About Eighth Grade Science
Project-Based Learning
This year, in eighth grade science, students will engage in some project-based learning opportunities. Project-based learning is a student-centered approach rooted in inquiry and investigation. Students will still have clearly stated, specific learning objectives (learning targets) for each unit, but will achieve these learning targets through open-ended projects and design tasks. Project-based learning affords students the opportunity to engage in "The Four C's": Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. These are skills that students will need to be successful in high school and beyond.
This year, in eighth grade science, students will engage in some project-based learning opportunities. Project-based learning is a student-centered approach rooted in inquiry and investigation. Students will still have clearly stated, specific learning objectives (learning targets) for each unit, but will achieve these learning targets through open-ended projects and design tasks. Project-based learning affords students the opportunity to engage in "The Four C's": Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. These are skills that students will need to be successful in high school and beyond.
What do students need for science class?
There are no required materials for science class.
This list is provided as a guide to help students plan their organization strategy for the year.
Folder or Binder - Handouts, worksheets, etc. will be three-hole punched in science class so it is helpful for students to use a three-ring binder. Some students prefer to use a separate binder for each class while others prefer to use one large binder with sections for each class. Some students prefer a pocket folder for each class. All of these systems works well for science.
Spiral Notebook or Composition Book - We will keep a notebook in science class that students will write in often. I will have lots of spiral notebooks available in class, but I know that some students prefer to use their own. Any notebook will do. It can be college or wide ruled, spiral or not, big or small (although it will be written in a lot so perhaps not TOO small), fancy or plain. Some students prefer sketch books or quadrille instead of lined pages and that is fine too.
Colored pencils/markers - We use foldables and other note-taking strategies that use color in science. There will be supplies available in the classroom, but if students want to work on these assignments at home, colored pencils or markers may be helpful. Glue sticks or tape may also be helpful on occasion. Students are welcome to borrow these items from the classroom if they need to finish something at home.
Materials for Projects - Students will engage in engineering and building tasks several times throughout the year. Students will be encouraged to bring materials from home for these projects, but it is NOT necessary to purchase new or expensive supplies for these projects. Students should find everyday, household materials (especially recyclables) to use for their projects; milk cartons, cardboard boxes, rubber bands, paper clips, old CDs/toys/etc. When bringing in recycled materials, please do not bring containers that contained peanut/tree nut products. Students will always be reminded to ask their parents' permission before using objects from home.
This list is provided as a guide to help students plan their organization strategy for the year.
Folder or Binder - Handouts, worksheets, etc. will be three-hole punched in science class so it is helpful for students to use a three-ring binder. Some students prefer to use a separate binder for each class while others prefer to use one large binder with sections for each class. Some students prefer a pocket folder for each class. All of these systems works well for science.
Spiral Notebook or Composition Book - We will keep a notebook in science class that students will write in often. I will have lots of spiral notebooks available in class, but I know that some students prefer to use their own. Any notebook will do. It can be college or wide ruled, spiral or not, big or small (although it will be written in a lot so perhaps not TOO small), fancy or plain. Some students prefer sketch books or quadrille instead of lined pages and that is fine too.
Colored pencils/markers - We use foldables and other note-taking strategies that use color in science. There will be supplies available in the classroom, but if students want to work on these assignments at home, colored pencils or markers may be helpful. Glue sticks or tape may also be helpful on occasion. Students are welcome to borrow these items from the classroom if they need to finish something at home.
Materials for Projects - Students will engage in engineering and building tasks several times throughout the year. Students will be encouraged to bring materials from home for these projects, but it is NOT necessary to purchase new or expensive supplies for these projects. Students should find everyday, household materials (especially recyclables) to use for their projects; milk cartons, cardboard boxes, rubber bands, paper clips, old CDs/toys/etc. When bringing in recycled materials, please do not bring containers that contained peanut/tree nut products. Students will always be reminded to ask their parents' permission before using objects from home.