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 hands-on 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 and French are taught in a two-year loop so that students may achieve maximum exposure to the structures of each language . The course is 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 two-dimensional 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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