First quarter in 8th grade focuses primarily on building up independent reading habits and analyzing common text with short stories. Additionally, we review and build upon grammar skills from 6th and 7th grade.
Second quarter through fourth quarter primarily focuses on different forms of argumentative writing and defending what the students think in meaningful and impactful ways. Additionally, we will continue to look into new grammar concepts with which the students have not interacted.
The 8 mathematical practices are used as a foundation to becoming a better mathematician in eighth grade. Students will persevere when solving problems, think about numbers in a variety of ways, use mathematical thinking to explain answers, model/show work, select and use tools to solve problems, review work and strategies used for accuracy, use the structure of the problem when solving, and find and use mathematical patterns.
In addition to supporting the above foundation, instructional time will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Students will explore various content standards through a workshop approach to math instruction where emphasis is placed on developing a concrete understanding of a skill and transitioning to an abstract fluency.
In science, there are 8 total skills that are practiced throughout the course of the school year. These skills are practiced multiple times and occur in different units through the year. They are:
Develop and use models
Construct explanations and design solutions
Ask questions and define problems
Plan and carry out an investigation
Use mathematical and computational thinking
Analyze and interpret data
Obtain, evaluate and communicate information
Engage in an argument from evidence
Within each unit, we use different scientific concepts as a way to practice the skills listed above. Here is a quick rundown of the different concepts we discuss throughout the 8th grade school year.
In the first semester, students dive into the concept of energy. In unit one, they investigate how the change in mass of an object and its speed can change its overall force. During the second unit, students look at different types of potential energy and how changing various properties of an object will contribute to different amounts of potential energy. From here, students look at the impact gravitational energy has on us at a universal level, and use this information to form some conclusions about causes of seasons, eclipses, days and years. After this, students learn a little bit about the differences between electric and magnetic fields. Students learn how these two concepts can be merged together to produce a phenomenon known as electromagnetism. From here, we continue with the theme of energy by investigating the differences between mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Students learn about light behaviors and how we use this information to reflect, absorb or transmit waves for different purposes.
In the second semester, we change the direction of our learning and focus on living things. Firstly; students run a simulation to form conclusions about how species may change over time. On a microscopic level, students learn how genetic traits can be inherited, and how the dispersion of these traits plays a role in the physical, mental and emotional composition of an individual. To better understand the processes that may drive changes in a species, students then investigate the changes our planet has experienced over the years. Students take a deeper look at the daily processes that contribute to the large scale changes that can occur over time. Using the same investigative techniques used to discover information about our Earth’s past, students will learn how time has also captured valuable information about the history of life on our planet through a fossil record.
Students will take part in four major thematic units during their 8th grade social studies. The first unit: America at War, includes a study of many of the major American conflicts starting with the American Civil War through current conflicts. During the second unit: The American Democracy, students will study the different aspects of the United States government system. The third unit: The American Economy students will learn about the history and structure of the American Economy. The last unit: Social change, will focus on the important movements, challenges, and changes in the areas of civil rights and social justice in United States history.
At OMS, the 8th-grade Art Curriculum focuses on a deeper understanding of art's role in society, its use in representing identity, and art as a career. Artists will develop techniques in 2D & 3D Media. They will create a functional ceramic and engage in professional communication for commissioned artwork in their Legacy Project where they paint a ceiling tile for an OMS staff member. Artists develop realism through facial proportions and developing skills within the elements of art and principles of design. Assessments include weekly sketchbook assignments, daily journal entries, group discussion art critiques, and written reflection of the creative process through artist statements.
Middle School Physical Education Curriculum Overview
Our middle school Physical Education program focuses on developing students’ physical skills, teamwork, and overall fitness through a diverse and engaging curriculum. Students participate in a variety of team sports, individual skill-based games, and fitness activities, promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy habits.
Team Sports: Students engage in traditional team sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football, emphasizing skill development, strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Invasion, Net, Striking, and Fielding Games: Students practice different types of sports and games that develop coordination, tactical thinking, and individual skills.
Fitness: Students participate in structured fitness activities, including the FitnessGram assessments and the Presidential Fitness Challenge, to improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and overall physical health.
Our program encourages students to build confidence, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward physical activity, preparing them for active, healthy lifestyles both in and out of school.
Our Health Smart program empowers students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices for life. Through engaging lessons in emotional and mental health, nutrition, physical activity, safety, and personal wellness, students develop self-awareness, resilience, and healthy habits that support their academic and personal growth.
This technology course provides a highly engaging, hands-on experience focused on the world of automation and robotics. Students learn the fundamental concepts that power modern technology, including mechanical systems, programming, and computer control.
Using the VEX Robotics platform, your child won't just study these topics—they will apply them. They will design, build, and program actual working devices, such as a robotic food dispenser or a transport system. This project-based approach emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration—essential skills that translate to success in any future career.
Students in 8th grade agriculture learn life skills such as running a meeting, growing a garden, keeping records on their experiences, and researching how their food, fuel, and fiber is grown and produced.
In choir, students will explore the basics of reading music and rhythms while learning new music vocabulary. We focus on singing and having fun, performing songs that are currently on the radio, featured in popular movies and TV shows, and other exciting choir favorites. It’s all about making music together, building skills, and having a blast while singing!
8th Grade Band is an advanced-level course for students with at least two years of band experience. Students will further develop their instrumental and ensemble skills. The students are also given more opportunities for solo and small ensemble playing. Students are expected to demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and a commitment to musical excellence.