Language Arts - English (8th Grade)

All English classes include the study of a variety of texts: novels, poetry, short stories, drama, and nonfiction, which includes speeches, biographies, autobiographies and editorials.  Integrating reading, speaking, listening, writing, and viewing skills encourages critical thinking and effective communication. Students also study grammar, spelling and vocabulary according to a grade level scope and sequence.

The specific data points that middle school principals will consider for placement into eighth grade reading and English courses are as follows: teacher recommendation, historical and current PSSA performance in reading and writing, and seventh grade reading and English report cards. Principals may also consider additional data points that maybe available for individual students.

English 8 Accelerated Honors  

This course is recommended for avid readers, advanced writers, critical thinkers and those who have a passion for Language Arts. This class teaches students to analyze, explain and evaluate elements of literature and write at an accelerated pace. 

English 8 Honors  

This class teaches students to analyze, explain, and evaluate elements of literature and writing at a challenging pace.

English 8 Grade Level  

This class teaches students to explain, evaluate, and analyze elements of literature and writing at a continuous pace.

Language Arts - Reading (8th Grade)

Reading and Writing for Life 8 Grade Level

This course is an elective designed for students who wish to explore reading and writing. Students will refine reading skills while through studies of various fiction and nonfiction texts to develop as lifelong readers. This course may be taken instead of a language. 

Reading Plus 8 - Phonics

This course takes the place of another content area course.
Based on multiple data points, students will be enrolled in this class as an intervention to support the decoding and reading of words using the Just Words program and focusing on phonetical skills.

Reading Plus 8 - Comprehension

This course takes the place of another content area course.
Based on multiple data points, students will be enrolled in this class as an intervention to support comprehension of text. Students will immerse into research based strategies to support student understanding of the elements of texts from a multitude of genres.  

The specific data points that middle school principals will consider for placement into eighth grade mathematics courses are as follows: teacher recommendation, historical and current state performance in math, and seventh grade math grades. Principals may also consider additional data points that may be available for individual students.

Geometry 8 Accelerated Honors 

Geometry content includes a rigorous study of reasoning and proof, perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles, properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, transformations, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, area, surface area, and volume.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1.

Algebra 1 - Grade 8 Honors 

Algebra 1 requires abstract thinking for the study of higher-order problem solving. The content includes algebraic properties, linear equations and functions, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents, exponential functions, quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and factoring, rational equations and functions, radicals, measurement and data and probability. Students enrolled in Algebra 1 will take the Keystone exam at the end of their course.  A score of proficient or higher on the Algebra Keystone Exam is a high school graduation requirement.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of  Mathematics 7.

Pre-Algebra 8   

Pre-Algebra requires a focus on abstract thinking as an introduction to algebraic concepts. The content includes exponents, scientific notation, linear equations and systems of equations, functions, Pythagorean theorem, geometric transformations, congruence & similarity, and statistics & probability.

Math Plus 8 Intervention

This course replaces a 2 day Unified Arts class
Math Plus is designed to provide intense, formal math intervention. Students who are recommended to participate will be selected based on need as determined by multiple data. Math Plus is in addition to a student’s core math class..

The eighth grade science curriculum emphasizes and assesses the core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts of the Pennsylvania STEELS standards. Using a phenomenon-based approach to learning, students explore the principles of earth & space science while also investigating some physical science, life science, and environmental science concepts and skills. Primary core ideas include the universe and its stars, Earth’s history, materials, and systems, the role of water, weather and climate, natural resources and hazards, and human impacts on Earth’s systems. The course includes multidimensional laboratory activities, design thinking, and literacy strategies. Students have a variety of opportunities to explore ideas, develop scientific skills, and make connections to other disciplines and fields of study. Science 8 is offered at both grade level and honors levels.

U.S. History (1787-1914)

Eighth grade American History studies the Constitutional Era (1787) up to the Progressive Period (1914). Students will study the geography, economics, history and governmental structures that existed in American society during this time period. This course is offered at both the Grade Level and Honors Level. 

If students opt to take a World Language, the course will replace reading instruction.

Level 1 Languages

In all World Language Classes, students develop the skills of listening, understanding, speaking, reading, and writing at a beginner’s level. The course includes vocabulary building, development of basic structural patterns, listening comprehension exercises, instructional games, role-playing, and exploration of culture. Listening and speaking skills are combined with written work for evaluation.
Students have the option to take: French 1, German 1, Italian 1, Latin 1, Spanish 1

Level 2 Languages

In both French 2 and Spanish 2, students continue their study of listening, understanding, speaking, reading, and writing, and explore certain aspects of the country’s culture. The course includes vocabulary building through dialogues, readings and role playing, extension of grammatical structures, and cultural materials. Oral skills are emphasized and evaluated. 
French 2 - Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1.
Spanish 2 - Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1.

Unified Arts courses allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of areas, such as Computer Science, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Technology Education.  In 8th Grade, students will continue to have two periods of Unified Arts instruction, following the 6 day cycle.

Required Courses
All 8th grade students are required to take both Health & Physical Education in their 8th grade year.  Both meet 2 days out of the 6 day cycle for the entire year.

Performing Music Elective
Students who select to participate in a performing ensemble (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) will have that class for the full year (2 days out of the cycle).

Students who DO NOT enroll in a performing ensemble will be enrolled in the following courses for 2 days, for a marking period each:

• Design for the Real World
• Digital Media Creator
• Internet and Web Design
• Teen Impact

Additionally, all 8th grade students will have the opportunity to select between a variety of electives in the Humanities and the STEM fields.  Students will take two Humanities courses and two STEM courses throughout the year.  See course descriptions below of each.

Health Education Program is designed to motivate and encourage active student  participation in developing life skills for optimal emotional, mental, physical, and social health. The curriculum is aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety & Physical Education and is delivered in a variety of teaching styles to optimize and accommodate student learning. A main goal of the program is for students to apply the knowledge gained to make healthy lifestyle decisions.  

Physical Education Program provides cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning opportunities aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety & Physical Education in order to gain a better appreciation, working knowledge and understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Students engage in a variety of activities including team sports, cooperative games, personal fitness, lifetime pursuits, team building and indoor rock climbing. Classes are differentiated to meet all levels of ability and students are encouraged to optimize their participation by being prepared with a required uniform.

Middle school students may register for ONE performing ensemble class (Band, Chorus, Orchestra)

Band

Students who play band instruments are provided the opportunity to perform many styles of literature from classical to contemporary. The development of technical skills, musical knowledge and self discipline, as well as learning to work together as a unified organization, are important elements of the band program. 
Prerequisites: (1) essential technical skills on a band instrument as prescribed in the district band curriculum; and (2) approval by the band director.

Chorus

Each grade level practices and performs varied selections of choral literature while working toward developing tone, intonation, diction, blend, balance, and breathing techniques. Furthermore, students will continue to improve their music literacy, ear-training/audiation skills, and sight-reading abilities. Chorus is designed for students who have a high level of interest in singing and improving their vocal skills. 

String Orchestra

Students who play string instruments are given the opportunity to perform many styles of string ensemble/orchestral literature,  from baroque to jazz. Students develop their technique and their knowledge of scales and rhythms as well as their sensitivity to style and character of the music. As a community of people, members of the string orchestra learn to work together with self discipline toward a common goal: excellence in performance.  
Prerequisites: essential technical skills on a violin, viola, cello or double bass middle school string directors.

Students who do not enroll in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra will complete all of the following courses. 

Design for the Real World

Students engage in hands-on activities from various areas of technology, including materials, manufacturing, and design.

Digital Media Creator

In this class, students will explore multiple ways of creating and sharing dynamic, engaging interactive content with an emphasis on the use of video as a means of communication.  The process of digital media design will include the planning, creating and editing of the project while utilizing various hardware and software tools to enhance a digital product.

Internet and Web Design

Students will explore tools that enhance the interactive nature of the internet.  Students will design and build a website while also focusing on the interface and layout of a website and its various functions.  Studies will also include how a network operates as well as a continued focus on digital citizenship.  Student projects will highlight their selections in writing and visual components to communicate with an audience.

Teen Impact

In this course, students will explore authentic, project-based, and service-oriented learning opportunities.  Students will actively engage in critical thinking and problem solving processes based on real world needs and concerns. Citizenship, communication, character building, and resource management will provide the foundation for learning opportunities and skill development.    

Art in Two Dimensions

Students explore the creative and imaginative world of two-dimensional design using a variety of materials for personal expression. This elective builds on students’ prior art knowledge and develops new techniques using computer applications and other media. Emphasis is on individual skill development. The vocabulary and critiquing techniques demonstrated by students are used to evaluate their work.

Art in Three Dimensions

Students explore a variety of media to both create and learn about three-dimensional art. Architecture, sculpture and other dimensional forms have height, width and depth. Students use design considerations in the art production process. Varied materials such as clay, textiles, plaster, cardboard, wood and found objects are used to develop three-dimensional projects.

Family, Food, Finance

This course is designed to explore family, nutrition, and community through real life situations.  With an emphasis on practical reasoning and problem solving, students will engage in activities related to the development and needs of children, budget-conscious meal planning and preparation, as well as nutritional requirements throughout life.

Guitar

This is an introductory class intended for students of all musical backgrounds. Objectives include exploring the fundamentals of guitar performance, learning to identify and read various forms of guitar notation, playing individually as well as in groups, understanding the musical concepts of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form and to develop a deeper appreciation for all styles of music.

Popular Music

It provides an overview of the musical roots and trends which have influenced today’s popular music styles. Critical listening and group activities help students explore many popular music styles, including hip hop, rap, jazz, blues, reggae, musical theatre, punk, funk, heavy metal, and much more. The use of technology in music is also a topic of study. Students achieve a greater understanding of stylistic influences that make up popular music of yesterday and today.

Culture, Cuisine, Connections

A comprehensive foods course with a focus on the factors that affect dietary choices including multi-cultural cuisine, food trends, food science, and individual health & wellness. Within a cooperative learning environment students will engage in a variety of interactive activities, including meal planning, food preparation, and recipe evaluation.

Innovative Coding

In this course, students will utilize coding to build and design games, animations, and other digital media. Students will be utilizing a variety of coding languages to create their games and digital media. During this process, students will be able to tailor their digital designs to reflect their own unique and personal interests.

Junior Entrepreneur

Students will engage in an experience similar to Shark Tank© where they will design and promote a product. This includes creating a brand name, interactive website, social media account and video commercial to highlight their product.  The course will conclude with a presentation of their product where students will have the chance to promote their product and entice investors.

Structural Design & Civil Engineering

This course is an interdisciplinary technology & engineering course that focuses on structural design and planning, civil engineering, and the influences on our community and the connection to issues related to development. Through various projects, laboratory activities, field studies, and research, students will explore how communities, both local and global, are designed, developed, and maintained. Students will investigate current issues and topics in engineering and related career fields.
The practical, hands-on component of this course is essential. Students will have the opportunity to investigate many issues, design projects, research relevant career fields, develop sustainable buildings and structures, and explore policies and ethical considerations of building and maintaining public spaces.

Transportation Engineering and Design

This is a hands-on course that emphasizes innovation and engineering skills using the engineering design process. Students enrolled in this course are engaged in researching, designing and creating working models of various transportation devices. Students explore the physics of propulsion and aerodynamics. The connections between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), are used throughout the course.