Eighth Grade
Language Arts
8th Grade ELA begins the year discussing poetry and the power of storytelling. Students will read The Crossover by Kwame Alexander. The students will begin to explore their own sense of self and the world around them through the power of storytelling. 8th-grade students will write narratives from their own experiences. Students will also read other poems, and articles, and view poetic performances to analyze the impact of oral expression and storytelling. Students will compose their own narrative-in-verse drawing from their life experiences and communicating their life experiences through the craft of poetry.
The next module will take the students into World War I, reading All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. Students will discuss the true horrors of war and the physical and psychological effects that changed so many people's lives. Students will also examine artwork and articles in this module to truly illustrate the tragic time period. Students will write an informative essay explaining how the protagonist of the novel illuminates the impact that war had on this generation. 8th grade will also read Night by Elie Wiesel as part of the Holocaust Unit which coincides with Social Studies. They will write a research paper on a Holocaust survivor using trusted resources.
The final module challenges the 8th-grade students with a question that has vexed humans for generations, what is love? They will read Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream while pondering this question and examining the roles individuals make regarding choice, fate, power, and social status and how love can transform a character unexpectedly. Students will write an argumentative essay regarding the characters from Shakespeare’s comedy and whether or not their true love was attributed to agency or fate.
Math
Students in 8th grade are split into two classes, one group focusing on 8th grade & Algebra standards, and the other solely focusing on Algebra standards. Both groups use Eureka Math Squared.
In 8th grade math, students begin the year exploring laws of exponents and their applications in geometry with the Pythagorean Theorem. An introduction to irrational numbers is included in this unit. Linear relationships are studied in-depth, building students’ foundational knowledge of tables, graphs, and equations that will be used repeatedly in their high school math courses. Understanding of linear relationships is extended with a unit on systems of equations and inequalities. Students are introduced to bivariate statistics, and complete a data project on a topic of their choice. Eighth graders conclude the year with a unit on functions, in preparation for high school algebra. Throughout the year, emphasis is placed on connecting representations, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and on the idea that all people can learn math.
Algebra
In Algebra, students begin the year by learning the laws of exponents and their applications in geometry with the Pythagorean Theorem. Students are also introduced to irrational numbers and the inverse relationship between exponents and radicals. Students then analyze systems of linear equations to determine the number of solutions. Equipped with various solution methods, students are challenged to write and solve systems resulting from numerical, geometrical, historical, and real-world contexts. Students progress from studying expressions and equations in one variable to equations in two variables to functions. Students recognize that functions can be used to model many real-world situations. Given an expression that defines a function, students produce equivalent expressions to reveal key features of functions and their graphs. They represent functions using equations, tables, and graphs. Students use linear, quadratic, and exponential functions to model contexts. Throughout the year, emphasis is placed on building students' logic and reasoning skills, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and the belief that all students can be successful in mathematics.
Science
Science at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School offers students the unique opportunity to delve into the wonders of the natural world, while integrating skills learned in math and language arts. The curriculum focuses on project-based learning with an emphasis on inquiry and hands-on activities. Projects and labs follow Next Generation Science Standards while engaging students through the process of exploration and engineering. Students master the art of collaboration and working through problems together to understand life's mysteries and scientific questions.