Eighth Grade – Mrs. DeMaria
Welcome to 8th Grade!
Hello and welcome! I am so excited to be the 8th Grade Homeroom and Middle School Science teacher this year. I am looking forward to a year full of learning, growth, and fun!
A little about me: This will be my 16th year working at St. Agnes School, and I am passionate about creating a positive and engaging classroom where every student feels supported and encouraged. I grew up in Clayton and graduated from Clayton Valley High School before earning a BA degree from UC Davis and a master’s degree from Cal State East Bay. I have three grown children who are St. Agnes alumni.
Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors running, hiking, fishing and camping with my husband and adventurous dog, Buddy. I am excited to bring these real-world connections into the lessons we explore together in science and religion.
We are fortunate to have Mrs. Fernando as our Instructional Assistant. She plays a vital role in supporting our middle school students and enhancing student learning in the classroom.
Science
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) guide the instruction and are supported with the Full Option Science System (FOSS), a research-based curriculum developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley along with Pearson Science text/materials. Additional digital resources, such as Discovery Education and Nearpod support the curriculum as well.
Students explore the scientific world by learning and implementing the scientific method. Students conduct investigations to collect and analyze data, and communicate information in writing or by creating models through collaboration with their peers.
Critical thinking skills will be applied as students venture through the areas of earth, life and physical science during their middle school years.
The world of science is something I find fascinating and my hope is that the students experience the wonder of science and the amazing relationships that occur in our natural world.
Science Fair: April, 2027
Students in 6th and 7th grade determine a scientific question and implement the scientific method for their science fair project. A research paper is included in the project work.
Students in 8th grade research and build models based on the theories of physics in real life. Students design a bridge to be tested for its weight bearing ability and function. A research paper is included in the project work.