Grade 8

In English, they'll:

• Develop editing and revision skills
• Focus on explaining and elaboration
• Discuss how historical elements impact setting, characters, plot, and point of view
• Identify character motivation and perspective using direct and indirect characterization
• Write argumentative, explanatory, and narrative pieces

In Math, they'll:

• Write word sentences as equations
• Interpret slope and intercepts of a line
• Describe the value of powers
• Find volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres
• Describe a transformation

In Science, students will:

• Demonstrate the scientific method by successfully designing and completing their own experiment and write a formal lab report
• Explain that substances are made from different types of atoms, which combine with one another in various ways
• Demonstrate the relationship between atoms, elements, molecules, and compounds
• List and identify characteristics of all living things
• Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms
• Research human involvement in genetic engineering

In US History, students will:

• Compare and contrast French, Spanish, and English New World interactions
• Explain how various British and colonial actions contributed to the war
• Define historical fiction and differentiate between the historical and fictional aspects of the book
• Compare and contrast how the difference of people like Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton caused the development of political parties
• List the causes, compromises, and consequences associated with westward expansion and the idea of Manifest Destiny
• Describe the various hardships of Civil War soldiers

In P.E. 1 & 2, students learn about:

• Height, weight, and BMI (body composition)
• Social skills and sportsmanship
• Physical fitness components
• Climbing techniques, including staying safe and using a harness
• Develop skills to recognize an unhealthy relationship