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Curriculum 8th Grade

The eighth grade year continues the transition to a high school environment with a more traditional school schedule.  As well, students have more choices for their one elective than in previous years.  Placement in the core classes is based on the readiness of the individual student for that particular course of study as well as assessment scores and teacher recommendation.  Every eighth grade student will take English, mathematics, physical science, physical education, health, and Social Studies.  Eighth grade students will have one elective class.

Please click here to download the 8th Grade Course Catalog (PDF file format)

ENGLISH

ENGLISH READ/WRITE 8: 
This remedial yearlong course is designed to emphasize the application of the reading and writing process to a wide variety of learning situations.  Being able to comprehend the meanings of nonfiction or text articles and building vocabulary are necessary for education in all subject areas.  Being able to develop logical, coherent paragraphs that communicate what the student intends to communicate to others is the underpinning for the rest of his/her writing literacy education.  Skills development and a positive attitude towards reading, writing, and studying will be targeted.  Placement in this course is determined by assessment results on standardized tests and English grades from 7th grade.

ENGLISH 8: The eighth grade English program is designed to develop basic skills according to student needs and ensure that opportunities exist for each child to experience academic growth and enrichment.  All students will be given a thorough understanding of Analytical Trait Assessment (Ideas, Organization, Voice and Conventions).  Student’s writing will be scored in I.O.V.C. and students will be expected to utilize these writing traits in peer editing.  This course provides both basic and varied coverage of English skills.  It is designed to improve skills in spelling, vocabulary, mechanics, usage, and grammar through the use of an established writing process.  It is designed to improve thinking skills through a variety of methods and materials.  Students will also practice their handwriting, speaking and listening skills.

ENGLISH ACCELERATED 8:  This course extends student experiences in English.  It is designed to expand skills in spelling, mechanics, usage, vocabulary, research, usage, and grammar through the use of an established writing process.  It is designed to enhance literary appreciation through a variety of materials. Literary selections will be studied with an emphasis on analysis and higher level thinking skills.  Placement in this course is determined by 7th grade English grades of A’s/B’s, exceeding standards on standardized tests, teacher recommendation and a writing sample.

MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICS 8:  This one-year course is designed to develop each student's mathematical competence in basic skills, basic operations, problem solving, and effective communication necessary for responsible adulthood.

PRE-ALGEBRA 8:  This course is designed to introduce the eighth grade student to a formal study of algebra.  Emphasis is on the study of patterns and structure within the real number system.  Mathematical concepts in this course include simplifying and evaluating expressions, solving equations, graphing and data analysis.  Problem solving, communication, reasoning, and connections will be integrated with the mathematical content.

ALGEBRA I:  This course is designed to prepare students for a formal study of Algebra in high school.  Topics include working with exponents and radicals, solving and graphing equations and inequalities, factoring and problem solving strategies.

ALGEBRA I HONORS:  This first year Algebra course is designed for highly motivated and capable students who desire a more rigorous and challenging course of study.  It stresses both the structure of the real number system and the development of computational problem-solving skills.  This course will include instruction covering equations, inequalities, factoring polynomials, rational numbers, functions, graphing, and quadratic functions.  The appropriate use of calculators and computers as an instructional tool is encouraged.  Students must be prepared to devote a minimum of one hour per evening to complete homework, review, practice and/or study.   Placement in this course is determined by 7th grade accelerated math grades of A’s/B’s, exceeding standards on standardized tests and teacher recommendation.  One high school credit will be earned with the successful completion of this course but will not count for the NCAA requirement for athletics unless taken during high school.

SOCIAL STUDIES

WORLD GEOGRAPHY 8:  World Geography explores the physical and cultural characteristics of the regions of the world.  Students practice analyzing and interpreting maps, charts and graphs, as well as studying global issues and current events.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY ACCELERATED 8:  This course explores the physical and cultural characteristics of the regions of the world in depth.  There is a heavy emphasis on reading, projects and individual initiative.  Students also practice analyzing and interpreting maps, charts and graphs, and homework is regularly assigned.  Class time is also devoted to the study of global issues and current events.  Enrollment in this course is based on US History grades of A’s/B’s, exceeding standards on reading standardized tests, and teacher recommendation.

SCIENCE

SCIENCE 8:  This one year class is designed to utilize a wide range of skills and a combination of home, laboratory and classroom experiences which will be used to master topics including the laws of motion, properties of matter, force and work, energy and the environment.  Students will learn skills necessary for successful application of the scientific method of problem solving in each class. 

SCIENCE ACCELERATED 8:  This one year class is designed to utilize a wide range of skills and a combination of home, laboratory and classroom experiences which will be used to master topics including the laws of motion, properties of matter, force and work, energy and the environment.  Students will learn skills necessary for successful application of the scientific method of problem solving in each class.  Enrollment in this course is based on current level of performance, exceeding standards on reading standardized tests, and teacher recommendation.

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