Eighth Grade Curriculum

Posted on October 4 2012 by Faith Lutheran School

Religion – Bible (ESV), Luther’s Small Catechism

  1. Confirmation for students who are members of Faith Lutheran Church taught by Pastor
  2. Doctrine/Bible study for non-member students taught by religiously trained instructor
  3. Contemporary issues and application of God’s Word to our daily lives taught by Lutheran teachers
  4. Memorization of key Bible passages and parts of Luther’s Small Catechism

English – Elements of Language – Holt/Rinehart/Winston – Lost Tools of Writing

  1. Basis of English grammar, mechanics and usage
  2. Creative writing taught in conjunction with English/Literature
  3. Practice writing skills in persuasive, narrative, descriptive, and expository essays
  4. Research skills and report writing major part of curriculum

Literature – Selected Novels

  1. In depth study of at least seven selected novels      
  2. Study of poetry
  3. Students present a Shakespearean theatre production each year
  4. Recognizing characteristics of various literary genre
  5. Literary elements and devices
  6. Comprehension and analysis of text
  7. Research reports are a major part of the curriculum

Physical Science – Christian Schools International

  1. Goal is to uplift God as the Creator and sustainer of the universe
  2. Enhance understanding of the creation
  3. Prepare students for high school Chemistry/Physics
  4. Emphasizing scientific inquiry and activities
  5. Students encouraged to hypothesize, make observations, and analyze data   
  6. Science lab activities and computer based labs
  7. Computer based labs, dissection activities
  8. Participation in Science Fair
  9. Field trips related to topics of study

Math – Saxon – Course 3

  1. Pre-Algebra course
  2. Real number properties and operations
  3. Geometry, measurement, trigonometric ratios
  4. Data analysis and probability
  5. Algebraic thinking, equation-solving, applications, graphing, functions 

Math – Algebra I – Jacobs

  1. Students who meet the criterion for advancement to Algebra may take this course for high school credit.                                                      

U.S. History – Glencoe/McGraw Hill

  1. American History, beginning with the exploration and settlement of the American continent
  2. Development of democracy in colonialAmerica
  3. Expansion of theUnited Statesto be a world power
  4. Students given the opportunity to enhance this study with a trip toWashington,D.C.at the end of the school year.      

Foreign Languages

Latin I – Cambridge University Press

Spanish I – Powerspeak Internet Course

  1. Eighth grade students choose between Latin I or Spanish I
  2. These are high school level courses
  3. Based on mastery in these courses students may receive high school credit with teacher recommendation

Computer

  1. Touch Typing
  2. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  3. Use of the Internet for research

Fine Arts Electives (Choose 1-2 electives)

  1. Intermediate Band
  2. Strings
  3. Choir
  4. Handbell Choir

Physical Education

  1. Development of life fitness skills:   exercise, power walking, running, tennis, bowling, swimming, golf, etc.
  2. Sports skills, rules, and games:  volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, bowling
  3. Track and field events in preparation for field days
  4. Fitness testing in the fall and spring

Enrichment

  1. Choir/Band Concert
  2. Christmas program/Fall musical
  3. Field Trip
  4. Scholar Bowl Competition
  5. Shakespearean Theatre production
  6. Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Math Contest
  7. Sports teams:  football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, golf
  8. Student Council
  9. Texas History Tour/Outdoor Education trip