Grade 8 Curriculum
Courses for the 7th grade curriculum are as follows:
- Language Arts (English)
- Social Studies
- Mathematics –Pre-Algebra or Algebra
- Science
- PE/Health
- Electives – Beginning and Intermediate/Concert Band, Beginning and Intermediate Orchestra, Media (with instructor/s approval), Exploratory Wheel (Hawaiian/Drama, Art), Beginning and Intermediate Chorus, Ukulele, English Language Arts Lab, Mathematics Lab
Engligh Language Arts 8 (LCY0300) - year
This course provides students a balanced, standards-based program emphasizing and integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening with language and literature. In this course, reading, writing, and oral communication processes are experienced as interrelated and interactive processes operating in meaning-rich contexts. Students develop greater ease and control in the use of these processes to learn and express themselves. The study of literature engages students in selections that span time and cultures, and present the universal themes that relate to their lives and the lives of others. Primary emphasis is on the personal, emotional, interpretive, as well as critical response of the reader in the construction of meaning. All grade 6-8 Language Arts standards and benchmarks are addressed in this course.
Social Studies Grade 8 (CER0800) - year
This course engages students in in-depth historical inquiry focusing on the people, ideas, and events that have shaped and continue to shape our nation. It allows students to examine our history through multiple perspectives and to develop empathy, interpretations, and self-knowledge for a deep understanding of American society. It develops a historic perspective for understanding change, causality, and continuity from first settlement to contemporary issues. This course examines in depth the philosophical and historical foundations of America through themes such as immigration, settlement, and conflict, and democratic principles such as justice, equality, and independence. Democracy, citizenship, and active participation in civic action are concepts and ideas that are fully developed. Contemporary events are examined in light of past issues, decisions, and controversies. History, Political Science/Civics, and Economic standards are emphasized.
Mathematics Grade 8 (MMX0800) - year
This course is required of all students in grade 8. Emphasis is on developing proficiency with concepts and skills in number and operations; measurement; geometry and spatial sense; patterns, functions, and algebra; and data analysis, statistics, and probability. Learning in these areas will support the development of student proficiency in all of the grade 6-8 benchmarks of the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards.
AlgebraIA (MAX1110), IB (MAX1120) - semester
Content includes data analysis, linear functions, linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, and matrices. AlgebraIA/IB may earn high school credit which is contingent upon two things: (1) the student must pass Algebra 2A with a C or better, and (2) retroactive credit must be approved by the principal.
Earth-Space Science Grade 8 (SIM0603)
This is a laboratory-based course in the study of the human physical environment in the universe. They provide in-depth development of earth systems sciences: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and space. In this course, students have extended opportunities to study issues, topics, problems, and to conduct an independent investigation. In both courses, emphasis is on the use of the laboratory to develop inquiry skills and the use of instruments in the study of the physical environment.
.Physical Education IB (PEP0035) – semester
Students will combine skills competently to participate in a variety of adapted and modified physical fitness experiences, invasion, field, net, and target activities. Work is continued on improving and/or maintaining body composition; sustaining an aerobic activity; and maintaining a target heart rate to achieve cardiovascular benefits. Students learn to evaluate the role of exercise and other factors on weight control and personal health. Students learn to recognize the long-term physiological, psychological, and cultural benefits that may result from regular participation in physical activity. Students develop a desire to improve physical ability and performance and can apply basic scientific principles and practice drills to maintain or improve physical well-being. The emphasis is on the skills required to participate competently in a variety of complex and changing physical activity in a variety of settings.
Special Education
The Special Education Program is designed to meet the unique educational needs of exceptional students certified as having mental, physical, and/or emotional impairments according to state and federal mandates. The type and amount of special education programming needed by exceptional students will vary and depend upon the student’s current Individualized Education Program (IEP). Most special education students will be mainstreamed or integrated into courses designed for regular students with appropriate adaptations and/or accommodations, while a small percentage of students may remain totally in special education classes.
The Community-Based Instructional Program (CBI) provides student participants with an opportunity to reinforce the practical application of academic and social skills needed to function within their community. When teaching takes place in the environment where the skills naturally occur, the difficulties in generalizing skills from simulated situations vs. natural environments are minimized. CBI activities are instructional lessons that have been carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of a student according to his/her IEP.
Grade 8 Electives
Students may select either a one-year or two-semester course from the following electives:
Beginning Band I (FMB0400) – year
The Beginning Band course is designed for students who have fulfilled the requirements of the Introduction to Band course or for students who desire to begin playing an instrument and perform in an ensemble for an audience. The course will include care of an instrument, correct posture, correct carriage, correct embouchure, breath control, tone production, intonation, phrasing, articulation, musical terminology, dynamic nuances, and fingerings. Students will study basic music forms, and will play and listen to different types of musical compositions. This course will focus on Music Standards 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8, while integrating the other Music Standards.
Band Program Fee / $25Instrument User Fee / 25
Music T-shirt Uniform Fee / 7
Total Fees / $57
Band II (FMB0700) – year (Concert Band)
The Band II course is designed for students who have fulfilled the requirements of the Beginning Band course and for those students who aspire to improve their reading and playing abilities. Intermediate levels of performance techniques and musicianship are taught. The development of skills and musical understanding are maintained through the study of complex rhythmic exercises and literature. Instructional experiences or activities will be provided to help students create musical compositions and to discuss and report on a variety of musical subjects and experiences in school and in the community. Music of all styles, periods, and ethnic groups are presented. This course will focus on Music Standards 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8, while integrating the other Music Standards.
Band Program Fee / $25Instrument User Fee / 25
Music T-shirt Uniform Fee / 25
Total Fees / $75
Beginning Orchestra (FMV0400) - year
Beginning Orchestra is designed for students who have fulfilled the requirements of Introduction to Orchestra or for students who desire to begin playing an instrument and perform in an ensemble for an audience. The course will include care of an instrument, correct posture, correct carriage, correct embouchure, breath control, tone production, intonation, phrasing, articulation, musical terminology, dynamic nuances, and fingerings. Students will study basic musical forms, and will play and listen to different types of musical compositions. This course will focus on Music Standards 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8, while integrating the other Music Standards.
Orchestra Program Fee / $25Instrument User Fee / 25
Music T-shirt Uniform Fee / 7
Total Fees / $57
Intermediate Orchestra (FMV0700) - year
The Intermediate Orchestra course is designed for students who have fulfilled the requirements of Beginning Orchestra. Technical skills and musical knowledge are taught to develop musicianship. Students are given opportunities to perform classical compositions, as well as perform a wide variety of chamber and orchestral compositions. Students practice self-reliance, self-discipline, and leadership, and learn proper practice procedures. This course will focus on Music Standards 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8, while integrating the other Music Standards.
Orchestra Program Fee / $25Instrument User Fee / 25
Formal Music Uniform Fee / 25
Total Fees / $75
Beginning Chorus (FMC0500) – year
This course is designed to develop vocal and performance skills and develop knowledge and skills about music. Musical arrangements from a variety of cultures, styles, and periods are sung in unison and sometimes in harmony. Solo and ensemble singing are performed. Students who have never taken chorus should select this course.
Chorus Fee / $25Chorus T-shirt / 7
Total Fees / $32
Intermediate Chorus (FMC0800) – year
This course is for students who have completed Beginning Chorus or its equivalent. Students develop vocal and performance skills. Musical arrangements from a variety of cultures, styles, and periods are sung in unison and sometimes in harmony. Solo and ensemble singing are performed for a school or community audience.
Chorus Fee / $25Chorus T-shirt / 7
Total Fees / $32
Exploring the Ukulele (FML0100) – semester
This is an introductory course in which students can develop basic skills in ukulele playing. Students will be involved with performing, listening to, and evaluating ukulele music.
8th Grade Wheel - year
This is an elective wheel for 8th graders. It is comprised of Hawaiiana/Drama and Art.
English Language Arts, Grade 6, Laboratory A (LLH0121), B (LLH0122) – semester
These courses support students who are enrolled in English 6. Students have the option of electing only one or both courses. They provide additional instruction and support, where needed, to help students achieve the standards for the three strands of the language arts: reading, writing, and oral communication. Instruction will be differentiated as appropriate for the needs of the students enrolled. The goal is for the students to produce work and performances that are evidence of meeting the benchmarks for English 6.