course catalog - Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School - Palo Alto ...

English 8
8 TH GRADE REQUIRED COURSES
Eighth grade students continue to build their English and Language Arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
These abilities are developed within the context of core literature units including novels, short stories, and poetry. Core literature in the
eighth grade includes The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Pearl. Teachers develop other literature units using a variety of
supplemental texts, including novels, short stories, poetry, and the McDougal Littell anthology. Students practice the conventions of
language (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) in required writing assignments, teacher developed writing lessons, and
grammar text lessons. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal speeches and conversations, individual and group
presentations, and small group discussion. Our students learn to view multi-media resources with a critical eye; they are also given
opportunities to create and present their own multi-media projects. Teachers develop writing units from selected materials including the
PAUSD Writing Binder and focus on the development of the traits of good writing.
History / Social Science 8
Students will connect their past studies of American history to new studies of the foundations of the United States including the social,
economic, religious, political, and geographical growth of the nation from the mid-1700's to the turn of the 20th century.
Through the use of textbooks, teacher selected materials, and research, students will learn about the causes of the Revolutionary War,
creation and implementation of the Constitution, formation of political parties, foreign policies and conflict between nations, the Westward
Movement (Manifest Destiny), slavery and the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Industrial Revolution. The students will learn about the
diverse peoples who immigrated to America and their profound influence in America's development.
Throughout the year students will develop historical analysis skills, research, note-taking, multiple perspectives, and presentation skills,
as well as participate in a variety of classroom activities such as Socratic discussions and simulations.
Students will investigate past to present connections as they learn that contemporary society has been influenced by historical events.
By studying the ethical, social, political, and economic questions Americans have dealt with historically, students will be more aware of,
and sensitive to, the issues facing America today.
Mathematics 8: Introduction to Algebra, Algebra 1
Students continue their study of the strands recommended by the California Framework: Number Sense, Algebra and Functions,
Measurement and Geometry, Statistics, and Mathematical Reasoning.
Students continue to use and improve their skills in problem-solving, communicating mathematical ideas in oral and written form, analyzing
complex situations, organizing information, using computers and graphing calculators, and working independently and in groups.
By the end of 8th grade, Intro to Algebra students have begun to develop an understanding of symbolic reasoning and calculations with
symbols. Algebra 1 students are expected to have a deeper understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics, algebraic skills,
concepts, and problem solving.
Physical Education
Physical Education consists of a program of activities that are designed to develop good basic motor skills, nutrition, physical fitness and
fundamental movement patterns. Emphasis is placed on the importance of positive sportsmanship and cooperation, including respect
for one another. Students are provided an introductory exposure to a wide variety of activities, including team sports, individual and
dual sports, rhythms and aquatics.
Science 8
This one-year activity-based course follows the California State and District Science Standards for 8th grade. The standards include the
following broad topics: Investigation and Experimentation, Motion, Forces, Energy, Structure and Properties of Matter, Periodic Table,
Chemical Reactions, Chemistry of Living Things, Stars and Star Cycles, and the Solar System.
While exploring the various Physical Science concepts, students will be engaged in classroom and homework activities that also stress
writing, reading, and math skills.
6