Welcome to eighth grade science, a study of our world and beyond in terms of their physical attributes. We will examine a range of subjects from sub-atomic particles to the largest known celestial bodies in the universe.  We will investigate their composition and physical characteristics.  We will explore how "things" work.  The class will begin with our solar system and universe, and then move along to motion, forces, and energy.  We will also investigate the concepts of speed and velocity, acceleration, and the laws of Newton.  The rest of the year will be spent examining the structure of matter, density and buoyancy, atoms, the periodic table, and chemical reactions. 
    Quizzes and chapter assessments will comprise seventy-five percent of each student's grade, and their portfolio and projects will account for twenty-five percent of their grade.  Remember, all of the students' work and assessments are retained in his or her portfolios,  so parents, please check them out!   

Thanks, Mr. Moore      

     Thanks for checking out eighth grade history, a study of America starting from exploration and colonization of the New World forward.  Students in my class will actively engage with the textbook, on-line resources, and videos implementing many different reading and processing strategies as well as employing many and varied hands-on projects.  A major focus for the year will be on American government.  Students will examine its historical development, its various institutions and important documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Constitution.  During the second trimester our investigations will focus on the beginnings of our democracy as the newly formed America becomes a union and a new nation within the world community.  Within the confines of these studies are imbedded the founding principles of our U.S. Constitution, which each student will record on their benchmark chart.  By using this information the students will complete a detailed analysis of our Constitution using these "benchmarks"  as an integral resource for their "Benchmarks to the Constitution" project. The final trimester will be spent with an investigation of the expansion of America.  Inclusive of this will be such major events as the War of 1812, Manifest Destiny, the Monroe Doctrine, the Civil War and Reconstruction, along with the struggle of human rights.
    As always grades will derive from written assessments, (seventy-five percent) projects, and their portfolio (twenty-five percent.)  Remember parents/guardians, an excellent way to track your child's progress is to check out their portfolio, as all assignments and all assessments are to be retained in them.  I'm looking forward to a continued great year!   Mr. Moore