GRADE 8 ACADEMICS
English Language Arts( ELA)
The eighth grade ELA curriculum focuses on developing writing skills by encouraging a critical review of a variety of texts and writing genres. Four thematically driven quarters focus on teaching students to approach literature and information analytically, through close, purposeful reading. Through high frequency writing and revision, students learn to distinguish the elements of craft in the three common genres of academic writing— argument, informative, and narrative— and employ these specific strategies in their own pieces. Whole-class novels include: The Outsiders, The Giver, The Other Wes Moore, and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Mathematics
The eighth grade mathematics curriculum includes real numbers and algebra, percentages, geometry and measurement, probability and statistics, and linear and nonlinear functions. Acceleration, extension, and enrichment opportunities are offered within the classroom. Honors Algebra I is offered( in place of eighth grade math) to students who demonstrate a high level of competence with the mathematical concepts listed above. Honors Algebra I is taught at the upper school.
Physical Science
Eighth grade students learn and use scientific inquiry methods to explore and discover answers to key questions that are posed at the beginning of each activity. The topics of scientific method, interactions and energy, forces, and chemistry are each reviewed. Students will work collaboratively to carry out handson STEM experiments.
Social Studies
The focus of eighth grade social studies will be on the United States of America and the global community. Students will examine questions such as: What is the United States of America? What basic rights should EVERY human being have? How are consumer choices connected to the world around you? What does the world need from YOU? Students will explore many facets of social studies, including history, geography, economics, government, anthropology, and sociology.
Health / Wellness
Health and wellness instruction is divided between physical activity and health-related classroom lessons. Physical activities are often integrated with core curriculum concepts in science and social studies. Health units of study include: mental, emotional, family, and social health; community and environmental health; anatomy; and current events related to health.
Languages
The languages program provides students with a foundation for future language study and promotes awareness of different cultures. Spanish is taught to all 7th graders and French is taught to all 8th graders. The courses are organized around thematic units that integrate vocabulary, grammatical structures, culture, and communication. For eighth grade students, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are strengthened with more advanced language learning. Themes such as clothing, food, travel, and sports provide the basis for learning. Popular culture, food, art, music, and other content areas are regularly connected to lessons. Skills in participation, tolerance, and cooperation are also strongly emphasized.
Visual Arts
Students focus on the overarching theme of“ Art for Change” throughout the year. Students connect what they are learning about world events through research in social studies and ELA classes, and with integrated visual arts projects. This collaborative approach allows students to better understand the concepts studied and analyze how the practice of creating can bring about innovative solutions. Students work with a variety of twodimensional and three-dimensional art media and are encouraged to make creative choices in their work whenever possible.
Music & Performing Arts
Applying music to our world is the eighth grade theme. Students will learn to play the ukulele, investigate historical composers, and discover why their music is still remembered today. They will also have the opportunity to create original songs and podcasts on GarageBand, a program available on their laptops. Our dance unit starts with the 50s and 60s and goes back to the 40s, teaching students how to dance with a partner and learn first hand what the American swing era was all about. The elements of music are reviewed and used to help students articulate what they hear. Students are invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the year at the annual music concert.
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