Eighth Grade Dept

221- Advanced English 8

Writing assignments include personal and business letters, outlines, creative writing, a short research paper, and several impromptu essays. Students will study and practice research skills and prepare and present a public speaking assignment. Grammar instruction concentrates on the eight parts of speech and correct word usage. Rules of capitalization and punctuation are reviewed. Literature studies include structure analysis in novels, short stories, poems, plays, and non-fiction. The elements of poetry and fiction are studied. Vocabulary work includes spelling, definitions, and word usage.

240- Writing Literature 8

This class will focus on developing the student’s composition skills. Writing skills to be emphasized include logical organization, paragraph structure, idea development and editing skills. Students will write test essays, various types of paragraphs and letters and a longer writing assignment. They will also write about two novels that are assigned as reading.

Mathematics

501- Fundamental Math 8

This course contains content in the following areas: problem solving, applications with decimals and fractions, statistics and data analysis, patterns and number sense, and an introduction to algebra.

511- General Math 8

General Math 8 is designed to help students master basic math processes and includes the following topics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and computation of the perimeter, area, volume of simple geometric figures, percentage problems and related consumer mathematics, measurement and conversion within the metric and customary units and simple equation problems.

525- Pre-Algebra

In Pre-Algebra, students will be expected to compute using rational numbers, use variable, evaluate expressions, solve equations, graph equations, estimate and do mental math, gain critical thinking skills and learn problem solving strategies. As a result of taking this class, it is suggested that an algebra-readiness test be administered to insure probability of success in high-school level algebra.

530- Algebra I

Algebra I is a course for students who have mastered the basic skills in arithmetic and are ready for more rigorous work in the concepts of the real number systems. Algebra I includes solving inequalities, factoring, working with fractions, working with polynomials and solving systems of equations. Successful completion of this course will result in high school credit.

Foreign Language

300- French I 8

Students will be introduced to and begin to develop early listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar. The geography and traditions of French speaking people will be introduced. This course covers the same curriculum as the high school French I class. This class is not an exploratory class.

310- Spanish I 8

Students will be introduced to and begin to develop early listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar. The geography and traditions of Spanish speaking people will be introduced. This course covers the same curriculum as the high school Spanish I class. This class is not an exploratory class.

Music

601- 8th Grade Band

The concert band is the premier performing organization. It appears in many public performances and attends the district and state levels of band festival. Most members participate in the annual Solo and Ensemble Festival. The concert band performs at elementary centers, provides school assemblies and is available for special performances.

610- Choir S

Choir-S is designed for boys and girls interested in learning to perform for others in a concert and classroom setting. The class includes writing music, reading music, but singing music. There is an AUDITION required to enroll in the class to ensure the students ability to “carry a tune” and have average music reading ability. This class will help prepare for the high school choir experience.

611- Choir Y

Choir-Y is a year in length, therefore allowing eight graders the option of enrolling in vocal music for a full year. The class as the same objectives as Choir-S.

Other

710- Science 8

This is a yearlong course that deals with the basic study of astronomy, meteorology, geochemistry, and geology. Course content includes: the solar system, galaxies and the universe, dynamics of the atmosphere, earth’s interior, weathering and erosion, rocks, minerals, mapping, plate tectonics and its relationship to earthquakes and volcanoes.

810- Social Studies 8

This course will be a survey of the history of the United States from prehistoric times to reconstruction era. Students will be presented with the chronology of major periods of American history: exploration, colonization, independence, and birth of constitutional government, westward expansion, Civil War and reconstruction. Students will become familiar with major historical characters, including explorers, colonizers, scientists, inventors, political leaders, and social reformers. The cause/effect relationship of people and major events will be presented. Contemporary issues will be discussed as they relate to historical events.

160- Careers

This class will provide an opportunity for students to explore many careers areas and to identify their own interests and aptitudes. Educational Development Plans will be developed in setting short and long term educational goals, helping to prepare students to make course selections and career decisions for high school and after graduation. Students will investigate career trends, job supply and demand, and non-traditional careers using MOIS. They will visit the Educational Technology Center and hear from guest speakers about jobs in the different career pathways. Students will also take the Differential Aptitude Test and Career Interest Inventory to better understand how their interests and abilities may relate to possible future career.

011- Art 8

This course allows students to improve and test their art skill and further their art education. Activities may include drawing, using a variety of materials, use of color, clay, ceramic and sculpture, printmaking and art appreciation.

150- Word Processing for Personal Use

This course is designed to teach the basics of keyboarding using personal computers. This course will emphasize touch keyboarding, accuracy and speed development, creating documents such as reports, classroom notes, personal notes, letters and numbered lists.

401- Industrial Tech 8

This class offers students the opportunity to work and develop skills in three major areas of Industrial Technology: drafting, woodworking, and building trades. Students learn to identify and properly use hand and power tools through woods/metals project construction and structures. Students also are introduced to drafting methods and applications.

651- Physical Education

Emphasis is placed on introductory sports, recreational games, and developing athletic skills. Physical fitness is stressed with testing conducted throughout each marking period.

Special Education

94A- Basic Classroom Academic Support

This class is designed to provide students with necessary assistance and support in regards to daily assignments, homework, and quizzes/tests.

94E- Basic Classroom English

This course focuses on reading, writing, spelling, and vocabulary skills at levels appropriate to the special needs of the individual student.

94M- Basic Classroom Math

Instruction is basic instruction in basic computation and problem solving skills at levels appropriate to the individual needs of students enrolled in the class.

94S- Basic Classroom Science

General skills and knowledge of physical and life science applied to topics appropriate to the special needs of the individual student.

94H- Basic Classroom History

Topics in American History which parallel those covered in the general curriculum adjusted to the special needs of the individual student.