• 8th Grade

    8th Grade

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

 “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
                                                                                                                                        -Maya Angelou
In 8th grade social studies, we will focus on U.S. History. Students will gain skills necessary to think like a historian. They will have the opportunity to research, ask questions, and make mistakes. As a class we will discuss a variety of topics ranging from geography, culture, civics, government, economics and of course history. Students will be expected to be active learners and fully embrace their creativity by utilizing an interactive notebook throughout the course. My hope for our class is that students will enjoy the ability to explore, analyze, and discuss the past. It is important to know our past, for it to not repeat in our future.

8th Grade Faculty

Megan Herren

Megan Herren

Social Studies
Lexi Pickel

Lexi Pickel

Science

Adam Jones

Adam Jones

Language Arts
Dominic Tarango

Dominic Tarango

Math