Revised April 2005

 

In Grade 8, students will …

 

RELIGION:

·       Use the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in everyday life

·       Know the Catholic Church’s teaching about current social justice issues based on various Church documents

·       Understand the relationship between Christianity and Judaism

·       Know the term Magisterium

·       Cite some heresies in the history of the Catholic Church and how they originated

·       Be familiar with the various Eastern churches in union with the Roman Catholic Church

·       Know some non-Catholic denominations and how they originated

·       Know the history of America as a missionary country

·       Name some modern-day martyrs

·       Understand some aspects of the major non-Christian religions

·       Know the form and function of the seven sacraments

 

LANGUAGE ARTS:

·       Monitor own comprehension when reading by adjusting speed to fit the purpose or by skimming, scanning, reading on, looking back, note taking or summarizing what has been read

·       Write in expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive modes

·       Use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, colorful modifiers and style as appropriate to audience and purpose

·       Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of spelling, grammar, mechanics and usage when writing

·       Explain the author’s use of subplots, parallel episodes and climax

·       Identify examples of foreshadowing and flashback in reading material

·       Identify and analyze persuasive techniques

 

MATH:

·       Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers and number systems

·       Use scientific notation to express large numbers and small numbers between 0 and 1

·       Solve inequalities using one or two variables on both sides of an equation

·       Determine when an estimate is sufficient and when an exact answer is needed

·       Find the square root of perfect squares

·       Use symbolic algebraic representation to analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic logic

·       Apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations

·       Understand and use the Pythagorean theorem

·       Find the mean, median, mode and range and determine which measure of central tendency is more appropriate

 

SCIENCE:

·       Explain that gravitational force is the dominant force determining motions in the solar system

·       Understand the origin, composition and relationship of celestial bodies

·       Understand the concept of light years to measure distance in space

·       Investigate the work of Gregor Mendel and examine the impact of his work on genetics

·       Predict the outcome of traits with the use of Punnett Squares

·       Use formulas to calculate the force, mass, and motion of machines

·       Interpret the Periodic Table and recognize common elements and their symbols

·       Write chemical formulas and interpret balanced equations

·       Study the basics of heredity

 

SOCIAL STUDIES:

·       Describe the political, religious and economic aspects of North American colonization

·       Explain the events that led to the American Revolution such as the Proclamation of 1763, the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea party and petitions and appeals to Parliament

·       Explain the causes and consequences of American Revolution and Civil War

·       Interpret relationships between events shown on multi-tier timelines

·       Explain how uneven distribution of resources influenced historical events such as the Civil War

·       Compare places in the United States as they existed before 1877 with the same places today

·       Explain how parts of the U.S. Constitution limit powers of government in order to protect the rights of individuals

·       Explain how the opportunities for civic participation increased during the first half of the 19th century

 

ART:

·       Draw in one- and two-point perspective

·       Mix tints, shades, and complementary colors

·       Know major art periods and the artists of those periods

·       Know the process scholars use to critique works of art

 

MUSIC:

·       Understand music reading skills and terms

·       Develop performance skills

·       Participate musically in the Liturgy

·       Study the role of liturgical and other sacred music and know how they have evolved

·       Explore music of other cultures and music styles unique to America

 

HEALTH:

·       Understand basics of first aid

·       Know the symptoms of heat stroke, frost bite, and other weather-related conditions

·       Understand basics of CPR

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

·       Participate in:  individual and team sports; fitness; and wellness activities

·       Develop social and emotional skills of team play, positive social interaction, acceptable display of emotion, and responsibility

 

TECHNOLOGY BENCHMARKS:

·       Demonstrate ethical and legal behaviors when using technology

·       Develop keyboarding skills with proper techniques

·       Demonstrate proper file management using different computer drives

·       Demonstrate the proper use of communication tools

·       Use the Internet for research

·       Evaluate the accuracy, appropriateness, and bias of resources found on the Internet

 

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FORMATIVE OUTCOMES

The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Toledo expect that students will learn much more than just the content shown in this Curriculum Guide. The goal of our schools is that the following "formative outcomes" will become evident in all our students.

FAITH-BASED DISCIPLESHIP:

Students will …

  • deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • actively experience a community of faith in the school and parish.
  • know and understand the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
  • be able to see the presence of God in the events and experiences of their lives.
  • make choices based on the Catholic faith.
  • appreciate and experience worship and prayer.

CHRISTIAN LIVING:

Through his/her Baptismal call to holiness, each student will strive to become…

  • a person of integrity.
  • a person of compassion and forgiveness.
  • a person of courage and justice willing to confront wrongs.
  • a person who respects self and others.
  • a person of service.
  • a person of collaboration.

INTRA-PERSONAL SKILLS:

Students will …

  • recognize how they learn.
  • know how to be reflective.
  • have personal care and respect for their body.
  • understand and appreciate their personal gifts.
  • demonstrate personal responsibility, understanding that choices have consequences.
  • be flexible.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE:

Students will…

  • demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic Social Principles.
  • understand how political systems work and their responsibility to participate in them.
  • recognize and challenge oppression and exploitation.
  • learn to contribute time, talent, and treasure for the good of others.
  • demonstrate an understanding of and respect for other cultures and languages.

CRITICAL THINKING:

Based on Christian values, students will…

  • evaluate and interpret what is seen, read, and heard.
  • make informed decisions.
  • develop and apply problem-solving strategies.
  • learn to question their world through higher-order thinking skills.
  • listen actively with the intent to understand.
  • clearly articulate thoughts and ideas.

CREATIVITY:

Students will…

  • exhibit an appreciation of the arts.
  • express ideas and talents in a variety of positive ways.
  • function in a variety of situations and environments.
  • recognize and respect others’ expressions of creativity.
  • be empowered to be creative.
  • recognize their creative gifts and talents.