QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENRICHMENT COURSES: (1) 90% on norm-referenced tests on any of the following subjects: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, or Mathematics, (2) Academic performance as exhibited by grades 90 to 100 in the related subject areas, and (3) Site validation and pre-enrollment approval.
ADVISORY: The Advisory Program focuses on activities that will assist in developing a caring relationship between students and a significant adult. In addition to the caring environment and a relationship, students will have opportunities to discuss issues and concerns that pertain to their particular needs in the areas of academics and peer relationships. The Advisory Program will give assistance and direction as students face the daily tasks of making difficult and numerous decisions.
ENGLISH: Eighth grade English includes the study of grammar, composition, and literature. In grammar, students will continue the study of their language, including parts of speech, the sentence, phrases, and clauses. In composition they will continue to strengthen writing skills. They will write paragraphs and compositions using the various modes: expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive. In literature eighth graders will read drama, poetry, fiction, both short stories and short novels, as well as non-fiction. Their main literature unit will be Johnny Tremain, a pre-Revolutionary War historical novel that complements their study of this period in American history class. Basic literary terms will be introduced to enable students to discuss and analyze what they read. Students will continue to improve spelling and vocabulary skills. They will be exposed to classical music and art as they tie in with other parts of the curriculum, learning some of the basic terms helpful for discussion.
UNITED STATES HISTORY: The early settlement of America by the different ethnic groups and their influence on the growth of our nation will be examined. Students will identify and analyze major events and the role of significant personalities of the Revolutionary War. Students will study the creation, contents and functions of the United States Constitution and the rolls of the three branches of government. Students will investigate their rights as contained in the Bill of Rights. The role of the Presidency in establishing the new federal government will be explored. The impact of slavery and territorial expansion of the United States and regional economic conflicts will be studied as they relate to the causes of the Civil War. The significance of the Civil War on the development of the United States will be explored.
SCIENCE: Eighth grade general science is a continuation of science concepts and science process skills learned previously. These concepts will be used to have students think, talk, and write about what is observed and discovered. The Priority Academic Students Skills (P.A.S.S.) that are targeted in eighth grade are the following: observing, measuring, classifying, experimenting, interpreting, communicating, and safety. These skills will enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific process by conducting investigations in self-directed and self-selected ways, making reports with a variety of media, and performing well on written tests consistently. $5.00 will be assessed for science supplies.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE: (Enrichment) This laboratory course will offer students the opportunity to examine basic concepts associated with chemistry and physics. This material will serve the learner in preparing him/her for advanced concepts explored in both the life and physical sciences. Students will design and conduct experiments, collect, organize and analyze data, make predictions and inferences, develop models, and communicate results. In order to demonstrate a need for scientific literacy, opportunities will be provided to make connections between science classroom activities and everyday life. (8th graders must meet enrichment criteria for both Math & Science and will receive one high school credit and the weighted grade for this enriched class.) $5.00 will be assessed for science supplies.
PRE-ALGEBRA: Basic Skills: The students will review the basic skills using whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Integers will be covered as well. Algebraic Concepts: Students will learn how to solve several types of equations and inequalities using whole numbers, integers, decimals, and fractions. They will also learn how to graph many of these equations and inequalities on a coordinate plane. Geometric Concepts: Many types of geometry will be covered including perimeter, area, surface area, and volume. Both straight-sided figures and curved figures will be used. Other: Ratio, proportion, per cent, statistics, and probability will be taught in pre-algebra. Polynomials will be covered lightly at the end of the year as well. Problem Solving: Many of the lessons include word problems. This is necessary to help improve the students' problem solving technique.
ALGEBRA I: The students will first solve basic equations. They will advance to more complicated problems before learning about polynomials. Some equations involving polynomials will be introduced at this point, and then ratios, proportions, per cents, and functions. Students will solve equations with two variables and move on to inequalities. Irrational numbers will be covered before finishing with the quadratic formula. Many of the lessons include word problems to help strengthen the students' problem solving technique. Included in many of the lessons are problems involving geometric figures. Most of these problems are concerned with area, surface, and volume. If a student takes Enriched Geometry in the ninth grade, their 8th grade Algebra I grade will remain on their high school transcipt and receives a weighted credit. The grade will figure into the overall GPA. In addition, they receive weighted credit for the Enriched Geometry grade. If a student retakes Algebra I in the ninth grade, the 8th grade score is replaced by the ninth grade score. However, the grade in NOT a weighted grade. Students taking Algebra I at the ninth grade level will not have the option to take Enriched Geometry in the tenth grade
SPANISH: This required semester course starts where seventh grade left off. It also allows ample time to integrate formal oral production, student projects, and performances. The course provides students with experience performing a variety of language functions, both receptive and productive, such as identifying (vocabulary), listing (acquiring desired vocabulary), asking and answering questions, describing, giving and following instructions, and narrating in a variety of real-life contexts. (Semester)
FRENCH: Eighth Grade French is a conversational approach to daily-life themes such as sports, shopping, and family. Listening, basic writing and reading, and cultural activities are included. (Semester)
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION: The program will emphasize exploration by helping students make informed educational and occupational choices. The focus will be on understanding general technology, with additional study of the special technologies of communications, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. A common thread running through these courses will be problem solving by inventing, designing, and carrying solutions through to development. $10.00 will be assessed for consumable supplies. (Semester) |
