Eighth Grade

List of 10 items.

• Reading & Literature

  • Examine the main story elements of plot, character development, setting, theme, and point of view in short stories and novels
  • Examine literary devices of irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism in short stories, poetry, and novels
  • Analyze character development and theme in novels and memoirs
  • Understand elements of poetry

• Writing & Language Arts

  • Focus on expository, comparative, and creative writing
  • Write responses to literature, persuasive arguments, poetry, and creative pieces
  • Develop grammar skills: punctuation, parts of speech, and multi-clause sentence structure
  • Strengthen vocabulary
  • Proofreading, revision, and editing skills
  • Master essay writing skills: thesis development, organization, paragraph writing, and structure
  • Verbal responses and analysis of literature (discussion)
  • Understanding of the text, context, and subtext in literature (who is represented in literature and who may be absent and why)

• Social Studies

  • United States history, culture, and geography; emphasis on Indigenous, African (Diaspora) American influences, Women's History, Personal Identity, American Ideology formation
  • Developing critical literacy
  • Analysis of primary and secondary sources
  • Expository writing and note-taking skills
  • Synthesizing a broad range of factual information
  • Analysis of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and their application to current issues
  • Cultivating personal and interpersonal awareness between the self, community, and natural environments

• Mathematics

  • Refining and expanding skills and concepts of algebra 
  • Understanding the relationship between algebraic and geometric representations
  • Setting up ratios and proportions to solve for unknown values
  • Developing multiple representations, problem-solving strategies, and conceptual understanding through writing
  • Valuing collaboration when solving problems in small groups

• Science

  • Properties of Matter
  • Atomic Structure
  • Molecules and Bonds
  • Motion, Force, and Energy
  • Electromagnetism and Waves
  • Weather and Climate Change
  • Critical assessment of research and scientific literacy

• Spanish

  • Total Physical Response storytelling model: Canechi y Chipote
  • Realidades Spanish Textbook and Homework Packet with embedded bullet point notes
  • Communicate using four modalities: reading, listening, speaking, and writing
  • Write short compositions in Spanish
  • Mural critique field trip to the Mission district of San Francisco
  • Use Student Self-Assessments with Action Plans Mid-Trimester and End of Trimester
  • The University of Texas at Austin Oral Proficiency website
  • studyspanish.com online website for extra vocabulary and grammar support

• Visual Arts

  • Currency design: contour lines, values, shading, pattern, texture
  • 2D design: logo development and applications
  • Studio art: figure drawing and painting
  • 3D design: current design trends, design thinking process, product re-design, and prototyping
  • Silkscreen political/social cause posters
  • Installation art
  • Independent projects
  • Public art opportunities

• Music

  • Exploration and study of world music
  • Year two drum ensemble
  • Comparsa (Cuba)
  • Focus on polyrhythms and syncopated music
  • Featured performance at graduation
  • Haitian Rara
  • Performance band for instrumentalists

• Physical Education

  • Analyzing an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and using this analysis in a game situation
  • Demonstrating appropriate sportsmanship in game situations
  • Working cooperatively with all peers regardless of skill level
  • Identifying personal activities for lifelong fitness

• Community Engaged Learning

  • Capstone project designed for critical thinking and to encourage students to perform authentic research toward servicing the land and people around Lake Merritt
  • Personal understandings, interests, skills, talents, and areas of growth prior to defining their focused research topics
  • Emergent strategies for navigating decision-making and effecting change, teamwork, collaboration, community building, team management, time management, clarity of need, purpose, and input
  • Digital media production, creative writing, fact-checking, building supporting materials, critical thinking, project planning/management, research, public speaking, and communication skills