Grade 8

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English Hide

The English and language arts curriculum is designed to develop and promote the student's interest in and knowledge of language and literature, including his abilities to listen, speak, write, and read effectively. He accomplishes this through a comprehensive program that includes a balance of written and oral language. Teachers employ a variety of instructional activities to help students learn the necessary skills and strategies to become proficient communicators. It is hoped that each boy will acquire a lifelong appreciation for the power of the spoken and written language, a love of literature, and a personal belief that literacy can enhance his life. The English/language arts program is built upon three critical strands: listening and speaking, reading, and writing. It also includes four essential conventions: grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. Class literature discussion, presentations on novel themes, lecture notes and group discussions are among a number of ways eighth grade students read and analyze literature. Students read novels, short stories, dramas, essays and poetry. They also study film as another way of telling stories. Dandelion Wine, The Contender and Lord of the Flies are among the novels eighth graders enjoy. Through a variety of integrated units, including The Tolerance Unit and The Manhood Unit, students address their thoughts and ideas as they prepare to leave Stuart Hall. In writing they learn the art of subordination, apposition and parallel structure. Infinite phrases, comma usage and quotation marks are among the mechanics of English that students review.

Mathematics Hide

The mathematics curriculum assumes that students will make sense of mathematics in which they engage and become confident, active learners. Building this understanding is a long process that is in sequence and includes mathematical tools, technology and manipulatives. Students solve real-life problems and investigation, explore and investigate mathematical ideas and think both inductively and deductively. Communication is essential: "Students communicate to learn mathematics, and they learn to communicate mathematically" (NCTM Standards). Stuart Hall mathematically-literate students exhibit confidence in their abilities, are flexible, efficient and accurate with basic facts and computation, and demonstrate a variety of problem-solving strategies. The mathematics curriculum is built upon five essential strands:

• numbers and operations
• patterns, functions and algebra
• geometry and spatial sense
• measurement
• data analysis, statistics and probability

The following topics will be covered in 8th Grade: Algebra

• Linear, quadratic and exponential equations
• Simultaneous equations
• Systems of inequalities and equations
• Algebraic thinking for practical problem solving
• Rational expressions

Geometry (optional course)

• Hands-on approach to discovering Euclid’s postulates
• Proving Pythagorean theorem algebraically and geometrically

History Hide

Stuart Hall social studies is a study of humanity. Students study the past in order to understand its connection to the present and how it directs the future. The curriculum emphasizes that ethnic and religious groups of the United States and other countries have a role in shaping the diverse society in which we live. The curriculum educates students to use critical thinking to understand the world and how each person fits in the world. The social studies curriculum is built upon four strands:

• civic values, ethics, rights, responsibilities and social participation
• geographic literacy
• historical literacy
• cultural literacy

Eighth grade students learn that there are ethical components of major decisions in United States history and discuss those decisions in the context of an ethical foundation. They recognize the importance that strategic location has on the United States political involvement. They analyze the complexity major historical movements and how they have influenced future decisions. They study major periods of United States history, such as Watergate, Vietnam, World War I and II, Reconstruction, the Civil War and the formation of the Early Republic.

Science Hide

The science curriculum is designed to promote an understanding of the nature of science and an appreciation of its methods and philosophy. The program prepares each student for the future by providing opportunities to investigate, explore, and evaluate the world. The program addresses how science works and what processes and methods expand scientific understanding. In kindergarten through grade five, all three strands (Earth, Physical and Life) are studied. In contrast, in grades six through eight, students study one strand per year. This reflects a shift to more in-depth study in the older grades. The science curriculum is built upon three critical strands: Earth Science, Physical Science and Life Science. Hands-on exploration and the use of the scientific method are central to the approach used to investigate the natural phenomena associated with the various strands of science. This approach includes eight essential processes: observing, communication, comparing, ordering, categorizing, relating, inferring, applying. The focus of the eighth grade year is life science. Students review the basic characteristics of living things and understand how life has changed and diversified through time in response to a changing environment. Students note the processes and patterns that characterize the evolution of life. They study the cell and learn that it is the basic unit of life. They study structures of the body and how they interact with each other and contribute to maintenance and growth of the organism. They understand the importance of maintaining health of individual body systems, which contributes to the health of the entire being. Students study how organisms interact within ecosystems, and they learn about their responsibilities in preserving ecosystems.

Religion Hide

In an endeavor to educate the whole child, we are guided by and faithful to the Roman Catholic tradition of faith in God and in Jesus Christ who reveals to us the love of God for all people. Studying the basic symbols, practices and concepts of religion makes much of history, literature, art and contemporary life intelligible. The intent of the curriculum is to help the student discover and articulate his own beliefs. Because the family is the primary educator in matters of faith and spirituality, we support both parents and students in their religious identities and in the faith foundations established in the home. Active faith propels one toward the pursuit of peace and justice in a diverse world. By educating each child to the love of God, self and neighbor, religious education at Stuart Hall forms in each student deep human values, a sense of wise freedom, and an informed, active faith. The religion curriculum is built upon four strands:

• Scripture: the student understands that scripture is an account of faithful people and that it has literary and historical contexts and inspirational aspects.
• Tradition: the student understands tradition as the collective lived and living response in relationship with God.
• Faith: the student understands faith as trust in God.
• Reason: the student recognizes the role of conscience and discernment in religious and ethical understanding.

The primary goal of 8th grade religion is for students to acquire a primary knowledge of certain beliefs in world religions. They learn to check their assumptions about different be-liefs and learns that various worldviews are often in conflict with each other. They become aware of the "mirror effect" between religious beliefs and situations in the world. Students begin to understand that all cultures use scripture as a foundation for religious systems and that cultures, environment, and conflicts have shaped scriptures. Students begin to understand that religious systems influence and shape cultures and societies as they develop skills of comparative beliefs. They see that conflicting worldviews have impact upon public policy as they develop an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities of diversity and pluralism.

International Languages Hide

French Through the study of foreign language, the goal is for students to:

• develop communication skills that enable the student to interact with a broad and varied range of people
• gain insight into other cultures and broadens understanding of the self as well as others
• become global citizens by breaking down barriers and customary borders
• accept personal and world responsibility by fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity about cultural values.

The goal for the eighth grade is for students to be able to communicate at a very comfortable level so that they would be able to enter at least a level II language course in high school. The following topics will be covered in the eighth grade year:

• Verbs: conditional, subjunctive, future
• Personal Interviews
• Writing/speaking/reading/listening
• Local Cultural Trips

Spanish Through the study of foreign language, the goal is for students to:

• develop communication skills that enable the student to interact with a broad and varied range of people
• gain insight into other cultures and broadens understanding of the self as well as others
• become global citizens by breaking down barriers and customary borders
• accept personal and world responsibility by fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity about cultural values.

The goal for the eighth grade is for students to be able to communicate at a very comfortable level so that they would be able to enter at least a level II language course in high school. The following topics will be covered in the eighth grade year:

• Verbs: conditional, subjunctive, future
• Personal Interviews
• Writing/speaking/reading/listening
• Local Cultural Trips

Latin The goal for the eighth grade is for students to be able to demonstrate grammatical proficiency at an appropriate level so that they would be able to enter at least a level II language course in high school. Students will sit for the Introductory Level National Latin Examination in mid-Spring. During the year, eighth grade Latin students will learn:

• Intermediate grammatical structures in both English and Latin
• additional uses of the five previous grammatical cases in Latin, as well as the vocative
• to decline nouns in the 4th and 5th declension (masculine, feminine and neuter)
• to conjugate verbs of the 4 conjugations in the present system (present, future, imperfect) and the perfect system (perfect, pluperfect, future perfect)
• to conjugate irregular verbs in these six tenses
• personal, demonstrative, reflexive and intensive pronouns in all cases
• to translate excerpts from Virgil, Cicero, Ovid

Art Hide

The study of the visual and performing arts provides the students with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge of the arts through a sequential, creative, integrated and inclusive program that prepares them for further, more focused study. The arts teach students to participate in society in an intelligent way by encouraging them to "look at things carefully, hear things thoughtfully, feel things sensitively, and understand the role of the arts in the life of the individual and the collective life of [world] culture." The focus for the eighth grade year in art is on art as a form of social awareness and media literacy. An eighth grade student will begin to understand the use of art as propaganda. He can explain what the elements of propaganda are in visual media and can also create his own form of visual propaganda. He begins to understand the function of art as moral commentary. He can name artists and describe their work according to their style and their role in history. He can paint and draw cartoons that make moral commentary. He develops individual as well as group projects which he can discuss and critique from an artistic perspective.

Music Hide

The study of the visual and performing arts provides the students with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge of the arts through a sequential, creative, integrated and inclusive program that prepares them for further, more focused study. The arts teach students to participate in society in an intelligent way by encouraging them to "look at things carefully, hear things thoughtfully, feel things sensitively, and understand the role of the arts in the life of the individual and the collective life of [world] culture." Grade eight students take music classes for a double period, once a week, for a quarter of the year. Students prepare to sing chapel music, and play hand chime accompaniments to chapel songs. Double periods allow the boys to take field trips to a few of the different instrument makers in San Francisco. As a final project, they will make their own instruments to share with the class.

Physical Education Hide

The primary focus of the physical education program is the student's total physical and emotional development. All students learn the motor skills needed in everyday living and in recreational activities. Students develop and maintain sound physiological functions through vigorous muscular activity. The curriculum provides situations for learning to compete so students learn to cooperate with others, treat others with respect and strive for achievement of common goals. Students learn to accept responsibility for their actions. The program provides a life-long sense of responsibility for health and well-being. The physical education curriculum is built upon four strands:

• physical activity
• movement skills and knowledge
• physical fitness and mental wellness
• social development and movement interaction

The eighth grade student plays a variety of games that help him develop knowledge of and understanding of cooperative games, individual games, and team sports. He develops proficiency in object manipulation by playing with hockey sticks, rackets, bats, and footballs. Through the Presidential Physical Fitness Testing Program, he participates in activities that develop his cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, and agility. He participates in Hoops for the Heart (basketball challenges) as well as circuit training stations, such as ropes, hurdles, and stomp boards, all of which help him develop his physical fitness and mental wellness. He develops and enhances his use of locomotor movements to music, combines movements and directions, and participates in obstacle courses that help him develop his movement interaction.

Computer Studies Hide

The computer lab provides an environment in which students, teachers, librarians and lab instructors collaborate on curricular-based projects. Through their years at Stuart Hall, the students explore a variety of hardware, software applications and telecommunications media. Students are introduced to these things at an early age and continually develop their skills. As the field changes, they adapt easily and explore confidently as new technology is incorporated into the curriculum. Critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies are a primary focus. Students will be knowledgeable, independent users of powerful computer applications. The Unkefer instructors, librarians and classroom teachers collaborate to create projects that use open-ended software such as multimedia programs and word processing. Students develop computer skills (copying and pasting, draw tools, etc.) that transfer easily across applications and computer platforms.

Changes in hardware, software and curriculum keep the program alive and in a constant flux. The following yearly plans for each grade level are subject to variations depending on classroom teacher input, new products, and changes in technology. Technology is integrated into the curriculum as early as kindergarten. Computers are available in the classrooms, hallways and in the Unkefer Computer Lab. During their weekly class in the computer lab, kindergartners explore a variety of software while learning to manipulate the mouse, the keyboard and various Macintosh system components. The classroom and the computer teachers plan projects that integrate the work in the lab with the activities in the classroom. These activities reinforce the reading readiness, math patterning and counting skills, and problem solving strategies inherent in the kindergarten program. By the end of kindergarten most students are comfortable using the mouse and key-board to create simple drawings and to write simple words and phrases.

Contemporary Issues Hide

A number of complex issues face our world today. War, famine, global trade, poverty, and education just to name a few. In our own country of the United States we also deal with multiple issues with multiple answers and solutions. How can we understand these issues and decide what we believe is the "right way to act". Curing the weekly class, students will survey a number of these difficult issues that face us personally and try to devise an informed and ethical response.