8th Grade Centers (by date, oldest first)

THIS IS A PDF FILE

Why teach word meaning through nonsense words?

• Students must use critical thinking to solve
• Students must read the whole passage for context clues
• Students must problem solve to find the best word that makes the most sense.
• They can't find the answer except through problem solving.

All of these are things we want every student to do! This is something that is already adapted for high and low learners.

Starting with three nonsense words gets students going so they can work in groups or independently to decode the meaning of 7 REAL words (selected from the SAT vocabulary list).

This is a perfect activity for group problem solving and critical thinking!

Word Meaning with Nonsense Words

Why teach word meaning through nonsense words (context clues only)?

• Students must use critical thinking to solve
• Students must read the whole passage for context clues
• Students must problem solve to find the best word that makes the most sense.
• They can't find the answer except through problem solving.

All of these are things we want every student to do! This is something that is already adapted for high and low learners.

Starting with three nonsense words gets students going so they can work in groups or independently to decode the meaning of 7 REAL words (selected from the SAT vocabulary list).

This is a perfect activity for group problem solving and critical thinking!

Finding the meaning of words: in context, with a definition and from the Latin or Greek base. Four teaching pages are included for self-guided learning along with 7 student pages for practice with various shortened reading passages.

INCLUDED:

• 3 Self-grading Google Forms
• Editable Word Doc
• PDF
• Reading Passage
• Teaching pages
• Answer Key

BUNDLE & SAVE: ELA Test Prep, Study Guide & Activities Bundle

Word Meaning with Greek & Latin

✔️Need to teach Greek & Latin along with Context Clues?

✔️Looking for way to get your students thinking critically & making connections?

✔️Need to integrate vocabulary in a meaningful way?

This activity includes worksheets, task cards and Google Quizzes for vocab practice

Students will use key words from the definitions in the first activity to determine the meaning of the Greek or Latin prefix. By recognizing the prefixes in words they recognize (and some they won't) students will begin making connections to other words they hear and read. This is a natural way to build in vocabulary to daily instruction that includes context clues and the Greek and Latin.

Included:

• Greek & Latin Roots Exploration: Dive into 45 carefully selected words, each featuring 9 impactful prefixes from the rich realms of Latin and Greek languages.
• Word Definitions: Equip your students with a solid understanding of each word, laying the foundation for deeper language comprehension.
• Fill in the Blank Sentences: Immerse your class in the learning process with cloze sentences that challenge them to apply their newfound knowledge in context.
• Task Cards: Make learning interactive and enjoyable with task cards that encourage independent exploration and reinforce language skills.
• Google Quizzes: Easily accessible quizzes that provide instant feedback, saving you valuable time and promoting a tech-savvy learning environment.

Vocabulary Starter

NEED TO TEACH VOCABULARY IN YOUR MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM AND YOU'RE NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

You came to the right place! I have been teaching for 5+ years, I have my Master's in Education with a focus on Literacy and I didn't know where to start.

So, I went back to everything I learned in my graduate program and re-read everything I could find.

I wrote & designed a student-engaging template to help students in my classroom to deeply internalize a word. I gathered key word lists when I didn't have a word from our daily reading, and thought about how to teach vocabulary so my love of etymology and words could be shared with my 10th graders. I've included all that and a guide to help other teachers get started with implementing and teaching vocabulary in THEIR classrooms.

Is this book for me?

• You want to teach vocabulary explicitly
• You want flexibility to choose your words daily based on what you’re reading
• You need versatility to choose your own words from a given list
• You want your students to deeply internalize the vocabulary they learn
• You’re not sure where to start

Then this book is for you!

Adaptable to every classroom in every situation, this is more than a fill-in-the-blank activity. Your students will have a guide to build a vocabulary for a lifetime of learning.

WHY TEACH VOCABULARY EXPLICITLY?

Generating curiosity and delight in playing with words supports long-term memory, enhances the connection between orthography and meaning, and develops a disposition which stimulates word consciousness. It also builds vocabulary! All of these are a part of a vocabulary rich classroom environment.

Fraction strips are used as a math manipulative and a more hands-on approach to teaching your students to visually see the value of each proper fraction to a whole.

Do your students know how to properly make entries into a spreadsheet to keep track of their deposits and withdrawals? I have created an Excel and Google Sheets spreadsheet to make it easy for them. Each spreadsheet has 3 tabs - 1) showing them what I created, 2) a blank spreadsheets with headings, & 3) a black spreadsheet so they can follow the easy directions I have provided to create their own. What a great way for them to keep track of the money they receive, spend, and be able to balance their checking account!

On the main thumbnail, please download the specific directions to create their own spreadsheet. It is a learning experience in the area of financial literacy + they are gaining Excel and Google Sheets skills.

Tina Arozena

Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Please follow me on social media:

linktr.ee/tidewindacademy

I have created a digital self-checking 15-question quiz template in Excel and Google Sheets.

With this template, you will be able to insert 15 questions as well as insert an answer key into this conditionally formatted template that will do the grading for you automatically. If a student answers a question correctly, the answer will turn green and if they answer incorrectly, the answer will turn red. You will be able to use this template for multiple quizzes in multiple subjects - all you have to do is change the questions and change the answer key.

This template will be a lifesaver and you will be sure to keep handy for every day to weekly use.

I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you for your support,

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links

For this activity, your students/children will plot 12 ordered pairs within the 4 quadrant coordinate plane grid. Each ordered pair has a colored circle that the student will drag to the correct place on the grid.

Included in this resource:

1. one student/child activity

2. one teacher/parent answer key

If your students/children enjoy this activity, please let me a review in the "My Purchases" area. Your feedback will help others decide to purchase.

Tina - Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links

Engineering Career Research and Brochure Project has students utilize Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher to showcase their research about an engineering career of choice. In addition to allowing students to build skills in those programs, they also develop their skills in Internet research, reading, writing and critical thinking. In this project, students research an engineering career of their choice, following a list of required information and then create a tri-fold brochure in either Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher to share that information. The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for older students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Notes and Resources

• Student Expectations & Rubric - Research & Brochure Project

• Career Brochure Sample

Related Products
⭐ Real World Math - How Engineers Use Math
⭐ Exploring Careers: Architecture & Construction
⭐ Exploring Careers: STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

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This project has students using real-world math skills to learn to perform the calculations that are done in health care jobs. They will use formulas (included) to learn how to compute quantities in monitoring patient intake, how to determine percentages and use fractions, and other basic math skills used in this industry.

Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades. Includes fully editable files.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Health Care Professionals Use Math Activity/Handout

• How Health Care Professionals Use Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Health Science

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Put the STEAM in STEM with this unit! Sound Engineering is a Project Based Learning unit that teaches students the physics and basic concepts of sound engineering, especially as it relates to music. This lesson can be used in Career and Technology classes, Science classes, or Music classes. I have used it with an 8th grade Engineering class.

Students start the unit by reading information about the topic from a handout and answering questions about the reading, as well as defining terms related to sound engineering. In the next phase of the project, they work with a team to utilize a Slinky toy to replicate wave patterns and analyze them. Finally, they work with a team to research and build a musical instrument that demonstrates their learning of the topic. The unit ends with a written reflection on the project.

Files Included with this Unit:

1. Teacher Resources

2. Physics of Sound Reading

3. Introduction to Sound Engineering (research and vocabulary) – includes answer key

4. Slinky Waves – group lab expectations and student worksheet

5. Team sign-up sheet

6. Musical Instrument Building Project – student expectations and resources

7. Team planning sheet (2 versions, color & black and white)

8. Teacher evaluation tracking sheet

9. Project Written Reflection

I hope your students enjoy it!

Related Products
⭐ Creating and Editing Audio & Music in Audacity
⭐ Design and Build a Skyscraper
⭐ Digital Engineering Notebook - Fully Editable in PowerPoint & Google Slides

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This project has students using real-world math skills to learn to perform calculations to plan a Thanksgiving dinner. They will use formulas (included) to learn how to compute quantities in recipes, how to determine percentages and use fractions, and other basic math skills used in everyday activities.

Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Planning a Thanksgiving Dinner Math Activity/Handout

(print and digital versions – editable)

• Planning a Thanksgiving Dinner Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

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⭐ Thanksgiving Pixel Art in Microsoft Excel
⭐ Fun Thanksgiving Activities & WebQuest

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Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This project has students using math skills to learn about the ways in which Fashion Designers use math on their job. They will use basic math and simple algebra to solve problems facing designers. Includes fully editable files.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Fashion Designers Use Math Activity/Handout

• How Fashion Designers Use Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula "Cheat Sheet" for Students

Related Products
⭐ Creative Design Projects - 8 Projects for Fashion, Interior & Graphic Design
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

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This project lets students learn about the physics and math behind tensegrity structures as they research and create one with their team. After introducing the lesson with a short video (link included in resources), students work with their team to create a basic tensegrity structure following a short tutorial. Then, utilizing the knowledge gained from this, they build a second tensegrity structure of their choice, utilizing the principles and design ideas of tensegrity. As they work through both builds, they record their information on the included Engineering Design Process Planning Sheet with their team. Next, students present their project to the class and explain their design choices. Finally, students reflect on and summarize their learning with short answers to questions about the experience and what they learned.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades or high school as well.

Files included (non-editable, .pdf files):

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Student Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric

• Team Sign Up Sheet

• Engineering Design Process Planning Sheet

• Reflection Questions

Related Products
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ The Physics of Bridges
⭐ The Physics of Geodesic Domes - STEM Design and Construction Project
⭐ The Physics of Windmills

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This project has students using real-world math skills to learn to perform the calculations that are done in hospitality jobs. They will use formulas (included) to learn how to compute quantities in recipes, how to determine percentages and use fractions, and other basic math skills used in this industry.

Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades. Includes fully editable files.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Hospitality Professionals Use Math Activity/Handout

• How Hospitality Professionals Use Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Hospitality Careers: Be an Event Planner & Plan a Party!
⭐ Exploring Careers: Hospitality & Tourism

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This project has students using real-world math skills to learn to perform the calculations that are done in transportation jobs. They will use formulas (included) to learn how to compute distance, volume, percentages, averages, and other basic math skills used in this industry.

Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades. Includes fully editable files.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Transportation Professionals Use Math Activity/Handout

• How Transportation Professionals Use Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

Related Products
⭐ Transportation Career Simulation - Design an Ideal Mode of Transportation
⭐ Exploring Careers: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

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This project has students using real-world math skills to learn to perform the calculations that are done by individuals in careers in the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Career Cluster. They will use math skills to learn how to compute measurements, quantities of materials, profit, etc. to solve problems in the arts, A/V technology and communication industry.

Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades. Includes fully editable files.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Math is Used in the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Career Cluster Activity/Handout

• How Math is Used in the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Career Cluster Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Graphic Designer - Career Simulation (Career Exploration)

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Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This project has students using math skills to learn about scale the way engineers use math. They will use formulas (included) to learn ratio and scale of drawings in this activity. Includes fully editable files.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Engineers Use Math Activity/Handout

• How Engineers Use Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ The Physics of Bridges
⭐ The Physics of Windmills

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Sketchup (a free CAD drawing program) is a great way for students to practice math skills and learn skills for STEM careers. This short activity lets them practice frequently used skills such as creating cones and spheres and includes instruction links to assist them. This lesson can be used in technology, engineering, math, CTE or art classes and is also an easy lesson to leave on a day when you need to have a substitute teacher.

The lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade students who had a basic knowledge of the program. However, this lesson could be used successfully with beginning Sketchup students by incorporating the beginning tutorials (provided as Internet links) prior to doing the actual assignment.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Includes:

* Teacher & Student Resources (including tutorials)

* Student instructions, project expectations, and grading rubric.

Related Products
⭐ Introduction to Sketchup - Tutorial and Creative Design Lesson
⭐ Three Chairs - CAD Design Project in Sketchup

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This project has students using real-world math skills to learn to perform the calculations that are done in Human Service jobs. They will use formulas (included) to learn how to compute interest and profits, how to determine percentages and use fractions, and other basic math skills used in this industry.

Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This lesson was created for 7th and 8th grade, but could also be used successfully in upper elementary grades. Includes fully editable files.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Human Service Professionals Use Math Activity/Handout

• How Human Service Professionals Use Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Human Services

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Are your students always asking "When will be ever USE this??" This short activity shows students a real world use for the math skills they learn every day.

This project has students finding area, square footage, perimeter, etc. of a house design as they solve problems to decorate the home.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Lesson Includes:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• How Architects Use Math Activity/Handout

• How Architects Use Math Activity Answer Key

• Math Formula “Cheat Sheet”

This lesson was designed for 7th and 8th graders, but would also be appropriate for upper elementary grades. Includes fully editable files.

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Architecture & Construction
⭐ Famous Architects & Their Place in History - Research & PowerPoint Project
⭐ Research & Build a House - Architectural Styles & Their Creators

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Learning the Engineering Design Process includes a variety of hands-on lessons to help students understand how engineers work and encourage record keeping in project based learning.

In these lessons, students are provided with a short matching activity to learn the vocabulary words associated with the Engineering Design Process. A printable template for the Engineering Design Process lets individuals or teams plan their project and follow the steps as the project progresses. Another version of the template gives hints about what students do at each step, which is perfect for differentiation. These can be used with any classroom project, but the lesson includes 12 task cards with different engineering scenarios that are great for students to use to brainstorm and plan a solution. Also included is a sample lesson with rubric for use with the cards.

A PowerPoint presentation of the Engineering Design Process is included with the lesson to introduce the concept to the class prior to starting the lessons, as well as links to other resources to enrich the learning experience.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Notes and Resources

• PowerPoint presentation

• Vocabulary Matching Activity (with answer key)

• Engineering Design Process printable template (includes version with hints)

• Student Expectations, Project Instructions and Rubric

• Engineering Design Process scenario cards (12) includes blanks for customization

I've used this primarily with 8th graders, but it would work well for grades 5-9. I hope your students enjoy!

Related Products
⭐ The Physics of Bridges
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ Real World Math - How Engineers Use Math

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