Grade 8 Academics
characters, and becoming aware of the beauty and power of the written word are key outcomes.
Mathematics
The seventh grade mathematics curriculum includes decimals, algebra and statistics, linear equations and functions, fractions, proportional reasoning, geometry, and measurement. Acceleration, extension and enrichment opportunities are offered within the classroom. Life Science
Seventh grade students will be learning about a number of different life science topics. These include; defining life, relationships in nature, food webs, scientific method, photosynthesis, cells, organ systems, genetics, and evolution. Students will be asked to use a variety of methods, in particular, STEM related activities to explore the key concepts of each unit.
Social Studies
Maine culture is the focus of seventh grade social studies. Students will examine questions such as: What is social studies? What makes a place a place? What happens when cultures interact with one another? What is needed to create a community? How does a place change over time? We will explore many facets of social studies including history, geography, economics, government, anthropology and sociology.
World Languages
The World Languages program provides students with a foundation for future language study and promotes awareness of cultures related to world languages. Spanish and French are taught in a two-year loop so that students are able to achieve maximum exposure to the structures of a language. The course is organized around thematic units that integrate vocabulary, grammatical structures, culture, and communication.
Seventh grade students will focus on learning the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, all taught through themes such as the classroom, school, family, home, and holidays. Popular culture, food, art, music, and other content areas are regularly connected to lessons. Skills in participation, tolerance, and cooperation are also strongly emphasized.
Health / Wellness
Instruction is focused on physical education activity. Physical activities are often integrated with core curriculum in science. First Aid and CPR classroom instruction is integrated as time permits.
Visual Arts
Students will expand their understanding of the elements and principles of art through an investigation of the use of art and design in today’ s society.
The project-based curriculum is designed to incorporate academic areas of study such as social studies, literature, math, and science. This integrated approach will help students develop an appreciation for daily creative practices.
Music & Performing Arts
7th Graders focus on African Percussion, using authentic instruments from Ghana. Complex rhythms through ensemble and individual activities help students develop teamwork and a greater understanding of the music of other cultures. Students use Garage Band, software available on their laptops, to create original works and study a unit on American Music in History( Ellis Island). African dance, drama activities and studying the high school musical each year are also highlights in class. Students are invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the year at the annual Music Concert.
Grade 8 Academics
English Language Arts( ELA)
Grade 8 English Language Arts focuses on developing students’ writing skills through a critical look at 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.
8 www. thorntonacademy. org