Curriculum – Grade 8

Grade 8 Mathematics
	Pre Algebra B	Algebra I	Algebra II
What your child will learn	Number sets: Integers, Rational, Irrational, Real Proportions and percents Properties of exponents Graphing linear equations using tables and slopes Solving linear equations Concepts of Geometry: Perimeter, Area, Volume, Surface Area Pythagorean Theorem Probability and Data Analysis	Operations with real numbers Simplifying numeric, algebraic, exponential, and polynomial expressions Strategies for solving linear equations, formulas, and inequalities Strategies and essential parts needed for graphing linear functions Strategies for solving systems of linear equations Polynomial factoring Operations with radicals	Operations with rational, irrational, and complex numbers Advanced polynomial, exponential, and rational operations Advanced factoring Solution methods for solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities Strategies to solve rational, absolute value, and radical equations A variety of methods to graph linear and quadratic functions Strategies to solve systems of equations
What your child will do	Use appropriate operations to solve problems and justify solutions Solve single-step and multi-step linear equations using appropriate algebraic strategies Communicate mathematically and use logical reasoning to make conjectures and verify solutions Use operations to analyze data from graphs Use/make tables, organized lists, and diagrams Utilize the appropriate technology available for mathematical computation	Evaluate rational and irrational numerical expressions using correct order of operations Evaluate algebraic expressions Solve linear equations and inequalities Graph linear functions using a variety of methods Simplify exponential expressions Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials Factor polynomials using a variety of strategies Begin working on higher level problems with real-world applications Utilize the appropriate technology available for mathematical computation	Solve linear, quadratic, rational, absolute value, and radical equations Perform operations with real and complex numbers, polynomials, and rational expressions. Graph linear and quadratic functions and inequalities Solve systems of equations Factor polynomials using a variety of strategies Focus on higher level thinking for more complex algebraic problems Utilize the appropriate technology available for mathematical computation
What you’ll see (products)	Daily assignments concentrating on core problem solving skills Projects focusing on applications for state standards Algebraic and numeric expressions that have equal values Equations, graphs, and tables Concrete and pictorial models used in problem solving	Daily assignments concentrating on core problem solving skills Projects focusing on applications for state standards Equations and inequalities solved using algebraic strategies Graphs and number lines used to display solutions Various models and strategies for problem-solving	Daily assignments concentrating on core problem solving skills Projects focusing on applications for state standards Equations and inequalities solved using algebraic strategies Graphs and number lines used to display solutions Various models and strategies for problem-solving
How you can help	Ask students what they are learning and why they are learning it Ask students to explain their problems and solutions Discuss vocabulary words and their meanings Ask about methods, vocabulary, and reasonable solutions Ask students to explain the procedure he/she used in each problem Use online textbook and resources Monitor your child’s homework and grades online

Grade 8 Reading/Language Arts
	Literature	Vocabulary	Grammar	Written and Oral Communication
What your child will learn	Strategies for analyzing and interpreting poetry Literary terms and figurative language Strategies to draw meaning from fiction and nonfiction Common literary elements/devices used in fiction and nonfiction	Fifteen units of 20 vocabulary words each including definitions, synonyms, and antonyms How to use vocabulary words in context Short story and novel terminology How authors use vocabulary and figurative language	Eight parts of speech Types of sentences and various sentence structures Proper usage of words and syntax within sentences Mechanics of language, including phrases, clauses, and sentence parts How to effectively diagram a sentence	The Five-Paragraph Essay (expository and persuasive) as well as narrative forms How to write different genres of poetry A process approach to writing Formal listening, speech and presentation skills Writing Traits
What your child will do	Identify main ideas and details Recognize similarities and differences among texts Utilize reading strategies to increase literal comprehension Analyze literary techniques Identify elements of the plots Read a variety of short stories including: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, The Outsiders, The Wave, and Romeo & Juliet Read ARP books throughout the year	Use new vocabulary including synonyms and antonyms Apply vocabulary words into the context of their own writing and other situations	Participate in daily Grammar Practice Identify parts of speech Identify and edit their own grammar mistakes Diagram Sentences	Use the Writing Process to compose five-paragraph essays (persuasive and expository) as well as narrative pieces Practice presentation skills Participate in interactive online writing activities
What you’ll see (products)	Various reading strategies (talking-to-the-text, outlining, etc.) Study guides Reading logs Student-created book projects, technology projects, storyboards, graphic organizers, and posters related to literature	Vocabulary book exercises Visuals and study cards of vocabulary words Written projects utilizing vocabulary words	Daily Grammar Practice notes Weekly sentence sheets	Five-paragraph essays Presentations Creative projects (posters, newspapers, poems, etc.) Journal writing
How you can help	Read novels, newspapers, magazines, etc. with your child Help your child find reading materials he/she enjoys Encourage a reading time When reading longer materials, create a reading plan to ensure the student finishes the book within the given time Monitor your child’s homework and grades online	Discuss the words used in real-life situations Encourage your child to complete the vocabulary bookwork independently Assist in studying (i.e. flashcards, etc.) Monitor your child’s homework and grades online	Encourage your child to edit any writing piece to be grammatically correct Monitor your child’s homework and grades online	Read aloud any writing pieces while encouraging your child to identify any mistakes in the writing Encourage your child to plan out his/her writing ideas before completing the final project Review and discuss the writing scoring rubric with your child Monitor your child’s homework and grades online

Grade 8 Social Studies
	History	Geography	Civics and Government	Economics/Law
What your child will learn	How immigrants contributed to the culture and the policies of the United States government The importance of diversity in the Unite States through exploration of citizen profiles The impact of Supreme court cases on citizenship How the conflicts between the US colonies and England led to revolution and the Constitution	Map skills to analyze the flow of immigrants from around the world How to use maps and charts to examine the pattern of immigration to the United States from 1900 to 2000	How our founding fathers created a lasting government The structure of the three branches and levels of government How the different levels of the American legal system function U.S. Supreme Court Cases relevant to criminal defense and civil rights The differences between criminal and civil law	The principle foundations of economic systems in the United States How the government and the economy work together How the United States criminal justice process works The impact of advertising on a society How the government protects consumer rights
What your child will do	Explore American society and its values Use primary and secondary sources to learn about our culture, values, and citizenship	Use maps and charts to identify origins of American immigrants Work individually and in groups to answer questions and problem solve	Explore and compare the 3 branches of the government Participate in project-based learning experiences and/or simulations Use primary and secondary sources to understand the foundations of our government Analyze/interpret US Supreme Court cases relevant to criminal defense and civil rights	Participate in project-based learning and/or simulations Work individually and in groups to answer questions and problem solve Participate in a mock trial and research civil cases Analyze contracts and their importance to consumers
What you’ll see (products)	Student-created notes that use the proper note-taking skills Visuals related to learned information	Maps and graphics to analyze immigration Visuals related to learned information Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills.	Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills Visuals related to learned information	Visuals related to exploration of personal budgets Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills Civil case research project
How you can help	Share your family’s heritage with your child Read and share literature about immigrants Monitor your child’s grades and homework	Encourage your child to read maps while traveling Monitor your child’s homework and grades online	Encourage your child to read the newspaper and watch news as it relates to topics in class Follow elections and share information with your child Take your child along to the voting booth when you vote Monitor your child’s homework and grades online	Help your child to make a budget for their spending Share your budget experiences Monitor your child’s homework and grades online

Grade 8 Science
	The Nature of Science	Physics	Chemistry	Environmental Science
What your child will learn	How to use scientific knowledge and instruments to conduct experiments How to use experimental design to draw conclusions Apply process knowledge to make and interpret observations Problem-solving techniques through scientific inquiry	How to recognize energy conversions in everyday life The use and application of simple machines Concepts of potential and kinetic energy and how it is conserved/transferred	General properties of matter and how to identify different substances Scientific theories and laws explaining how particles interact Describe matter according to its physical and chemical properties Differences between elements and compounds Chemical properties that define the elements	How to analyze choices regarding renewable and non-renewable energy and materials How to make environmentally- friendly decisions as a consumer The positive and negative impact of environmental laws
What your child will do	Use scientific tools and equipment safely Design and perform scientific investigations Describe materials and procedures quantitatively and qualitatively based on scientific observations Draw conclusions and make decisions from experimental observations	Perform experiments to aid in understanding forces that affect the motion of objects Activities and labs to observe, collect data, and draw conclusions about objects in motion Build and evaluate simple circuits Apply the principles of physics in an amusement park setting Construct graphs and charts	Design models of elements, atoms, and their sub-atomic particles Perform individual, hands-on, and group activities Use lab experiments to solve problems and answer questions using teamwork	Participate in activities that encourage wise environmental choices and their related impact Use scientific knowledge to explain energy use, consumption, and alternative energy options Identify areas in the home/community where one could be more environmentally conscious
What you’ll see (products)	Student-designed experiments that lead to critical thinking and scientific writing Lab activities following the scientific method Problem-solving activities Graphs, tables, charts Independent science fair project (GHP only)	Student-created projects and lab reports that demonstrate understanding of properties and structure of matter Student-designed self-propelled vehicles Lab notebook Basic formulas to solve problems	Student-created scientific writing to explain observed concepts and effects Periodic table and student generated/color-coded periodic table Various projects/activities associated with the periodic table	Increased awareness of humans’ role in the environmental health of our community An ability to make decisions based on analysis of scientific fact Students advocating for the solution of environmental problems Surveys/questionnaires
How you can help	Discuss how scientific investigations allow a society to solve problems Ask students about their investigations in science class Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage your child to research and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts to explain motion, forces, and waves Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Facilitate discussions related to recognizing different types of matter in everyday life Support students in applying chemical concepts in everyday activities Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Keep students aware of environmental choices and factors that affect them Develop dialogue related to local, state, federal, and world environmental problems Monitor homework and your child’s grades online

Grade 8 Exploratory Subjects
	Health	Physical Education	General Music	Art
What your child will learn	Various aspects of mental, physical and social health and how they are related The structure and function of the digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems The effects of drug, alcohol and tobacco use as well as techniques for their avoidance	How moderate to vigorous physical activity affects heart rate Social skills that enable success in competitive and cooperative activities Key elements of movement in exercise and sport How to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine	Critical listening skills Analysis of the components of opera Historical/social context of music from various eras	Different careers in available in art Elements and Principles of Design Basic art history and criticism Aesthetics Role of art in society How to express ways of life through art Connections between art and other subjects
What your child will do	Develop skills to make healthy lifestyle decisions Explain the structure and function of the body systems Identify components of health as they relate to the well-being of individuals/families Research current information about drug use relevant to their age Identify aspects of the digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems and examine their relationship to the overall human body	Participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities in individual and team sports Participate in exercises to develop physical fitness Participate in fitness testing Discover life-long physical activities	Sing alone and in small ensembles Perform a skit or scene Evaluate musical performances Experience various time periods of music through listening examples, singing, and other modes of learning	Explore use of color with dry mediums Work with ceramics Figure drawing Drawing, painting and sculpture Create various forms of art in different mediums Create the appearance of 3- dimensional space on 2- dimensional surfaces Respond in both written and verbal forms to works of art
What you’ll see (products)	An understanding of the importance of making healthy choices Increased understanding of the various body systems and their functions Increased awareness of peer pressure and societal trends regarding drug use/abuse	Plans for life-long fitness and goals for improvement Measurements of the student’s own physical performance in certain activities/skills	Creative projects Greater appreciation and understanding of various musical genres	Variety of artworks which may include: ceramic sculpture, dry medium, figure drawing, and mixed media collages
How you can help	Communicate with your child about good personal hygiene and making healthy decisions Support your child as they use the information they learn to make good health decisions Communicate with the health education instructor at your school regarding questions or problems involving adolescent health Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Visit your local community centers to become involved in physical activities Encourage your child to participate and support his/her involvement in activity-based programs Communicate with the physical education instructor at your school	Encourage your child to take Band, Chorus, or Orchestra in addition to General Music Play a variety of music in your household Take your child to musical performances Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage creative art time at home Attend art shows and community events Display your child’s art at home Monitor homework and your child’s grades online