VODAREK'S GRADE 8'S
Our Focus...
We have been exploring What Makes Us Human.
So, what makes us human?
We have explored this question from a socio-cultural perspective.
We have considered the attributes and characteristics of someone we look up to.
We have described the A-Z of me - attributes that can be attributed to ourselves.
We have created an anthropomorphic creature, drawn them and written a short story about them in context.
We have explored The Seven Sacred Teachings.
We have approached the question from an anthropological perspective, debating whether or not we are already cyborgs, and what the impact may be on humanity if we become one.
We have just begun to explore this question through our final perspective - from a biological, scientific perspective.
Seven Sacred Teachings
In guided reading sessions, each group was introduced to one (or two) of the sacred teachings. Summaries of each teaching were shared with the whole class and each person got to select which of the teachings they would research further. Research about the teaching is underway. We have nearly completed a mural highlighting the seven teachings too.
Soft skills include: research skills (search terms, validity of information, relevance of search results), in text citations and production of multi-modal texts.
The Cyborg Stance
If we are human, what makes us so?
If we are fused with technology, do we cease to be human? What parts of us are lost? What is gained?
We will be exploring things like...
Cyborgs, as a character in science fiction (Robocop, Terminator)
Human Augmentation
Our cell phones becoming an extension of self
Cells
What is the most basic unit of being human?
Why aren't we a plant? How do we differ to other animals?
We will explore the following Big Ideas:
1. Cells are the basis of life.
2. Cells organize into tissues, tissues into organs, organs into organ systems, and organ systems into organisms.
3. Healthy cells contribute to healthy organisms.
4. Systems are interdependent.