8^th Grade Core Courses

Language Arts 8:

Eighth grade language arts emphasize the four areas of language arts: writing, reading, speaking and listening. In writing, the primary emphasis is on the writing process, leading – among other things – to the 5-paragraph literary essay and a fully annotated term paper, done in conjunction with the science department. The principles of grammar, mechanics, spelling and usage are taught to facilitate the writing process. Reading again focuses on vocabulary and comprehension with exposure to various genres, literary techniques and terminology. Group work and individual presentations are the main emphasis in speaking. Listening skills are developed as a vital part of all learning.

Social Studies 8:

Eighth grade social studies are an introduction to the various areas that a student may study in the senior high school social studies program. Such areas as anthropology, psychology, economics, and government will be examined in an exploratory manner; current development in these areas will be integral to the course. Multicultural perspectives and issues will be infused throughout the course.

Science 8 (Integrated program):

This is an integrated thematic program that teaches science the way it really is – a study of nature in which common principles operate in relationship to one another. Our program seamlessly interweaves major scientific disciplines such as life science, earth science, chemistry, physics and space science into a thematic framework. The program encourages technological and computer literacy as well as keeping abreast of scientific innovations. Students are required to plan, research and create a major term paper that sharpens and reinforces their intellectual skills. Students are encouraged to participate in the Science Olympiad, Alaska Science Fair, and other mentally stimulating competitions. Hands/minds-on activities are provided throughout the year.

Math Courses:

Math 8:

Students will continue to practice and improve their number sense, measure sense, and estimation skills, review and extend their arithmetic, calculator, and thinking skills by working with fractions, decimals, percents, large and small numbers, and negative numbers. Students will study variable, expressions, equations, multiple representations of data, and other algebra topics. Students will extend their understanding of geometry, including transformation and two and three dimensional figures, and their knowledge of probability and statistics. They will investigate the uses of mathematics outside the classroom. Successful completion of Math 7 and Math 8 will prepare a student to take algebra.

Algebra:

This course reviews and extends the use and understanding of the fundamental operation on real numbers as well as expressing quantitative statistics in the language of algebra and solving equations and inequalities. The second semester covers factoring polynomials, the use of rational expressions in equations, coordinate graphing, irrational numbers and the solution of simple quadratic equations. To be eligible for Algebra as an eighth grader, a student must have completed pre-algebra with a grade of “B” or higher. Students successfully completing this course will usually be placed in high school geometry.

Geometry:

This course covers the study of plane and three dimensional geometry. There is an emphasis on clarity and precision of language and the logical development of geometric principles in deductive reasoning and proof. This will include work with points, lines, planes, angles, congruent triangles, circles, polygons, and transformations.

Physical Education/Health (Integrated):

Physical Education is a curriculum that emphasizes life span fitness and the latest development in Sports Science. Traditional team sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer are offered as well as recreational units such as ping pong, dancing, and pickelball. Anatomy, cardiovascular fitness, sports nutrition, and basic exercise physiology are infused into instruction. Running, aerobics, strength training and personal fitness planning units are also integrated throughout.

The health portion of this class is designed to help students explore the human environment, including interpersonal relationships, personal decision making, and understanding emotions, mental health, anatomical and physiological aspects of sexual development and behavior, drug use, preparation for medical emergencies, nutrition and physical fitness, and personal hygiene, violence as a public health issue, parenting, personal safety, and related issues.

A. Core Electives

Advanced Band: Prerequisite is previous band experience or director approval. A sequel to intermediate band for those students wishing to continue their musical growth in a basically performance-oriented setting. Includes study of music theory and history relevant to the music being learned and continued work on more advanced technique of the instrument. Annual performance includes a minimum of two school concerts and festival. Participation in solo/ensemble festival also possible. Placement dependent upon band director’s approval. Home practice is required.

Concert Orchestra (Advanced Orchestra): This class is a sequel to String Ensemble for students wishing to continue their musical growth in a basically performance-oriented setting. (Advanced seventh graders may audition for this mostly eighth grade class.) Less individual help is given than in String Ensemble. Private lessons are highly desirable and strongly recommended. It is preferred that students enrolling in this class have had some experience in third position. Annual performances include two evening school concerts, three assemblies, an area festival, a solo/ensemble festival for selected students, a tour to surrounding elementary schools, and a mall performance. Auditions are held in the fall for the even more advanced double quartets. Students should provide their own violins and violas. Cellos will be available for school use. (Another cello should be obtained for home practice.) String basses are provided by the school. Entrance to this class is by audition or former orchestra teacher recommendation.

Concert Choir: Prerequisite is previous singing experience or director approval. Concert Choir is intended to be a continuation of musical study and vocal growth. Students will experience a more challenging choral environment and will be expected to rehearse at a level appropriate to such high expectations. More advanced vocal technique, music theory, and history will be explored relevant to the musical literature currently in preparation. Several concerts will be presented annually including multiple festivals and special performances. Students may participate in solo/ensemble with permission of instructor.

Spanish IB: Students continue to develop and expand their proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing of Spanish. Thematic topics such as courtesy expressions, home, school, city, country, animals, nature, transportation, careers, nationalities and geography are continued. Communicative activities in Spanish will involve students in a variety of practical situations for further independent development of their oral fluency and written language skills. More in-depth study of Spanish language and culture as well as grammatical structures is done to assist students in building a strong foundation for entry into the high school Spanish II course.

French IB: Students continue to develop and expand their proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing of French. Thematic topics such as courtesy expressions,

home, school, city, country, animals, nature, transportation, careers, nationalities and geography are continued. Communicative activities in French will involve students in a variety of practical situations for further development of their oral fluency and written language skills. More in-depth study of French and Francophone cultures as well as grammatical

structures is done to assist students in building a strong foundation for entry into the high school French II course.

*Special Classes: There are specialized courses available to those students who qualify for Special Ed. or Gifted Ed. Services. Furthermore, students who have completed algebra I in 7^th grade will be able to take geometry. You will be automatically registered for these courses if you are currently in one of these programs.

Office Aide: An office aide performs a wide variety of assigned duties in the front office. These duties include the collecting of attendance, delivery of call slips, messages and filing. Regular attendance is required.

Library Aide: Library aides earn an elective credit by assisting the adult library staff. Tasks include checking books in and out with a computerized system, photocopying, laminating, videotaping, and shelving books and magazines. Grades are based on attendance, attitude and accuracy. Library aides develop useful job skills and library knowledge and fill a very helpful role in our school.

Teacher Aide: Aides are selected by individual teachers. Teacher aides assist teachers in filing materials, bulletin board preparation and various other duties. Grades are based on attendance, attitude and performance.

Second Elective Courses

Art: This fun-filled class will utilize simple drawings, ceramics, painting, printmaking, sculpture and various art methods. Students will be using new techniques and their own interpretations to produce a variety of products from the art of various cultures of the world. Come and join the fun.

Book Club Students who love to read for fun but are just too busy should sign up for this alternative elective. Book Club membership includes: being surrounded by a variety of exciting books, spending time in the library, seeing what’s new in the publishing world via the Internet, talking about good books with others who love to read, writing a weekly journal entry, and participating in special literacy events. There is no outside