8TH GRADE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

REQUIRED COURSES

ENGLISH
Grammar usage is emphasized to strengthen the student’s composition skills in relation to sentence structure, vocabulary, paragraph writing, mechanics, and spelling. Effective English language is demonstrated through literary aspects. Literary selection of short stories, poems, the novel, Johnny Tremain. a unit on Nebraska, and plays develop a better understanding of many everyday living experiences and cultures.

EARTH SCIENCE
The objective of Earth Science is to give the student a general knowledge of the basic concepts of astronomy, geology, meteorology, and the scientific world in which we live. It is to provide a general background in the terminology used and to create interest in the earth sciences. Units of study include: stars, planets, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion, and weather.

MATH 8
Math 8 is an enrichment course with emphasis in:

• Identification of number sets
• b. Addition and subtraction of rational numbers
• Multiplication and division of rational numbers
• Percents, ratios, and proportions
• Factorization, GCF and LCM
• Estimation
• Geometry
• Graphing
• Probability
• Central tendency and variation
• Functions
• Solving equations

PRE-ALGEBRA
Pre-Algebra is the bridge between Math 8 and Algebra I. It has an emphasis in:

• Addition and subtraction of real numbers
• Multiplication and division of real numbers
• Percents, ratios, and proportions
• Factorization, GCF and LCM
• Geometry
• Graphing
• Probability
• Solving equations

ALGEBRA I
This course meets one unit of the entrance requirements for the University System. Algebra I provides an opportunity for students to challenge themselves in:

• Addition and subtraction of real numbers
• Writing and solving linear inequalities
• Multiplication and division of real numbers
• Graphing and applying linear inequalities
• Distributive property
• Writing and solving quadratic equations
• Problem solving
• Graphing and applying quadratic equations
• Graphing
• Powers and exponents
• Writing and solving linear equations
• Polynomials
• Graphing and applying linear equations

SOCIAL STUDIES
American History focuses on the time period between the discovery of America and the Civil War. Main units of study include:

• Native Americans
• The Constitution
• Exploration of America
• Development of the Republic
• Colonial Period
• Westward Expansion
• Revolutionary War
• Civil War
  

Nebraska History is a six week course which students explore Nebraska’s natural setting, its early years of exploration and settlement, its territorial period and Nebraska during statehood.

BOY’S PHSICAL EDUCATION
This course is designed to offer the students physical education through various team, individual and leisure activities. These activities enable the students to improve on their fitness and strengths while gaining knowledge of rules and enjoying social interaction.

GIRL’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Eighth grade physical education is a continuation of seventh grade in that social interaction and cooperation are still emphasized through team activities. Personal fitness is developed through a variety of individual activities. Many activities are repeated from the previous year but the students are expected to develop and perform at a higher skill level and knowledge of the activity.

EXPLORATORY COURSES
6 week courses

CAREER EXPLORATION
Career Students will spend time exploring a variety of careers. Students will do several interest tests to determine their area of interest; fill out a job application; do a job search with classified ads and the computer; and learn about what it takes to be a good employee.

COMMUNICATIONS
The two main components of the course will be writing and presenting speeches. It will deal with the following steps in the communication process: researching, outlining, prewriting, revising, and delivering an informative, persuasive, and demonstration speech.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Computer Information Systems I is a six-week course required of 8th grade students. This course is designed to build upon the entry-level computer skills of incoming students. Some of the areas to be covered are spreadsheets, presentation software, and the use of the Internet as a reference tool. Students will be developing the basic skills and features in MS Excel through lessons and activities. Students will also be introduced to the basic features of MS PowerPoint by developing a presentation from research on the Internet over certain topic areas.

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS
Eighth grade Expressions students will present a play in which all students will participate. A performance will be given to other 8th graders and parents. Students will be responsible for lines and props. The experience will encourage responsibility, teamwork, and cooperative learning.

HEALTH
Health 8 is a basic course required for all students. The main focus of the course is on making decisions about alcohol and other drugs. Students are given information on various types of drugs, shown that all decisions have consequences and how to resist the pressures to make decisions that would not be in the student’s best interest. This class will also include a unit on Human Sexuality.

PROBLEM SOLVING
The Osborne Parnes method of problem solving (as used in the Future Problem Solving Program) will be taught to develop high levels of critical thinking and creativity. Brainstorming techniques in small group sessions will be used to promote effective problem solving. Practical applications will be used to emphasize good decision making skills.

ELECTIVE COURSES

AGRI-TECHNOLOGY
This class uses a modular concept to introduce students to the five areas of agricultural technology. These areas are: 1) Engines and Power, 2) Electrical Wiring, 3) Electronics and Solar Electricity, 4) Welding and 5) Plumbing Technology.

ART
This class is designed to be a more in depth study and exploration of art techniques and media. Projects will include drawing, painting, collage, Navajo weaving, computer art, and mixed media. Other aspects integrated will be art history, criticism, aesthetics, interpretation, and the elements and principles of art.

BUSINESS
Business 8 is designed to introduce students to many aspects of business careers. These aspects include the experience as a manager or co-manager of a business, developing an understanding of basic business operations, money management (personal and business), employment preparation and a positive attitude toward work. This course will also help develop and build upon the student’s self-confidence and organizational skills, preparing them for today’s entry-level workforce.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE
Family and Consumer Science is an individualized class. Eighth grade students work at their own pace on topics they have chosen related to Child Care, Clothing, Decisions, Family, Friends, Housing, Management, Self, and Foods and Nutrition. Students learn to use the sewing machine and complete several small sewing projects. They also work in a lab to plan and prepare foods.

FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING
Student will work in groups to solve problems relating to several current interdisciplinary topics using the FPS process. This class is offered only during the third quarter so enrollment may be limited. Students will be able to apply their problem solving skills to the current years chosen topics of the International Future Problem Solving Program.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
8th Grade Industrial Technology is a 9 week course that will help students acquire knowledge in the fields of Communication, Transportation, Manufacturing and Construction Systems. Several hands-on activities will be included in the course.
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SPANISH
This course introduces the student to the Spanish language and culture using the four basic language skills; listening, speaking, writing, and reading with emphasis on listening and speaking. This class will focus on the basic conversational concepts like greetings, the alphabet, numbers, colors, time, date, family, likes and dislikes.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
The middle school band functions both as a prep course for high school band and as a class worthwhile on its own merit. Students will be involved in performing at concerts and a band/solo/small group contest and playing in combined situations with the high school band. Instrumental Music meets every other day. In class lessons student will be challenged to develop their technique. A prerequisite for the course is at least one year of experience playing a band instrument and a passing grade in the class the year before.

VOCAL MUSIC
This class is an elective that meets every other day. These 8th grade students are combined with the 7th grade vocal music students in the 7-8 grade chorus. Emphasis is on continued development of good singing technique. Vocalizations, exercises, a variety of musical styles, and public performances, all are included to assist in the students’ vocal and musical development.

CIVICS
This class is a required class for students not enrolled in Instrumental or Vocal Music.
Eighth grade civics class will focus on the role of citizens in a democratic society. Major topics will include: the Constitution in everyday life, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the role of government in national, state and local affairs, and our nations place in the world. This course will also have a strong current events component.