The program for the eighth grade stresses emerging individual identities, personal and group leadership skills, writing and analytical skill enhancement, proficiency, and accomplishment. The curricular offerings provide opportunities for students to practice skills important throughout secondary and higher education that were introduced in seventh grade and to continue to explore their talents in a wide range of subjects. Leadership, teamwork, and community are important themes for this year. Coursework includes the following:
English
The eighth grade English program integrates writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills with dramatic and literary units. The reading and improvising of one-act plays leads to a fuller study of contemporary drama, including such works as Sorry, Wrong Number; Twelve Angry Men; The Miracle Worker; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students read contemporary novels with a focus on the adolescent in society. The novels read include The Pigman and To Kill a Mockingbird. The reading of Animal Farm presents an introduction to and culminates in the writing of a satire. The reading of selected biographies fosters an understanding of non-fiction. Creative and expository writing assignments are an integral part of all units.
History: U.S. Topics – Washington and Wall Street
How does the United States government make decisions? This question is answered as students explore the U.S. Constitution, as well as the actual operations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government. How does the United States’ economy function? Students answer this question after examining the basic principles of the U.S. mixed market economic system. In both units, special emphasis is placed on concepts and vocabulary. This
year students will revisit the particulars of the research skills necessary for
the production of two separate research papers.
Mathematics: Algebra I
Algebra I reviews the concept of variables and emphasizes operations on variables. A major portion of the course focuses on solving various types of linear equations and translating verbal sentences into mathematical equations. Students learn graphing, quadratic equations, probability, linear systems, factoring, exponents, radicals, and rational expressions. The course emphasizes a problem-solving approach. Students must purchase a TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator.
Religion
The eighth grade course is the study of the Catholic Church. The students are exposed to the value of church history in understanding God and our Catholic faith. They acquire a familiarity with the history of the Catholic Church and knowledge of the structures and functions of the church community. Additionally, they are given a variety of opportunities to explore their own participation in the current history of the Catholic Church as they learn about social justice and discuss actions they might take. Activity-based learning experiences provide a unique vehicle to foster learning at this middle school level.
Science: Introductory Physical Sciences
This course introduces basic concepts of chemistry and physics through hands-on explorations that involve students in applying the scientific method. The first half of the year is devoted primarily to chemical applications of physical science. The second half of the year emphasizes concepts studied further in traditional physics courses. The topics explored include matter, solutions, elements, mixtures and compounds, forces, motion, and energy. Laboratory investigations involving modeling, chemical reactions, and simple machines give students opportunities to work with and interpret scientific data.
In addition to the eighth grade core, students take cycle courses in creative arts, computer science, foreign language, physical education and health.