Students in the 8th grade utilize Chromebooks and Google Apps for Education during the school day to facilitate their learning. Continuity at home is maintained through Google Apps for Education.
Religion
Religious Studies in Grade 8 focus on preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation through an experiential and service-based curriculum. Students participate in service opportunities within the school and parish as well as in the global community. During the year the history and traditions of the Church, Scripture, and Catholic Social Teachings are taught. Students are encouraged to practice their faith and foster their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition, students participate in both a Family Life Program and attend the Diocesan Teen Outreach program to enhance their understanding of change and moral choices they will be facing now and in the future.
Language Arts
The Grade 8 Language Arts course is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). The focus of this course is on text analysis and critical thinking, which prepares students to be analytical about resources and ideas as presented in short stories, poetry, media, nonfiction, research, and film. In addition, students will be able to produce different types of clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Standard usage, correct spelling, proper mechanics, and precise wording are taught and evaluated in conjunction with the writing process.
Mathematics
Grade eight mathematics concepts developed in a student-centered learning environment. Students practice skills and extend their understanding through enrichment activities that involve solving real world and mathematical problems. Technology is integrated in all aspects of instruction. Math notebooks serve as a resource for practice and review. Students sharpen basic math skills by participating in daily drills.
The study of mathematics in Grade Eight focuses on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bi-variate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two and three dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity and congruence and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Grade eight Algebra 1 is offered to students who meet the diocesan qualifications.
In this class, students interpret the structure of expressions and write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems. They create equations that describe numbers or relationships. They extend their understanding of equations by solving them as a process of reasoning.. The class solves and graphs equations and inequalities with one variable as well as solves and graphs systems of equations. .They understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials and use polynomial identities to solve problems. They engage in methods of analyzing, solving and using quadratic functions.
Science
The eighth grade course of study is Physical Science. The year is divided into two components: chemistry and physics. Chemistry content includes properties and interactions of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, balancing chemical equations, and acid-base reactions. Physics content includes forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. All students will understand that physical science principles, including fundamental ideas about matter, energy, and motion, are powerful conceptual tools for making sense of phenomena in physical, living, and Earth systems science. Scientific explorations and inquiry-based learning are an essential component of the class. Proper laboratory safety and procedures are emphasized. Students utilize the Chromebooks to access the Science Tech-Book provided through Discovery Education.
Social Studies
The 8th grade American History course focuses on the historical era of the Civil War to present day including geography, notable individuals and events that helped create the cultural and historical diversity we share today. As we discover our nation’s past, students will participate in discussions, readings, note-taking, classroom activities and projects, chapter reviews, quizzes and chapter tests. Emphasis will be placed on selected topics such as the Civil War, Isolationism, the Era of Big Business, the Roaring Twenties, World War I, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, the Sixties, the Vietnam Era, and the Gulf War. Enrichment materials such as slides, use of Chromebooks, Discovery Education video streaming, handouts, cultural activities and music will be incorporated into the course. The class is designed to acquaint students with the major events and movements that influenced the nation’s past. Students will develop a sense of understanding of the meaning of time and chronology; recognize the value of diverse ethnic groups and the role of women portrayed in American history; identify cause and effect during each period of study; and evaluate historical concepts and connect those concepts to contemporary political and cultural history.
Religion
Religious Studies in Grade 8 focus on preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation through an experiential and service-based curriculum. Students participate in service opportunities within the school and parish as well as in the global community. During the year the history and traditions of the Church, Scripture, and Catholic Social Teachings are taught. Students are encouraged to practice their faith and foster their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition, students participate in both a Family Life Program and attend the Diocesan Teen Outreach program to enhance their understanding of change and moral choices they will be facing now and in the future.
Language Arts
The Grade 8 Language Arts course is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). The focus of this course is on text analysis and critical thinking, which prepares students to be analytical about resources and ideas as presented in short stories, poetry, media, nonfiction, research, and film. In addition, students will be able to produce different types of clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Standard usage, correct spelling, proper mechanics, and precise wording are taught and evaluated in conjunction with the writing process.
Mathematics
Grade eight mathematics concepts developed in a student-centered learning environment. Students practice skills and extend their understanding through enrichment activities that involve solving real world and mathematical problems. Technology is integrated in all aspects of instruction. Math notebooks serve as a resource for practice and review. Students sharpen basic math skills by participating in daily drills.
The study of mathematics in Grade Eight focuses on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bi-variate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two and three dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity and congruence and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Grade eight Algebra 1 is offered to students who meet the diocesan qualifications.
In this class, students interpret the structure of expressions and write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems. They create equations that describe numbers or relationships. They extend their understanding of equations by solving them as a process of reasoning.. The class solves and graphs equations and inequalities with one variable as well as solves and graphs systems of equations. .They understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials and use polynomial identities to solve problems. They engage in methods of analyzing, solving and using quadratic functions.
Science
The eighth grade course of study is Physical Science. The year is divided into two components: chemistry and physics. Chemistry content includes properties and interactions of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, balancing chemical equations, and acid-base reactions. Physics content includes forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. All students will understand that physical science principles, including fundamental ideas about matter, energy, and motion, are powerful conceptual tools for making sense of phenomena in physical, living, and Earth systems science. Scientific explorations and inquiry-based learning are an essential component of the class. Proper laboratory safety and procedures are emphasized. Students utilize the Chromebooks to access the Science Tech-Book provided through Discovery Education.
Social Studies
The 8th grade American History course focuses on the historical era of the Civil War to present day including geography, notable individuals and events that helped create the cultural and historical diversity we share today. As we discover our nation’s past, students will participate in discussions, readings, note-taking, classroom activities and projects, chapter reviews, quizzes and chapter tests. Emphasis will be placed on selected topics such as the Civil War, Isolationism, the Era of Big Business, the Roaring Twenties, World War I, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, the Sixties, the Vietnam Era, and the Gulf War. Enrichment materials such as slides, use of Chromebooks, Discovery Education video streaming, handouts, cultural activities and music will be incorporated into the course. The class is designed to acquaint students with the major events and movements that influenced the nation’s past. Students will develop a sense of understanding of the meaning of time and chronology; recognize the value of diverse ethnic groups and the role of women portrayed in American history; identify cause and effect during each period of study; and evaluate historical concepts and connect those concepts to contemporary political and cultural history.