Jr. High (6-8)

Religion

Sixth graders will learn through Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.  The religion curriculum is integrated throughout the entire school day.

Students will:

• Study the Old Testament from creation to the prophets and how to use the Bible
• Recognize the virtues of faith, hope and love
• Assist in liturgical forms of worship
• Visit the Adoration Chapel weekly with class
• Review the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
• Experience different types and methods of prayer (traditional, meditative, personal etc.)
• Perform 15 service hours to the community

Language Arts

The goal of the sixth grade Language Arts curriculum is to improve students’ writing, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar proficiency. Our hope is to insure that our students are knowledgeable and trained in the use of language so that they may be prepared not only for higher academic requirements, but in communicating with others in their personal lives.

Students will:

• Focus on narrative, descriptive, expository, and creative writing
• Expand the research process which was introduced in 5^th grade that culminates in a research paper and formal presentation. Students are exposed to the writing steps of brainstorming, pre-writing, drafting, peer-reviewing, revising, editing, and publishing a research paper.  Students are taught the basic steps to creating note cards, outlines, title pages, and bibliographies abiding by the MLA guidelines
• Review rules of basic grammar and mechanics as used in the English language
• Apply the conventions of our language to written and oral activities
• Build upon their grammar knowledge by reviewing the eight parts of speech, while introducing complements
• To reinforce the above grammar skills through the tool of diagramming sentences
• Students will use the Sadlier Oxford vocabulary program in order to increase their speaking and writing vocabulary
• Writing portfolios are introduced in the English department and creative and formal writing aspects taught in Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricularly in reading class as well

Reading

The overall goal of sixth grade reading is to develop their proficiency and reading comprehension skills by utilizing various types of literature through the lens of different genres, novels and informational text.

• The genres covered consist of poetry, folklore, drama, non-fiction/informational text and fiction
• Writing portfolios are introduced in the English department and creative and formal writing aspects taught in Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricularly in reading class as well
• Literary elements consisting of theme, main idea, setting, plot, characterization and conflict are reviewed through reading selections from the anthology and via novel selections
• Sequencing of a story through the use of a plot diagram is taught
• Reading comprehension skills such as inferencing, cause and effect, compare and contrast , and identifying main and supporting details are exercised frequently
• Vocabulary is interweaved for each genre
• Formal outline and note-taking skills are introduced
• Presentation skills from Language Arts are incorporated in the reading curriculum
• Students read independently and in groups with designated roles
• Class novel studies are introduced in the second semester
• Reinforce and practice comprehension skills and strategies through a daily starter

6^th Grade Literature Plus

Literature Plus is an enriched reading curriculum for high performing students, based on a matrix of scores.  It provides a small-group setting conducive to unique learning opportunities such as student-directed learning activities, enriched discussions, extended project based assessments, additional expression through writing and collaborative classwork.

6^th grade Literature Plus will cover:

• Poetry
• Mythology (Including fables, folktales and tall tales)
• Drama
• Non-fiction, Informational Text
• Characterization
• Plot/setting/main idea/
• Conflict
• Public Speaking
• Reflective Writing

Mathematics

Through the use of McGraw-Hill mathematics, our sixth grade math program is “grounded in the belief that all students should learn important mathematical concepts and processes with understanding.”  The algebraic approach is a major thrust during the year.

The mathematical concepts covered in sixth grade are:

• Add and subtract decimals

• Multiply and divide decimals
• Data analysis
• Number theory and fraction concepts
• Add and subtract fractions
• Multiply and divide fractions
• Measurement conversions involving customary, metric, and between the systems
• Functions and equations
• Integers and rational numbers
• Geometry
• Perimeter, area, and volume
• Ratio and proportion
• Percents
• Probability

Science

Sixth grade science primarily covers a variety of topics in earth science, using the text Exploring Earth Science (Prentice Hall).  Topics we cover include:

• The basics of science, who is a scientist, what is an experiment, the “scientific method,” science skills; models and how they are used in science
• Mapping the earth’s surface; formation and types of rocks and minerals, and their uses; plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes
• Weathering, erosion and glaciers as forces of change

• Interactions of sun, moon and earth; weather and weather factors such as wind, clouds and precipitation, storms, fronts, weather maps and climate

• The basics of chemistry and chemical reactions

Special activities include learning about mummification, using the engineering process to solve a problem, build parachutes, and violent weather safety.

Social Studies

Sixth Graders will use the textbook Journey Across Time by Glencoe and will be introduced to:

• A survey of world history from early man to the Renaissance
• In depth study of the Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations
• Current events will be emphasized throughout the school year
• The use of map skills will take place with the completion of a map for each civilization studied

Fine Arts

Art

All students will be taught the language of the arts through understanding the sensory elements and expressive qualities; understanding the similarities, distinctions and connections in and among the arts.

Through creating and performing all students will understand how works of art are produced. Students will learn about the processes, traditional tools and modern technologies used in the visual arts. Students will apply skills and knowledge necessary to create visual arts.

Students will understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present. Students will analyze how the arts function in history, society and everyday life. Students will understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society and everyday life.

Music

All students will be given the opportunity to perform on stage in the school musical.

In sixth grade students will have the opportunity to perform in band concerts and march in parades.

Sixth grade music students will:

• Learn about four composers
• Learn the seven elements of music
• To research and write a paper about a composer
• Listen and analyze classical music
• Play musical instruments in a group setting
• Read musical notes and symbols
• Learn more advanced music theory concepts
• Learn about the history and form of opera
• Perform an American opera
• Watch a Grand Opera

Spanish

6^th grade, 7^th grade, and 8 grade Spanish students will have class twice a week. Students will work on listening, reading, and writing comprehension, as well as on vocabulary and grammar structures in the target language.

6^th grade themes include:

• Introduce themselves and others
• Follow simple instructions in Spanish
• Expand their written and oral vocabulary to include school, daily activities, food and
• Tell time in Spanish
• Read and write numbers to 200
• Use appropriate punctuation and capitalization when writing in the Spanish language
• Identify adjectives – form, position, agreement
• Talk about their likes and dislikes
• Conjugate regular –AR verbs and the irregular verb SER in present tense
• Compare word use, phrasing and simple sentence structure in English and Spanish
• Participate in pair and group activities and games conversing in the Spanish language
• Learn about the culture, currency, and geography of Spain and Mexico
• Compare with their own experiences the special celebrations, events and customs associated with several Mexican religious and secular holiday.
• Students will practice prayers in Spanish (God Father, Hail Mary)
• Class participation credit will be earned in class, when communicating in Spanish, answering questions and participating in group work. These extra points will be added to the grade at the end of semester.

Physical Education

Students will:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship in all activities
• Understand principles and components of health-related fitness
• Study efficient and inefficient (non-wasted) movement patterns
• Learn basic knowledge of the Fitness Center and physical fitness
• Review rules and strategies and continue skill development in whiffle ball, kickball, flag football, softball, volleyball, basketball and badminton, pickleball

Technology

Technology is incorporated with class curriculum and infused as a tool throughout. Teachers and students will use the SMARTBoard for demonstrations and interactive learning. During sixth grade the students will be introduced to and master the following skills:

• Add music or sound effect CD audio to multimedia project
• Incorporate hyperlinks, format backgrounds, work with textboxes, custom animations, transitions, videos, and buttons into presentations
• Complete WebQuest activities using graphic organizers to organizer information and complete diverse learning activities.
• Work cooperatively in groups to solve problems and create collaborative electronic projects
• Develop desktop published newsletters in cooperative groups
• Utilize Google docs
• Create charts from data in a spreadsheet
• Use graphic organizers to plan projects
• Use the Tyker Coding program

Homework

Sixth graders will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as completion of special projects.  On average, sixth grade students can up to an hour of homework daily.  This average will vary with individual students, based upon their learning style and needs.

Religion

In seventh grade students will read and learn more about the life of Christ.  By studying His life, students will better understand the tenets of the Catholic faith.

Students will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of who Jesus is
• Know what it means to follow Jesus in daily life
• Have a greater appreciation of the life Jesus won for us by his death and resurrection
• Participate in a retreat/day of reflection
• Begin to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation
• Learn the Mysteries of the Rosary
• Take part in Eucharistic Adoration visits
• Have a service experience at Feed My Starving Children
• Visit St. Procopius Abby as a faith experience
• Perform twenty hours of service to the community

Language Arts

The goal of the seventh grade Language Arts curriculum is to improve students’ writing, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar proficiency. Our hope is to insure that our students are knowledgeable and trained in the use of language so that they may be prepared not only for higher academic requirements, but in communicating with others in their personal lives.

Students will:

• Focus on expository, persuasive, descriptive and creative writing
• Build on the introduction of the research process taught in sixth grade. Students will learn how to properly brainstorm, pre-write, draft, review, revise, edit, and publish a research paper.  Furthermore, the students will learn how to create an outline, title page, bibliography, and internal citation abiding by the MLA guidelines.
• Prepare formal speeches in correspondence to research papers and essays
• Review rules of basic grammar and mechanics as used in the English language
• Apply the conventions of our language to written and oral activities
• Build upon their grammar knowledge by reviewing the eight parts of speech, while introducing complements, verbals, appositives, and basic information on clauses
• Reinforce the above grammar skills through the tool of diagramming sentences
• Students will use the Sadlier Oxford vocabulary program in order to increase their speaking and writing vocabulary
• Writing portfolios are introduced in the English department and creative and formal writing aspects taught in Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricularly in reading class as well.

Reading

The overall goal of seventh grade reading is to develop their proficiency and reading comprehension skills by utilizing various types of literature through the lens of genres and novels.

• The genres covered consist of short stories and novels including mystery, historical fiction, non-fiction, and fiction, biography/autobiography, and fantasy /science fiction
• Writing portfolios are continued in the English department and creative and formal writing aspects taught in Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricularly in reading class as well
• Students partake in reflective writing following short stories and/or novel studies
• Students learn how to compare/contrast a novel from a media source
• Literary elements consisting of theme, setting, plot, and characterization are reviewed through reading selections from the anthology and through novels
• Parts of stories such as conflict, climax, resolution and explored
• Reading comprehension skills such as inferencing, prediction, and compare/contrast are exercised frequently
• Students are taught how to analyze works of literature and encouraged to make personal connection
• Students are taught the skill of annotation
• Presentation skills from Language Arts are incorporated in the reading curriculum
• Students partake in independent novel studies periodically
• Class novel studies are done frequently throughout the course of the year

Writers’ Workshop    

Writer’s Workshop is an enriched language arts curriculum.  In grade seven, Writers’ Workshop students will hone their prewriting strategy skills bases on specific audiences and/or purposes. They will revise their work using collaboration, conferencing, and self-evaluation. They will edit for language conventions such as syntax, and word usage.

Students will develop skills in writing for various formats, including expressive and informational pieces and business letters.

In grade seven students will also improve their writing skills to explain and inform. They will continue to learn, entertain, and describe through writing, as well as begin writing to persuade analyze, and transact business.

Students will be challenged with an extensive vocabulary program and will extend their vocabulary lessons with antonyms and synonyms.  Students will integrate vocabulary into their creative writing.

Students will also review grammar elements and learn verbals- infinitives, participles and gerunds.  They will also learn how to diagram verbals.

Students will complete a research paper and a persuasive essay along with many other writing projects. They will be asked to write a critical analysis and to formulate appropriate oral responses. In grade seven students will continue asking questions to investigate a topic. They will also enhance their ability to access information from a variety of sources as well as improve their skill in conducting independent research and summarizing the information they gather.

Literature Plus

Literature Plus is an enriched reading curriculum.  Our seventh grade Literature program themes include:

• Character Development
• Historical Nonfiction
• Short Stories
• Courage and Loyalty
• Literary Debate
• Poetry

Mathematics

7^th Grade Pre-Algebra

Using a McDougal-Littell Pre-Algebra or Algebra Readiness, our pre-algebra philosophy is to provide a solid foundation in algebra, geometry, and problem solving.  To ensure success in more advanced courses, students are provided with numerous worked out examples, note taking strategies, organizational skills, and technological support while concentrating on the algebraic approach.

The mathematical concepts covered in a pre-algebra class are:

• Variables, expressions, and integers
• Solving equations
• Multi-step equations and inequalities
• Factors, fractions, and exponents
• Rational numbers and equations
• Ratio, proportion, and probability
• Percents
• Linear functions
• Real numbers and right triangles
• Measurement, area, and volume
• Data analysis and probability
• Polynomials and nonlinear functions
• Angle relationship and transformations

7^th Grade Algebra One

Using a McDougal Littell Algebra One textbook, our algebra one philosophy is to provide a solid foundation in algebra, geometry, and problem solving.  It is organized around families of functions with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions.  To ensure success in more advanced courses, students are provided with numerous worked out examples, note taking strategies, organizational skills, and technological support while concentrating on the algebraic approach.

The mathematical concepts covered in an algebra one class are:

• Expressions, equations, and functions
• Properties of real numbers
• Solving , writing, and graphing linear equations and functions,  linear inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities,  exponential functions, quadratic functions and rational functions
• Polynomials and factoring
• Radicals and geometry connections

• Probability and data analysis

Science

Seventh grade science primarily covers a variety of topics in life science and biology, using the text Exploring Life Science (Prentice Hall).  We cover:

• Natural communities and ecosystems
• Cells and cell biology
• Genetics and inheritance
• Evolution, and adaptation of species to new conditions
• Principles of architecture, design and construction
• Bacteria and viruses; classification and animal kingdoms
• Plant forms, and their various structures and functions
• The basics of human anatomy and physiology (muscle, bone, skin and digestion systems)
• Food, diet, nutrition and fitness

We take an annual three day outdoor education trip in the fall to Timber-lee, a Christian camp in southern Wisconsin, and prepare with a review of glaciation and the chemistry of leaf colors.  When we look at architecture and engineering principles, we do a model building and research project.

Social Studies

Seventh grade students embark on a study of world geography using the textbook World Geography Building a Global Perspective (Prentice Hall).

Students will study:

• Political and physical geography of all Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia
• Five themes of geography which are region, movement, location, place and human-environment interaction
• Different types of governments throughout the world
• Economic and social issues involving different countries
• An emphasis on map skills such as placement of countries, capital cities, rivers, seas, gulfs, mountain ranges and oceans

• The United States and Illinois Constitutions are studied and tested

Fine Arts

Art

All students will be taught the language of the arts through understanding the sensory elements and expressive qualities; understanding the similarities, distinctions and connections in and among the arts.

Through creating and performing all students will understand how works of art are produced. Students will learn about the processes, traditional tools and modern technologies used in the visual arts. Students will apply skills and knowledge necessary to create visual arts.

Students will understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present. Students will analyze how the arts function in history, society and everyday life. Students will understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society and everyday life.

Music

All students will be given the opportunity to perform on stage in the school musical.

In seventh grade students will have the opportunity to perform in band concerts and march in parades.

Seventh grade music students will learn:

• To play musical instruments in a group setting
• To read musical notes and symbols
• More advanced music theory concepts
• About musical productions
• Ear training
• How to sight read
• Four music time periods
• To research and write a paper on two different musical time periods
• To compare the seven elements of music
• To compose music
• To analyze music

Spanish

6^th grade, 7^th grade, and 8 grade Spanish students will have class twice a week. Students will work on listening, reading, and writing comprehension, as well as on vocabulary and grammar structures in the target language.

• Identify all the Hispanic countries and capitals, as well as use simple geography vocabulary in Spanish
• Conjugate in the present tense and use regular –AR, –ER, –IR verbs in complete sentences
• Conjugate and use the irregular verbs TENER (and its expressions), VENIR, DECIR,  SALIR, HACER, PONER, IR and ESTAR, as well as some e/ie stem-changing verbs in present tense
• Compare word use, phrasing and the structure of interrogative statements in English and Spanish
• Use appropriate vocabulary to describe family members
• Use Spanish to identify basic earth science content (mountain, coast, desert, etc.)
• Discuss telephone etiquette and make plans and present skits using known vocabulary and grammatical structures
• Describe the weather and speak about dates, holidays, and the calendar
• Continue to participate in pair and group activities and games conversing in Spanish.
• Students will practice prayers in Spanish (God Father, Hail Mary)
• Class participation credit will be earned in class, when communicating in Spanish, answering questions and participating in group work. These extra points will be added to the grade at the end of semester.

Physical Education

Students will:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship in all activities
• Understand principles and components of health-related fitness
• Study efficient and inefficient movement patterns
• Learn basic knowledge of the Fitness Center and physical fitness, charting progress on the equipment

• Review rules and strategies and continue skill development in softball, flag football, volleyball, basketball and badminton

• Continue skill development

Technology

Technology is incorporated with class curriculum and infused as a tool throughout. Teachers and students will use the SMARTBoard for demonstrations and interactive learning. During seventh grade the students will be introduced to and master the following skills:

• Use the highlight function as a means of research paper organization
• Understand fair use and copyright concepts
• Outline and cite using proper word processing tools
• Use a variety of Internet data retrieval tools
• Begin to evaluate information on a website and perform online searches using a search path template
• Dissect web page urls for evaluation purposes
• Differentiate between viable websites and nonviable websites for research purposes.
• Learn the basics of spreadsheet formulas and when to use absolute or dynamic types
• Insert or delete rows, columns or blocks of cells in a spreadsheet
• Create an interactive story incorporating recorded sound and animation in a presentation as a buddy mentor
• Develop a presentation using digital photos from Outdoor Ed experience, incorporating photo effects, transitions and sound.
• Create a “world tour” using online latitude/longitude tools and Google Earth.
• Learn Google Sketchup via tutorials and create CAD drawings of buildings to be constructed in conjunction with Science architecture projects.

Homework

Seventh graders will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as completion of special projects.  On an average seventh grade students can expect over an hour of homework daily.  This average will vary with individual students, based upon their learning style and needs.

Religion

The goals of the curriculum are to form Catholics who appreciate: the Teachings, Tradition and History of the Church, who are growing in the understanding of the Paschal Mystery, who serve others in their needs and who are people of prayer.

Students will:

• Study scriptural images of the Church
• Analyze the Church as servant, sacrament, herald, teaching institution and community
• Learn the role of Mary in the Church and Marian prayers
• Recognize the key points in the Nicene and Apostle’s Creed
• Be familiar with the history of the saints and our relationship with the Communion of Saints, Church Triumphant, Church Militant, Church Suffering
• Understand the development of the early Church and the Church today
• Know the responsibilities of Church membership
• Give witness by prayerful example
• Participate in weekly Adoration with class
• Prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, participate in retreats and Harvest Sunday Service Project as part of preparation
• Perform 25 hours of service to the community
• Prepare a Lenten Triduum Service for the school students
• Depend their understanding of the Eucharist in their lives
• Recognize the holiness of life with the Family Life Program and Steps to Respect

Language Arts

The goal of the eighth grade Language Arts curriculum is to improve students’ writing, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar proficiency. Our hope is to insure that our students are knowledgeable and trained in the use of language so that they may be prepared not only for higher academic requirements, but in communicating with others in their personal lives.

Students will:

• Focus on narrative, expository, and persuasive creative writing
• Build on the research process taught in sixth and seventh grade by continuing to utilize the writing process in various research and organizational methods
• Writing essays and research papers abiding by the MLA guidelines
• Prepare various formal speeches
• Review rules of basic grammar and mechanics as used in the English language
• Apply the conventions of our language to written and oral activities
• Build upon their grammar knowledge by reviewing the eight parts of speech, complements, verbals, and appositives that were taught in seventh grade, while introducing all types of clauses in relation to sentence structure
• To reinforce the above grammar skills through the tool of diagramming sentences
• Students will use the Sadlier Oxford vocabulary program in order to increase their speaking and writing vocabulary
• Writing portfolios are introduced in the English department and creative and formal writing aspects taught in Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricularly in reading class as well.

Reading

The overall goal of eighth grade reading is to continue to develop proficiency and reading comprehension skills, with a strong focus on critical thinking,  by utilizing various types of literature through the lens of genres including novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction.

• Writing portfolios are introduced in the English department and creative and formal writing aspects taught in Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricularly in reading class as well.
• Read and discuss class novels from a variety of genres
• Review the elements of literature: plot, character, tone, mood, theme, setting, conflict
• Read and analyze selected short stories
• Students may have the opportunity to select independent novels in accordance with a particular focus
• Compare and contrast novels made into movies
• Presentation skills from Language Arts are incorporated in the reading curriculum
• Students continue to utilize the skill of annotation

Writers’ Workshop

Writers’ Workshop is an enriched language arts curriculum. The goal of the eighth grade Writer’s Workshop curriculum is to improve students’ writing, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar proficiency in a small-group setting. Our hope is to insure that our students are knowledgeable and challenged in the use of language so that they may be prepared not only for Honors English courses in high school, but in communicating with others in their personal lives.

The students will do all that is required of the standard Language Arts curriculum in addition to the following unique opportunities:

• Focus on informal writing including: narrative, descriptive, creative writing, and poetry
• Focus on formal writing including: auto-biographical narrative, expository, and persuasive
• Increased student-directed learning
• Extensive amount of formal and informal presentations
• Accelerated pacing of grammar mechanics and usage
• Compile a Literary Anthology of their work over the course of the year
• Participate in contests at the local and national level that showcase their writing capabilities

Literature Plus

The goal of Literature Plus is to provide a small group setting, conducive to unique learning opportunities for students.  Students take advantage of increased student-directed learning, greater independence, enriched discussion and debate, as well as rigorous reader response.

Students will:

• Compare and contrast story elements and figurative language among a variety of literary works and authors
• Use literature to increase self-awareness
• Use disciplined, collaborative questioning and discussion to reach consensus
• Provide personal reflection on and written response to literary works
• Provide oral presentation
• Discover the styles of various authors along with what in the authors’ lives influenced their writing
• Participate in a multi-school competitive debate of literary topics

Mathematics

8^th Grade Pre-Algebra

Using a McDougal-Littell Pre-Algebra textbook, our pre-algebra philosophy is to provide a solid foundation in algebra, geometry, and problem solving.  To ensure success in more advanced courses, students are provided with numerous worked out examples, note taking strategies, organizational skills, and technological support while concentrating on the algebraic approach.

The mathematical concepts covered in a pre-algebra class are:

• Variables, expressions, and integers
• Solving equations
• Multi-step equations and inequalities
• Factors, fractions, and exponents
• Rational numbers and equations
• Ratio, proportion, and probability
• Percents
• Linear functions
• Real numbers and right triangles
• Measurement, area, and volume
• Data analysis and probability
• Polynomials and nonlinear functions
• Angle relationship and transformations

8^th Grade Algebra One

Using a McDougal Littell Algebra One textbook, our Algebra One philosophy is to further develop those concepts covered in pre-algebra.  It is organized around families of functions with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions.  To ensure success in more advanced courses, students are provided with numerous worked out examples, note taking strategies, organizational skills, and technological support while concentrating on the algebraic approach.

The mathematical concepts covered in an Algebra One class are:

• Expressions, equations, and functions
• Properties of real numbers
• Solving , writing, and graphing linear equations and functions,  linear inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities,  exponential functions, quadratic functions and rational functions
• Polynomials and factoring
• Radicals and geometry connections
• Probability and data analysis

Science

The focus of eighth grade science is general physical science (chemistry and physics), using two texts, Exploring Physical Science (Prentice Hall), and Introductory Physical Science (Science Curriculum Inc.)

Topics covered include:

• Experiment design

• Physical properties of matter, such as density, buoyancy, freezing and boiling points, solubility and molecular forces

• Chemical reactions and relative reactivity of different elements; organization of the Periodic Table; families of elements and their chemical properties
• Structure of atoms, molecules and compounds

• Radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum; radioactivity; nuclear fission and fusion

• The nature of waves; how waves behave and interact; sound and light waves

• Nature of magnetism and magnets; electricity, circuits, electric motors

During the year, students develop computer research, teamwork and critical thinking skills by working in groups on an online research problem. Students also develop their science literacy throughout the year by critiquing news media reports on science topics. Regular lab reports are an integral part of the experiments conducted in eighth grade.  We build on our work in human physiology from seventh grade by dissecting frogs and sharks, and compare them to humans.

Social Studies

Eighth grade social studies prepare students for their role as informed citizens with a thorough knowledge of United States civics and history using the textbook American Journey (Glencoe).  Learned map skills will be emphasized throughout. Students will participate in the Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contest

Students will study:

• U.S. history – a survey of United States history starting with Explorations, Colonies, the American Revolution, the Pre-Civil War Era, the Civil War, Reconstruction, World War I, the Jazz Age, the Depression, World War II, 1950’s, 1960’s
• Economic systems with emphasis on the United States themes
• Current events will be stressed as appropriate

Fine Arts

Art

All students will be taught the language of the arts through understanding the sensory elements and expressive qualities; understanding the similarities, distinctions and connections in and among the arts.

Through creating and performing all students will understand how works of art are produced. Students will learn about the processes, traditional tools and modern technologies used in the visual arts. Students will apply skills and knowledge necessary to create visual arts.

Students will understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present. Students will analyze how the arts function in history, society and everyday life. Students will understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society and everyday life.

Music

All students will be given the opportunity to perform on stage in the school musical.

In eighth grade students will have the opportunity to perform in band concerts and march in parades.

Music students will:

• Learn about the seven elements of music
• Play musical instruments in a group setting
• Read musical notes and symbols
• Learn more advanced music theory concepts
• Compose music
• Analyze music forms
• Learn the history of American jazz
• Learn about two composers, and then compare them using the seven elements of music

Spanish

6^th grade, 7^th grade, and 8 grade Spanish students will have class twice a week. Students will work on listening, reading, and writing comprehension, as well as on vocabulary and grammar structures in the target language.

8^th  grade themes include

• Conjugate and use some o/ue  u/ue  e/i stem-changing verbs
• Describe clothing and shopping
• Identify and describe parts of the body
• Have a working knowledge of the structure and phrasing of demonstrative adjectives, comparatives and superlatives
• Discuss and describe food and meals including their likes, ‘really’ likes and dislikes
• Use prepositional phrases to indicate location
• Conjugate regular and select irregular verbs in the preterit tense to express action in the past
• Talk about sports in Spanish, with a special emphasis on those sports which are important to the culture of Hispanic countries
• Continue to participate in pair and group activities and games conversing in Spanish
• Comprehend written and oral directions as well as short videos, read simple passages and infer meaning of cognates in Spanish
• Students will practice prayers in Spanish (God Father, Hail Mary)
• Class participation credit will be earned in class, when communicating in Spanish, answering questions and participating in group work. These extra points will be added to the grade at the end of semester.

Physical Education

Students will:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship in all activities
• Learn total knowledge of the fitness center and physical fitness – progress is charted year to year
• Review rules and strategies to develop total understanding of rules
• Continue skill development
• Develop cardio-vascular endurance
• Learn the principles of training (frequency, intensity, time)

Technology

Technology is incorporated with class curriculum and infused as a tool throughout. Teachers and students will use SMARTBoard for demonstrations and interactive learning. During eighth grade the students will be introduced to and master the following skills:

• Merge documents with database information
• Incorporate a variety of graphical techniques and principles
• Create an interactive project using formulas  and IF statements in a spreadsheet
• Incorporate tables into word processing documents
• Design posters using a desktop publishing program; and multimedia posters using Glogster.
• Create schematics of the campus buildings using Google Sketchup
• Edit video clips to create learning tools
• Complete inquiry-based online projects
• Perform virtual frog dissections
• Create web pages using several methods and software applications
• Use systems tools to perform computer maintenance
• Understand the importance of Internet ethics and safety
• Create digital portraits using specialized photo tools
• Use Tynker Coding software

Homework

Eighth graders will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as completion of special projects.  On an average eighth grade students can expect over and hour of homework daily.  This average will vary with individual students, based upon their learning style and needs.