*Students in the 8th grade get 2.5 credits of electives that they may fill with a combination of full year and semester electives.
English (one of the following)
English 8 (1.0 credit)
English 8 covers the different aspects of the language arts - specifically reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing - and how we can incorporate them into our lives. Some aspects include, writing workshops, research methods, persuasive writing, literature analysis, discussion, peer evaluation, grammar and vocabulary.
English 8 Honors (1.0 credit)
The objective of this class is to teach students disciplined and effective reading and writing skills necessary for success in future accelerated courses. Students will be instructed in critical reading, prewriting, writing, revising, and editing, as well as grammar and vocabulary. Success in this course requires seriously committed students who are willing to work above the expectations required in a regular 8th grade English class. Each student in this class is expected adhere to high standards of attendance, preparedness, participation, and responsibility. There will be summer reading/writing assignments as well as reading/writing assignments during school breaks.
Math
Math 8 (1.0 credit)
Develop fluency with rational numbers and proportional relationships. Students will begin to learn algebra concepts, to think flexibly about relationships among fractions, decimals, and percents, and solve single-variable equations and inequalities. Students will analyze situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Students will apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.
Healthy Lifestyles
Participation Skills/PE (.5 credit)
Students will continue to develop sports skills learned in 7th grade. While the emphasis is on getting activity, strategies and teamwork will be a key component.
Science
Integrated Science 8 (1.0 credit)
During this class we will be focusing on how energy and matter experience change. The areas of science to be studied are physics, biology, chemistry and geology. In each areas of science, about 1 term will be spent investigating specific aspects of these sciences according to the Utah State Core Curriculum.
Social Studies
US History (1.0 credit)
This course is designed to emphasize historic events from the age of exploration to Reconstruction and the western movement. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, the age of exploration, colonization, Revolutionary War, national period, constitutional issues, Civil War, Reconstruction and the western movement.
Applied Skills (1.0 credit)
Applied Skills is an educational setting for students with an individualized education plan where all students are given the time and appropriate skills to become successful in their classes. It focuses on increasing each student’s organization, reading and writing skills which will allow each student build a positive self esteem and become independent successful individuals.
Beginning Band (1.0 credit)
This class is for students with little or no experience in music. Students taking this class will learn to play a woodwind instrument, brass instrument or percussion. Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on tone production and rhythm. There will be some public performance required. Home practice is expected and required. Students with experience in Elementary Band should sign up for this class after which advanced placement will be considered. (Two years of Elementary Band = one year of Seventh Grade Band.)
Chorus (1.0 credit)
Chorus is a beginning level class open to all 7th, 8th and 9th graders. Students will learn to sing many different types of music with proper vocal technique. Students will also learn to read music, sing in languages other than English, and will participate in concerts.
Concert Band (1.0 credit)
This class is designed for students who wish to expand their woodwind or brass playing techniques. At least one full year of successfully completing Beginning Band is recommended (two years Elementary Band.) There will be some public performance required. Home practice is required as well.
Concert Orchestra (1.0 credit)
This class is for string players who have either participated in Elementary Orchestra or wish to continue their string playing experience in a school ensemble. Students will play basic ensemble literature and take part in required public performances. Home practice is expected.
French 1 (1.0 credit)
French I is a first year high school equivalent course which aligns with the Utah State Office of Education Standards for Foreign Language offered to eighth and ninth grade students. Students will understand, interpret and respond to written and spoken language on a variety of topics. Real-world activities are offered to promote cultural awareness.
Spanish 1 (1.0 credit)
Beginning Spanish will focus on developing the five language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. You will begin building vocabulary, working through grammar and simple sentence structures, as well as conducting simple conversations in Spanish. You will be introduced to Hispanic culture and geography.
Jazz Band (1.0 credit)
This is an audition-only band for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in musical performance. This band practices and performs Jazz music pieces. At least two full years of successfully completing both Beginning and Intermediate levels of band are highly recommended. There will be required public performances throughout the school year. Home practice is required.
Art 3D Design(.5 credit)
3D-Design provides students with an opportunity to build three dimensional artwork through the manipulation of a variety of art media. The class will be an overview and introduction to fine crafts, their media and the cultures they represent. It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 or 2 before taking this course.
Art Foundations 1 (.5 credit)
This class is an overview of visual arts; studying a variety of art tools and materials. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills and aesthetics.
Art Foundations 2 (.5 credit)
This class is an extension of Art Foundations 1 providing further study of art tools and materials. Emphasizing studio production, this course is designed to further develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills and aesthetics. It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 before taking this course.
Beginning Guitar (5. credit)
This class is for students with little or no experience in music. Students taking this class will earn to play the guitar. Parents must provide guitars and books. Home practice is required. Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on reading music and chords.
Construction Intro A (.5 credit)
This course is a beginning woodworking class that teaches the basic use of many different woodworking tools. This class will focus on the safe use of power machines, wood technologies, and measuring skills, while building small projects. Projects built in this class may include a screw tray, cutting board, pen turning, and a small box. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)
Manufacturing Technology (.5 credit)
This is an intermediate woodworking class that builds on the fundamentals taught in the Construction Intro A class. This class is for students that have successfully completed Construction Intro A. Here the focus will also be on the safe use of woodworking tools, wood technologies, and measuring skills while building projects with more advanced skills. Projects may include bent wood fish nets, wood turnings, and box jointery. Students will also be able to choose personal project to build. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)
Creative Writing (.5 credit)
In this class students can explore and enhance their creative writing through a variety of writing projects, such as poetry, short stories, personal narratives, journal entries and more.
Dance 1-3
Dance courses that build dance knowledge and skill with a focus on dance as an art form.
Exploring Food & Nutrition 8 (.5 credit)
Students will explore preparation of foods from the new "My Pyramid" using a variety of cooking equipment and techniques. Learn what each segment of the pyramid offers us as well as how to read and interpret labels and determine portion sizes. "Come hungry, leave happy!"
School Success 8 (.5 credit)
The School Success class supports struggling learners by increasing their organization skills, study skills and life skills. Grades and attendance are monitored weekly. One class period a week is devoted to homework completion.
Theater 1 (.5 credit)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatrical performance, reading, viewing, and analyzing plays . Students will be required to attend one play per quarter and read two plays per quarter.
Theater 2 (.5 credit)
This course is designed to give students advanced training in the areas mastered in the beginning theater course. In addition, students will participate in activities which develop proficiency in acting styles, writing, auditioning, and preparing resumes. Students will be required to attend one play and read one play per quarter.
Pop Culture (.5 credit)
In this course, students will be will be analyzing music, movies, television, and sports (among other topics) as we search to understand the role that pop culture has played in influencing American culture.
Beginning Orchestra
Beginning Orchestra will give you the option to learn traditional string instruments like violin, viola, cello, and bass. No prior knowledge is needed. You will also learn how to read the music that corresponds to these instruments. You will learn to work as a group and play songs together with the class.
Introduction to Spanish & French
Intro to French and Spanish is a course designed to teach the basics of both languages and to inspire students to continue more advanced study in either or both languages in their 8th and 9th grade year. The course will cover introductory vocabulary like names, greetings, colors, the alphabet, and necessary terms for traveling and getting around a Spanish or French speaking country. The course will also engage students in the cultural context of both languages, giving students a wider view of the world.
Media Arts
Media arts explores human communication through a variety of technological means. Students in this course will study these technological tools and complete projects to show their mastery of them. Projects will have students working in multimedia art forms such as photography, filmmaking, audio mixing, presentation apps, and other interactive media.
Community and Law
The purpose of this class is to provide students with knowledge to help them navigate the changing world we live in. Topics will include things like Utah law and safety, first aid, critical thinking, emergency preparedness, and other skills on how to be a successful perso