Junior High
The courses students take in 8th grade are largely determined by the curriculum sequence determined by the District. Below are the required courses, which include descriptions.
Language Arts and Math course placement is determined by the previous year’s teacher(s). Once we have received your Band, Choir, or Study Hall registration information and the placement information form the 6th grade teachers, we will send you a copy of your personal registration form.
8th Grade
CORE ACADEMIC COURSES
Bluejay Connect
BLUEJAY CONNECT 8 [BC1203, BC1204, BC1205 ]
The purpose of this course is to provide a smaller environment for students to make connections with their peers and a grade level teacher. Students will explore current topics appropriate to each grade level, and investigate their own learning strengths and weaknesses through the creation of a digital Learner Profile that develops between 7th and 12th grades. Bluejay Connect meets every day for twenty minutes.
Computer Skills
COMPUTER SKILLS 8 [BU3108, BU3109, BU3110]
Courses in this classification support students in acquiring knowledge of and experience in the proper and efficient use of previously written software packages. These courses explore a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to, word-processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and database programs, and they may cover the use of electronic mail and desktop publishing.
Language Arts
LANGUAGE ARTS 8 [LA4212, LA4213, LA4214]
Language Arts 7 focuses on improving comprehension, identifying literary elements, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating literature and improving writing skills through the study of various types of literature within a smaller, special education setting.
FOUNDATIONS OF LITERATURE 8 [LA4015, LA4016, LA4017]
In Foundations of Literature 7, we will be working on improving reading and writing skills to increase overall reading comprehension and communication abilities. We will focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and other essential reading skills through whole class, small group, and individually targeted interventions. The curriculum of this class provides students a refresher on the fundamentals of reading through reading and studying engaging fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. In addition to reading instruction, students will be studying and practicing a number of skills in written and verbal communication.
LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 8 [LA4212, LA4213, LA4214]
Mathematics
BASIC MATH [MA5003, MA5004, MA5005]
The focus of Basic Math 7 is on mastering math skills and concepts such as basic math skills and concepts; money and banking; measurement; preparation for algebra; consumer math; and use of calculators within a smaller, special education setting.
PRE-ALGEBRA [MA5012, MA5013, MA5014]
Pre-Algebra is an introduction to basic algebra concepts and a review of arithmetic algorithms. Students will explore proportional relationships; use number lines and coordinate planes to reason with integers; develop fluency writing, interpreting, and translating between various forms of linear equations and inequalities, and using them to solve problems; and learn about the laws of exponents to the creation and solution of simple exponential equations.
ENRICHED PRE-ALGEBRA [MA5015, MA5016, MA5017]
Pre-Algebra Enriched 7 goes at a faster pace and is an introduction to basic algebra concepts and a review of arithmetic algorithms. Students will explore proportional relationships; use number lines and coordinate planes to reason with integers; develop fluency writing, interpreting, and translating between various forms of linear equations and inequalities, and using them to solve problems; and learn about the laws of exponents to the creation and solution of simple exponential equations.
ENRICHED ALGEBRA [MA5024-8, MA5025-8, MA5026-8]
Students develop algebraic fluency by learning the skills needed to solve equations and perform manipulations with numbers, variables, equations, and inequalities. They also learn concepts central to the abstraction and generalization that algebra makes possible. Students learn to use number properties to simplify expressions or justify statements; describe sets with set notation and find the union and intersection of sets; simplify and evaluate expressions involving variables, fractions, exponents, and radicals; work with integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers; and graph and solve equations, inequalities, and systems of equations. They learn to determine whether a relation is a function and how to describe its domain and range; use factoring, formulas, and other techniques to solve quadratic and other polynomial equations; formulate and evaluate valid mathematical arguments using various types of reasoning; and translate word problems into mathematical equations and then use the equations to solve the original problems.
GEOMETRY [MA5027, MA5028, MA5029]
This course is designed to provide students with understanding of geometry concepts. Geometry is the study of shapes and configurations. It attempts to understand and classify spaces in various mathematical contexts. For a space with lots of symmetries, the study naturally focuses on properties which are invariant (remaining the same) under symmetries. This course includes writing expressions, solving linear equations, operations with polynomials, linear functions and word problems.
Physical Education
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8 [PH6019, PH6020, PH6021]
The goal of Phy Ed 8 is to develop physically educated individuals who have the knowledge, skill, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. The focus will be on making appropriate choices concerning their personal health and fitness level. The major concept areas include: developing appreciation for fitness, learning the concepts regarding strength, flexibility, agility, cardio and muscular endurance. Many of the concepts will be presented actively using a variety of fitness and conditioning strategies in class.
Science
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 8 [SC7014, SC7015, SC7016]
Physical science is a course that introduces the concepts found in physics and chemistry content standards. Topics will include matter, motion, energy, waves, light, metals and nonmetals, the periodic table of elements, and acids and bases. In this course students learn to: 1) work independently and cooperatively in groups; 2) practice safety procedures that promote a safe environment at home and in the workplace; 3) use scientific equipment to collect and analyze data; 4) design, conduct, and interpret scientific investigations. This class is inquiry based, where students work primarily with their group members on learning the material with hands-on lab experiences and occasional lectures. It is a required course for graduation, and will follow a traditional grading system.
Social Studies
GEOGRAPHY 8 [SO8013, SO8014, SO8015]
Courses in this classification provide an overview of world geography, but may vary widely. Topics typically include the physical environment; the political landscape; the relationship between people and the land; economic production and development; and the movement of people, goods and ideas.
Exploratory Classes
AG/STEM 8 [AG3000]
What do your lunch, your shirt, and your home have in common? Agriculture! What is STEM and how does it relate to Ag? STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - which are all key components of the knowledge that has made the Ag industry tick. Students will learn the importance of Agriculture and how its products are integral to their daily lives.
ART 8 [VA3502]
Art 8 includes activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities may include those that enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities.
GTT 8 (GATEWAY TO TECHNOLOGY) [IT3300]
You have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In the Green Architecture (GA) unit, you will learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as you design affordable housing units. You will use tools such as the engineering design process, an engineering notebook, architects scales and templates and Autodesk® Revit software to learn, invent and innovate. You will learn how creative thinking and problem solving can change your world.
HEALTH 8 [PH6006]
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills that promote sound bodies and minds, prevent disease and dysfunction, and reduce risk. Topics include communicable diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health, and drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
AVID 8 [AV2001, AV2002, AV2003]
*Application Required
*Instructor Permission Only
In the AVID 8 elective class, students will learn skills that will prepare them to be successful in advanced courses in both high school and college. Writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading methods are used to accelerate students’ skills. Twice a week, college tutors come into the AVID 8 classroom to help answer questions that students have about difficult content. In AVID 8 students will also explore potential careers and even visit colleges and universities.
Electives Classes
BAND 8 [MU3403, MU3404, MU3405]
Band 8 is designed to promote students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind and percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature styles, primarily for concert performances.
BAND STUDY HALL 8 [SH1518, SH1519, SH1520]
Band Study Hall 8 meets on opposite days of Band 8.
CHOIR 8 [MU3409, MU3410, MU3411]
Choir 8 develops students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. This course is designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts.
CHOIR STUDY HALL 8 [SH1524, SH1525, SH1526]
Choir Study Hall 8 meets on opposite days of Choir 8.
STUDY HALL 8 [SH1530, SH1531, SH1532]
Study Hall 7 meets every day of the week.