8th Grade

English

Teacher: Kim Troup

The class is divided into the study of language arts and literature. Students engage in close readings of a variety of poetry, short stories, plays, and novels to gain both an understanding and appreciation of literary works. Students’ writing skills are developed through the study of grammar and vocabulary and through frequent assignments in creative and analytical writing.

• Grammar - Mastery of correct punctuation, word usage, and sentence structure
• Writing - Writer's workshop, poetry, research papers, essays, journals
• Vocabulary - In literature and poetry
• Listening - Uses listening and viewing strategies in a variety of situations to gain information and understanding
• Speaking - Defend positions on bills presented at Model Congress

Math: Standard Group

• Tools of Algebra - Variables, exponents, order of operations, real numbers, the distributive property, properties of real numbers, the coordinate plane, graphing calculator/data/statistical analysis
• Solving Equations - One, two and multi-step equations, equations with variables on both sides, formulas, measures of central tendency
• Solving Inequalities - Inequalities and their graphs, solving multi-step inequalities, compound inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities
• Solving and Applying Proportions - Ratio and proportion, similar figures, percent equations, percent of change, ratios and probability, probability of compound events
• Graphs and Their Functions - Relating graphs to events, relations and functions, function rules, tables and graphs, writing a function rule, direct variation
• Linear Equations - Rate of change and slope, slope-intercept, standard and point-slope forms of equations, writing linear equations, parallel and perpendicular lines, graphing absolute value equations
• Systems of Equations and Inequalities - Solving systems by graphing, substitution and elimination, application of linear systems, linear inequalities and systems of linear inequalities

Math: Accelerated Group

• Metrics, measuring and reporting
• Solving equations in one variable
• Solving inequalities in one variable
• Absolute value equations
• Graphing linear equations
• Systems of sentences
• Rules of exponents
• Operations with polynomials and factoring
• Rational number operations
• Operations with radicals
• Quadratic functions and equations

History and Government

• American History – colonial settlements through Revolutionary War; culminating in five-day trip to Colonial Williamsburg
• United States Constitution and Bill of Rights – students write their own bills
• Model Congress – students test their knowledge of political theory and practice by engaging in a model congress where they debate legislation and defend their own bills

Science

• Metrics and measuring
• Chemistry – an investigation into matter
• Astronomy – an investigation of the universe
• Geology – rocks, minerals, changing earth structures
• Cycles of non-living things

Foreign Language

Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades study one foreign language, either French or Spanish.

French

• Functions – relate events in the present, past and future; sports; discuss weather; discuss daily routines and family life; discuss visiting movies, museums, theaters; discuss and write about plot, setting and theme of films, discuss what and who you know; describe illness and getting prescription filled; read in context
• Grammar – Passe compose of regular and irregular verbs; auxiliary verbs; specific expressions of time; reflexive verbs; conjugation of irregular verbs; direct and indirect object pronouns; indefinite pronoun en; idiomatic use of prepositions; prepositions with geographical names
• Culture and Civilization – French region of Provence; Martinique; contemporary French films, books and software
• Cultural Projects – web-based research; book reports; film reviews; pen-pal letters with partner French school; the Grand Concours; national French contest sponsored by American Association of French teachers

Spanish

• Vocabulary – more places in the city, numbers to 1,000,000, ordinal numbers to 10th clothing, colors, foods, prepositions of location
• Grammar – affirmative familiar commands, irregular verbs, stem-changing verbs, idioms
• Culture – Madrid, shopping, eating, asking directions, National Spanish exam, films and books

Health

• Personal health concerns and holistic wellness
• Drug abuse, alcohol and tobacco smoking
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Human Development

• Decision-making techniques
• Gender vs. Sex roles
• Forum for student questions related to sexuality

Religion

• Introduction to history and beliefs of Islam
• Morals and Ethics
• Class Prayer for Graduation

Art

• Composition of design, abstract art, creative and personalized interpretation of art
• Expression and understanding of the language of art

Shop

• Tools – uses and misuses, maintenance
• Pre-project information – selection, planning, blue prints
• Project information – design a casing for clockworks
  • Sawing with accurate measurements
  • Sanding and planing
  • Drilling
  • Joining materials
  • Construction
  • Finishing
• Post-project information - assessments
  • Check of construction
  • Staining or other types of finish and its application

Music

• Chorus
• American Musical Theater – “West Side Story”
• Glass music – armonica, glassharp
• Instrument makers of Colonial Williamsburg

Physical Education

• Interscholastic Sports
• Team games and game strategies
• Basketball, volleyball, softball
• Cooperative games
• Track and field –standing broad jump long jump, triple jump, Frisbee throw, softball throw, 50 yard dash, cross country, base running, lacrosse skills,

Library

• Enjoyment and appreciation of literature
• Internet search skills and techniques
• Research project connected to English and History classes
• Interview skills

Technology

• All 6-8 graders use personal Apple PowerBook laptop computers in a state-of-the-art wireless school environment. Computers are carried to and used in all academic classes as an educational tool.

Electives

• Offerings vary for two terms. These include: photography, art, drama, outdoor education, JEM, science, writing

Class Trips

• Colonial Williamsburg, five days
• Overnight camping trips
• Overnight ski trips
• Museums (varies)
• Opportunities for two-week home-stay JEM international travel to partner schools in Russia, India, China, Australia, France, Spain, Hawaii and Amazon rainforest in Ecuador

School Wide Activities

• Assembly – once a week
• Meeting for Worship – once a week
• Recess – twice a day
• Track and Field Day
• Gardening Days