8th Grade Scheduling for 2025-2026
8th Grade
2025-2026
Elective choices
CAREER EXPLORATIONS SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
Career Explorations uses numerous technologies and a STEM approach to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to test out various career paths. Small group and individual activities in areas such as electronics, medical, culinary, forensics, and broadcasting are just a few of the ways this class helps students to explore their talents and interests to guide them in choosing high school and college classes as well as possible career paths. Instruction is also given in the areas of finance, college choice, job skills, and communication. This activity-based class is meant to give students an overview of the work world and let them begin to determine future career possibilities.
SPANISH I ALL YEAR 1 PERIOD
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This accelerated course builds the foundations for Spanish language acquisition and is designed to introduce students to speaking, listening, reading, writing and understanding Spanish. Students are exposed to the culture and customs of Spanish speaking countries. Activities in this course will focus on a variety of topics including geography and weather; family relationships; school life; food; clothing; the house; sports, games and leisure activities; places and transportation; and language and culture exploration. Please note: In order to be eligible to take Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish as a senior, a student MUST begin Spanish in 8th grade.
Students completing this course receive one (1) high school credit; therefore, their final grade counts in their high school cumulative grade point average.
Recommendation by 7th grade Language Arts teacher is required (based on standardized test scores in reading/writing, at least a B for the year in Language Arts, and a strong work ethic).
BAND 7/8 ALL YEAR 1 PERIOD
Seventh/Eighth grade band is open to those students who have been enrolled in Perry’s Instrumental Music Program in grades 6 and 7. Proper playing techniques, posture and study of scales, musical styles, and rhythmic development will be taught and assessed. Students are expected to provide and maintain an instrument in perfect working condition. Attendance at all out of school events, including concerts and trips, is mandatory to remain a member. Students may have the option to perform in Solo and Ensemble.
Prerequisite for 7th Grade Band: To be enrolled in 7th Grade Band, students must have played in 6th Grade Band and received a final grade of “C” or higher.
Prerequisite for 8th Grade Band: To be enrolled in 8th Grade Band, students must have played in 6th and 7th grade band and received a final grade of “C” or higher.
CHOIR 7/8 ALL YEAR 1 PERIOD
Choir is the elective for you if you enjoy performing, singing in a large group, and are willing to work hard to continue the tradition of Perry Choir excellence. Choir members perform in shows during October and December, as well as a big performance in May! In addition, Edison Choir members have the opportunity to participate in a music competition called Solo and Ensemble Contest. Attendance is required at practices and performances. Failure to attend the performances and/or performing in an unsatisfactory manner will result in disciplinary and/or academic action. Choir is a class that allows singers to improve their vocal musicianship skills through practicing sight reading and learning how to use proper vocal techniques. Choir is a great place to belong!
CORE PLUS MORE ALL YEAR 1 PERIOD
This class provides instruction in strategies and opportunities for intervention to improve learning. This class also helps develop study skills such as improving study habits and test performance. Teacher recommendation is required for this course.
DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
Students will be exposed to various types of digital publishing tools. Instruction will be provided in digital photography and photo editing, as well as, appropriate content and copyright for school publication. While maintaining their own webpage, students will learn how to use online production tools and basic web design. Students will create videos using a variety of programs and have the opportunity to experience a variety of free internet resources and apps available for productivity.
ART EXPLORATIONS SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
Art Explorations is for students who are interested in art and improving their skills in drawing, design, painting, sculpture, digital creations and other art materials. Famous artists, art history, and art from other cultures will be touched upon as it relates to in-class projects. Be prepared for in-class sketches, along with practicing basic fundamentals in drawing, shading for form, perspective & design.
ART I 1/2 CREDIT PHS SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
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Art I is for students who are serious about improving their skills in drawing, design, painting, sculpture, and other art materials. Famous artists, art history, and art from other cultures will be researched and presented as it relates to in-class projects. Be prepared to do weekly homework sketches, along with practicing basic fundamentals in drawing, shading for form, perspective, and design.
Students completing this course receive one-half (1/2) high school credit therefore, their final grade counts in their high school cumulative grade point average.
ART II 1/2 CREDIT PHS SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
This course is a continuation of Art I, providing the student an opportunity to further develop skills and personal expression in a wide variety of art media, such as charcoal, pastels, ink, paint, printmaking, and clay. Critical thought and investigation in the area of art history, aesthetics, and art criticism will be made. This class is for the serious art student and includes weekly homework sketches, written critiques, and a genuine desire to improve your artwork.
Students completing this course receive one-half (1/2) high school credit therefore, their final grade counts in their high school cumulative grade point average.
Prerequisite: A “B” average in Art I is recommended to be successful in Art II.
GATEWAY: ROBOTICS & ENERGY SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
Units included: Automation and Robotics & the Science of Technology
This course is a pre-engineering course to promote communication and collaboration by emphasizing teamwork as well as the understanding of coding and energy transfer. In the automation and robotics units, students learn about the historical and future developments of robots. Students will build and program a customized robot to complete multiple tasks. Students will also learn about mechanisms and use them in their robotic designs. In the science of technology unit, students will learn about the mechanics of motion and energy transfer. Students will study how energy is transferred using simple machines, and how they have revolutionized the modern world. (7th and 8th grade mixed classes.)
GATEWAY: DESIGN MODELING & MEDICAL DETECTIVES SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
Units Included: Design and Modeling & Medical Detectives
This course is a pre-engineering course that promotes individual creativity in design as well as an introduction to the technology within the human body. In the Medical Detectives unit, students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose diseases. They will solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. In the Design and Modeling unit, students will learn an appreciation of design and innovation. Students will learn to sketch, dimension, and use descriptive geometry to create a toy. There will be a computer component to this class that will require the use of a CAD program, which is widely used in engineering. (7th and 8th grade mixed classes)
EMPOWERED WELLNESS SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
Empowered Wellness is an 8th grade PE class to help students take charge of their health through goal setting, personal fitness, and cooperative activities. Students will explore physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness while working both individually and together. This course promotes healthy habits, self-awareness, self motivation, and teamwork, emphasizing the social benefits of collaboration and building positive relationships, empowering students to make choices that enhance their overall well-being.
GAME PLAY LEAD SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
Game Play Lead is an 8th grade PE class based on the Sports Education Model, focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership through both lifetime leisure and team sports. Students will take on a variety of roles that promote collaboration, responsibility, and communication. The course emphasizes fair play and leadership as students work together to achieve common goals. Through active participation in lifetime leisure and team sports, students will build confidence, enhance their skills, and learn to lead by example in a supportive, active environment.
CTE COURSES:
INTRO TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
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In this first course in the pathway, students will research the historical perspectives and theories of education used in the forming of their own personal educational philosophy. Students will assess legal, ethical and organizational issues. Additionally, students will assess developmental appropriate practices and identify challenging issues associated with teaching children with diverse needs. Career planning, professional guidelines and ethical practices will also be emphasized.
ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
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Learners will develop business leadership, problem-solving and communication skills in relation to the science and technology of animals. Students will learn responsible animal management principles and routine husbandry practices in relation to animal welfare and behavior. Learners will identify and describe the anatomy and physiology of monogastric and ruminant organisms as it applies to nutrition, reproduction, and animal health. Learners will investigate animal genetics and how it impacts principles of animal improvement, selection and marketing.
ARTS AND COMMUNICATION SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
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The worlds of art designers, performers and media artists intersect historically, culturally and aesthetically. In this introductory course for the Arts and Communication Career Field, students learn the basics of performance, design, audio and video. They review brochures, photographs, news stories, videos and other products common to the visual, media and performing arts industries.
PRINCIPLES OF WOOD CONSTRUCTION AND SET DESIGN SEMESTER 1 PERIOD
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Students will engage in the introductory skills utilized in working with various wood construction materials. They will learn to use basic measuring tools, hand tools and machines, common to the wood industry, to construct basic projects for set design. Additionally, students will examine various set designs and materials.