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Language Arts / Social Studies
Eighth Grade Language Arts focuses on the development of
reading, writing and thinking skills. Reading and writing workshops
offer eighth graders both choice and structure. The workshops provide
freedom to choose topics to write about and literature to read that
appeals to the individual, fostering a genuine interest in becoming
a literate adult. Teacher selected readings and assigned writings,
both expository and narrative, sharpen language skills. Special
attention to typical eighth grade writing problems will be addressed
using models and mini-lessons. In writing, goals include construction
of clear, organized, detailed pieces that should be error free by
the time the students complete publishable final drafts. Reading
will focus on ferreting out main ideas and supporting details while
analyzing patterns within the writing.
Eighth Grade Social Studies focuses on American History.
Students explore what it means to be a citizen of the United States
through inquiry and examination of concepts essential to the development
of this country. Among these are the principles of democracy, nationalism,
individualism and capitalism. In addition, students study how the
government of the United States functions.
Instructional Activities
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Whole group discussion |
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Collaborative learning |
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Literature circles |
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Peer conferences |
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Lecture |
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Field trips |
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Role-playing |
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Mini-lessons |
Language Arts Topics
The overall topic is an exploration and search
for self. Through their reading and writing, students explore the
following questions:
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Who are you? |
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Where are you from? |
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Where are you going? |
Literature
Throughout the year students participate
in literature circles. In small groups, students select books to
read and discuss by looking at passages, vocabulary, connections
and questions. As a class, students read The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer, The Education of Little Tree, October Sky, To Kill a Mockingbird
and various short stories.
Writing
Students write throughout the year
in writing workshops. Grammar is taught within context of writing
and through sentence combining exercises.
Eighth Grade Speeches
Each student will research and write
a speech on a topic of their choice. These eighth grade speeches
will be given to the Middle School during a special assembly period.
Social Studies Topics
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Democracy |
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Individualism |
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Optimism |
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Materialism |
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Pragmatism |
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Capitalism |
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Nationalism |
Algebra I
The Algebra I course is designed to enhance problem-solving skills
and to further develop mathematical reasoning. In addition, it will
provide a solid foundation for upper level mathematics courses.
Students will be asked to apply concepts and to analyze, interpret,
and create original problems.
A basic text combined with a variety of supplementary
materials will be utilized to afford maximum exposure to and practice
with the different concepts.
The course builds on the skills presented in
Pre-Algebra and extends them into higher levels of mathematical
sophistication.
Instructional Activities
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Direct instruction |
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Cooperative learning |
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Individual and group activities |
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Brainstorming sessions |
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Reinforcement through homework |
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Videos |
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Discussions |
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Use of technology |
Topics
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Expressions and equations (linear
and quadratic) |
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Operations with integers |
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Algebraic properties |
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Polynomials |
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Radicals |
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Exponents |
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Graphing and solving systems of
equations |
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Inequalities |
Augmented Algebra
The students use inquiry, data exploration, and technology
to study new and advanced algebra topics. The course emphasizes
problem solving, investigations, projects, writing, discussion and
cooperative learning. The activities encourage the students to make
sense of numbers, variables, expressions, equations, and algebraic
"laws" in contextual situations. The development of skills and reasoning
capability prepares students for the advance level courses they
will encounter in the Upper School.
Instructional Activities
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Investigations and discussions of
problems |
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Individual work on problem sets |
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Class discussion |
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Projects |
Topics
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Introduction to the calculator |
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Recursion, sequences and series |
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Methods of summarizing and representing
data |
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Linear regression |
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Rational and irrational expressions
and equations |
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Inequalities |
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Topics in Discrete Math |
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Probability |
Science
The curriculum is designed for students to investigate
the earth and life sciences and the relationship that exists between
them. The underlying theme of the course is "balance." What constitutes
a system in balance? What forces change the balance and how is a
new
equilibrium achieved? The approach to the student's investigation
of the principles of the natural environment (on this planet and
beyond)
is inquiry-based through a process of exploration, explanation and
extension. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop understanding
of scientific concepts; an appreciation of "how we know" what we
know in science; skills necessary to become independent inquirers
about
the natural world and the disposition to use the skills, abilities
and attitudes associated with science.
Instructional Activities
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Research activities – literature
and experimental |
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Discussion – group and whole
class |
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Cross-curricular integration |
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Individual, cooperative and collaborative
activities |
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Field trips and guest lecturers |
Topics
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Investigation of the theories on
the origin of the Universe |
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Introduction to the life cycle of
a star |
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Comparative analysis of the planets
in our Solar System |
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Meteorology |
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Hydrology and oceanography |
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Identification and classification
of mineral systems |
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Identification and classification
of rock systems |
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Plate tectonics |
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Identification and impact of viruses |
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Simple life forms: origin and development |
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Investigation into the six kingdoms
of living things |
French
At Lake Ridge Academy, the basic High
School French program covers three years of study: the elementary
level (years one and two) and the intermediate level (year three).
Middle School students can earn one High School credit in French
by the end of the Middle School by taking French 1 in the seventh
and eighth grades. The eighth grade
Quebec trip offers students opportunities to deepen their
understanding of French language and culture. They cover the
material of the first
half of Le Francais Vivant 1 in seventh grade and the material
of the second half of the text in eighth grade.
Eighth grade students are expected to master verbally
and in writing the vocabulary and grammar structures in lessons
9-16 of Le Francais Vivant 1. Extensive classroom interaction
will allow students to begin to express themselves in simple French.
Students will gain insight into contemporary French life, as well
as the cultural similarities and differences of the French-speaking
world.
Instructional Activities
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Students use French for communication
from the first day of instruction. Vocabulary is presented in
French with the use of visual cues and audiocassettes. Students
imitate what is heard through drills, then memorize dialogues. |
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Question-answer exercises are provided
based on the script. |
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Group and paired activities help
students to use and internalize the language. |
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Grammar structures are introduced
through aural-oral-written exercises. |
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Extensive interaction exercises
allow students to communicate with their classmates. |
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Cultural awareness of francophone
countries is stressed. |
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Homework reinforces the above through
memorization and workbook exercises. |
Topics
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Vocabulary of lessons 9-16 of Le
Francais Vivant 1. |
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Grammar structures: |
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Present tense of faire,
finir, vouloir, emmener, appeler, prétérer, espérer,
commencer, manger, boire, croire, voir, mettre, prendre, pouvoir,
devoir |
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Names of countries |
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Expressions of quantity |
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Partitive |
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Aller + infinitive |
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Irregular adjectives |
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Numbers from 39-999 |
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Possessive adjectives |
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Expressions with avoir |
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Pour + infinitive |
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Ordinal numbers |
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Demonstrative adjectives |
The primary goal of the Middle School computer
program is to involve students in the use of computers and related
technology in a manner, which hones students' learning across the
disciplines. In Eighth Grade applications and skills are used in connection
with other academic areas whenever possible. When it is appropriate
and timely, those students who have demonstrated an acceptable degree
of mastery are moved to programs that may work independently of the
class.
Instructional Activities
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Students will learn to work with the Lake Ridge
computer network. |
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Through lab experiences, students will learn
to share and use files from peripheral devices such as CD-ROM,
printer, flatbed scanner, and cameras. |
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Students will work cross platform. |
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Students will use varied technologies
in the context of a single focused project. |
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Students will create, edit, and
manipulate databases. |
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Students will create and manipulate
spreadsheets to track numerical data. |
Visual Art
Middle School Art is a studio/hands on approach to visual-arts learning.
Discrete design elements are connected to student's personal experiences
to teach aesthetic perceptions, historical/cultural developments,
and visual art knowledge/skills. When appropriate and possible, classroom
work is integrated (in various degrees) into other classes to foster
more intense personal connection to students learning.
Art is used in English, Social Studies and Science
as an integral part of that experience. Art skills, concepts and
media are frequently connected to students' studies in a variety
of disciplines.
Engaging an active enthusiastic learner means
involving students into the curriculum process. The use of choice
and cooperative work can make this happen.
Instructional Activities
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Studio experiences in drawing |
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painting |
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graphics |
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sculpture |
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crafts |
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Pedagogy includes lecture, group
discussion, reading, first-hand observation, and personal expressions. |
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Group exhibits and appropriate classroom
uses are encouraged. |
Topics
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Paleolithic, Neolithic, early cultures, western,
and nonwestern cultures and selected artists reflect major historical
and heritage influences. |
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Themes vary according to the needs and skill
level of the class. |
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When appropriate and possible connections
and collaborative efforts with other disciplines are used to
reinforce and compliment themes and threads that carry through
the grade level. |
General Music
At the middle school level, the approach to music is a balance
of general music unit studies, and performance-based activities
that
drive the curriculum. During this vocally-transitional adolescent
period, emphasis is placed on the unique qualities of each individual's
voice, and how it can best be used, while grade level units offer
a wide range of areas to be explored.
Instructional Activities
The student will:
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Sing songs from various places and in various
styles |
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Listen to and analyze songs from various places
and in various styles |
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Do vocal and physical exercises |
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Sing in two and three-part harmony |
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Perform as a choir at Winter Concert |
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Connect the music with the history
of the times |
Topics
Units covered are:
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Music History |
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Music Theory |
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Multicultural Music |
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Singing and Choral Technique |
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Music in today's society |
Instrumental Music
Eighth Grade Orchestra is a mixed ensemble
of fifth-year advanced players of all instruments. It is
primarily
a string orchestra. The emphasis is on playing chamber and orchestra
literature from many areas of music – classical, holiday,
contemporary, bluegrass, show, jazz, Medieval and Renaissance.
The music chosen
is generally challenging. Practice at home is required. Private
lessons are a plus.
Instructional Activities
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Sight-reading activities, technique exercises,
scales, arpeggios, rhythmic studies, etudes. |
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Playing solo, small ensemble and orchestral literature.
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Listening to recordings and concerts. |
Topics
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Working with keys with multiple sharps and flats,
with modulation. |
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Music with simple, compound and mixed meters.
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Music in minor, major and modal
keys. |
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Music with syncopation and complex
rhythm patterns. |
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Review of scales and arpeggios through
four sharps and four flats. |
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Music with advanced bowing skills,
upper position work and improvisation. |
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Some creative arranging. |
Drama
The instructional goals for the middle school drama program include
a student understanding of the role of the arts in people's lives,
communication through the arts, responding to the arts, and ultimately
valuing the arts. Middle School students work in the classrooms
and the performing areas of the school to include the stage and
the Bettcher Convocation Center and the Black Box Theatre in the
new Fine Arts Center.
Eighth graders achieve these instructional goals through
the following performance objectives:
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Scenes and Monologues |
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Musical Scenes |
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Improvisation for the Theatre |
Physical Education
Physical Education offers a balance between
academic, physical and personal growth. We provide a non-threatening
physical environment, which is both challenging and fun. Our aim
is to develop within our students, the self-control to perform in
a disciplined manner and a willingness to cooperate with each other.
A variety of individual and group activities are offered throughout
the course of the school year, which develop sport skills and knowledge.
With emphasis on lifetime health and fitness, the P.E. program addresses
topics related to the discussions in Health class, so that integration
can help the students get a better understanding of their importance.
Instructional Activities
In grades 7 & 8 emphasis is put on team
sports participation. We utilize a variety of teaching techniques
to help obtain our objectives. Use of small-sided games allows for
more play/practice opportunities, as well as creating appropriate
challenges for all learners. Individual and cooperative games through
small group work can achieve higher performance and improve social
relationships. Providing students with many opportunities to successfully
practice skills and demonstrate concepts, enhances game play and
sport knowledge. A variety of recreational activities are interspersed
throughout the year.
Topics
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Extra-curricular sports:
soccer, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and track and
field. Please read about Athletic
Participation in the Athletics section. |
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Additional sport activities: softball,
tennis, conditioning (personal fitness evaluations), and recreational
activities. |
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January 5, 2007
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