Grade 8 - Course Descriptions

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Yearlong Courses

 

Introduction to Algebra:

Students take this course to build a strong foundation before entering high school, both by mastering skills and connecting their math concepts in meaningful ways. There will be an emphasis on written explanations and students will begin to justify and explain their work more thoroughly. The concepts covered include linear and exponential relationships, rational number operations, making sense of algebraic symbols, statistics, and geometry. This course will prepare students to think abstractedly, problem solve, and make connections between mathematical concepts. This course also allows students to improve their math skills by applying them to real-world examples.

 

Algebra I:

The Algebra I course is designed to provide students with important mathematical skills that have many real-life applications and lay the foundation for study in higher mathematics. In particular, the Algebra I course is structured around the following areas of study: Linear Equations, Polynomials, Factoring Polynomials, Fractions, Introduction to Functions, Systems of Equations and Radicals. Throughout all areas of study, there will be an emphasis on students developing a working mathematical vocabulary and a variety of approaches to problem solving.

 

Students study a variety of topics in the course. The distributive property and linear equations in one variable will be a focus of the first trimester. Equation solving and problem solving will be primary goals using equations with positive and negative numbers, parentheses, proportions and variables on both sides of the equal sign. Polynomials will be studied with emphasis on factoring for the solutions of quadratic equations. The course will continue with the manipulation of simple fractions and rational expressions with ratios and proportions. The course will include a major unit on graphing linear functions and systems of linear equations including inequalities. Finally, students will work with the complexities of square roots and their manipulation followed by quadratic equations without rational roots. The quadratic formula will be introduced as well as completing the square.

 

Social Studies:

The Social Studies program in eighth grade is a thematic study of three main topics: citizenship, economics, and global issues. Students will think critically about probing questions such as: What does it mean to be a global citizen? What basic human rights should be guaranteed for all? How is globalization impacting our planet? What is America’s role in the world economy? What are the biggest issues facing our planet today? What should be America’s role in facing the issues of the 21st century? Students should expect lively discussion, differing opinions, and a broader perspective on all issues. Students will also build and reinforce academic skills of critical reading, note taking, essay writing, and research.

 

Language Arts:

The eighth grade language arts course continues working with the writing process to develop voice for varied audiences and purposes. Both writing and reading skills are taught through short stories, novels, and articles with an emphasis on non-fiction. The value of reading as a lifetime skill is reinforced as well as the analysis of literary elements such as symbolism, irony, foreshadowing and imagery. Additionally, grammar and vocabulary development are essential aspects of the grade eight language arts program.

 

Science:

The eighth grade science course is designed to continue enhancing student interest in science through examining relevant material and creating a safe environment for students to investigate science. The course will refine the student's scientific processing skills through a curriculum of Life Science, Physical Science and Earth/ Space Science. Laboratory, projects, investigations, inquiry-based activities, group work, class discussions, and simulations will be the main methods used.

Throughout the year, there will be further opportunities to promote student creativity and problem-solving skills.

 

Major Concepts Studied:

 

• Scientific Inquiry/Scientific Method
• Astronomy
• The Nature of Matter
• Forces and Motion
• Heredity
• Natural Selection

 

Trimester Offering

The following three courses are one trimester (twelve weeks) in length. Students rotate through the three offerings in the course of the school year.

 

Health:

The eighth grade health program is designed to help students make informed and healthy choices as they are transitioning from Middle School to High School. Through the course students will gain an understanding of their personal health and well­ness. Students will examine their physical, social and emotional health and apply the daily lessons to their lives. These lifelong skills will be taught, reinforced and assessed throughout the trimester. Areas of study include: Internet safety, substance abuse, refusal skills, nutrition, healthy relationships, reproduction and sex education.

 

Media Literacy:

The Media Literacy course teaches students to be aware of the pervasiveness of media in their lives and to evolve into critical media viewers. Students learn that advertisements and other media messages have been carefully crafted with the intent to send specific messages to the audience.

 

We explore the following questions: Who is the target audience of an advertisement? What are the biases of the authors/ editors of newspapers, magazines and web sites? How has personal identity been influenced by the media? How are gender roles portrayed and possibly defined by the market place, music videos, video games and other forms of media? Does violence in the entertainment industry (movies, computer games) have an impact on society?

 

The goal of this course is to help students become responsible and informed of the hidden biases in all forms of media, whether they are entertainment, information, or advertisement.

 

Art:

Students continue to work with the basic elements of design (line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space), as well as the principles that balance and unite these elements to create a good composition. Through classroom exercises and projects, students will learn to evaluate and apply a variety of media, techniques and processes to a range of subject matter. Students will also explore the significance of art as it relates to personal experience, culture, and human history. They will also have many opportunities to apply both skills and concepts learned in art to other disciplines.

 

 

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