Common Core Standards: https://iowacore.gov/iowa-core/grade/8
Religion: 8th graders study the Acts of the Apostles, the early Christian church, and Catholic Church history. Eighth graders also explore the marks of the Church, Christian morality, and Catholic Social Teachings. Theology of the Body, safe environment and healthy relationships, and the Family Life curriculum are also included in eighth grade religion.
Language Arts: Students demonstrate correct use of grammar and usage through daily writing experiences and apply these skills through the writing process. They choose from a variety of prompts that vary in purpose and then compose using the writing process and six traits of writing. They also learn/practice the verbal delivery of a speech, which focuses on voice (volume and rate), gestures (facial, body, and hand), enunciation, and eye contact.
Literature: The eighth grade students experience both academic and recreational reading to comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems independently and proficiently. The class employs comprehension strategies to determine the meaning of words and to compare, contrast, and analyze a variety of authentic literature. Academic literature includes Sounder, My Brother Sam is Dead, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the play version of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” During recreational reading students choose books to explore new themes and genres while developing their love of reading. During their drama unit, they perform a musical, which incorporates memorization, verbal expression, music, physical education (dance), and art.
Science: Students explore concepts in Physical, Life and Earth Science. The standards are covered using an online curriculum called Stemscopes. This curriculum helps to meet the science standards set by the State of Iowa. Scientific inquiry, problem solving and collaboration are incorporated throughout the year through developing and conducting investigations. Students continue to develop their skills of inquiry and use data to explain and defend their thinking. Our Stemscopes curriculum supports and fosters these skills.
Social Studies: The eighth graders study American history from the beginning of America to the early 1900's. We also participate in the National History Day contest. Students will choose a topic they wish to learn about which fits the current year’s theme. They work throughout the year researching that topic and creating a project in one of five categories: Paper, Performance, Exhibit, Website, or Documentary. They have the opportunity to present that project at the Regional Level Contest with many advancing to the state level or even the national level.
Math: The 8th grade Mathematics curriculum is the Carnegie Learning Math series. It is a problem-based core curriculum rooted in content and practice standards to foster learning and achievement. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Lessons are designed with a focus on independent, group, and whole-class instruction as well as an online component.
Special Area Classes: Physical Education, Health, Computer, Art, Music, Band (optional)