Eighth Grade Curriculum

 

The eighth grade language arts program offers courses to help students improve their writing skills and explore topics in different genres of literature. Students participate in discussions regarding themes, character motivation and real life connections to literature. The students work in peer editing sessions where they help work through the stages in their writing process.

 

The content of this course is aligned with the academic content standards outlined by the state of California and Arcadia Unified School District . These topics include: Revolutionary War review; the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; Establishing the New Nation; Regionalism, Sectionalism & the Divergent Paths of the American people from 1800 to the mid-1800s: the Industrial North, Agrarian-Slave-Dependent South, and the West); the Civil War (causes, the war, & Reconstruction); and the Industrial Revolution.

 

In eighth grade science student learn both chemical and physical science. They learn through reading, class projects, hands-on activities and computer projects. The topics covered are Chemistry, chemistry of Living systems, Physical Science- forces & motion (Robotics) and Astronomy.

 

The seventh grade pre-algebra math curriculum builds upon the basic fundamentals learned in the sixth grade. Number theory, geometry, fractions, integers, ratios and proportions, graphing, statistics and functions are some of the topics covered. Projects are assigned during the year to integrate real-life experiences in order to enhance the curriculum.

 

The eighth grade PE/Health curriculum is designed to give each and every student a well-rounded fitness and athletic experience. Special emphasis is placed on team play and appropriate social interaction. All students are expected to participate in all phases of the program regardless of ability. It is the duty of the teacher to provide a safe, comfortable environment in which all students can participate without fear of failure or humiliation. Students will learn skills and health-related information that will benefit them for a lifetime.