8th
Grade Curriculum Map AUGUST
READING - Literature
UNIT Poetry
CONTENT
Read the following: "A Poison Tree”,” A Red, Red Rose.", "We Real Cool", "Paul Revere's Ride",
"Barbara Allan", "Casey at the Bat", "The Highwayman", "How Do I Love Thee", "Shall I Compare Thee",
"Ozymandias", “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night", "Buffalo Bill's Defunct", "Chicago", selections
from Red Dragonfly on My Shoulder.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Understand: the elements of poetry: stanza, verse, iamb, foot, meter, rhyme, rhythm, ballad, blank
verse, couplet, limerick, chinquapins, concrete etc.
Assess each poem for imagery and poetic devices and language
ASSESSMENT -
Discussion, mid-quiz, write and present several poems, and written short answer test
SPELLING – Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin/Greek roots bio, aqua, gen, spec, and mater.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 1: Writing a Memoir
CONTENT
1) Focus on using Ideas as one of the six traits of writing.
2) a narrative essay focusing on ideas and telling personal story.
3) basic mechanics
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) students will learn how to use Ideas trait in writing.
2) students will understand stylistic devices and descriptive details in narrative texts audiences and
purpose.
3) students will learn communication skills and how to organize writing for required to develop and
deliver oral presentation
4) students will understand convention rules and classifying sentences.
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT chapters 1 – 4
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, & standard grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- study articles “a & an”
- work with synonyms, antonyms, & homonyms 3)edit paragraphs 4)will identify 4 kinds of sentences:
declarative, interrogative, imperative, & exclamatory
- identify the 5 parts of a sentence
- learn definitions of four types of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative, & persuasive
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 1 Numbers and Operations, Measurement
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Number line
- Absolute value.
- Comparing and ordering integers.
- Word problems with rates and averages.
- Unit conversions.
- Perimeter and area for complex figures.
- Rational and irrational numbers.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Physics: Motion
CONTENT
Velocity, speed, calculating average speed.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Identify and calculate the direction and magnitude of forces that act on an object, and explain the results
in the object’s change of motion.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, motion labs, mid-quiz, written multiple choice/ short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT Canada
CONTENT
The government, economic policies, natural resources, and geography of Canada.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Identify the ten provinces and two territories, major rivers, geographic regions (Canadian Shield,
Rocky Mtns., etc.) and major cities.
Understand NAFTA and U.S. - Canadian relations as well as the separatist movement in Quebec.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, short essay, mid-quiz, map test, and written multiple
choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: Technology Basic Operations and Concepts
Benchmark:
Keyboard at 25 wpm w/ 90% accuracy.
Objective: Students will use Keyboarding Strategies.
Content: Type to Learn
Assessment: Games, Quizzes and End of Unit Assessments
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Year Two: Year Three: Respect & Responsibility
8th
Grade Curriculum Map SEPTEMBER
READING - Literature
UNIT Autobiography
CONTENT
Selections from: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Maya Angelou), Dust Tracks on the Road (Zora
Hurston), Hunger of Memory (Richard Rodriguez), An American Life: The Autobiography (Ronald
Reagan)
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Continue to identify elements of fiction and literary devices in written work as well as the difference
between biography and autobiography. Analyze stories written in different time periods and from various
cultural perspectives (ties in with civil rights).
ASSESSMENT - Reading mini- quizzes, discussion, epitaphs, and written short answer tests.
Comparison Essay
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin/Greek roots cogn, loc, nat, ped, and sign.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 1 Writing a memoir cont.
CONTENT
1) structure of a narrative essay, reading other narrative pieces of writing.
2) peer edit narrative essays.
3) basic mechanics and convention rules as they apply to writing and grammar.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) students will learn how to use Ideas in writing from clusters/webs.
2) students will understand stylistic devices and descriptive details in narrative texts and how to organize
writing for audiences and purpose.
3) students will learn communication skills required to develop and deliver oral presentation convention
rules and classifying sentences.
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 2: “Review Nouns & Verbs”
UNIT 3: “Prepositions
UNIT 4: “Pronouns”
UNIT 5: “Possessives”
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication n
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication n
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, & standard grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- students will identify nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles, subjects & predicates
- students will correct capitalization and punctuation errors in sentences & paragraphs
- students will identify & cap. Proper adjectives.
- identify whether paragraphs are written in first, or third person
- students will write practice and improved sentences
- will identify prepositions & object of prepositions
- will be able to identify subject & object pronouns
- will be able to edit for subject-verb agreement
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing informal assessments including: journals, note
taking, peer editing, and weekly grammar formal assessments
MATH
UNIT 2 Numbers and Operations, Geometry
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Converting between percents, decimals, and fractions.
- Exponents and roots.
- Rounding and estimating numbers.
- Angle relationships.
- Classifying polygons.
- Solving one and two step equations.
- Order of operations.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Physics: Forces
CONTENT
The concept of a force and that unbalance forces cause changes in motion.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Identify and calculate the direction and magnitude of forces that act on an object, and explain the
results in the object’s change of motion.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, motion and forces labs, mid-quiz, written multiple choice/ short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT Mexico
CONTENT
The government, economic policies, natural resources, and geography of Mexico
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Identify major geographic regions and major cities. Know valuable exports, NAFTA and relations with
U.S., population growth problems, and Latin- American Debt Crisis.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, comparison chart, short essay, mid- quiz, map test, and written
multiple choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: Social, Ethical and Human Issues in Technology
Benchmark:
Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when
using technology in the classroom.
Use common network courtesies (e.g. logging in using own name and password,
respecting other students' works).
Read and follow school guidelines on misuse of technology.
Observe copyright laws and responsibilities (e.g. cite sources, obtain permission to use
others' work to refrain from plagiarism).
Explore uses of technology in workplace and society (e.g. advantages and
disadvantages of relying on technology).
Make informed choices regarding technology resources.
Objective: Students will use technology to promote curiosity and learning with ethical
awareness.
Content: Internet Safety Manual, Cyberbullying
Assessment: Formal, Informal and Quizzes
Standard: Technology Communication and Collaboration
Benchmark:
Access account, retrieve, compose, send and reply to messages using class accounts.
Access account, retrieve, compose, send and reply to messages using individual
accounts.
Manage email messages (e.g. deleting, saving and organizing).
Use advanced email features (e.g. edit, forward, CC, BCC, multiple recipients,
attachments).
Participate in an online classroom (e.g. Edmodo, Schoology).
Participate in an online discussion board.
Objective: Students will use email and Schoology classrooms.
Content: Email through CSCA and Schoology participant signup
Assessment: Project-Based
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Year Two: Year Three: Respect & Responsibility
8th
Grade Curriculum Map OCTOBER
READING - Literature
UNIT Short Stories
CONTENT
Read the following: “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov, “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane, “God Sees the
Truth” “Master and Man” by Leo Tolstoy, “An Honest Thief” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “Why I Live at the
P.O” by Eudora Welty, “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, “Master and Man”
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Become familiar with the elements of fiction and literary terms and devices (such as plot, setting, theme,
tone, diction, simile, metaphor, oxymoron, hyperbole, characterization, foreshadowing, narration etc.)
through reading a variety of short stories.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, reading mini- quizzes, short essay, story cubes, written short answer test.
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Prefixes/Suffixes ary, ery, ment, mony, and ory.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 2 Debates
CONTENT
1) introduce Organization through outlining as one of the six traits of writing.
2) write about controversial topics and publically debate topics.
3) basic mechanics and convention writing and grammar.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) students will learn communication skills and interviewing techniques required to gather information and to
develop and deliver oral presentations
2) students will understand how context and word choice influence the meaning of text.
3) students will understand how stylistic devices and organization influence text.
4) students will understand how ideas and details in persuasive texts are organized for a variety of audiences
5) students will learn common fallacies and errors in reasoning
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 6: “Helping Verbs”
UNIT 7: “Conjunctions & Interjections”
UNIT 8: “Sentences & fragments”
UNIT 9: “Complex Sentences”
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, & standard grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- will identify helping verbs and adverbs
- use the possessive apostrophe correctly 3)will identify conjunctions & interjections
- will be able to identify compound sentence parts
- will identify and correct fragments
- will identify and write complex, compound, and simple sentences
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills and skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 3 & 4 Numbers and Operations
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Distributive property with algebraic terms.
- Operations with fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals.
- Transformations on a coordinate plane.
- Laws of exponents and negative exponents.
- Writing ratios and solving proportions.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Density & Buoyancy Work
CONTENT
Buoyant force, density and calculating density. The definition and calculations of work.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Identify and calculate the direction and magnitude of forces that act on an object, and explain the
results in the object’s change of motion.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, short answer, labs, mid-quiz, written multiple choice/short answer tests.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT The Decline of European Colonialism The Breakup of the British Empire
CONTENT
The history of the government, economic policies, natural resources, culture and geography of India
and South Asia.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Know about the fight for indepen-dence from Britain in countries like Ireland and India: Easter
Rebellion and Sepoy Rebellion. Understand subsistence agriculture, Hindus and Moslems, caste
system. Identify major geographical regions and features as well as countries and major cities in the
region.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, collage, mid-quiz, map test, and written multiple
choice / short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: Technology Basic Operations and Concepts
Benchmark:
Keyboard at 25 wpm w/ 90% accuracy.
Objective: Students will use Keyboarding Strategies.
Content: Type to Learn
Assessment: Games, Quizzes and End of Unit Assessments
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Diligence Year Two: Self-Control and Self Discipline Year Three: Perseverance
8th
Grade Curriculum Map NOVEMBER
READING - Literature
UNIT Fiction / Novels
CONTENT
The Good Earth Pearl S. Buck
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Continue to identify elements of fiction and literary devices in written work. Learn about another culture
and understand the author’s motive in writing. (Ties in with SS unit on Chinese Revolution.)
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, reading mini- quizzes, theme poster, short essay, play charades,
and written short answer test.
.
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin/Greek roots act, mem, tact, cycl, and graph.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 3 Debates (continued)
CONTENT
1) steps to learning to write paragraphs, reports, and essays
2) creating an argument based on opinion and fact.
3) basic mechanics and convention
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) Students learn communication skills and interview techniques required to gather information and to
deliver oral presentations
2) Students understand how context and word choice influence meaning of text.
3) Students understand how stylistic devices and organization influence text.
4) Students understand how ideas and details in persuasive texts are organized for variety of audiences
5) Students learn common fallacies and errors in reasoning.
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 10: “Direct Objects”
UNIT 11: “Sent. Structure & paragraphs”
UNIT 12: “Transition words”
UNIT 13: “Indirect Objects”
CONTENT
- Students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, & standard grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- will identify direct object & transitive verbs
- will be able to identify fact, opinion, and common propaganda techniques
- will write a persuasive essay
- will identify and write complex, compound, and simple sentences
- will identify indirect objects
- will be able to correct long sentences in a paragraph
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 4 & 5 Numbers and Operations, Geometry
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers.
- Compound probability and sample space.
- Circumference and area of a circle.
- Volume and surface area of a geometric prism.
- Area and angle relationships of a parallelogram.
- Multiplying, dividing, adding and subtracting algebraic terms.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Energy Power
CONTENT
Types of energy and measuring power.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
There are different forms of energy, and those forms of energy can be changed from one form to another-
but total energy is conserved.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, short answer, lab, power plant field trip discussion and written questions, mid-
quiz, written multiple choice/ short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT The Decline of European Colonialism The Creation of the People’s Republic of China
CONTENT
China under European rule until the rebellions and communists take over. Major physical and political
features of China and Southeast Asia.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Understand life under European rule, and how that changed when communists took over.
Know about Mao Zedong, Sun Yat Sen, Chaing Kai- Shek, as well as culture, agricultural products,
and oil reserves. Identify major cities, rivers, and physical features (Tibetan Plateau, Gobi Desert).
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, propaganda poster, hold a press conference, mid-quiz, map test,
and written multiple choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: Technology Productivity Tools
Benchmark:
Apply advanced editing techniques (e.g. insert: picture,
header, footer, text box, watermark, border, color).
Apply formatting techniques (e.g. tabs, margins,
orientation, fonts, styles, spacing, hyperlink).
Objective: Students will use word processing tools.
Content: Word based lessons
Assessment: Formal, Informal, Project-Based and Quizzes
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Gratitude Year Two: Wonder Year Three: Stewardship
8th
Grade Curriculum Map DECEMBER
READING - Literature
UNIT Non- fiction
CONTENT
Common Sense Thomas Paine
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Identify elements of nonfiction and literary devices. Understand how tone and diction can influence
the strength of arguments. (Coincides with SS unit on the formation of the US Government.)
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, reading mid- quiz, debate, written short answer test.
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin/Greek roots fac, rupt, ast, geo, and morph.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 3 Expressive compositions and descriptive essays
CONTENT
1) steps to creative writing
2) structure of narrative essays
3) using word choice as one of the six traits of writing
4) basic mechanics convention rules as they apply to writing and grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) students will learn how context, grammar, and word choice influence the understanding of literary texts.
2) students will learn stylistic devices and descriptive details in literary and narrative texts and how to
organize writing for audience, purpose, and quality. Understand convention rules and classifying sentences.
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 14: “Punctuation of Quotations”
UNIT 15: “Writing Letters”
UNIT 16: “Predicate nouns & verbs”
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, & standard grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- will write conversation from dictation
- will identify and correct errors in sentences and paragraphs with quotations
- will identify and label the 5 parts of a friendly letter
- will identify and label the parts of an envelope
- will write thank-you notes for a given situation
- will identify and write a persuasive business letter
- will identify how to find fiction & non- fiction books
- will label author, subject, and title catalog cards
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 5 & 6 Algebraic Methods
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Slope of a line.
- Slope-intercept equation of a line.
- Creating a function table.
- Graphing a line.
- Writing an equation of a line from a graph.
- Vertical and horizontal lines and equations.
- Direct variation.
- Graphing and analyzing a proportional function.
- Non linear functions.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test. Also take a mid- year exam
covering lessons 1-62
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Electricity
CONTENT
Electricity, charges, static and flowing electricity, and circuits.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
There are different forms of energy, and those forms of energy can be changed from one form to
another-but total energy is conserved.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, circuit diagramming, circuitry labs, mid-quiz, written multiple \
choice/short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT Civics: The Constitution—Principles and Structure of American Democracy
CONTENT
How the U.S. Constitution came about, what is in it, the Bill of Rights, and the roles of each branch
of our government. East coast states and capitals (including original colonies).
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Understand the Founders’ view of human nature and natural rights, the concept of popular sovereignty
and the system of checks and balances.
Know particular amendments that protect our rights.
Understand that the Judicial Branch interprets laws, Executive Branch carries out laws, and the
Legislative Branch makes laws.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, draft and go through the process to have a bill become a law, debate on the Bill
of Rights, mid-quiz, and written multiple choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
o Standard: Technology Basic Operations and Concepts
Benchmark:
Keyboard at 25 wpm w/ 90% accuracy.
Objective: Students will use Keyboarding Strategies.
Content: Type to Learn
Assessment: Games, Quizzes and End of Unit Assessments
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Generosity Year Two: Charity Year Three: Service
8th
Grade Curriculum Map JANUARY
READING - Literature
UNIT Fiction/ Novels
CONTENT
Animal Farm George Orwell
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Understand socialism through this allegory.
Identify how the use of literary devices and the elements of fiction can create interest and can show the
author’s motivations and intentions. (Coincides with unit on Cold War)
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, diorama, newspaper article, short essays, skits, and written short answer test.
Summary Essay
SPELLING – Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin Greek roots brev, cap, ord, san, and phil.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 4 Multi paragraph argument essays
CONTENT
1) writing based on a research question
2) documenting sources
3) learn how to use voice (formal/informal) as one of the six traits of writing
4) basic mechanics and convention rules as they apply to writing and grammar.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) students will learn how to answer a research question logically by obtaining and analyzing information
from a variety of sources
2) students will create a works cited page
3) students will understand convention rules and classifying sentences
4) students will use formal voice in research writing
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 19: “Predicate Adjectives”
UNIT 20: “Indefinite pronouns”
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication n
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication n
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, & standard grammar
- use parts of speech in sentence diagraming
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- will identify and use the steps for researching a topic and writing a report
- will narrow the topic and make an outline guide
- Will use pronouns correctly
- will research a topic , narrow the topic, make an outline guide, select sources, make bibliography cards,
take notes, and organize note cards
- identify pronouns and their antecedents
- identify demonstrative pronouns, adjectives, interrogative pronouns & adjectives
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 6 & 7 Algebra, Numbers and Operations,
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Operations with numbers in scientific notation
- Comparing numbers in scientific notation.
- Estimating irrational numbers on a number line.
- Identifying a function from a graph, equation, and table.
- Systems of linear equations.
- Graphing intercepts of a line. Simplifying algebraic expressions.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Electricity and Magnetism
CONTENT
Earth’s magnetism and the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Recognize that waves such as electromagnetic, sound, seismic, and water have common characteristics
and unique properties.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, navigation lab, mid-quiz, written multiple choice/ short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT I: The Cold War: Origins of the Cold War
II: The Cold War: The Korean War
CONTENT
I: Post- WWII - devastation in Europe and the Marshall Plan. Western fear of Soviet expansion and
the Truman Doctrine. Geography of Russia, Northern Asia, and Eastern Europe.
II: Major figures, battles, and events in the Korean War.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
I: Know what happened at the Bretton Woods Conference, United Nations origins, the Berlin airlift, and
our reaction to Soviet control and Eastern Europeans’ resistance. Be able to identify major countries in
Northern Asia and Eastern Europe.
II: Know the back-and- forth nature of the war, the Inchon Landing, removal of MacArthur, how warfare
changed, and the truce at the 38th
parallel. Identify major countries in Northern Asia, and Eastern Europe.
ASSESSMENT - I: Discussion, map activities, propaganda poster, mid- quiz, map test, and written
multiple choice/short answer test.
II: Discussion, map activities, propaganda poster, mid- quiz, map test, and written multiple
choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: Technology Productivity Tools
Benchmark:
Develop a graphic organizer (e.g. inspiration, storyboard) for multimedia production.
Insert clip art from a variety of sources (e.g. CD, internet, camera, scanner).
Edit and manipulate graphics (e.g. move, resize, cropping, rotating, changing file size).
Objective: Students will use publisher processing tools.
Content: Publisher based lessons
Assessment: Formal, Informal, Project-Based and Quizzes
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Courage Year Two: Courage Year Three: Courage
8th
Grade Curriculum Map FEBRUARY
READING - Literature
UNIT Essays and Speeches
CONTENT
"Letter from a Birmingham Jail" (Martin Luther King, Jr.) "Death of a Pig"(E.B.White) "I Have a
Dream" (MLK) “The Marginal World" (Rachel Carson) "Ask not what your country can do for you,"
(JFK)
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Identify literary devices while determining the author’s purpose. Understand types of essays or
speeches and various characteristics of each (i.e.: voice, audience, introduction, body, conclusion, etc.).
Understand the various perspectives during the 1960s. (Coincides with Black History and Civil Rights
Movement)
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, reading mid- quiz, write and present a speech, and written short answer test.
Essay and Speech Analysis
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin roots log, max, pel, strict, and nov.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 5 Continue writing paragraph argument essays/ Writing Editorials
CONTENT
1) writing based on a research question
2) documenting sources
3) learn how to use voice (formal/informal) as one of the six traits of writing
4) basic mechanics and convention rules as they apply to sentences
5) MLA parenthetical citations and works cited
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) how to answer question by analyzing information a variety of sources
2) document sources using works cited
3) understand convention and classifying sentences
4) use formal voice in research writing
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 21: “Pronoun Review”
UNIT 22: “Object Compliments”
UNIT 23: “Appositives”
UNIT 24: “Regular/ irregular verbs
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, and standard grammar
- use parts of speech in sentence diagraming SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- will identify and categorize demonstrative, indefinite, and interrogative pronouns 2)will write
contractions correctly
- will use the research steps for researching a chosen topic and writing a report
- will identify and use appositives
- will identify regular & irregular verbs
- will conjugate specified verbs in third person
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 8 & 9 Algebra, Measurement, Geometry
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Percent change of dimensions.
- Solving word problems using the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Angle relationships with a transversal.
- Similar and congruent triangles.
- Volume of a cone and right pyramid.
- Volume and surface area of a sphere.
- Transformations on a coordinate plane
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT 6 Sound Waves and Science Fair
CONTENT
Introduction to the basic properties of waves. Sound waves: properties and uses.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Recognize that waves such as electromagnetic, sound, seismic, and water have common characteristics
and unique properties.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, sound wave lab, mid-quiz, written multiple choice/ short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT I: The Cold War: America in the Cold War
II: The Civil Rights Movement
CONTENT
I: U.S. culture and foreign policy in the 1950s and 1960s. U.S. states and capitals.
II: U.S. segregation court cases, violent and nonviolent protestation, President Johnson’s actions.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
I: Understand McCarthy- ism and spy cases, how Eisenhower and Hoover affected both domestic and
foreign affairs, covert operations, the Space Race and Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin and Neil Armstrong, and the
development of suburbia and TV. Identify U.S. states and capitals as well as world geography.
II: Be familiar wi th Plessy vs Ferguson, Brown vs Board of Education, Jackie Robinson, MLK, Robert
Kennedy, Malcolm X, Freedom Riders, Sit- ins, etc. Identify U.S. states and capitals as well as world
geography.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, create a TV program, mid-quiz, map test, and written multiple
choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: State Testing Preparation
Objective: Students will take state practice tests to familiarize
themselves with the available technology.
Content: CMAS and PARCC websites
Assessment: Informal
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Loyalty Year Two: Love of Country Year Three: Honesty and Justice
8th
Grade Curriculum Map MARCH
READING - Literature
UNIT Fiction/ Novels
CONTENT
To Kill a Mocking-bird Harper Lee
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Continue to identify elements of fiction and literary devices in written work. Learn about society during
the Great Depression and how blacks were mistreated. (Ties in with Black History and Civil Rights.)
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, reading mini- quizzes, narrative poem, role play (skit), and written short
answer test. Literature Circle ; Web quest; Mock Trial
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin roots mand, min, neg, orig, and trib.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 6 Research Paper
CONTENT
1) research using primary sources
2) MLA parenthetical citations and works cited
3) Appropriate research as one of the traits of organization
4) Basic mechanics convention as they apply to writing and grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) Communication skills required to gather
2) Document sources using works cited
3) Understand conventions and word choice and how information exists
4) Understand convention rules and classifying
5) Create an individual research project with information from different sources, which is organized,
documented, and presented with logical procedures
6) Use formal voice in research writing
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 25: “Verb Tenses”
UNIT 26: “Adjectives/ Adverbs”
UNIT 27: “Adjectives/ Adverb phrases”
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication n
- will understand how to apply conventions of grammar to writing & speech
- apply standard grammar & usage to effective written communication n
- apply the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, & standard grammar
- use parts of speech in sentence diagraming
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- will identify and change present tense verbs to past tense verbs
- will identify the voice of the verb as active or passive
- will identify and label adjective and adverb phrases
- will identify prepositional adjective & adverb phrases
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 9 & 10 Algebra, Measurement, Geometry
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Scale drawing word problems.
- Effect of scaling on perimeter, area and volume.
- Creating and analyzing scatterplots.
- Drawing and writing an equation for a trend line.
- Bivariate data analysis.
- Solving multi-step equations
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Electromagnetic Radiation and Light
CONTENT
The electromagnetic spectrum: its properties and uses.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Recognize that waves such as electromagnetic, sound, seismic, and water have common characteristics
and unique properties.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, light spectrum lab, mid-quiz, list daily uses of electromagnetic radiation,
written multiple choice/short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT I: The Vietnam War and the Rise of Social Activism
II: The Middle East and Oil Politics
CONTENT
I: French Indochina War, Domino Theory, Tet Offensive, protests and movements in the U.S. (feminism
and civil rights).
II: Creation of Israel, Suez Crisis, Arab-Israeli Wars, Islamic fundamental-ism, oil as the most valuable
commodity, and Middle East geography.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
I: Understand the background in the Vietnam War, the U.S.’s involvement and controversy, and how
warfare and politics changed in this time. President Nixon’s policy, Kissinger, and the Watergate.
Roe vs Wade, Equal Rights Amendment, United Farm Workers, environmentalism, and the Second
Wounded Knee. Identify U.S. states and capitals as well as world geography.
II: Understand the commotion and crises in the Middle East including the League of Nations’ terrible
mandates, Israel in 1948, the Six-Day War, OPEC oil embargo, Camp David Peace Treaty, Iran- Iraq
War, and the Persian Gulf War. Also be able to identify major countries and features in the Middle
East (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey, Suez Canal, Sinai Peninsula,
Red Sea, etc.).
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, short essay, mid-quiz, map test, and written multiple
choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
o Standard: Technology Productivity Tools
Benchmark:
Use basic editing tools (e.g. create new slide, change layout, design, font).
Use advanced editing tools (e.g. transition, timing, animation, viewing).
Identify different printing options (e.g. slide layout, handouts).
Objective: Students will use powerpoint or Prezi processing tools.
Content: Powerpoint or Prezi based lessons
Assessment: Formal, Informal, Project-Based and Quizzes
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Compassion Year Two: Faithfulness Year Three: Mercy
8th
Grade Curriculum Map APRIL
READING - Literature
UNIT Drama
CONTENT
Twelfth Night William Shakespeare
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Be able to identify elements of drama such as tragedy, comedy, conflict, suspense, soliloquy, aside, farce,
satire, aspects of performance and staging.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, reading mini- quizzes, theme poster, newspaper article, performance, and
written short answer test.; “What Happens Next?” Writing Assignment
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin/Greek roots cogn, loc, nat, ped, and sign.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 7 Research Paper
CONTENT
1) Research using primary and secondary sources
2) MLA parenthetical citations and works cited page
3) Appropriate research topics
4) Using sentence fluency as one of the six traits of writing
5) Basic mechanics and convention
6) Use formal voice in research writing
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) students will understand communication skills required to gather information.
2) students will learn how to document sources using a works cited page using MLA format.
3) students will understand conventions and word choice and how they influence informational texts.
4) students will understand convention rules and classifying sentences.
5) students will create an individual research project with information from different sources, which is
organized, documented, and presented with logical procedures.
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal
assessments including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 28: “Participles/ Infinitives”
UNIT 29: “Clauses”
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication
- how to apply conventions of grammar and usage to effective written communication
- apply standard grammar and usage to effective written communication
- apply conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, and standard grammar
- use parts of speech in sentence diagramming
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- distinguish between infinitives and propositions phrases
- identify participles, gerunds, and infinitives and their functions in sentences
- identify independent clauses and dependent clauses
- write sentences with adverb clauses
- will choose words correctly to avoid usage mistakes
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 10 & 11 Algebra, Data Analysis and Probability, Geometry
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Slant heights of pyramids and cones.
- Geometric probability.
- Simplifying radicals.
- Multiplying binomials.
- Analyzing line plots and box and whisker plots.
- Volume and surface area of compound solids.
- Equations with exponents.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test.
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Chemistry of Food and Respiration
CONTENT
Energy cycle, organic compounds
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Cellular metabolic activities are carried out by biomolecules produced by organisms
Human activities can deliberately or inadvertently alter ecosystems and their resiliency
Organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information (genes) to offspring, which influences individuals’
traits in the next generation
The energy for life primarily derives from the interrelated processes of photosynthesis and cellular
respiration. Photosynthesis transforms the sun’s light energy into the chemical energy of molecular
bonds. Cellular respiration allows cells to utilize chemical energy when these bonds are broken.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, fats lab, mid-quiz, list daily intake of types of organic compounds, written
multiple choice/ short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT I: The Middle East and Oil Politics (continued)
II: The End of the Cold War: The Expansion of Democracy and Continuing Challenges
CONTENT
I: Creation of Israel, Suez Crisis, Arab-Israeli Wars, Islamic fundamental-ism, oil as the most valuable
commodity, and Middle East geography.
II: The American Policy of Détente, Breakup of the USSR.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
I: Understand the commotion and crises in the Middle East including the League of Nations’ terrible
mandates, Israel in 1948, the Six-Day War, OPEC oil embargo, Camp David Peace Treaty, Iran-Iraq
War, and the Persian Gulf War. Also be able to identify major countries and features in the Middle East
(Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey, Suez Canal, Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea, etc.).
II: Understand Détente, diplomacy with China, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, and Jimmy Carter’s
human rights basis for diplomacy. Also understand events surrounding the breakup of the USSR
including the arms race, Afghanistan War, Mikhail Gorbachev, demolition of the Berlin Wall, new
European and Asian states, and the legacies of Soviet policies.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, oil politics debate, mid- quiz, map test, and written
multiple choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: Technology Basic Operations and Concepts
Benchmark:
Keyboard at 25 wpm w/ 90% accuracy.
Objective: Students will use Keyboarding Strategies.
Content: Type to Learn
Assessment: Games, Quizzes and End of Unit Assessments
CORE VIRTUES
Year 1: Forgiveness Year 2: Graciousness and Courtesy Year 3: Gentleness and Humility
8th
Grade Curriculum Map MAY
READING - Literature
UNIT Fiction / Novella
CONTENT
Everest: The Contest Gordon Korman
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Continue to identify elements of fiction and literary devices in written work.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, reading mini- quizzes, theme poster, newspaper article, performance, and
written short answer test.
SPELLING - Weekly vocabulary sets. Latin/Greek roots aud, struct, vis, photo, and therm.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Students will expand spelling skills to more complex words
- Demonstrate conventional spelling in their published works
- Apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondence, language structure, and context to recognize
unfamiliar/familiar words
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes correctly in writing and speaking
ASSESSMENT – weekly quizzes, activity worksheets, discussions.
WRITING
UNIT 8 Writing Reflection / Graduation Papers
CONTENT
1) write a paper reflecting in CSCA experience.
2) learn how to use all six traits of writing in final composition.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
1) students will learn how a formal presentation requires preparation and effective delivery
2) students will understand context, grammar, and word choice and how they influence texts.
3) students will understand stylistic devices and descriptive details in narrative texts and how to write for a specific
audience.
4) students will understand convention rules and classifying sentences.
ASSESSMENT - Formal & informal assessments, 6-Trait Writing rubrics, final essay and informal assessments
including: journals, peer editing, and presentations.
GRAMMAR - Shurley English
UNIT 30: “Clauses”
UNIT 31: “Usage”
CONTENT
- students will understand that mastery of language skills empowers communication
- how to apply conventions of grammar and usage to effective written communication
- apply standard grammar and usage to effective written communication
- apply conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, and standard grammar
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- identify independent clauses and dependent clauses
- write sentences with adverb clauses
- will choose words correctly to avoid usage mistakes
ASSESSMENT - Practice drills & skills, quizzes, tests, writing
MATH
UNIT 11 & 12 Algebra, Data Analysis and Probability, Geometry
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
- Similar solids.
- Consumer interest.
- Sets and set notation.
- Volume, capacity, and mass in the metric system.
- Inverse variation.
- Recursive sequences.
- Solving inequalities with negative exponents.
ASSESSMENT - Daily assignments, quizzes, and a written test. Also take a final exam covering lessons 1-
115
SCIENCE - Core Knowledge
UNIT Chemistry of Food and Respiration
CONTENT
Energy cycle, organic compounds, photosynthesis and respiration.
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, mid-quiz, written multiple choice/ short answer test.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Core Knowledge
UNIT The End of the Cold War: The Expansion of Democracy and Continuing Challenges (continued)
CONTENT
China under Communism, Contemporary Europe, the End of Apartheid in South Africa
SKILLS / OBJECTIVES
Be aware of events and places such as Tiananmen Square, European unity, “Common Market”, the
Chunnel, geography of the Baltic region, new countries from Yugoslavia, British and Dutch colonialism
N South Africa, Boer Wars, African National Congress and Nelson Mandela.
ASSESSMENT - Discussion, map activities, mid-quiz, map test, written multiple choice/short answer test.
TECHNOLOGY
Standard: Technology Productivity Tools
Benchmark:
Enter and sort information.
Create simple graphs (e.g. bar, pie, circle, line).
Use advanced graph formatting techniques (e.g. step size, 3D, color, shading, labeling).
Demonstrate basic functions (e.g. +, -, *, /, average).
Merge spreadsheet into other applications.
Objective: Students will use excel processing tools.
Content: Excel based lessons
Assessment: Formal, Informal, Project-Based and Quizzes
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Hope Year Two: Joy Year Three: Wonder
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS AUGUST
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Year Two: Year Three: Respect & Responsibility
ART
UNIT
Classroom Procedures; Line; The Design Principles
CONTENT
Safety & Procedures; Contour Line-quality of line, shape, edge; The Art Elements & Design
Principles
SKILLS
Make a contour drawing, overlapping shapes; Review the art elements and design principles. See how
they are employed in various artworks.
ASSESSMENT
Look at drawings; Class participation
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Canada Science – Physics-motion
MUSIC
UNIT
Elements of Music Review; Variety Show Nominations
CONTENT
Review notation and terms from previous grades: Treble and bass staves and the symbols and notes
used within them, (notes/rest from whole-sixteenth) , time signatures, common,
compound and odd: 4/4 ,2/4 3/4, 6/8, 5/4, 7/8,
SKILLS
SW review and/or become familiar with the basic elements of music, putting them into practice through
various songs and activities; SW notate pitches and note/rest values accurately;
SW demonstrate proper singing technique and posture through singing solfege and various 2 and 3 part
rounds.
ASSESSMENT
Worksheets, dry erase activities, performance activities including singing, pitched and un-pitched
percussion, class discussion
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Canada Science – Physics-motion
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – RULES AND EXPECTATIONS:
CONTENT:
Safety Cooperation Respects Differences Identifies feelings
Plays fair Follows directions and classroom rules
SKILLS:
Understands rules and safety concerns
Comprehend the protocols used in a physical education setting
Understands expectations
Understands the importance of cooperation and sportsmanship
ASSESSMENT:
Teacher observation Teacher checklist Peer assessments
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Canada Science – Physics-motion
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Greetings and salutations; Articles; “I want” phrases; “There is” phrases; Ch 1-5
Culture Where in the World?
SKILLS Review greetings; Review Definite and Indefinite articles. ; Translations; Review number, days
of the week, months; Review –ar verbs
ASSESSMENT
Quiz; Write and recite sentences with conjugation of verbs; Translations of sentences;
Review of Lessons
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Canada Science – Physics-motion
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS SEPTEMBER
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Year Two: Year Three: Respect & Responsibility
ART
UNIT
Photography
CONTENT
Examine works by Steichen, Steiglitz, Lange, Bourke- White, Ansel Adams, Cartier Bresson
SKILLS
Class Discussion
ASSESSMENT
Class participation
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Mexico Science – Physics / Force
MUSIC
UNIT
Elements of Music; Non- Western Music
CONTENT
Review: instrument families; dynamic markings: pp, mp, p, f, mf, ff; frequently used Italian terms; vocal
ranges; introduction, interlude, coda, theme and variations, identify I IV V chords
Listening and Scales: major, minor, pentatonic, chromatic; Key signatures; Discussion: India- sitar,
Caribbean- steel drum, Japan- koto; Audience/listening etiquette
SKILLS
SW review and/or become familiar with the basic elements of music, putting them into practice through
various songs and activities; SW notate pitches and note/rest values accurately;
SW demonstrate proper singing technique and posture through singing solfege and various 2/3 part rounds;
SW write musical notation in bass and treble clefs and in various time signatures;
Recognize various instruments from around the world
ASSESSMENT
Worksheets, dry erase activities, performance activities, class discussion; Written assessment; Scales:
major, minor, pentatonic, chromatic;
SW be aware that scales are made of whole steps, half steps and skips; Key signatures; Critical
music listening.
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Mexico Science – Physics / Force
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – VOLLEYBALL:
CONTENT:
Fundamental Skills:
Set Spike Volley Bump Dig Serve Passing Blocking
Rules of game:
3 hits per side Boundaries Rally scoring
Tactics:
Offense Defense Positioning Footwork Coordination
SKILLS:
Utilize fundamental net skills
Apply knowledge of the rules of the game
Utilize tactics and strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects of volleyball
Activities:
King’s court Drop B.U.M.P Mini/Modified Volleyball games
ASSESSMENT:
Written test Teacher checklist I pad assessment
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Mexico Science – Physics / Force
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Clothing; Translations; Comprehend new verbs; Verbs ending in –er; Colors;
Adjectives (more than) ; Chapters 6-10
Culture Where in the World?
SKILLS Oral presentation of sentences; Sentences about clothes; Translations;
Review colors as adjectives
ASSESSMENT
Everyday words; Write sentences with partners; Review vocabulary; Review of lessons; Quiz CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Mexico Science – Physics / Force
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS OCTOBER
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Diligence Year Two: Self-Control and Self Discipline Year Three: Perseverance
ART
UNIT Computer Art
CONTENT Introduction to working with Photoshop
SKILLS Research and do a planning sketch.
ASSESSMENT
Check sketch
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Studies – British Empire Science – Density & Buoyance
MUSIC
UNIT Modern Composers
CONTENT
Modern Compositional practices: Debussy, Stravinsky, Schoenberg (serial composition),
Cage (aleatory music), various tonalities
SKILLS
SW use the chromatic scale to create their own 12 tone piece; Discuss and experience texture and
timbre through musical examples.
ASSESSMENT
12 tone composition; Written assessment Notation review activities; Key signatures
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Studies – British Empire Science – Density & Buoyance
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – BASKETBALL:
CONTENT:
Fundamental Skills:
Dribbling Passing Catching Shooting Reboundin
Stealing Blocking Defensive/Offensive stance
Rules of game:
Inbounding Fouls/Violations Starting game play Scoring
Tactics:
Offense (give and go, pick and roll) Defense (Man to man vs. zone)
SKILLS:
Utilize fundamental basketball skills Apply knowledge of the rules of the game
Utilize tactics and strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects of basketball
Activities:
Dribble Tag 3 man weave Knock out 3 vs. 3 5 vs. 5
ASSESSMENT:
Teacher checklist and rubric Written test Teacher/Student discussion
I pad assessment
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Studies – British Empire Science – Density & Buoyance
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Verbs ending in –ir; Interrogatives; Professions; Possessive adjectives;
Tener ( to have) ; Chapters 11-15
Culture Where in the World?
SKILLS Conjugations; Asking questions; New vocabulary about professions;
Possessive adjectives “ser” ; To have – things around the house
ASSESSMENT
Conjugate and recite new verbs; Translate sentences; Review of lessons; Quiz
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Studies – British Empire Science – Density & Buoyance
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS NOVEMBER
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Gratitude Year Two: Wonder Year Three: Stewardship
ART
UNIT Computer Art (continued)
CONTENT -----
SKILLS Create a computer artwork.
ASSESSMENT
Check for nice composition, use of tools.
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – China Science – Energy & Power
MUSIC
UNIT
Music: Nationalists
CONTENT
Composers and National Identity Jean Sibelius: Finlandia; Bela Bartok: Allegro barbaro; Joaquin
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
SKILLS
SW become familiar with Nationalist and Modern composers and their works.
ASSESSMENT
Composer worksheets; Written assessment; Notation review activities
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – China Science – Energy & Power
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – FITNESS CONTENT:
Fitness testing:
Pacer test Curl-ups Push-ups Pull-ups Flexibility
SKILLS:
Demonstrate the ability to perform the identified fitnessgram test items and record and interpret personal
scores
Demonstrate the ability to set realistic fitness goals for each of the components of health related fitness
based on their fitness scores
Participate in regular physical activity
ASSESSMENT:
Teacher checklist and rubric Teacher Observation I pad assessment CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – China Science – Energy & Power
SPANISH
CONTENT Vocabulary Locations; Expressing feelings; Numbers; Chapters 16-20
Culture Where in the World?
SKILLS Locations using “estar” conjugation; Translations of sentences; Expressing moods; Physical condition; Clothing
ASSESSMENT Conjugation of verbs to answer questions; Translate sentences; Review numbers; Review of lessons; Quiz
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – China Science – Energy & Power
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS DECEMBER
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Generosity Year Two: Charity Year Three: Service
ART
UNIT Computer Art (continued)
CONTENT -----
SKILLS Create a computer artwork
ASSESSMENT Check for craftsmanship
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Constitution Science – Electricity
MUSIC
UNIT Variety Show Preparation
CONTENT -----
SKILLS SW learn and exhibit proper stage etiquette and presence.
ASSESSMENT Teacher observation
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Constitution Science – Electricity
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – FOOTBALL
CONTENT:
Fundamental Skills:
Passing Catching Pass Patterns Punting/kicking
Rules of the game:
No tackling Scoring Offsides Sportsmanship
Plays Patterns Positioning Agility moves
Tactics (Individual vs. Team)
SKILLS:
Utilize fundamental football skills Apply knowledge of the rules of the game Utilize
tactics and strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects of football
Activities:
Flag football Invasion games Ultimate Football
ASSESSMENT:
Written test Teacher checklist and rubric I pad assessment
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Constitution Science – Electricity
SPANISH
CONTENT Vocabulary Weather; “Hacer” (to do) ; Time; Sports and games; Transportation; Senses verb; Chapters 21-25
Culture Christmas and Hanuka in Latin America
SKILLS New vocabulary; How to tell and ask the time; Review dates; Translations
ASSESSMENT
Quiz; Review lessons
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Constitution Science – Electricity
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS JANUARY
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Courage Year Two: Courage Year Three: Courage
ART
UNIT
Painting Since WWII; Mona Brookes Drawing Skills
CONTENT
Examine works by Pollock, Rothko, Frankenthal er, Warhol, Lichtenstein; Realistic Volume Drawing,
Use of Positive & Negative space
SKILLS
Class Discussion; Create a realistic drawing; incorporate three values.
ASSESSMENT
Class participation; Check drawing for values, expression, tidiness
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Cold War & Korean War Sci – Electricity & Magnetism
MUSIC
UNIT
Variety Show Performance
CONTENT
Variety Show preparation and performance
SKILLS
SW perform demonstrating proper performance etiquette.
ASSESSMENT
Teacher observation
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Cold War & Korean War Sci – Electricity & Magnetism
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – SOCCER
CONTENT:
Fundamental Skills:
Dribbling Passing Shooting Trapping Goaltending
Rules of the game:
Starting game play Offsides Violations Sportsmanship Scoring
Tactics:
Spacing Offense Defense Ball movement
SKILLS:
Utilize fundamental soccer skills Apply knowledge of the rules of the game Utilize tactics and
strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects of soccer
ASSESSMENT:
Teach observation I pad assessment Written Test
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Cold War & Korean War Sci – Electricity & Magnetism
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Review previous vocabulary
Culture South America
SKILLS Review vocabulary from previous chapters
ASSESSMENT Translations; Recite sentences
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Cold War & Korean War Sci – Electricity & Magnetism
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS FEBRUARY
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Loyalty Year Two: Love of Country Year Three: Honesty and Justice
ART
UNIT Drawing (continued)
CONTENT -----
SKILLS -----
ASSESSMENT -----
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Civil Rights Science – Sound Waves
MUSIC
UNIT
Classical Music: Nationalists and Moderns
CONTENT
Aaron Copland: Appalachain Spring (Suite); Claude Debussy: La Mer, first movement; Igor
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring
SKILLS
SW become familiar with Nationalist and Modern composers and their works.
ASSESSMENT
Listen to and discuss composer’s use of musical elements in various compositions. ; Notation review
activities; Written assessment
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Civil Rights Science – Sound Waves
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – FLOOR HOCKEY
CONTENT:
Fundamental Skills:
Passing Shooting Receiving Dribbling Stick control
Rules of game:
High stick No contact Boundaries
Tactics:
Offense (positioning and movement) Defense (positioning and movement)
Face offs Goaltending
SKILLS:
Utilize fundamental floor hockey skills
Apply knowledge of the rules of the game
Utilize tactics and strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects of floor hockey
Activities:
2 vs. 1 keep away 3 trap game Endline Hockey Sideline Hockey
ASSESSMENT:
Written tests Teacher Observation Teacher Checklist
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Civil Rights Science – Sound Waves
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Adverbs; New vocabulary; Infinitives; Chapters 26-30
Culture -----
SKILLS Sentence construction; Recite new sentences; Sentences about food; Comparisons
ASSESSMENT
Translate sentences; Write and recite new sentences; Review lesson; Quiz
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Social Studies – Civil Rights Science – Sound Waves
Basic Spanish – Practice Makes Perfect – Dorothy Richmond
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS MARCH
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Compassion Year Two: Faithfulness Year Three: Mercy
ART
UNIT
20th
Century Sculpture
CONTENT
Examine works by Rodin, Brancusi, Picasso, Moore, Calder, Nevelson, Oldenburg, Maya Lin, Christo
SKILLS
Class Discussion Choose a sculpture. Write two paragraphs describing the design principles at work and the
feeling that the artwork imparts to the viewer.
ASSESSMENT
Class participation
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Vietnam War & Oil Politice Sci – Radiation/ Light
MUSIC
UNIT Opera
CONTENT
Terms: overture, solo, duet, trio, quartet, chorus, aria, recitative, and libretto; Composers and works:
Gioacchino Rossini, The Barber of Seville Giuseppe Verdi, Rigoletto: aria, “Questa o quella”;
duet, Figlia!…Mio padre!”’ aria, La donna e mobile”; quartet, “Bella figlia dell’ amore”
SKILLS
SW become familiar with Opera and its’ components.
ASSESSMENT
Listen to and discuss composer’s use of musical elements in various compositions. ; Assessment over
Opera composers and works.
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Vietnam War & Oil Politice Sci – Radiation/ Light
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – HANDBALL
CONTENT:
Fundamental Skills:
Passing Shooting Dribbling Catching
Rules of the game:
3 step possession Scoring Sportsmanship Spacing (no contact)
Tactics (Individual and team):
Offense Defense Spacing/Positioning Goaltending
Activities:
Wallball Modified handball games
SKILLS:
Utilize fundamental handball skills Apply knowledge of the rules of the game
Utilize tactics and strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects of handball
ASSESSMENT:
Teacher Observation Teacher Checklist Rubric Written test
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Vietnam War & Oil Politice Sci – Radiation/ Light
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Irregular verbs; Double negatives; New vocabulary; Chapters 31-35;
Read in Spanish
Culture Central America
SKILLS Review and recite new vocabulary; Worksheets to review
ASSESSMENT
Worksheets to review new verbs; Read short poems in Spanish; Review lessons; Quiz
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Vietnam War & Oil Politice Sci – Radiation/ Light
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS APRIL
CORE VIRTUES
Year 1: Forgiveness Year 2: Graciousness and Courtesy Year 3: Gentleness and Humility
ART
UNIT 20th
Century Sculpture contd. ; Two Point Perspective
CONTENT Two point perspective
SKILLS Finish paragraphs; Make a two point perspective drawing; Note terms.
ASSESSMENT Check paragraphs; Check for accuracy
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Mid-East Oil & Cold War Ends Sci – Chem of Food
MUSIC
UNIT American Musical Theater
CONTENT
Composers and works: Irving Berlin, “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Blue Skies” George
M. Cohen, “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy” ; Cole Porter, “Don’t Fence Me
In,” “You’re On Top” Broadway musical selections: Jerome Kern, Showboat: “Ole Man River” ;
Rogers and Hammerstein, Oklahoma!: “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’”,
”Oklahoma” Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story: “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty”
SKILLS
SW become familiar with the elements of musical theater; SW describe similarities and differences
between opera and musicals; Music Final Test
ASSESSMENT
Listen to and discuss composer’s use of musical elements in various compositions; Listening quiz of
the musicals studied; Notation review activities
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Mid-East Oil & Cold War Ends Sci – Chem of Food
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – FRISBEE
CONTENT:
Fundamental Skills:
Throwing Catching Scoring Positioning
Rules of the game:
Boundaries No contact Scoring Movement and positioning
Tactics:
Offense Defense Spacing/positioning
Activities:
Target Frisbee Frisbee Golf Modified Frisbee games
SKILLS:
Utilize fundamental fribee skills Apply knowledge of the rules of the game
Utilize tactics and strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects of Frisbee
ASSESSMENT:
Teach observation Written test I pad assessment
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Mid-East Oil & Cold War Ends Sci – Chem of Food
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Object pronouns; Possessions; Chapters 36-40; Read in Spanish
Culture Caribbean
SKILLS Translate sentences; Partners to help conjugate verbs; Pronouns
ASSESSMENT
Write and recite sentences; Read paragraphs; Answer questions; Review lessons Quiz
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – Mid-East Oil & Cold War Ends Sci – Chem of Food
8th
Grade Curriculum SPECIALS MAY
CORE VIRTUES
Year One: Hope Year Two: Joy Year Three: Wonder
ART
UNIT
Architecture Since the Industrial Revolution
CONTENT
Look at Famous metal structures, skyscrapers, Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, The International style;
Examine an architectural project.
SKILLS
Watch a film about the Eiffel Tower.How are the design principles employed in these structures?; Discuss
New York’s High Line Park.
ASSESSMENT
Class participation
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – End of Cold War Sci – Chem of Food & Respiration
In addition to the Core Curriculum, drawing skills will be emphasized.
MUSIC
UNIT Song and Composer Review/ Recite poem for graduation ceremony
CONTENT
SKILLS
SW become familiar with influential musicals; Graduation Rehearsal. (poem/Song?) ;
SW sing selected songs from American musicals.
ASSESSMENT
Listen to and discuss composer’s use of musical elements in various compositions;
Notation review activities
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – End of Cold War Sci – Chem of Food & Respiration
PYISICAL EDUCATION
UNIT – FIELD DAY/TEAM GAMES
CONTENT:
Field day games:
Capture the flag Scarf Tag 50 yard dash Jump the creek
Marble relay Dizzy bat race Gunny sack relay
SKILLS:
Demonstrate competency in a variety of games Utilize fundamental field and playground game skills
Apply knowledge of the rules of the games Utilize tactics and strategy in game play
Compare and contrast the role of individual vs. team aspects in field and playground games
Describe the role of both a leader and follower
ASSESSMENT:
Teacher Observation I pad assessment
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – End of Cold War Sci – Chem of Food & Respiration
SPANISH
CONTENT
Vocabulary Review of previous vocabulary
Culture -----
SKILLS Review vocabulary
ASSESSMENT
Review Final
CORE KNOWLEDGE enhancement Soc St – End of Cold War Sci – Chem of Food & Respiration