealing with sizes of planets to show a great example of how using scientific notation can be beneficial. Additionally, working with variables is the first step into getting students into algebra, and it’s super exciting that the majority of the students are gaining confidence with such a foundational component.

Teacher Tip or Reflection Questions: Have your student log into Desmos and Khan Academy and show you what they have been working on during class!

Teacher Info: Mr. Garlatz, tgarlatz@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Book projects, literary analysis and mood, narrative writing, expository writing, Edgar Allan Poe

Activities: This month, we have studied several short stories and poems by Edgar Allan Poe. Students practiced identifying literary elements in his works, with a focus on mood. They wrote argumentative essays with text evidence to defend the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart." They analyzed the word choice and imagery to explain the mood of "Annabel Lee."

In addition, students completed book projects and presented them in class. They finished their narrative writing projects, edited and revised them, and shared them with one another. Students also created "black out" poetry projects.

Teacher Tip: We'll have another book project presentation day in March. Instructions are up on Google Classroom.

Teacher info: Ms. Keegan, akeegan@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics : Engineering and Design: Students create programmable models to demonstrate the knowledge and operation of digital tools and technological systems. Investigate balance and /or stability, effects of change in position on model’s movement, how force affect the motion of objects, modify an existing model or program to solve a problem. Observe and measure accurately to answer questions. completion criteria and constrains, balance and stability, investigated model design components and if they provided an advantage, gear ratios for speed, and modify an existing model or program to solve a problem. Programming sequences to complete a task or specific movement: drive forward/reverse, pivot turns, smooth turns (curves) and 360 degrees turns.

Activities: Specific Builds: Industrial simulated Robots Students worked with their partner to build and programed a model to complete a set of performance tasks with predictable movements, move forward/ reverse for specific distances and time, navigate a course that includes pivot turns, curved movement and movement forward and reverse for specific distances.

Challenge Project: Paper Span Bridge- Students worked with a partner to design and build a paper bridge to hold a maximum amount of weight. Constraints: use only the supplies provided to the team (5 sheets of copy paper, 6 inches of tape, and scissors). The bridge structure must be at least 8 inches (width of a sheet of paper) wide, span 15 inches and be suspended at least 5 inches off the table.

Analysis of each structure’s success was based on the maximum weight the structure was able to hold.

Challenge Project: 12 Card Tower- Students worked with a partner to design and build a free-standing paper tower for maximum height. Constraints: use only the supplies provided to the team (12 4x6 index cards, 12 inches of tape, and scissors). Structure must be free standing (cannot be attached to anything).

Analysis of each structure’s success was based on the maximum height of the structure.

Teacher Tip: Robotics, Engineering and Design Topics and activities can be included in your independent Science Class review.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Brannen - Room 8 lbrannen@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Opening statements, Witness examinations, role of a jury

Activities: This month, students had the opportunity to do a “test drive” with their practice trial of Minnesota v Max Paulson. After each side developed a theory for the case and direct and cross examination questions were developed, students crafted opening statements. We read about different approaches to creating opening statements and just like in literature, a compelling “hook” is critical. Students were asked to choose a hook that was either fact-based, character-based or theme-based. Most of them couldn’t settle on just one approach but they all did a nice job blending these hooks. Due to student absences, our practice trial was never really wrapped up but all of the attorneys and witnesses had the opportunity to practice. Attorneys asked questions on either direct, cross or both and witnesses got the chance to experience the stress of answering cross examination questions. We also took some time this month to examine the role of a jury. Using a powerpoint, students learned how and when jurors serve and under what circumstances that one be excused for a jury. We discussed what it means to have a jury of “peers” and why jury duty is an an important civic responsibility.

Starting in December, we will begin our “real” trial, the case of Brooks v Lawrence.

Teacher Tip: If you have ever participated in a jury, consider talking with your student about the experience. Also, be sure to ask your student whether they were an attorney or a witness during our practice trial and what they felt about the experience.

Teacher Info: Don't hesitate to contact me if you have a question.

Jeff Caraco, jcaraco@meridian.wednet.edu

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Teacher Info: Mrs DeWaard, hdewaard@meridian.wednet.edu