Grade 8

Eighth grade English is comprised of work in the following four areas: literature, composition, grammar and speech. Literature consists of comprehension, critical reading/thinking, vocabulary, written responses, and discussion.
Composition work includes expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive paragraphs and papers, reflective analysis of the reading, creative writing and book reviews. All formal writing assignments follow the writing process wherein pre-writing, a first draft and a revised final draft will be required.
Grammar and mechanics are a large focus throughout the year as proper usage is an integral part of the curriculum. Our studies include parts of speech, parts of a sentence, paragraphs and topic sentences, phrases, clauses, usage and punctuation.
Speech includes speaking informally in whole class or small class discussions and speaking formally during presentations. A formal research presentation is required along with a formal speech, which is to be submitted in writing, as well as presented to the Middle School during an assembly.

Mathematics

The focus for eighth grade mathematics is the development of a solid foundation of algebra to prepare students for the transition into high school. Students work on variables, solving equations and inequalities, functions, probability, ratios, exponents, polynomials, and quadratic functions. Other areas of study include geometry, probability and statistics. The curriculum is matched with the state standards for eighth grade math.

Social Studies

Geography is important in decisions about our community, city, state, country, and world. The 5 Themes and 6 Essential Elements
of Geography are covered at the beginning of the year to form a foundation in analyzing each country's human and physical characteristic. Students gain an appreciation for each country’s unique culture. Students are exposed to charts and maps through hands-on activities using computers and the Smart Board. Students acquire an understanding of how people and natural occurrences shape the future of the world. Current events and global responsibilities are discussed and woven into the curriculum throughout the year.

Science

Eighth grade science is a general Earth Science class. Topics of study are taken from topography, geology, plate tectonics, hydrology, meteorology, seismology, volcanology, and astronomy. Laboratory explorations include identification and classification of rocks samples, extracting and analyzing soil samples on campus, and the design and construction of a building designed to withstand the earthquake simulated by the lab “Shake Table”.

Religion
The focus of our eighth grade religion program is Church history, the Sacraments and Salesian Spirituality. The students study the major historical events and eras that have shaped the church of today. We examine the true meanings of the Sacraments and the impact that they have on our lives. The eighth graders pair up with our first graders to form prayer buddies. They gather monthly and during prayer services. This creates a connection between our older and our young students.

Grade 8 teachers
Margaret Countryman	English/Religion B.A. Education College of St. Catherine At Visitation since 2000	Margaret Countryman's Web page
Carolyn Horttor	Geography/Religion B.A. Elementary Education University of St. Thomas M.A. School Admin University of St. Thomas Ed. Specialist University of St. Thomas At Visitation since 1984	Carolyn Horttor's Web page
Zindy Mooney	Science B.A. Human Biology Stanford University M.A. Education St. Mary's University of Minnesota At Visitation since 2004	Zindy Mooney's Web page
Michelle Vogel	English B.A. English University of Minnesota M.A. Education College of St. Catherine's At Visitation since 2008	Michelle Vogel's Web page
Curt Zander	Math B.S. Elementary Education University of North Dakota M.A. Education Administration Seattle University At Visitation since 2003	Curt Zander's Web page