SOCIAL STUDIES/LANGUAGE ARTS
Social studies and language arts lend themselves naturally to each other, and this is the rationale for this integrated program. Authentic assessment, i.e. learning about the past by recreating it and living the experience, is a vivid and unique method of learning. That is why this approach has been chosen for this innovative program.
The language arts of reading and writing are done in conjunction with the historical period that is being studied. The students are also exposed to the culture of the time, the music, literature, foods, art, etc., of the era in order to afford the student total immersion into the historical period.
The social studies curriculum aspect of this grade will allow students to survey the major political, economic, social and cultural developments that characterized the period of the Age of Colonialism through the Age of Industrialism.
It is felt that learning while doing offers the students a unique perspective into not only the data of the time, but the motivations of the people who lived then. Thus we hope to create a well-rounded approach and an atmosphere which promotes life-long learning, i.e. problem solving, cooperative learning, efficient time management, decision making, and accountability. The literature program is designed to integrate American history and reading. Students begin the year reading Native American legends and myths as students learn about the first people who settled here thirty to forty thousand years ago.
The next selections include selected readings about the first settlers: the novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and American Folktales. This takes us up to the Civil War for which we will participate in literature circles reading selected novels pertaining to the Civil War, as well as The Gettysburg Address", and selected Civil War pieces. Enrichment activities might include poetry reading and student demonstrations in which students exhibit a skill that they could pass on to future generations, etc.
MATH (One of the three listed below)
Math 8 is for students who need to continue to work on improving their math skills. The emphasis in this class is on improving the basic math skills of our students. Some topics that are covered are fractions, decimals, percent, ratios, proportions, integers, rational numbers, and equations. In order to improve the ability to think logically regarding numbers, calculator use is limited to only the most challenging of problems. Students are required to show their work on their paper in order to receive credit. Throughout each chapter, connections are made to algebra concepts to prepare students Pre-Algebra in ninth grade.
or
Pre-Algebra is an advanced math class designed to prepare the student for algebra next year. The course covers basic math concepts such as fractions, decimals, and percents as does the regular math course. It also explores variables and their many uses. Students are required to show their work on their paper in order to receive credit. After successful completion of this class, students will be ready for Integrated Algebra in ninth grade.
or
Integrated Algebra is an advanced math class. It is the same course taken by freshman at West De Pere High School. It is very difficult for students to take this class without having taken pre Algebra in seventh grade. Students are required to show their work on their paper in order to receive credit. After successful completion of this class, students are ready to take Integrated Geometry during their freshman year in high school.
SCIENCE
In the 8th grade science program the students will be taught the following units: Matter, Chemistry, Sound and Light, Ecology, and Classification of Living Organisms. During the Matter unit students will learn the properties of matter, the structure of atoms, and the layout of the Periodic Table. In the Chemistry unit students will investigate how atoms bond, why certain chemicals react with others, and specifics about a few important chemical families. Limited lab work is done here to illustrate the properties. Within the Sound and Light unit students will explore the characteristics of waves and the uses of light and sound. During the Ecology unit students will identify energy and nonliving resources, as well as, how to conserve both. Finally in the Classification of Living Organisms unit, students will learn how each organism is classified and be able to identify some specific properties of certain families.
8th GRADE ENCORE COURSES
BAND
8th grade band is a daily year long class open to all students. Students must take lessons with the director or private lessons before being allowed to join. Expectations for the group can be obtained from the director. A calendar of music events for the entire year are given to students the first week of school. Attendance at band concerts and competitions is mandatory. All supplies such as reeds, oil, cleaning kits, lesson books, etc., must be purchased by the individual musician. Band meets on alternate days and every other Friday throughout the school year.
CHORUS
Chorus is an alternate day long course at the 8th grade level which teaches vocal technique. Students learn to read music and sing 2 and 3 part choral literature. The music used in class includes a variety of songs from different periods and cultures as well as seasonal music. All students are required to attend 2 evening concerts - one in December and one in May. Additional performance opportunities are available including District Solo & Ensemble Festival in March. Concert dress is plain white shirt or blouse and plain black slacks or skirt. Course meets on alternate days and every other Friday throughout the school year.
FRENCH
Eighth grade French is a year-long course which meets daily and is the continuation of the French Explore course begun in the seventh grade. Students continue their acquisition of vocabulary and grammar while improving their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills on a daily basis throughout the school year. French 8 students will improve their proficiency in the language by practicing orally with partners and in small-group work. A more thorough study of French Canada, Africa and the major features of the French capitol, Paris helps the student to gain a more complete understanding of the diversity of the Francophone culture. The successful completion of French 7 and French 8 will be equivalent to French I and will permit the student to enter French II at the high school level. Students need to have taken 7th grade French in order to take 8th grade French.
SPANISH
Eighth grade Spanish is a year-long course which meets daily and is the continuation of the Spanish Explore course begun in the seventh grade. Students continue to focus on oral and written language, as well as Hispanic culture. Through added vocabulary and grammar structures, students will discuss a variety of new topics including: family, professions, likes and dislikes, future plans, where things are located in the city, clothes and colors, possessions, sports and leisure activities, classes and school schedules and food. Culturally, students will continue to learn appropriate behaviors and gestures and will do hands on activities as related to the celebrations introduced in seventh grade. An emphasis on Spain and its culture is woven throughout all topic areas. The successful completion of Spanish 7 and Spanish 8 will be equivalent to Spanish I and will permit the student to enter Spanish II at the high school level. Students need to have taken 7th grade Spanish in order to take 8th grade Spanish.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education contributes to the total development of a student in the areas of cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and neuromuscular skills. Each student will work to gain knowledge, understanding, and the importance of life-long fitness through exposure to activities such as soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, softball, and speedball. The physical education program works to achieve positive sportsmanship, team-work, and cooperation among all students as part of social/emotional development. Each student is encouraged and given the opportunity to achieve his/her own potential. Physical education classes meet every other day and alternating Fridays for the duration of the school year. Students are responsible for bringing proper attire for class activities.
8TH GRADE EXPLORATORY PROGRAM
8th grade exploratory courses are 12 weeks in length allowing students to take three (3) courses during a 36 week year. Students choose three of the six selections. Every attempt will be made to schedule students in the classes they most desire to take. Classes need to be balanced , such that each of the students get the best experience possible from their selected courses.
THE WORLD OF AGRICULTURE
This course is designed for middle school students to explore the many worlds and faces of agriculture. This is a twelve week course dealing with the six state standards of Agriculture. Topics, hands on activities, guest speakers, and fieldtrips will be covered in the following areas: Technology information, Global Agriculture, Leadership, Ecology/Environment, Agri-science/Production and Business Mgt. And Marketing. Each standard area will be two weeks in duration. The student will get a broad overview of the field of agriculture. The fact that there are more jobs than trained people in the field of agriculture provide many opportunities for students. Middle school students should be exposed to the world of agriculture to help them make their best career choice.
ART
Students take this class as an elective in a three section year-long exploration block. The class meets every day for twelve weeks. Student work units are set up to allow choices within project areas. Areas include visual illusion lines, chalk drawing and cartooning, clay sculpture or cast molding, stencil printing, and a watercolor or acrylic paint unit. Independent work on a computer graphics program including use of a scanner is also included.
COMPUTER APPLICATION
This course is to incorporate the high school keyboarding curriculum into a 12 week course for 8th graders at the middle school. Continued work in Microsoft Word, Excel, and an introduction to Access and Power Point.
GENERAL MUSIC
Music exploratory at the 8th grade level consists of six areas of study: 1)review of treble clef note reading; 2) play guitars; 3) study of careers in the music industry; 4) study of popular music and culture in the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's; 5) study of American musical theater; 6) play piano/keyboards.
FAMILY/CONSUMER EDUCATION
Students will explore areas in food, family, technology, jobs and work of the family by way of strategic use of the intelligences. Opportunities will be provided that will enable them to become more rational and responsible in decisions and actions involving the home and family. Communication Skills will be examined, including listening, dealing with criticism, resolving conflict and displaying appropriate body language. Students will explore continuing concerns of the family and identify family systems of actions that can be utilized to deal with challenges as well as technology. Opportunities will be provided to explore consumer issues and to evaluate persuaders that are utilized to encourage one to buy. Positive eating habits to prevent disease and to maintain a healthy weight will be stressed. Students will use a variety of pieces of kitchen equipment in accordance with proper safety and sanitation procedures. Possible lab experiences include cake decorating gingerbread houses, heart healthy eating, children's foods, meat alternatives, bread, entertaining, pasta, seasoned foods, food science, etc. Career opportunities related to family/consumer education will also be discussed.
MODULAR TECHNOLOGY
Eighth grade Modular Technology is a twelve week course covering the following areas: Aerospace, Audio-Video, Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer Fundamentals, Computer Numerical Control, Design Technology, Drafting, Electronic Publishing, Electronics, Engineering, Research and Development, mall Gas Engines, and Space Exploration. The purpose of the course is to provide students with a variety of modern day technology experiences which will allow them to read and follow step-by-step, self-directed lesson plans, and to learn at their own pace. Technology concepts are introduced and reinforced through hands-on activities. It incorporates math, science, and language arts concepts and knowledge and provide students with the interdisciplinary skills needed to instill interest and motivation. With such knowledge, students will be prepared for life in the 21st century.
