Grade 8

8th Grade English Language Arts is a year-long required course. Students will study the language arts and strengthen their skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Direct instruction on reading strategies to help find meaning in literature and the content areas will be provided. Students will read stories written in different genres and will be sharing reading and writing experiences in a variety of ways, including literature circles, reading and writing workshops, reading logs, book reports, and essays. Students will work to become proficient in the use of the six plus one traits of writing and focus on the solid construction of multi-paragraph essays in the different modes of writing. They will learn to identify and evaluate the quality of sources and use a variety of them to create a research report. Students will build on their understanding and use of English grammar and conventions. They will have several opportunities to deliver oral and visual presentations of their work and ideas as well. Students will be expected to take an active part in the assessment of their progress and academic growth.

Algebra is a yearlong required course in mathematics taken in the 8th grade year. Topics include solving equations and inequalities, graphing, creating and writing equations, solving systems of equations, and developing understanding of linear, exponential, and quadratic functions. This list was generated from the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics using the recommendations for the accelerated 8th Grade Algebra.

Physical Science is a yearlong required course for 8th graders. Students will be introduced to concepts in physical science (properties of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, compounds, mixtures, chemical changes, motion, forces, newton's laws, waves, light, and sound) by participating in a variety of learning activities that require them to explore and utilize the habits of mind and the nature of science. Through the year, students will focus on the following unifying principles of physical science:

• Matter is made of particles too small to see.

• Matter changes form and moves from place to place.

• Energy changes from one form to another, but it cannot be destroyed.

• Physical forces affect the movement of matter on Earth and throughout the universe.

World History 8 is a yearlong, required course for 8th grade at AST. A continuation of World History 7, students will work together to understand how globalization began through the growth of empires, trade, religion, and colonization. The course will focus on essential skills in social studies such as map reading, identifying bias, and critical thinking while encouraging students to be global citizens.

The Middle School Physical Education curriculum will concentrate on all areas of physical/social/emotional development. Classes will stress the importance of student participation and sportsmanship while being introduced to a variety of activities and sports. Students are expected to take good care of equipment and locker room facilities, be respectful to the instructor, substitute teacher, and other students in the class, have a positive attitude, exemplify sportsmanship, be on time, and do not use inappropriate language. Washington State Health standards are also embedded into the PE course.

Middle school students choose two electives each semester from a range of options in Careers &Technology, Visual & Performing Arts, and Language & Culture.

Middle School Electives