Grade 8 MSCS

The RCMS Magnet Math, Science, Computer Science program is designed to foster an atmosphere of learning that enables its students to: creatively explore project based learning with real life applications through interdisciplinary, rigorous and enriched curriculum. Students develop independent and collaborative talents, problem solving skills, and analytical thinking abilities. Through this program students will cultivate a growth mindset that will encourage them to act as global citizens.

IDU’s: Earth and Climate Quiz, Logic unit, Model Solar system
Long term project: Independent science experiment or engineering project and presentation, Independent Friday Project (Computer Science)

Magnet Geometry 8

Magnet geometry provides an in-depth study of geometry to students who have strong mathematical backgrounds and seek a rigorous, thoughtful approach to the subject. Geometry is studied in several forms: including coordinate and standard Euclidean Geometry.  Areas of emphasis include logic, reasoning, proper use of mathematical language and symbols, and problem-solving applications.
Throughout the course, in certain units, interdisciplinary activities link concepts studied in geometry class to application in science and computer science.  The logic unit where deductive reasoning is studied will be the first of those interdisciplinary units.  Later in the year as students satellites in science the concepts learned in trigonometry and the circle unit will combine well to form another interdisciplinary unit.
Other highlights will be the study of Euclidean Geometry which begins with an examination of the properties of lines, angles, planes, triangles, and quadrilaterals. The study is extended to other polygons and circles as well as 3-D figures.  By the end of the year students should be able to write rigorous proofs, a necessary skill for success in higher-level math courses.
Units of Study:
      • Real Numbers and Set Theory
      • Ratios and Proportional Relationships
      • Rational Numbers
      • Geometry Relationships and Measurement
      • Statistics and Probability
      • The Real Number System
      • Functional Relationships and Linear Equations
      • Other Operational Systems

Magnet Investigations in Science 8

The Magnet Investigations in Science 8 focuses on the physical sciences.  Within each unit, lessons are planned to address the Next Generation Science Standards and practices. These practices are the behaviors that students engage in to develop higher order thinking skills of creating, evaluating, and analyzing.  These 8 practices are:

  • Ask questions and define problems
  • Develop and use models
  • Plan and carry out investigations
  • Analyze and interpret data
  • Use mathematical and computational thinking
  • Construct explanations and design solutions
  • Engage in argument from evidence
  • Obtain, evaluate and communicate information
Units of Study:
Q1: Weather and Climate
        • Water cycle
        • Air masses and fronts
        • Local and global weather patterns
        • Ocean circulation
        • Climate patterns
        • Geographical impacts on climate and climate change
Q2 Earth’s Materials and Structure
        • Earth’s structure
        • Continental drift
        • Plate tectonics
        • Minerals, rocks, and rock cycle
        • Weathering and erosion
Q3: Forces and Motion
        • Describing motion
        • Forces
        • Newton’s laws
        • Potential and kinetic energy
        • Momentum
Q4: Earth, Solar System, and the Universe
        • Earth’s motions
        • Unequal heating
        • Seasons
        • Gravity
        • Solar system, galaxies and the Universe.

Magnet Computer Science 8

Welcome to Computer Science 8!  The major focus of the course is database and programming. This course will cover database concepts and programming that will enable students to be successful in high school/AP computer science classes.

The focus of 8th grade magnet computer science course is to give students’ a complete understanding of software development. In order to achieve that, Students learn the programming and database concepts using Python and Microsoft Access respectively to get an understanding of front end and back end. The year begins with students learning Python, then Processing where they are asked to apply the concepts learned in Python to write code. Then we move on to  designing database using MS Access, and using SQL to query the database. As a center computer science course, enrichment opportunities occur regularly within the class and based on identified need. Students also have an opportunity to collaborate and share their knowledge with other learners in the classroom to increase the capacity of everyone.

 

Units of Study :
      • Introduction to Python – Data types, Conditionals and Repetition
      • File Handling & Functions
      • Turtle Graphics in Python
      • Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
      • Processing 
      • Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access
Unit 1: Introduction to Python
    • Planning for a program (thinking about the logic) using flowchart / Pseudocode, basic data types in Python, Loops and Conditionals.
Unit 2: Data structure, File handling and functions
    • Reading from and writing to text files, Increasing the modularity and efficiency of program using functions and recursion
Unit 3: Turtle Graphics in Python
    • Program to draw using turtle where they use all the concepts learned in units 1 and 2.
Unit 4: Object Oriented Programming
    • Object Oriented Programming Concepts – Class, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction, Encapsulation
Unit 5: Processing
    • Students will be expected to write programs using the programming concepts learned in python but in a different environment. Students will use Processing for expressing computations within the context of visual arts. They will create interactive and visual work.
Unit 6: Database Concepts using MS Access
    • Database concepts, ER diagram, Table creation, creating relationships, Forms, Queries using SQL, Reports.
Focus on Interdisciplinary Planning, Assessment, and Learning Opportunities

Earth and Climate Quiz:

Using the Earth and Climate research  and questions from science to create a quiz in python.

Logic Unit:

Combining the logic operators and circuits to program a circuit.

Solar System Model:

Programming a visual model of the Solar system to scale.