Eighth Grade Expeditions

Appalachian Journey: From the Mountains to the Rivers

Topics:
Science/Math: Water ecology; water quality; geology; evolution of the mountains; map skills including topographic maps; Pythagorean theorem and triangulation through measurement; slope
Social Studies/ Language Arts: Cultures of the Appalachian area; impact of immigration on the population and culture; urban/rural culture clashes; Native American studies; indigenous myths; journaling; eye-witness writing; research and reporting

Guiding Questions:

1. How did the French Broad watershed develop?
2. How has the Appalachian region evolved over time?

Texts:
Saints by the River

What’s So Civil About the Civil Rights Movement?
Overview:
An examination of the struggle of African-Americans and other marginalized groups to attain rights guaranteed to all in the Constitution.

Guiding Questions:

1. What are the root causes of racism and other “isms”?
2. Does injustice anywhere mean injustice everywhere?
3. Who is responsible for inequality?
4. Can an individual change a system?

Texts:
Secret Life of Bees
Spite Fences
Bus Rider Blues

Literacy Overview:
Examination of biographies; primary and secondary source analysis; creative writing; novel studies; creative writing; nonfiction research and writing.

Math/Science Overview:
Implementing inquiry through authentic scientific inquiry; lab skills and techniques; focus on nonfiction reading and reporting strategies through research; field sampling and data analysis. Data analysis through field sampling; investigating algebraic relationships in the real world; understanding of creating and implementing a business plan; a real world examination and investigation of investing and the stock market

Field Work:
Alpine tower Rafting on the French Broad, Week-long Outward Bound trip at the end of the year.

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