Eighth Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
Students polish their skills in reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. With an eye to the future, students find challenges that will help them demonstrate high school readiness within their own expressions verbally and written. Students read a variety of short stories, a novel, and a play offering ample opportunity to analyze and discuss plot development, characterization, and identification of theme. A Biblical worldview weaves throughout the curriculum and guides literary discussions and Scriptural applications in student writing. Through the composition and presentation of an expository speech, students practice using verbal communication to share God’s truth. During the year, students write a formal electronic research report.
Math
Through the use of assessment results, students are placed in one of three levels of math class: foundational math, grade level math, or honors math. Students in the foundational and grade level math classes gain an understanding of the language of algebra in verbal, tabular, graphical, and symbolic forms. Problem solving activities and applications teach students to model patterns and relationships with variables and functions. Students apply and relate algebraic concepts to geometry, statistics, data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics. Students connect mathematics to other topics through problems that are rich in algebraic content. Students in the honors math class take the second semester of high school Algebra, and if they are successful, are prepared to take Geometry as a freshman in high school.
Science
Students explore the nature of matter and the effects of chemical and physical interactions of matter. They understand how and why laws of nature impact the way things work. They also study the diversity of life and man’s impact on our environment.
History
Students study the history of the United States, from colonization through the Civil War. There will be an emphasis on the Colonial/Revolution period, the Constitution, and the Civil War. The students develop an understanding of and appreciation for our unique heritage and system of government. The culminating activity of this study is an eight-day trip to Washington, D.C. and New York.
Bible
Students participate in a Bible program that is meant to lead them into a deeper relationship with God by studying His Word and how it applies to our lives. Each student rotates through four different Bible classes, one per quarter, where they study Origins, exploring what God’s Word and His world teach us about creation, evolution, and intelligent design; learn about the Power Principles of the Bible in order to make a difference in their world today; find out about God’s story and how each person can know God’s purpose for their life; and build their relationship with God through faith in action: being a “doer”of the Word, not just a “hearer” as taught in the books of James and 1st and 2nd Peter.
Eighth Grade Electives
Advanced Art 1
A creative place for making art better than you ever thought possible! As you learn and become comfortable with the basics, you’ll start to create in a successful and inspired way. Use basic shapes and guidelines, pencil strokes, light and shade, perspective, color, proportions and work digitally using image-editing software.
Advanced Art 2
A class for the artist who has demonstrated competence in the above techniques of AA 1 and is ready to explore further mediums and techniques such as: mixed media collages, acrylic portraits, Photoshop collaging, and drawing using styles, methods, and processes that promise to take your creative skills to a new level. (Prerequisite: Advanced Art 1 or instructor’s recommendation)
Cross-Age Tutoring (Limited availability)
Students assist in a Preschool class for one period daily. They prepare materials and work with the students in classroom activities. Students complete an application and are interviewed by the Preschool Director for final selection. Graded for citizenship only on each quarter’s report card.
Spanish IB
This class covers in one year the second semester Spanish material typical of a high school Spanish 1 course. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1B at Friends Christian Middle School will be prepared to enter Spanish II in their freshman year of high school. (Spanish 1A required).
Student Publications: Yearbook
The year-long project of this class is the production of the Friends Christian School Yearbook. Students take part in all aspects of the creation, construction, and completion of the yearbook. (Staff approval required)
Web and Media Literacy
A hands-on class where students create websites, podcasts, post to blogs, tell stories digitally, direct and design commercials, movie trailers, radio advertisements, music videos and so much more! All projects are accomplished by looking at current media messages and evaluating how they impact our Christian worldview. Also, learn how to create original websites and games through computer programming. (8th grade only).
STEM Exploration
This course includes three STEM components. First, using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Prezi, and Google Drive, students create and design a business plan. Second, students explore computer programming through learning to read and write code for websites, games, and apps. Finally, students use the Legos Robotics kits to program a robot! (7th or 8th grade)
Lions News Online
Join Mr. Lewis in creating the Lions online newspaper. You’re the reporter. You write the breaking news. You write the opinion blog. You’re the camera and video person. Interviews, sports, entertainment, personal interest stories and website layout. Weekly projects/deadlines may sometimes require time after school to report on extra-curricular events. A proven history of quality work and meeting deadlines is required.
Study Hall
A supervised/structured study environment where students are expected to complete homework, work on projects/assignments or study for upcoming tests. Priority is given to students who struggle in the mainstream classroom. Graded for citizenship only on each quarter’s report card.
Teacher, Office, or Library Assistant
An opportunity for students to assist in the classroom, office, or library for one period a day. Students are placed in this course by school staff recommendation only. Graded for citizenship only on each quarter’s report card.