Academic Expectations:
ELA:
English Language Arts offers students the opportunity to learn and demonstrate 8th grade writing, language, speaking and listening standards from the Wisconsin State Standards through a workshop model. Students will practice the skills necessary to become a critical thinker, collaborator, and communicator in the 21st century. Through focused and rigorous units of study, students will delve into various reading and writing genres such as argument, critical literacy, and investigative journalism to name a few. Each assignment/assessment ultimately develops real-world writing and reading skills as well as the social skills required to become successful in everyday life.
Math:
Students follow a rigorous math program as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. Students will be engaged in active learning, differentiated instruction, and cooperative and problem-based learning. In-depth instruction will be provided to enable students to develop and master content. Students will have the expectation of proficiency with the following topics: algebra-solving multi-step problems from situations and equations; linear equations-translating between tables, graphs, situations, and equations and describing and interpreting patterns from data; and geometry-Pythagorean Theorem, volume, and transformations.
Reading:
Students gain a lot of information about the world from reading. Reading and writing is the basis for their success; it allows them the ability to access information and ideas from various sources. We will be focusing on workshop strategies that will guide students to make sense of what they read – there is a difference between reading a book and truly understanding the author's message. Additionally, students will collaborate with others to analyze and discuss the ideas within more challenging reading selections. Interacting with the text, both inside and outside of the classroom, is critical. Students will be required to read various novels both in class and at home. Lastly, the use of reflective writing will support the children as they transition from a proficient reader to expert.
Science:
Students engage in the process of science through a hands-on approach that allows them to be scientists and engineers. Students use both the scientific method and the engineering design process to integrate content knowledge and critical thinking as they answer questions, solve problems, and create models. Reading and study skills are also incorporated into the units of study, which include: Matter and Motion, Earth and the Solar System, Earth’s Changing Climate, From Molecules to Organisms, Inheriting Traits, Human Genetics, Changing Environments and Transforming Energy.
Social Studies:
United States History 8 starts post-American Revolution through Reconstruction. During these units, students will examine how American social, political, economic, and cultural values have evolved over time. Reading, writing, and research skills are also incorporated into the units of study which include: American Government, US Constitution, Political Developments in the Early Republic, Foreign Affairs in the Young Nation, A Growing Sense of Nationhood, Andrew Jackson and the Growth of American Democracy, Expanding the United States Westward, Manifest Destiny and the Growing Nation, Life in the West, Americans in the Mid-1800s, Reform Era, The Worlds of the North and South, African Americans in the mid-1800s, A Dividing Nation, Civil War, Reconstruction. This class will also incorporate current events to help students be informed about current topics relative to The United States and the world and to make connections to historical themes discussed in the classroom. Students will participate in the National History Day project.
World Languages: Spanish
Spanish 8 is articulated with Nicolet High School's second semester of Spanish 1. By 8th grade, students have a foundation of interpretive skills, which are reviewed in depth throughout September.
In 8th grade, students focus on producing comprehensible speech and writing that communicate about their opinions and communities. 8th graders practice skills like: making plans, discussing near future and recent past, ordering a meal at a Spanish-speaking restaurant, interacting with workers in a shop/market, describing their ideal home, and planning a party.
Key skills include: interpreting and communicating thorugh means of authentic readings, listening, speaking, and writing.
8th grade Spanish will concentrate on preparing students for the high school World Language Program. Upon successful completion of the year, students will be prepared to enter Spanish 2 or Spanish 2 Honors in high school.
World Languages: French
French 8 is articulated with Nicolet High School's second semester of French 1. By 8th grade, students have a foundation of interpretive skills, which are reviewed in depth throughout September.
In 8th grade, students focus on producing comprehensible speech and writing that communicate about their opinions and communities. 8th graders practice skills like: making plans, discussing near future and recent past, ordering at a French-speaking restaurant, and interacting with workers in a shop/market.
Key skills include: interpreting and communicating through means of authentic readings, listening, speaking, and writing.
Students will recognize and appreciate cultural perspectives of diverse French-speaking communities. Upon successful completion of 8th grade French, students will be prepared for Level 2 French.
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