Stereotypes
During 2nd semester, eighth graders read the Newbery winner, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, which takes place in the rural South, pre-Civil Rights. Students learned about stereotypes, prejudice, and racism and discussed how these flawed and often inaccurate attitudes are developed and how we Christians should respond to help bring about change and justice. Additionally, eighth graders prepared mini-speeches (with expert research and Biblical support) to debate with their classmates about whether or not the N-word should still be used today.
Mrs. Foster
Elements of Literature
Students read two true stories, Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime and Thunder Rolling in the Mountains, and wrote a paper analyzing the author’s use of three elements of literature. To further grasp the themes, especially from a Biblical perspective, students also read Ecclesiastes and 1 Peter. Great discussions resulted as students debated the meaning of life and Christian suffering.
Mrs. Foster
Is it OK to Lie
During 2nd semester, one of the novels sixth graders read and enjoyed was the exciting and suspenseful Newbery winner, Number the Stars. Students learned about injustice and prejudice and discussed ways to respond as a Christian. In addition, the main character, Annemarie, is confronted with the issue of lying, (specifically to protect family), so sixth graders competed in a mini-debate based on Biblical research to answer the question, Is it ever okay to lie?
Mrs. Foster
Discovery Education
This year has been one filled with creative work from my students. After each country studied, each student prepared a poster board of that country and presented it to their classmates. We viewed various continents using discovery education and were able to actually see what each place currently looked like. The continents we viewed visually were Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. We looked at maps of those continents, as well as Australia and North America. This last week in June, each student painted on large paper where they were from. They included important things about themselves and their families, which they presented to their classmates. This Tuesday we will have a special breakfast, which each student will bring their favorite breakfast meals either from their home country or their favorite meals here. Sharing a meal with their friends is a great way to end the year.
Mrs. Sawyer
Crystals, Minerals, and Rocks
The 8th grade Science Classes completed two projects. The first was from a unit study on Crystals, Minerals, and Rocks. Each student found a particular rock, mineral or crystal to research. The research included fun facts and how the mineral, crystal or rock is used in our everyday lives. They also created a booklet with this information including pictures and a bibliography.
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis
The second project was from a unit study on Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis. Each student created a PowerPoint presentation. They displayed vital information, location, graphics, and statistics of the volcano, earthquake or tsunami of choice. They also included the effect and cost factor caused by the volcano, earthquake or tsunami.
Mrs. Christian
Genetics and Heredity
The 7th grade Science Class worked on a Unit study entitled Genetics/Heredity. As a culminating project each student created three Punnet Square diagrams. This project was to display their understanding of dominate and recessive genotypes.
Mrs. Christian
Advanced Pre-Algebra
We have been building some amazing items with our newly discovered geometry knowledge. The students have memorized and used several perimeter, area, volume and surface area formulas and were tested on their knowledge using a building project. They had to come up with a 2-dimensional scale drawing first and then construct the object using blocks or polydrons. We have some promising engineers in our future.
Miss Stahler
The end of the year for 8th grade Social Studies was quite fascinating as we ventured into the 1990’s and 2000’s. We analyzed Bill Clinton’s and George Bush’s presidencies and the students each presented about the various culture wars that started in the 90’s. Groups of students read different NY Times articles about the many terrorist attacks by al-Quaeda in the 90’s, which set the stage for the attacks on 9/11. We debated about the United States’ declaration of war on terrorism everywhere, and had what turned out to be a very timely discussion about the Patriot Act and the right to privacy vs. the NSA. The students have been reviewing for their final by drawing timelines, creating cause-and-effect diagrams to see how technology drives history, and writing essays to describe enduring themes in American history.
Mrs. Roh
Civil War
The 7th graders finished up the year studying the Civil War and Reconstruction. They were fascinated to read and analyze first-hand accounts of the war from Civil War veterans and see just how devastating that war was economically, politically, and socially. The students wrote letters to each other as if they lived in the time of the war – some pretended to be soldiers, others were women who became nurses for the Red Cross, others were escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. They had a great time acting out these letters for each other. They also read a lot about Reconstruction and analyzed through essays the various methods used by the North and the South to rebuild the United States after the war.
Mrs. Roh
Algebra
The 7th graders covered a lot of material this year and some of them really worked hard to improve their critical thinking skills. They enjoyed being creative with their algebra unit as they came up with their own sample problems to challenge each other.
Mrs. Roh