Grade 8 Curriculum

English
The comprehensive eighth-grade English course includes the study of literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary. Students begin with a short-story unit and progress to study literary selections such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird that parallel the American History curriculum. Vocabulary development derives from Wordly Wise, and students may progress to enrichment texts. Compositions center on the Autobiography and expository writing. Daily grammar and usage practice enhances students’ reading and writing skills.

Mathematics
Algebra I is a complete Algebra I course. Elements of the course include real numbers, solving equations and problems; understanding and factoring polynomials; and using algebraic fractions, functions, systems of equations, inequalities, radicals, and quadratic functions.

Algebra I-A is the first year of a two-year algebra program. The students will complete Algebra I at the end of ninth grade.

American History
The American History course is a survey of the history of the United States beginning with native people and focusing on the period until the beginning of the 20th century. U.S. geography and study skills receive emphasis along with the study of history.

Science
The Introductory Physical Science course focuses on the development of an atomic model based on information gained from class activities. Emphasis is placed on developing lab skills, maintaining useful records of experimental results, and follow-up discussions. The dozens of experiments, completed in a cooperative learning setting, encourage teamwork as the students grow from concrete to more abstract thinkers. The successful completion of this course facilitates the sometimes difficult transition to high school chemistry.

Spanish
This course is a continuation of seventh-grade Spanish I.  Students use the Amsco Spanish First Year grammar book and the Bienvenidos textbook. Classes are conducted in Spanish with the exception of grammar explanations. As well as more in-depth study of grammar, verb tenses, and vocabulary, this course involves more reading and writing in the language. Videotapes supplement the course to improve listening comprehension and to develop cultural awareness of Spanish-speaking countries.

Latin
Traveling to Roman Britain and Alexandria, Egypt, gives eighth-grade Latin students a look at life on the fringes of the Roman Empire. Stories set in these locations help students expand their grammar and vocabulary knowledge while providing a broader picture of the Roman world.

French
Foreign language in the junior high is in a transition phase.  Future enrollment will determine the availability of this course.

Curriculum-Related Activities

American Studies                      
Students study Colonial Williamsburg to supplement the American History curriculum in preparation for a 3-day trip to Williamsburg and Jamestown Festival Park. 
                                                                       
Autobiography            
Students write autobiographies after studying autobiographical writing.

Foreign Language                  
Students are responsible for bulletin boards, cook authentic dishes, and Spanish and French students participate in Language Day at Lenoir-Rhyne College every two years.
                                   
Science Projects                       
Students apply their science skills and concepts to a project involving independent study. Each student in the science fair has a home page on the Internet to display their research.

Study Skills                         
The Study Skills class uses research-based study strategies to help students with learning differences maximize their learning potential. These strategies are practiced and then applied to the regular curriculum.

 

Performing and Visual Arts Activities

Art                             
Students progressively learn to experiment with a variety of media in order to develop manipulative skills to express individual ideas, thoughts and feelings.  Eighth grade art projects include: one and two point perspective, expressive line designs and collage.

Drama/ Music                        
Eighth grade students and Carter Vocational High School students present a joint musical performance.  Students may also participate in the Junior High drama or musical production.

Photography             
In intermediate black-and-white photography the emphasis is on printing techniques.  Students explore and expand digital photography skills.

Pottery                      
Students learn to build pottery with an emphasis on size, form, function, and surface treatment.

 

Special Options and Activities

Computer     
Computer classes consist of strengthening word processing and document preparation skills; working with databases, spreadsheets and associated graphing; PowerPoint and developing internet search strategies.  Computer hardware, software, ethics and acceptable use policies are also covered.  Eighth graders take the North Carolina Computer Competency Test.

Cooking                    
Hands-on activities and special classes coordinate with academic courses.

Advisory Croups           
Advisory Groups discuss goal-setting, time management, and conflict resolution. Counselors work jointly with teachers, division heads and parents to foster each student’s positive emotional, social, moral and cognitive development, and general well being.  Counselors contribute to the team by providing guidance activities, individual and small group counseling, family counseling, student observation, and consultation.

 

Video Production           
Students have an opportunity to create, write, and shoot their own television productions.  Students learn how to write effective scripts, use professional camera equipment and produce a variety of shows which can be broadcast on Summit’s own in-house television station.  Discussions also include public speaking, broadcast journalism and the history of radio and television.