Grade 8

Math

Algebra I

This course is a comprehensive Algebra I course. It assumes that the students have the prerequisite knowledge of operations with whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals and percents. It emphasizes solutions of single variable equations, systems of linear equations in two variables, basic operations with polynomials, factoring, and the solution of quadratic equations using various methods. Considerable focus will be placed on multiple representations of these solutions, especially graphs. Students will become familiar with handheld technology tools, like the TI 83/84 family of calculators. We employ the Prentice Hall text, Algebra I.

Geometry

This course emphasizes the development of visual/spatial thinking skills. Beginning with the building blocks of geometry, the students will investigate the properties of points, lines and planes, and their relationships to real-world models. With the use of concrete models and puzzles, the geometry student will investigate the unique characteristics of both two- and three-dimensional shapes and figures. Time will be spent on constructions with the use of math tools and the derivation of formulas and theorems. Students will gain valuable experience with dynamic math technology, like Geometer’s Sketchpad, and the TI 83/84 family of handheld calculators. We employ the Key Curriculum Press text, Discovering Geometry: An Investigative Approach.

Science

This is a yearlong introductory course focusing on the life sciences.

The fall term emphasizes a deeper understanding of the scientific method, characteristics that all organisms share, the classification system, the cell, cell structure and processes, and the cell project.

The winter term continues on with an introduction to nutrition and digestion with the nutrition project, and cell division and DNA.

The spring term introduces stem cell research and regenerative medicine, and an introduction to diseases through the study of viruses and bacteria along with the childhood disease project.

Social Studies

World Cultures

This course examines non-Western culture areas as each evolved from ancient times to the present. The culture area approach provides a vehicle for correlating the social sciences. Consequently, five factors are emphasized - historical, geographical, sociological, economic and political. As countries within each culture area are studied, the student becomes acquainted with the geographical characteristics, their effect on the economic life of the people, the customs of the country and the current political status. Through the use of Skyping and in-class guest speakers, students have the opportunity to interact with individuals that live in the current cultures they are studying. Further, students use a bulk packet compiled from writings from around the world and study current events from various nations of each region. Finally, similarities and diversities within each culture area are examined as well as what distinguishes them from other cultures.

English

In preparation for Upper School, Form II English emphasizes consistent refinement of reading comprehension, writing and speaking/presentation through engagement with a variety of texts. This includes, but is not limited to, novels, short stories, film/video, art, music, and technology. Each year, young men in Form II will critique how a major theme has influenced authors' decisions about voice, character, setting, style, and other literary components through ongoing and in depth literature analysis, discussion and creation. Students can expect several collaborative and independent projects, formal research (papers/presentations), and creative writing opportunities. By the end of the year, young men in Form II can expect to have furthered their analytic/persuasive essay writing skills and poise in public speaking.

Texts for Form II English may include: Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare), Animal Farm (Orwell), The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Alexie), Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck), and To Kill a Mockingbird (Lee) among others.

Foreign Language

Latin

Form II Latin continues what the student learned in the prerequisite first year of Latin study. Vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of increasing complexity encourage the student to maintain a disciplined approach to language and to analyze logically. Translation of passages provides constant practice and rewarding challenge. Roman history, mythology, and culture are explored in increasing depth with emphasis on the classical Greek hero. He learns about government, law, military attitudes, technology and literature. Increasing emphasis is put on art through the ages, even to commercial art and movies of today. The successful Form II student completes a very full and enriched first year Latin course. As he enters his Form II year, he is prepared to join a Latin II class, perhaps add a second language, or select a new language option that he will continue through high school.

Spanish

In Middle School we begin with the instruction of Spanish and Latin in the Prima Lingua class in sixth grade. The students then decide in 7th grade whether to continue with Spanish or Latin. They take two years of Spanish in Middle School, 7th and 8th grade. During those two years the students receive a solid foundation in the structure of the Spanish language as well as an understanding of the cultural background of the many Spanish speaking countries. On the introductory level there is an emphasis on basic vocabulary and fundamental grammatical concepts. The students of Spanish should be able to engage in an easy conversation, speaking in complete and grammatically correct sentences. They are also able to read easy texts, summarize them in their own words and narrate a story in front of the class. We use BUEN VIAJE as a textbook to study all the grammatical concepts and to read easy passages. In addition we study some readers with stories and fables the boys are familiar with: The Dschungelbook, The turtle and the hare, Goldilocks etc.

Visual Arts

2D and 3D

The eighth grade art program is a combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional work with a sprinkling of art history thrown in. Projects tend to be more challenging in this course as students are asked to follow specific guidelines and processes. The 8th grade student may expect to be given a long-term sculpture project in clay, plaster or wood as well as an in depth self-portrait painting. One art project will be directly related to their academic study of World Cultures and History or Greek Mythology. Suggestions, from the art and photography teachers, will be made to the students and parents regarding art course decisions for Upper School.

Video Production and Multi-Media

Eighth graders boys begin the year with an in depth unit in Video Production. They cover shot types, camera angles and movement, lighting, composition, and sound. The boys move through the three processes of video: Pre-production (scripting and storyboarding), Production (treatment and filming), and Post-production (sequencing, editing, and sound). Eighth grade boys then move on to a unit that blends the traditional arts (drawing, painting, and sculpting) with new media: Animation. Through animation the boys learn technical aspects like the math and science behind a film’s frame rate, its key frames, tweening, shots, and scenes. Both through video and animation the boys learn how to tell stories through sequence and montage. They will write and develop characters learning about arcs and linear / non-linear storytelling.

Drama

Elective*

Students will walk away from this course with the knowledge of different methods and systems of acting from diverse cultures. They will create an ensemble and begin to perform as a troupe in sketch comedy, original works and in published dramatic plays.

Music

Students explore a variety of musical styles in their Form II year. They learn to use guitar strumming techniques that are idiomatic to music of many world cultures. They learn to identify, play and compose using the components of popular, classical and multi-cultural music. They learn to use complex chords, refine their tablature reading, and play in class ensembles. They use music technology as a tool in the study of the basic music theory of Western music, and to compose and arrange music of many styles. Repertoire for the Form II runs the gamut from Bach to Rock.

Health and Physical Fitness

The Presidential Fitness Program is administered during the Fall and Spring semesters of each middle school year. The "Presidential Award" is given to those students who score 85% or above in all tests. The "National Award" recognizes those boys scoring 50% or above in all tests. Parents will receive individual fitness profiles from curl-ups (abdominal strength), shuttle run (quickness and speed), one-mile run/walk (endurance), pushups (upper body strength), and V-sit reach (flexibility).