Math/Science | 8th Grade
Mr. Shulman
What are we doing?
This year, we have focused on using a curriculum that has created the perfect problems for our students. We strive to give students open ended, rich math problems that allow students to think critically and creatively, and lead them to discover or see the need for a mathematical concept we intend to teach them. We hope to foster opportunities where students collaborate in groups and carry on mathematical conversations among each other. Rather than students simply knowing how to plug numbers into an equation, we want our kids to approach a scenario understanding the mathematical need and deciphering what kind of math they will use to solve the problems. We are excited to take the students down this mathematical path of discovery, struggle, failure, and success. Students will be pushed more than ever before.
Click here for the entire math scope and sequence for the year.
How will we do it?
School in 2020 looks a bit different! We’ll learn through a mix of synchronous (learning together) and asynchronous (learning individually) class times.
During SYNCHRONOUS learning times, I ask that your attention is focused on our class meeting. That means TVs, phones, video games are all off. We’ll work to make sure that synchronous learning isn’t just a lecture, but an interactive, community building experience for all of us.
During ASYNCHRONOUS learning times, you do you, as long as you’re getting all the work done!
Our main SYNCHRONOUS math lessons and activities will come from the Desmos 8th Grade curriculum. While much of our ASYNCHRONOUS work will be in SEESAW.
How will we know we’re succeeding?
Students will receive feedback in many different ways, through conferences with teachers, written rubrics, and written and video feedback.
Smaller assignments will be assessed on a complete/incomplete basis.
Larger assignments will be assessed according to a rubric. Students will receive the rubric at the beginning of the assignment and will receive written feedback throughout the project. This rubric feedback will also be shared with all family members as well.
In addition, math teachers will conduct regular one-on-one conferences about students’ growth in mathematics and scientific understanding of concepts.
What do I need? Where do I find it?
Yourself, your chromebook or tablet and a positive attitude.
What if I miss a class session?
We take attendance each day because we care about you and your learning. If you miss a synchronous class session, we will follow up with an e-mail or phone call to develop a plan to best support your learning needs.
What if I need extra help?
Great! Your teachers will have Office Hours once a week, from 2:30 - 3:30 that you can drop in to anytime you have a quick question or would like something explained again. We’re also happy to schedule other meetings in the morning or on our asynchronous learning days to help with any longer issues that may come up. Just call, text, or email your teacher to find a time that works for you!
We also have an amazing team of supporting teachers, including B, our education specialist, Ms. Kubo, our academic coach, Ms. Jennie, our Dean of Students, and Mr. Dave, our director.
What are some other expectations?
Just show up to class ready to learn and think and share your thoughts each day.
Take care of yourself, especially with screen time.
Ne kind, respectful, helpful and supportive to other students.
What if I submit an assignment late?
Each assignment is critical to your learning and your success in math/science. 8th grade is about developing the necessary habits to be successful in high school.
All assignments are important, but if you find yourself becoming overwhelmed with assignments, please reach out to your teacher so we can schedule a video conference or phone call to work together to prioritize assignments and get you to feel confident and strong in your math/science class work.
How do I contact my teacher?
Mr. Shulman: [email protected]
Mr. Shulman’s DP: http://marcshulmandp.weebly.com
Ms. Abushaban (Ms. A): [email protected]
Alyson Sluyter: [email protected]