COURSE
DESCRIPTION for GRADE 8
English
8 Course
# ENG08
In Eighth Grade Language Arts, students engage in
skill lessons that increase vocabulary and comprehension.
They are responsible for obtaining copies of Number
the Stars by Lois Lowry, Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson, and Jacob Have I Loved
by Katherine Paterson. All three books are Newberry
Award Books. Students also read and examine informational
text including newspaper columns, editorials, and
warranties. Writing requirements based on the writing
process are expanded to include persuasive and expository
writing. A research paper is required. Students develop
and present a variety of speeches.
Math
8 Course
# MATH08
In eighth grade math, students will estimate, compute,
solve, and judge reasonableness of problems with real
numbers including ratio, proportion, percent, integers,
rational numbers, numbers expressed in scientific
notation, and square roots of perfect and non-perfect
squares; solve a variety of real-world and multi-step
problems; and convert, compare, and order size of
US customary and metric units of measurement. In geometry,
students will apply direct and indirect measurement
techniques, tools, and derivation of formulas to determine
perimeter, area, volume, and various attributes of
plane and solid geometric figures; and use coordinate
geometry to analyze properties of two-dimensional
figures and perform translations, reflections, rotations,
and dilations. They will explain and generalize patterns,
sequences, and functions using tables, graphs, and
symbolic algebra; solve and graph linear equations,
inequalities, and systems of equations; determine
slope, midpoint, and distance in the coordinate plane;
compute with polynomials; and explore simple quadratic
equations. Students will use measures of center and
spread to analyze data; investigate and evaluate the
change of data and display it appropriately in graphs;
make predictions based on samples representative of
a larger population; use permutations and combinations
to calculate the number of possible outcomes recognizing
repetition and order; and compute the probability
of compound events, independent events, and simple
dependent events.
Social
Studies 8 Course
# SS08
The historical sequence continues in the eighth grade
with an in-depth study of the early years of our country.
This study incorporates each of the seven standards
into the chronology. While students are studying a
particular historic event in the United States they
also look at its geographic settings, economic implications,
developments in government and the role of citizens.
Science
8 Course
# SCI08
Students in the eighth grade explore space and plate
tectonics as they continue to draw conclusions from
scientific evidence that support theories related
to the change of Earth's surface. They acquire knowledge
to describe how positions and motions of objects in
the universe cause predictable and cyclic events.
Students explain that the universe is composed of
vast amounts of matter and that it is held together
by gravitational force. They explore equipment to
study the universe - telescopes, probes, satellites
and spacecraft. Motion of objects, effects of forces
on objects, and how waves (sound, water and earthquake)
transfer energy are explored. Students will be able
to explain how extinction of a species occurs when
the environment changes and its adaptive characteristics
are insufficient to allow survival. Students design
a solution to a problem or design and build a product,
given certain constraints. Technological influences
on the quality of life are also explored in this grade
level.
Rev. 01-13-05
