C8th

Eighth Grade Curriculum

Language Arts

The eighth grade year is devoted to insuring that students have the grammar and writing skills necessary to be successful in high school. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the different types of writing and the characteristics of each by producing various compositions. The research process will be taught and used to generate a term paper. Grammar skills will be taught through direct instruction then applied and strengthened in writing.

Vocabulary / Literature

Students must have a good command of language in order to become good readers. Therefore, we will focus on increasing their vocabulary skills. They will master words listed in their vocabulary text. Twenty words per week will be assigned as homework each night. They will learn the definition, synonym, antonym, part of speech and sentence usage. A quiz on each unit will be given to test their study skills and mastery. These skills will be reinforced in their writing assignments.

Reading will be taught through specifically chosen works. Students will learn to identify the author’s purpose, theme, conflict, characters, settings and conclusion. They will master these skills and become discriminating critics of the written word. Each month a specific classic will be read in class and discussed. At the conclusion, students will be given a test on the Novel. We will read from famous authors like: Bradbury, Steinbeck, Lee, Shelly, Rawls, Conan Dole Shakespeare, and others.

Math

Mathematics in the Middle School encourages problem solving, critical thinking and mathematical inquiry. The aim is for all middle school students to become free thinkers, applying their math foundations to solve real world problems. Pre Algebra, Algebra and Algebra 11 are offered as upper level math courses. Placement in each course is determined by the mathematics department.

Students begin the process of developing critical thinking skills that are a vital component in algebraic investigations. Through application and mathematical language, students will investigate and explore the concepts of integers, equations and inequalities. At this grade level, measurement is emphasized and implemented through an interdisciplinary approach.

Students in Algebra will explore mathematical relations through investigation and problem solving. Through the use of graphing calculators, students will begin their exploration of the coordinate plane and graphing. Topics include solving, writing and graphing linear equations and inequalities, linear systems, exponents and exponential functions, as well as quadratic equations and functions.

Science

•During the year students will sample the three main content areas of Science, the first being Chemistry, with an emphasis on the periodic table, the atom, chemical bonds and chemical reactions. The second is Space Science, which covers the solar system, objects in space, stars, and galaxies. The final topic introduced is Conservation; this incorporates conservation of life and conservation of resources.

Social Studies

We will be using The American Journey, textbook. This course will highlight the important people, places, and events that helped shape America. Some of the key concepts, historical references and periods that will be taught are as follows: early exploration, colonial settlements, American Revolution, the United States Constitution, manifest destiny, expansionism, Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrial Revolution, reform movements, Great Depression and FDR, WWI and WWII, Cold War, civil rights era, Korean and Vietnam Wars, and a look at more contemporary government administrations. Standardized test practice will be part of the curriculum. In addition, current events will be used often to encourage critical thinking on modern day issues that will affect our lives.

Spanish

•Introduction to Spanish language and culture

•Salutations

•Primer Paso: greetings, introduction to oneself, ask how someone is feeling, talking about own feelings, goodbye, use Spanish alphabet, ask where someone is from, ask questions and respond to requests in class

•Verbs "ser" and "estar"

•Friendship and friends: students will be able to describe themselves; find out what other people are like; talk about what students like or do not like to do; compare likes and dislikes

•Paragraph writing and reading

•The school: students will talk about their schedule of classes in simple sentences; telling time; name school supplies

•Leisure time and sports activities: students will be able to talk about their leisure time and their favorite activities

•Study of the verbs "ir", "querer", "gustar", "poder" and sentence construction

•Students will be able to invite somebody or to turn down an invitation

•Writing dialogues

•Food: students will be able to name the various food in Spanish; will be able to express what they like or do not like to eat; say whether they are hungry or thirsty; and compare and contrast eating customs in Spanish speaking countries and the United States

•Form negative sentences and possessive adjective

•The family: students will be able to describe family members and friends; ask and tell what someone’s age is; tell what other people like and do not like to do

•Explain how last names are formed in Spanish speaking countries

•Clothes: students will be able to describe the color, fit, and price of clothing; ask about and buy clothes; and compare where people shop for clothes in Spanish speaking countries and in the United States

•Cultural notes: "el día de las gracias" & "la navidad"