Grade 8 Curriculum
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Physical Education and Health
- World Language
- Art
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Music
- Technology Education
- School Counseling
English Language Arts
This course builds on middle school literacy skills while preparing students for the expectations of high school English. Students develop their reading, writing, speaking, and research skills through a variety of literary and informational texts. Units explore themes such as identity, responsibility, justice, and innovation, encouraging students to think critically about both historical and contemporary issues.
Students engage in close reading, analytical and narrative writing, research projects, and collaborative discussions. Throughout the year, they strengthen their ability to use evidence, communicate ideas clearly, and reflect on multiple perspectives. This course supports all learners while building the core literacy skills needed for success in high school and beyond.
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra
In Grade 8 Pre-Algebra, instructional time focuses on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Pre-Algebra Curriculum Overview
Algebra I
The course focuses on the study of linear and quadratic functions, and introduces students to other functions that will be developed in more depth in later courses. Topics include: solving equations and inequalities, working with linear functions (writing, graphing, and modeling), solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, solving and graphing absolute value functions, properties of exponents, working with quadratic functions (writing, graphing, modeling), and solving quadratic equations. Problem-solving techniques relating algebra to real-life applications are incorporated throughout the course.
Science
This engaging, year-long Grade 8 General Science course offers a comprehensive exploration of key scientific concepts across the physical, life, and earth and space sciences, all while integrating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will engage in Science and Engineering Practices, utilizing Crosscutting Concepts to connect knowledge across different domains. The curriculum is structured around significant disciplinary core ideas, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how science and engineering impact our world.
Social Studies
This course explores the major events, ideas, and people that shaped the United States from the Colonial era through the Civil War. Students begin with a review of life in the thirteen colonies and trace the nation’s development through the American Revolution, the Constitution, westward expansion, reform movements, and the growing sectional tensions that ultimately led to the Civil War. Throughout the course, students engage with Connecticut’s social studies standards by practicing historical inquiry, evaluating sources, and considering multiple perspectives to understand how the past influences the present.
Physical Education and Health
Physical Education
In P.E., students learn the importance of being active, making healthy choices, and treating others with respect. Our program focuses on healthy habits, fair play, good decision-making, and encouraging others while building foundational fitness and teamwork skills.
Health
Grade 8 Health focuses on helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and social well-being. The course includes substance abuse education, covering licit and illicit drugs, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and responsible use, as well as disease prevention, including how diseases spread, STDs, and HIV/AIDS. Students also learn about healthy relationships, safe dating, and recognizing harassment and abuse while building essential health skills for lifelong wellness.
World Language
Spanish
Spanish 1B is the second half of the beginning Spanish sequence, designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish 1A or have equivalent foundational skills. This course expands learners’ abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while increasing confidence in everyday communication. Students will build on core vocabulary and grammar to express preferences, and engage in simple conversations with greater accuracy and proficiency.
French
French 1B is a continuation of 7th grade French 1A and builds on the foundational skills students have already developed. This communicative course provides opportunities to read, write, speak, and listen in French while expanding vocabulary and conversational abilities. Students continue to introduce themselves and interact with others, exchanging information about family, food, their town, and favorite activities. The course also deepens cultural understanding, allowing students to explore new French-speaking traditions and perspectives, fostering a stronger sense of global citizenship.
Art
Digital Art
Drawing from both traditional and contemporary sources, students learn to develop and adapt artwork utilizing various digital tools and programs, namely Adobe Photoshop.
Digital Art Curriculum Overview
Drama: Props and Sets
Students learn about and research plays and musicals to investigate the purpose and craft of designing sets. After building basic skills in the planning and building of three dimensional forms, students work collaboratively and in conjunction with the Drama Club to develop and create the props and set pieces for the school play.
Drama: Props and Sets Curriculum Overview
Printmaking
This printmaking class introduces students to the traditional and time-honored art of printmaking. Students explore multiple processes, including relief, intaglio, and screen printing, with an emphasis on relief printing techniques. The course covers foundational skills such as composition, layout, image transfer, and block preparation and carving. Students also learn to use mirror imaging as a design strategy and explore printmaking as a means of personal artistic expression and communication.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Advanced FCS
The classroom is set up to flow with the high school’s kitchen, university teaching kitchens, and kitchens in the foodservice industry. Currently, this course is scheduled in a double block. After each lab, students complete a reflection of their experiences to assess new knowledge.
Survival Skills
The classroom is set up to integrate hands-on learning experiences aligned with the high school’s Child Development and Financial Literacy classes. Instruction is divided between child development activities and financial literacy concepts, allowing students to apply both skill sets in meaningful contexts. Guest speakers immerse the students in authentic learning.
Music
Band (Winds)
This course represents the culmination of the middle school band sequence. Students apply and refine advanced musical skills, including complex rhythms, varied time signatures, expanded ranges, expressive performance techniques, and ensemble leadership. Repertoire grows in difficulty and stylistic diversity, encouraging students to think critically, listen actively, and perform with precision and artistry. This course prepares students for high school band.
Chorus
How do musicians prepare for performances? What skills are required to accurately perform vocal music? How do musicians improve the quality of their performance? Musicians prepare for performances by methodically rehearsing, evaluating, and refining technical skills over time through planned practice, feedback, reflection, and collaboration.
Electronic Music
Students experience many elements and modalities that are associated with the world of digital music. There will be many different topics and formats to engage and enhance the learning experience throughout the length of the course.
Electronic Music Curriculum Overview
Percussion
This course represents the culmination of middle school percussion training. Students refine advanced snare, mallet, timpani, and auxiliary percussion techniques while expanding rhythmic fluency, dynamic control, musical expression, and ensemble leadership skills. This course prepares percussionists for the technical and musical demands of high school band by integrating all major percussion instruments into performance.
Percussion Curriculum Overview
Ukulele
How do musicians learn Ukulele? What skills are required to accurately perform on a Ukulele? This course provides instruction on the basics of Ukulele and performance.
Technology Education
Technology Education - HBI
This course provides students with foundational knowledge and skills aligned to the Home Builders Institute (HBI) PACT Core curriculum. Students develop an understanding of workplace safety, construction mathematics, and the proper use of industry tools and equipment. The course also emphasizes employability skills, including professionalism, communication, and résumé development, preparing students for future education and career opportunities in the skilled trades and construction industries.
Technology Education Curriculum Overview
Robotics
This hands-on Robotics course introduces students to the principles of engineering, computer science, and physics through the design, construction, and programming of robotic systems. Students apply the engineering design process while maintaining an engineering notebook to document ideas, testing, and improvements. In addition, students develop programming skills by applying concepts such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, and functions to control robotic actions. Throughout the course, students follow and create multi-step procedures to build, test, and refine their robots, culminating in a competitive challenge that requires innovation, problem-solving, and iterative design.
Video Productions
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital media creation through the video production process. Students explore the stages of pre-production, production, and post-production while developing skills in planning, filming, and editing video projects. Emphasis is placed on applying industry-standard framing and composition techniques to effectively communicate ideas through visual storytelling. In addition, students are introduced to digital photography editing through PIXLR, developing foundational skills in image enhancement and visual design.
School Counseling
The 8th grade counseling curriculum helps students explore how the choices they make today can impact their future success. Through lessons focused on goal setting, decision-making, and personal responsibility, students learn to connect their daily actions to future academic, career, and personal goals. By the end of 8th grade, students will have a stronger understanding of how positive choices and perseverance can help them achieve success as they prepare for high school.