7th and 8th Grade Academics

7th Grade Science - Biology

The course covers: cells and heredity; the structure and function of living things; Earth and life history (evolution).

Goals for students include:

• Make students independent thinkers
• Generate science questioning and discovery
• Have students create and keep a science notebook that is a complete body of work that they can refer back to

Students enjoy the lab work, take pride in their notebooks and enjoy the hands on approach to biology.

8th Grade Science - Physics

8th grade science includes the study of mechanics, chemistry, waves and astronomy.The emphasis of the first half of the year is on engineering. Students learn concepts and then apply them in a building challenge. Projects include water rockets, boat building, catapults and egg race cars. The second half of the year is devoted to chemistry, astronomy and designing and carrying out an original experiment. 

Goals for students include:

• Enjoy science and be motivated to take more courses in high school
• Be fearless problem solvers
• Understand the scientific process where conclusions are drawn from experimentation and evidence.

Students enjoy the hands on focus of the class and appreciate being well prepared for high school science.

8th Grade 

Sex education is a semester class for 8th grade students that covers anatomy, puberty, pregnancy, contraception, STD's, gender and sexual orientation, sexual assault, sexting, healthy relationships and love and dating.

Goals for students include:

• View sex as a healthy and normal part of life
• Have the information  to make intelligent decisions about sex and relationships

Students are able to ask questions in a safe environment where there is no judgement. Students enjoy that the class is fact based.

Textbook: Underground Guide to Teenage Sexuality

8th Grade

This course covers the effects of tobacco, alcohol and hard drugs as well as learning to say no, understanding advertising techniques, stress management and addiction.

Goals for students include:

• Understand all of the risks associated with drug use
• Students understand the ramifications of succumbing to peer pressure
• Learn tools for saying 'no'

7th Grade Math

Math 7 covers negative numbers: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals and percentages, rates and proportional relationships, expressions, equations and inequalities, geometry, statistics and probabilities. In addition, there is a unit on problem which includes occasional written assignments called "problem of the week." We also focus on mental math and number flexibility through number talks. 

Goals for students include:

• To develop a mastery of math that will also allow them to thrive in more advanced settings
• To continue to build a foundation for life that gives them sills to interpret information successfully

8th Grade Math

Math 8 covers operations with real numbers, solving equations, graphing linear equations and functions, solving systems of linear equations, exponents and radicals, and transformations. We continue the earlier work on problem solving which includes occasional written assignments called "problems of the week." We also continue the focus on mental math and number flexibility.

Goals for students include:

• Firm foundation in the concepts necessary for success in high school math classes
• Ability to explain their reasoning to others verbally and in writing

8th Grade Math 1

General description: The Math 1 class is an integrated math class that is equivalent to the Math 1 class offered in high school. It is designed for students who are accelerated in math and love a challenge.

Math 1 covers operations with real numbers, solving equations, polynomials, graphing linear equations and functions, solving systems of linear equations, inequalities, geometric sequences and exponential functions, geometry vocabulary, transformations, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships in triangles, and polygons and quadrilaterals. 

Goals for students include:

• Pass the Math 1 challenge test for Analy High School
• Firm foundation in the concepts necessary for success in high school math classes
• Ability to explain their reasoning to others verbally and in writing

"What I will remember most form this class is that it is okay to ask for help, and that challenging yourself is the best way to grow as a person."

Eligibility criteria:

• Be an eighth grader
• Have 1st and 2nd semester B's in seventh grade
• Have a qualifying score on the May readiness test

7th Grade English

The seventh grade language arts program focuses on reading, discussing and responding to novels, articles, poetry, and short stories with a focus on literary analysis.  Written forms include argument, narrative, summary and response. Development of verbal expression, public speaking and group collaboration is encouraged. Students also expand their vocabulary, spelling and grammar skills with weekly practice.

Novels: The Giver, Seedfolks, Call of the Wild, and personal choice novels

Goals for students include:

• To foster a love for literature
• Develop as writers, thinkers and speakers

8th Grade English

The eighth grade language arts program focuses on students finding their voices through writing and speaking, with an emphasis on argumentative essay writing. By the end of the year, students will write at least five essays; deliver three speeches and read and comprehend different types of literature including John Steinbeck, Markus Zusaks' The Book Thief, mysteries, historical novels, dramas and poems.

Goals for students include:

• Write and speak competently and confidently.
• Understand complex ideas and think critically.
• Act compassionately and work collaboratively.

Students feel prepared for high school English. "I'm now in high school. With all the preparation you gave me in 8th grade, my English class is just a breeze." "Thank you for never giving up on me!"

7th Grade History

Using historical content from the Middle Ages, we gain a better understanding of just how we fit into the time-line of life while we learn and practice valuable educational and life skills.

Goals for students include:

• Realization that they are walking history
• Develop higher level thinking skills
• Present an overview of world history with humor and student engagement

8th Grade History

8th grade history is under construction. Check back soon for updates! 

Physical Education is required for all 7th and 8th grade students. This course covers an overall introduction into physical fitness. Students engage in numerous aerobic and anaerobic exercises and progress throughout the school year. Students participate in individual and team sports/activities. We emphasize sportsmanship, a positive attitude and fair play. Our goals are to have every student achieve success based on their level of ability and to every student to improve in ll levels of physical fitness.