Eighth Grade
Grade 8 Supply List
Summer Reading
Academics
ELA
Grade 8 ELA Information
The English curriculum at Rye Neck integrates the close, critical reading of a variety of literary genres with the development of reflective, analytical written work. While four years of English are required for graduation, Rye Neck’s English department offers a broad program of exciting core courses and electives rendering it possible for students to complete more than five years of credit in English.
Each course in the four-year sequence incorporates reading, writing, listening, speaking, presenting and viewing skills as outlined in the New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards. In addition, students are required to develop facility with a variety of research formats employing both traditional print and modern technological media sources.
English courses 9-11 are Regents courses. Each grade level emphasizes selected parallels to social studies topics and also incorporates focused themes. All students take the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English in either June of sophomore year, or January of the junior year.
English 8
Curriculum Level: Grade level
State Examination: NY State English Language Arts Assessment
Frequency: Every day
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DESCRIPTION
The eighth grade English curriculum incorporates New York State Common Core Standards for ELA as well as concentrating on the skills necessary to prepare students for the rigors of the high school’s college and career readiness. Students will work on their reading comprehension and writing skills, with an emphasis on expository writing. Through the use of literary and informational texts, students will focus on strengthening their skills in preparation for the high school English curriculum.
TEXT and OTHER MATERIALS
Texts may include but are not limited to: The House in the Cerulean Sea, Animal Farm, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Twelfth Night as well as selected supplementary texts, both classic and contemporary, most of which deal with the need for acceptance, speaking up for what is right, and the loss of innocence.
Math
Grade 8 Math Information
The purpose of the district mathematics program is to provide young students with experiences that will allow them to develop mathematical reasoning and acquire basic mathematical concepts and skills. The primary curriculum makes widespread use of manipulatives (concrete objects) for deeper understanding.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with growth in competencies essential to mathematical growth. As they progress through their coursework, they will develop increasingly sophisticated problem-solving abilities, a range of mathematical “habits of mind,” and a set of highly developed mathematical reasoning skills. In addition, students will become increasingly proficient in oral and written mathematical expression, as they gain fluency in the language of mathematics and ability to make connections within mathematics.
Grade: 8
Types of Assessments: End of unit tests, mid-unit quizzes and cumulative quarterlies
Prerequisite: Math 7 or Math 7 Accelerated
Credit: 1
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DESCRIPTION
Eighth grade mathematics continues with proportional reasoning and rational numbers. Students will also begin to explore more advanced algebraic concepts and geometric relationships. Throughout the year, students will continue to work on perseverance in problem solving by being able to make sense of and use mathematical practices.
- Rational Numbers
- Exponents and Scientific Notation
- Algebraic Equations
- Linear Equations
- Literal Equations
- Systems of Equations
- Measurement and Geometry
- Circles
- Volume of three dimensional figures
- Angle Measurements
- Angles formed by intersecting lines
- Parallel lines cut by a transversal
- Triangles
- Proportional Relationships
- Ratios, Rates, unit rates
- Similar figures
- Transformational Geometry
- Translations
- Reflections
- Rotations
- Dilations
- Graphing Linear Equations
- Functions
- Square Roots and Cube Roots
- Pythagorean Theorem
TEXT and Other Materials
Ready New York Mathematics Practice and Problem Solving- Curriculum Associates
Teacher provided notes and handouts
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Be on time for class. Bring the materials you need and be prepared (have the homework that is due and study for any assessments). Be respectful and listen while others are speaking. Raise your hand to be called on. Respect classroom and classmates’ supplies. Be understanding that all students have different learning styles and learn at different speeds.
Physical Education/Health
Grade 8 PE/Health Information
The physical education and health department strives to educate students on how to be healthy and active throughout their lives. Positive health habits begin at a young age, and our focus is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to not only perform movement and activity but also to access community resources to achieve a healthy lifestyle. In addition to physical health benefits, students learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, self confidence and accountability. The physical education curriculum is designed to include foundational experiences in team and individual sports and fitness programming.
In partnership with physical education, our health curriculum focuses on functional knowledge and skill development to provide students with a concrete basis for healthy living. Topics covered but not limited to include mental/emotional health, fitness, substance abuse, human sexuality, and interpersonal relationships. The physical education and health program follows the New York state learning standards for health and physical education which also includes the New York State Health Guidance Document.
Grade 8 Health
Grade: 8
Curriculum Level: Grade level
State Examination: None
Frequency: Every other day for 1 semester
DESCRIPTION
Building on their knowledge and skills from seventh grade health, students continue to learn how to be healthy, how to encourage others to be healthy and where to find appropriate health-enhancing information. Guided by the New York State standards, students learn knowledge related to wellness, alcohol and other drugs, mental/emotional health, conflict management and violence prevention, HIV/AIDS, human growth and development and other related topics. Within each unit, students apply health-enhancing skills, which consist of self, relationship and stress management, communication, planning and goal-setting, decision making and advocacy. Through this health literacy, students are able to make healthy lifestyle decisions. Health Education is a New York State graduation requirement for all students.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Healthy Lifestyles and Wellness
- Goal Setting and Planning
- Stress Management
- Decision-Making and Peer Pressure
- Mental/Emotional Health
- Communication and Conflict Management
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Human Sexuality
TEXT and OTHER MATERIALS
Teacher provided handouts and articles
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to arrive at their Health class on time, come prepared and participate. Students will be graded on a combination of projects, in-class assignments, a portfolio and classroom participation. Students are expected to maintain and demonstrate proper classroom behavior and complete class assignments on time.
Grade 8 Physical Education
Required Course
Type of Examination: Performance
Prerequisite: None
Grade(s): 6-8
Credit: ½
DESCRIPTION
The Physical Education Program for students in grades 6-8 consists of sequential, skill-building activities with a focus on cooperation, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students will participate in a wide variety of activities incorporating fundamental skills, team, and lifetime sport activities. Through the use of the Sport Education Model, students will incorporate skills learned in practice and game settings. The goal of the program is to develop an awareness and understanding of other students, cooperation, teamwork, lifetime health, wellness and fitness. Three years of physical education is a New York State graduation requirement.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to arrive at their P.E. class on time, come prepared and participate. Proper class attire, which includes sneakers, t-shirt/sweatshirt, and shorts/sweatpants are required to participate. They are to demonstrate cooperation and sportsmanship. Each student is provided a locker at the gymnasium. All lockers should be securely fastened with a good lock.
Science
Grade 8 Science Information
One of the main goals of the science department is to help students become better critical thinkers. The courses offered by the department are diverse and provide students with the opportunity to broaden their content knowledge. A wide variety of project-based learning experiences are provided for students through scientific research opportunities and other content-related work. Advanced Placement courses are offered in every possible subject area. Our electives are unique and diverse offering all types of learners an opportunity to experience science in action. The courses offered by the department assist students to become well-rounded, competitive and prepared for their college experiences.
8th Grade Science
Living Environment with Lab
Curriculum Level: Regents
Type of Examination: Regents Exam
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1
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DESCRIPTION
This is a Regents level course based upon the Living Environment curriculum. Living Environment is a New York State Department of Education’s inquiry-based course focusing on the scientific method, biological tools, life characteristics of cells, reproduction, modern genetics, evolution, diversity, and ecology. This course also includes a study of human anatomy, health and physiology.
TEXT
Biology, Miller & Levine, Prentice Hall 2003.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Weekly quizzes and unit tests will cover class work, laboratory and homework assignments. Homework is given each night and laboratory assignments must be completed. According to state law, “All students in a Regents science course must complete the laboratory requirement of 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences, with satisfactory laboratory reports prior to entry into a Regents examination in science.” There are four state-mandated labs that must be completed to take the Regents exam and pass this course.
COURSE OUTLINE
- Scientific Method
- Scientific Processes
- Lab Skills
- Organization of Data
- Experimental Design
- Cells
- Living vs Nonliving
- Characteristics of Living Things
- Life Functions
- Cell Structures
- Levels of Cellular Organization
- Cell Transport
- Biochemistry
- Organic vs Inorganic Compounds
- Cellular Building Blocks: Lipids, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids
- Enzymes
- Biochemical Processes: Cellular Respiration & Photosynthesis
- Human Systems
- Digestive System
- Excretory System
- Respiratory System
- Circulatory System
- Nervous System
- Endocrine System
- Immune System
- Reproduction / Development
- Asexual Reproduction: Mitosis
- Sexual Reproduction: Meiosis
- Male Reproductive System
- Female Reproductive System
- Fertilization & Development
- GeneticS
- Inheritance of Traits
- DNA Structure and Function
- DNA Replication
- Protein Synthesis
- Epigenetics
- Mutations
- Genetic Disorders & Testing
- Genetic Engineering
- Evolution
- Sources of Evolution
- Evidence of Evolution
- Genetics Role in Evolution
- Charles Darwin
- Natural and Artificial Selection
- Ecology
- Levels of Organization
- Parts of an Ecosystem
- Ecological Relationships
- Ecological Pyramids
- Cycles of Matter
- Biodiversity
- Populations
- Ecological Succession
- Human Impact
- Climate Change
- Ozone Depletion
- Effects of Human Population Growth
- Renewable vs Non-Renewable resources
- Conservation Practices
- Required New York State Labs
- Diffusion Through a Membrane
- Making Connections
- Beaks of Finch
- Relationships and Biodiversity
Physical Setting: Earth Science with Lab
Curriculum Level: Regents
Type of Examination: Regents Exam
Credit: 1
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DESCRIPTION
This course provides a foundation in understanding Earth’s complex and dynamic processes. Topics include geology, paleontology, astronomy, meteorology, and climatology. These topics advance students’ understanding of issues such as climate change, the use of natural resources and energy development. Instructional methods include lecture, inquiry activities, discussion and lab investigations. This course emphasizes the use of reference materials and raw data to draw conclusions. A Regents exam and a lab practical are required.
COURSE OUTLINE
- Meteorology and Weather
- Weather Variables
- Atmosphere
- Forecasting
- Hazards
- Water Cycle
- Astronomy
- Terrestrial Coordinates
- Earth’s Motions
- Seasons
- Solar System
- Weathering, Erosion and Deposition
- Landscapes
- Topography
- Geologic History
- Fossils
- Bedrock
- Plate Tectonics
- Minerals
- Composition
- Identification
- Rocks
- Rock Cycle
- Identification
TEXT
Earth Science: Geology, the Environment and the Universe, Glencoe 2002
Reviewing Earth Science, 3rd edition, Thomas McGuire, Amsco 2010
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to participate in class discussions and lab work. Quizzes, homework, projects and tests are used to monitor progress. State law requires that “All students in a Regents science course must complete the laboratory requirement of 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences, with satisfactory laboratory reports prior to entry into a Regents examination in science.”
Social Studies
Grade 8 Social Studies Information
The department seeks to prepare students to be independent, forward-thinking participants, actively involved in the 21st century. Inclusion of technology and evidence-based learning are paramount to the curriculum which is designed to motivate each student to think for himself/herself, to analyze, and to draw conclusions from a variety of primary and secondary sources. At least one research paper is required at each level. The curriculum is supplemented with works of historical non-fiction and/or other works of literature in the content area. Each course integrates the social, political, economic and historical elements of culture, nations and governments as outlined in the NYS Syllabi for Social Studies as well as the NYS learning standards. Social Studies courses in grades 9-11 are Regents courses, culminating in a Regents exam in grades 10 and 11. College Board Advanced Placement courses are offered in grades 10, 11, and 12. For more information regarding the New York State Core Curriculum for Social Studies go to:
https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-k-12-social-studies-framework
Grade 8
Curriculum Level: Grade level
State Exam: None
Frequency: Every day
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DESCRIPTION
Grade 8 Social Studies is arranged chronologically, beginning with the Civil War and Reconstruction and ending at the present. The course incorporates geography as well as economic, social and political trends. The course content is divided into nine key ideas; the first seven trace the human experience in the United States from Reconstruction to the end of World War II. The last two key ideas examine different themes in United States and New York State history from the post-war period up to the present day, which provides the opportunity to explore contemporary issues.
TEXT AND OTHER MATERIALS
Teacher provided handouts and articles & ebook: America: History of Our Nation
Selected readings, fiction and nonfiction
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Participation in class discussions and group activities, daily reading and writing assignments, analysis and synthesis of primary/secondary documents, quizzes, essays, research based projects
COURSE OUTLINE
- The Civil War and Reconstruction
- Causes and aftermath of the Civil War
- A changing society
- Industrialization, urbanization, immigration
- Calls for reform
- Expansion and imperialism
- Economic, political, and cultural factors that were responsible for the westward movement
- A changing foreign policy
- World War I and post war America
- The Great Depression
- Causes
- The changing role of the government
- World War II and the transformation of warfare and society
- The Cold War, containment, communism and the Middle East
- Post World War II demographic changes
- Domestic politics and civil rights reform to address social, legal, economic, and environmental problems
World Languages
Grade 8 World Languages Information
One of the essential hallmarks of a well-rounded and complete education is the pursuit of the ability to communicate – to do business, to socialize, to conduct research, to live fully – in a language other than one’s own. This can only be a tremendous asset to any individual in our ever-shrinking and increasingly interdependent global society. The study of another language gives students an understanding and appreciation of a different culture which enables the student to see the connection between the culture that is lived and the language that is spoken. Each course is developed in alignment with the NYS learning standards for World Languages, such that students will study vocabulary and grammar topics, thereby developing the ability to communicate effectively. The World Languages Department immerses language learners in the target language and culture through various means of communication, technology and media. Students will be assessed on their ability to pronounce, speak, write, and understand the target language. Successful completion of the level III course and the Comprehensive Level III examination (along with requirements specific to other disciplines) may entitle students to a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation.
French 8, Italian 8, & Spanish 8
Curriculum Level: Grade 8
State Examination: NYSAWLA Checkpoint A exam
Frequency: Every day; full year
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DESCRIPTION
Communication skills previously introduced are continued and strengthened. This course expands on students’ prior grammatical, lexical, and communicative skills while exploring more in depth the practices of reading and writing in the target language. Emphasis is placed on oral and written work using materials relating to students’ everyday experiences. Upon completion of this course, students will take the NYSAWLA Checkpoint A exam.
Thematic vocabulary topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Transportation
- House/home
- Clothing
- Stores
- Around town
- Food & meals
- At school
- Seasons & calendar
- Travel
- Professions
- Free time activities
- Shopping
- Sports
- Geography
- Weather
- Songs/poems/short stories
TEXT and OTHER MATERIALS
D’accord 2
Chiarissimo Due/ Passo avanti in italiano
Realidades B