8th Grade
English 8
This one-year course provides instruction at the 8th Grade Level in the English Language Arts strands identified by the NVACs as reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course is designed to build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts, learning by combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection, and class discussions. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the eighth-grade English requirement.
English Accelerated 8
This one-year course provides instruction at the 8th Grade Level in the English Language Arts strands identified by the NVACs (and Common Core Standards) as reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course is designed to build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts, learning combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection, and class discussions. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course is taught at an accelerated pace. This course fulfills the eighth grade English requirement.
Pre-Algebra 8
This one-year course is designed to focus on three critical areas: 1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bi-variate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; 2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and 3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness, including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the mathematics requirement for eighth-grade students.
Algebra I *(High School Credit)
This one-year course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be prepared for further studies in mathematics. It is intended to increase mathematical fluency in problem-solving logic, reasoning, and effective communication in the study of patterns, functions, and algebra. This course builds on the concepts of rational and irrational numbers, data analysis, probability, geometry, measurement, spatial relationships, patterns, and algebraic concepts. The use of technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation.
Science 8
This one-year course is designed to integrate science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas from the life sciences, Earth and space sciences, and the physical sciences. The topics covered in Science 8 include Gravity & Space; Forces & Interaction; Waves and Information Transfer; Heredity; and Natural Selection & Adaptation. Demonstrations and lab experiences using proper safety techniques are essential to this course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including an appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the eighth-grade science requirement.
Science Accelerated 8
This one-year course is designed to integrate science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas from the life sciences, Earth and space sciences, and the physical sciences. The topics covered in Science 8 include Gravity & Space; Forces & Interaction; Waves and Information Transfer; Heredity; and Natural Selection & Adaptation. Demonstrations and lab experiences using proper safety techniques are essential to this course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. This course will be taught at an accelerated pace. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the eighth-grade science requirement.
History & Geography 8
This one-year course is the study of the world’s cultures, economics, history, regions, and geographic features from the development of ancient civilizations through the Age of Exploration. Students examine the earth from the scale of states, nations, countries, and continents creating connections to contemporary geographic conditions. Students synthesize concepts, patterns, and interdependent relationships that make our ever-changing world diverse and dynamic. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the social studies requirement for eighth-grade students.
History & Geography Accelerated 8
This one-year course is the study of the world’s cultures, economics, history, regions, and geographic features from the development of ancient civilizations through the Age of Exploration. Students examine the earth from the scale of states, nations, countries, and continents creating connections to contemporary geographic conditions. Students synthesize concepts, patterns, and interdependent relationships that make our ever-changing world diverse and dynamic. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course is taught at an accelerated pace.This course fulfills the social studies requirement for eighth-grade students.
PE 8
This one-semester course provides students the opportunity to develop a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. Students engage in movement and fitness activities at moderate to vigorous levels for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time. Through participation in physical activities, students develop motor skills, movement patterns, and safety within the course. Health-enhancing fitness concepts are explored through personal goal setting and self-evaluation. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the physical education requirement for eighth-grade students.
Health 8
This one-semester course provides students an introduction to the mental, physical, social, emotional, and environmental aspects of human wellness. Goal setting and decision making processes are the foundation of this course. Topics include wellness, nutrition and physical activity, body systems, substance use and abuse, communicable and non-communicable diseases, violence prevention, safety, and consumer health. Sex education and sexually transmitted infectious disease education, within established guidelines, is an integral part of this course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the health requirement for eighth-grade students.
Fundamentals of Reading and Writing
This year-long course is designed to provide individualized, scaffolded silent reading practice for students using the ReadingPlus program. This program aims to develop and improve students’ silent reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. It is designed to adjust the difficulty of the content and duration of reading activities so that students proceed at a pace that corresponds to their reading skill level. It prepares students to engage with complex text by developing all three dimensions of successful readers—capacity, efficiency, and motivation. Skills that students will be exposed to are Text Complexity, Literary & Informational Text, Text-Dependent Questions, Scaffolds for Independence, General Academic Vocabulary, and Vocabulary Development.
8th Grade Electives
Creative Writing
This one-semester course develops and improves both formal and informal writing skills with emphasis placed upon the writing process, self-expression, creativity, and clear communication. This course will provide students the opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to create their own pieces of writing. In addition, students explore and experiment with different genres of writing through online mini-lessons. The appropriate use of technology and digital media are integral parts of this course. This course will fulfill one-semester elective credit.
Intro to History of Sports
This one semester History of Sports course will take a close look at the history and role of sports in America. The course will focus on the history, development, and role of sports including football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and soccer. Physical Education, Math and ELA skills will be integrated throughout the course to promote common core standards. Students explore the use of statistics while learning about athletes and the origin of their sports. This course will fulfill one-semester elective credit.
Math Enrichment 8
This one year course is designed to be complementary to the 8th grade pre-algebra course to provide more in depth remedial instruction. The content includes additional opportunities for skills practice in order to be successful in pre-algebra. The course teaches concepts needed in algebra by breaking them down into smaller skills that students can learn, practice and integrate while working in the pre-algebra course. This class counts as a one-semester math credit.
Beginner Art
This one-semester course develops a basic knowledge and skills in visual art techniques through the introduction of a variety of media and subject matter. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill one-semester elective credit.
Intro to Computer Coding
In this one-semester course students will learn and build on their skills of programming and computer science (CS). The course is designed to be fun, engaging, relevant, collaborative and accessible for all students, regardless of background or prior experience. Supplemental online and unplugged activities foster students’ deeper understanding and allow them to demonstrate their creativity, communication and critical thinking skills. Students are engaged and motivated as they quickly learn how computer science impacts the world around them and relates to their own interests and experiences. This course will fulfill one-semester elective credit.
Intermediate Computer Coding
This one-semester course that follows Introduction to Computer Coding. Students will continue to build on their skills of programming and computer science (CS). The course is designed to be fun, engaging, relevant, collaborative and accessible for all students, regardless of background or prior experience. Intermediate coding students will build their understanding of programming and computer science through interactive coding explorations, practices, and projects in Python, where they will create animations, graphic designs, and other interactive programs. Supplemental online and unplugged activities foster students’ deeper understanding and allow them to demonstrate their creativity, communication and critical thinking skills. Students are engaged and motivated as they quickly learn how computer science impacts the world around them and relates to their own interests and experiences. This course will fulfill one-semester elective credit.
Intro to Spanish
This one-year course will provide a general introduction to the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The course will focus on the acquisition of basic vocabulary, language structure and grammatical skills that will enable the student to function effectively within realistic settings. Listening comprehension, understanding of Hispanic cultures, communication and speaking are emphasized. This course will fulfill one-semester elective credit.
Visual Arts: Photography
This one-semester course develops basic knowledge and skills in photography techniques by introducing various media and subject matter. Various styles and photographers are considered within their historical context. Problem-solving, creativity, and originality are developed through planning, picture taking, and reflection. Students learn principles and practices of aesthetics and critique. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This elective course is aligned to Grade 7 Visual Arts NVACS and 21st Century Skills for Lifelong Learning (Information and Computer Literacy, Inquiry, Communication, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Adaptability, Leadership, Creativity, and Persistence). This course will fulfill one-semester elective credit.
Spanish I *(High School Credit)
This one-year course will provide a general introduction to the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The course will focus on the acquisition of basic vocabulary, language structure and grammatical skills that will enable the student to function effectively within realistic settings. Listening comprehension, understanding of Hispanic cultures, communication and speaking are emphasized. This course will fulfill one of the elective credits required for High School graduation.
Computer Science and Applications *(High School Credit)
This one-semester course provides students with skills in computer science and applications. Areas of emphasis include computer science, computational thinking, productivity applications, digital citizenship, and integrated technology. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. This course is appropriate for grades eight through twelve. This course fulfills the one-half computer science credit required for high school graduation.
