Math Options:
Math 8 is the standard level math course that most 8th graders will be placed into.
Algebra 1 Honors is a high school credit option. Students are able to take this course if they receive a teacher recommendation or if they were in Math 7/8 as a 7th grader.
English Options:
English 8 is the standard level math course that most 8th graders will be placed into.
English 1 Honors is a high school credit course offered to students classified as Gifted & Talented or students who receive a teacher recommendation.
Science 8 is the science course that all of our 8th graders will take.
Social Studies 8 is the social studies course that all of our 8th graders will take.
Semester-Long Courses:
Art 8: Students will refine their ability to communicate visually, manage a wide-range of tools and materials, and achieve quality, style
Agriculture 8: This course is designed to assist students in exploring science as it relates to agriculture. Through well planned instructional activities, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of human relations, communication, the importance of agriculture to the economy, and key scientific terms related to the field of agriculture concepts.
Chorus 8th Intermediate: This choral music class will focus on the development of good singing techniques as well as sight-reading. Students will have opportunities to participate in district music clinics and perform in choral concerts and school showcases throughout.
General Music 8: Students will explore various aspects of music through instruments and project based learning.
GTT8 Design & Model: This unit uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.
Exploratory 8: Students will engage in learning that is designed to fulfill the profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Instruction should utilize inquiry, global contextualization skills, creativity and innovation, collaboration, and teamwork. The life and career characteristics we will seek to strengthen are aligned with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate and will continue to build the world-class knowledge and skills necessary to prepare students for college and careers. Students are expected to learn through inquiry, reflection, and project-based learning.
Research Skills 8 (STEAM Lab): In STEAM Lab students create hands-on and digital-based projects related to engineering, graphic design, art, and current events. Some examples of projects include designing a fidget toy, creating an animated book, as well as building and designing prototypes for RVs. 8th grade students will have the opportunity to participate in STEAM shop Fridays where they learn how to use a cruitic machine to create designs to support the community needs. These projects include designing murals, financing fundraisers, as well as designing and producing t-shirts for different organizations.
Year-Long Courses:
Band 8: This course functions as a recap and an extension. Students will be reminded of techniques covered in the last two years and then expand upon those techniques in preparation for high school band. Students will be taught increasingly advanced methods and will grow in their musicianship. In addition, we will begin to introduce basic concepts of music theory. The goal is to equip students with a strong footing to pursue music in any capacity they would like to after middle school.
Chorus 8: This choral music class will focus on the development of good singing techniques as well as sight-reading. Students will have opportunities to participate in district music clinics and perform in choral concerts and school showcases throughout.
Strings 8: This course is a continuation of Strings 7 for violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Advanced-level middle school literature will be studied. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and string techniques. This class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performance will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
Instrumental Band 1 (HS Credit)*: This course will cover the same concepts and fundamentals as 8th grade band. These two courses are very aligned and are geared towards the same goal. However, students who take Instrumental Band 1 will qualify for high school credit. In order to receive this credit, students will be asked to go above and beyond the 8th grade expectations. Students will have extra assignments to complete in and out of class. This course requires a teacher recommendation.
Art 1 (HS Credit)*: This introductory course provides students with problem-solving experiences in two and three-dimensional media, stressing design elements (line, shape, form, value, color, space, and texture), and design principles, (proportion, emphasis, harmony/unity, balance, rhythm/movement, contrast repetition/ pattern, and variety). Emphasis is on the development of basic skills. PREREQUISITE: Teacher recommendation.
AgScienceTech (HS Credit)*: The Agricultural Science and Technology course is designed to teach essential concepts and understanding related to plant and animal life including biotechnology, the conservation of natural resources, and the impact of agriculture and natural resource utilization on the environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of agriculture in our society and the importance of agriculture to the welfare of the world. Basic personal and community leadership and safety, and agricultural mechanical technology are included as a part of the instructional program. Each student is expected to design and participate in a supervised agricultural experience. PREREQUISITE: Requires teacher recommendation.
Spanish 1 (HS Credit)*: This course prepares students to: interpret, exchange, and present information, concepts and ideas both within the classroom and beyond on a variety of topics including connections to other subject areas; and understand the relationship among the products, practices and perspectives of other cultures. In addition, students develop insight into their own language and culture. PREREQUISITES: Requires teacher recommendation.
Chorus 1 (HS Credit)*: This course emphasizes the development of basic vocal techniques and skills including: good posture, tone quality, breath support, diction, and attack and release. Attention is given to the understanding and practice of basic elements of music including music reading skills. Students may have the opportunity to sing in foreign languages while studying a variety of styles of choral music. Vocal independence is emphasized in the performance opportunities that will be given. This is considered a beginning level class and students will have the opportunity to audition for advanced choral classes after completing Chorus 1. PREREQUISITE: Requires teacher recommendation.
Orchestra/Strings 1 (HS Credit)*: This course is a supplementary experience for students with superior musical talents. This course emphasizes basic musicianship on individual strings or orchestra instruments. Students concentrate on developing technique, tone quality, range, and proper posture. Students receive concentrated instruction in performance techniques and have the opportunity to apply them through solo performance and chamber ensemble participation. Prerequisite: Participation in the middle school program as well as teacher recommendation.