Language Arts
Whether personal or academic, local or global, the essential question for the year is “What is integrity?” And, the number one goal of 8th grade language arts is to get ready for high school reading and writing. First semester will focus on writing academic paragraphs with evidence and citations, working up to a literary analysis essay, while reading primarily fiction with supporting nonfiction and poetry. First semester also includes the school-wide spelling bee. Second semester will focus on writing an argument, working up to synthesizing multiple sources into a coherent paper, while reading primarily nonfiction with supporting short stories and a bit more poetry. Second semester also includes the school-wide literacy fair. In addition to the class book, students are expected to always have an independent reading book for daily sustained silent reading in homeroom and at home. By reading and writing every day with integrity, our 8th graders grow conscientiously into contemplative, competent, and confident high schoolers.
Math
In 8th grade, we will learn a number of skills and ideas to prepare you for high school mathematics. We will learn how to write and reason with algebraic expressions, as well as, make a thorough study of linear equations with one and two variables. Next we will build on your previous work with relationships between quantities and be introduced to the idea of a mathematical function. Lastly, we will prepare for high school geometry by understanding congruence (same shape and size) and similarity of geometric figures.
Science
Science Rocks! In 8th grade science we try to do just that. Physical Science is our main focus where we explore the properties of matter, mixtures and solutions, compounds, elements, and the periodic table. We also get into motion and forces, magnetism and electricity, along with some space and ocean science. And we have fish! Trout in the Classroom gives us an opportunity to see and study the trout life cycle from the beginning to the end. Prepare to have fun!
Social Studies
In Social Studies, student will be studying United States History starting from Pre-colonization and continuing through the Reconstruction era following the Civil War.
This class will provide students with an in-depth exploration of the early development and transformation of the United States through engaging lessons, readings, discussions, and activities. By the end of the year, students will have a comprehension understanding of the historical forces that have shaped the United States impact on the world.
Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of the motives and consequences of European colonization in North America.
- Analyze the relationships between European settlers, Native American tribes, and the impact of these interactions.
- Examine the causes, events, and outcomes of the American Revolution and its significance in shaping the nation.
- Investigate the formation of the United States government, including the writing and interpretation of the Constitution.
- Explore the growth of democracy, political parties, and the development of the two-party system.
- Study the expansion of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase, westward migration, and Manifest Destiny.
- Investigate the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War, including key battles and the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Analyze the social, economic, and political changes that occurred during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War.
- Understand the impact of significant individuals such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass.
- Develop research, writing, and presentation skills through projects and assignments that focus on historical analysis.
| 1st Semester | 2nd Semester |
| 1. The Early Americas and European Exploration (Prehistory – 1500)
2. European Colonization of North America (1500-1750) 3. The Revolutionary Era (1750-1783) 4. Forming a Government & the Constitution of the United States (1776-Present) 5. The Early Republic (1789-1825) |
6. The Age of Jefferson and Jackson & Westward Expansion (1824-1860)
7. Society & Culture Before the Civil War (1820-1860) 8. Sectionalism & Civil War (1820 -1865) 9. The Reconstruction Era (1865 – 1877) |
8th Grade Faculty
Megan Herren
Lexi Pickel
Adam Jones
Dominic Tarango
Xavier Harvey
