• 8th Grade Course Descriptions

    Language Arts: 

    Eighth grade reading/language arts follows standards to develop greater analytical reading and thinking skills that consistently spiral student learning.  Students write expository, narrative, and persuasive essay, incorporating textual evidence from literary or informational passages.  Grammar instruction requires students to embed grammar concepts into writing.  Students study novels, short stories, and poetry.  Vocabulary building is also stressed.

    Our course offerings include: Language Arts, Honors Language Arts, CLUE English, Language Lab

    Math:

    8th Grade Pre-Algebra

    Pre-Algebra is the first portion of a high school level math course that uses problem solving situations, physical models and appropriate technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student reasoning. Eighth grade state of Tennessee math standards and begin with a study of the real number system as well as solving multi-step equations.  Word problems are deeply embedded within the course, and students use algebraic concepts in order to solve them.  In addition to solving equations, students will explore functions, writing equations, graphing linear equations, including systems of equations and statistics.  Students will be expected to persevere in problem solving, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as outlined by the state standards.

    8th Grade Algebra I Honors
    Algebra I is an honors level and high school level math course that uses problem solving situations, physical models and appropriate technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student reasoning.  The course begins with the study of sets and logic and ends with solving rational expressions.  Word problems are deeply embedded within the course and students use algebraic concepts in order to solve them.  Problem solving and making mathematical connections to real world problems are critical to a student’s success in this course.  Concepts emphasized in the course:  solving equations and inequalities, solving linear equations and inequalities, writing equations and graphing linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, statistics and probability, factoring, quadratic equations, radical and exponential equations and rational expression.  Students will be expected to persevere in problem solving, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as outlined by state standards. 

    8th Grade Unified Geometry Honors

    Geometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with prpoerties, measurements, and relationships of points, lines, and plane and solid figures.  Emphasis is placed on logical reasoning and the integration of algebraiccand geometirc concepts.  Instruction in this course includes the study and use of different representational systems, including coordinate geometry and graph theory; it also focuses on the usefulness of transformations and symmetry in analyzing mathematical situations.

    Our course offerings include: Pre-Algebra, Honors Pre-Algebra, Honors Algebra I (HS Credit), Honors Geometry (HS Credit), Math Lab

    Honors Algebra I enrollment is determined by a placement test. Honors Geometry enrollment has the pre-requisite of 7th Grade Algebra I Honors.

    Science:

    8th Grade Science

    Eighth grade science focuses on the practical application of science as it relates to life and the environment.  Students will explore scientific inquiry and the impact science has on the development of new technologies.  A well-balanced exploration of life and physical science subjects covered include:  classification of organisms response to the environment, composition and structure of matter and its behavior, and the electrical and gravitational fields at work in our universe.  This program will place an emphasis on writing skills, technology, and hands-on learning.  Students will learn to interpret data and use it to solve problems.

    8th Grade Physical Science Honors

    The eighth grade physical science honors program is a laboratory-based program whose content includes the study of Chemistry and Physics.  Units of study will include: characteristic properties of matter; periodic table of elements; atomic structure and theory; energy; electricity and magnetism; work, force, and motion; science, technology, and society; and career awareness. Laboratory experiences make up at least 50% of the instructional time and are the framework within which students can expect to study and investigate key concepts. For honors classes, inquiry and discovery are central to instruction within the context of experimental design. Honors students at this level will be able to design and implement investigations independently and/or collaboratively.

    Our course offerings include: Science, Honors Science, Honors Physical Science (HS Credit)

    Honors Physical Science enrollment is based on 8th Grade Algebra I Honors enrollment or Honors Geometry enrollment.

    Social Studies:

    Eighth grade students will study the European colonization of North America, along with the geographic features that influenced early settlements and colonies. This course will emphasize the development and maturation of the British colonies, and the political, cultural, and economic influences that led to the American Revolution. The major events and outcomes of the American Revolution will be analyzed, along with the individuals that played influential roles in the development of the new nation. Students will follow the development of the United States and its government, continuing through the early 19th century. The impact of the expansion of the United States will be analyzed, including implications on domestic and foreign policy. Policies that affected the American Indians will also be studied. The events leading up to the Civil War will be examined, along with the individuals and events that were significant during the war. The history, people, government, and geography of Tennessee will be emphasized in order to illustrate the role our state has played in American history. Reconstruction and the development of the American West will conclude this course. Appropriate primary sources and informational texts will be included in order to enhance understanding of the content.

    Our course offerings include: American History, Honors American History

    World Languages:

    Our course offerings include: Honors Chinese I (HS Credit), Honors French I (HS Credit), Exploratory Japanese, Honors Japanese I (HS Credit), Exploratory Latin, Honors Latin I (HS Credit), Honors Spanish I (HS Credit), Honors Spanish II (HS Credit)

    HS Credit classes are by application only.

    Fine/Performing Arts:

    Our course offerings include: Art, Creative Dramatics, 7th/8th Performance Band, Percussion, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Tenor/Bass Choir, Soprano/Alto Choir, Chorale, Intermediate Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra

    Creative Dramatics: In this performance-based class, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of theatre arts. Students will use theatre games and various creative drama techniques to help lose inhibitions and gain trust in themselves as well as others in their groups. Students will learn and use drama/theatre vocabulary in class discussions to promote overall literacy. Students will exhibit and reinforce their skills through individual and group presentations, performances, and script writing.

    Exploratory:

    Our course offerings include: Computer Science, Creative Writing, Facing History & Ourselves, Health, Physical Education

    Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO): FHAO is a worldwide organization which believes the bigotry and hate that we witness today are the legacy of brutal injustices of the past. Facing our collective history and how it informs our attitudes and behaviors allows us to choose a world of equity and justice. Facing History's resources address racism, antisemitism, and prejudice at pivotal moments in history in order to help students connect choices made in the past to those they will confront in their own lives. Independent research studies show that experience in a Facing History classroom motivates students to become upstanders in the communities, whether by challenging negative stereotypes at the dinner table, standing up to a bully in their neighborhood, or registering to vote when they are eligible. 

    Physical Education: Physical Education classes are designed to practice and develop skills through a variety of activities that will help students maintain fitness throughout their life. Students will learn fun and structured movement activities. These activities will benefit regular exercises that can be provided for a person's mental, physical, and social health.