Humanities

In eighth grade students strengthen their critical thinking and comprehension through an investigation of U.S. history and culture. Areas of study include immigration, revolution, government, civil war, and history of native peoples. Formal research papers allow for independent study; journaling and creative writing assignments encourage curiosity and reflection. All eighth graders participate in script writing and the performance of an original, all-school musical called Follies.  The year kicks off with the Identity Project, an integrated unit exploring what compromises one's identity.  Read more.

Math

As students begin eighth grade math, they are well-versed in exploring mathematical ideas via open-ended problems and multilevel module projects.  Emphasizing the core concepts of Algebra 1, each module expands on another algebraic skill and integrates other mathematical strands, including geometry.  There is also a focus on making connections to real-life mathematical applications in careers such as architecture, economics and environmental science.  The Problem of the Week encourages students to work collaboratively outside the classroom.  Read more.

Science

Physical science is the focus in eighth grade.  Students work intensely in teams and spend at least 80% of class time in lab experiences. Physical science is hands-on and students observe, discover, describe and apply relationships to their physical world as they explore motion, forces, energy, the atom, the periodic table, chemistry and astronomy.   Students learn and demonstrate understanding through a variety of design projects including boat design/building, motion car design and construction, skydive simulation, wind tunnel experimentation, creation of Bohr models of atom, Great America Physics Day competitions, chemistry of food demonstrations and Exploratorium Explaining iMovie production.  Read more.