8TH GRADE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS REQUIRED COURSES: 0803 - ENGLISH 8 Prerequisites:English 7 viewing, speaking, listening, and producing. The scope and sequence covers (1) language and grammar; (2) literature; (3) cumulative sentences, multi-paragraph papers & editing skills; (4) oral presentations & listening skills; (5) study skills, library reports, and research with documentation. 0801 - ENGLISH 8 PreAP Prerequisites:Successful Completion of English 7 Advanced Placement and other challenging courses in high school. Added to this specialized curriculum are advanced grammar and logic, such as inference and generalization; literature of various genres, periods, and cultures; multi-paragraph essays for a variety of purposes and audiences; oral presentations and listening skills; study skills; and research involving documentation. 0800 - ENGLISH 8 GT/PreAP School GT English Program stressed, along with structured essay writing as well as creative types of writing. The materials chosen offer an appropriate challenge in all areas of language arts. 0974 - ENGLISH 8/SOL Prerequisites:English 7 and LPAC Decision arts skills: writing, reading, viewing, speaking, listening, and producing. The scope and sequence covers (1) Language and Grammar; (2) Literature and Personal Training; (3) Sentence Structure, Multiparagraph essays, editing skills; (4) Oral presentations and listening skills; (5) Study skills, library reports and research with documentation. Expectations apply to the LEP student at his/her level of 0823 - MATH 8 curriculum is focused on preparing all students to enter Algebra I in the ninth grade. Sixth and seventh grade topics are extended with emphasis placed upon the pre-algebra skills of Cartesian graphing, operations involving integers, and the concepts of variables and equations as mathematical models. 2314 - ALGEBRA I PreAP Prerequisites:Student must meet appropriate entry criteria This course is designed for the student who intends to take calculus in high school. It is the bridge to the abstract study of mathematics. Topics: the real number system and its properties, linear equations and inequalities (one and two variables), algebraic polynomials, rational expressions, roots and radicals, functions, and quadratic equations. Relevant problem-solving is interwoven. The use of graphing calculators and computers is integrated throughout the curriculum. To be successful in this course a student must have a strong foundation in all the pre-algebra skills.
2312 - ALGEBRA I GT/PreAP Prerequisites:Student must meet appropriate entry criteria properties, linear equations and inequalities (one and two variables), algebraic polynomials, rational expressions, roots and radicals, functions, and quadratic equations. Relevant problem solving is interwoven. The use of graphing calculators and computers is integrated throughout the curriculum. To be successful in this course a student must have a strong foundation in all the pre-algebra skills. 0833 - SCIENCE 8 Prerequisites:Science 7 science to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills while learning concepts such as atoms and the periodic table; chemical reactions, formulas and balanced equations; Newton's Laws of motion; Sun, Earth and Moon systems; plate tectonics; weather patterns and climate and interactions between organisms in the environment. 0834 - SCIENCE 8 PreAP This course will include the standard eighth grade science TEKS with an emphasis on extending the Matter and Energy, Force, Motion and Energy and Organisms and Environment strands so that students have the necessary background to be successful in PreAP high school science courses. 0843 - U.S. HISTORY Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionry eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students use criticalthinking skills, including the identification of bias in written, oral, and visual material. 0847 - U.S. HISTORY 8 PreAP History course, based on a set of content-specific strategies designed to introduce skills, concepts and assessment methods that prepare students for success when they take Advanced Placement and other challenging courses in high school. The course will include the regular 8th grade U.S. History TEKS, with an emphasis on learning and writing skills. 0851 - PHYSICAL EDUCATION Grade: 8 Term: Semester Credit: 0.5 participation in individual, dual and team sports, development of a high level of personal and physical fitness, and knowledge and skills for leisure and life-time sports activities. 8505 - ATHLETICS 8 Prerequisites:Coach's Recommendation girls will be in volleyball, basketball, and track. Basic motor skills will be taught, as well as higher forms of physical skills that are required of athletes. A high degree of physical and cardiovascular fitness will be emphasized. Emphasis will also be placed on teaching good sportsmanship and developing a respect for other athletes and coaches in order to insure a quality educational experience.
3107 - HEALTH Grade: 8 Term: Semester Credit:.5 Health is a course required for high school graduation. It includes the study of the human body and the functions of the systems, drug abuse, first aid, CPR, diseases, pollution and its effects, nutrition, exercise, health agencies ELECTIVES: 0471 - BAND I Prerequisites:Teacher Recommendation most cases, students will need to furnish their instruments and be committed to an advanced band after one year of study. Students will be placed appropriately according to instrument selection and/or proficiency level. 0472 - BAND II Prerequisites:Audition, Teacher Recommendation instrument but who have not yet achieved a level of excellence commensurate with being named to an advanced band. The students will continue to strive to achieve this level in hopes of being placed in an advanced band after the second year of study. 0473 - BAND III Prerequisites:Audition, Teacher Recommendation This is the advanced band that is made up of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their instrument. Members of this organization will perform at UIL competitions and at concerts, and should be prepared to spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances. 0483EP/ 0483ES- STRING ORCHESTRA III certain level of performance capability. Members of this organization will perform at UIL competitions and at concerts, and should be prepared to spend time outside of the school day preparing for these performances. 0485 - MARIACHI Grade: 6-8 Term: Full Year Credit: 1.0 and modern types of mariachi music. This course includes music reading and music theory along with the history of mariachi. 0462EF - CHOIR II Prerequisites: None The intermediate of choir is offered to those students who have not yet attained a performance proficiency commensurate with being in an advanced choir. Students will continue to focus on proper vocal techniques and sight-reading. For students who are taking choir for the first time.
0462M/0462F- CHOIR II Boys & Girls) Prerequisites:Audition and Teacher Recommendation proficiency commensurate with being in an advanced choir. Students will continue to focus on proper vocal techniques and sight-reading. 0463 - CHOIR III Prerequisites:Audition and Teacher Recommendation The advanced level of choir is offered to those students who have attained a performance proficiency commensurate with the ability grouping for a specific choral group (i.e. mixed choir, boy's choir, treble choir, etc.). Students enrolling in an advanced class should have a serious interest in singing. They will participate in concerts, programs, and UIL competitions, which require rehearsal and practice outside the school day. 5314 - SPANISH IB Prerequisites:Spanish IA Grade: 8 Term: Full Year Credit:.5 formal study of the Spanish language. The program is designed to allow students more time to acquire the fundamental language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. The middle school Spanish I program emphasizes the development of oral language, the study of introductory vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. The culture of the Spanish-speaking world is integrated into all aspects of 5313 - SPANISH I - 8TH GRADE Recommendation. motivation, and study skills to take Spanish I. The development of oral language skills will be emphasized along with pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. The culture of the Spanish-speaking world will be integrated into the learning of the language. Please see your counselor for more 0354 - THEATRE ARTS III Prerequisites:Theatre Arts I or II, Teacher Recommendation This is an advanced level course that allows the student to study in depth the various aspects of theatre performance. Emphasis is placed on the development of the individual actor and the honing of performance skills focusing toward the presentation of the final dramatic production. 0354EA - THEATRE ARTS III Prerequisites:Theatre Arts I or II, Teacher Recommendation This is an advanced level course that allows the student to study in depth the various aspects of theatre performance. Emphasis is placed on the development of the individual actor and the honing of performance skills focusing toward the presentation of the final dramatic production. 0675 - ART 1 BEGINNING Grade: 6-8 Term: Full Year Credit: 1.0 ceramics, printmaking, fibers, jewelry and digital media. Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences, as a source for creating artworks. Art courses include the study of works of art and cultures and evaluation of student work and the works of other artists.
0295 - ART 2 INTERMEDIATE Prerequisites:Art, Middle School 1 (Beginning Semester or Year) ceramics, printmaking, fibers, jewelry and digital media. Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences, as a source for creating artworks. Art courses include the study of works of art and cultures and evaluation of student work and the works of other artists. 0452EA - ART 3 ADVANCED Prerequisites:Art, Middle School 2 (Intermediate, Semester or Year) and Instructor approval ceramics, printmaking, fibers, jewelry and digital media. Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences, as a source for creating artworks. Art courses include the study of works of art and cultures and evaluation of student work and the works of other artists. 0410 - JUNIOR PEER ASSISTANCE AND LEADERSHIP (JR PAL) Prerequisites:Teacher Recommendation students are trained to work as peer helpers and peer mediators and community service learners with students either on their own campus or from feeder elementary schools. 0589 - AVID Prerequisites:Application and Interview Required academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success. Students are enrolled in a college preparatory sequence(which includes Pre AP/AP courses) and in an elective section of AVID where they receive the academic and motivational support to succeed. Students are coached by college tutors, and work in collaborative groups using a curriculum focused on writing and 0403 - STUDENT AIDE Prerequisites:Teacher/Administrator Recommendation behavior patterns under the supervision of teachers or office personnel. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal relationships as well as clerical and communication skills, telephone techniques, record keeping, office protocol, 0348 - BROADCAST JOURNALISM I Prerequisites:Teacher Recommendation Grade: 7-8 Term: Semester Credit:.5 tools will allow students to experience different aspects of producing and publishing news related media. Emphasis will be on self-improvement and self-expression. 0474 - YEARBOOK PRODUCTION I Prerequisites:Teacher approval Experience includes writing copy, computer copy preparation using Adobe in Design CS3, page layout and design skills, photography, photo cropping and editing. Students in this class will also produce the literary magazine.
3017 - PRINCIPLES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY marketplace. Students implement personal and interpersonal skills to prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace environment. Students enhance reading, writing, computing, communication and reasoning skills and apply them to the information technology environment. 3020 - PRINCIPLES OF ART, A/V, AND COMMUNICATION foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication. The student applies information technology applications when completing Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications projects. The student is expected to use information management, email, Internet, writing and publishing, presentation and spreadsheet or database applications. 0851E - PARTNERS IN PE Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation and Interview Required Students will work as an assistant to the Adaptive PE Coach. They will participate as buddies to the ALE student as they participate in the Special Olympics. 0730- Astronomy/Biology/Marine Biology This course is developed to be a more hands on Advanced Science course. Students will learn in debth about Anatomy, Phsiology, Astronomy, Physics, Chemestry and Marine Biology incorporating a more hands on approach to learning. 3023 - PRINC OF AG, FOOD AND NAT RESOURCES development, globalization, industry standards, details, practices and expectations related to the career areas under Agriculture. To prepare for success, students need to have opportunities to learn, reinforce, experience, apply and transfer their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings. Students must pass safety test with 100% mastery. 0742 - ROBOTICS Prerequisites:Students must have good team building skills, and should have taken Robotics I (preferred). Students must apply to the instructor for approval. This course addresses the process to design, manufacture, test, evaluate, and successfully accomplish a robotic challenge, without the use of kits, or comercially designed robots. 7000C- HQ Grade 6-8 year such as time management and organizational skills, academic remediation and enrichment activities, and character building lessons.
SEMESTER ELECTIVES: 02918 - ACADEMIC & INDIVIDUAL MOTIVATION (AIM) Grade: 8 Term: Semester Credit:.5 assistance in solving academic problems, promote independent skills in time management, learn strategies for success such as vocabulary development, agenda use, binder organization, goal setting and character education. 0215 - DEBATE I - Full Year Grade: 6-8 Term: Semester Credit:.5 in the class include impromptu speaking, modern oratory, and Lincoln Douglas debate. Second semester topics: philosophy, current events, and debate formats. Students in both semesters will research, write, and present original works as well as critically evaluate works from others. Competitive events covered in the class will include Student Congress, and Public Forum debate. Students should 0455 - DANCE 8 FINE ARTS Grade: 8 Term: Semester Credit:.5 jazz and folk/ethinic. Emphasis is on training the student to coordinate elements of dance and to enhance student confidence, poise and collaborative skills. Aerobic activities and fitness activities will be incorporated.