Course Description GRADE 8
Advanced Science 8
[ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection Process : Student selfselection Intended Audience : Students with a high interest in physical science topics and strong problem-solving , reading , and math skills . 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
This course will address the same Minnesota science standards as Science 8 , but at an accelerated pace to allow for increased depth and integrated use of technology . 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 : Designed for the more independent science learner . The investigations will encourage higher order thinking and will have an increased pace and rigor . Students will make indepth 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 .
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE
Global Studies 8
[ full year ] Major Outcomes :
• Understand the relationship between physical and human geography throughout each region of the world .
• Create and interpret a variety of maps , calculate and estimate distance , scale , density and spatial distribution patterns around the world .
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of economic principles .
• Study current events and analyze their global impact .
Instructional Focus : Instruction is presented in a variety of ways : class discussion , small and large group activities , simulations , and the use of technology and geographical tools .
REQUIRED ELECTIVES
ARTS CHOICES
Students must choose 2 of 3 arts areas
MUSIC COURSES Can choose 1 as an arts choice
Beginning Band 8
[ required elective option , every day ] Intended Audience : Students who did not take band in grade 6 or grade 7 Major Outcomes :
• Learn the beginning elements of playing a band instrument .
• Produce a characteristic tone and perform in an ensemble .
Projects / Activities : Perform in concerts and independent practice . Instructional Focus : Group instruction . Instructional Sequence : Upon completion of this course , students would enroll in grade 9 band .
Band 8
[ required elective option , every day ] Prerequisite / Selection Process : Band 7 or teacher permission Major Outcomes :
• Advanced levels of skill development and musicianship .
• Focus on the finer nuances of musical performance .
Projects / Activities : Perform in concerts and independent practice . Instructional Focus : Group instruction .
22 Middle School Registration Guide