Grade 8

Religion

The regular eighth grade course develops the themes of Jesus, Morality, and Church History as it invites students to grow in their faith. Lessons integrate doctrine, worship, morality, prayer, community and active participation in the Church's life and mission. Themes are based on the “Renewing the Vision” document published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the foundation of the Catholic faith, and Diocesan guidelines for adolescent catechism. Students are engaged in classroom discussions, research projects, field trips, and cooperative learning lessons that challenge them to discover truths about themselves and their faith. In addition, Catholic eighth grade students are prepared for the sacrament of Confirmation. Lessons are intertwined with the "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" that are the themes for Confirmation. Regular visits from the parish clergy enhance the curriculum and allow students to further develop relationships with those important to their understanding of Catholicism.

Physical Science

This course explores the basic concepts of chemistry and physics. Emphasis is placed on the atom, chemical equations, solutions, acids and bases, motion, forces, energy, and electricity. Lab investigations and demonstrations reinforce these concepts. Many hands-on activities are utilized, including a special unit in rocket science. This course is taught with strategies that build a strong foundation for the upper school "Physics-First" curriculum.

American History

Students are engaged in learning about the geographic, economic, social and political development of our nation through the use of historical documents, good story-telling strategies, and primary sources. Novels are read that bring historical content to life, and students visit significant cultural sites as they study the foundations of our country. Debates, simulations and role-playing activities are integral to the course, as students explore the relationships between the people who shaped the culture and government of the United States. Students participate annually in the National Geographic Geography Bee.

Language Arts

The eighth grade English course is an extension of the principles covered in the seventh grade. There is concentration on improving written expression as additional grammatical concepts and more sophisticated sentence structure is taught.. Instruction broadens to include comparison/contrast and evaluation techniques. A variety of literary genres are studied as students are encouraged to analyze and interpret the works of numerous authors. There is continued emphasis on reading comprehension as students are challenged to look for context clues, inference, and shadowing techniques as they read. The summer reading assignments, the Accelerated Reader program, and the silent reading time set aside during the school day all encourage students to find pleasure in reading. Students make connections between the disciplines by reading novels that are based on thematic, cross-curricular units. Students participate annually in the regional GISA spelling bee and may advance to competition at the state level,

Algebra Applications

This course provides eighth grade students with the opportunity to build upon their skill foundations prior to entering an Algebra class. It moves at a deliberate pace to allow ample practice time and reinforcement of basic algebraic skills. Real-world applications are stressed while students are engaged in the practice of reading algebra for understanding, use of words in problem-solving strategies, designing models, interpreting algebraic symbols, and communicating mathematics.

Algebra I

Students learn to describe the world around them with algebraic expressions, equations, graphs, and statistics. Applications, calculators, and computers provide a context for the abstract language of algebra. Students engage in activities that allow the understanding of algebra through skill acquisition, the understanding of properties, and the uses and representations of variables. This course includes study of real numbers, operations and factoring of polynomials, problem-solving with first and second degree equations, and linear graphing. Students use graphing calculators provided to explore functions and display data. Special emphasis is placed on practical approaches to word problems and their solutions.

Geometry

This course is for advanced students who have already completed Algebra 1 and have mastered those skills. The course integrates algebra concepts with Geometry. Students are introduced to age-old concepts of geometry, such as area, volume, and proofs and asked to apply them to triangles, quadrilaterals and circles. In addition, it incorporates modern geometry topics such as transformations, networks, and tessellations. Reading, problem-solving, and real life applications are emphasized throughout the course as students are engaged in group-learning projects, hands-on activities, and the utilization of technology.

Spanish

Students are introduced to the basic structure of the Spanish language. The primary skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading are developed over the two years in middle school. Students practice written expression with emphasis on vocabulary and grammar. Special emphasis is placed on Hispanic culture and the foundations of the language. Lessons are taught with a variety of methods actively engaging students in the foreign culture and spoken language.

French

Students are introduced to the basic structure of the French language. During the three years in middle school, speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills are developed. Students practice written expression with emphasis on vocabulary and grammar. Highly active lessons catch the attention of students and immerse them in the French language and culture as they explore the people, geography, and history of France.

Art

Eighth grade students continue to refine their technical skills and visual awareness with lessons in drawing, painting, collage, and day. The course focuses on developing student appreciation for the visual arts through the exploration of art history and the practice of art within the scope of a wide variety of materials and three-dimensional projects.

Physical Education

The eighth grade PE curriculum teaches students the foundations and rules of basic games and sports; helps students develop individual physical skills; promote general fitness; and emphasizes the importance of teamwork. Students are evaluated based on individual progression and participation rather than athletic ability. Eighth grade lessons cover study skills, drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness, career exploration, and upper school preparation. A drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness program called Project Alert is part of the health curriculum. Students are challenged to work toward appropriate and realistic solutions to drug abuse as they learn facts about alcohol and other drugs. Peer-based, real-life scenarios are presented by video to stimulate class discussion.

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Band 2 (grade 7 and 8)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Band 1 on band instrument or equivalent standard on any instrument (subject to availability).

This second year for developing band players requires students to continue learning the instrument without changing to a recorder.

Exploratory Music 1 (grades 7 and 8)

Prerequisite: Completion of Band 1

This second year course will focus on listening, performance and composition/improvisation. Students begin the course with two months on a band instrument then may use any instrument other than non-tuned percussion.

Chorus (grades 7 and 8)

Prerequisite: audition or one year of enrollment in an MDS band class.

This first semester course will focus on developing solid vocal techniques and choral musicianship. There will be an emphasis on Kodaly and sight reading. Attendance at a small number of performances outside of school is required.

Middle School Musical (grades 7 and 8)

Prerequisite: Membership in Chorus during the first semester, by audition, or one year of enrollment in an MDS band class.