8th Grade Curriculum
Reading
Comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking of the following: To Kill a Mockingbird, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Huckleberry Finn, The Yearling, and Julius Caesar.
Language Arts
Parts of speech, verb conjugations, tenses, and classifications; dictionary marks, sentence analysis, diagramming, punctuation, vocabulary, grammar. Spelling involves the words from Rice University’s 450 Most Often Misspelled List. In addition, the Carden™ spelling workbook covers antonyms, homonyms, synonyms, and verb tense. Students practice penmanship with paragraphs on various historical items, from Arturo Toscanini to V/STOL aircraft. One poem per month is studied and memorized.
Composition
Creative expression through journal entries
Six book reports of books at least 225 pages in length
Six short story reports
Nine current event summaries
Carden™ composition forms
Poetry
American history writing prompts
Mathematics
Algebra 1: Introduction to graphing, polynomials, factoring, functions, Pythagorean Theorem, quadratic equation, basic probability/statistics, matrices.
Science
Introduction to Physics: Why things work the way they do.
History
Study of U.S. History from Reconstruction through the 20th Century
Geography
Africa -- first semester
Australia -- second semester
Review of continents and United States
Map skills
Music
Theory and singing are twice weekly, with emphasis on performance skills and poise. Appreciation of the classic composers and American music is stressed. Students perform in two productions each year with Eighth grade students taking leading speaking roles.
Art and Art Appreciation
Classical artist are studied. Students work with lines, texture, color, and design with projects of various mediums. Art class meets twice weekly.
French
Advanced course in French grammar, vocabulary, literature, and culture through listening, speaking, writing and reading.
Latin
Latin grammar and vocabulary emphasizing Latin roots of the English language. Students study daily life and culture of ancient Rome, and translate stories involving a family in ancient Rome.
Speech & Debate
Students learn basic forensics and public speaking including persuasive, narrative, and demonstration speeches..
Physical Education
Middle School students wear PE uniforms. Class involves structured games, a rigorous exercise program, and mile run. The students strive for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Sportsmanship is stressed. The class is held four days a week.
Computer
Middle School students learn computer technology in keyboarding, power point, web design, and spread sheets.
