The eighth grade basic algebra curriculum focuses on developing computational, procedural and problem solving skills that will provide students with a solid foundation for further study in mathematics. Activities provide students with real life significance so that they can apply mathematics to their daily lives. After completion of this course, students will be prepared to transition into Algebra I and continue through the high school mathematics 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.
The eighth grade Physical Science curriculum is designed to give all students the necessary skills to transition from elementary physical science to high school physical science. Students will receive an overview of common strands in physical science including, but not limited to, the nature of matter, laws of energy, motion and forces, and energy transformation.. The Scientific Method and SI units are an integral part of this study. This curriculum is supported by Holt’s Holt Science and Technology: Life Physical Science and other support materials. This may include, but is not limited to, appropriate guest speakers, field trips, educational video clips/movies, and lab activities. Students are required to keep an interactive science notebook which allows students to think, record data, and observations, and reflect in the same manner as professional scientists do.
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.
The eighth grade English curriculum focuses on developing the students’ writing skills and understanding of the English language. Students analyze parts of speech, sentence parts, and clauses, and they apply these skills to write stronger and more sophisticated sentence structures. Eighth graders participate in the writing process, including peer editing, and they write in various modes including narration, expository, and research writing. This curriculum is supported by Holt’s Elements of Language and other support materials.
The eighth grade literaturecurriculum focuses on the further development of the students’ comprehension and interpretation skills as well as increasing vocabulary through reading short stories, poetry, essays, plays, and novels. Students identify elements of plot, characterization, and theme and interpret tone, mood, and purpose; students also support their ideas and interpretations with evidence from the text – Prentice Hall Literature Silver Level. Students also will participate in appropriate field trips and watch educational video clips/movies that go along with the curriculum. These skills are some of the recently adopted English Language Arts (ELA) Common Core State Standards ( Reading – Literature and Informational Texts, Writing, Listening and Speaking, and Language). Literature will vary in complexity, genre, and interest. Novels can include, but are not limited to:
- Heroes, Gods, and Monsters of the Greek Myth
- Milkweed
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- The Hobbit
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.