About Eighth Grade

Language Arts

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Language Arts Descriptive Paragraphs Journals Compare/contrast Vocabulary Conjunctions Point of View Nouns Verbs Objects Passive voice Prepositions Clauses Prepositional phrases Pronouns Personal journals Writing process Oral presentation	Recognize and use the steps of the writing process Write effective descriptive paragraphs Write compare/contrast essays Learn new vocabulary from context Incorporate new words into everyday usage Use conjunctions to form compound and complex sentences Identify and correct fragments and run-on sentences Maintain personal journals Write point of view essays Use compound and collective nouns correctly Use subject-verb agreement in sentences Correctly spell all tenses of irregular verbs Identify intransitive and transitive verbs Write in both passive and active voice Identify direct and indirect objects Use prepositional phrases as modifiers Choose correct prepositions Identify independent and dependent clauses Identify noun and adverb clauses Identify and write complex and compound sentences Identify and distinguish between independent and subordinate clauses Identify and distinguish between clauses and phrases Distinguish between essential and nonessential clauses Identify adverb and noun clauses Identify prepositions, their objects and prepositional phrases Identify adjective and adverb phrases and the words they modify Combine related sentences by using prepositional phrases Determine the correct adjective or adverb prepositional phrase for use in a sentence Identify and select correct personal or possessive pronoun Choose pronouns that agree with their antecedents Distinguish between subject and object pronouns Identify and correctly use interrogative and demonstrative pronouns Identify indefinite pronouns Use reflexive and intensive pronouns that agree with their antecedents in person, number and gender Use a personal journal to write a reflective essay Evaluate and synthesize information to apply in written and oral presentations Revise writing for central idea and elaboration with specific information Revise for sentence fluency Revise for word choice, tone and voice Edit for conventions

Reading

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Summer novels Robert Cormier author unit Historical fiction Guided reading Symbolic literature Short stories Realistic fiction Holocaust memoirs Plays	Participate in small group reading Participate in guided reading Participate in the Accelerated Reader program Read independently Read with increasing fluency Read for pleasure Read to learn Describe a story’s theme Explain how characterization, plot, setting, and point of view contribute to a story’s theme Recognize patterns, symbols, and recurring themes Write an essay defending a point of view Compare and contrast novels with short stories Draw conclusions and make inferences based on explicit and implied information Use evidence from the text to describe main ideas and theme Synthesize information from multiple sources Analyze details for relevance and accuracy Evaluate and synthesize information to apply in oral presentation Use evidence from the text as support for claims Identify and explain the use of symbols and figurative language in plays Analyze the author’s use of text structure and word choice

Mathematics

Students take one of the following courses. Placement is determined by inventory testing, ERB scores, and teacher recommendations. Both are high school credits.

Algebra I

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Algebraic equations and expressions Rates, ratios, proportions and similar figures Variable percent equations Probabilities of compound events Counting methods including permutations and combinations Graphing data, functions, rules Direct and Inverse variations Patterns and sequences Rate of change and slope Scatter plots and lines of best fit Zero and negative exponents Scientific notation Finding, estimating and simplifying radicals and exponents Pythagorean theorem Distance and Midpoint formulas Multiplication and division properties of exponents Geometric and arithmetic sequences Polynomials and factoring Quadratic equations Functions Simplifying rational expressions Inequalities Rational expressions and equations Operations with rational expressions. Rational proportions	Solve order of operation problems with variables Explore and solve equations and expressions Solve real world variable equations Solve formula problems find rates, ratios and proportions using variable equations find missing measures of similar figures using variables Write and solve percent equations find probabilities of multiple events and use strategies to find permutations and combinations Interpret, analyze and graph functions and relations Write a function rule Interpret and solve inverse and direct variation problems Use inductive and deductive reasoning Graph linear equations Determine the relationship of lines based on their slopes Write an equation of best fit based on a scatter plot and predictions find square roots Simplify radicals Understand and apply the Pythagorean theorem, distance formula and mid point formula Understand the effect of multiplication and division on powers Understand and apply geometric and arithmetic sequences Describe and simplify polynomial expressions Use different methods to multiply polynomials Use factoring to solve polynomial equations Analyze quadratic functions using different methods and determine the effect of different parameters Analyze quadratic equations using graphs and x and y intercepts Solve quadratics using factoring and the Quadratic equation and completing the square Simplify rational expressions using like terms and factoring Solve real world applications Understand relative sizes of real numbers by solving inequalities Graph one variable and two variable inequalities Solve one variable and two variable inequalities Solve and graph multi-step inequalities with one or two variables Graph and solve absolute value equations and inequalities Analyze systems using slope Solve systems of equations using graphing, substitution, elimination and multiplication with elimination Solve system of equation inequalities using graphing Analyze rational expressions and equations by graphing Determine different types of functions Understand and explain the process of solving rational equations and simplifying rational expressions Solve radical equations

Geometry I

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Points, lines, planes, and angles Reasoning and proof Parallel and perpendicular lines Congruent triangles Relationships in triangles Proportion and similarity Right angles and trigonometry Quadrilaterals Transformations Circles Areas of polygons and circles Surface area Volume	Review points, lines, planes, and angles Explore accuracy of measurement and the concept of congruency Apply inductive and deductive reasoning to situations in preparation for writing proofs Participate in an in-depth exploration of parallel and perpendicular lines Review slope, equations for a line, and ways to calculate distance between points Identify and classify triangles by various methods Demonstrate how to test for and prove triangle congruence and write coordinate proofs Be introduced to bisectors, medians and altitudes of triangles Explore inequalities and use indirect proofs Apply knowledge of ratios and proportions to similar figures and scale factors Explore proportional parts of triangles and proportional relationships between similar triangles Examine right triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem and trigonometric ratios Focus on quadrilaterals, transformations, and circles and learn properties of the various quadrilaterals and continue to use coordinate proofs to prove theorems Explore reflections, translations, rotations, and dilations Be introduced to vectors and transformations with matrices Explain the special properties of circles, including the form of their equations and inscribed and circumscribed polygons, tangents, and secants Demonstrate how to calculate measures in two and three dimensions Make models of three-dimensional figures and find surface area Investigate geometric probabilities Identify congruent and similar solids and graph solids in space

Science

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Scientific Method Physical Science Methods Motion and Speed Force and Gravity Acceleration and Momentum Energy Temperature Simple Machines Nature of Matter Solids, Liquids, and Gases Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures Periodic Table Interactions Solutions Chemical Reactions Acids, Bases, and Salts	Observe through inquiry Compare and contrast Infer from observable data Apply scientific concepts to everyday life Explain what is meant by Physical Science Explain the Scientific Method Demonstrate how to choose, design and carry out an independent Investigation Explain what happens when something moves Describe the characteristics of movement Explain how motion and force are measured Explain who Isaac Newton was and the impact he had on the study of physics Describe how simple machines make up compound machines Describe patterns occurring in nature that allow us to predict how the things around us will act and react Explain how atoms react with one another Describe ionic, polar covalent and covalent bonds and the role they play in our everyday lives Explain what a chemical formula represents Describe how matter interacts Explain how the law of conservation of mass is demonstrated in chemical reactions Explain how energy is related to chemical reactions Describe the fundamental principles of electricity Explain why conservation of energy is important Describe the relationship between sound and light waves Explain how the structure of the eye affects our vision Describe how electricity works Explain what role electricity plays in our energy resources Describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism

Social Studies

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Foundations of citizenship The federal government The American economic system The American Legal system People make a difference The United States and the world Model United Nations	Identify the five major social institutions Identify the three common forms of government Explain how diversity is both a positive and negative factor in American society Examine who can be an American citizen Explain what it means to hold the office of citizen Describe the rights of American citizens Define some of the responsibilities of citizens Explore social roles and the way they affect people’s behavior Examine the ways people play the role of citizen Explain the system of checks and balances Summarize the requirements for being a member of Congress, and the salary and benefits Explain how the Constitution limits the powers of the President Explain how the President influences the legislative and judicial branches Explain the need for a civil service system Describe how the court’s power is checked by other branches of government Describe factors considered when making economic choices Explain how decisions are made about how to produce goods and services Explain how goods, services, resources, and money flow through the economy Compare the three types of business ownership in the USA Analyze the debate over government intervention in the economy Describe how the federal government raises money Explore different forms of personal income Explain how a budget can help you make good financial decisions Identify important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a product Compare different types of savings plans Examine the role of insurance in financial planning Explain how civil law differs from criminal law Describe what happens when someone is arrested Identify the steps in a typical criminal trial Examine the challenges facing the criminal justice system Explain how juveniles are treated differently than adults in courts Summarize arguments for and against large awards in civil cases Explain the main principles of civil law Explore examples of how civil courts settle disputes Describe the steps leading to a civil trial Compare civil trials to criminal trials Describe some alternatives to civil trials Explain how political parties help government function Summarize the history of political parties in the United States Compare the organization and basic beliefs of the two major parties Explain the process of nominating and choosing a presidential candidate Explain the purpose of general elections Describe how and when elections are held, and who may vote in them Explore the importance of media in election campaigns Describe how campaigns are financed Summarize the role of the Electoral College Identify the difference between public and private problems Explore ways people attempt to solve public problems Explain why rising health care costs are a concern for all Explain why the problem of waste is both a space and people problem Explore how the histories of nations differ Compare developed and developing nations Describe the major causes of international conflict Explain how the global economy makes nations dependent on each other Summarize the main goals of American foreign policy Describe the role of the executive branch in making foreign policy Examine the powers Congress has over foreign policy Explain how private groups and citizens can help shape foreign policy Predict the foreign policy challenges the United States will face in the future Explore global threats such as shortage of natural resources, terrorism, and human rights violations Examine how the United Nations deals with global problems Participate in a model UN simulation

NETA is an innovative curriculum initiative in Hebrew language and culture, designed for day school students in grades 6-12. Created by Hebrew language curriculum specialists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, administered by Boston’s Hebrew College, and supported by the AVI CHAI Foundation, the NETA project is driven by the belief that mastery of Hebrew will promote students’ understanding of their history, culture and tradition, excite them about lifelong Jewish learning, foster a sense of belonging to the Jewish people, and cultivate strong ties with Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel) and Am Yisrael (the Jewish people).

NETA focuses on the four major language-acquisition skills � listening, speaking, reading, and writing � by immersing students in everything from classical Hebrew texts to Israeli music, and from historical documents to poetry and drama. The curriculum is sequential and based on a structured linguistic progression. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom. Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish tradition, modern Israeli culture, and general world knowledge, including art, science, mathematics, literature and philosophy.

During the middle school years, students move through the NETA program at a pace that is comfortable for them in multiple groups.

Through this curriculum students will

Be able to introduce themselves
Describe their rooms, homes, neighborhoods, communities
Be able to introduce themselves and others
Ask questions
Use masculine and feminine forms of words
Describe Jewish symbols
Use multiple forms of adjectives
Describe everyday items orally and in writing
Write advertisements for popular products
Count
Contrast happy experience with unhappy experiences
Converse about time
Describe preferences in music, food, songs, books, etc.
Conduct surveys
Analyze passages written in Hebrew
Conduct interviews

Kodesh — Mishnah

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Rambam’s ladder of Tzedakah Study of different Midrashim from the Torah Exodus and Pesach Denominations	Explain what it means to be a righteous person Explain how Judaism defines righteousness Describe what course of action we can take to make the world a more just place Explain what a Midrash is Show how a Midrash interprets questions from the Torah text Contrast natural and supernatural Midrashim Summarize the laws of Pesach according to the Torah Explain how Rabbis add to these laws in the Mishnah Retell the history of certain aspects of the seder Explain the spiritual values behind these customs Describe the four different Jewish denominations and how these developed Explain how these denominations form and shape our lives

Kodesh — Tanach

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Shmuel Shoftim Zacharia Story of Chana and her sons Joshua Ezekiel Basic tenets of Kabbalah Eliyahu	Explore the relationship between Israelites and God. Describe the themes of Haftorot Explain their connections to the Chaggim Retell the story of Joshua Explain the significance of the term Hazak v’Emetz in the story Consider the meaning of courage Interpret the vision from the first chapter of Ezekiel Explain how this serves as the basis for Kabbalah Demonstrate ability to translate text Explain the idea of prophecy Compare personal vision with famous artistic interpretations Create soundtrack using Soundsnap/Audacity Mixing audio Describe how Eliahu is represented in Tanach Explain his connection with the Messiah Explain his connections to the natural elements

Jewish History

Topics	Milestones in Learning
The Enlightenment Holocaust Modern Israel	Describe how European Jews lived before the Enlightenment Identify Moses Mendelssohn, the Baal Shem Tov and the Vilna Gaon Describe Jewish response to accusations of “dual loyalty” Explain the origin of the Reform and Modern Orthodox Movements Explain the impact of the Dreyfus Affair on the status of the Jews in Western and Central Europe Explain how the Zionist answer to the “Jewish Question” differs from the Reform Jews’ answer Identify Reform Movement, Zionism, Herzl, Weizmann and the Balfour Declaration. Explain why Great Britain issued the Balfour Declaration Describe the deterioration of Jewish life after the Nazi occupation Identify: Judenrat, Arbeitsamt, Righteous Gentile, action Describe the controversies concerning the Judenrat and Arbeitsamt. Explain why it was so rare and so risky for Gentiles to save Jews during the Shoah Explain why it took so long for Jews to realize that the Germans intended to murder them all Identify: Belzec, Treblinka, Operation Reinhard, Auschwitz, Deportation, “survival as resistance,” “death march,” Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Describe the obstacles to armed resistance Describe the fate of the Hungarian Jews Distinguish death camps from labor camps Refute the charge that the Jews went to their deaths “like sheep to the slaughter” Identify: Nuremberg, Eichmann Trial, “bystander,” “perpetrator,” Final Solution Describe the social and economic conditions in Germany after World War I and how they laid fertile ground for Nazi racial philosophy Describe the German system for annihilating the Jews Discuss whether bystanders bear some responsibility for the death toll during the Holocaust Describe how Germans resolved conflicts between the Wehrmacht and the SS Discuss whether justice was done Discuss what the Shoah has taught us about Jewish powerlessness Explain how the early Zionists laid the groundwork that ultimately resulted in the State of Israel For each of the five Aliyot, describe how many Jews came, why they came, where they came from, whether they settled in agricultural or urban centers, and whether they were predominantly socialists Describe the condition of the land and the population before the early Zionists began to settle in Palestine Discuss the contribution of the kibbutz movement to the founding of Israel Identify: Aliyah, Eretz Yisrael, kibbutz, Palestine, Ottoman Empire, socialism, Lord Rothschild, yishuv Locate Palestine on a (pre-World War I) map; locate the Galilee, the Kinneret, the Negev, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa Explain how the Balfour Declaration's promises to the Jews conflicted with British promises to Arabs in exchange for their support in World War I Describe the vicious cycle during the interwar period of Jewish immigration, followed by Arab violence, followed by British immigration restrictions Describe the main schools of thought respecting Jewish policy toward Great Britain between 1920 and 1942 Explain how the Haganah, Irgun and Stern Gang differed from each other Describe the yishuv’s three-prong strategy for obtaining statehood after World War II Locate on a map: the boundaries of the Jewish and Palestinian states designated by the UN Partition Resolution, the boundaries of the State of Israel after the War of Independence, the Burma Road Describe some of the major discrepancies between the Israeli and Palestinian narratives of the War of Independence. Discuss responsibility for the Arab flight from Jewish-held territories Name some of the countries from which Jews came to Israel between 1948 and 1960 Describe how the new immigrants were housed, fed and educated Identify: ma’abarot, Operation Magic Carpet, Law of Return Explain how and why the Sephardim felt they faced discrimination from the Ashkenazim Explain how Israeli law initially prejudiced the civil and property rights of Israeli Arabs, and explain how those problems have been addressed over the years Explain how Israel managed to pay for settling 800,000 Jewish refugees Describe the controversy arising from religious control of personal status in Israel Describe some of the concessions that non-religious political parties have made to religious parties in order to secure their participation in coalitions Discuss how the religious parties’ agenda changed after the 6-Day War Explain how Israeli elections work Describe the events leading up to the 6-Day War, and explain why Israel preemptively attacked Egypt Describe the border changes that resulted from the 1967 War, and explain their significance Identify: Golda Meir, Mapai, Herut/Likud, Law of Return, Yom Kippur War Explain why the Russian and Ethiopian aliyot have renewed the controversy of “Who is a Jew?” Explain what terrorists hope to accomplish Describe what Palestinian terrorists have and have not accomplished in the terror campaigns they have waged against Israel since the 1960’s Discuss how has Israel sought to prevent terrorist attacks, and the impact those efforts have had on daily life in Israel and in the West Bank/Gaza? Using the “security fence” as an example, discuss Israel’s struggle to strike a proper balance between security considerations and humanitarian ones Explain why it has been difficult for Israel to avoid civilian Palestinian casualties while combating terror Describe the basic missions of CAMERA and AIPAC

Spanish

Spanish I is offered over a two-year period. This is a high-school credit.

Topics	Milestones in Learning
School life The use of direct and indirect objects Review of prepositions and prepositional pronouns Food and table setting Spanish movies and television shows Vacation destinations Spanish visual and performing arts Popular past times Traveling abroad Body parts Spanish publications	Use the basic grammar structures studied in 7th grade Spanish in oral and written expression Converse about classes and school and compare them to different school systems Describe daily schedules, grades, exams and activities in different classes Describe setting a table in Spanish Recognize the dishes and utensils by their Spanish names Create a shopping list with current prices for creating recipes Write recipes in Spanish, including ingredients and procedures Research American indigenous foods Express likes and dislikes about movies and TV shows Share impressions about winter vacations orally and in writing Recognize names of zoo and farm animals in Spanish Research Spanish artists Present research to the class Organize a party in Spanish Know airport related vocabulary and plan a trip Talk about shopping experiences Know body related vocabulary and complain about not feeling well Arrange for a physical exam due to illness Converse in diverse topics not studied in class Examine Spanish written materials in different topics and levels of difficulty and express in their own words the basic ideas of the “real world” materials

Electives

Boot Camp
Two-Dimensional Art
Student Newspaper
Band
MathCounts Club
Cooking
Resistance Training
Crafts
Three-Dimensional Art
Odyssey of the Mind
Peer Mediation
Theater
Art with Heart
Environmental Science
Cross Country

Physical Education

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Physical Education and Health Effects of diet and exercise on body systems Offensive and defensive strategies Rules of fair play Gross motor movement Consumer nutritional information Depression “Hanging out” vs. dating Inhalants and “pharming”	Explain short-term and long-term benefits of physical fitness Demonstrate good sportsmanship Explain how our bodies change as we age Explain how to reduce the risks of chronic disease monitor changes in their own fitness levels Set personal goals for Presidential Physical Fitness testing Interpret and contrast resting and active heart rates Describe the signs of depression Explain the difference between informal social situations and the implied formality of dating Dating etiquette Explain the meaning of addiction Explain the effects of inhalants on the human body Explain the social and emotional effects of inhalant abuse Explain the difference between ‘good drugs’ and ‘bad drugs’ Explain the dangers of using prescribed drugs inappropriately Explain the meaning of peer pressure Strategize for resisting peer pressure Demonstrate self-advocacy

Computer Education

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Rules and expectations for computer lab Review parts of the computer Microsoft Publisher Internet terminology, safety, and navigation Keyboarding — review Resume Writing Wikis Windows Movie Maker Gimp software Google SketchUp	Explain tech lab rules Correctly use Internet terminology Demonstrate proficiency in use of the Microsoft software taught Show progress in keyboarding using Typing Pal Research David Ben Gurion as an extension of a Jewish History unit Create a Microsoft Word resume for David Ben Gurion Create Wiki page on designated topic Research information for Wiki page Create Gesher Green video and edit it using Windows Movie Maker Advanced photo editing using Gimp software Create 3D models and simulations using Google SketchUp Research an Israeli settlement and create a brochure for it in Microsoft Publisher Journey to Israel final project

Library

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Research Free reading Independent reading Accelerated reading Biography Literary genres	Use diverse sources of information for research Determine if a source contains needed information Develop searches for SIRS Discoverer using different search strategies Take effective notes Listen to book talks Select appropriate books for free or independent reading Examine books to determine if they will be enjoyable and appropriate Set realistic Accelerated Reader goals Take research notes Combine information from several sources for a project Determine if a source contains needed information Research landmark cases and the Supreme Court Demonstrate how to write an annotated bibliography

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About Eighth Grade

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Algebra I

Geometry I

Science

Social Studies

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Kodesh — Mishnah

Kodesh — Tanach

Jewish History

Spanish

Electives

Physical Education

Computer Education

Library

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