8th Grade Courses

English Language Arts

How can literature help me understand who we are, where we’ve been, and where we are going?

Students in eighth grade will process and understand a wide range of texts of increasing complexity across genres.. Students will demonstrate thinking within, beyond, and about the text, and cite text evidence to support analysis. Students will engage in inquiry, project based learning, using technological tools to enhance their understanding and skill as readers, writers, and collaborators.

Pre-Algebra

How do we reason abstractly and quantitatively?

Students will rely on mathematical reasoning to solve challenging problems based on authentic situations. Critical thinking and collaboration will be emphasized in this inquiry-based setting. Common Core skills will be reinforced through project-based learning, preparing students for a complete course in Algebra.

Algebra I

How do we use the language of mathematics to reason and problem solve?

The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the Algebraic topics dictated by the Common Core. Application, reasoning and authentic problem solving will be emphasized through topics such as linear and quadratic equations, systems of equations, functions, polynomials, rational equations, right triangle trigonometry, and an introduction to probability and statistics.

Science

What causes change, and how will it affect the world we live in today?

Grade 8 science is an integrated course, with units in physical, life and earth/space science. The goal is to introduce students to the basic concepts for each unit, to engage them in active project-based learning, and to pique their curiosity for future studies in science. Students will be asked to analyze and interpret data regarding specific systems in each facet of science. During our physical science units, students will be exposed to a solid foundation in chemistry, with a strong focus on the properties and interaction of matter. In physics, students will learn about Newton's three laws, force & motion concepts, and kinetic and potential energy. During our Earth/Space Science, we will delve into Astronomy, focusing on the earth-sun-moon systems. In addition, we’ll cover plate tectonic concepts, such as continental drift, faults, and sea-floor spreading. Lastly, during our units in Life Science, students will be introduced to genetics (heredity and mutations), evolution, and biodiversity. We’ll also take part in a climate change study, looking at the effects of climate change on our local plant and bird species. Students will take a Science & Technology/Engineering MCAS in Grade 8, which covers all they have learned in science & engineering in 6th, 7th & 8th grade. Teachers will keep their learning hands-on, which will engage them in fun and active learning, and will help to build a strong science foundation they can continue to use in future years.

Civics

A Renewed Mission: Education for Civic Life in a Democracy

The primary purpose of a history and social science education is to prepare students to have the knowledge and skills to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” is not just a historical phrase from Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” but an ideal that must be renewed and reinvigorated by each succeeding generation. The future of democracy depends on our students’ development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will enable them to embrace democracy’s potential, while recognizing its challenges and inherent dilemma.

World Languages(Choose 1)

Latin

How has the civilizations of ancient Rome influenced our society today?

Students will continue to learn about the Cornelii family and their lives in Ancient Rome. Students will learn all major components of Latin grammar within the context of Latin readings. Readings will include mythological stories as well as the early history of Rome. Students will study aspects of Roman daily life. Stress is placed upon word derivation as well as the impact of the achievements of Romans upon daily American life. Efforts will be dedicated toward achieving excellence in reading, writing, and expressing ideas creatively. Student performance will be assessed through the use of school-wide rubrics, common formative assessments, summative assessments, as well as task specific rubrics.

Mandarin

What does it take to become a global citizen?

This course develops and expands the fundamental language skills introduced in 7th grade Mandarin Class and enables students to use Chinese in various settings. Students will learn, review the basics, continue to further develop skills and take on further steps to applying what they have learned last year and make meaningful connections on a daily basis. Students will continue to build communicative competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Chinese at the elementary level with an emphasis on consolidating their knowledge to pronunciation, grammar rules and sentence patterns. Students will keep expanding their vocabulary on topics related to everyday life. More aspects of Chinese history, geography and culture will be included and discussed.

Spanish

What does it take to become a global citizen?

This class continues to expand upon previously learned material in Spanish language to increase students’ abilities to comprehend, listen, read, write, and speak in Spanish. Students will study relevant, real world theme based units rigorously following the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework. Project Base Learning will continue to create authentic and meaningful connections to other subjects. Instruction will be designed to maximize student engagement in a technology rich environment.Student performance will be assessed through the use of school-wide rubrics, common formative assessments, summative assessments, as well as task specific rubrics.

French

What does it take to become a global citizen?

This class continues to expand upon previously learned material in French language to increase students’ abilities to comprehend, listen, read, write, and speak in French. Students will study relevant, real world theme based units rigorously following the Massachusetts Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework. Project Base Learning will continue to create authentic and meaningful connections to other subjects. Instruction will be designed to maximize student engagement in a technology rich environment. Student performance will be assessed through the use of school-wide rubrics, common formative assessments, summative assessments, as well as task specific rubrics.

STEM Physical Education

Why is it important to be, and remain, physically active now and throughout your life?

This course provides an opportunity for students to participate in activities designed to meet the physical skills and recreational needs of young adolescents. Activities include team sports, swimming, and an introduction to fitness and conditioning. Socially, students will learn to assume responsibility for their own decisions and behavior, while the competence and confidence that students will obtain will prepare them for high school. Students will be assessed on participation, teamwork, and effort.

STEM Health

What are the functions of the human body systems?

Students will be introduced to the following topics: the body systems, how to stay healthy and fit, and basic awareness of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. This class provides an overview of age appropriate health education through various topics. Special attention is given to the skills, instructional strategies, and techniques needed to develop an optimal learning environment to promote success for all learners. Students will be provided with opportunities to develop a wide range of skills and gain knowledge through readings, discussions, activities, group work, guest speakers, and motivational strategies throughout the year.

Elective Classes

Art Electives(Choose 1)

Art

How can I improve my creativity and imagination through art?

Students will learn an appreciation for visual art as an expressive tool. Big Ideas include: meaning in art, elements and principles of art/design, the creative problem solving process, design is functional, and art reflects and contributes to culture. Themes of creativity and imagination will be incorporated with the intent to build confidence in every student. Projects will be largely abstract and use art and design elements as a "visual language". Students will explore creative solutions using both traditional art materials and digital tools. To support inquiry in student learning, instruction will focus on the processes for solving creative solutions in contrast to teaching specific techniques.

Band

What is the process for a student to explore his or her instrumental potential?

Students will have the opportunity to play brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Student will perform a variety of styles of music and participate in concerts and community events while developing their artistic skills.

Ensemble

Students will have the opportunity to play violin, cello or double bass instruments. Students will perform a variety of styles of music and participate in concerts and community events while developing their artistic skills.

Chorus

How can one improve both their vocal technique and performance technique?

This class is open to students who enjoy singing and wish to collaborate effectively in an ensemble atmosphere. The class will focus on vocal technique for the interpretation of choral songs.

Project Lead the Way Electives(Choose 1)

Automation & Robotics PLTW Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. All grade 8 students take this course for half the year and Art for half the year.

Medical Detectives PLTW Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medial 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.

Computer Science PLTW This course teaches students that programming goes beyond the virtual world into the physical world. Students are challenged to creatively use sensors and actuators to develop systems that interact with their environment. Designing algorithms and using computational thinking practices, they code and upload programs to micro-controllers that perform a variety of authentic tasks. The unit broadens students' understanding of computer science concepts through meaningful applications. Teams select and solve a personally relevant problem related to wearable technology, interactive art or mechanical devices.