Eighth Grade
Mrs. Amanda Wunderlich
8th Grade Curriculum
Religion
The eighth-grade religion program utilizes the Christ Our Life series, which focuses on God's faithful love as revealed through the Church founded by Jesus Christ. The curriculum is designed to deepen students' understanding of the Catholic faith while fostering a stronger relationship with Christ and His Church.
During the second semester, students participate in a comprehensive preparation program for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
As part of this process, students:
*Choose and Research a Saint
*Attend a retreat with other area 8th grade students
*Complete and document 25 hours of Christian service.
Faith Formation Experiences:
*Students attend Mass twice each week and actively participate in planning, preparing, and leading various aspects of the liturgy throughout the school year.
*Students participate in Eucharistic Adoration and visit the Blessed Sacrament throughout the year.
*Students receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least twice annually.
*Students take part in the Healthy Lifestyles Program hosted by St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
*Students continue the Church Partner program begun in seventh grade, serving as mentors and role models by sitting with and guiding their younger Church Partners during school Masses.
*Students play an integral role in the annual Crowning of Mary celebration held in May.
Science
Science focuses on Physical Science. During the year we will discuss matter, sounds waves, electromagnetism, and the periodic table.
English/Literature
In middle school English, we work on grammar and writing skills. I prepare the middle school students by giving them the tools they will need in the future. I strive to do 3 days of writing and 2 days of grammar each week. They are both very important and work together. I believe this is the best way to achieve all English goals.
For writing, I use many different types of writing assignments. Some of these include personal narratives, creative writing, and research papers. I also include some fun activities such as mock interviews and how-to presentations. I encourage the students to read all their work aloud to help with their public speaking skills.
For grammar, we learn about the parts of speech among other things. I have them work on proofreading sheets to improve their editing skills. They will put their skills to the test when they peer review each other's writings.
Reading/Spelling
Our students read novels selected from a list of outstanding, award-winning authors who have amazing stories to tell. In this class we read poetry, read chapter books, complete reading packets and engage in classroom discussion about the daily readings.
Our students also have a spelling component consisting of a book series called Wordly Wise. The Wordly Wise series boosts your child’s vocabulary, spelling, and general understanding of words through reading comprehension, critical thinking and standardized test scoring.
Our students also utilize the Accelerated Reading program. This program inspires students to read books on their own. Each student has been assigned an AR point level based on their STAR reading assessment. Students need to read 30 minutes per day on average achieve their AR goal each quarter.
Social Studies
This 8th-grade U.S. History course explores the growth and development of the United States from the end of the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students examine how the nation was formed, expanded, and challenged while developing critical thinking, and historical inquiry. Students will engage in active, inquiry-based learning experiences that encourage historical investigation and evidence-based reasoning. By the end of the course, students will understand how the United States evolved from a newly independent nation into a divided country struggling to redefine freedom and citizenship after the Civil War. They will be able to evaluate historical evidence, analyze multiple perspectives, explain cause-and-effect relationships, and connect the principles of the Constitution to civic life today.
Mathematics
St. John’s uses the Saxon Course 3 book which is considered a pre-algebra course. This course will give the students the basic skills needed for an algebra class.
Topics covered include:
Properties of numbers and operations
Using Pythagorean theorem
* Ratio and proportional reasoning
* Coordinate geometry
* Patterns, relations, and functions
* Measurement
* Variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities
* Data analysis and probability
* Properties and relationships of lines, angles, polygons
* Problem solving
This course also utilizes the IXL online program to reinforce, practice and master mathematics skills learned throughout the course. IXL is aligned to the Saxon curriculum. It gives real-time diagnostics, instant feedback and explanations.