Eighth Grade Course Descriptions
(Download Seventh Grade through Twelfth Grade Core Course Descriptions)
English: Eighth Grade English
Students will continue to refine their ability to write a standard five-paragraph essay using evidence to support thesis statements. The students will select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. They will edit and revise drafts using basic knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, and conventions. Students will produce final, error-free compositions that include the use of varied sentence length and structure, and that are strengthened by visuals and media. They will continue to read a wide range of literature, intermixing contemporary works among the classical, more ponderous novels. Students will be introduced to concepts and terms used in literary analysis. They will evaluate literature using Biblical standards and principles, and apply associated concepts in their analysis. Grammar skills will continue to be honed, with review and introduction of new concepts.
Math: Pre-Algebra
This is a transitional course moving students from arithmetic to algebra. Students will enhance their knowledge of topics such as the order of operations, integers, exponents, fractions, decimals, and factoring. Students will be introduced to the Distributive Property, solving for a variable, scale, area, ratios & proportions, probability, and percents. The concepts of linear equations and graphing will be introduced.
Course Prerequisite: Math Placement Exam
Math: Algebra I
In this course, the student will move into algebra, learning linear equations in one variable, algebraic numbers, graphs, formulas, positive and negative numbers, fundamental operations, special products and factoring, fractions, ratio, and proportion. Additionally, the students will be exposed to variation, linear systems of equations, powers and roots, exponents and radicals, and quadratic equations and numerical trigonometry.
Course Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
Social Studies / History: Eighth Grade History
In eighth grade the students will continue the study of American History beginning with President George Washington and the establishment of the new government. The course continues by exploring the people and cultures as the United States expands westward; the Civil War and Reconstruction; Industrialism, America and the World; Progressivism and World War I. Students will study the influence of Christianity on American history as well as the interaction of people, ideas, and culture in America.
Science: Eighth Grade Science (Earth Science)
Eighth year science students will receive an overview of earth science that is the study of Gods inorganic creations. The four main areas of study include: astronomy, meteorology, geology, and the hydrosphere. This class will include labs that will enforce the understanding of the concepts being taught. Students will also extend their understanding of the scientific method and the experimental design by conducting individual science experiments for the schools annual science fair.
Computer Applications
Students will learn the basics and intermediates skills needed to use Microsoft Office. They will learn to work with Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and have exposure to Access Databases. Students should have a working knowledge of the keyboard, mouse pad and basic computer skills. This course may be taken in 8th grade for high school credit if space allows.
Upper School (7-12) Elective Course Descriptions
(Download Upper School Elective Course Descriptions)
Art 1
This course introduces and reinforces a simplified artistic vocabulary and builds a greater understanding of how to compose a successful piece of art. Students will be exposed to a variety of media and techniques including drawing, painting, and 3-Dimensional art. Students are challenged to grow and develop their individual artistic ability. History is introduced through artists and art period studies relating to the art elements being taught. Through this class, students begin to discover their unique talents and interests and how to use them to glorify the Master Creator.
Art 2
Students will take basic art skills and grow them into advanced skills. The students start with pencil and move into more advanced mediums while building a portfolio. All work is original. Photography is often used to begin the creative process. This class explores different artists, their work, and how to build a concept from start to finish. Students continue to discover their unique talents and interests and how to use them to glorify the Master Creator. Instructor approval may be required.
Computer Explorers
This computer course introduces students to basic keyboarding and computer skills. During the first semester, students will concentrate on learning how to type correctly and become comfortable with the computer. In the second semester, they will continue their knowledge of basic keyboarding and discover how to apply this knowledge through exposure to various computer applications.
Computer Pathways
This class is for those students with basic typing skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of common computer applications including: word processing, spreadsheets, and power point. Students taking this class must be able to type accurately and consistently.
Creative Writing
This creative writing course focuses on a study of various forms and genres of prose and poetry apart from, though not excluding, expository and persuasive essays. Literary works will serve as models through analysis, application, and imitation. Composition exercises will reflect an understanding of studied forms and an application of creative techniques. A primary goal of this class is for the student to gain confidence and control as a fiction writer and practice applying stylistic techniques via short exercises.
Home Economics
This course is divided into separate themes for each semester. The first semester begins with the students learning about personal finances. They not only learn about writing checks and balancing a checkbook, they learn about making a personal budget and experiencing an employment-type position to earn wages. They move to the cooking portion of the class, where they learn about appliances, reading recipes, and hands-on cooking! The second semester concentrates on sewing with a machine and hand-stitching. They will create two sewing projects that are sure to be a hit! The semester culminates with a unit on childcare (from infancy through preschool age). They receive hands-on experience working with pre-school age children.
Introduction to Robotics
Using an interactive, hands-on approach, students will study, design, build and control a VEX robot, integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts. The course will introduce the engineering design process, applied physics, prototyping, and integrated problem solving, providing challenging teamwork and leadership opportunities. In cooperation with Carnegie Mellon University and requiring no previous programming experience, this course will also teach students how to program a VEX robot using ROBOTC, a C-based programming language. Course information will be tied to lab experiments; students will work in teams to build and test increasingly more complex mobile robots, culminating in an end-of-semester robotics contest.
Musical Expression
In this small ensemble, we will explore choral arrangements of various musical genres, both classic and contemporary. The students will receive foundational instruction in musical theories and principles, as well as vocal and instrumental coaching. The semester will culminate in a full-length performance preceded by various short samplings throughout the year.
SAT/ACT Prep Class
In this class, students will learn skills that will enable them to perform on the SAT or ACT College Entrance Test. They will be given efficient and effective procedures that will maximize their score on either exam. The instructor in the class will work on identifying each SAT prep class participants unique deficiencies and problem areas in order to be able to bring each participant up to the required level of SAT test-competency. This class is for students who would like to develop the conceptual understanding of the three different assessment areas and hone their reasoning skills in order to shoot for and achieve a desirable SAT or ACT score.
Strategy Games
Strategy Games allows the students to experience many different types of games that require more than just luck to win. For each game, the students will learn the rules and basic strategy to help them be more successful. We will play paper and pencil games, board games, and card games throughout the year.
Yearbook
Students in this class will be members of the yearbook production staff. The course is designed to expose the student to the skills of photography, journalism and page production, and to assist him/her in acquiring the responsible attitude necessary to meet the demands of a production schedule and a publication deadline. Students will work in teams to complete a 75-page yearbook ON TIME!
Study Hall
Each day during regular school hours, a study hall area will be open for students remaining on campus but not enrolled in a class. Students may register for any hour of study hall during this time frame, but may not register for more than two periods on the same day. Registration in a study hall is required for any students expecting to be on campus but not in class during school hours.
Eighth Grade Core Class Schedule
(Download 7th & 8th Grade Core Courses Schedule)
English 8
Algebra I
Study Hall
Earth Science
History 8
Study Hall
English 8
Algebra I
Study Hall
Earth Science
History 8
Study Hall
5th Period: 1:45-2:40 (Elective Class Schedule)
6th Period: 2:45-3:40 (Elective Class Schedule)
Elective Course Schedule
(Download Elective Course Schedule)
Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays unless otherwise noted.
Home Economics
Computer Pathways
Art
Musical Expression
Art 2 (FRI)
Strategy Games
Computer Explorers
Girls Sports
Boys Sports
Art 2 (FRI)
Art 2 is a 2-hour class that meets on Fridays.
Study Hall is available for all grades during fifth and sixth periods.