LANGUAGE ARTS:

8^th Grade Composition stresses the development of creative, expository, and analytical writing skills through familiarity with the writing process: outlining, drafting, editing, and revising.  The course reinforces paragraph and essay construction, effective thesis statements, and adequate support of main ideas.

8^th Grade Literature improves reading comprehension, higher order thinking, and reading interest.  Emphasis is on literary techniques and the writing choices made by each author.  Writing activities allow students to use the same techniques being studied.

HISTORY

8^th Grade History introduces non-Western cultures, with Africa, China, and India as the focal points.  The course focuses on various themes, including geography, ancient civilizations, traditional belief systems, European colonization, and modernization.

Students refine note-taking skills, develop analytical thinking skills, and enhance reading and writing proficiency.   Research skills are emphasized.  Students gain experience in choosing and narrowing a topic; writing a thesis statement; taking notes; organizing an outline; and writing, proofreading and revising a research paper with in-text citations.

MATHEMATICS

Most 8^th graders take Algebra I, which includes the study of numbers and sets, properties of operations, real numbers, equations and inequalities, verbal problems, factoring, operations with rational expressions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, irrational numbers, and quadratic equations.

Those who took Algebra in 7^th grade proceed to Geometry, which integrates the concepts of plane and solid geometry with effective use of algebra.  Topics covered include points, lines, planes, angles and angle relationships, constructions, parallel lines and planes, triangles, parallelograms and other quadrilaterals, similar polygons, area of polygons and circles, surface area and volume of solids, induction as a method of discovery, deduction and formal proof with emphasis on logical thinking.

The rest take Introduction to Algebra, which provides opportunities to achieve proficiency in number sense, measurement, data analysis, and simple probability. Beginning algebra is stressed with emphasis on evaluating and simplifying expressions; using the order of operations; solving absolute values; radical and linear equations; solving and graphing inequalities; and working with problems involving ratio, percents, and proportions. 

SCIENCE

8^th Grade Science is an issue-oriented physical science course. Units include: studying substances scientifically; the chemistry of materials; water; energy; force and motion. Students conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, create models, and read and analyze information.

MODERN & CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

8^th grade Spanish and French each concentrates on developing conversational skills by advancing student skills to cover a broader range of topics.  Students move from questions directly linked to their texts to more abstract ones.  Instruction is in the target language, and students converse mainly in the language. The class increases cultural awareness by studying heroes, immigrants, arts, foods, family life, student life, and history.

8^th grade Chinese builds upon the foundation laid in the 7^th grade course in the four main components: speaking and listening comprehension, reading and writing, research skills, and history and culture.

8^th grade Latin builds upon the foundation laid in the 7^th grade course as students continue to work on basic morphology, grammar, and syntax.  The course develops students’ ability to read Latin through the use of graded text and to understand English etymologies.  This course introduces the culture, history and ideals of the classical world and its influence upon our modern world.

ELECTIVES:

All 8^th graders must take Computer Applications, a directed review of word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. Students may choose to take other computer electives.

In Multimedia students use software that combines animation, graphics, text, sound, photographs, and video with user interactivity; projects include the production of computer presentations, web pages, and interactive kiosks. 

Robotics offers students an opportunity for exploring robotics, science, image processing, music, and more. Students assemble robots and program them using wireless technology. 

In Newspaper/Media students learn various design and desktop publishing applications to create brochures, newsletters, and booklets.

FINE ARTS:

In 8^th grade, students select from a wide range of Fine Arts electives, taking two each trimester.  

Options include:

Acting, Acting II, Acting III, Band, Beginning Band, Boys Chorus, Clay I, Clay II, Creative Design, Debate, Drawing, Girls Chorus, Guitar, Guitar II, Mixed Ensemble, Painting I, Painting II, Philharmonia, Sculpture, Sinfonia,
Speech, Technical Theater I, Technical Theater II, Video Production, Voice Class, World Percussion.

P.E.

8th graders select either physical education classes or the opportunity to join a competitive athletic team.  These programs are offered simultaneously during the school day, with competitions after school.

Physical Education includes:  tennis, swimming activities, badminton, team handball, floor hockey, ultimate frisbee, strength and conditioning, dance, and activities that emphasize fitness and competition.  The emphasis is on fostering healthy attitudes towards physical fitness, developing a positive self-concept, encouraging desirable social interactions, and building good sportsmanship.

The Athletic Program is developmentally appropriate and encourages healthy competition.  The goal is for the players to learn the fundamental skills and techniques in a structured and competitive athletic environment. Sports offered are: Cross Country (B,G), Football (B), Volleyball (B,G), Field Hockey (G), Dance (B,G), Basketball (B,G), Soccer (B,G), Swimming (B,G), Baseball (B), Softball (G), Tennis (B,G), Track and Field (B,G), and Lacrosse (B,G).

8^th Grade Human Sexuality builds on the foundation laid in the 7^th grade course.  Topics include: a review of reproductive anatomy and puberty, sexually transmitted diseases, media influences, peer pressure and refusal skills, setting goals, healthy relationships, and decision making.

Students also take part in a program called Freedom From Chemical Dependency.