The 8th graders have been spending the week analyzing the traits of three different types of beetles in order to answer the question-How do beetle traits vary across and within a species?  From this analysis they will develop a scientific argument by making a claim, supporting their claim with qualitative and quantitative evidence and explaining how their evidence supports their claim through sound reasoning.  The ability of a student to develop a strong scientific argument based upon evidence is a critical skill in scientific inquiry.  Students often find writing the reasoning piece to be the hardest part of writing the argument.  What they don’t realize is that I already see so much improvement in their ability to think and express their thinking aloud and in writing since last year.  They are all making huge strides!  The writing process begins next week…be sure to ask your child how it’s going :).