Eighth Grade Curriculum

The eighth grade honors algebra curriculum is taught at an honors level and is designed to challenge the advanced math student. After completion of this course, students will be prepared to transition into Honors Geometry and continue through the high school honors mathematics curriculum.

Eighth Grade Science exposes students to the necessary skills for a smooth transition from elementary physical science standards to high school physical science standards. The purpose is to give all students an overview of common strands in physical science including, but not limited to, the nature of matter, conservation of energy, energy transformations, conservation of matter, kinematics, and dynamics. These standards are not intended in any way to take the place of the high school physical science standards.

Eighth grade students keep records of their observations, use those records to analyze the data they collect, recognize patterns in the data, use simple charts and graphs to represent the relationships they see, and find more than one way to interpret their findings. They develop conceptual understanding of the laws of conservation of matter and conservation of energy, are able to explain the characteristics of the motion of an object (speed, acceleration) and the way that forces may change the state of motion of an object. They use what they observe to explain the difference between physical and chemical changes and cause and effect relationships between force, mass, and the motion of objects. Students in eighth grade construct explanations based on evidence on the difference and similarities between electromagnetic and mechanical waves. Eighth graders plan and carry out investigations, describe observations, and show information in graphical form. The students replicate investigations and compare results to find similarities and differences.

The eighth grade Georgia History curriculum focuses on developing the students’ awareness and understanding of the historical significance of events as it relates to heritage and current cultural existence. Students begin to analyze Georgia’s history in the context of its geology, geography, and human interaction. This curriculum is supported by The Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s The Georgia Studies Book: Our State and the Nation and other support materials as the teacher provides. This may include, but is not limited to, appropriate guest speakers, field trips, and educational video clips/movies.

Grammar:

Students will engage in a study of grade appropriate grammar skills through immersion in writing, in the context of reading, and in isolation through units of study in Elements of Language: Second Course published by Holt. Units of study include but are not limited to:

• Parts of Speech: noun, pronoun, adjective, verbal phrases, adverb, prepositional phrases, conjunction, interjection, independent and subordinate clauses, direct and indirect objects, and subject complements
• Agreement: subject and verb, pronoun and antecedent
• Modifiers: Comparison and Placement
• Verbs: regular and irregular, tense, and voice
• Using Pronouns Correctly: Case Forms of Pronouns; Special Pronoun Problems
• Punctuation: end marks, commas, semicolons, colons, italics, quotation marks, apostrophes, brackets, and hyphens
• Sentence structure: The Four Basic Sentence Structures

Writing: 

Students will learn to peer edit and write the following though the writing process:

• Functional and expository writing: formal and informal letters, responses to literature, lists, thank you notes, directions, how-to, study guides, etc.
• Narratives
• Persuasive writing
• Fictional writing
• Poetry

Literature engages students through a variety of novels, short stories, and poetry to teach foundational skills. Students will learn how to identify key ideas and details, analyze craft and structure, and integrate cross-curricular knowledge. Students will read, respond to, listen to and discuss various genres of differing complexity and interest. In addition to using Elements of Learning: Second Course published by Holt, students will read the following, but not limited to, novels:

• Milkwee
• Ground Zero
• The Hobbit
• Hunger Games
• The Boy Who Harnassed the Wind
• Heroes, Gods, and Monsters of the Greek Myth

Our mission is to meet students where they are in reading and grow them by providing the necessary skills to stretch their reading, responding to literature through speaking and writing, and analyzing text.

The benchmarks in the Physical Education Curriculum are designed to promote each student’s optimum physical, mental, and social development. This curriculum represents a student-centered approach to physical education, consisting of appropriate grade level learning activities that support and encourage physical fitness (basic movement skills; team, dual, and individual sports; physical fitness; rhythm and dance) as well as lifelong physical activities are all addressed.

The eighth grade Health curriculum focuses on developing the students’ knowledge and understanding of proper diet, exercise, and safety as it relates to adolescence. Students will learn and apply proper health principles to their daily lives. This curriculum is supported by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill’s Health and Wellness, Grade 8 and other support materials as the teacher provides. This may include, but is not limited to, appropriate guest speakers, field trips, and educational video clips/movies.

Exploratory classes initiate exploration in extracurricular areas that encourage well-rounded students and inquisitive learners.  These class may include, but are not limited to, Art, PE, STEM, Drama, Computers, and Character Education.