8th Grade Curriculum
Humanities - English
Westing Game
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Hiding Place
Poetry Selections
Short Story Selections
The 8th grade English course is centered around novels that require students to think critically and to apply relevant themes from the text to real life. This course is heavily focused on writing skills and using proper grammar in their writing. Students are introduced to writing formally using the MLA format and practice using academic language in their writings.
Humanities - History
History Alive! - United States & Texas History
8th Grade History picks up where 7th ended, beginning with the End of the Civil War (Reconstruction), and continuing to Present Day History (U.S & Tx). Discussion, lecture, reading comprehension, and analysis are key teaching strategies to help students gain an understanding and appreciation of God’s sovereignty in the formation of the foundation, government, principles, laws, and expansion of the United States of America.
Latin
Kraken Latin
Latin 8 continues to build a strong foundation in grammar using the first book of Kraken Latin. Students will memorize four verb conjugations, three declensions, adjectives, prepositions, and over 200 vocabulary words. During this year, students will translate sentences from English to Latin and from Latin to English.
Mathematics
McDougal Little Algebra 1 or Prentice Hall PreAlgebra
Algebra I is the foundation upon which all other RS mathematics classes are built. Upon completion of this course, students will have the skills they need to be successful in these courses and to become excellent problem solvers. The curriculum will include but not be limited to the study of integers, solving one and two step equations, graphing and solving linear and parabolic equations, exponential rules, absolute value, polynomial factoring, Pythagorean theorem, radicals, relations, functions, and quadratic equations.
Science - IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry)
IPC introduces physics and chemistry concepts in the classroom. It is a basic and broad overview of vocabulary, integration of mathematical formulas, and application of science concepts. Math computation is an integral part of this class along with hands-on and virtual laboratory investigations. Units include: force, motion, electricity, energy, magnetism, composition of matter, chemical reactions, and the Periodic Table of Elements.
Bible
Lightbearers; A Biblical Worldview Curriculum
This course is designed to help students clearly understand the different tenets of a Biblical worldview, and how they compare to the tenets of the leading humanistic worldviews. Students will learn how to apply their Christian faith to every area of life: theology, philosophy, ethics, biology, sociology, psychology, law, politics, economics, and history.
Physical Education
NASPE
Physical Activity is critical to the development and maintenance of good health. The goal of physical education is to develop physically educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.