Grade 8 Required Courses

English- Language Arts

The goal of English - Language Arts 8 is to empower students to be effective writers, readers, and communicators. In writing, students will develop their narrative, informational, and argumentative writing through a workshop-based approach, immersing students in the writing process and the six traits of writing instruction (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions). As readers, students will explore texts through various formats - whole-class reads, interactive read-alouds, book clubs, and independent reading. In Grade 8, students will read novels, short stories, narrative nonfiction, informational articles, essays, poetry, and various other texts to increase their reading comprehension, expand their vocabulary, deepen their analytical skills, and strengthen their identities as lifelong readers. At the same time, they will grow as speakers and listeners through whole class and small group discussions and formal and informal presentations. Vocabulary and language skills (grammar and mechanics) are integrated into every unit.

Units of Study Include:

A Study in Narratives
A Study in the Art of Argument
A Study in Literary Analysis - Author’s Craft and Theme
A Study in Narrative Nonfiction
A Study in Spoken Word Poetry

Math

Grade 8 Mathematics focuses on identifying, representing, interpreting, and analyzing relationships. Students use equations as a tool to describe and explore relationships and patterns in the world. A central focus is on working with linear equations. Students solve problems with one and two variables by applying and manipulating formulas and graphing relationships. Students also investigate data interpretation, representation and analysis through scatter plots and trend lines. They explore exponential relationships in terms of algebraic manipulations, scientific notation, and as applied, using the Pythagorean Theorem. In Geometry, students reinforce basic line and angle relationships, similarity and congruence (through geometric transformations), and begin using structured proof. Extension and independent topics for ready students include quadratic and exponential functions and basic triangle trigonometry.

The concepts covered in the Grade 8 Mathematics course are as follows:

Real Numbers
Linear Equations
Functions Graphing
Systems
Data
Exponents
Geometry
Extension topics (Quadratic and Exponential functions, Triangle trigonometry)

Science

In Grade 8 Science, students use the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS identifies scientific and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts (patterns, structure, function, communication, and scale, proportion and quantity), and core ideas in science that all K-12 students should master. Adhering to these standards provides a strong science education that equips students with the ability to think critically, analyze information, and solve complex problems - skills needed to pursue the opportunities within and beyond STEM fields. Students will learn through labs, simulations, projects, class discussions, and other appropriate activities. The units of study in Grade 8 Science include Chemical Bonding, DNA & Genetics, the Science of Sound, and Astrobiology.

Social Studies

The 8th grade Social Studies course increases the depth of understanding of global issues and addresses the essential question: “How do citizens enact positive change in a democratic society?” This question will be used to shape the exploration for each unit. The units of study in 8th grade are: Government, Conflict, and Human Rights. In each of the units, students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a variety of authentic ways. They will come to understand the significance of global issues and the role they can play in addressing them. In all units, research and communication skills, the use of technology, collaborative study, and problem-solving skills will be stressed. Students will be assessed on the following reporting outcomes: knowledge and understanding, research and investigation, communication, and presentation.

A variety of skills continue to be developed and practiced as students review the Research Process and finetune their ability to think critically through inquiry, analysis, observation, and inference. In grade 8, students proceed to build on their knowledge to locate, organize, and process information as well as evaluate and document sources. The curriculum remains committed to developing students reading, writing, and oral communication skills as well as exploring a range of media options to investigate and present their ideas and information. Technology continues to be integrated throughout the course through lessons, investigations, and presentations.

Physical Education

The Middle School Physical Education program gives students the opportunity to explore and participate in a range of sports and activities from around the world. The intention is for students to develop a lifelong love of sports and physical activity and to understand the benefits of an active and balanced lifestyle.

Grade 7 and 8 students participate in mixed classes with students from both grades. Students in grade 7 and 8 PE take what they studied in grade 6 PE and learn about those activities in greater depth. Students in grade 7/8 PE study half of the topics covered in grade 6 PE. Units include fitness, Striking games, Evasion games, Net games, Fitness & Swimming among other potential units, dependent on resources and availability. The objective of grade 7/8 PE is to dive deeper to develop some of the fundamental skills and more understand game or concept strategies, tactics, and ideas. In grade 7/8 PE students are assessed on their personal fitness, skill development, and movement concepts and principles. Assessment is varied and includes practical performance and game play, rubrics, observation, video analysis, and self and peer assessment.

Health

This course is a study in choices and their consequences. Students investigate the motivation and reasoning behind the many life choices people make. Students continue to learn about Mindfulness and actively practice it during class time. Students also investigate Nutrition further by considering the Fast Food phenomenon and the possible health consequences of what happens when we lose nutritional balance. There are honest class discussions about the epidemic of Substance Abuse among teens today, focusing on the “Gateway” Drugs, such as Alcohol, Marijuana and Vaping. While learning about Male and Female Reproduction, students also discover the many questions and possible scenarios they must consider before choosing to be sexually active. There is a strong focus on consent and setting boundaries within relationships. Students also explore and investigate different types of contraceptive measures, how they work, and how effective they are. The last big component of the Grade 8 Health program is the inclusion of a Child Protection Unit which is facilitated by the Middle School Counselor.

Students are guided with new knowledge and encouraged to inquire to develop new understanding as well as reflecting on their own lives and experiences. Students often reflect during class and group discussions, during which they are able to share their own knowledge and learning and experience the learning and knowledge of their peers. Students apply their learning through problem-solving, which is also an integral part of the lessons.

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