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CURRICULUM OVERVIEW FOR GRADE EIGHT
2007-2008
The purpose of this brochure is to provide a general overview of the curriculum offered to eighth grade students. More detailed information may be obtained
from teachers and administrators.
Grade Eight Teachers:
LANGUAGE ARTS
Writing: a study of writing skills to develop proficiency in creating the personal narrative, comparison and contrast, story; description, persuasive letters, research report.
Spelling/Vocabulary: complete 36 spelling units, complete 15 vocabulary units; understand multiple word meanings in context; identify synonyms and antonyms of vocabulary words; construct complete sentences using new vocabulary and new spelling words, incorporate new vocabulary into writing assignments.
Literature: a study by genre of the short, drama, non-fiction, poetry, the American Folk tradition, and the novel; skills mastery; critical reading; literary terms and techniques.
English/Grammar: a study of the sentence, nouns, verbs, modifiers, capitalization and punctuation; pronouns; phrases; clauses; infinitive; gerunds.
Oral Communication & Listening Skills: master the principles of effective speaking.
Listening Skills: Understand and incorporate active listening skills.
SCIENCE
Interactions
Diversity
Force & Motion
Solutions
Introduction to Chemistry
Introduction to Physics
Structure & Architecture
Frog Dissection
SOCIAL STUDIES
Review: Geography skills, map skills
Review Fall of Roman Empire
Byzantine Empire
Rise of Islam
African Civilization
Asian Civilization (Middle Ages): India, China; Mongolia; Japan
Early American Civilization: Maya, Aztec, Inca, North American Tribes
Europe (Middle Ages)
Renaissance/Reformation
Rise of National Monarchies & Revolutions: Exploration, Scientific Revolution, and Industrial Resolution
Age of Nationalism
Pre-World War 1
World War 1
RELIGION
Review
Church History: from Pentecost to Vatican II
Moral Issues
Reasons for Structure & Hierarchical Organization in the Church
The Four Marks of the Church
Universal Moral Law & Free Will
Conscience
Refute Practices Against the Teaching of the Church: occult; sacrilege; abortion; euthanasia; assisted suicide; contraception.
Dealing with Peer Pressure
Memorization of Prayer
Our Father
Hail Mary
Doxology (“Glory be...)
Morning Offering
Grace before/after meals
Act of Contrition
Apostles’ Creed
Memorare
Hail, Holy Queen
Act of Faith
Act of Hope
Act of Love
Mysteries of the Rosary
& how to pray it
The Eight Beautitudes
Be familiar with
The Angelus
Acts of Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Be familiar with
The Angelus
Acts of Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
MATH
Pre Algebra
Decimals & Fractions
Integers & Rational Numbers: square root and scientific notation.
Expressions & Equations
Graphing
Geometry
Consumer Topics
Fraction Computation
Measurement: area; length; volume; capacity & weight
Relating Ratios, Proportions & Percents
Percent
Algebra
Expressions & Equations
Integers & Rational Numbers
Distribution, Axioms, & other Properties
Harder Equations
Polynomials & Radicals
Quadratic Equations
Expression & Equations Containing Two Variables
Properties of Exponents
Graphing
SPANISH
Introduce students to the pronunciation and intonation patterns, and the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary of Spanish, developing listening, speaking, and reading skills as preparation for high school Spanish.
ART
The student will know and understand the elements of design (line, space color/value, texture, shape/form); recognize the principles of design (composition, rhythm/movement, harmony, balance, contrast, variety, proportion, dominance/emphasis, unity); recognize art terminology.
MUSIC
Daily instructions will provide a strong music curriculum. including: weekly mass; field trips; assemblies; special masses; entertainment.
TECHNOLOGY
Keyboarding; technological awareness; word processing; database spreadsheets; multimedia; graphics; web design.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Complete a daily exercise regiment designed to prevent injury; increase dexterity; promote greater strength, and enhance senses of well being and confidence; learn rules of contests and reasons behind same; practice competitiveness with regard to Christian sportsmanship; learn basic fundamentals of unit or sport prior to actively participation; understand the necessity of firm but fair discipline in all activities; learn the value of treating teammates and opponents with dignity and respect; ultimately believe and be proud of the fact that the P.E. program is one of the finest in the state.
STUDY SKILLS
Time, Materials & Place Management: Planning Use of time: sleep; eat, work (school) study; exercise; relaxation; pleasure reading; study essentials; where to study, goal setting.
Your Learning Style: visual; auditory; manual; identifying strengths and weaknesses; developing learning habits.
Using Books Effectively: parts of a book; strategies for reading, main ideas and details, fact and opinion.
SQ3R: study; question; read; recite; review.
Listening/Speaking: directions and explanations; discussion; questions; building vocabulary.
Organizing Information: outlining; note-taking; paraphrasing; summarizing; developing your own shorthand; plagiarism.
Test Taking: How to Prepare - objective tests, essay tests; Questions - multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, essay, analogy; Standardized Tests - vocabulary questions, comprehensive questions, Test Anxiety.
Library/Reference: Card Catalogue - cataloging systems; locating books; Reference Materials - dictionary; encyclopedia, almanacs, periodicals/pamphlets. media, internet.
Conflict Resolution: problem solving; identifying influences.
Middle Schoolers (6-8) enjoy the benefits of a homebase period each day - having a nutritious morning snack, working on homework, getting help with studies, preparing for class masses, completing buddy projects - with a caring teacher who is both motivator and advocate.
In addition to a rigorous, challenging academic program, extracurricular activities are offered. Student Council, Beta, Speech Team, Spelling Bee, Math Olympiad, Writing Enrichment (WE), and a Sports program which includes volleyball, basketball, softball, and baseball provide opportunities for physical and social growth.
Students grow spiritually as they plan Lenten and Advent activities, experience weekly mass, practice daily prayer and ongoing Eucharistic Adoration, participate in May Crowning and an annual grade-level retreat. Stewardship taught through an interdisciplinary approach and lived through service to others, is emphasized.
Ultimately, our goal is to live out the school’s Mission Statement.” ...to bring the whole person to Jesus Christ, and through education prepare our students to serve the Church and community now and in the future.”