Grade 8

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Language Arts & Literature Hide

TEXTBOOKS

Elements of language, Course II, Explorations in Literature, Level 8,Currents in Drama and Fiction, Our Town, Twelfth Night, The Pigman, To Kill a Mockingbird.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Review rules of grammar and mechanics.
• Tackle new and more complex grammatical forms.
• Apply previously learned literary concepts to new material.
• Develop vocabulary and use a pronunciation guide.
• Use specific detail in writing.
• Present material and speak articulately.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• The Personal Essay and Expository Writing.
• The Newspaper: news stories, reviews, features and editorials.
• Criticism, opinion, dialogue in narration, and parody.
• Conflict, theme, character analysis, setting, and mood.
• Characteristics of the play, short story, and novel forms.
• Oral communication.

GRADING POLICY

Evaluation of student writing is determined by a set of criteria, such as originality, use of detail, organization, strength of word choice, high level of reader interest, etc., and by the student's attention to the particular prompt or focus of a writing assignment. In literature, contribution to class discussion is comparable in value to consistency and excellence of homework and test scores. The grading policy includes assessment of effort and growth in speaking skills.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Reading, vocabulary, and/or writing assignments are given daily. Homework should consistently include review of that day's lessons. The student is obliged to do all writing on her own, without the assistance of family members or friends. A paper must be proofread before it is submitted. If it is handwritten, it must be neat, legible, and properly formatted. Late homework is only accepted by teacher-student arrangement.

Mathematics Hide

TEXTBOOKS

CPM: Algebra Connections

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Understand the use of variables and equations.
• Solidify computation skills, including use of decimals and fractions.
• Develop a problem-solving plan.
• Use equations to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide monomials, and factor polynomials.
• Study linear and quadratic functions.
• Graph linear and quadratic functions.
• Learn and use the quadratic formula.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Problemsolving, increased mathematical vocabulary, and Algebra.
• Multiplying polynomials by monomials and polynomials.
• Solving problems using factoring and fractions.
• Solving percent, mixture, work, distance, and money problems.
• Solving systems of equations by using substitution or addition.
• Graphing equations, inequalities, and systems of equations.

GRADING POLICY

Grades are based on quizzes, tests, daily homework assignments, semester exams, class participation, and projects.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is assigned nearly every day and class time is often provided to begin.

Social Studies Hide

TEXTBOOKS

A More Perfect Union.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Study historical events as they relate to the structure of the period.
• Apply geographical settings to historical events.
• Understand the impact that geography has on history.
• Develop critical thinking skills, writing skills and reading skills.
• Learn concepts such as “cause and effect” and “sequence of events”.
• Continue to develop writing, research, note taking and cooperative learning skills.
• Evaluate primary and secondary historical sources.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Native civilizations and European settlement of North America.
• Growing conflict between England and the American Colonies.
• The Declaration of Independence.
• The American Revolution and the roots of American Government.
• The Constitution.
• Westward expansion, slavery, tensions between the North and the South.
• The Civil War and Reconstruction.

GRADING POLICY
Students will be assessed on their in-class assignments, homework, quizzes, tests, projects, collaborative group work, participation, and major and minor homework. A straight point system for every class assignment and major assessment will be used. Quarter grades worth 45% each and a semester exam grade worth 10% will combine to form the overall semester grade.

HOMEWORK POLICY

When students are working on a long-term essay or project, their daily homework will be adjusted accordingly to allow more time for research and independent work. Students will be accountable for their homework assignments each day.

Science Hide

TEXTBOOKS

Prentice Hall Science: 1. Matter: Building Blocks 2. Chemical Building Blocks 3. Chemical Interactions 4. Motion, Forces, and Energy 5. Electricity and Magnetism

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Learn to ask good scientific questions
• Design and conduct scientific investigations
• Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret data
• Think critically and logically to make relationships between evidence and explanations
• Be able to communicate the key principles in each of the following key concepts
• Properties and changes in matter
• Motion and forces
• Transfer of energy

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• The Nature of Science
• Chemistry
• Properties of Matter
• Understanding the Atom
• The Periodic Table
• Chemical Bonding and Reactions
• Acids, Bases and Solutions
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Forces
• Buoyancy
• Electromagnetism
• Environmental Science

GRADING POLICY

Quarter grades will be determined using the following grade breakdown:

• Exams and Quizzes – 35%
• Labs and Projects – 30%
• Class Work and Homework – 35%

Semester grades will be determined using the following breakdown:

• Quarter 1 Grade – 45%
• Quarter 2 Grade – 45%
• Semester Final Exam – 10%

HOMEWORK

Homework is designed to reinforce material covered in class and form a bridge between class and ‘real world’ science. Assignments range between 10-20 points each. Some homework will be small daily assignments and others will be more in-depth and require more time.

International Languages Hide

LATIN

TEXTBOOK: Cambridge Latin Course, Unit 2, textbook and workbook

OBJECTIVE

The student will learn:

• Intermediate grammatical structures in both English and Latin.
• A more extensive working vocabulary.
• Intermediate translation skills.
• Roman history and culture through study of Roman colonies in Britain and Egypt.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Continue to build a comprehensive understanding of grammar.
• Demonstrate increased grammatical proficiency through translation and practice.
• Deepen a love of language and learning through heightened Latin proficiency.
• Develop reading comprehension through extended Latin passages.
• Take the Introductory Level National Latin Examination in mid-Spring.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework will be assigned on average twice
per week. With the exception of long-term projects, written homework will not be given over weekends Students are encouraged to review grammar and vocabulary on their own for 10 minutes each day.

GRADING POLICY

Homework = 35%; Tests = 35%; Quizzes = 25%; Projects = 10%; Participation = 5%.

FRENCH

TEXTBOOKS

Discovering French Blanc.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Review, reinforce, and enhance grammatical structures and vocabulary.
• Extend oral and written expression with conversation, poems, songs, and exercises.
• Enhance reading and aural comprehension.
• Discover the interdependence of Francophone culture and language..
• Develop a more communicative approach to their French studies.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Review the past tense and future tense, regular and irregular verb conjugations, Imperative.
• Passé Composé.
• Reflexive verbs.
• Interrogatives.
• Superlatives and Comparatives.
• New verbs: pouvoir, vouloir, devoir, savoir, connaitre, lire, dire, écrire, dormir and sentir.
• Direct and indirect object pronouns and the pronoun 'y'.
• Imparfait.
• Adverbs, Expressions of Quantity
• Adjectives.
• Imperative with reflexives.
• Stress pronouns.

GRADING POLICY

Class participation, self-motivation, attention and preparation are all taken into consideration for assessment. Quizzes and tests are averaged quarterly. The semester examination is 15% of the semester grade, with the two quarters being 42.5% each.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Fifteen to twenty minutes a night (weeknights only) for independent review/drill on vocabulary or to complete a specific written assignment. Written assignments are generally a reinforcement of material introduced in class that day. There is typically one long-term project per semester.

SPANISH

TEXTBOOKS

¡ En español 2!

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Enhance understanding of Spanish speaking countries.
• Gain confidence and fluidity in oral expression.
• Develop writing skills through biweekly writing assignments.
• Improve aural skills through cassette program and in class dialogue.
• Increase reading comprehension through selected readings.
• Build vocabulary.
• Solidify previously learned material through review and repetition.
• Take ownership of learning and individual progress by participating in class.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Verbs: Regular and Irregular -AR, -ER, and –IR.
• Indirect and Direct Object Pronouns.
• Conjugations, reflexives, stem-changing verbs.
• Tenses: Present indicative, present progressive, future, present and imperfect.
• Commands (Usted form), interrogatives and possessive adjectives.
• Prepositions of place, cultural proverbs, and vocabulary.
• Negative pronouns.
• Por/Para and Tambien/Tampoco.

GRADING POLICY

Class participation, self-motivation, attention and preparation are all taken into consideration for assessment. Quizzes and tests, both written and oral, are averaged quarterly, with the lowest quiz grade of the quarter dropping out. The semester examination is 15% of the semester grade, with the two quarters being 42.5% each.

HOMEWORK POLICY

A minimum of fifteen minutes a night for independent review/drill on vocabulary or to complete a specific assignment. Written assignments are generally a reinforcement of material introduced in class that day.

Religion Hide

TEXTBOOKS

The Catholic Church: Journey, Wisdom & Mission

OBJECTIVE

The student will:

• Read primary source documents of the Catholic Church
• Identify the historical period of readings
• Discuss the relevance of the readings to contemporary life
• Intellectually journey from the inception of the Church to today
• Bring Catholicism into dialogue with various faith traditions

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Explore God's ongoing presence through the centuries
• Identify the people and events that motivated the movement of religious thought
• Develop theological and philosophical language

The subject will be engaged through PowerPoint presentations; film clips; dramatic & humorous enactments; various expressions of art, music, & dance; and student journals, reports, & interactive dialogue.

GRADING POLICY

40% Homework
25% Quizzes/Tests
20% Portfolio
15% Participation

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is assigned weekly and students will have approximately one week to complete an assignment. Student can anticipate spending about 1 – 1.5 hours per week on assignments. Studio Art & Drama The eighth grade students participate in an Arts Rotation (one class per quarter) which covers studio art, art history, music, and theater/speakers. Eighth graders may also participate in a Publications Elective which is a two semester course.

Physical Education Hide

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Develop movement skills essential to lifelong participation in physical activity.
• Participate in a variety of games with rules and activity skills.
• Define and maintain individual physical fitness and wellness.
• Develop effective motor skills through exploration, practice, and movement.
• Develop appropriate social behaviors during planned physical activity.
• Learn to develop and maintain a positive self-image.
• Develop individual physical performance through setting realistic personal goals.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Cooperative and team games.
• Volleyball, court soccer, and basketball.
• The Presidential Physical Fitness program.
• Hoops for Heart program.
• Gymnastics stunts.
• Creative dance and square dance.
• Current Health project.

GRADING POLICY

Evaluations are based on participation in class, sportsmanship, positive attitude, effort, understanding of rules, and activities. Physical fitness tests will be administered to test skill, fitness improvement, preparation, listening, and following directions. If a student is not able to participate in P.E., she must bring a note from a parent. If she is going to miss more than one week of P.E., she must have a note from a doctor. Please be specific in your note. If your daughter is recovering from an illness, she might be able to participate in the less strenuous part of class.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Daily exercise. There will be a health assignment.

Computer Studies Hide

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Develop word processing and keyboarding skills.
• Learn to use application software for curriculum area projects.
• Evaluate Internet web sites for informational content.
• Produce creative writing to publication standards.
• Type and edit their work.
• Have assignments typed and printed on time.
• Use spell check regularly.
• Follow instructions for typed work. (Fonts, size, layout etc.)
• Save all written work electronically, and as paper copy

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Powerpoint and Graphing Programs.
• Word processing and desktop publication.
• Web site research and evaluation.
• Keyboarding, skills and math practice programs.

GRADING POLICY

Grades are not given for computer work, per se. Students earn grades within core curriculum areas. Effort and attentiveness in the computer lab, attention to accuracy of word processing, and application use will be taken into account.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Students are expected to continue keyboarding practice (Alphasmart keyboards are available) and complete assignments not finished during computer lab class. They will need to schedule independent computer lab time outside class hours. Some typing can be continued on a home computer.