Grade Eight Curriculum

Zion Lutheran School

Religion

The New Testament is the focus of study for the Eighth Grade.  We use Voyages:  Exploring God’s Word developed by Concordia Publishing House.  Throughout the year we will be studying the New Testament.  We will learn about Jesus’ work of redemption, the early Christian church, and the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.  Through this study and the work of the Holy Spirit, students will grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Memory Work

 Students are assigned memory verses on a weekly basis from Religion class, as well verses to learn from Confirmation. All verses are from the Bible.

Confirmation

Students will learn basic doctrine of Zion Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.  The six chief parts of Luther’s Small Catechism are the basis for this class.  Students, through the work of the Holy Spirit, will grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible.  This class is taught by one of the pastors of Zion Lutheran Church.

Math

Students in Eighth Grade are placed in either the pre-algebra class or the algebra class based on performance, achievement test scores, and the results of an algebra placement test.

Algebra ½, by Saxon Publishing is the pre-algebra text used in the Eighth Grade.  This is a transitional mathematics book designed to help students move from the concrete concepts of arithmetic to the abstract concepts of Algebra.  Basic operations, fractions, decimals, geometry, exponents, and other pre-algebra topics are introduced and reviewed in this class.

Algebra 1, by Saxon Publishing is the algebra text used in the Eighth Grade.  Algebra is an advanced class and uses a high school textbook.  The students will use the text and supplemental materials to learn and compute operations and functions using fractions, decimals, variables, and like terms.  Students will also explore area, volume, geometry, numbers, scientific notation, and polynomials.  Students successfully completing this course will be able to advance to the next level of math in high school.

Language Arts

Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, published by Glencoe, is used to study and practice the concepts of grammar and writing.  Students will review and practice composition skills, the usage and mechanics of grammar, and develop skills to promote better communication in a changing world.

Vocabulary Workshop C/D, published by Sadlier-Oxford, enables students to learn spelling, meaning, and the use of selected vocabulary words.  Students also will develop strategies to improve writing with the use of new and varied words.

Each student will have the opportunity to visit the school library on the first day of the school week during the time assigned for the classroom. 

Science

Science Explorer:  Physical Science, published by Prentice Hall, is used by the teacher to teach physical science in the Eighth Grade.  God’s design on this world will be the major focus of this class.  The students will study areas of science related to physical science:  motion, light, sound, chemistry, etc.  Classroom projects and labs will emphasize material found in the textbook.

Art

ArtsAttack DVD series is used mostly for art class.  The teacher may supplement with a variety of other projects, as well. The students will study and practice the six elements of art.  Projects will focus on the use of lines, shapes, texture, space, light, and color.  Students will also study famous artists such as  Norman Rockwell, Claude Monet, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, Grant Wood, Leonardo da Vinci, and Vincent van Gogh. 

Music

Share the Music, published by McGraw-Hill, is used for music class along with internet resources.  Students will explore various areas of music, including composers, genre, and basic notes and tones.

Physical Education

Students will participate in individual and group activities to promote physical fitness and explore the use of movement.  Activities may include stretching, exercises, jumping rope, and running.  Students will participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program.  Group activities may include flag football, soccer, basketball, and softball.