PALOS COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 118

GRADE EIGHT CURRICULUM

The Palos District 118 Teaching for Understanding Framework has established learning benchmarks, which are those essential concepts, processes, and content that students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. 

District 118 teachers and administrators have developed these benchmarks based on the Illinois State Standards, national standards, and updated research.

Our community's standards and grade level expectations are often higher than those suggested by our Illinois State Board of Education.  Such expectations are incorporated within and continue to produce excellence in our students and staff as indicated on state testing.  We are, of course, always looking to continually improve.

While District 118 emphasizes "the basics," our Board-adopted curriculum uses the basics to establish a foundation for students' understanding of the major concepts in each of the content areas.

Reading/Language Arts

The reading/language arts program is designed to balance instruction in reading skills and strategies with instruction in interpretation and oral and written response to literature.  The use of a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature, as well as electronic media, helps develop in-depth understanding of topics and also helps teachers meet the diverse needs of students.  Students will use the new 2007 literature series from Prentice Hall Publishers.

Reading

Eighth grade literature genres at this level include:

  • historical fiction

  • realistic fiction

  • historical non-fiction

  • drama

  • science fiction

Strategies and skills incorporated in the eighth grade reading program include:

  • vocabulary

  • identifying and adapting thinking strategies

  • using language patterns to aid meaning

  • using structure, organization and style to interpret text

  • identifying universal and recurring themes in literature

  • applying reading to life experiences

  • extending and applying what is read

  • making predictions based on prior experience

  • responding to literature in a variety of ways

  • encouraging outside reading

English

Writing

Eighth grade students use writing to express themselves.  Students will write for many purposes and audiences that may include:

  • research paper

  • narrative essays

  • expository essays

  • persuasive essays

  • poetry

  • creative writing

  • journals

  • ISAT strategies

  • speech

Spelling

Eighth grade students:

  • demonstrate knowledge of spelling through written work and tests

Information Fluency Skills/Technology

Technology skills, taught to students in the classroom and media center, are integrated throughout the curriculum to support and enhance learning.

Mathematics

Mathematics skills, strategies, and concepts are taught through a variety of resources including textbooks and manipulatives for "hands on" experiences.  Thinking skills are developed as students learn different problem solving strategies.

  • Mathematics concepts studied in eighth grade include:

  • number concepts and numeration

  • measurement

  • geometric and algebraic concepts

  • data analysis

  • probability

  • problem solving

Eighth grade students will be taught the following:

 Algebra Book

  • problem solving with rational numbers

  • inverse property

  • ratio and proportion to compare units of measurement and sets of objects

  • a variety of problem solving strategies to solve real world problems

  • formulas of area, perimeter, volume and surface area

  • location and name of unique points on a grid (slope)

  • identification and explanation of the different properties of equations

  • multi-step equations

  • simplification of expressions and equations using order of operations

  • application of algebraic concepts to written problems

Advanced Algebra

  • rules of operations that apply to real numbers

  • simplification of polynomials

  • factorization of polynomials

  • equations and inequalities

  • quadratic equations

  • a variety of problem solving strategies to solve real world problems

  • written justifications of solutions to problems

Science

Science is a content area consisting of a variety of topics.  Inquiry into topics is pursued using textbooks, nonfiction literature, "hands on" experimentation and the scientific inquiry method.  The teaching and learning emphasis goes beyond the coverage of facts to understanding concepts related to topics being studied.

Eighth grade students will develop an understanding of concepts through the following topics:

Measurement and Scientific Method

  • Properties of matter are quantifiable.

  • The scientific method allows scientists to gather information, gain new knowledge, and contribute to both current technology and society.

Matter, Energy, Relationships

  • Properties change in chemical reactions.

  • Matter and energy are interchangeable.

Motion and Forces

  • Unbalanced forces cause changes in motion.

  • Actions cause reactions.

Environmental Resources and Conservation

  • Changes in matter cause changes in energy.

  • Conservation promotes wise energy use and provides time to develop new energy resources.

Social Studies

Social Studies is a content area.  District 118 uses concepts to focus the study of topics and promote in-depth understanding.  These concepts include Global Perspectives, Cultural Unity and Diversity, and Political and Economic Systems.  The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good.

Eighth grade students will develop conceptual understanding through the following topics:

Post World War II and the 1950's

  • Free societies provide opportunities for all its citizens to obtain their political, economic, and social rights.

  • Isolationism can lead to an economic, political and social collapse for a nation.

The 60's: Continuity and Change in an Emerging Nation

  • Scientific exploration and defense are correlated to the strength of a nation's economy.

  • Improved economic and social conditions can open the door for individuals to challenge and improve their human rights.

1970's to Present

Political and economic events in other parts of the world may drive a nation's economy.

The ability of a nation to successfully perform its role as a world leader is determined by the political leaders in power at the time.

Fine Arts

The Fine Arts teachers in District #118 have constructed a comprehensive, integrated, sequential curriculum to develop the whole child.  Through "hands on" interaction, students will develop criticism skills, an aesthetic appreciation of the Arts, and study the historical perspectives that help shape our society.

Art

  • In eighth grade students will continue to:

  • explore a variety of sophisticated materials and techniques

  • explore arts' development throughout history and in various cultures

  • explore a variety of artistic styles

  • explore how artistic elements influence given pieces of art

Music

In eighth grade students will continue to:

  • explore music's development throughout history and in various cultures

  • explore a variety of compositional styles

  • explore how musical elements influence compositions

  • learn by singing, playing, moving, reading, writing, and creating

Band

In eighth grade students will continue to:

  • increase proficiency on their individual instrument

  • increase proficiency with symbolic notation

  • perform a varied repertoire; music of various cultures and styles

  • develop self discipline

Physical Education

The physical education program is planned around the growth and development of the student.  It provides a wide range of activities consistent with the requirements of our state goals.  In eight grade students will:

  • achieve and maintain health-enhancing levels of physical fitness through continual self-assessment

  • develop team building skills

  • focus on positive attitudes and behaviors

  • learn specific offensive and defensive performance strategies

  • continue the practice and refinement of skill development and movement patterns

Spanish

Spanish is a skill-based study focused on reading, writing, listening and speaking the target language.  The primary goal of the Spanish classes is to help the students become more comfortable with the uses and context of the language.

In seventh grade, the Spanish students will develop skills in the following areas:

  • vocabulary

  • cultural information

  • grammar

  • conversation

Suggestions for Home

  • Encourage your child to read daily.

  • Make sure your child has a library card.

  • Model at-home reading.

  • Review the material your child reads both for school and for leisure.

  • Discuss with your child what he/she reads in newspapers, books, etc.

  • Keep one area of the home environment quiet and conducive to studying.

  • Monitor your child's homework daily.

  • Encourage your child to practice problem solving activities.

  • Establish standards of behavior to which your child must adhere at home and at school.

  • Involve your child in a variety of activities that will heighten his/her desire to learn.

  • Look for connections between learning in school and everyday life.

 

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Graphics on this page are from DiscoverySchool.com Teacher Clip Art 

Last updated September 2007

Copyright © 2006 Palos Community Consolidated School District 118. All rights reserved.