COURSE TITLE: American Studies I
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: American Studies I is the first part of a two-year survey of American history. The content outline begins in the 1600's with the establishment of Colonial America and progresses through Post-Civil War westward expansion. The course utilizes a combination of chronological and thematic organization. A History of US, written by Joy Hakim, is the current text supplied in the classroom, along with numerous other supplemental materials such as film, additional readings, and teacher-prepared materials, the students become aware of historical events, people and conditions which impact our lives today. Students are expected to increase their content knowledge of history plus improve their skills in the areas of reading, analysis, writing, listening, comprehension and technology.

AREAS OF STUDY:
The Role of the Historian The Immigrants' Experience
Launching a New Government The Westbound Movement
Sectionalism: The Civil War
Discovery-Exploration & Colonization From Subject to Citizen

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Read and analyze the text and other assigned written and visual materials
Meet minimum requirements on written homework assignments
Participate in class activities and complete assignments
Attend class daily
Perform satisfactorily on tests and quizzes
Continue development of study skills including reading for a variety of purposes, taking notes in class, practice of study skills, notebooks, etc.



COURSE TITLE:
Language Arts 8
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Language Arts 8 supports growth in students' literacy by integrating activities in reading, writing, speaking, listening, visual expression and viewing. The class will often be in a "workshop" mode with time to read self-selected books and write for a variety of audiences and purposes. Integrated units, including directed reading selections and writing assignments are also part of the curriculum. The Diary of Anne Frank and "Flowers for Algernon" are two pieces of literature usually read by eighth graders during these units.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Bring required materials to class
Keep reading/writing records
Complete assigned work on time
Participate in class discussions and activities
Follow the "Four for All" school rules





COURSE TITLE:
Math 8
PREREQUISITE: Rec. of 7th grade teacher
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to improve the problem-solving abilities of the students, while continuing the development of mathematical skills and concepts.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Decimals Geometry Whole numbers
Number theory Rational numbers Metric system
Percentage Problem solving Probability & statistics

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Bring necessary materials to class
Bring completed daily assignments
Bring textbook to class
Perform successfully on tests
Use a scientific calculator in class





COURSE TITLE:
Pre-Algebra 8
PREREQUISITE: Rec. of 7th grade teacher
LENGTH: Full year


COURSE DESCRIPTION: Pre-Algebra 8 is for those students who have already demonstrated the ability to accurately compute with whole numbers, fractions and decimals, and their problem solving skills are well developed. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared for Algebra I.


AREAS OF STUDY:
Decimals Fractions Coordinate graphing
Exponents Measurement Geometry
Variables Integers Proportions and percent
Inequalities Graphing Probability and statistics
Problem solving Solving linear equations

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Bring necessary materials to class; Bring textbook to class;
Bring completed daily assignments; Perform successfully on tests;
Use a scientific calculator in class




COURSE TITLE:
Algebra I
PREREQUISITE: Pre-Algebra
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Algebra is considered the basic language of mathematics that provides the foundation for continued study of mathematics. Students will understand and use mathematical relationships to solve a variety of problems related to the real world. Students will become familiar with using graphing tools to visualize mathematical relationships. Purchase of a scientific calculator by each student is strongly recommended.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Basic operations with all real numbers Polynomials
Linear equations and inequalities Linear systems
Coordinate graphing Radicals
Quadratic equations Relations and functions
Problem solving Geometry
Probability Statistics

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Bring necessary materials to class
Complete the daily assignments
Perform successfully on tests and quizzes
Use a scientific calculator in class




COURSE TITLE:
Geometry Honors
PREREQUISITE: Algebra
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course the student will investigate individually and in groups, principles of geometry as the student completes activities and problems. The student will master geometric concepts and relationships, develop visual thinking and inductive reasoning skills and make conjectures and test ideas.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Inductive Reasoning Definitions Constructions
Properties of Polygons Congruence Circles
Transformations Tessellations Area
Pythagorean Theorem Volume Similarity
Trigonometry Deductive Reasoning Geometric Proof

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Maintain an organized notebook of definitions and conjectures.
Bring necessary materials to class.
Complete daily assignments.
Perform successfully on tests and quizzes.





COURSE TITLE:
Physical Education
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: Full year every other day

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide each student with the knowledge and concepts related to a wide variety of activities. A major goal of this course is to develop the students' gross and fine motor coordination through exposure to individual and team activities with low levels of competition. Participation in class activities is emphasized to provide a positive experience.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Archery Swimming Flag football
Soccer Beginners/Advanced Beg. Volleyball
Basketball Intermediate Softball
Skiing Swimmers Weight Training
Rope Jumping Square Dancing Wrestling
Bowling Aerobics CPR
Tennis Hacky Sac Roller Skating
Recreational Games Emergency Water Safety

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Wear proper gym clothing at every class
Participate in every class
Participate to the best of their ability in activity units
Abide by class rules established for class
Display good sportsmanship and fair play





COURSE TITLE:
Science 8
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Science 8 familiarizes students with a broad spectrum of life science topics and research techniques. An attempt is made to incorporate a variety of learning opportunities including laboratory investigations, computer simulations, audiovisual presentations, text readings, and library research. Small group investigations provide for cooperative problem solving in areas of student interest.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Problem solving techniques Cell structures and functions
Microorganisms Animal kingdom
Genetics and heredity The human body
Human influences on nature Plant kingdom

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Complete daily work, activities, tests at an acceptable level
Act in a safe and responsible manner
Participate in group and individual activities
Bring required materials to class





COURSE TITLE:
Industrial Technology
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: One tri

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Today's students must understand modern technological concepts, be knowledgeable of potential career choices and become skilled at effective problem solving. This course exposes students to various forms of technology utilized in the work environment. Students rotate through units in ten-day intervals using videotapes, textbooks, computer software and practical hands-on activities.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Research and Development Computer Numerical Control
Aerospace Data CAD
Drafting Auto CAD
Engineering Electronics
Robotics Materials and Processes
Computer Animation

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Bring required materials to class Cooperate with other students
Respect Equipment Complete daily work




COURSE TITLE:
Personal Development 8
PREREQUISITE: Personal Development 7
LENGTH: One tri

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Personal Development 8 is designed to assist students with decisions they will make as young adults. This course will teach students different methods and approaches to making healthy decisions while developing a healthy lifestyle. The objective for each student is to become a critical evaluator when examining the issues and influences of society and outside pressures in the choices and decisions they make about their health.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Wellness Volunteerism Health Careers
Nutrition Fitness Eating Disorders
Current Events Sexual Harassment STDs
Growth and Development

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Apply related skills
Participate in discussion
Complete homework assignments
Take effective notes
Get satisfactory marks on tests and quizzes
Participate in outside reading and current events updates