8th grade Syllabus
Mrs Aoife Doran
Zip Code: 60638
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2015-2016 

8 th Grade Syllabus

Welcome to 8th grade! We are going to challenge ourselves this year not only to be excellent students, but also to be caring and respectful individuals. This is an especially important time in your life as you will be preparing to make your Confirmation. It is my hope you will be an active participant in your education this year so you will be adequately prepared to leave St. Jane behind you and begin your high school career. I am confident that together we are going to have a terrific year!

8th Grade Math:                                                                                    

  • Textbook used: Saxon Algebra ½

 

    • Focus on introductory algebra topics
    • Unit conversions
    • Evaluation with signed numbers
    • Proportions with fractions
  • Advanced ratio problems

 

  • Multiple term equations
  • Fractions, decimals, percents, word problems, and geometric formulas.
  • There will be a test every five lessons. A test may be moved back a day due to schedule changes, but a test will never be taken early.
  • There will be 30 problems for homework every night. Homework is checked daily and graded periodically.
  • A supplemental workbook is being added for Math: Simple Solutions Common Core Mathematics. The math skills in this workbook are common core aligned. It is our hope that this will reinforce math skills and serve as good test prep. Two lessons will be completed each week and checked together in class.
  • Mathletics, an online resource has been added to the math curriculum.  
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  • Mathletics helps students to build fluency, solve problems, reason, and master concepts. This resource allows teachers to track student progress. Students will be required to earn four certificates each month. These four certificates will be averaged together for a grade on Powerschool.

Science (teacher: Ms. McCarthy)

  • Science inquiry method, Earth science & outer space
  • Hands-on activities, videos & written reflections
  • Frequent quizzes and/or chapter tests
  • Textbook used: Science Voyages by Glencoe-McGraw-Hill level Blue

Social Studies (teacher: Mrs. Kaminski)

  • American History from the Civil War to the present will be studied
  • A variety of instructional techniques will be used to foster independent learning
  • Chapter quizzes, tests, writing assignments an projects will be used to assess students’ knowledge
  • Textbook used: The American Nation: Civil War to the Present by Prentice Hall

Grammar/Writing (teacher: Mrs. Oquendo)

  • For Grammar, we will begin with Chapter 5 in the textbook: Mechanics and Punctuation, which is necessary for good writing
  • We will also be creating an interactive grammar notebook
  • Frequent quizzes and/or chapter tests
  • Our main focus in writing will be the Argumentative Essay, which is the type that will be on the ACT Aspire test in April
  • Weekly 30 minute Cold Write assignments
  • There will also be frequent writing assignments, based on several other genres of writing, which will be kept in an in-class portfolio
  • Textbooks used: Daily 6 Trait Writing by Evan Moor
  • Grammar for Writing by Sadlier
  • English by Houghton Mifflin

Reading:

  • Nonfiction/Fiction/Drama/Oral Tradition/Poetry
  • One novel unit each trimester
  • Literature Circles
  • Textbook used: The Language of Literature by McDougal Littell

Spelling:

  • Each week a new unit will be completed
  • Frequent practice worksheets and assignments
  • Weekly spelling tests
  • Workbook used: Spelling Connections by Zaner-Bloser

 

Vocabulary:

  • One unit covered every two weeks
  • Flashcards are used for review
  • Test given at the end of the two week period
  • Textbook used: Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier-OxfordReligion:
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  • Participate in weekly masses
  • Readings, reflection journals, and tests
  • Family Life Unit
  • Participate in Fr Cronin’s weekly Bible study class
  • Completion of a Mass Journal
  • Confirmation workbook: Confirmed in the Spirit by Loyola Press
  • Textbook used: Finding God by Loyola Press 
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  • Written homework may not be assigned every night, however, there will be notes to study. Students can expect to devote 60-90 minutes to homework each night.
  • All homework is expected to be turned in on time and completed to the best of your ability.
  • Students are expected to display appropriate behavior at all times.
  • If there is anything that I can do to help answer any questions or address any concerns, please do not hesitate to call, send a note, or email. My email address is [email protected]

 

Thank you,

Mrs. Aoife Doran

8th grade homeroom teacher

6th & 7th Math teacher

 




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