8TH Grade Team
8th GRADE BASIC EDUCATION
LANGUAGE ARTS The 8th grade language arts study is a varied and integrated course aligned with the California State Frameworks and Poway District standards. Specific instruction in critical reading skills, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary helps our students hone their writing skills. Writing assignments may be coordinated with the current social studies content, or used to respond to literature-based assignments. Literary selections are used to provide human insight and to teach the elements of literature. Public speaking and listening skills provide our students with a solid platform for future educational experiences.
SOCIAL STUDIES The 8th grade course of study provides for a chronological examination of history from Colonialism up to the Reconstruction Period. With a multi-cultural perspective, literature about the period is stressed. This curriculum promotes an understanding of ethics, democratic values, civic virtues and elements of good citizenship as applied to public affairs.
8TH GRADE MATHEMATICS
Math 8 is the general 8th grade math course. Students in Integrated I (begins 2016-17) are placed based on previous enrollment in Math 7/8.
8TH GRADE SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SCIENCE This course covers physical science and problem solving with units in motion and forces, astronomy, the structure of matter, and chemistry. Principles of Investigation and Experimentation are emphasized. The final year of Too Good for Drugs is taught.
8th Grade ELECTIVES FULL YEAR
ADVANCED & INTERMEDIATE BAND Advanced and Intermediate Bands are open to 7th and 8th grade students through audition and teacher placement. Performances include daytime and evening concerts. Students are required to practice regularly. All bands require a commitment for the entire year.
ORCHESTRA Orchestra is designed for the stringed-instrument student (violin, viola, cello, bass) who desires to play in a performing organization based upon orchestral instruments. The group will play a variety of string music and will perform at evening concerts. Students are required to practice regularly. Orchestra is a year-long elective.
CHORUS Chorus is open to all 7th & 8th grade students. This class meets daily. Concerts are held throughout the year.
SPANISH 1-2 Spanish 1-2 is a year course designed for the 8th grade student wishing to begin an in-depth study of a foreign language. Students wishing to enroll in this course should have strong language skills. Spanish 1-2 is a high school equivalent class. Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible for Spanish 3-4 in 9th grade.
STUDENT AIDE This elective is for those wishing to help in the office, library, or classroom. Clerical jobs and errands will be performed. Grading is based on willingness to participate and ability to follow instructions. Teacher recommendations and counselor approval required. This class is a year-long commitment.
EXPLORATORY CYCLE This course of study is developed as recommended by the California State Guidelines for Middle Schools. Exploratory cycles will offer students the opportunity to explore a variety of interests prior to entering high school. The cycles may include subjects such as drama, technology and Intro to Spanish.