8th Grade

Our 8th grade students, as our “seniors” on campus, are tasked with the substantial responsibility of acting as our student leaders, setting a positive example academically and socially. With the same program structure as in 7th grade, 8th grade students are further challenged with high school level classes and an increased expectation in level of independence, responsibility, and self-advocacy. Based on the high level of academic rigor, many students place into advanced level classes in the variety of high schools at which they matriculate. The 8th grade experience is enhanced by a range of elective classes each trimester.

ENGLISH
How do we become who we are? In students’ final year at Wesley, we will explore the nature of human identity: how much of it is innate, how much of it we owe to our family and friends, and how much of it is shaped by the inevitable ups and downs of our daily lives and society’s expectations. We will do this by analyzing a variety of texts, including poetry, drama, fiction (both long and short), and essays (both formal and informal). In conjunction with our journey into our personal identities, we will also hone our literacy skills through regular and rigorous close reading, vocabulary assignments, and grammar exercises. By the end of this course, we will have developed the tools essential to read, understand, and write about different texts and the analytical ability to interrogate our world, our lives, and our future.

HISTORY
In 8th grade History, students build on and strengthen what they have learned in 7th grade while acquiring new skills as they prepare to transition to high school. The historical content in class focuses mainly on American history from early colonization through the Civil War. Through examination of this historical time period, students begin to understand the origins of a nation and how our country has changed and developed politically, socially, economically, and culturally. With daily note-taking and discussion, weekly expository writing, and multiple projects per trimester, students learn how to organize, interpret, and present information and see how it may correspond to their daily lives. As they analyze the various historical events in North America after European colonization, students recognize the interrelationship of geography, economics, culture, belief systems, and political systems. As well as focusing on our nation’s military and political leaders, students also explore the roles and experiences of people from various social classes, along with those of women and minorities in order to develop the ability to see history through multiple lenses and explore issues related to social justice. In studying our Constitution, students learn the ins and outs of the political process while analyzing its effectiveness and, at times, ineffectiveness. Throughout the year, 8th grade American History is supplemented by the sharing and discussing of current events related to topics of cultural, political, social, and/or economic significance. Students find, interpret, and discuss events and issues of the day while relating them to the overall course of American history as well as their own lives.

MATH
This course is equivalent to a high school level 1 algebra class.  Students improve and master basic arithmetic and algebraic skills, and their understanding is enhanced through the development of skills necessary to implement various algorithms, understand and utilize mathematical properties and relationships, applying mathematics in real life situations, and visualization of mathematical concepts.  Specific topics include using variables, operations in algebra, linear functions and graphing, inequalities, systems of equations, exponential equations (including quadratic equations), factoring polynomials, and tangent functions.  In the accelerated section, students with advanced mathematical understanding and skills are challenged by an increased pace progressing through the curriculum and integrated concepts from geometry, probability, and statistics.  This course fully prepares students for success in either high school level classes for Algebra 1 or Geometry.

SCIENCE
The focus of this curriculum is to study the physical world as it relates to fundamental concepts related to matter, energy and motion.  Students will build on the basic principles related to concepts of forces and motion, chemical and physical properties of matter, the ways in which matter and energy interact, the forms and properties of energy, and other basic concepts in chemistry and physics.  By the end of 8th grade, the students are expected to know, apply, and understand matters, skills, and processes of physical science.

SPANISH
In 8th grade the focus shifts from present tense to past (“preterite”) tense.  There is an even heavier emphasis on target language instruction and student use of spoken Spanish in the classroom.  Reading, writing, and comprehension exercises are highlighted.  Students learn to shop for clothes and accessories, talk about things to do on vacation, discuss volunteer work, and describe events in the past.  The year culminates with students writing, illustrating, and presenting their own children’s books.  The main cultural unit explores El día de los muertos or The Day of the Dead.