8th Grade

Language Arts

Continue to explore the power of language and the impact of word choice
Pursue research investigations of choice and purpose through the interdisciplinary study of history and literature
Develop empathy, delving deeper into investigations of the human story through the study of literature and the composition of thought
Determine the theme of a text, its relationship to the style of the work, and the movement of the characters through the conflict
Write literary commentaries using explicit textual evidence as support

Principles of Algebra: Apply a structured approach to a variety of topics such as ratios/percent/equalities/inequalities/geometric connections/ graphing/probability
Use technology features to aid in increasing engagement while building problem solving and developing conceptual understanding
Pre Algebra: Work with integers/linear and non linear functions/two variable systems/simplifying radicals/geometry/data analysis
Deepen abstract algebraic concepts which are woven throughout the course
Algebra I: Explore and graph a variety of functions including linear/quadratic/cubic/absolute value/exponential and rational functions
Strengthen problem solving skills through the study of algebraic equations and inequalities/two variable
systems/properties of exponents/quadratic equations/polynomials/radicals
Geometry: Define terms and build them into postulates, axioms, and theorems
Study geometry with coordinates and solid geometry of common shapes
Algebra II: Use algebra to grow conceptual understandings as well as to represent algebra as a useful tool for problem-solving
Study quadratic functions, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions
Develop understanding of conic sections before beginning a strong emphasis on trigonometry

Integrate elements of ecology, biology, geology, chemistry, engineering, and STEM practices to introduce students to issues related to the environment and the connection between humans and the natural world
Explore core ideas which include Earth’s history and structure, biogeochemical cycles, global climate change, ecology and ecosystems, natural resources, and human impacts on earth systems
Utilize a collaborative classroom, allowing students to evaluate multiple sources of authentic information when considering possible solutions to environmental problems based on current findings

Cultivate interpersonal/presentational/interpretive communication skills as repertoire of vocabulary broadens
Develop more complex linguistic skills in discussing, reading, and writing about likes, dislikes, calendar, weather, school, people, food, places, activities, and more
Develop communicative competence related to basic information and descriptions of people and places, information about different activities and events, as well as understanding cultural practices and products