Eighth Grade Curriculum
 
Language Arts
The Eighth grade Language Arts is an integrated, thematically organized, literature-based curriculum that focuses on the development of reading, writing, and speaking skills. The literature selections in eighth grade are organized around the themes taken from the core curriculum materials. (Reading, Language, Spelling, and Handwriting)
  • Holt Anthology (2007)
  • Novels:
    • Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
    • The Outsiders
    • And Then There Were None
    • To Kill a Mockingbird
    • 12 Angry Men
    • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
    • The Prince and the Pauper
  • Great Source Writing
*Most eighth graders receive a single period of LA instruction, except for those students in Level 3. Depending on their reading performance on multiple data points, students may receive a double period of LA instruction, or be placed in the remedial reading course, in which the program Read 180 is used. 
 
Mathematics
  • Textbook: CPM Core Connections 3
  • Problem-centered curriculum
  • Aligned to the new PA Common Core State Standards
  • Based on at least a 50 minute class period
  • Textbook: CPM Core Connections 3
  • Problem-centered curriculum 
    • Advanced Math
      • Eighth Grade Advanced Math students complete CPM Algebra 1 (Same as high school Algebra 1)

Science
  • Cells and Heredity; Chemical Interactions; Matter and Energy; Forces and Motion, McDougall Littell (Modular Resources)
  • SEPUP – Inquiry Kits – Our Genes Our Selves
  • Active Physics Inquiry Project – PASCO Probeware
  • Dynamic Planet Inquiry Kit – Investigating Earth Systems
  • Chemistry That Applies – Activity Module
  • Weather Bug; Discovery Science; Study Island

Social Studies
  • Eighth grade students study American History beginning with the Road to Revolution and ending with the Reconstruction after the Civil War. 
  • Sample projects include:  the creation of a Federal Edifice cartoon
  • Call to Freedom text (American History)
 
Special Subject Areas/Unified Arts
  •  Italian 1
    • Italian1 in 8th grade prepares students for Italian 2 in 9th grade.
      • Textbook: Superciao.it, 1A
      • Videos/Cultural paraphernalia
      • Italian – English Dictionaries
      • Language learning games & activities
    • Italian 1 covers the basics [nouns, present tense regular & irregular verbs, adjectives, articles, gender, number and basic thematic vocabulary, etc…]

  • Spanish 1
    • The textbook used is Realidades by Prentice Hall. Spanish 1 in 8th prepares students for Spanish 2 in 9th grade. The course presents beginning grammar,  including gender and number, present tense verb conjugation, adjective agreement, interrogatives, and sentence structure. Vocabulary includes topics such as school, friends, food, free time activities, and family. The course is aligned with the Standards for Foreign Language Learning.
  •  Latin 1
    • Latin1 in 8th grade prepares students for Latin 2 in 9th grade.
      • Application of Latin spelling and translations (grammatical errors and applied uses of translations)
      • Philadelphia Classical Society competition; emphasis on both academic and artistic creations
      • Latin in the Modern World Project
      • Emphasis on application and use of Latin language and culture within our daily lives
      • Archaeological evidence and virtual field trips to bring Rome and Roman society to students
      • A variety of different games and reviews, including but not limited to Jeopardy, Bingo, and Around the World
  • Art
    • The theme of the Eighth Grade art curriculum is “Modern Art” exploring the definition of the visual arts and the cause and effects of culture, technology, aesthetic influences, politics, and mass media on the evolution of art. Students engage in art historical inquiry, art criticism, aesthetic reflection and a variety of studio experiences that unite technique and personal expression. Students are introduced to art specific vocabulary and correlations are draw to the other areas of the curriculum including math, science, literature and history as a means to dually enhance the learning experience.

  • Geography
    • Unit 1: Basic Map Skills- Students practice using cardinal/intermediate directions, map keys and scale. They also explore the differences between political, physical and special purpose maps.                              
    • Unit 2: The 5 Themes of Geography- Students learn background knowledge of the 5 themes and put their new knowledge to work using hands-on, exploratory activities.                         
    • Unit 3: Regions- Students use various resources (atlases, internet, books) to learn about the unique aspects of each region of the United States. They demonstrate their knowledge through various hands-on activities.                          
    • Unit 4: Canada- Students take a detailed looked at different provinces in Canada. They compare and contrast the information while completing different assignments.

  • Technology Education
    • Equipment Used:
      • Drill press, band saw, disc sander, scroll saw, radial arm saw, drum sander, table saw, rulers, measuring tape, triangles, safety glasses, shop aprons.
      • Windows 98 computer
      • CNC Mill
      • Printer
    • Software: AES auto cad lite
    • Curriculum:
      • Safety
      • CO2 car
      • Construction Computer Aided Drafting
      • Engineering and Structures
      • CNC Mill

  • Physical Education and Health
    • All units are 3 weeks and games are modified for small teams and maximum participation.
    • Fall-tennis, football, soccer, frisbee, fitness testing
    • Winter-volleyball, basketball, adventure and teambuilding , fitness lab-weight training
    • Spring-track and field, stx, softball /wiffle ball, games fitness and cooperative activities, fitness testing.
    • Goals- Improve social interaction for success in life.
    • Engage the student to create fitness and activity as a way of life. 

  • Health
    • Human Sexuality Grade 8
    • Building Healthy Relationships
    • Understanding Puberty
    • Male and Female Reproduction Systems
    • Pregnancy- Growth and Development
    • Genetic Diseases
    • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    • Materials used- human sexuality booklet and an occasional use of textbook “TEEN HEALTH”

 

  • Music
    • Grade 8 Music

 

      • Instrumental and Choral: Students in grade 8 who select, band, strings or chorus are scheduled for this group and meet 3 times per week during school.
      • Classroom Music: There is no classroom music for students in grade 8.

    • Middle School Eighth Grade Band

      • The Eighth Grade Concert band is open to all students who currently play a band instrument. The band meets in rehearsal three times per week during school.  Students perform a winter and spring concert. The focus is on the performance of repertoire that represent a variety of musical styles.  Students are required to perform at all public concerts.
 
    • Middle School Seventh and Eighth Grade Strings
      • The Seventh and Eighth Grade Strings is open to all students who currently play a string (violin, viola, cello or bass) instrument. They meet in rehearsal three periods per week.  Students perform a winter and spring concert. The focus is on the performance of repertoire that represent a variety of musical styles.  Students are required to perform at all public concerts. 

    • Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus
      • The Seventh Grade Chorus is open to all students who qualify and can demonstrate basic singing skills. They meet in rehearsal three periods per week.  Students perform a winter and spring concert. The focus is on the performance of repertoire that represent a variety of musical styles.  Students are required to perform at all public concerts.

    • Eighth Grade Classroom Music
      • There is no classroom music offering in grade 8.