8th Grade Curriculum Highlights

English
Teacher: Ms. Lauren Bolinski
  • Demonstrate command of conventions of standard English mechanics, grammar and usage when writing or speaking
  • Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading or listening
  • Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression
  • Use the writing process with independence in genres: persuasive, expository/research, narrative, creative nonfiction and poetry
  • Apply APA conventions to all essays, master writing without personal pronouns or contractions, use varied transitions and unique quote introductions
  • Demonstrate reliable research and detailed analysis; use effective search methods
  • Write in a timed setting with constraints utilizing citations and formal style
  • Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations and ideas
  • Analyze purpose of information presented in diverse media formats to evaluate motives behind presentation
  • Present speeches in genres: persuasive, personal narrative and oral interpretation
  • Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence and add interest
  • Adapt speech to variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate
Math
​Teacher: Mrs. Carolyn Sloan
  • Use of irrational numbers to solve square roots, quadratic functions and factoring
  • Use of radicals and integer exponents to explore compound interest, exponential growth and decay
  • Extending proportional relationships using algebraic expressions
  • Deepen understanding of functions and analyzing relationships to model real world situations
  • Incorporate algebraic thinking into geometric applications 
  • Use of scatterplots and trend lines to describe statistical patterns 
  • Continuing use of algebraic properties as strategies to solve linear equations
Reading
Teacher: Mr. Gavin Zastrow
​Three overarching ideas for middle school level reading are: reading for meaning, reading for craft & structure and integrating knowledge and ideas. In 8th grade, students will: 
  • Read and analyze a variety of genres in class and independently
  • Successfully apply various reading strategies for monitoring comprehension
  • Write clear, well-developed essays, reports, etc. to enhance comprehension and build knowledge base
  • Effectively prepare and present orally
  • Classify elements of figurative language / imagery (complex similes, extended metaphors, allusions, colorful verbs, etc.) in fiction, nonfiction and poetry
  • Summarize grade-level text using text-based details
  • Make inferences to draw conclusions
  • Identify author's tone and intent in fiction and nonfiction
  • Support meanings of unknown words using context clues
  • Read fluently and comprehend appropriate grade-level materials (Lexile: 1110 - 1185)
  • Explain how story elements evolve throughout a piece (limited omniscient, stream of consciousness, dramatic irony, style, literary conventions, denotation, connotation, antagonist/protagonist, tone and foil)
  • Analyze roles of particular paragraphs and sentences in supporting nonfiction topics
  • Answer critical thinking questions in appropriate grade-level text
  • Analyze text using appropriate reading strategies (activating prior knowledge, paraphrasing, predicting, summarizing, self-assessment, etc.)
Social Studies
Teacher: Mrs. Jessica Weber
​Through the study of U.S. History, students will gain an understanding of their country's history from Pre-Colonial America through the Civil War. By the end of 8th grade, students will be able to: 
  • Analyze how American, African and European cultures differed from one another before 1500 
  • Examine how experiences of colonists shaped America's political and social ideals
  • Evaluate how it was possible for American Patriots to gain independence from powerful British Empire
  • Summarize events and ideas that affected writings of Articles of Confederation and Constitution
  • Explain how ideas in Constitution affect lives of Americans
  • Analyze roles of branches of U.S. government
  • Explore important events that occurred during terms of first two U.S. presidents
  • Examine how Jefferson Era strengthened the nation
  • Illustrate how westward expansion transformed the nation
  • Summarize changes that occurred in the North and South during the early 1800s
  • Examine how slavery affected politics in the U.S.
  • Explain how the Civil War transformed the nation
Science
Teacher: Mr. David McConville
At the 8th grade level, students learn about sound/light, electricity/magnetism, interactions of matter, ecology and the human body. By the end of 8th grade, students should be able to answer questions such as:
  • How can the properties of waves of the electromagnetic spectrum be measured and/or observed?
  • How can humans utilize the relationship between electricity and magnetism?
  • How do different elements and compounds interact to create the substances all around us?
  • How does a system of living and nonliving things interact to create the substances all around us?
  • How do humans interact with the biotic and abiotic factors of Earth?
  • How do the tissues/organs/systems within the human body collaborate to meet the daily needs of the overall system?
Spanish
Teacher: Sra. Maureen Hoffman
Themes/Topics for this course include: 
  • Review of previous topics in preparation for the Spanish II high school entrance exam
  • Physical attributes of people
  • Restaurants
  • Home/chores/leisure activities
  • Shopping and commerce
  • Travel/vacations/volunteer work
Students will:
  • Engage in conversation, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions and exchange opinions
  • Understand and interpret written and spoken language and communicate using written language on variety of topics
  • Demonstrate understanding of nature of language and culture through comparisons of language and culture studied independently
  • Show evidence of becoming lifelong learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment
Art
Teacher: Mrs. Maureen Ciganek
Grade 8 students will be able to:
  • Create miniature face sculptures out of clay using a combination of modeling techniques. 
  • Depict the human face and figure in proportion.
  • Use shading techniques to add value and depth to images and enhance the quality of artwork.
  • Mix and use different hues, tints, and shades of color in paintings.
  • Use problem-solving strategies that promote flexibility, elaboration, and originality in the creation of artwork.
  • Describe, analyze, and interpret artwork and evaluate the quality of images and objects using appropriate art-related vocabulary.
  • Identify and compare styles of art from different artists, cultures, and time periods.
  • Connect their knowledge and skills in art to other areas, such as Science, Math (radial designs, tessellations), Social Studies, and technology.
  • Produce quality images and objects that communicate and express ideas using a variety of art media, tools, techniques, and processes.
Music
Teacher: Mr. Nick Ktorides
  • All 8th graders meet together twice per week during first quarter
  • The curriculum is centered around the 8th grade musical, in which all students participate
  • Students rehearse music, lines, blocking and choreography
  • Students compose an essay about what music means to them
  • Students work on projects to publicize the musical performances within the building and throughout the community
7th & 8th Grade Choir
​Teacher: Mr. Nick Ktorides
  • Choir is an elective that meets once per week; 8th grade girls meet Wednesdays and all boys meet Fridays
  • There are numerous performance opportunities including the Stone Bank Tree Lighting
  • Students work on projection, technique and blending
Physical Education
​Teachers: Mrs. Jody Vance and Mr. Dan Green
  • Apply increasingly complex movement sequences and specialized skills in modified sport, dance, gymnastics and outdoor activities.
  • Develop understanding of: function of basic conditioning principles, critical elements of sport-specific skills, and use of strategies in active game and sport pursuits.
  • Choose to be physically active and set goals based on interests for achieving a health-enhancing level of regular physical activity.
  • Use principles of fair play, sportsmanship, adherence to rules, ethical behavior, positive social interaction, problem-solving and goal-setting within team-, sport-, and fitness-related activities.
Computer: 
Teacher: Mrs. Danielle Brannan
Computer/Technology class meets once per week for two quarters. Students will engage in positive digital citizenship practices throughout all areas of study including:
  • Review of and introduction to new/updated Google tools
  • Digital Photography
  • Animation
  • Graduation Video Creation
  • Safety with Technology (unit presented in conjunction with a presentation by Deputy Haizel)
STEM: Automation & Robotics
Teachers: Mr. Jay Jaeger​ and Mrs. Danielle Brannan
Automation & Robotics meets once per week for one quarter and three times per week for a second quarter. In this course, students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about: 
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Energy Transfer
  • Machine Automation
  • Computer Control Systems
  • Students will use VEX Robotics® to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.​
Finance Park
Teacher: Mrs. Brigid Harmeyer and Mrs. Kerry Zdrojewski
JA Finance Park helps students actively:
  • Learn personal finance and economic terms
  • Identify services that financial institutions provide
  • Explain the costs and benefits of using credit
  • Understand the risks and benefits of saving and investing
  • Develop and use personal financial management skills such as reading stock quotations, determining stock value and using different payment methods
  • Learn about federal, state and local taxes as well as Social Security and Medicare contributions
  • Examine and calculate gross and net monthly income
  • Identify the components of a budget and implement budgeting procedures
  • Apply mathematical skills to income analysis, spending and saving plans, and investment decisions
  • Explore career options and match them to personal abilities, interests, work preferences, and values as well as conduct research on the education levels required for different jobs
Guidance: 
Teacher: Mrs. Kerry Zdrojewski
8th grade Guidance meets once per week for one quarter and includes the study of:
  • Career Exploration, including a visit to the annual career expo
  • Self-Exploration: skills, learning styles, personality inventory
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Health (co-taught with Science and Health teachers)