English
Scholars in 8th grade English will learn proper grammar and sentence structure. They will analyze high-quality, complex fiction and nonfiction texts and great works of literature. Scholars will learn to cite the textual evidence that strongly supports an analysis or critique. Scholars are taught to question an author’s assumptions and assess the accuracy of his or her claims as the writing focus continues to be argumentation. Instruction focuses on helping scholars become adept at reading closely and uncovering evidence to use in their writing. Scholars will analyze two or more texts that provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify whether the disagreement is over facts or interpretation. Scholars will develop a rich vocabulary of academic words, which they use to speak and write more precisely. Scholars will write with increasing sophistication, focusing on organizing ideas, concepts, and information using the Writing Process and the Schaffer method for writing.
Honors English
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Honors English builds on scholar recognition and writing about an author’s use of language. Scholars will be prepared to read and write critically about literature and related ideas. Scholars continue to read nonfiction texts and literature, shifting from narrative to expository text.
Math
Pre-Algebra develops scholars' understanding of integer exponents, proportional relationships, lines and linear equations, pairs of simultaneous linear equations, functions and the Pythagorean Theorem. Scholars learn how to calculate surface areas and volumes of various common shapes. Scholars learn how to set up and solve basic algebraic equations, calculate the slope of a line and utilize basic data analysis methods.
Honors Math
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Scholars in Honors Algebra receive high school credit for Algebra I. The course prepares scholars for future Advanced Placement classes in high school. Scholars will thoroughly study integer exponents, proportional relationships, lines and linear equations, pairs of simultaneous linear equations, functions, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
U.S. History
U.S. History focuses on the American Revolution through the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras (1754-1877), in which scholars describe and analyze the major causes, key events, and important personalities of the American Revolution. We examine in greater depth the factors, events, documents, significant individuals, and political ideas that led to the formation of the United States of America. These are pursued through a chronological study of the early national period, westward expansion, and the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras. Citizenship skills focus on the historical development and understanding of constitutional government in the United States.
Science
8th Grade Science focuses on physical sciences and understanding the comprehensive field of science from the 6th and 7th grades. Scholars investigate the physical structures of our earth, including plate tectonics, landforms, geological processes, and energy. Scholars discover their place in the universe by investigating the physical nature of the solar system and beyond. 8th Grade Science investigates the chemical sciences of the universe through our study of atoms, elements, and the periodic table. Finally, science investigation includes the concept of energy and energy transfer globally. The remarkable changes that allow life to exist and thrive on the planet require a complex energy dynamic. Scholars use science and inquiry to argue for all aspects of the scientific community. Eighth-grade science utilizes PITSCO labs. This is an innovative method of scientific, self-paced, and interactive discovery. With a focus on physical science, each lab is structured so scholars have the opportunity to learn various concepts within a class period.
Honors Science
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Honors Science features increased rigor and enrichment through the in-class engagement of scholars in projects and investigations of long duration. Scholars will understand scientific inquiry, the unifying processes and concepts of science, the relationships between science and technology, and the history and nature of science and science from personal and social perspectives. Eighth-grade science utilizes PITSCO labs. This is an innovative method of scientific, self-paced, and interactive discovery. With a focus on physical science, each lab is structured so scholars have the opportunity to learn various concepts within a class period.
Technology
8th-grade Technology scholars learn how to conduct themselves as digital citizens by learning and practicing online safety and etiquette. Scholars work through a series of projects using CS Discoveries on code.org that teach problem-solving strategies while learning to write computer programs. Scholars apply technological knowledge and process to real-world experiences, work individually and in teams to solve problems, design, develop and utilize technological systems, and complete open-ended, problem-based design activities. This year scholars will be introduced to the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
