EIGHTH GRADE CURRICULUM
BIBLE
Philosophy Statement: Development of a biblical worldview based on God’s Holy Word is the foundation to living the Christian life. Immersing students in Scripture content begins at an early age through grade level Bible curriculum and biblical integration in every core curriculum. Study of God’s Word leads students to the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom guiding students in the development of godly inner character, and the pursuit of a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Students’ spiritual, emotional and intellectual needs are met as they commit Scripture to memory, lead an active prayer life, and daily apply biblical truths.
Course Objective: This course offers an in-depth look at the life of Christ Utilizing an information-age theme, students learn how they can access the life and teachings of Christ to discover the code for living. It goes beyond a review of the events surrounding Jesus’ life by providing an in-depth look at the character of Christ and the application of His teachings. Through a study of the four Gospels, 8th graders learn to navigate their own lives by using biblical truths as their standard.
Resources/Textbook:
• The Holy Bible (NIV)
• LifeQuest—An in-depth look at the life of Christ
• Vol. 1 student edition ISBN 1-4158-3149-1; teacher’s edition ISBN 1-4158-3148-3
• Vol. 2 student edition ISBN 1-4158-3144-0; teacher’s edition ISBN 1-4158-3145-9
Materials:
• Student workbook
Time Allotment: 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week, 1 Semester
Course Content:
• Before Time Began
• The Old in the New
• In the Fullness of Time
• A Child is Born
• A Model Child
• A Voice in the Desert
• Calling Disciples
• A Call to Worship
• Directions of Ministry
• Jesus Performs Miracles
• The Beginning of Conflicts
• Sermon on the Mount
ENGLISH
Philosophy Statement: The language arts are based on the knowledge that God is a communicating God. He desires for us to understand and obey his spoken and written Word. He has given us the ability to communicate with each other. We desire to develop this gift to become effective communicators by a strong emphasis on reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Course Objective: Grammar skills are reviewed and writing is improved through emphasis on portfolios that include expository, persuasive and narrative modes of writing. Through the literature program, proper reading skills and the development of vocabulary are continued. Students are introduced to multiple literature genres including drama and poetry as well as fiction and non-fiction novels.
Resources/Textbook:
• Realms of Gold Volume III
• Holy Bible (NIV)
• Holt Elements of Language, Second Course
• Holt Elements of Literature, Second Course
• Novels: The Pearl, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Outsiders, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Materials:
• Novel Studies
• Student Workbooks
• Student Dictionary/Thesaurus
• Various Teacher Resources and Publications
Time Allotment: 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week, 2 semesters
Course Content:
• Literature
• Writing
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Vocabulary
• Foreign Phrases Commonly Used in English
Areas to be evaluated:
Class participation, portfolios, teacher observations, grading rubrics, quizzes, reports, projects, tests.
PRE-ALGEBRA
Philosophy Statement: Mathematical truths demonstrate the orderliness, precision, and consistency of God; because man’s creativity, like God’s, often requires mathematical understanding; and because the understanding of mathematical concepts adds to our understanding of expressions in other areas of life.
Course Objective: Students will reinforce their understanding of God as the creator of a logical and orderly universe through the study of mathematical theories and to transition beyond basic computations into higher level mathematical concepts.
Resources/Textbook:
• Core Knowledge Teacher Handbook, Grade 8
• Holy Bible (NIV)
• Prentice Hall Mathematics, Pre-Algebra
Time Allotment: 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week, 2 semesters
Course Content:
• Variables, Function Patterns, and Graphs
• Rational Numbers
• Solving Equations
• Solving Inequalities
• Graphs and Functions
• Linear Equations and Their Graphs
• Systems of Equations and Inequalities
• Exponents and Exponential Functions
• Polynomials and Factoring
• Quadratic Equations and Functions
• Radical Expressions and Equations
• Rational Expressions and Functions
Areas to be evaluated:
Class participation, homework assignments and tests and quizzes.
ALGEBRA
– High School Credit Available
Philosophy Statement: Mathematical truths demonstrate the orderliness, precision, and consistency of God; because man’s creativity, like God’s, often requires mathematical understanding; and because the understanding of mathematical concepts adds to our understanding of expressions in other areas of life.
Course Objective: The Algebra I course is designed to provide the foundation for more advanced courses in mathematics and to develop problem solving skills. Emphasis is placed on solving equations, relations, functions, slopes, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, roots,
Resources/Textbook:
• The Holy Bible (NIV)
• Prentice Hall Mathematics, Algebra I
Materials:
• Various Teacher Resources and Publications
• Media Center Reference materials
• Applicable Internet Sites
Time Allotment: 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week, 2 semesters
Course Content:
• Variables, Function Patterns, and Graphs
• Rational Numbers
• Solving Equations
• Solving Inequalities
• Graphs and Functions
• Linear Equations and Their Graphs
• Systems of Equations and Inequalities
• Exponents and Exponential Functions
• Polynomials and Factoring
• Quadratic Equations and Functions
• Radical Expressions and Equations
• Rational Expressions and Functions
Areas to be evaluated:
Class participation, portfolios, teacher observations, grading rubrics, quizzes, reports, projects, tests.
Additional Activities:
A variety of other activities are included.
SCIENCE
Philosophy Statement: The natural world was created by the word of God and reveals facets of the character and nature of God. Science is taught through problem solving, hands-on experiments, observation and conclusions. Science education should provide students with an understanding of the created world, creating a sense of awe and wonder concerning the creative God. Foundations of science understanding can be used for further study and academic preparation to equip students to compassionately care for people and wisely steward creation.
Course Objective: Students will explore God’s creation by analyzing the purposeful design and interrelatedness of the physical world.
Resources/Textbook:
• Holy Bible (NIV)
• Physical Science, Bob Jones University Press 2008
Materials:
• Student Textbooks
• Various Teacher Materials
Time Allotment: 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week, 2 semesters
Course Content:
• The Nature of Science
• Atoms
• The Periodic Table
• Chemical Bonding & Compounds
• Chemical Reactions
• Organic Chemistry
• Mixtures & Solutions
• Acids & Bases
• Thermodynamics
• Laws of Motion
• Energy
• Work, Power, & Simple Machines
• Fluid Mechanics
• Gas Laws
• Waves
• Electromagnetic Spectrum
SOCIAL STUDIES
UNITED STATES HISTORY
The Foundation, Formation, and Transformation of the American Nation
The focus of the course in United States history for eighth grade is the Early European Exploration and Colonization in the Americas through the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras. The student will describe and analyze the major causes, key events, and important personalities of the American Revolution. The student will examine in greater depth the factors, events, documents, significant individuals, and political ideas that led to the formation of United States of America. These will be pursued through a chronological study of the early national period, westward expansion, and the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras. Citizenship skills will focus upon the historical development and understanding of constitutional government in the United States.
CONTENT SKILLS
Standard 1: The student will analyze the foundations of the United States by examining the causes, events, and ideologies, which led to the American Revolution.
Standard 2: The student will examine the foundations of the American nation laid during the Revolutionary Era through the contributions of significant individuals and groups involved in the key military and diplomatic events of the Revolutionary War that resulted in an independent nation.
Standard 3: The student will examine the formation do the American system of government following the Revolutionary War that led to the creation of the United States Constitution.
Standard 4: The student will examine the political, economic, social, and geographic transformation of the United States during the early to mid-1800s.
Standard 5: The student will analyze the social and political transformation of the United States as a result of the causes, course, and consequences of the American Civil War.
Standard 6: The student will analyze the transformation of politics and society during the Reconstruction Era.
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