8th Grade Course Descriptions

Core/Required Classes

 

Career Pathways

Career Pathways is a one-semester class that provides students an opportunity to explore careers of interest, and develop skills in preparation for college and a career. Careers introduces students to the world of work. It gives students the opportunity to explore the various career areas that exist and introduce them to the realities involved with the workplace. This course will also help students understand the importance of the financial world, including planning and managing money wisely. Areas of study taught through application in personal finance include sources of income, budgeting, banking, consumer credit, credit laws and rights, personal bankruptcy, insurance, spending, taxes, investment strategies, savings accounts, mutual funds and the stock market, buying a vehicle, and living independently. Based on the hands-on skills and knowledge applied in this course, students will develop financial goals, and create realistic and measurable objectives to be MONEY SMART! Financial Literacy places great emphasis on problem solving, reasoning, representing, connecting, and communicating financial data.

 

Introduction to Speech

In this semester class, the goal is to help students understand the basics of communication, develop their speaking and listening skills, and provide valuable speech opportunities and experiences. Topics and goals covered in this class are as follows:

• Understanding Communication
• Listening and Evaluating
• Gathering Information and Preparing a Speech
• Presenting a Speech
• Different Types of Speeches

 

8th Grade English

This course is designed to prepare students for high school English.  This class is taught in the style of a high school English class, and students will find 8th grade English more demanding than their previous English classes and should be prepared for rigorous studies of grammar, composition, literature and analysis. The 8th grade English class will include the following: 

• Writing - sentence and paragraph structure, elements of an essay
• Literature - short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and novels/Accelerated Reader.  Students must get 15 points per nine weeks.  Accelerated Reader counts as one test grade each nine weeks.
• Research- research skills, summary paraphrase, works cited. Students will research a topic, write a research paper, and present it to the class.

 

8th Grade Honors English

This course is designed to prepare students for 9th Grade Pre-Advanced Placement English. The class is taught on a high school level and is the best preparation for the rigors of advanced high school English classes. Lessons are more demanding, and students are expected to devote more time and energy to this class than they would to on-level English classes. The 8th grade honors English class coursework will include: 

• Writing - sentence and paragraph structure, elements of an essay
• Literature - short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and novels. Students will be assigned independent book projects each nine weeks in addition to daily classwork. IF A STUDENT DOES NOT ENJOY READING, THEY SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.
• Analysis - various types of in-class discussion methods. Each student is expected to bring something to the table - questions or comments.
• Research - research skills, summary paraphrase, works cited. Students will research a topic, write a research paper, and present it to the class.

 

8th Grade U.S. History

This course focuses on the history of the United States beginning with a review of America before European discovery and concluding with the Civil War and reconstruction. A review of units on discovery, exploration, colonization, revolution, and independence is followed by a more detailed explanation of the founding of our nation, principles of the United States Constitution, western expansion, social reform movements, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. Skills for thinking, inquiry, and participation in a democratic society are included. Appropriate activities are selected that will enable each student to have a successful school experience.

 

8th Grade U.S. Honors History

This course focuses on the history of the United States beginning with a review of America before European discovery and concluding with the Civil War and reconstruction. A review of units on discovery, exploration, colonization, revolution, and independence is followed by a more detailed explanation of the founding of our nation, principles of the United States Constitution, western expansion, social reform movements, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. Skills for thinking, inquiry, and participation in a democratic society are included.  Throughout the eighth grade program, students are challenged to expand their learning skills with enrichment materials and research activities outside the classroom such as: interviewing a veteran and other projects. Appropriate activities are selected that will enable each student to have a successful school experience.

 

8th Grade Pre-Algebra

All 8th grade students not enrolled in Algebra I will take Pre-algebra in the 8th grade. In Pre-algebra, emphasis is placed on Algebra standards. Students will study functions, both linear and nonlinear and represent them with tables, verbal descriptions, symbols, and graphs. Students will solve problems involving linear functions and interpret results in original context. Algebraic properties will be used to write equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions and to evaluate expressions. Representing, solving, and graphing solutions to real-world and mathematical problems using linear equations and inequalities and interpreting solutions are included course work. Students will read, write, compare, classify and represent real numbers and use them to solve problems in various contexts. Geometry standards include Pythagorean Theorem with applications and calculating surface area and volume of rectangular prisms and cylinders. Students will display and interpret data in a variety of ways, including using scatterplots and approximate lines of best fit and use line of best fit and average rate of change to make predictions and draw conclusions about data. Students will also calculate experimental probabilities and reason about probabilities to solve real-world and mathematical problems. It is highly recommended that students purchase a TI-30XS Multiview Scientific calculator. Becoming familiar with using a calculator is a major part of this class. Students will be allowed to use a scientific calculator during state testing.

 

8th Grade Algebra (Honors)

8th grade Algebra I is a rigorous class in which all state Algebra I standards are covered as well as time spent reviewing Pre-Algebra standards prior to state testing in the Spring. Algebra I standards require much more use of written and verbal literacy with higher thinking skills. All students are encouraged to have previously completed a Pre-Algebra course. Your child will be receiving high school credit for this course. The semester grades for this course will become a part of the student’s high school transcript and will be used when calculating GPA’s. This is important to remember. GPA’s are used to determine class rank, valedictorian and salutatorian status, and scholarship requirements.  However, the credit earned for this course does not count toward the total number of required math courses for graduation.  In this course students will extend number and operations to include square roots and cube roots and rational exponents. Students will represent and solve problems using linear equations, absolute value equations, and systems of equations and interpret solutions in the original context. Students will also represent and solve linear inequalities, compound inequalities and systems of linear inequalities and interpret solutions in the original context. Students will generate equivalent algebraic expression and use properties to evaluate expressions, arithmetic and geometric sequences. Analyzing mathematical change involving linear situations and understanding functions as descriptions of covariation, families of functions characterized by their rate of change, and representation of functions in multiple forms are course standards. Students will display, describe and compare data. For linear relationships, predictions and assessing the reliability of those predictions will be explored. Calculating and applying probability concepts are also included in the Algebra I course. We will be exploring some topics on graphing calculators, such as the TI-84. Students will be allowed to use scientific calculators during their state 8th grade math test (not graphing calculators). An online calculator will be provided. However, if a student would like to have a handheld calculator, the TI-30XS Multiview is highly recommended.

 

8th Grade Science

This 8th grade science course is separated into three major topics. These topics are life science, physical science, and earth science. The main goal of this course is to develop an understanding of modern science and technology through experimentation and inquiry. Students will participate in research papers, labs, and projects that will develop the following skills:  writing, math, inquiry, time management, cooperation, and presentation skills.

 

8th Grade Honors Science

This Honors 8th grade science course is separated into three major topics. These topics are life science, physical science, and earth science. The main goal of this course is to develop an understanding of modern science and technology through experimentation and inquiry. Students will participate in research papers, labs, and projects that will develop the following skills:  writing, math, inquiry, time management, cooperation, and presentation skills. Students in Honors Science will be expected to think critically to solve problems. They will use these critical thinking skills when solving word problems related to density, force, motion, metrics conversions, and balancing chemical equations. Higher level writing skills will also be expected of the students. A science fair project and participating in Hilldale’s Science Fair are required components of this course.  Students will also be required to compete in the Muskogee Regional Science Fair and the State Science Fair if they qualify.

 

Electives

 

Art

Art is a class designed to allow students to experiment with a variety of two- and three-dimensional art forms, art history, and art criticism. Students will experience a variety of different mediums including but not limited to drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and clay. Students will learn new vocabulary along with how to write and talk about their artwork. Students will learn what it really means to be an artist along with exploring the variety of different jobs available within the art field.

 

Athletics

The purpose of the Hilldale Athletic program is to teach the participant to accept success and adversity (i.e. winning and losing). The program instills in the individual the desire to do his/her best at all times, to display good sportsmanship under any circumstance, to develop a mature attitude, and to develop a spirit of cooperation. The goal of the program is to be competitive in every sport, strive for excellence, stress academics, and enable each student to be the best athlete and team player possible.

 

Band

This class is for 7th and 8th grade students that have beginning experience in band. All performances are required (at least two per year).

 

Chorus

Chorus is an introduction to chorus techniques with emphasis on vocal skills, music reading, and performance. Chorus will be available for any student interested in choir in grades 6th through 8th. Students do not have to audition to be in this choir. There are 2 concerts (winter and spring). Some outside of school practice and performance required. Attendance at all rehearsals/concerts is mandatory.

 

Computers I

During this course, students will learn how to type by touch and use Microsoft Office. The class focuses on Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel.

 

Computers II

Students will complete practice sets using word processing, spreadsheets, databases, power point, desktop publishing, QBASIC programming, web page design using HTML and Microsoft Word, basic photo editing, and Internet research.

 

Current Events

This class available to 7th and 8th grade students to broaden their knowledge of the events taking place locally and around the world.

 

Drama

From the history, to designing, to acting on stage, students will get a well rounded education over the art of theatre. Students are not required to be in the musical to be in the class; however, we will work as a team to help create props for the musical. Topics covered in this class include history of theatre, theatre etiquette, types of theatre, roles of theatre, and basics of acting.

 

Family and Consumer Science

Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) is an elective class for students enrolled in seventh or eighth grade. This two-semester course is designed to provide students with basic information and skills needed to function effectively within the family and within a changing, complex society. Emphasis is given to the development of competencies related to: family and individual health, nutrition and food selection, meal planning, food preparation and service, career skills, relationships, wardrobe planning and selection, garment care and construction, basic sewing skills, money management, and consumer education. Upon completion of this course, the student should have developed basic life skills that promote a positive influence on the quality of life. 

 

Health

This course provides an introduction to basic personal health and wellness. Emphasis is on current health issues such as nutrition, mental health, and fitness.

 

Physical Education

Students learn motor skills, personal and social development, and healthy enhancing activities. They also learn responsible health and safety behavior. Students enrolled in athletics may not enroll in this class.

 

Title I Reading

Title I Reading is designed to assist students who need extra help in Reading. This class focuses on individual reading skills in an effort to prepare students for the state reading test in April. Instruction is based on individual weaknesses, but includes phonics, spelling, grammar, literary analysis, and fluency.

 

English Learners

This class is offered to those students who have been identified as speaking another language in their homes. The focus of this class is to prepare students for the annual WIDA exam that is given every February to test for English language fluency. The focus of this class is on English speaking, writing, listening, and reading.