GRADE 8 Course Descriptions
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, etc.: 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 COURSES
Students must choose 2 of 3 arts areas
MUSIC 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, etc.: 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, etc.: Perform in concerts and independent practice. Instructional focus: Group instruction.
Choir 8
[ elective, every day ] Major outcomes:
• Sing and perform a variety of styles of music.
• Develop vocal skills and musicianship
• Collaborate as an ensemble to prepare and perform music
Instructional focus: Group instruction.
Orchestra 8
[ required elective option, every day ] Prerequisite / Selection process: Orchestra 7 or teacher permission Major outcomes:
• Advance skill development and musicianship
• Focus on the finer nuances of musical performance
Projects, activities, etc.: Perform in concerts and independent practice. Instructional focus: Group instruction.
Middle School Registration Guide 21