8th Grade Required Courses
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Art 8 (1 quarter)
-- This class consists of art activities which explore the elements of art and the principles of design. Projects will include design assignments, drawing painting, clay, sculpture, and printmaking. Emphasis is on creativity, craftsmanship, proper use of art tools and materials, vocabulary and art history.
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Geography 8 (2 quarters)
-- In this class the students will focus on political, physical, and cultural geography of all the different regions of the world. Geography will help the students learn about our Earth’s landforms, bodies of water, climates, resources, political and economic systems, and the history of different countries that exist on Earth.
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Earth Science (2 quarters)
-- Earth science explores four major areas: geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Geology covers rock and mineral identification and plate tectonics and geologic time. Meteorology investigates the water cycle and weather prediction. Ocean floors and currents are explored in oceanography. Astronomy includes the study of our solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe.
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Math (4 quarters)
--Linear Algebra: This course is an introduction to the many concepts of algebra. Students will learn the primary topics of linear algebra including the use of variables, problem solving, real numbers, solving equations, and writing and graphing linear equations.
-- Non-Linear Algebra: This course will be a continuation of concepts learned in Linear Algebra. From linear equations, we will expand to quadratic equations, gain an understanding of exponents, radicals, factoring and how it is all tied together in quadratic functions. Students will learn not only to write quadratic equations but graph them as well. An introduction to Geometry will also be included in this course. -
English (4 quarters)
--This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and basic working skills in the areas of grammar, mechanics, usage, sentence structure, composition, vocabulary, and research. It also looks at literature in a variety of forms: the novel, the short story, the play, poetry, and also selections of nonfiction. Writing assignments will take place throughout the year, and they will be based on the literature and the grammar units. Part of the focus of the course is in regard to the MCA reading test.