8th Grade
Reading and Language Arts
Students in seventh and eighth grade will utilize a reading resource called Prentice Hall Literature, Common Core Edition within their literacy block. This reading resource is fully aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Instruction within each lesson has been adapted to meet the demands of content standard and follow the progressions found within the Common Core. Furthermore, lessons within each unit have been designed to meet several standards across the key literacy domains. Students participate in Literary Analysis Workshops that break down the Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standards, teach and model the standards through the use of increasingly more complex exemplars texts, and provide immediate opportunities for students to apply standards with independent practice. Children demonstrate mastery through completion of performance tasks at the end of each unit. Children will also participate in whole group, small group, and independent reading practice. In addition to Prentice Hall Literature, students will read, write, and discuss various novels during their reading block.
Common Core State Standards
Illinois, along with 45 other states, adopted the Common Core State Standards to be used to guide teachers in what students at each grade-level need to learn in English/Language Arts. Each set of grade-level standards consists of literature, informational text as well as listening and speaking standards. The primary grades have standards for foundational skills. Grade-level standards build on knowledge and skills learned the previous year and create a stair-step progression across the K-8 instructional years.
Reading: Literature
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Reading: Informational Text
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Writing
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Link to Common Core State Standards Website: http://www.corestandards.org
Mathematics
Big Ideas Math is a complete middle school math program developed with the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Content and Standards for Mathematical Practice as its foundation. Additionally, Big Ideas Math has been developed using learning and instructional theory to ensure quality math instruction takes place as learners’ progress through aligned math pathways. A combination of direct instruction and guided practice allow students to gain a deeper understanding of math concepts by narrowing their focus to fewer topics at each grade level. Students master content through inductive reasoning opportunities, engaging activities that provide deeper understanding, concise stepped-out examples, rich thought-provoking exercises, real-life examples and application, and a continual building on what has been previously taught. Big Ideas Math delivers a unique curriculum providing a balanced instructional approach of discovery and direct instruction through print and online supplementary materials. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning, and inquiry as students persevere to answer the Essential Questions that drive instruction.
Science
Life Science
- Genetics
- Cells
- Inherited Traits
- DNA
- Current Genetic Issues
Physical Science
- Interaction of Matter and Chemistry
- Matter
- Periodic Table of the Elements
- Reactions
- Acids and Base
Earth Science
- Scientific Method
During the 2013-2014 school year, a science learning team will be launched to evaluate next generation standards.
By the end of 8th grade, students will be able to:
- Classify objects based on their physical and chemical properties
- Determine an unknown by analyzing its properties (i.e. mixtures, solutions, pure substances, acids, bases)
- Formulate an explanation of the relationships among atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds
- Investigate the properties of gases at varying temperatures, pressures, and volumes
- Analyze the laws of conservation of mass and energy
- Argue the placement of an element on the periodic table based upon its chemical characteristics
- Describe the effects of electromagnetic and nuclear forces including atomic and molecular bonding
- Design and conduct a scientific procedure to determine the identity of an unknown substance
- Justify why DNA is referred to as the blue print of life
- Analyze patterns of inheritance and probability of genes and traits being passed on using Punnett squares and pedigrees
- Analyze the transmission of genetic traits, diseases, and defects
- Compare and contrast meiosis and mitosis
- Compare characteristics of organisms produced from a single parent with those of organisms produced by two parents
- Conduct scientific experiments that control all but one variable
Social Studies
Using the five strands of a social system, students will develop a greater understanding of the world during the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will learn how the events of the last 110 years are connected and be able to explain the resulting changes in the world that are part of the overarching themes.
Overarching Themes:
- The formation of states and the redrawing of maps
- The emergence of "Super Powers"
- Man's inhumanity to man
- The struggle among ideologies in modem society
- The motivation of individuals to stand up for their convictions and their attempts to bring about change
- The powers and limitations of the government and the rights of citizens
Units of Study:
- Five Strands of a Social System
- WWI/Middle East
- WWII/Genocide
- Cold War
- Political Movements
- United States and Illinois Constitutions
By the end of 8th Grade Students will be able to:
- Explain the five themes of a Social System
- Compare and interpret historical maps
- Synthesize and propose a solution for a geographic conflict
- Research and analyze a historical event
- Compare and contrast forms of government
- Interpret political cartoons
- Research social and political changes of the 20th and 21st centuries
- Understand and explain the federal and state constitutions
Physical Education
The physical education curriculum emphasizes fitness, movement, team building, and safety. Units of instruction include soccer, fitness, cross-country, challenge education, team handball, flag football, basketball, gymnastics, line dance, floor hockey, creative lance, badminton, volleyball, circuit training, track and field, softball, and tennis. Health topics include chronic and communicable diseases, healthy relationships, sexuality, and media literacy.
Art
Refining of basic skills and exploration of personal style are main areas of focus in the eighth grade visual arts program. Paint is the primary medium used within this course. Although projects continue to be based on a wide variety of important elements, students are encouraged to move beyond basic solutions and explore personal style on a more advanced level.
Drama
Students will develop skills by working in the genres of drama games, pantomime, improvisation, puppetry, children's theatre, and creation of original theatre pieces. They will gain confidence and skill in speaking, performing, collaborating, and providing constructive feedback to others. They will
learn about the history of the theatre and the role of drama in our culture and the culture of others. Students will take risks and develop responsibility in relation to their own role and as a member of a supportive ensemble.
Music
Students will discuss and defend their musical choices with respect to the elements of music. Particular emphasis will be on the only form of music that was developed solely in the United States: Jazz. Students will study the culture, history, development, and world influence of this unique, truly American music. Technological applications are incorporated.
Digital Literacy
Students will focus upon electronic business tools. Digital citizenship is reinforced as students research and prepare a small business plan. They will use Google Drive and Microsoft Office for productivity, as well as several web 2.0 tools for presentations.
Additional Student Services and Programs
- English Language Learners
- Advanced Learning Program
- Social Work Services
- Special Education Services
- Before and After School Computer Lab and Library Media Center
- Library Media Instruction and Internet Safety
- Instrumental Music
- Advisor Program
- Before and After School Activity Program
- Intramural and Interscholastic Sports
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