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CORE ACADEMICS at SIMMONS: 8th GRADE

Math

In 8th grade math we work hard to make sure students are prepared for high school math. We offer pre-algebra (“regular” math) and algebra I (advanced math). There is also a math team class for students who participate on the math team. Students may (and usually need to) use calculators in class and should bring their own every day. We recommend the TI-30XS or the TI-30X IIS, but any scientific calculator will do.

 

Pre-algebra focuses on solving equations and graphing linear functions. We work with the Pythagorean Theorem, volume of cylinders and spheres, review data analysis, and learn exponent rules. We also review fraction and integer concepts learned in previous years. If a student wants to work on any skills during the summer, we would like them to work on operations with integers.

 

Algebra I is a high school level course offered for advanced math students who have successfully completed pre-algebra in 7th grade. It is a rigorous, in-depth study of algebraic concepts. Grades from this class become part of the student's high school transcript and are included in their GPA.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the 8th grade math teachers.

 

Kent Haines: khaines@hoover.k12.al.us

Cindy Peterson: cipeterson@hoover.k12.al.us

Kasie Lennon: klennon@hoover.k12.al.us

 

Science

Physical science, specifically Physics and Chemistry, is the focus for eighth grade.  The first semester covers forces, Newton’s Laws, and energy (potential and kinetic energy).  The second semester focuses on properties of matter, atomic structure, and understanding the basics of the periodic table.  The year wraps up with a unit on wave energy.  With the content in eighth grade being very conceptual, many labs are completed in class which provides our students a hands on experience with the content.  Many of our labs at Simmons use the CPO (Cambridge Physics Outlet) lab equipment.  Some of this equipment includes the rollercoaster ramp, ramps and cars, gravity drop, atomic model boards, periodic table tiles, and timers which measure to a ten thousandth of a second.  This equipment provides our students engaging hands on learning throughout the year.   Most classes utilize a classroom lab notebook to properly organize lab write ups in a scientific manner.  Many supplemental materials are provided to the students during the year to support classroom learning.  In addition, technology is utilized whenever possible.  Not only do we use the LCD projectors, document cameras, and interactive websites, but we also have class websites that are specific to the needs of our students.  Chromebooks are used on an ongoing basis to support the content throughout the year.  

 

Feel free to contact us at anytime if you have questions or concerns about your student's eighth grade science course at Simmons.  We look forward to having your student in the upcoming school year.  

 

Language Arts

Reading, writing, speaking, and listening dominate the general language arts curriculum throughout a student’s academic career. The eighth grade language arts curriculum seeks to build upon and hone skills attained in these areas over the course of four nine weeks. During the first nine weeks, students will analyze the narrative structure of fiction and nonfiction texts on various levels of complexity. The second nine weeks curriculum moves into the analysis and use of argumentative writing. Throughout the third nine weeks, students will develop a Passion Project culminating in research-driven, informative writing coupled with a formal presentation. The fourth nine weeks focuses on the analysis and evaluation of classic texts in Greek mythology and from Shakespeare. This list of activities is merely a summary and should not be considered as complete or exhaustive.  

 

As eighth graders, the students are expected to complete individual and group work online through Google Classroom on a daily basis. In addition, they are responsible for advancing their vocabulary and reading skills through independent reading outside the texts we read in class.

 

Please feel free to contact us through email if you have any questions about the eighth grade curriculum.

 

 

Social Studies

Welcome to 8th grade World History! We are excited to take you on a journey from cavemen to knights of the roundtable. We will explore the history of the world one civilization at a time. Students will have the opportunity to analyze the civilizations of the ancient world through government, technology, art, religions, writing, cultural perspectives, and social structures. We focus on the history content while incorporating the 8th grade literacy standards.

 

Our content area includes:

Prehistory, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israelites, Ancient China, Ancient India, Greece, Rome, Middle Ages, World Religions.

 

 

If you have any questions before the start of the school year, please e-mail Mrs. McDanal, Ms. Cargo, or Ms. Rowland. We look forward to working with you next year.

 

ļ»æļ»æĀ© 2016 by Simmons Middle School

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