8th Grade Classroom Curriculum information:RELIGION
The Learn By Heart religion curriculum, by Rev. Peter C. Bender, is organized around a 3-year cycle of Bible stories that leads the students sequentially through the Old and New Testaments. Eighth graders participate in daily chapel services which include a Scripture reading, hymnody, Catechism recitation, and prayers. The students learn by heart selected Bible verses, hymns, and the chief parts of the Small Catechism. Additionally, in a class that meets three times a week, the pastor leads the eighth graders through a nine-month-long course thematically arranged around the six chief parts of Luther Small Catechism. Students are nurtured in their Christian faith as they hear, study, confess, and use God Word each day.
READING
The 8th grade students use the Mosdos Press curriculum which immerses them in quality literature that affirms solid values and moral character. Reading selections range from short stories to novels, as well as non-fiction and poetry. Within the context of these selections students explore various topics including reading vocabulary and comprehension, plot, character development, and authorspurposes for writing. In addition, the students participate in the Accelerated Reader program, which develops reading skills and fosters the enjoyment of reading by using a variety of incentives to promote independent reading.
ENGLISH
The components of the English program consist of grammar and writing. Within the grammar portion, the students learn correct usage of the eight parts of speech as they relate to proper sentence structure, punctuation, and composition. Active student-teacher dialogue is ongoing within the Shurley English Method. Students memorize English rules through a series of jingles and sentence classification. In addition, traditional sentence diagramming is incorporated, thus providing a complete program leading to student mastery of English grammar.
The writing section of the course is built upon the solid foundation of grammar skills. Creative, expository, and persuasive writing are addressed. Many creative writing assignments focus upon short stories with dialogue, various points of view within a story, tall tales, and chapter writing. Expository essays require the students to use their knowledge of various subjects to compose informative papers both spontaneously and over time. Such writing naturally lends itself to the research report. Eighth graders write several such reports throughout the year. Persuasive writing incorporates writing skills with social ones, including addressing certain audiences and orally presenting papers.
SPELLING
Spelling in 8th grade uses the Spelling Workout series. This series contains a combination of familiar words that are commonly misspelled and unfamiliar words. By emphasizing both spelling and meaning of words students can build their vocabulary.
MATH
Saxon Math uses repetition and a multi-sensory approach to build a solid foundation in the basic concepts of algebra. Students either take Algebra or Algebra. In both classes, there is an emphasis on a smooth transition from general mathematics to algebraic reasoning, and the year concludes with a unit to help students transition into their high school math classes. Since most of our students attend either Fairmont High School or Martin Luther High School, we have worked with both schools and incorporate both textbooks into this transition unit. Topics covered include solving and graphing equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations, solving quadratic equations, a thorough review of percents and proportions, various types of problem solving, and an introduction to geometry. Students are encouraged to use proper algebraic language. Both classes receive instruction in how to use the scientific calculator, and the Algebra class is also introduced to the graphing calculator. Both classes will conclude with how to study for and take a high school final, and then they take one.
AMERICAN HISTORY
The textbook, America: Land I Love, provides an extensive overview of U.S. History from early explorers to present-day events. The material is presented both with written and audio-visual media. An entire set of videos covering each decade of the 20th century adds excellent enrichment. Current events is reviewed with the weekly current events quiz game- NewsBowl USA.
SCIENCE
The text, Earth Science for Christian Schools, presents a thorough study of astronomy, geology, and meteorology. The course demonstrates God hand in the creation and sustaining of our universe. The errors in the theory of evolution are scientifically pointed out. Students have many hands-on opportunities to learn skills which add interest to this study (making and using astronomical sinstrumetns such as a star finder, star clock, sun dial, moon dial, etc; using GPS units to find area benchmarks and other geocaching activities; the mystery powders and bridge building projects,collecting weather data with ur wireless weather station, etc.) Each student develops a science fair project during the school year which is displayed and judged at the Fine Arts And Science Festival.
HEALTH
The Healthy and Wise curriculum seeks to motivate young people to build healthy lifestyles-for today and in the future. The program is Internet based which allows for yearly updating of materials. A key role in the program is to develop personal health habits. Students also have hands-on study of life saving techniques such as CPR, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and the Heimlich maneuver. They practice these techniques on mannequins. Other topics such as dental health, vision care, fire safety, responsibility, sun safety, hazardous products in the home, hair styling, sexual abstinence, first aid, athletic injuries and prevention, etc. are covered using various speakers, presenters, and videotapes.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE EXPLORATION
The eighth grade reviews Spanish vocabulary and grammar and then explores German and French to see differences and similarities among these foreign languages. They learn the importance of taking high school level instruction in one of these languages.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students exposed to fitness, individual, team, and life-long activities. Sports involved are flag football, volleyball, soccer, bowling, basketball, softball, track, floor hockey, etc. Students also have a unit on roller blading during the school year. Students are evaluated with National Youth Physical Fitness Program.
ART
The students explore creativity with a variety of one and two-dimensional projects. Once a month an Art Appreciation volunteer comes to discuss a work of art with the class and to lead them in completing an art project.
COMPUTER
The students review keyboarding and word-processing skills. Students learn PowerPoint and design their own PowerPoint presentation. They learn the basics of using spreadsheet software including the making of graphs, the use of publishing software to produce a school newspaper, the use of a scanner & digital camera, and the incorporation of other applicable programs. A variety of sites are used on the Internet to enhance other curriculum areas and to demonstrate its use for research.
*Eighth graders also have the opportunity in the following activities: band lessons, piano lessons, & tone chimes. 8th grade students can also demonstrate their abilities in the annual Spelling bees, Geography bee, chess tournament, and Fine Arts & Science Festival.
