Middle School Curriculum Eighth Grade

• English
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Foreign Language
• Industrial Technology
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education & Health
• Reading
• Science
• Social Studies

Click here to see the 8th grade Ohio Standards Guide for Families

English

AIMS: To implement the fundamental skills in language mechanics through continued development of basic language skills, study skills, writing, and literature interpretation.

CONTENT: Literature, grammar, spelling and vocabulary, and writing.

Family and Consumer Sciences

AIMS: To develop basic skills and knowledge in foods and clothing. An emphasis on food preparation, meal planning, nutrition, or clothing construction.

CONTENT: Apply measurement in preparing foods from the basic four food groups. Principles of food preparation and food presentation are emphasized. Prepare desserts, main courses, salads, breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. Review the operation of the sewing machine, with a completion of a simple project by using commercial patterns.

Foreign Language

AIMS: To develop the four basic skills of the target language ã understanding, speaking, reading, and writing; to introduce some French/Spanish culture, history, and geography; to present grammatical structure emphasizing the students use of the language through conversation and written exercises.

CONTENT: Drills in basic grammar and vocabulary; oral and written practice.

Industrial Technology

AIMS: To continue the student's orientation and exploration into the world of technology. The eighth grade program will explore the technology system of construction. A primary area in the field of construction is woodworking. Students will develop skills in the use of tools, machines, and processes in the field of construction.

CONTENT: Course work will include discussions of the lumber industry, mill operation, wood identification, and transportation of the raw materials. Activities will include project-planning, layout, and use of all appropriate tools and machines used in the construction of wood projects. Students will gain experience in fastening, gluing, and finishing wood projects.

Mathematics

Grade 8 - PreAlgebra 8
Year course--5 periods per week

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra I

AIMS: To continue developing skill and accuracy in computing; to learn concepts that will complete their preparation for Algebra I.

CONTENT: Operations with polynomials; functions, relations and graphs; systems of open sentences in two variables.

Grade 8 (7) - Honors Algebra I
Year course--5 periods per week

NOTE: Students will be required to purchase a TI-83 graphing calculator.

Prerequisite: Accelerated PreAlgebra and permission of the instructor.

AIMS: To understand the structure of the number system; to develop the ability to perform computations with algebraic expressions; to develop the ability to use an analytical approach to mathematical problems; to appreciate the importance of a knowledge of mathematics for intelligent and useful citizenship.

CONTENT: Mathematical symbols; signed numbers; operations with polynomials; first order equations and inequalities and their applications; products and factors; operations with fractions; functions, relations, and graphs; systems of open sentences in two variables; powers and roots; quadratic equations. This select group is expected to explore topics at a greater depth than the regular section.

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Music

AIMS: To provide a basic music education for all pupils and to assist them in their vocal development.

CONTENT: Singing, music reading, listening, composing and performance.

Grades 6, 7, 8 - Junior Orchestra
Year course (Meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

AIMS: To provide a setting in which ensemble skills can be developed and performance opportunities made available; to promote an interest in orchestral music through the study of a wide range of musical styles; to broaden the student's understanding and appreciation of orchestral music.

CONTENT: A wide range of orchestral music is presented with emphasis on the works of the master composers.

NOTE: Open to all interested students. Beginning students can be accommodated, although the usual background involves previous string study in grades 4, 5, and 6. Out-of-class practice is required.

Grades 6, 7, 8 - Junior Band
Year course (Meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

AIMS: To develop performance skills and provide a positive playing experience for students; to promote an understanding of music styles and heritage.

CONTENT: Music from lesson books, technique methods, literature from popular, modern, and classical sources.

NOTE: Open to all students, beginning and advanced; the usual training involves studying an instrument in grades 4, 5, and 6. Out of class practice required. One or two after-school rehearsals each week during marching band season are required. Performances are also required.

Physical Education & Health

AIMS: Teaching of basic skills; limited team and individual competition; knowledge and application of rules; group-coordinated activities and mass games.

Grade 8 - Health
One semester course

AIMS: Emotional health, mental health, mood modifiers (include drugs, tobacco, alcohol, stimulants, depressants, nutrition, and the reproductive system).

Reading

AIMS: To orient students to the reading habits and skills that are necessary for high school subject area learning. Some typical concerns to be addressed are: how to organize for studying each subject, how to approach the reading of each subject, where to go for help, how to concentrate, etc. Reading is not being treated as a subject, but rather as a means by which students may learn. It develops skills that they use to learn in all other high school subject area classes.
CONTENT: The teaching plan includes development of skills in: word identification-pronunciation, vocabulary for meaning, comprehension, and study skills. Also, much attention will be given to the promotion of positive reading attitudes and interests.

Science

AIMS: To help students develop an understanding of man and his interaction with the biosphere including the physical principles operating in the world.
CONTENT: To teach the use of scientific methods and equipment to solve problems; to impart knowledge of basic concepts in ecology, cell biology, plant anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, human anatomy and physiology, energy, molecular interaction, simple machines, sound, heat, electricity, force and work, light, and the earth and its environment.

Grade 8 - Honors Environmental Science
(Year course--5 periods per week--1 credit)

Prerequisite: At least a B average in the previous Science class and with permission of the instructor.

AIMS: This course provides an in-depth, research, and technologically based approach to the environment. Students will do extensive analysis of world environmental issues and produce multimedia as well as written reports on real-world environmental issues.
CONTENT: This course will result in a thorough knowledge of the environment. Students will research and discuss all facets of global perspectives and issues. Computer technology will serve as a tool in the total learning process.

Social Studies

AIMS: This course is designed to give students an understanding and appreciation of American history. Included is a survey of American history, beginning with the earliest civilizations and culminating with the emergence of the United States as a world leader.