Whycocomagh Education Centre

Teacher Communication Plans for 2017-2018

Grade 8 Math, Science & Tech EdTeacher: Shelly Campbell

Steps to Overall Student Learning Success:

To be asuccessful learner in Grade 8, students must:

  • Meet the learning outcomes as specified by the Nova Scotia Department of Education.
  • Maintain good attendance
  • Employ listening skills and good work habits, both individually and within groupings
  • Demonstrate responsibility for his/her own learning – being well rested, participating, asking questions, working to his/her full potential, being prepared/organized for class, completing assignments, reviewing work before tests.

Mathematics

This year Grade 8 students will be following a fairly strict yearlong plan that follows the new curriculum, so keeping up day to day is key. Students will also have a provincial assessment at the end of the year. Also of note, is that Grade 8 reports cards will be using to a numerical system based out of 100%.

Learning Strands include

1)Number Sense & Operations

2)Patterns

3)Data Management & Probability

4)Measurement

5)Geometry

Learning Materials:

  • “Math Makes Sense 8” (Pearson) & related materials
  • “Mathematics 8 – Focus on Understanding” (Mc Graw- Hill Ryerson) & related materials
  • Mental Math materials developed by province and board as well as a Daily Math Calendar
  • Prime Math (Assessment and Student Support)
  • Various websites to support topics
  • Math Manipulatives (physical and technological)
  • Numerous other resources

Notes:Knowing facts is a must and students should be working towards fluency for all four operations!!!There will be a focus on problem solving methods, reasoning and communicating mathematical ideas. Students have access to an E-text of their math book. Students should expect some homework or review each night.

Assessment:Math Problem Solving Journal (10%), daily assignments (15%), chapter tests (30%), concept quizzes (20%), mental math (15%), conferencing and observation (10%)

Science

Learning Strands-

1)Water Systems

2)Optics

3)Fluids

4)Cells, Tissues, Organs & Systems

Students can choose to complete a science fair project of choice for the Regional Science Fair but it is not a requirement. Daily lab work will focus on building skills including: safety, scientific inquiry, design, research, use of equipment, observation, analyzing results and presenting findings

Learning Materials:

  • Science & Technology 8 (Nelson)
  • Discovery Education
  • “National Geographic Reading Expedition” Series
  • Hands on materials for labs
  • Numerous other resources (visual, auditory)

Assessment: Lab reports (20%), projects (25%), class assignments (10%), quizzes (15%), tests (25%), observation (5%)

Tech Ed

Learning Strands:

1. Communications Technology

2. Energy Engineering

3. Inventions and Innovations

4. Production Technology

Technology education is a design problem-solving course. Technology education is

designed for all students in grades 7 and 8. Since the technology education facilities

and resources vary throughout the province, the course is designed to offer some

selection to schools as to the modules of study.

Learning Materials: Computers, G.A.F.E., IPads, Video Camera, STEM materials, Tools

Assessment: Design Portfolio (Collection & Reflection of Student Work) (50%), Assignments (20%), Quizzes (20%), Observation (10%)

COMMUNICATION:

Students also have access to G.A.F.E. (Google Apps for Education). Through this, they have their own email, a place to save work that can be accessed from anywhere, access to programs (word processing, slide show, etc) and online classrooms. All homework will be posted daily on their GOOGLE CLASSROOM rather than STRAIT UP. I also put up links to helpful websites to support learning including a digital copy of their texts. Marks will be updated on the PARENT PORTAL as items are assessed. Students and parents both have log on information for this. Please visit the SRSB website for more information.

Feel free to contact me any time. At school, I can be reached at 756-2441. I am also readily available by email at If students are requiring support outside of class time, I am available at lunch and afterschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays.