8th Grade Field Experience

Choose ONE of the following field experiences to complete.
Make sure that you have completed your assignment by January 8th.  You  must complete this Google Form when you finish the assignment.

Science:
Visit the Duke University Stream and Wetland Assessment Management Park (SWAMP), accessible on the Al Buehler Cross Country Trail.  (Directions and parking information can be found here.)  Read the educational signs along the trail (there are 9 total) and make observations at each stop along the path.  Write at least 2 paragraphs describing your observations and the goal of the project.
Questions to answer and consider in your response:

• Describe the goal of the SWAMP project and why it was established (purpose, goals, before & after changes, etc.)
• Describe the role of wetlands in promoting water quality.  How do wetlands act as natural filters?  How have plants and animals been affected by the restoration project?
• What did you learn about water quality in this area? Describe the  main pollutants and how the wetland project helps to improve the water quality.
• Describe your observations about the area.  (Make a sketch of the area if this helps.)  
• Take a selfie while you are there to document your visit.  Have fun!

Humanities:
Option 1
Visit Historic Stagville on December 5, 2015 for their Open House "Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters" or their Lantern Tours.

Open House "Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters" 12pm - 4pm (free)
Lantern Tours 4pm - 6pm (Adults $5, Children $3)
For more information go here:
http://www.stagville.org/events/

Write at least 2 paragraphs describing your observations.  Take a selfie while you are there to document your your visit.  Your paragraphs should also reflect the knowledge gained about slavery through our recent unit of study.  Build upon what you know and share your experience through your writing.

Option 2

Visit the Burwell School in Hillsborough.
For information on this field experience go here:
.http://www.burwellschool.org/

Write at least 2 paragraphs describing your observations.  Take a selfie while you are there to document your visit.  Build upon what you know about this era and the "Crafting Freedom" project to share your experience through your writing.

Have fun exploring our community's history!

Core Connections:

Visit Bennett Place State Historical Site on Dec. 12, 2015, Saturday 10am- 4pm.  for their seasonal event: "Christmas in the Carolinas" or simply visit Bennett Place on any day and take a guided tour (tour times listed on the website).

For more information go here:
http://www.bennettplacehistoricsite.com/special-events/

Write at least 2 paragraphs describing your observations.  Take a selfie while you are there to document your your visit.  Your paragraphs should include questions you have about the Civil War.  Address the importance of Bennett Place as a Durham Landmark and the legacy of Bennett Place.

Math:  "The Secret to Becoming a Millionaire"

• Students should research to obtain general information on money market funds, treasury bonds, treasury bills, savings accounts, and certificates of deposits. Students should choose one savings instrument, visit a local bank to obtain specific information to be able to answer the following questions.

1. What is this savings instrument called?
2. Does it require a minimum balance?
3. Are there fees or penalties if you withdraw your money before a specified time?
4. Is this savings method more or less risky than savings bonds?
5. What is the interest rate on this savings instrument?
6. Is interest compounded annually, semi-annually, quarterly, daily?
7. How is the purchasing power of the savings protected from inflation?

• Students should prepare a brief presentation in which they compare the advantages and disadvantages of the savings instrument they chose with the advantages and disadvantages of an I Bond.