Middle School Grade 8 Curriculum
English
Mathematics
Students write and solve different types of equations, learn and work with various transformations, study about angles and triangles through parallel lines, similar triangles etc., how to graph and write linear equations in different forms, solve systems of linear equations using different methods, represent, compare, and graph linear and nonlinear functions, find square and cube roots, use the Pythagorean theorem, work with volume and surface area of various solids/similar solids, study different data displays and perform analysis with them, and perform arithmetic operations with exponents and scientific notation.
Our comprehensive standards-based math curriculum is aligned with the Common core Math Standards
Social Studies
Our grade 8 students study the ideas, issues, and events from the framing of the Constitution up to WW1 with emphasis on America's role in the war. Students trace the development of American politics, society, culture and economy and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences. They learn about challenges facing a new nation, with emphasis on the causes and consequences of the Civil War. They make connections between rise of industrialization and contemporary social and economic conditions. Study political principles under lying the US Constitution. Students understand the ways in which citizens participate in the political system- analyze foreign policy in the early republic. Analyze the divergent paths of American people from 1800’s in the Northeast, in the South, in the west: analyze multiple causes, key events and consequences of the Civil War, analyze the transformation of the economy in response to the Industrial Revolution.
Science
The eighth-grade science program involves topics in Life Sciences, Earth and Space Systems (ESS), Physical Sciences, and Engineering, Technology, and Applications of
Science (ETS). Life Science topics will include Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms, and Natural Selection and Adaptations. ESS will cover Space Systems, History of Earth,
and Human Impacts. Physical Sciences topics include Forces and Interactions, Energy, Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation. For ETS students, the course will cover the Engineering Design Process, compare different solutions, analyze data, and apply these skills for various purposes in accordance with previously studied material.
Our comprehensive standards-based Science curriculum is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Art
Process, analyze, respond to art, understand art in historical and cultural dimension, create art using different media.
Music
Grade 8 students are able to learn a string instrument and subsequently deepen their music theory study and focus on learning proper tone production.
Grade 8 students enjoy music through singing, dancing and playing both games and instruments. Reading music and following the conductor are essential skills.
Physical Education
Students learn about fitness and its benefits through studying and participating in a wide range of physical activities. Activities include team games (ball handling and fundamental skill development), individual sports (gymnastics, swimming, surfing, tennis and dance) and fitness (circuit training, stretching and warm-up exercises).
Additional Languages ( i.e.French/Spanish/German/Hebrew )
Every student whose academic standards allow an additional language, have the choice of French, Spanish, German or Hebrew. (Minimum amount of children needed.)
The middle school additional language program aims to develop and improve comprehension, expression and grammar. Vocabulary, grammar and research are integrated into the program according to the student’s level. Students learn about customs through cultural activities.
Mandarin
All Grade 8 students are required to take Mandarin with Additional Languages (French/Spanish/German/Hebrew) also being offered in Grade 8.
This course introduces students to standard Mandarin Chinese language and is designed for students with little to no prior knowledge of spoken or written Mandarin. Students in this course focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understanding simple grammatical structures. This knowledge prepares students to effectively communicate in Mandarin on a limited range of topics related to everyday situations. Students practice listening and speaking in real-life situations, learn to read and write Chinese characters, and examine how culture and language interact in China. In-class activities and course assignments aim to assist students as they develop the oral proficiency and confidence necessary to initiate simple conversations.
Technology
