Eighth Grade
Art
- » Advanced drawing
- » Elements of art
- » Pencil rendering
- » Perspective plan & architecture
- » Portraiture
- » Renaissance (plaster figures)
- » Power of color (clay busts, acrylic paintings)
- » The figure in movement
- » Media & message
Language Arts
Reading/Literature
- » Novels
- » Short stories
- » Biographies
- » Short drama
- » Poetry
- » Fiction elements: theme, characters, symbolism, perspective
- » Developing more complex writing: polishing, idea development, clarity
- » Essay skills: thesis idea, support, transitions
- » Creative writing: style, precise vocabulary, character development
- » Extended discussions on literature and issues
- » Oral reports
- » Speeches
- » Development of individual opinion and articulate, confident expression
Language
- » Grammar
- · Dependent/independent clauses, case, modifiers, parallelism, editing
- · Novels, short stories, biographies, short drama, poetry
- » Spelling
- · Student errors, patterns & rules
- » Vocabulary
- · Greek and Latin roots, precise and effective word choice
- · Contexts, literature word lists
Mathematics
Algebra- » Solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities
- » Extensive solving of algebraic word problems
- » Operations with monomials, scientific notation
- » Factoring quadratics, solving 2 nd and 3 rd degree equations
- » Function notation, direct and inverse relations
- » Operations with rational expressions
- » Graphing and solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, a=mx+b, point-slope formulas
- » Radical equations, the distance formula, midpoint formula
- » Quadratic formula, discriminant, graphing quadratics
- » An optional honors program is offered. This is material taught in addition to the regular 8th grade Algebra curriculum.
- » Topics include
- · More advanced topics from Algebra I and Algebra II
- » Additionally, 8th graders continue to receive "puzzle points", and develop problem solving skills.
Music
- » SAB singing (3 part)
- » Curriculum integrates English and Social Studies curriculum
- » Specialized units
- » Introduction to computer music
Outdoor Education
Trip
- » Camp Whitsett
- » Catalina Island
- » High ropes course
- » Rock climbing
- » Mountain and cliff hiking
- » Canoeing and kayaking
- » Snorkeling
- » Overnight backpacking
- » Hiking
- » Group challenges
- » Cooking
- » Cleaning
- » Cooperative games
- » Arts & crafts
- » Orienteering
- » End of year bonding
Reflection
- » Muir-style journal writing
- » Discussion/analysis of events
- » Forest issues
- » Sequoia preservation
- » Marine life identification
Physical Education
- » Sportsmanship
- » Leadership
- » Games of the world: Koob, Bulka, Bocce
- » Health-related fitness
- » Social dance: Hip Hop, Latin dance
- » Team sports from around the world: Gaelic football, korfball, cricket
Science
Process/Skills
- » Scientific method developed further
- » Microbiology techniques
- » Centrifuge, aseptic techniques
- » Research process
- » Evolution
- » Plant classification
- » FAST plants
- » Heredity, genetics
- » Bioengineering
Earth Science
- » Archeology
- » Geologic timeline & fossils
- » Simple machines
- » Motion & forces
- » Chemistry
Self-Science
- » My core values
- » Goals, strengths, weaknesses
- » Working with others
- » Conflict resolution
- » Celebrating diversity
- » Taking care of my body
- » Knowing when to say no
- » Transitions, endings
Social Studies
Topics
- » U.S. Constitution
- » Bill of Rights
- » Mock trial & legal process
- » Manifest Destiny & Native Americans
- » U.S. Civil War, reconstruction
- » Industrial Revolution
- » The Gilded Age
- » Reform Era
- » Women's movement
Skills/Process
- » Interactive notebooks
- » I-Search projects
- » Group studies
- » Cooperative presentations
- » Simulations
- » Act-it-outs
- » Moral/ethical discussions
- » Civil War research paper
Spanish
- » Leisure & vacation
- » Home
- » Health
- » Community
- » Movies & TV
- » Restaurants
- » The environment
- » Stem-changing verbs
- » Direct object pronouns
- » Affirmative commands
- » Regular verbs in the preterite
- » Important Hispanic holidays
- » Traditional activities, food, arts, & crafts
Speech, Drama, and Dance
Speech
- » One-on-one skills
- » Effective presentations
- » Impromptu speaking
- » Visual aids
- » Audience involvement
- » Persuasion
- » Q&As
- » Student presentations
Drama
- » Theatrical techniques
- » Vocal projection
- » Script & character analysis
- » Movement
- » Stage presence
- » Play production
- » Ensemble work
- » Exposure to Modern, classical, jazz, & hip hop dance
- » Comfort & familiarity with body movement
- » Physical benefits of coordinated movement
Technology
- » Multimedia & presentation fluency
- » Media literacy
- » Integrated with all curricular areas
- » Learn Final Cut Pro
- » Fluency in InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Keynote, iMovie, Internet research