MSHELTONREADS
8TH GRADE
Informational & Argumentative Writing
Students have about a month to do the Informational and Argumentative writing assignments for a given unit. In the Informational piece, I'm looking for research-supported writing that explains the concept covered. Usually graphs or diagrams will help! For the Argumentative piece, this should be the students' opinion on the topic, supported by facts. Usually we will do research or discuss the topics in class, and if you are excellent at time management, you may be able to complete the whole thing in class.
June
8th Grade
Informational Writing
What does sustainability mean, why is it important, what are you doing now, and what else could you do?
Pick an endangered species, research it, and create a multimedia project about it (that means words, pictures, maybe video, graphs, etc.). Include how it relates to Earth’s systems, particularly the anthroposphere.
Argumentative Writing
There are many ways we can reduce our use of Earth’s natural resources. Driving less, using less electricity, eating more sustainable foods, and recycling are just a few of the many examples. What do you think is the most important change we can make? Should this change be an individual decision, or should it be required and enforced by the government?
May
8th Grade
Informational Writing
Write a story, comic, play, or skit from the point of view of an atom undergoing a chemical reaction. You should choose a particular atom (like “iron” or “molybdenum”) and chemical equation. A papers will include a balanced chemical reaction.
Argumentative Writing
Agree or disagree with the statement, “8th graders should have to learn chemistry.” You must include a counter argument, whichever side you pick.
April
8th Grade
Informational Writing
Describe the roles protons, neutrons, and electrons play in atoms, and analyze how those three particles contribute to the information shown on the periodic table. Include the terms “ions” and “isotopes.”
Argumentative Writing
Agree or disagree with the statement, “More labs would help me learn chemistry better.” Argue for or against more labs, including examples of how what we have done in class has helped you understand of the material.
February / March
8th Grade
Informational Writing
Choose two isotopes of an element (for example, Carbon-12 and Carbon-14, or hydrogen and deuterium, or Uranium-235 and Uranium-238, or two of the many lead isotopes and compare and contrast the atomic structure and properties of each.
Argumentative Writing
Was Helton right to make you wait so long to learn how to do the Lewis dot structure for helium? Why or why not?
January
8th Grade
Informational Writing
Choose a simple molecule and describe it thoroughly. Include its structure (with a picture), facts about its discovery, uses, and prevalence on Earth.
Examples: NaCl, H2O, O2, C6H12O6, CaO
Argumentative Writing
Should we teach the Bohr model in schools? Why or why not?