Grade 8

Course Selections

Your selections are not guaranteed and only serve as a preference for your course. We must balance the number of students in each class which may result in your child not getting their primary options.

Music is not required in grade 8 at EMS. You may select either Instrumental, Vocal Music, or Music Engineering if you wish to stay in the music program. If you choose to exit the music program, you may select TWO of the Exploratory options below. Music Engineering meets every other day for the entirety of the school year. Other exploratory courses meet every other day during one trimester in the school year.

Graphic Novels

Graphic novels give readers a new world of literature involving close reading analysis of both text and art. Through the use of mini lessons and mentor texts students will close read independent graphic novels of their choice. Readers will explore foils, archetypes, and plot development which contribute to the hero's journey. The culminating activity of the unit will involve students crafting their own graphic novel using superheroes and stories to inspire others.

Images of American History

Using a variety of mediums such as pictures, film, and documentaries, students will discover how our nation's most important events were captured. This course covers a wide expanse of time periods such as events from early American history up to current events.

Forensics

It wasn't Colonel Mustard with the wrench in the ballroom on this occasion. Students will use chemistry and forensic science to uncover mysteries and solve crimes. With a focus on DNA, blood, and crime scene analysis, we will finally have a Clue.

Music Engineering

This course is designed for students to build their pre-existing musical knowledge through an engineering platform. Students gain real-world experiences by having classes within professional studios and or venues. Students will learn piano/keyboard skills, compose and record for a specific purpose using Soundtrap, record/ Mix/Produce a live session/concert, create a podcast for a specific purpose, and film score. Students who took this course in grade 7 will learn more advanced skills. Music Engineering 7 is NOT a requirement to take this in grade 8.

Below are choices in grade 8. You will rank these options when making your selection. These courses meet on a trimester basis, every other day. While most students participate in most or all of the below courses, there are some exceptions for students enrolled in supplemental reading and/or math lab support.

Media Literacy

Utilize all of the resources our beautiful Media Center has to offer! Students will continue to develop research skills, use school based subscriptions to support digital literacy learning, and apply critical thinking strategies to interpreting informational resources.

Art: Ceramics and Pottery

This class will introduce students to the art of building with clay. Emphasis will be placed on the design elements; line, shape, texture and color as well as becoming familiar with common ceramic tools and materials. The main focus of the course will be on-hand building techniques (pinch, coil, and slabs) to create functional objects as well as sculptural works of art. Students will be introduced to the craft of wheel-thrown pottery in smaller breakout groups. Various glaze and decoration techniques for finishing work and an overview of firing clay with the kiln will also be explored.

**THIS COURSE MEETS EVERYDAY FOR 1 TRIMESTER**

Art: Multimedia Exploration

This course will allow students to create works of art from a variety of techniques and materials. Moving beyond painting and drawing, students will be introduced to areas such as paper/collage techiques, printmaking, glass mosaic, working with plaster/building supplies, art from recycled materials, and group art creation. All projects wlll include in-depth technique demonstrations, including of relevant artists an self-reflection critiques. The final two weeks of the cycle will focus on a large-scale group creation where students will take part in all aspects of community art creation from planning to installation.

The courses listed below are required for all eighth-grade students. These courses meet on a trimester basis, every other day. While most students participate in most or all of the below courses, there are some exceptions for students enrolled in supplemental reading and/or math lab support.