7th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade Electives
All students are required to complete the requirements
shown on the following chart:
7th
8th
9th
Number of
Subject
Grade
Grade
Grade
Years
Language Arts
1
1
1
3
Social Studies
1
1
1
3
Math
1
1
1
3
Science
1
1
1
3
Physical Education
.5
.5
.5
1.5
Elective
.5
.5
.5
1.5
Elective
.5
.5
.5
1.5
Elective
.5
.5
.5
1.5
8th GRADE REQUIRED COURSES
2008-2009
EIGHTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS
/U.S. HISTORY / WA STATE HISTORY
INTEGRATED BLOCK
GRADE EIGHT: FULL YEAR (TWO SEMESTERS)
Eighth grade social studies will explore American history from1877 to the present, as well as Washington state history. Students will examine major movements in United States history, and will look to the Evergreen State as a case study for the social and historical implications of those movements. As in seventh grade, the history curriculum is supported and enriched with works of biography, historical fiction, and a variety of primary source materials. Students will complete a minimum of four major literature studies, drawing from such titles as “Inherit the Wind”, To Kill a Mockingbird, and a compilation of short stories and non-fiction excerpts related to themes of industrialization and immigration in the late 1800s. Four major, multi-paragraph writings will be completed, and at least one of these will require library or Internet research. Vocabulary, grammar, and the conventions of language continue to be taught and applied. Honors credit is available by arrangement with the individual teacher.
Prerequisite: First consideration will be given to students who have earned a challenge designation in seventh grade LA/SS, with high standardized test scores, and teacher recommendation. Students in this class follow the same general curriculum as the regular eighth grade block, but in a more intense and challenging format. The content of the class will be driven by the history curriculum: American history from 1877 to the present, as well as Washington state history. Students will complete four or more literature studies, drawing from titles such as “Inherit the Wind”, To Kill a Mockingbird, and a compilation of short stories and non-fiction excerpts related to themes of industrialization and immigration in the late 1800s. Explanatory and persuasive essay formats will be emphasized, and all writing will require in-depth analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material. A minimum of four major, multi-paragraph papers will be completed, with at least one of these requiring library or Internet research. Vocabulary and the conventions of language will be taught and applied throughout the year. Students will have several opportunities to develop creative projects reflecting their understanding and application of historical and literary themes. Community service may be required.
MATHEMATICS
The Kirkland Junior High math curriculum is comprised of
the following courses: Connected Math 7, Safety Net 7, 8, and 9, Connected Math
8, Discovering Algebra, Discovering Geometry, and Discovering Advanced Algebra.
These courses are consistent with the
NOTE: All Lake Washington Junior High mathematics courses are designed to teach and assess: 1) reading and writing of mathematical materials, procedures and explanations, 2) analyzing, displaying, reading, and interpreting data sets using graphs, charts, tables, and equations, 3) responding to short answer and extended response questions using WASL-like scoring guides, 4) and using calculators appropriate for each course.
8th GRADE CONNECTED
MATH
FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course covers
the topics listed below. Students continue to grow in their knowledge of
mathematics using the strategies and concepts learned in the previous two years.
Units will cover: Functions: linear
and other functions; Pythagorean Theorem: right triangles, slope, area and
irrational numbers; Exponential Growth: graphing and writing exponential
functions; Quadratic Growth: graphing, writing and solving quadratic functions;
Symbolic Expressions: simplifying expressions and solving more complicated
linear equations; Transformational Geometry: symmetries and their relationship
to algebraic properties; Statistics: gathering data from samples to make
predictions about populations. In addition, students will be expected to
develop appropriate reading and study skills in mathematics.
Homework may be up to thirty minutes per day.
Each student needs to have their
own scientific calculator (TI-30)
DISCOVERING GEOMETRY
FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
Prerequisite:
Discovering Geometry provides an opportunity for students to explore
geometric relationships with a wide variety of tools, including compasses,
computers, and graphing calculators.
Students perform constructions, measure figures, observe patterns, discuss their
findings, write their own definitions, and formulate and prove geometric
conjectures. Topics include
properties of triangles, polygons, circles, transformations and tessellations,
area and volume, the Pythagorean Theorem, congruence and similarity.
Students should expect up to forty minutes of homework per day to
reinforce the skills and concepts taught in class. Students will best be
served if they have access to a TI-84 calculator at home.
SAFETY NET 8 FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
Students will be placed in this support class based on WASL test scores. This course is designed to support students in their regularly scheduled Connected Math Program (CMP) 8 course. It supports the student following the district adopted curriculum of CMP 8 and uses supplementary materials to further develop math concepts presented. Students will need to have a scientific calculator.
SCIENCE
INTEGRATED SCIENCE II
GRADE 8: 2
SEMESTERS (TWO SEMESTERS)
This inquiry-modular-based science course builds on Physical, Earth and Life Science concepts and processes introduced in grades K-6. Physical, Earth and Life Science are investigated with increasing depth where students plan and conduct their own procedures, devise their own data tables, analyze and communicate results they obtain. The Physical Science module, Properties of Matter, focus on physical and chemical properties that characterize matter helping students to develop their understanding for the properties of matter. The Earth Science module, Earth in Space, develops an understanding for the relationships among the solar system bodies and how our study of the solar system helps improve our own understanding of Earth’s history and future as a planet. The Life Science module, Human Body Systems, helps students clarify what they already know about their body and through a series of inquiry-based activities understand their body and the systems that keep it alive and healthy by investigating: the digestive system, the Respiratory and Circulatory System and the Musculo-skeletal system. The process skills emphasized include measurement, lab safety procedures, experimental design, data gathering, error analysis, representation of data, and communication of results. Through hands-on lab activities, class discussion, individual and group projects and activities, students investigate science topics relevant to their own lives within and build understandings for the Washington State Science Essential Academic Learning Requirements.
INTEGRATED SCIENCE III-
Conceptual Physical Science: Physics,
Chemistry,
Earth Science and
Astronomy
GRADES 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
Prerequisite: 9th
grade students: Standard path. 8th grade students: Accelerated path requires
teacher recommendation, successful completion of 7th grade math with
an “A”, and an “A” in 7th grade science.
Conceptual Physical Science is a year-long inquiry-based lab science class focused on exploring chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy. The emphasis for physics is on qualitative analysis to develop mathematical models helping students to understand concepts and differentiating among scientific ideas. Chemistry focuses on concepts and their interconnections such as using shell models to demonstrate electron configurations, while chemical bonding is treated in terms of overlapping of these shells and Coulomb’s law. Earth science encompasses the sciences of geology and meteorology guiding students through our planet earth including its rocks, minerals, and the dynamics that make it a continually changing place. Emphasis is on the processes, with the theme that geological and atmospheric changes are ongoing. Applications of physics, chemistry, and geology to other massive bodies in the universe bring us to astronomy; the solar system, stars and galaxies. Students read, write and use technology to gather and process scientific information from a wide range of print and electronic sources. Students communicate their understanding through the following forms of writing: procedure, explanation, report, and lab reports. Specific writing instruction emphasizes proper methods for formulating hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and writing conclusions. Placement: A grade of “A” is required for advancement into Biology for 9th grade.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education is designed to
promote a level of fitness and appreciation for our physical potential. Physical
Education classes are designed on a co-ed basis with activities taught in
three-week units. At some time during the three years, each student will be
exposed to as many sports and activities as we can possibly provide.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
GRADES
8, 9: HALF YEAR (1 SEMESTER)
Physical Education is a one semester class in which effort,
positive attitude, sportsmanship, and cooperation are taught through
participation in team and individual sports. Specific Health topics will also be
covered on an every other day basis during our weight training/ body
conditioning unit. Each student’s grade will reflect his/her ability to meet
specific individual goals and corresponding point values. This method of
evaluation allows each student to have control of his/her grade regardless of
physical ability. 8th and 9th grade P.E. includes the
following: Flag Football, Weight Training/Body Conditioning, Soccer, Badminton,
Basketball, Frisbee, Pickle Ball, Archery, Volleyball, and Table Tennis.
Students are required to dress appropriately and participate in class each day.
The required uniform includes a KJH Physical Education T-shirt (which can be
purchased from the ASB window in the main office for $5.00 each), shorts, socks,
and tennis or athletic shoes. Students are provided a combination lock and
basket to secure clothing. All personal belongings should be clearly marked for
identification. Special athletic equipment is provided by the school.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
In order to sign up for Special Education courses a student
must currently be on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and be identified
with a learning disability or handicapping condition in any of the following
areas- Language Arts,
SPECIAL EDUCATION
LANGUAGE ARTS /
Grade 7, 8, 9: Full Year (2 SEMESTERS)
*FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY ON AN IEP*
Prerequisite: Must be on an IEP, and identified with a learning disability or handicapping condition in the area of reading and written language. The course will follow the general education curriculum with modifications and adaptations. The class uses various programs that aid in increasing vocabulary, comprehension, and reading fluency. In addition, this course takes students through the writing process using the six traits of writing. Students will focus on the organization and conventions of their writing.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
WRITING /
Grade 7, 8, 9: Full Year (2 SEMESTERS)
*FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY ON AN IEP*
Prerequisite: Must be on an IEP, and identified with a learning disability or handicapping condition in the area of organization and written language. Using the step -up- to writing approach, the class will analyze writing tasks, break these into small steps, teach the steps one at a time, and provide practice to become proficient writers.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
MATH
Grade 7, 8, 9: Full Year (2 SEMESTERS)
*FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY ON AN IEP*
Prerequisite: Must be on
an IEP, and identified with a learning disability or handicapping condition in
the area of Math. The curriculum focuses on fundamental calculation reasoning
and includes problem solving concepts, skills and strategies.
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