EIGHTH GRADE
LANGUAGE ARTS:
Eighth grade grammar is taught using Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar Gold. The class is a more in-depth study of the eight parts of speech, independent and subordinate clauses, phrases, the four types of sentence structure (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex), verb usage, pronoun usage, agreement, usages problems, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence diagramming. Students will also write using different genres of writing. Students will concentrate on writing a 5-paragraph essay in a variety of styles. These will include expository, narrative, argumentative, cause and effect, descriptive, and letter and journal writing.
Eighth grade literature concentrates on vocabulary, elements of plot, comprehension skills, and responding to literature. Prentice-Hall Literature Gold is used in addition to novels. Students will study elements of a short story, poetry, and novels and delve deeper into the comprehension.
MATH:
The pervading goals throughout the Middle School math program are the development of logical reasoning, problem solving, math application, and clear and convincing math communication. Eighth grade prepares students for further study of abstract thinking encountered in high school. Eighth grade students are placed in Algebra I or Geometry.
Algebra I Concepts: Algebraic expressions, multi-step equations, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, functions, properties, operations with polynomials, lines and curves of best fit, probability, and statistics
Geometry Concepts: Distance in one and two dimensions, parallel lines and transversals, triangle congruence, laws of logic, proofs, transformations, similarity and proportions, circles, parallelograms, other polygons, angle relationships in various polygons, perimeter, area, surface area, volume, and basic trigonometry.
SCIENCE:
PHYSICAL SCIENCE: This is a lab-based course with supportive classroom learning. Topics include the nature of Physical Science, matter, atoms and bonding, elements and the periodic table, chemical reactions, acids, bases and solutions, forces and motion, work and energy, waves, and electricity and magnetism. Students also participate in the STEAM Fair and the Science Fair.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
World History introduces Middle Schoolers to the beginnings of the human story. Students explore the early civilizations of Egypt and the near East, China, Greece and Rome, they discover the secrets of these ancient cultures that continue to influence the modern world. We have immersive activities that build reading and writing skills, teach them how to interpret maps, analyze information and equip them with the tools to apply it.
SPANISH:
In upper elementary and middle school, students further develop vocabulary and pronunciation skills as they continue to learn and be exposed to language through listening and reading authentic, real life, everyday content in the target language. Through our culture rich content, students make linguistic connections among words and sentence structures as they learn more about the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, its regions, people, and customs.
Students also read a variety of chapter books to strengthen the grammatical language connections. Output practice is much further developed through writing and speaking activities, where students are able to show language comprehension and showcase their knowledge.
TECHNOLOGY:
Middle school students continue with keyboarding lessons until a minimum of 45 wpm is obtained. Students focus on utilizing appropriate technology and refining techniques to convey a message. This means students will choose an application that best suits an assignment: infographic, presentation (PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi), spreadsheet, word processing, etc. Emphasis is placed on creation that suits a particular audience. They are introduced to multi-faceted projects and exercises to develop abstract thinking skills as well as collaborative skills with others. Students are able to distinguish between copyrighted and public domain software and must be able to articulate both positive and negative aspects of computers and technology.
ART:
During the middle school years, students will develop their Studio Habits of Mind and will demonstrate how to use the tools, materials, and techniques of various media to make intentional choices in original art. Students will use size, placement, and overlapping to create depth and will experiment with tints and shades to create intensity. Characteristics of ancient art history periods and movements will be studied, as well as, contemporary artists.
MUSIC:
Middle School students have music once a week for the entire year. In this class they sing songs from various genres of music to learn concepts of music theory and to improve vocal technique. They also continue their study of terminology and advance their skills at reading music. The Sullins middle school student will enjoy taking ownership of their programs by taking part in the creative process of a program by writing a “Pop Opera.” He/She will develop acoustic performance skills by learning about “busking” in the Busking/Street Entertaining module. They will learn about the recording studio by visiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The Sullins graduate will leave with an appreciation of different composers of all genres, musical styles and develop their own “Giant Jam” session.
LIBRARY:
Eighth grade students are enrolled in a weekly class that involves completing various written essays, as well as research activities. Students are also introduced to some life skill experiences such as budgeting, banking, sewing, etc.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Middle school curriculum focuses on team sports, cooperation, team-building, and individual skills. Sports include volleyball, soccer, baseball,tennis, football, basketball, and hockey. Middle school students play hockey on rollerblades. Students participate in bi-annual fitness testing. Cross curricular projects include anti-tobacco posters in art and a language arts based research paper on famous athletes and their educations.