Eighth Grade

CHRISTIAN STUDIES 
Continuation of the understanding and application of Biblical doctrine using  Luther’s Small Catechism.  The faith link between school and home life is emphasized through practical experiences in Christian living, including the family service project, weekly family devotions, worship summaries, faith in action hours, and the faith on display project.  This subject is taught by our Senior Pastor and prepares those students who wish to be confirmed in the LCMS.

SCIENCE 
The class uses Pearson Interactive Science Series.  Eighth grade science covers the following topics:  Introduction to Chemistry, Human Body Systems, Astronomy and Space, and Cells and Heredity.  The methods of instruction include reading the text with interactive workbook activities, daily homework in vocabulary & key concepts, lab experiments & activities, and written assessments (tests are multiple choice and essay responses).  Students also do a research report on an element from the periodic table.

ALGEBRA 
The class uses Prentice Hall Algebra I series.  Key concepts covered include Function patterns & graphs (linear and nonlinear), Rational numbers, Solving equations & inequalities, Systems of equations & inequalities, exponents, polynomials & factoring, Quadratic equations, and Rational expressions.

LANGUAGE ARTS 
Proper grammar, usage, and mechanics within writing are taught with practical reinforcing activities.  Students learn and demonstrate their understanding and mastery of narrative, informational, and persuasive writing.

LITERATURE 
Students will become passionate, habitual, critical readers through both whole group and independent reading.  With a focus on nonfiction and global events, the class will read I Am Malala: Young Reader’s Addition.  Students  will read a variety of genres together and independently with a focus on elements of literature.

U.S. HISTORY 
The eighth grade social studies curriculum introduces students to the history of the United States from the Articles of Confederation to the end of the 19th century.  Using primary and secondary sources, they explore time and place in nineteenth century America.