Mission Statement

The John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science is a diverse, supportive community of learners that engages in a rigorous and comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program integrated with Humanities. Our college-preparatory exam school enables our students to reach their full potential and become leaders who will shape the direction of society.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Students Entering the 8th Grade ~ Summer 2008 Reading and Activities

All students entering the 8th grade in the Fall of 2008 must complete the following readings/activities for History, ELA, Science, and Math during the Summer of 2008:

History:
You must read:
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beales (fiction) (test book)

and you must read any one (1) of the following (activity book):
Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave by Virginia Hamilton (fiction)
April Morning by Howard Fast (fiction)
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (fiction)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (fiction)
With Courage and Cloth: Winning the Fight for Women's Right to Vote by Ann Bausum (non-fiction)

There will be a writing prompt on the required grade 8 history reading (Warriors Don't Cry)in early September. Directions for the choice grade 8 history reading activity assignment may be found at the following website: http://www.obryant.us/files/File1766.doc

ELA:
You must read:
Lord of the Flies – Golding (fiction) (test book)

and you must read any one (1) of the following: (book jacket & quotation assignment)
Ryan White: My Own Story – White (non-fiction)
Road to Memphis – Taylor (non-fiction)
Esperanza Rising– Munoz-Ryan (fiction)

There will be a writing prompt on the required grade 8 ELA reading (Lord of the Flies) in early September. Directions for the choice grade 8 ELA reading book jacket and quotation assignment may be found at the following website: http://www.obryant.us/files/File1771.doc

Science:
Students will read the complete Middle School Science Fair Manual. The MSSF Manual can be found at the following link:
http://massscifair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=69

Students will also read the following guides, which can be found at:
http://massscifair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=98
Student Guide: How to Do a Science Fair Project
A How-To Guide for Students by Students (Powerpoint)

Students will come to school with an idea and potential title for their science fair project. Students should be ready to present their project idea to their teacher, and upon teacher approval, start work on their project immediately.

Math:
To be posted.
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