Grade 8 Curriculum










Language Arts (English)

Short Story Unit

  • Understand how literary elements work in stories and why authors choose them

Novel Unit

  • Understand and analyze dialect, shifting narrative perspectives, historical context, symbolism, Gothic elements
  • Chart the development of a theme and character through a complicated novel with emphasis on close literary analysis
  • Reflect on the beginning of the book in light of the ending; revisit major themes – how does our understanding change?

Persuasive Essay Unit

  • Write essay statements that are clear, concise and will guide the essay
  • Use a format to organize the essay

Public Speaking and Debate

  • Understand the characteristics of engaging public speaking
  • Formulate arguments and rebuttals; understand both sides of an issue

Shakespearean Play

  • Use the textual notes to help understand the dialogue
  • Read out loud with character voices
  • Translate into modern English

Essay Unit

  • Read for comprehension of ideas, not literary elements
  • Recognize various types of essays

Poetry Unit

  • Analyze a poem using knowledge of the elements of poetry
  • Examine various types of poetry

Mathematics

The eighth grade mathematics program is a comprehensive first course in Algebra with connections to real-world applications. This year, there are three algebra groupings, Concrete, Concrete/Abstract and Abstract (Honors).  Topics in italics will be taught in Concrete/Abstract and Abstract levels only.

  • Solve linear and quadratic equations, and systems  of equations and inequalities. Solve real-world problem involving rates of change and work.
  • Graph linear and quadratic equations as well as linear inequalities.  Use the graphs to estimate solutions and to reason about the behavior of physical systems.
  • Use linear algebra to solve problems involving rates of change, such as velocity.
  • Use algebra to solve word problems.
  • Use the properties of exponents, and apply these properties to solve problems of compound interest, and exponential growth and decay.
  • Add, subtract and multiply polynomials.
  • Use a calculator to graph, solve, and find critical points of linear and quadratic equations, systems of equations and inequalities, and polynomials.
  • Apply probabilities to problems involving area and random systems.
  • Study basic concepts of geometry using Geometer’s Sketchpad software.
  • Solve “Problems of the Week” to build skills in solving problems and writing about mathematics.

In addition, Abstract (Honors) students will study polynomials and quadratics, projectile motion, and rational expressions. A formal study of probability, and of modeling of exponential growth and decay will be included as enrichment units.

Visit the 8th Grade Math Website

Tanakh

The Book of Jonah

  • Understand concepts: Repentance changes one’s behavior, everyone is responsible for his/her behavior, justice/mercy are ways to deal with the world

T’hilim (Psalms) – selected chapters:

  • Recognize that T’hilim is a collection of 150 psalms, many attributed to King David; many are part of the Jewish worship services; there are different types of psalms

Mishlei (Proverbs) – selected chapters:

  • Understand the book belongs to the Wisdom Literature of the Bible; it contains short statements that teach a value or give advice about how to live

Introduction to Bible

  • Understand concepts such as canonization
  • Learn about masorah work, literary patterns
  • Understand p’shat and d’rash

The Scroll of Esther – emphasis on chapters 1-4

  • Recognize religion and secularism in the book
  • Explore social attributes such as moral choices, courage, response to authority

Creation Stories (Genesis) chapters 1-2

  • Understand: Creation is a continuous process; concepts of tohu vavohu, tselem elokim, midat haRahambin and midat hadim; commentaries and their methods of interpretation of the text

Hebrew

  • Read and discuss Hebrew poetry
  • Write autobiographies in Hebrew
  • Read and report on full length books
  • Prepare for Israel study tour
  • Participate in Hebrew production of a Broadway musical
  • Read the newspaper

Torah She'b'al Peh (Oral Torah)

  • Study texts on Bein Adam L’Havero (interpersonal relationships) which examine value conflicts in Jewish law and Jewish life
  • Understand the impact of Jewish history on the development of Jewish law
  • Study Jewish texts that expand students’ understanding of concepts studied in “Facing History” social studies curriculum
  • Become familiar with rabbinic texts and commentaries in Rabbinics Lab
  • Identify where a book is located in Rabbinics Lab
  • Outline and analyze a Rabbinic text
  • Locate Biblical sources for the text
  • Connect history and text
  • Draw out main issue of a text
  • Discern how a certain ruling (enactment) promotes a certain value

Tefillot (Prayers)

Twenty-five minute teaching sessions follow the daily recitation of Tefillot on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Eighth graders have four rotations: Parashat Hashavua, meaning of prayers and halakhah, Jewish attitude and behavior, and “Ask the Rabbi,” dealing with selected topics in Judaism.

In addition, there is a special unit, “Our Israel,” that runs from January through March, in anticipation of the Israel tour. The unit involves the study of Israeli music, art, history (Zionism), and government with a special focus on Jerusalem.

On Mondays and Thursdays there is a whole group service that includes Torah reading.

Science

(Students take either course)

Introduction to Physical Science (IPS)

  • Volume and mass: understand why mass is preferable to volume in measuring matter; use and calibrate equal and unequal arm balances, electronic balance
  • Characteristic properties: understand freezing point, boiling point, density
  • Solubility: understand that solubility is a characteristic property of both the solute and the solvent; understand that solubility changes with temperature
  • Compounds and elements: understand basic differences between compounds and mixtures; differentiate complete and incomplete reactions

“Fender Bender” Science

incorporates new technologies

  • Life Science: understand the structure and function of plant and animal cells; learn basic Mendelian genetics and use Punnett squares to predict; build a model of DNA, spool DNA, and do DNA fingerprinting to understand how it works; use Power Point to prepare a research project on genetic disorders
  • Physical Science & Technology: build a mousetrap vehicle; measure the distance it travels; choose one variable to change and compare distances; build and use programmable robots; use the design process to program robots to perform tasks to solve a problem

Social Studies

Themes: Modern World History

Industrial Revolution

  • Compare industrialization in America to Great Britain
  • Identify advantages and disadvantages of Industrialization
  • Compare the Industrial Revolution to the Technological Revolution
  • Examine the environmental impact of industrialization

Cultural Revolution

  • Understand how industrialization changed society in the late 1800s: transportation, communication, employment, economics, arts and entertainment, politics (reform)
  • Understand the key components of different economic and political systems including capitalism, socialism, communism
  • Explore important contributions made by individuals in the mid to late 1800’s — e.g. Frederick Law Olmsted, Karl Marx, Charles Dickens

Causes of World War I

  • Understand how industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, and militarism contributed to WWI

World War II and the Holocaust

  • Understand the worldwide factors that led to WWII
  • Facing History and Ourselves curriculum: examine stereotyping, scapegoating, anti-Semitism, tolerance, finding a voice, and making a difference
  • Locate and interview a Holocaust survivor; write a summary of his/her experience; research one aspect of the survivor’s life and complete a formal 3-5 page research project

Fine Arts

Music

  • Study elements of musical theatre in conjunction with class production of Broadway musical, including vocal expression, acting, choreography
  • Explore Israeli music for socio-political contexts; prepare an anthology for a shiron to be brought to Israel
  • Study the history of Shoah repertoire
  • Prepare for musical components of Shoah program and graduation
  • Explore musical concepts through learning basic guitar/keyboard skills

Art

Three-year cycle for grades 6, 7, 8:

  • Year 1: Linoleum block prints with Judaic theme
  • Year 2: Oil sticks on canvas with Hebrew and English quotes
  • Year 3: Silk painting on the theme of the 12 tribes, Hebrew zodiac

Throughout the program, students examine works by known artists.

Physical Education

Three-year cycle for grades 6, 7, 8:

  • History, rules/regulations, and skills work for flag football, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, floor and roller hockey, ultimate Frisbee; demonstrate skills necessary to play a regulation type game
  • Cardiovascular and resistance training: weight lifting, exercises for specific muscle groups; yoga-weight training, mile run, aerobic training; maintain workout logs – track heart rate

Social Competency

Schechter’s emphasis on Jewish values promotes derekh eretz, behavior that is respectful and considerate of others. The social competency program includes lessons to take place in havurah. The focus in grade 8 is on ethical conflicts. Topics include conflict resolution, peer pressure (cheating, smoking, drinking, sex), body image – nutrition, ethical quandaries, friendship – inclusion/exclusion, race and ethnicity – being a minority in a secular world, etiquette and manners, and sexual mores – resisting pressure.

Language Elective

Spanish

Elective Spanish course includes the study of Hispanic language and culture. Teaching tools include text, fine art, cooking, computer exercises, music, games, and video.

Eighth grade topics include family, celebrations, foods, currency, leisure activities. Grammar concepts include past tense, direct/indirect object, pronouns, possessive/demonstrative adjectives.

Independent Language Arts (ILA)

In the second year of a two-year course, students continue to work on organizational and academic skills. Skills and concepts from English Language Arts are practiced and reinforced.

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