EIGHTH GRADE

Language Arts

Objective:

Eighth grade students of St. Peter Prince of Apostles Catholic School review and master skills learned in previous years.   Their presentations, readings, all written work, become increasingly complex.  Eighth grade students continue to read widely from classic and contemporary selections as well as informational texts.  Students are able to identify characteristics of various literary forms.  They are able to select and use different forms of writing for the purpose of informing, persuading, or entertaining.  The compositions are multi-paragraphed with varied sentence structure.  Eighth grade students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation and other formal conventions of written language.  Students are asked to produce error-free compositions on a regular basis.  Students’ present oral and written reports strengthened by visual and media aids.

 

Grammar:

A study of the structure and usage provides students with the tools of written language, which enable them to order their thought effectively and to facilitate meaningful communication.  Students use previously mastered skills and those skills recently taught to compose and edit essays.  Grammar structure and usage are often taught and re-taught with greater emphasis on mastery.  Student progress is assessed through daily activities, writing samples, quizzes, and chapter tests.

_ Sentence structure

_ Parts of a sentence

_ Subject verb

_ Agreement

_ Types of sentences; simple, compound, complex

_ Parts of speech

_ Rules of punctuation

_ Rules of capitalization

_ Diagramming sentences

 

Writing

Students are given opportunities to write fiction, poetry, all drama, but emphasis is placed on expository and persuasive writing.  Students examine their work with attention to unity and coherence.  Paragraphs have a unified focus with examples and evidence to support the main idea.  Students use transitions between paragraphs to connect ideas.  Student process is assess through process writing, creative writing and impromptu responses to questions and daily writing activities.

_ Writing effective paragraphs

_ Developing compositions

_ Descriptive writing

_ Narrative writing

_ Expository writing

_ Persuasive writing

_ Research papers and reports

_ Letter writing

 

 

Reading

Students read from a variety of classics and contemporary literature as well as informative articles and essays.  They are expected to read for varied purposes such as to be informed, to be entertained and to appreciate the writer’s craft.  Students identify literary types, literary devices, and figurative language.  They use this knowledge to interpret the text through discussion, journal writing, and formal essays.  Student progress is assessed through written and oral responses to critical thinking questions, interpretation questions, and developing skills in reading literature.  Students take brief quizzes over assigned readings to demonstrate basic comprehension.  Unit tests are given after completion of each reading unit.  Students are frequently asked to read orally and silently.

_ Poetry

_ Essays

_ Articles

_ Short stories

_ Novels

_ Drama

 

Vocabulary

It is important to build the students’ vocabulary base.  Broadening their vocabulary helps them write with greater accuracy and effectiveness.  Students’ knowledge of vocabulary is assessed through weekly vocabulary quizzes.  Students are asked to use a dictionary and thesaurus when writing compositions.

            Wordly Wise book

_ Word origins

_ Prefixes

_ Suffixes

_ Greek and Latin root words

_ Analogies      

 

Research:

Students will be introduced to the process of writing a research paper.  Taking notes, organizing ideas, writing from an outline and citing sources are just a few skills they will learn and use while working through this process.  As the students work through this process a grade is given for completions of each stage with a final grade given for the research paper.

_ Taking notes from written source

_ Library skills

_ Using Reference sources

_ Citing sources

_ Writing from an outline

_ Bibliography

_ Works cited

_ MLA style research and writing

 

 

LIBRARY/MEDIA SKILLS

Overview

Library/media skills are taught to all students from Pre-K through eighth grade with the goal they will become life-long readers with the ability to enter any library equipped with the knowledge to locate and use all available resources.

 

The care and location of materials, browsing and checkout procedures and notable authors and illustrators are introduced in the primary grades.

Library use skills are reinforced in the upper grades with particular emphasis on the arrangement of fiction and non-fiction materials.  With the completion of automation, students will be taught to use the computerized card catalog, electronic resources and traditional print materials to enhance classroom instruction and reading enjoyment.

 

Philosophy

Students are encouraged to read recreational books including fiction and non-fiction.  Picture books are read to all students and teachers to encourage interest in favorite authors and illustrators.

 

Objectives:

_ Library Orientation - students will learn library procedures

_ Browsing and book checkout

_ Location of materials and other resources

_ Proper care for all materials and return policy

_ Be courteous and exhibit good conduct

_ Utilization of resources - students will learn to identify materials

_ Alphabetical order-fiction materials are arranged by the first three letters of the author’s last

                name

_ Locate periodicals in ABC order by title

_ Dewey Decimal System - Non-fiction materials are arranged in ten main subject groupings  000-900

_ Determine how books are classified and where they will be shelved

_ On-line card catalog - Look up books on specific subjects, titles or authors

 

Research and Study Skills

_ Identify parts of a book

_ Use reference tools such as an encyclopedia, atlas, dictionary, almanac, etc.

_ Use the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature for magazine articles on specific subjects

_ Use newspaper for current events

_ Special activities

 

Our library has weekly activities to include all students.  The librarian reads to all classes and uses book talks to interest students in checking out books for class assignments such as book reports, summaries or research projects.  Materials are made available in the library to support classroom curriculum and teaches may request library use at any time.

 

Books on the Bluebonnet and Texas Lone Star reading lists are available and our library also subscribes to the Junior Library Guild as a source for good reading material.

 

Book fairs are scheduled during the school year and are an excellent source for books and fun.

Authors are invited to our school to share their time and talent and are welcomed by all students and faculty with great enthusiasm         

 

 

American History

The focus of the eight-grade history class will be American History from early years to 1877.  The textbook and ancillary book(book, workbook) are: Exploring American History, Globe Book Company.

 

Instructional Content

Topics of Study:

_ Early people of the American

_ Europeans explore the Americas

_ Colonies in the Americas prosper and grow

_ Life in the Colonial America

_ America wind independence

_ A new government

_ Americans move westward

_ Slavery tears the nation apart

_ The Civil War and Reconstruction

 

General Social Studies Skills

Study Skills

_ Higher thinking

_ Communication

_ Goal setting and attainment

_ The quality process

_ Understand key influences that shaped our country

_ Possess a chronological perspective of United States history

_ Possess a visual sense of United States history

_ Be able to view United States history from various perspectives

 

Communication Skills

_ Be able to support positions in a responsive manner

_ Be able to relate social studies to your life

_ Possess technical skills

_Students will present an end of the year multimedia and power point presentation for  practice for High School project

 

Science

Goal:

Grade 8 is a concentrated physical science course.  The first semester focuses on Chemistry.  The second semester focuses on Physics.  The topics relate and build upon those studied in previous grades.  New ideas, facts, concepts and scientific process skills are developed for 8^th grade.   The course covers all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

 

Grade 8 Science concentrates on the following topics:

           

Ø      The scientific method

Ø      The metric system

Ø      The states of matter

Ø      The properties of matter

Ø      Chemical and physical changes

Ø      Elements

Ø      Compounds and Mixtures

Ø      Atomic structure

Ø      The periodicity of the elements

Ø      The periodic table

Ø      Metal, nonmetals, and metalloids

Ø      Writing chemical formulas

Ø      Nomenclature of compounds

Ø      The reactions of matter

Ø      Conservation of matter

Ø      Balancing chemical equations

Ø      Work

Ø      Kinetic energy

Ø      Potential energy

Ø      Electrical energy

Ø      Magnetism

Ø      Electromagnetic fields of force

Ø      Heat energy

Ø      Sound energy

Ø      Light Energy

Ø      Refraction, lenses, and color

Ø      The action of forces

Ø      Newton’s laws of Motion

Ø      Work and Simple Machines

 

Integration of topics is stressed in this curriculum. Previously presented ideas are required to provide links between concepts.

 

Scientific methods are emphasized in every aspect of the course.  Scientific reasoning is taught as an unbiased way of obtaining knowledge of the living and non-living world.  The student’s science projects, classroom labs, current events, field trips, as well as daily observations and show and tell items provide opportunities to think scientifically.

 

Science process skills are a part of most lab or field/lab exercises.  These include observations, inferring, development of hypothesis, predictions, designing experiments, modeling, analyzing data, and forming a conclusion based upon results.  Data collection methods, estimation, metric measurement and communication/computer presentation and analysis of date (graphing) will also be introduced or reinforced.  About 40% of class time will be activity-oriented lessons that involve practicing process skills.

 

Ethics in science is explored in class discussions of a variety of topics such disposal of chemical waste, disposal of radioactive waste, and clean energy.

 

Study skills are reinforced in note taking, organization, literature research, and test taking.

 

Math

Objective:

The primary focal point at Grade 8 are using basic principles of Algebra to analyze and represent proportional and non-proportional relationships and using probability to describe data and make predictions.  Students use concepts, algorithms, and properties of rational numbers to explore mathematical relationships and to describe increasingly complex situations.  Many pre-algebra and algebra skills are incorporated in the contents.

Text: Mathematics: Applications and Connections, Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 1999

 

Integration of mathematical topics helps students to see mathematics as a whole.  Algebra lessons prepare students for first year algebra.  Other integrated topics are: geometry, measurement, statistics, probability and proportional reasoning,

 

Applications show students how mathematics relates to the real world around them.  Lessons open with an application or connection relevant to teenagers.  School to career demonstrates careers in which mathematics is used.  Math in the Media helps students interpret mathematics in print.

 

Connections to other subject areas help students appreciate the role of mathematics in the other courses they are taking, such as science, and literature.  This is achieved through

¨ Chapter Projects

¨ Connection examples and exercises

¨ Interdisciplinary investigation

 

 

Problem Solving activities and applications are integrated into every chapter.

 

Ample practice and review reinforces new skills and concepts.  Extra practice for each lesson in the back of text.  Mixed review exercises appear frequently in each chapter.

 

Labs and Investigations provide students with an opportunity to explore, create mathematics models, and work cooperatively with a partner or group.

 

Test Preparation and Assessment provides practice for local, states and national tests.

 

 

Instructional Content:

Problem Solving, Algebra:

¨ Powers and Exponents

¨ Variables, expressions, and equations

¨ Solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division equations

¨ Function machines

¨ Integration: geometry, perimeter and area

¨ Solving inequalities

 

Using Integers:

¨ Integers and absolute value

¨ Adding, subtracting, multiplying dividing integers

¨ Integration: Geometry: The Coordinate System

¨ Evaluation expressions with signed numbers

¨ Identify and inverse elements

 

Using Proportion and Percent:

¨ Ratios, rates, percents

¨ Solving proportions

¨ Fractions, decimals, percents

¨ Finding percent of a number

¨ Percent and estimation

 

Statistics: Analyzing Data:

¨ Making a table

¨ Bar graphs and histograms

¨ Circle graphs

¨ Line plots

¨ Maps and statistics

¨ Measure of central tendency

¨ Finding mean, median, mode

¨ Scatter plots

 

Geometry: Investigating Patterns:

¨ Measuring and constructing line segments and angles

¨ Parallel lines

¨ Using a Venn diagram

¨ Classifying triangles and quadrilaterals

¨ Polygons

¨ Symmetry

¨ Congruent triangles, similar triangles

 

 

Exploring Number Patterns::

¨ Divisibility patterns

¨ Prime Factorization

¨ Greatest common factor, least common multiple

¨ Scientific notation

¨ Integrations: probability of simple events

¨ Comparing and ordering rational numbers

 

Algebra: Using Rational Numbers

¨ Adding, subtracting like and unlike fractions

¨ Multiplying, dividing fractions

¨ Properties of rational numbers

¨ The Fibonacci sequence

¨ Integration, geometry: are of triangles and trapezoids

¨ Graphing ie circles and circumference

¨ Solving equations, solving inequalities

 

Algebra I (Syllabus from IWHS and St. Anthony’s):

 For 8^th Graders who meet eligibility standards

In this first formal high school mathematics course, the basic concepts of algebra are introduced.  Emphasis in the first semester is on developing the skills necessary to operate with real numbers and algebraic expressions.  During the second semester, these skills will be applied to solving various types of equations and inequalities and to understanding the basic concepts of functions and graphs of lines in a plane.  The second semester topics will also include an emphasis on developing problem solving skills as an application of equation solving.  Systems of linear equations will be introduced as an extension of the concepts previously discussed.

Sets, the real number system

¨ Sets, the subsets, intersection, union

¨ The set of real numbers

¨ The number line

¨ Opposites, absolute, value, addition

¨ Subtraction

¨ Multiplication

¨ Positive integer exponents

¨ Order of operations

¨ Reciprocals and division

 

Variables, field properties:

¨ Using variables, writing and evaluating expressions

¨ Simplifying expressions using commutative and associative properties

¨ Evaluating expressions with exponents

¨ The distinctive property

¨ Combing like terms

 

Polynomials and operation with polynomials

¨ Exponents in variable expressions

¨ Naming polynomials, degree

¨ Combining like terms

¨ Adding and subtracting polynomials

¨ Multiplying, dividing monomials

¨ Dividing polynomials

 

Factoring polynomials:

¨ Removing common monomial factors

¨ Factoring differences of squares

¨ Factoring quadratic trinomials

¨ Factoring by grouping

¨ Combining factoring methods

 

Rational expressions

¨ Multiplying and dividing rational expressions

¨ Complex fractions and non-positive integer exponents

¨ Rewriting fractions with different denominators

¨ Adding rational expressions

 

Rational and irrational square roots

¨ Simplifying rational and irrational square roots

¨ Adding and subtracting radical expressions

¨ Multiplying and dividing radical expressions

 

Using basic equality properties to solve equations in variable

¨ Using addition and subtraction properties to solve linear equations

¨ Using multiplication and division properties to solve linear equations

¨ Combining properties of equality

¨ Solving and graphing absolute value equations

¨ Evaluating and transforming literal equations

¨ Applications of linear equations

Solving quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical equations

¨ Solving polynomial equations by factoring

¨ Using the quadratic formula

¨ Choosing the best method for solving quadratic equations

¨ Ratio and proportion and their applications

¨ Solving rational equations

¨ Solving simple radical equations

 

Solving linear inequalities in one variable

¨ Properties of inequalities, writing and graphing inequalities

¨ Solving and graphing linear inequalities

¨ Solving and graphing absolute value inequalities

 

Functions, relations, lines in the Cartesian Coordinate system

¨ The Cartesian Coordinate system

¨ Identifying ordered pairs as points satisfying equations

¨ Functions defined by equations

¨ Graphing lines with 2 points

¨ Intercepts, graphing horizontal and vertical lines

¨ Slope of a line

¨ Slope-intercept form of linear equations

¨ Writing equations of lines

 

 

Systems of linear equations and inequalities

¨ Solving systems by graphing

¨ Solving systems by substitution

¨ Solving systems by linear combination

¨ Linear inequalities and systems

¨ Applications of linear systems

 

Graphs of quadratic functions

¨ Graphing quadratic functions

¨ Writing quadratic functions

 

Spanish:

            Students will develop Cultural awareness of traditional Mexican/Latin events and holidays.

            The class will:

·         Work on development of irregular Spanish verbs.

·         Development of Er, Ar, and Ir verbs in the past tense

·         Cover chapters 1-15 in Spanish textbook “Ven Conmigo”

·         Development of verbs irregularities ar, er, ir in the past tense

·         Development of indirect and direct objective

 

Physical Education:

Overview:

In this physical education class students will gain knowledge in several different sports.  We will also be learning rules, skills and technique of these games.  The overall objective of the physical education courses at both the primary and middle school level is to teach activities, which will form the basis for a lifetime of physical fitness.

 

Instructional Content:

~ Be able to apply physical education to life

~ Be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills, which better enable participation in group and team sports

~ Assess physical fitness levels and participate in activities that improve fitness, wellness, and cardiovascular capacity

~ Be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills, which will better enable participation in individual and dual sports and recreational activities.

 

            Health:

The students recognize ways to enhance and maintain health throughout their life span.  The student recognizes the basic structure and functions of the human body.  The student understands and engages in behaviors that reduce health risks.  The student explains healthy ways to communicate, and demonstrates critical thinking and problem solving for promoting healthy decisions.

Instructional content:

_ Six major nutrients contained in food

_ Identify information on menus and food labels

_ Exercise

_ Physical, mental and social fitness

_ Structure and function of the human body

_ Identify the use of prescription and non-prescription medications

_ Describe short and long term harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol

_ Peer pressure influences, social and emotional health

_ Qualities of a good friend

_Lifeskills training program

·         An exciting new breakthrough which not only prevents tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, but teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to:

o        Increase your self-esteem

o        Increase your ability to make decisions and solve problems

o        Communicate effectively

o        Avoid misunderstandings

o        Manage anxiety

o        Make new friends

o        Stand up for your rights

o        Say “no” to unfair requests

o        Resist advertising pressures

o        Resist pressure to use drugs

 

_Worth the Wait program

School administrators have chosen UTHSCSA’s abstinence curriculum Worth the Wait program, which is a 10-day unit, based on the medical and legal facts regarding teen sexual activity, which teaches abstinence as the healthiest choice for teens.  This curriculum is provided through grant funds; we are required to pre- and post-test students to measure the program’s effectiveness.

 

Religious Studies

Objectives:

The eighth-grade program draws the students to believe more deeply in Jesus and a personal commitment to Christ through a study of the Church and Christian teachings.  Textbook used in 8^th grade: Christ Our Life, The Church Then and Now

Students are assessed in Religious Studies according to the following grading system: Class participation 45%, Bible Reflection 10%, Class Reflection 15% and Quizzes 30%.  Students are required to attend a weekly morning liturgy.  As a community we worship at Morning Prayer, Prayer Service or Mass.  There are opportunities for students to take active parts in preparation and presiding at the liturgies.  Retreats are part of the Religious Studies program.  Students in grade 8 are required a total of 15 community service hours for the year.

 

 

Church

† Identifies the People of God as the Pilgrim Church today, praying and serving one another        as one.  It recognizes the marks of the Church that both describe her and identify her     mission, and also presents other signs of faith     

† Leads us to better appreciate Christ’s presence in the Church through the Holy Spirit as well     as deepening our identity with the Church by witnessing to Christ

 

Mary and the Saints

† Reviews Mary’s identity as Mother of God, Mother of the Church, and as our Mother, taking     into consideration her special privileges and feasts

† Reviews Joseph’s identity as Mary’s husband, who cared for Mary and Jesus

 

Mystery of God

† Reviews the theology of the Trinity, and leads us to identify more closely with the Father          who created us, the Son who redeems us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us

† Reviews the understanding of revelation and basic facts about the Bible

 

Morality

† Challenges us to share the life of Jesus by living the Beatitudes, observing the precepts of          the Church, and living out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy

 

Holy Spirit

† Reviews the identity of the Holy Spirit and her place in our lives as “Spirit Sanctifier”

† Reviews the concept that through the power of the Holy Spirit Christ’s work of salvation            continues, so that we are led to holiness 

† Reviews descriptions of the Holy Spirit as she appears in Salvation History, including the          life of Christ, and revelation, presenting her role as “life-giver” and “unifier”

† Continues the personal discovery that in belonging to the community of believers, the                Church, we rely on the Spirit given to us at baptism and received in a special way in     confirmation, to sanctify us and lead us in hope

 

Grace

† Stresses grace as God’s presence throughout the periods of Salvation history, both in the           Old and the New Testaments

 

Creation

† Challenges us to respond to the call to continue Christ’s mission of building a kingdom of         peace and justice, while appreciating the dignity of the human person

 

Jesus

† Reveals Jesus’s identity as it invites each baptized person to a relationship of friendship

† Reviews the mission of Jesus in all its aspects, form birth to the wedding at Cana, to the            Resurrection; presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies

† Reminds us that we are called to a deepening relationship with God, “Abba”, and that a             commitment to Christ manifests itself in all we do and in every personal decision

 

Grace

† Recognizes encounters with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and the use of                        sacramentals as opportunities for deepening grace

 

 

 

Morality

† Stresses the help of the Holy Spirit in aiding us to make right choices, and sin as a refusal to      live in a loving relationship with God

† Reveals the Father’s plans for his people from the promise of the Redeemer through the             bestowal of the covenant and the Ten Commandments, and the role of the prophets as the     “conscience of Israel”.

† Presents choice as a part of the formation of a Christian conscience, including the choice of       accepting the call to holiness whatever the state of life: single, married, diocesan priest, or

   religious

† Presents the religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as both signs and promises        through which persons are called to holiness

† Calls us to live Christian morality as a response to God’s love, and to His laws through              prayer and Eucharist worship

† Respects life and all that is associated with its transmission and preservation, understanding      that all life is a special gift from God

† Stresses peaceful solutions to problems

† Stresses justice through the practice of charity and sharing with others in the self-giving            manner of Christ

† Stresses the dignity of human sexuality, in use and misuse in society, and God’s plan for this          life and love-giving power

† Recognizes justice as having a personal, as well as a social dimension, and that its concern        is in practicing the Gospel command of love

 

Mary and the Saints

† Lists the major and lesser feasts of the liturgical and sanctoral cycle for us to celebrate

 

Creation

† Reviews God’s plan made manifest in creation, and His infinite love for humankind

† Challenges us to respond to the call to continue Christ’s mission of building a kingdom of         peace and justice, while appreciating the dignity of the human person

 

Sacraments

† Presents the sacrament of Matrimony as the basis for Christian family life, as well as a               reminder of Jesus’s love and sharing with the Church

† Reviews the parts of the Mass as the Eucharistic Celebration and a renewal of the covenant       of God and humankind

 

Creator

† Challenges us to respond to the call to continue Christ’s mission of building a kingdom of         peace and justice, while appreciating the dignity of the human person

 

Jesus

† Emphasizes that the Beatitudes are promises made by Jesus to those who live according to his teachings, and are challenges not only to do more than observe the commandments, but also spread the “good news” by word and example (evangelization

 

 

The Last Things

† Reviews the concept that we are responsible for our actions and that we must choose God          during life if we want heaven

† Recognizes that death is not the end of our existence; it is a beginning of a new life in the          Risen Lord

† Identifies and reviews the guidelines for living, given by Jesus, such as the Beatitudes, the         Commandments, and the works of mercy, and stresses that our life after death is determined      by our response to God’s love here on earth

† Reviews and deepens the understanding of the promise of Christ that we would be given His     risen life and be happy with God in heaven, that we will share in the resurrections, and that     Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead

 

Prayers and Formulations

† Students should know all prayers and formulations presented in previous grades.

 

 

 

ELECTIVES:

Art

Objectives:

Students will know the four strands of art, perception, creative expressions, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation and will be provided broad, unifying structures for organizing the knowledge and skills they are expected to acquire.  Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences, as a source for creating artworks.  Students will express their thoughts and ideas creatively, while challenging their imagination, fostering reflective thinking, and developing disciplined effort and problem-solving skills.  By analyzing artistic styles and historical periods, students will develop respect for the traditions and contributions of diverse cultures.  Students will respond to and analyze artworks, thus contributing to the development of life long skills of making informed judgments and evaluations.

 

Instructional content:

Basic art concepts

_ Understand about the purposes and kinds of art people have created

_ Apply their knowledge of basic art concepts in studying art history

_ Create works of art in watercolor and acrylic

 

Careers in Art

_ Understand the work of art scholars and art critics

_ Know art history is important to art careers

_ Evaluate their interest in art careers and the requirements to enter them

_ Meet artists, architects and people involved in theater art

 

 

 

Seeing and Discussing Art: