English
Eighth grade English focuses on literary genres from poetry and short stories to plays and novels and helps to cultivate a lifelong love of literature. Students increase their reading comprehension and develop skills in literary analysis and critical thinking through study of diverse selections including The Hobbit, Romeo and Juliet, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Referencing Grammar in Writing and Strunk and White, embedded grammar reviews, vocabulary development, and interviewing activities help students to organize their thoughts and transfer ideas to the page in a fluid writing style that will serve them well in high school and beyond.
History
Eighth grade history explores the story of the United States – its land and people – through readings, class discussions, examination of primary sources, and creative hands-on research. The study spans from prehistory to the near future featuring major events including the first contract between Native Americans and Europeans, the Revolutionary War, writing of the U.S. Constitution, the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement. Students are encouraged to develop better reading, study, and thinking skills; critical thinking, document analysis, and effective writing are emphasized throughout the year. This course serves as both a broad overview and in-depth critical analysis of the United States and its relationship to the world through history.
Science
In eighth grade science we explore the nature of our physical world in a conceptual and hands-on course. Students study Newton’s laws, kinematics, energy, light, relativity, the atom, chemical bonds, and chaos and complexity theory. Our conceptual work is supported by our building and programming of robots, so that the students have the opportunity to read about the concepts, discuss the ideas, solve problems, and physically explore each of the ideas we study. The laboratory work with robots not only ignites the students’ interest, but also allows students to work at various paces, with the more advanced students delving deeply into programming and design challenges while all learn how to trouble-shoot using the scientific method. The course dovetails with the work done in the algebra course, providing hands-on experiences through which the students can discover for themselves the essential and important mathematical relationships of our physical world.
Mathematics
Eighth grade Algebra I focuses on four math themes: simplifying expressions, solving equations, graphing functions, and applying concepts to real-world problems. Important problem solving and reasoning strategies are developed through weekly “mathlete” assignments. Experiential learning activities and communicating the language of mathematics through reading and writing exercises are key components of the Algebra I curriculum. This course is the foundation for future math and science courses in both the Upper School and college courses and beyond. Successful completion of Algebra I in eighth grade will count towards the graduation requirement in the Upper School.
Eighth Grade Spanish
Level I (Part B) Spanish students work on expressing their thoughts and opinions on familiar topics in written and verbal activities. Students continue to learn meaningful skills that improve listening, reading, and writing abilities. By the end of this course, students write in organized, descriptive paragraphs, initiate and engage in conversation, interpret meaning from written and auditory material, and understand the diversity in Spanish-speaking countries.
Eighth Grade Latin
The second year study of Latin continues the emphasis on pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, and English vocabulary derived from Latin. Translation skills are developed by reading Latin stories about Britain and Egypt. Students study the culture and geography of the ancient world through the stories they read and translate.
Mandarin II
Mandarin II continues the focus on the introduction to the Chinese language grammatical system as well as the functional use of the language. This course develops students’ communicative competence from general description of events to specific descriptions, from sentences to discourses with contexts, from simple expressions to complex structures. The learning activities encourage cooperative learning, use of information technology, and creative thinking.
Eighth Grade Drama
This class promotes interest, self-confidence, and an appreciation of the theatrical experience. Students gain an understanding of movement and the method that creates this art form, and apply that knowledge by writing and directing various forms of drama work. This class promotes interest, self-confidence, and appreciation of the theatrical experience.
Choir
Eighth grade choir introduces students to more demanding choral literature in two, three, and four parts. The ability to sing four-part literature at this age is a direct result of the experience in seventh grade choir. Students continue to develop sight-reading and performance skills at a more advanced level. A major challenge for this age is the voice change in both boys and girls. Working through these changes is generally the focus of vocal production. Each semester the choir performs in concert as well as at selected chapel services and special programs. This choir also prepares for formal adjudication at district and state festivals.
Eighth Grade Band
Eighth grade students are challenged to attain an advanced level of technique and musical understanding. All students are members of the Upper School Band and practice and perform as a part of that group on a regular basis. Eighth grade students are eligible to participate in various region and state clinics/competitions. As members of the Upper School Band, students perform each year in the State Band Festival and in two evening concerts during the school year. Selected students also perform in the Middle School Chapel services.
Art
This course encourages individual creativity and the understanding of art fundamentals. Eighth grade art includes a review of the basic language of art through creation of original works in various mediums, themes, and styles. Students learn through art production, but also through the inclusion of art appreciation, art history, and aesthetics. The goal is to foster creative problem solving in making, understanding, and appreciating all manner of visual arts. Activities include drawing, watercolor, mixed media projects, and individual kaleidoscopic design.
Speech and Debate
Students develop an understanding of movement and method, as well as the analysis of a manuscript, the subtext of or implications of a written work, and the ultimate effectiveness and impact of word economy and word choice. The course introduces concepts in the argumentation and analysis associated with changes to philosophy, policy, and legislation.