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 SJCS Grade 8 Curriculum Overview
Bible-
While Biblical principles are integrated into all areas of education at SJCS, the continuing systematic study of the Bible is critical to the students’ ability to live life God’s way.
A Light To The Gentiles. (CSI)
In eighth grade Bible students examine the New Testament from the birth of Christ through the life of the early church. Students complete a thorough research paper on one New Testament letter. Special attention is given to helping students develop their own ability to search and understand the Bible, and helping them to make personal applications regarding their own lifestyle choices.
Math- Math 76, Math 87, Algebra 1/2, Algebra 1. (Saxon)
Middle school math takes the many different strands of math and winds them together in ever increasing levels of complexity. The math program features daily review of concepts and time to discuss the assignments. Some of the strands covered in middle school math include number theory, place value, ratio and proportion, fractions, geometry, and algebraic concepts among many others. Students generally take Math 76 in sixth grade, Math 87 in seventh grade, and Algebra 1/2 in eighth grade. Algebra 1 is offered to advanced students at the discretion of teachers and parents.
Language-
Language is a dynamic and rich gift from God intended to be cultivated, celebrated, and applied in order to glorify God. Students in middle school language arts are taught to interpret and discern literature from a uniquely Christian point of view. Biblical principles are encouraged in reading, writing, listening (class read -aloud and in other student presentations), and speaking (presentation of projects, poetry, and classroom discussion).
Literature- Language of Liturature. (McDougal Littell)
Students will continue to develop their skills in reading by doing units in non-fiction, short stories, drama, poetry, and novel. The novel unit includes an in-depth study of one or more novels.
Grammar- Language Network. Writing Research Report. (McDougal Littell)
Eighth grade writing includes the six traits of good writing which are ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. Lessons also emphasize parts of speech, diagramming skills, and knowledge of sentence structure. Special emphasis is given to writing a research paper.
History/Geography/Social Studies-
Middle school Social Studies expands a student’s world to include not only the present time, but also major themes and events throughout national and world history. It expands a student’s world to include not only our city and nation, but the cities and nations of the world. Students see how the world is broken by sin, but also how it is being restored by God as his Kingdom expands. Students are challenged to see themselves as participants in world history; people who God is using for his glory.
The American Journey. (Glencoe)
Eighth grade students study American History from its early explorers through the Second World War. Students also study the Civil Rights Movement in conjunction with the Civil War. Students spend a great deal of time studying the social and cultural history of our nation as well as its political and economic history. Students practice discerning history in the light of the Bible in order to understand what their role in history should be as image bearers of God. Classroom activities include discussing, note taking, reading, analyzing, making projects, and playing games.
Science-
Science is the study of God’s world. God’s creation is interesting and beautiful. It is also a world of orderliness, and the world follows the rules God made for it. An important aspect of our Science curriculum is hands-on activities during which students will “Do, Record, and Report.” The goals of Middle School Science are:
1. To stimulate a lifelong interest in the natural world
2. To promote scientific process skills (observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, relating, inferring, applying)
3. To build critical thinking skills
4. To teach scientific concepts
5. To present the Biblical concept of stewardship
6. To praise God as a result of studying His magnificent creation
Grades 7 and 8- Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. (CSI)
Science for 7th and 8th graders is a two-year curriculum during which time, units from Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science are studied. The units studied in Life Science include the following: Methods of Science, Cell Theory, Organ Systems, Plant and Animal Reproduction, Human Sexuality, and Heredity. The units in Physical Science are Measurement, Properties of Matter, Atomic Structure, and Acids and Bases. In Earth Science students examine Views of the Earth, Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics, and Oceanography.
Computers-
In middle school, computer use and instruction is integrated into the academic subjects. An example of technology integration for 6th graders is a requirement in science. Students learn how to post experiment results to a spreadsheet, manipulate the data, do calculations within the spreadsheet, and finally have the computer graph the results. In History and Geography classes students use the Internet on a regular basis as a tool for research for projects and reports. Students also have the opportunity to create their own web site or Power Point presentation as part of a project. Sixth grade students spend a total of two quarters practicing and improving their touch typing skills with the use of the program “Type to Learn” (Sunburst).
Music-
Grade 7 and 8 Band- Standard of Excellence Book 3. (Kjos)
In grades seven and eight, band provides an avenue for challenge and expression to students who have already mastered fundamental skills on concert band instruments. Instruments played in 7-8 Band include flute and piccolo, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone, French horn, tuba, snare drum, and orchestra bells. Instruction includes scales, sight reading, aural skills, and music theory. Band scores are prepared for winter and spring concert performances.
Art-
Art Smart - (Prentice Hall), Art Culture - (Prentice Hall), Art & Man (Scholastic)
The eighth grade art student works with art materials with ease, has a good general knowledge of all art media and is able to produce pleasing design with the materials and elements of art. The eighth grade student learns to use the formal elements of art in a more complex way than in the seventh grade. The curriculum will be the same as grade seven with the following additions: plaster relief work, a unit on design, and a unit on perspective drawing. Art history in eighth grade will cover Impressionism through Post Modern Art. The sovereignty of God in all aspects of art will be emphasized throughout the entire curriculum.
Physical Education-
Physical Education 6-8, (CSI)
Physical Education in eighth grade focuses on mastering sports skills and using those skills in team sports. Students work on different areas of fitness through the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge. They learn various team sports and also explore other activities they may not be familiar with. Students are also required to know the rules of the sports and be tested on these rules. Students are encouraged to have a positive attitude, display teamwork, and show responsibility for their actions.
Health-
Healthy Living: Life Skills (CSI) In eighth-grade Health, we review the different aspects of health and how they are integrated. Spiritual health lays the foundation for the other areas of health, and students are challenged in their relationship with Christ. Social health is the next aspect. In this unit, students learn more about themselves as individuals and how they relate to others. Building classroom community, boy/girl relationships, friendships and family relationships are all discussed in social health. Physical health emphasizes Godly stewardship of our bodies through exercise and healthy eating. Real life issues such as eating disorders, diseases, and drugs represent the brokenness in the world and how it affects our health. Students will discuss these issues in our world.
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