Eighth Grade Topics
(copyright 2001 by Laura Brown McKenzie)
Each topic is listed in the order that I feel most comfortable covering. We spend more time on some topics than others and this checklist is meant only as a guide. I use this checklist to help me remember to draw these concepts into what we do as the boys and I design and work through our learning. These are only informal suggestions and are not based on any research other than my own.
Viewers are welcome to copy this list for their personal use but may not publish this list in ANY format. Thank you.
Language Arts
__ Read several examples of each: novels, short stories, narratives, plays, poetry, biographies, non-fiction books.
__ Infer and interpret from reading materials and evaluate reading materials for accuracy
__ Analyze literary elements in reading material and use the same elements correctly in written work.
__ Distinguish between fact and opinion.
__ Read and write editorials.
__ Write from a 1st person and a 3rd person point of view.
__ Use descriptive writing elements such as comparing and contrasting, using figurative language, and using well chose adjectives.
__ Write using a logical sequence of events when relating in writing or orally an event.
__ Correctly use periods, questions marks, exclamation marks, commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, underlining, hyphens, colons, semi-colons and parentheses. Proofread for punctuation mistakes in written work.
__ Refine spelling, vocabulary, dictionary skills and speech skills.
__ In a sentence label all parts of speech.
__ Use all kinds of sentences in writing (compound, complex, compound-complex, etc)
__ Write simple business letters
__ Write reports using an outline and various reference sources.
Math (customarily pre-algebra is taught in 8th grade)
__ Maintain basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
__ Factor and find the products of numbers (find the greatest common factor -GCF and the least common multiple - LCM)
__ Use fractions, decimals and percents
__ Use ratio and proportion
__ Use formulas to evaluate information
__ Create equations from word problems
__ Graph positive and negative integers on a number line and evaluate inequalities using a number line
__ Graph Cartesian coordinates.
__ Find the powers and roots of numbers
__ Have fluency in fractions including converting to a mixed numeral, comparing and ordering fractions, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, and reducing fractions.
__ Use standard and metric measures and convert from one to another
__ Know and apply the Pythagorean Theorem
__ Find the perimeter and area of geometric shapes
__ Find the surface area and volume of geometric solids
__ Use scale drawings and draw on a scale
__ Study permutations, probability and statistics.
Science
*Note: A variety of approaches to science education may be taken in the eighth grade. What I've written below is one suggestion. You will need to read and decide what approach you prefer.
__ Scientific method and experiments
__ Write reports on experiments using as a guide the steps in the scientific method
__ The Earth's history
__ Oceans: physical features, resources and waves, currents and tides and conservation of our Earth's oceans
__ The Earth's layers
__ Forces on the Earth's crust (include Plate Tectonic Theory, earthquakes, erosion)
__ The Earth's resources (including minerals, rocks and energy alternatives)
__ New technologies for conserving the Earth's resources
__ Our lifestyle and conservation (include learning about choices for living simply, supporting green technology, activism and being stewards of God's Creation)
__ Weather and the atmosphere
__ Astronomy
Social Studies
Note: We use literature to teach Geography and History. I cover the same topic no matter what age the child is. I simply gear the reading and writing assignments towards the level the child is on. I teach world history two years, American History one year and a regional history one year. Each year I also include work in our nation's, state's and community's governments or we study world governments. Then I begin the cycle again. This means that I do not chose the topic based on grade level. Each homeschooling family should decide what system they prefer.
This list, then of activities, goals and topics would be appropriate for just about any grade level with adjustments. I added extra topics to remember to touch base on for the ninth grade.
Our Family History and Origins
__ Chart a family tree
__ Interview older relatives
__ Research using primary sources for more information.
__ Use timelines and maps to illustrate the family history
__ Collect pictures and prepare a booklet or book on your family.
Indigenous Cultures Around the World
__ study art, religion, geography, history, and current role in government and politics
__ Research and report upon issues facing indigenous cultures and illustrate how (or if) the cultures are being preserved and passed down.
American Indians
__ Read about and map the Indian Nations of North America
__ Read tales from each Indian Nation. Reflect on how each tale has been handed down for generations and is used as a teaching tool.
__ Study American Indian traditions, cultures, histories, art, food, government, architecture, contributions to science and our heritage, beliefs and practices.
__ Study American Indians' views of stewardship of our Earth
State History, Geography, Government and Resources
__ Map the state and plan day trips to discover new places. Include historic sites on map
__ Make a time line of the history of the state from the earliest signs of Native Americans to present.
__ Find what resources the state has and how the state government conserves it resources.
__ Learn how the state government is set up and run. Find out how tax dollars are spent.
Health and Safety
__ Food safety and the environment
__ Fitness
__ Nutrition
__ Sleep and rest
__ Illness and microbes
__ Grooming
__ Personal safety rules
__ Fire prevention
__ Drugs, alcohol and tobacco