LANGUAGE ARTS AND LITERATURE

In Grade 7, students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex learning experiences. Students engage with fiction and non-fiction texts, reading widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational pieces. Seventh grade students are able to select and use different forms of writing for specific audiences and particular purposes, including to inform, to persuade and to entertain. They edit their writing based on knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and other conventions of written language, and produce error-free written compositions on a regular basis. Grade seven students also make oral presentations and evaluate spoken messages in terms of content, credibility, delivery, and the speaker’s persuasive technique. Grade seven core literature includes: Seven Daughters and Seven Sons, The Giver, Farewell to Manzanar, Shabanu, Daughter of the Wind, and The Master Puppeteer.

WORLD HISTORY

Our World History class is a journey to the ancient cultures and civilizations of the world, beginning with the four “Cradles of Civilization” of the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Huang Ho, and the Indus River Valleys. Other areas of focus will include ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Empire, the Muslims, the Mongols, Kiev Rus and the rise of Moscow. We will explore Eastern and Western Europe during the Middle Ages, and the rebirth of learning that took place during the Renaissance. We end this year by examining the changes of thought occurring with the Scientific Revolution that set the stage for the Age of Exploration.

EARTH SCIENCE

The 7th and 8th grade Earth Science Class is designed to explore the many different and fascinating earth processes. While discovering the science behind events that affect student’s daily lives, they will gain an appreciation for geologic and astronomic time scales. The scientific method will be emphasized as a problem solving technique that is not only used in science, but also applicable in everyday life. Graphing, model building, and the use of laboratory equipment are essential for scientific investigations. By implementing these educational methods, students will collaborate, organize, and problem solve together. As a result, students will gain a greater appreciation for the world in which we live. The class is also designed so that all intermediate school students will enter into high school with the skills necessary to succeed in higher-level science classes.

PRE-ALGEBRA / ALGEBRA IA

The Pre-Algebra portion of this class includes an extensive overview of mathematical concepts required for Algebra, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, decimals, and negative numbers as well as basic principles of mathematics. This facilitates the transition from simply working with numerical expressions to manipulating algebraic expressions. Algebra begins with the introduction of symbols, expressions and formulas as well as properties of integers. Students then explore rational numbers, equations, inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, and graphing techniques. Various hands-on, mathematical, brain-challenging opportunities incorporate real-world examples. As students stretch their minds to apply math to various situations, they will find enjoyment in mathematical problem solving and understand ways that mathematics can apply to their daily lives, while also gaining the skills necessary to enjoy success in higher-level math classes. Students will also learn the basics of the Excel software program, including the production of spreadsheets, graphs, and charts. Calculators are not used in this class.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is an integral aspect of a student’s overall education. While encouraging physical activities that can be practiced beyond school and throughout life, students will improve their muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Each student will strive to reach a level of improvement that is appropriate for his or her individual ability.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - GRADE 8

LANGUAGE ARTS AND LITERATURE

In Grade 8, students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex presentations, reading selections, and writing. Eighth grade students continue to read widely in global classic and contemporary selections and informal texts. Students identify characteristics of various literacy forms. Eight grade students select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. Students produce multi-paragraph compositions with varied sentence structure. Eighth grade students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language. Students produce final, error-free pieces of written composition on a regular basis. Students use citations completely and write by following accepted formats for research reports. Eighth grade students present oral and written reports, including presentations strengthened by visuals and media.

HISTORY: AGE OF EXPLORATION

We begin our journey by focusing on the happenings in 15th century Western Europe and examining how the desire and means for exploration developed. We will journey to Africa and Latin America, studying the land, history, and people of these areas, as well as observing the impact of exploration and colonization on their culture. We then move to the Pre-Columbian Native American cultures, the establishment of the thirteen colonies, and the eventual break from Britain, which led to the birth of the United States of America.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

The central theme of Physical Science is the study of matter leading to the development of the atomic model as well as the examination of different forms of energy and the ways in which one form of energy can be transformed into another. While preparing themselves for higher-level science classes, students see how topics in Physics and Chemistry directly, and indirectly, affect the world around them. Scientific tools are used frequently in a laboratory setting. Students also collaborate with others in order to organize, analyze, and form conclusions from organized data. This class also covers the multifaceted origins of science since the dawn of mankind.

ALGEBRA IA/IB

Completion of Pre-Algebra / Algebra 1A is a prerequisite for this course. This one year course begins with a review of the properties of polynomials.  After the review, the course will cover the techniques for factoring polynomials; factoring to solve equations; understanding and graphing linear equations; solving systems of equations; techniques for manipulating rational expressions and equations; radical expressions and equations, with an emphasis on square roots; relations and functions are defined and graphed; word problem solving using direct, inverse, and joint variation; and an introduction to quadratic equations.  Once skills are developed, word problem solving and practical mathematical applications are stressed.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH

Physical Education is an integral aspect of a student’s overall education. While encouraging physical activities that can be practiced beyond school and throughout life, students will improve their muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Each student will strive to reach a level of improvement that is appropriate for his or her individual ability.
Health is a class designed to assist students in obtaining the knowledge and skills that are essential for the development and balance of good health. The concept of health is taught from a holistic approach. Instead of not being ill, health is the result of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.