Eighth Grade Curriculum

Grammar

Continued focus on agreement between pronouns and antecedents, number, and gender with application to all content areas.

Spelling and Vocabulary

Wordly Wise.

Reading

Emphasis on classical literature and poetry; understanding of character development and assessing key themes.

Writing

Focus on writing variety of essays.

Latin

Cambridge Latin, Unit 3.

Logic

Logic is the art of reasoning well. Using the book, Introductory Logic by James Nance, students are trained in the crucial skills of defining terms, recognizing basic types of statements, arguing with syllogisms, arguing in ordinary language, and identifying informal fallacies.

Math

Key text is Discovering Algebra I with hands-on, interactive classes and incorporation of graphing calculators to gather, understand, and interpret data. Mathematical computer programs such as Geometer’s Sketchpad and Fathom are utilized to further visual and kinesthetic understanding of mathematical concepts.

Science

Prentice Hall Physics is key text with emphasis on lab-based, hands-on, experiential learning.

History and Geography

Focus is United States history, from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War era.

Bible

Study of New Testament.

Music

Emphasis on the history of music in the United States.

Physical Education

Focused training in skills, rules, and strategy of key sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and badminton).