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The below classes are year-long and mandatory for all 8th grade students. Math levels are determined by a placement test.
Click on the subject below to read the class descriptions.
Language Literacy 8
Language Literacy 8
Eighth grade students read from a variety of genres. During the reading, students maintain active reading notes, engage in both informal and formal discussions, respond to various writing prompts, and study vocabulary. Following the reading of at least three core texts, students write a literary essay in which they use textual evidence, including quotations, to support a thesis. In addition to the core texts, eighth graders study several short stories, poems, and essays. Students also are expected to read a wide variety of self-selected books. As students build a portfolio of writing designed to help strengthen their skills, they work closely with teachers in individual conferences.
Math 8
Math 8
8th Grade Math
8th Grade Math is designed around the Missouri Learning Standards for eighth grade with an emphasis on Mathematical Practices such as precision, problem-solving, perseverance, reasoning, and communication. A review of prerequisite knowledge is incorporated through warm-up activities as a way for students to build upon their prior knowledge and prepare for new learning. Mathematicians are encouraged to solve problems using a variety of strategies, work in collaboration, and take ownership of their learning.
Units of study in 8th Grade Math include (1) Rigid Transformations and Congruence; (2) Dilation, Similarity, and Introducing Slope; (3) Proportional and Linear Relationships; (4) Linear Equations and Linear Systems; (5) Functions and Volume; (6) Association in Data; (7) Exponents and Scientific Notation; (8) The Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers.
Upon successful completion of 8th Grade Math, students are prepared for Algebra 1. Information about the high school course progression can be found in the CHS Program of Studies.
Honors Algebra I
Honors Algebra 1 designed around the Missouri Learning Standards for Algebra 1 with an emphasis on Mathematical Practices such as precision, problem-solving, perseverance, reasoning, and communication. This course serves as an intervention to meet the specialized needs of students who require acceleration and compacting of curriculum to make continued growth in the area of mathematics and who have already mastered 8th Grade Missouri Learning Standards through previous learning experiences. The daily instruction in Honors Algebra 1 moves at a fast pace and requires increased learner independence. Students are expected to grapple with novel problems and situations with only a minimal review of prerequisite skills.
Major topics of study in Honors Algebra 1 include: One-Variable Statistics, Linear Equations, Inequalities, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Two-Variable Statistics, Functions, Introduction to Exponential Functions, Introductions to Quadratic Functions, Quadratic Equations, Rational Exponents, Sequences.
Upon successful completion of Honors Algebra 1, students are prepared to take Honors Geometry. Information about the high school course progression can be found in the CHS Program of Studies.
Honors Geometry
Honors Geometry develops topics from plane Euclidean Geometry. Topics studied include parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, quadrilaterals, transformations, circles, measurement of figures and solids. A major emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills, both inductive (geometric pattern recognition) and deductive (formal proofs), and selected rules of inference used in the development of geometry as an axiomatic system. Algebraic techniques are utilized to further the understanding of geometry.
Science 8
Science 8
8th grade science students will complete the following units:
Humanity and the Environment: Students investigate the history and consequences of contemporary global environmental issues and historical examples of a similar issue. The essential questions of the unit are “How do humans impact the environment?” and “How does the environment impact humans?” Students approach these questions through current world issues of water availability, food security, deforestation, human population, and disease. Students explore these issues through science and social studies and culminate in completion of individual and group components of a research project.
Climate Chemistry: Students study the effects of the changing global climate by gaining an understanding of climate science and chemistry. They investigate matter and its predictable nature, then apply this understanding to climate patterns on Earth. Students explore the factors and processes of determining climate and the causes and effects of global climate change.
Ecology II: Students investigate how ecosystems and populations change over time by studying the relationships between organisms and their environment. Students will focus on factors and conditions that cause an ecosystem or a population to adapt and the consequences of those changes to the ecosystem. They will also investigate human involvement in impacting change to ecosystems, as well as in preservation, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems.
Social Studies 8
Social Studies 8
Eighth graders will explore world history from the beginning of civilizations to 1600 C.E. Students will examine Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese cultures, as well as other African, American, Asian, and European civilizations. Primary source readings, research, and field trips to the art museum are critical components. The essential questions the students will address throughout the year focus on geography, government, economics, and religion and include:
1) How did geography influence the development of early peoples and ancient civilizations?
2) What was the role of religion in ancient civilizations and what impact did it have on the development/growth of human societies?
3) How have various human societies developed tools, skills, knowledge and government to address their basic needs and maintain social order?
PE/ Health 8
PE/ Health 8
Physical Education (3 Quarters)
Our mission is to teach students to live and value a healthy lifestyle reflecting ongoing psychomotor (physical), cognitive (mental), and affective (social/emotional) development. The physical education curriculum is student-centered, fun, skill-oriented, and inclusive. Our students participate in a variety of activities where they learn how to improve their overall fitness, perform a variety of skills, and be responsible for their health and well-being. They learn how to cooperate with others, socialize with their peers, be confident and independent, and exhibit self-control. Students are enrolled in physical education for three quarters each year.
Health (1 Quarter)
The eighth-grade curriculum emphasizes healthy decision-making and advocating for one’s own health through various lessons. This curriculum includes information on alcohol (immediate and long-term effects on the body & risks of binge drinking) and alcoholism. The unit over other drugs includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements/vitamins, energy products, and cannabis. The focus of these units is on how the substances affect our bodies, the addiction process, and decision-making. The mental wellness unit teaches about stress and anxiety, including management tips, how to recognize the signs of depression and suicide, and how to help someone. Lastly, a unit on relationships will take place, which includes the topics of healthy relationships & boundaries (emotional, digital & physical) and consent.
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