Required Courses:

1. Pre-Algebra II, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II

2. Language Arts 8

3. Science 8

4. Academic Earth Science

5. Social Studies 8

6. Physical Education/Health 8

Elective Courses:

1. Advanced Band 8 (all year)

2. Spanish I **

3. PROJECT STEM 8

4. Desktop Publishing (Leadership Development)

5. Art 8

**It is a privilege for students to begin the study of high school Spanish I in the eighth grade. Students must have a strong interest in studying foreign language and plan to pursue advanced foreign language studies in the high school. Eighth graders should understand that the curriculum and pacing used at the high school will also be used in the middle school. Colleges encourage students to pursue foreign language during their entire high school career.

*Athletic Academic Eligibility (Requirements at WMS)

Academic eligibility requirements for middle school students who wish to participate in Madison County High School athletics are:

1. All athletes must pass 3 out of 4 classes per semester, including English and Math, to become eligible to participate in sports

2. Middles school students must also pass 3 out of 4 classes, including English and Math, for the semester to remain eligible to play a sport.

It is important for students to perform well in the classroom if they have a desire to participate in a sport.

REQUIRED COURSES:

*Student placement will be determined by standardized test scores and teacher recommendation.

PRE-ALGEBRA II:

This course reviews and/or extends concepts and skills learned in previous grades and new content that prepares students for more abstract concepts in algebra and geometry. Students will gain proficiency in computation with rational numbers and use proportions to solve a variety of problems. New concepts include solving two-step equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations, visualizing three-dimensional shapes represented in two-dimensional drawings, and applying transformations to geometric shapes in the coordinate plane. Students will verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem and represent relations and functions using tables, graphs and rules. Students will use concrete materials and appropriate technologies such as calculators and computers. However, facility in the use of technology shall not be regarded as a substitute for a student’s understanding of quantitative concepts and relationships, or for proficiency in basic computations. Mathematics has its own language and the acquisition of specialized vocabulary and language patterns is crucial to a student’s understanding and appreciation of the subject. Problem solving has been integrated throughout the six content strands.

ALGEBRA I:

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra and based on standardized test scores.

This is the fundamental course for any study of advanced mathematics. The topics include polynomials, solving equations, functions, graphing, exponents, and beginning statistics. This course will involve extensive use of the graphing calculator. An SOL test will be taken at the end of the course.

GEOMETRY:

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra and based on standardized test scores.

This course places an emphasis on applying logic to problem solving, using algebra and the coordinate plane to solve polygons from triangles through circles. Students will also study right triangle trigonometry, transformations, and constructions. Writing proofs will be an integral part of the course. An SOL test will be taken at the end of the course.

ALGEBRA II

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of geometry with C or better and/or Administrative Approval

In this course, a thorough treatment of advanced algebraic concepts will be covered through the study of functions, “families of functions,” equations, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational and radical equations, complex numbers, and sequences and series, and statistics. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications, modeling, and statistical analysis throughout the course of study. Oral and written communication concerning the language of algebra, logic of procedures, and interpretation of results will also permeate the course. This course will take a theoretical approach. An SOL test will be taken at the end of the course.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8:

Students will study and discuss a variety of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to enhance their ability to understand and appreciate literary elements such as figurative language, word choice, and imagery. Students will incorporate written composition skills to produce engaging and creative narrative, persuasive, and expository pieces. By applying accepted grammatical conventions, students will demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics. Vocabulary study will continue with learning word origins and studying word parts to increase word knowledge and usage. Students will expand skills in utilizing research techniques and technology to gather, organize, and communicate information while properly citing print and online sources. This class will ask students to respond to higher order questions through project based learning. Daily homework should be expected. Preparation for the Standards of Learning Tests in reading and writing will also be part of this course.

SCIENCE GRADE 8:

Students will continue to build skills of systemic investigation with a focus on variables and repeated trials, using observation, experimentation, models, evidence, and problem solving. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and literature reviews from written and electronic resources. Major areas covered by the standards include the organization and use of the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; nuclear reactions; temperature and heat; sound; light; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion.

ACADEMIC EARTH SCIENCE:

Prerequisite: Recommendation from Principal and Science Teachers

Students will continue to build skills of systemic investigation with a focus on variables and repeated trials, using observation, experimentation, models, evidence, and problem solving. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and reviews of current environmental issues. Demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and JASON Project are used to enhance the learning of the topics being considered. Major topics covered by the standards include astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography.

CIVICS, ECONOMICS, & PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY:

Students will examine the roles citizens play in the political, governmental and economic systems in the United States. Students will research and interpret the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions; identify the rights, duties and responsibilities of citizens; and describe the structure and operation of government at the local, state and national levels. Students study microeconomics; basic investment formats and investigate the process by which decisions are made in America's Free Enterprise system and interaction in the global economy.

ELECTIVES:

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 8:

Students will improve their fitness level in the four main areas of physical fitness: Cardiovascular endurance, Abdominal strength, Upper body strength, and Flexibility. Students will demonstrate positive attitudes toward classmates and good sportsmanship towards teammates, opponents, and officials. Dressing out daily will promote each student's responsibility and good personal hygiene. Students will also participate in various sports and games such as flag football, touch ball, indoor soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, backyard games, ultimate frisbee, whiffle ball, basketball, and track and field. There will be four Family Life Education lessons during the year and throughout the course health education will be incorporated. Some of the topics include nutrition, physical activity, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, using medicines wisely, building character, building healthy relationships, abstinence, body systems (endocrine, reproductive, immune), mental and emotional health, conflict resolution, violence prevention, safety.

ADVANCED BAND 8:

In Advanced Band, students will continue to expand upon the skills they acquired in Intermediate Band. Students are expected to practice at home on a regular basis in order to reach a high level of musicianship. The band will perform music at an advanced level, which will include more complex rhythm, time and key signatures, as well as require an extended range to the higher and lower limits of their instruments. There will be numerous performance opportunities including at least two concerts for family and friends, District Concert Band Assessment, a spring trip, and graduation ceremonies. The band may also combine with the high school concert band in the spring to help introduce students to band at the high school level. This is a year long course that meets every other day. **Teacher recommendation required to sign up for 8th Grade Band.

SPANISH I:

PREREQUISITE: Administrative Approval

This course focuses on the development of students' communicative competence in Spanish and their understanding of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Students learn to communicate in real-life contexts about topics that are meaningful to them. In order to develop their communication skills, students are encouraged to use the Spanish language as much as possible. Rather than isolating grammar in a separate strand, it is integrated into instruction according to the vocabulary and structures needed in the various situations in which students are required to function. Topics to be explored include pastimes, school life, food and drink, shopping, the family, and the home.

STEM 8:

Students acquire a foundation in technological material, energy, and information and apply processes associated with the technological thinker. Challenged by laboratory activities, students create new ideas and innovations, build systems, and analyze technological products to learn further how and why technology works. They work in groups to build and control systems using engineering design in the development of a technology.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES 8:

Students in Independent Living build life skills focusing on establishing positive relationships, balancing work and family life, investigating careers, making responsible consumer choices, applying nutrition and wellness knowledge, and studying child development and parenting. Curriculum will be broken into the major units, with career readiness and financial preparedness being a major focus. This will allow us to continue making connections with prior business skills learned as well as build upon civics lessons. A minimum of at least two food labs will be a part of the course, students must be prepared to dress and prepare according to safety standards.

ART GRADE 8:

Students will either take art first semester or second semester. Students will focus on research techniques, create a research workbook, and research and artist and style for their final project. Students will also have the opportunity to create 3-Dimensional ranging from clay to papier mache. Students will also explore paints and colored pencils.