8th Grade Curriculum

English

8th grade English focuses on reading and analyzing novels, introducing new vocabulary, brushing up on grammar, and honing writing skills. Novels are read and analyzed during the school year while focusing on writing style as well as literary devices used by the authors. The main theme of the literature studied in 8th grade is various government styles. Vocabulary exercises occur weekly culminating in a quiz. Students' grammar proficiency is examined and teachers focus on areas which require more study. Essay construction is reinforced and a major term paper is written in which students use literary criticism in order to research a topic. There are several projects over the course of the year including one on poetry as well as decade study.

8th Grade Ancient Civilizations

This course covers the development of world civilization from the dawn of history through the middle Ages. Students learn note taking and study skills, research and writing skills, and computer skills. Students learn about the development and characteristics of architecture, sculpture, and painting in each period.

Math

Pre-Algebra
This course is designed to prepare the student for Algebra I by applying algebraic concepts to geometry, statistics, data analysis, probability and discrete mathematics. Through the use of lecture, note-taking, partner and group work, use of manipulative activities and games - the student will be exposed to instruction that will facilitate his/her learning style.

Algebra I
In this course students learn the basic tools of algebra in order to build a strong foundation from which to grow. The course covers the vocabulary of algebra; properties of real numbers; solving, graphing, and writing linear equations and inequalities; an introduction of functions and graphs; systems of linear equations and inequalities; exponents and exponential growth and decay; quadratic equations and functions; polynomials and factoring; rational equations and functions; and radicals and their relationship to geometry.

Geometry
In this Euclidean Geometry course, the main emphasis is on plane geometry. The traditional topics are covered; parallel lines and planes, congruency, parallelograms, similarity, right triangle relationships, circles, polygons, and constructions. Direct and indirect proofs are taught as methods of reasoning. Non-Euclidean topics such as solid geometry coordinate geometry and transformational geometry are introduced.

Science

8th grade - While 8th grade science continues to use the Glencoe - Level Blue series and cover all disciplines of science; the curriculum has a primary focus on the physical sciences. Students will study the atom, periodic table, chemical reactions, and chemical formulas in depth. They will also study physics and Newton's Laws of Motion. In addition, a unit of Biology (meiosis, mitosis, genetics, plants, and ecology) will be covered during the 8th grade year. Throughout the year the students work on various class lab activities, write formal lab reports and conduct a 5 month long science fair project.

8th grade biology honors class explores the living world in which they live in. Using an investigative approach to studying living things, the students study biology from the molecular level to cells and cell parts, from cell processes to cell division, from genetics to changes over time, and from the study of sponges to human anatomy. The tasks are accomplished through class discussions, student driven group projects, individual projects, oral presentations, writing assignments, a science fair project, laboratory work, and field work.

Foreign Languages

8th Grade Spanish- Spanish IB is the second half of Spanish I. Students will continue to develop their communication skills through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Course goals include further developing understanding of grammatical structures, pronunciation, and mastery of vocabulary. Previous knowledge of the Spanish language is highly beneficial, but not required for this course. The course is conducted in both English and Spanish.

Chinese I - This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese. The goal of this course is to develop communicative proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as to increase interest and appreciation for the Chinese culture. By the end of the academic year, students should be able to have good pronunciation, engage in general conversations, and read and write simple articles in pinyin and characters.

Electives

Seventh / Eighth Grade Computing elective - The purpose of Seventh / Eighth Grade Computing elective is to continue to provide an active learning experience on the computer for the students. The main applications are again Microsoft office and Photoshop, but there is more emphasis in this class on independent learning, research, and project planning. The primary lesson again is that the same skills they use in learning new technologies or video games can easily be applied to educational and productivity tools.

In the Piano Elective for Grades Seven and Eight, students work independently to learn piano pieces. They have frequent opportunities to perform in class. Students may use Music Ace and Finale music software to compose music. They may also use the computer for music games and additional instruction.

Performing Arts 6th - 8th Grade
Hilton Head Prep PERFORMING ARTS exposes student to many aspects of theatre, music, and film -- as an introduction to the performing arts.

Students explore musical theatre, choral music, dance, theatre games, improvisations, basic music and theatre terminology, film genres, beginning set design, choreography basics, and critical review writing and acting. There is an emphasis on working as a team with fellow actors and creating a feeling of ENSEMBLE amongst members, learning commitment through the rehearsal processes.

Through daily rehearsal process, memorized classroom projects, singing, dancing, and acting, students experience the performing arts from the performer's perspective. Students take part in two major musical productions a year. Students also sing for athletic events and other local performances, and are required to be a part of public performances. Performing Arts students actively engage in costume design, and may build their own costumes for productions, working alongside seasoned professionals in the theatre. Resident Guest Artists from New York or Los Angeles in choreography and direction work with students in intensive three week rehearsal processes for major musical productions.

Students also enjoy Prep's many LIVE THEATRE EXPERIENCES, and see as a group Broadway touring productions, and other cal arts productions. Performing Ensembles include: DRUMLINE, Prep Adagio Singers, Singing Sand gnats, and Prep Performing Arts Theatre Ensemble. The course is taught by Artistic Director, Don Hite -- who is a seasoned Broadway conductor, producer, and musical director.

Strings - This is a year long course in which the students play music in D, G and A major. They are able to build upon the skills that they had begun to develop in sixth grade and further develop their ensemble, aural, and rhythmic skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in recitals and concerts throughout the year.

Art 7-8 - The range of work that they will learn about and experiment with will reach into print making, sculpture, and team art work. The work will revolve around observation in drawing, and then extend into different mediums. Students learn first how to observe and where to put attention so that hopefully this will carry over into the academic classes as well. Drawing from life first instead of photos helps the students to draw what they see instead of what they remember.

Study Skills - The goal of study skills is to help students develop time management, organization, and study skills. The goals are met by having the students fill out their plan books at the beginning of the week, reviewing for tests and quizzes, teaching by modeling test taking strategies for different types of assessments, and encouraging students to work ahead as part of learning time management skills and responsibility.

Physical Education

MS Physical Education/Health -This course will include a component of cardiovascular activity through activities such as running or jumping rope. We will then have discussions on health topics relevant to their age and environment. These topics will provide the students with information that will assist them in making positive healthy choices.