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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Grade 8 SST offers a distinguished
program to the students. All 8th graders take an upper level of Math course. They are also required to take one
elective course which will count for 1 unit of High School credit. Algebra 1 This course will cover the basic axioms of mathematics and
is the minimum required for any further study of mathematics. Topics covered
include: integers, rational numbers and the four basic operations; the
properties of numbers; equations, inequalities and their properties;
exponents, polynomials, and factoring; the graphs of linear equations;
systems of equations and their solutions by graphing and by elimination;
inequalities and absolute values; rational expressions and equations; and
word problems as applications of each topic covered. Computer The course reinforces keyboarding and expands the use of
Microsoft Office 2003 for Windows to include more advanced features. It
focuses on the integration of Office 2003's word processor (Word),
presentation (PowerPoint), and spreadsheet (Excel) applications. This course
is an application course. The instructor will model the behavior or skill
that is required of the student before assigning a project requiring the
ability to perform the skill to the student. However, the student will be
expected to read and follow directions, take notes, complete class work, and
projects in a timely fashion. English English is the tool in which we use to communicate on a
daily basis. Therefore, it is crucial to have a firm foundation in the
mechanics and usage of the English language. Our English class is
student-centered, interactive, and process-oriented. Eighth grade English
consists of an integrated study of literature, composition, and language.
Students participate in an on-going study of spelling, vocabulary, parts of
speech, and grammar rules. Sentence and paragraph construction are integrated
in a comprehensive writing program which includes book reports, essays and
group projects. Through literature, students have the opportunity to refine,
extend and enrich their overall reading competencies. Each student is
challenged to grow in his ability to read and comprehend a variety of
materials. Exploring a myriad of fiction and non-fiction selections allow for
a well-rounded view of the fundamentals of reading comprehension and
enhancing written expression. As the year progresses, students will gain
techniques that help with the organization and the processing of information.
Cross-curricular teaching is also encouraged and practiced. By integrating
other subjects along with English, students will be able to develop an
appreciation of self-discovery about other topics and express them through
oral and written communication. Listening and speaking skills are stressed
through presentations and projects. Preparation for proficiency testing is
also incorporated into the curriculum. Students are encouraged to actively
participate during class in order to benefit from learning test taking
skills. Theses skills are taught from the beginning of the year and practiced
on a daily basis. By using these skills, students will be well-prepared not
only for TAKS, but also for any standardized tests that they will encounter
in the future. English as a Second Language (ESL) ESL, English as a Second Language, is for the acquisition
of English in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing for
students who are not able to participate fully in a regular classroom. The
class is a resource for students in attempting to understand all their
schoolwork in addition to being a refuge where they are comfortable enough to
negotiate meaning without fear of reproach from others. Health Health class aims at helping students face changes in
their bodies, minds and lives as they leave childhood and prepare to enter
the adult world. It encourages students to view health as a holistic concept
and to pursue a healthy lifestyle. To achieve these goals students will
discuss sensitive health related issues such as puberty, eating to be
healthy, protecting yourself from disease, medicines, dangers of illegal
drugs, alcohol and drinking, dangers of tobacco use, first aid etc. in an
open, informative and non-threatening manner. Students will practice first
aid, study nutrition and physical fitness among other topics. IPC (Integrated Physics and
Chemistry) This course integrates the disciplines of physics and
chemistry through the study of the topics of motion, waves, energy
transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution
chemistry. Students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use
scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using
critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Music Students will study the fundamentals of instrumental music
through recorder ensemble, the use of the voice through solo and
part-singing, and the technical basics of music notation (note values,
scales, chords and terminology) Music is designed to further students'
musical knowledge in singing, reading, writing, playing and listening to
music. PE (Physical Education) Physical Education class will give students the
opportunity to develop and maintain an appropriate fitness level, and to
develop a sense of cooperation, fairness and team play through participation
in competitive team sports and non-competitive activities. Spanish Students will develop a basic foundation of Spanish
vocabulary through teacher-guided activities and independent assignments,
which are designed to improve and refine listening, reading, writing, and
speaking skills. In addition, students learn about many cultural aspects of
the Spanish-speaking countries. Students have many opportunities to apply
their language skills in the in the classroom setting via oral/written
dialogs, small group projects, bingo, and other reinforcement activities. Creative Writing This course focuses on the four-step Process Writing model
and the reading of professional writings to motivate students to create
original essays, poems and short stories. The writing assignments include
narration, definition, process analysis, cause and effect and
comparison/contrast. Students learn self-editing skills by following the
instructor's detailed suggestions for the revision and refinement of their
work. This course is 1 unit of credit. Psychology Introduction. In Psychology, an elective course, students
consider the development of the individual and the personality. The study of
psychology is based on an historical framework and relies on effective
collection and analysis of data. Students study topics such as theories of
human development, personality, motivation, and learning. Theatre Art The theatre arts class is designed to give students
experience with both platform (or public speaking)
and theatrical communication. Students explore a variety of speech styles,
movement, and stage spots and scenes. A culminating performance is planned as
part of this experience. Web Mastering The World Wide Web (WWW) is the fastest growing part of
the Internet. The popularity of the WWW is due largely to the ease with which
users can not only access and navigate the web but also create pages of
information to share with others. Resources abound on the web; however,
efficient strategies to find the needed information must be learned. This
course focuses on scripting, developing searching strategies, publishing
skills, and serving information on a web server. Ultimately, students, within
an ethical framework, will be the webmasters for the class, school, or
district, participating in a real global community of learners and
collaborators. Students enrolled in this course will be computer literate and
have the basic electronic productivity tools. A prerequisite for this course
is grades 6-8 Technology Applications Knowledge and Skills. |