GRADE 8 Course Description
MATHEMATICS COURSES
Students performing below grade level in mathematics may be assigned to additional mathematics support courses . STUDENTS WILL BE PLACED IN ONE MATH COURSE
Middle School Algebra 8
[ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection Process : District Placement Process Intended Audience : Grade 8 , [ Accelerated Grade 6 and 7 ] Major Outcomes :
• Solution of equations
• Linear functions
• Properties of exponents Instructional Focus : Instruction presented in a variety of ways , including use of manipulatives , discovery and small and large group discussions .
Honors HS Intermediate Algebra
[ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection Process : Middle School Algebra Intended Audience : Accelerated Grades 7 and 8 Credit : 1.0 high school credit earned with passing grade * Major Outcomes : This course continues the extensive , connected , and applied study of mathematics from previous courses . Emphasis is on the development of multiple strategies to solve problems and to recognize multiple ways of understanding concepts , especially as it pertains to quadratic and exponential functions . It has strong threads woven throughout the course focusing on multiple representations , justifying thinking , and communicating the meaning of a solution . The topics covered in the course are :
• Functions , Linear Relationships
• Simplifying and Solving
• Sequences
• Modeling Two-Variable Data
• Exponential Functions
• Quadratic Functions
• Solving Quadratic and Inequalities Instructional Focus : Instruction presented in a variety of ways ; some hands-on activities and the use of a graphing calculator .
Honors HS Geometry
[ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection Process : Honors HS Intermediate Algebra Intended Audience : Grade 8 Credit : 1.0 high school credit earned with passing grade * Major Outcomes : This course continues the extensive , connected , and applied study of mathematics from previous courses . It has strong threads woven throughout the course focusing on multiple representations , justifying thinking , and communicating the meaning of a solution . The topics covered in the course are :
• Shapes and Transformations
• Angles and Measurement
• Justification and Similarity
• Congruent Triangles
• Proof and Quadrilaterals
• Polygons and Circles
• Solids and Constructions
• Circles and Conditional Probability
• Solids and Circles Instructional Focus : Instruction presented in a variety of ways ; some hands-on activities , and more in-depth study of content . * Offered as high school credit ; grades from this high school course may be reflected on high school transcript .
Honors Advanced Mathematics
[ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection Process : District Placement Process Credit : Credit will vary depending upon the mathematics completed * Intended Audience : Grades 7 and 8 ; designed for students who are mathematically gifted and perform significantly above grade level Major Outcomes :
• Become proficient problem solvers using a variety of strategies .
• Apply appropriate mathematical skills to real world situations .
• Effectively communicate mathematical learning .
Instructional Focus : Individually paced instruction with a variety of instructional strategies . * Offered as high school credit ; grades from this high school course may be reflected on high school transcript .
SCIENCE COURSES
CHOOSE 1
Science 8
[ full year ] Major Outcomes :
• Knowledge of basic concepts related to force , motion and energy
• Knowledge of the structure of matter
• Apply understandings about matter and energy to everyday life
Projects / Activities : Projects and activities may include individual or group investigations , that are both student and teacher directed that may involve forces and motion , energy transformations , and forces of nature . Instructional Focus : Students will make in-depth observations , ask questions , and generate creative valid explanations . They will be involved in experimental design , investigations , and designing and testing models . Students will be encouraged to apply skills and concepts to their everyday lives .
Middle School Registration Guide 21