Eighth graders plan and implement a service project during one month of the school year. They attend weekly liturgies, several of which they are responsible for planning. They also have Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration several times a year. Eighth graders spend a day-long retreat with Fr. Pat Doyle. They also plan the annual May Crowning ceremony.

Language Arts
Eighth-grade language arts includes instruction in writing, literature, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. Students write essays, creative writing, journal entries, and poems. They read short stories, nonfiction, novels, plays, and poetry. Vocabulary, spelling and grammar instruction is integrated into literature lessons for more authentic learning. A daily language learning workbook called Simple Solutions further enhances writing and grammar concepts. Students also read independently through the Accelerated Reader Program.

Math
• Solve problems using various strategies
• Grow in mastery of number sense
• Explore geometric principles
• Master the ability to solve algebraic equations
• Work with functions and polynomials
• Introduce systems of equations
• Present quadratic functions
• Work with fractions and decimals in all areas of algebra

Religion
Eighth-grade religion concentrates on the New Testament, particularly the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of Paul. Students learn different styles of prayer and what style they are most comfortable praying. Other key building blocks include social issues, service to our school, parish, and community, and modeling our lives after Christ.

Spanish
Spanish class provides middle school students the opportunity to learn a different language and explore the Spanish culture. Students work on writing and speaking Spanish by using basic words and phrases, greetings, emotions, weather. While beginning to conjugate verbs and use basic sentences, students learn beginning conversational Spanish. Middle School students also learn Catholic prayers in Spanish. El Dia de Muertos, 5 de Mayo, and Las Posadas are just a few of the traditions and holidays the students will celebrate.

Music
Music provides our middle school students with an opportunity to explore rhythm, melody, and harmony with song, movement, and games. We continue to expand our vocal and instrumental experiences, including African and Latin drumming, as well as increasing in complexity what has been learned before. By middle school, our students are regularly composing and performing their own creations based on our standards. Middle school students have the opportunity to sing in our middle school choir, sing in our cantor choir (liturgy musicians), and play in our band, each organization providing opportunities to perform several times throughout the school year. We endeavor to implant a life-long love of music through all types of hands-on experiences. Middle school students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual spring musical.

Technology
Our use of technology in Middle School will include:
• IXL Math Program • Accelerated Reader Program
• Guided online research and activities
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Publisher
• Integration of technology into subject areas
• Developing proper finger placement while typing

Physical Education
Eighth-grade physical education standards are incorporated into games and activities. Special emphasis is placed on team-work and cooperation. Activities are designed to build on basic skills developed in the primary grades!! Fitness concepts and lifetime fitness goals are also expanded upon.

Field Trips
Eighth-grade students take an annual field trip to Rancho Framasa, a CYO facility in Brown County, Indiana. There they take part in team-building activities, such as a challenging high ropes course.

Social Studies
Eighth-grade social studies is primarily a study of the history of the United States through 1877. We begin with the early history of how our country was founded before moving on to the Revolutionary War. We also spend a great deal of time on the U.S. Constitution and its impact on politics, society, and economics. We also study the westward expansion to the Pacific, social reform and the Civil War. U.S. History is a fascinating subject, and we are still lucky to be able to study over half of our country’s history in a year.

Science
Eighth-grade students spend much of the year studying chemistry. They become familiar with elements and compounds, how atomic structures relate to the creation of substances, physical and chemical properties, that mass is conserved, and that elements and compounds have characteristic properties. Students also study forces and apply their knowledge to projects like building roller coasters. In earth and space sciences, students study the processes that result in the wind, ocean currents, and the water cycle that drives our weather patterns. Life science topics include genetics, reproduction, and the study of the body’s DNA. Our science classes strive to offer a curriculum that is well balanced between laboratory work, technology and reading for content and understanding as well as expressing ideas in the written word.

Visual Arts
Eighth-grade students at Nativity explore the elements and principles of art such as color, line, shape, form, space, and add value and form as part of their visual arts education. The artistic exploration of these elements and principles is chosen to be appropriate for their age and expands on the skills that they have already learned. Eighth graders learn advanced figure drawing knowledge; visual arts in technology; and appreciation of famous artists who have influenced the world of art. Most importantly, students continue to develop a personal artistic style that expresses their own unique personalities.

Click Here to Learn More About Our 8th Grade Teachers.