Grade 8 Academics
characters , and becoming aware of the beauty and power of the written word are key outcomes .
Mathematics
The seventh grade mathematics curriculum includes decimals , algebra and statistics , linear equations and functions , fractions , proportional reasoning , geometry , and measurement . Acceleration , extension and enrichment opportunities are offered within the classroom . Life Science
Seventh grade students will be learning about a number of different life science topics . These include ; defining life , relationships in nature , food webs , scientific method , photosynthesis , cells , organ systems , genetics , and evolution . Students will be asked to use a variety of methods , in particular , STEM related activities to explore the key concepts of each unit .
Social Studies
Maine culture is the focus of seventh grade social studies . Students will examine questions such as : What is social studies ? What makes a place a place ? What happens when cultures interact with one another ? What is needed to create a community ? How does a place change over time ? We will explore many facets of social studies including history , geography , economics , government , anthropology and sociology .
World Languages
The World Languages program provides students with a foundation for future language study and promotes awareness of cultures related to world languages . Spanish and French are taught in a two-year loop so that students are able to achieve maximum exposure to the structures of a language . The course is organized around thematic units that integrate vocabulary , grammatical structures , culture , and communication .
Seventh grade students will focus on learning the basic language skills of listening , speaking , reading , and writing , all taught through themes such as the classroom , school , family , home , and holidays . Popular culture , food , art , music , and other content areas are regularly connected to lessons . Skills in participation , tolerance , and cooperation are also strongly emphasized .
Health / Wellness
Instruction is focused on physical education activity . Physical activities are often integrated with core curriculum in science . First Aid and CPR classroom instruction is integrated as time permits .
Visual Arts
Students will expand their understanding of the elements and principles of art through an investigation of the use of art and design in today ’ s society .
The project-based curriculum is designed to incorporate academic areas of study such as social studies , literature , math , and science . This integrated approach will help students develop an appreciation for daily creative practices .
Music & Performing Arts
7th Graders focus on African Percussion , using authentic instruments from Ghana . Complex rhythms through ensemble and individual activities help students develop teamwork and a greater understanding of the music of other cultures . Students use Garage Band , software available on their laptops , to create original works and study a unit on American Music in History ( Ellis Island ). African dance , drama activities and studying the high school musical each year are also highlights in class . Students are invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the year at the annual Music Concert .
Grade 8 Academics
English Language Arts ( ELA )
Grade 8 English Language Arts focuses on developing students ’ writing skills through a critical look at a variety of texts and writing genres . Four thematically driven quarters focus on teaching students to approach literature and information analytically , through close , purposeful reading . Through high frequency writing and revision , students learn to distinguish the elements of craft in the three common genres of academic writing , argument , informative , and narrative , and employ these specific strategies in their own pieces . Whole-class novels include : The Outsiders , The Giver , The Other Wes Moore , and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind .
8 www . thorntonacademy . org