This is an outline of the basic academic content each child will be taught during Grade Eight. The curriculum is designed to meet the unique intellectual, physical, psychological, and social needs of the early adolescent.

At the middle school level most teachers work as a member of a predetermined team to help plan and implement the total curricular offerings. There are curricula for all subjects at the middle school level. Each child may also have experience in library skills, assemblies, seasonal school-wide functions, clubs and organizations, contests, and on intramural teams. Some students may also participate in special education programs, counseling programs, and/or gifted education programs to help them develop their skills.

Each teacher approaches the curriculum in a unique way. This capitalizes on the individual strengths and interests of the professional staff.

COMMUNICATION ARTS

The Communication Arts class is a required, full-year course. The writing process will continue to be the main focus of study with grammar, mechanics, and spelling being reviewed and taught as part of the editing process. Writing will include sentences, paragraphs, letter writing, creative writing, and at least two longer compositions. Students will read and study short stories, non-fiction, a play, poetry, and two novels. Each student will also make two oral presentations. MMAT objectives will be incorporated.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Eighth Grade Social Studies of United States History begins with The Age of Exploration and continues through 1887 - Reconstruction. Students study the effects of the past on the present, with an emphasis on government, culture, economics, and geography, including a balanced coverage of events. The study of U.S. History and its effects on its citizens help the students gain a greater understanding of their heritage and their citizenship responsibilities.

SCIENCE

Eighth Grade Earth Science is designed to encourage student awareness of the vast amount of order and change that takes place in the Universe and specifically on Planet Earth. Students will study astronomy, mineralogy, geology, meteorology, oceanography, energy and the environment. Experimentation will be an integral part of science instruction and process skills will be stressed. Students will be prompted to question, investigate, explore and hypothesize. Activities may include the construction of models and/or the use of manipulative, interactive and physical materials.

MATHEMATICS/ALGEBRA

Students are enrolled in Mathematics classes based on previous performance, aptitude, and developed skills. These classes range from basic Mathematics to Algebra.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (ALTERNATE DAYS)

Eighth Grade Physical Education is a progressively planned co-educational program in lifetime sports. Content includes large and small group games, skill drills, individual sports activities, and related lifetime sports.

READING (ALTERNATE DAYS)

Eighth Grade Reading is a required course that meets on alternating days with Physical Education throughout the school year. The student will practice previously learned comprehension, vocabulary and study skills with a variety of materials. Motivation to read for enjoyment will be emphasized. Students will participate in silent reading during regularly scheduled blocks of time. Class time will be set aside to facilitate the use of the library media center.

PROGRAM 1

1. ART - Eighth Grade Exploratory Art, a nine (9) week required course, involving the students in the basics of two-dimensional and three-dimensional areas. Drawing, painting, printmaking and design will be stressed through various media methods in the two-dimensional area. The three-dimensional area will be studied through constructing creative, 3-dimensional objects using a variety of materials.
2. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION - Provides students with an introduction to a variety of technology-based skills. Students will learn through hands-on, applied activities as they explore fiber optics, laser light, robotics, electronics, avionics, video production, etc.
3. FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES - Eighth Grade Family and Consumer Sciences is a nine (9) week exploratory course designed to promote the development of intermediate-level family and consumer skills. Emphasis will be on establishing healthy life styles, decision-making and critical thinking. Topics will include drugs/alcohol, tobacco, sexually transmitted diseases and adolescent pregnancy. Nutrition issues will include food labelling, balanced meal planning and healthy food preparation. Career options will be explored.
4. COMPUTER EXPLORATION - Eighth Grade Computer Exploration is a course designed to examine the use of a computer as a tool. The course will emphasize the skill of touch typing using correct keyboarding technique. Students will produce word processing, spreadsheet, and database documents.

PROGRAM 2

1. INTERMEDIATE BAND - Intermediate Band is a year long course open to students with one or two years of playing experience or by recommendation of another director. Emphasis is placed on classroom participation. Students will continue to study correct instrumental techniques and music fundamentals.
2. CONCERT BAND - Concert Band is a year long course designed for students who have already played an instrument for two years. Students will continue to develop instrumental techniques, skills and musicianship. Along with these individual goals, students will be able to reinforce their abilities to function as contributing members of a musical ensemble. The physics and disciplines necessary for marching band performance will be addressed.

PROGRAM 3

CONCERT CHOIR - Eighth Grade Concert Choir is a year long course for a select group of middle school students. Students will have the opportunity to experience many styles of choral music through the development of performance skills and an in-depth study of vocal techniques. Sight singing, vocabulary and music theory study will be more comprehensive than in Concert Choir, Seventh Grade. Students will learn to accomplish a common goal by working within a group, and the culmination of each performance will provide students with pride of self-accomplishment.

PROGRAM 4

CONCERT ORCHESTRA - Concert Orchestra is a year long course open to eighth grade students with one or more years of playing experience. Students will continue their study of correct instrumental technique and music fundamentals. Several performances will be required.