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8th Course Descriptions

EIGHTH GRADE

COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE

 

ART

32210- ART I   [ ½]

This beginning art class is designed to present the techniques, skills and knowledge that will prepare students with the ability to formulate their own creations. It will enlighten students to discover their self-expression, creativity and sense of design. They will learn how art is important to their lives and to the world. Students will tackle problem solving activities through various possible projects, such as: drawing, painting, sculpture, and much more! By learning many artistic techniques, students will gain confidence and ability to construct their own creation. The symbols behind an image will be explored as well as the meaning behind one’s own artwork.  Students will learn how to see in a new and unusual way that will affect their lives forever. ($15.00 participation fee required)

32411 –ART   II   (Art I is required pre-requisite)  [½]

The intermediate art class will be designed to allow students the freedom to express themselves through choice of their own projects. They will be presented with various possible projects. Students will gain more knowledge on top of previous knowledge learned. They will be given the opportunity to explore various artists and be influenced by their favorite artists in their own artwork. Artistic processes of traditional and current art related technologies will keep students excited. They will engage in various art making activities that will help students discover their self-expression, creativity and sense of design. By allowing much freedom, students will create artwork that is meaningful and develop critical thinking skills. This class will provide the opportunity for self-exploration, experimentation and inventive thought process. ($15.00 participation fee.)

    

CAREER & TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE:

43360 – FACS/EXPLORATION    [1/2]

This class is a continuation of the family and consumer science (FACS) part of CCA 7th grade class.  This class prepares the student to understand areas in management/problem solving, foods and nutrition, childcare, consumer education, clothing, textiles, interior design, and responsible living. ($10.00).

43362/43364 FACS A and FACS B   [1]

This class is a continuation of the family and consumer science (FACS) part of CCA 7th grade class. This class prepares the student to understand areas in management/problem solving, foods and nutrition, childcare, consumer education, clothing, textiles, interior design, and responsible living. The class will last the entire school year and will cover the things taught in FACS/EPLORATION in greater detail. The course will also teach about Free Enterprise and have a mini business experience. ($10.00 Each Class per Semester)

 

TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING:

Note: Activities/course work will differ between the Gateway classes.  Students can take both Gateway classes during the 8th grade year.

84079 PLTW GATEWAY DM & ST   [1/2 ]                                             Gateway DM & ST introduces students to the areas of: Design & Modeling, and Science & Technology.  Gateway (GTT) is the introductory class in Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and is a beginning engineering class. Students learn how to apply science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to their everyday lives while incorporating national standards.  GTT is “activity oriented” to show students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems. Students learn software programs & 3D print. Students also apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities. Highlighted activities are:  3D Design & Air/CO2 Cars.  (10.00 fee)  

84081 PLTW GATEWAY ME & AR   [1/2]                                               Gateway ME & AR introduces areas of:  Magic of Electrons and Automation & Robotics.  Gateway (GTT) is the introductory class in Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and is a beginning engineering class.  Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior of atoms, and basic circuitry.   Students learn about automation and will design, build, and program real-world objects. Students learn to utilize communication and team-work to finish projects.  Highlighted activities are: Building circuits & VEX Robotics®.  ($10.00 fee)

        

 

COMMUNICATIONS LANGUAGE ARTS

52010 – ENGLISH 8  [1]

In this required course, students will work individually and in collaboration to read and write creative and informational texts.  Particular emphasis will be placed on argumentative writing.

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 

35210- SPANISH – I   [1]

This is the beginning course in the Spanish language.  Emphasis is placed on learning to speak Spanish along with reading and writing the language.  Language topics include:  introductions and greetings, descriptions of people and your personal surroundings, time, school, culture of Spanish-speaking countries, weather and food.

35211 - SPANISH – II   [1]

This Spanish II course continues to focus on understanding, speaking, reading and writing basic Spanish, with additional study of grammar concepts such as telling about things that happened in the past.  Much of the vocabulary will center on topics such as sports, vacations, home environment, community, personal entertainment, etc.  Students should have successfully completed Spanish I.

35230- GERMAN – I   [1]

This course focuses on understanding and speaking basic German, with an introduction to the culture of people living in German-speaking countries.  Language topics include:  introductions and greetings, descriptions of people and your personal surroundings, time, school, geography of German-speaking countries, weather and food.  This class is very interactive.  Students that participate will be prepared to take German II.

35231 GERMAN- II    [1]

This second –year German course continues to focus on understanding, speaking, reading and writing basic German with additional cultural experiences.  Much of the vocabulary will center on topics such as food, shopping, clothing, home environment, community, celebrations, personal entertainment, etc.  Students should have successfully completed German 1.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

73353-HEALTH 8  [1/2]

Health Education is a course that covers all areas of the health field.  It includes the physical, mental/emotional, and social aspects of personal development.  An understanding of health related careers, refusal skills, and First Aid/CPR will also be explored.

73150 BEGINNING TEAM SPORTS ACTIVITIES   [½] 

This is an entry level course that teaches basic skills and physical fitness through team sports, co-educational activities, and individual sports and activities.The primary goal of Physical Education is to develop the student’s knowledge and skills through the participation of a variety of sports, innovative games and activities. Students in PE will develop lifetime attitudes regarding physical activity and healthy lifestyles. This class focuses on helping each student have a positive attitude, give their best effort every day and come out of my class with better self esteem! The movement and fitness curriculum is based on:

1. Demonstrating competency in activity and physical fitness.

2. Deriving satisfaction through fair play, skill development, participation with people of diverse backgrounds.

3. Applying complex thinking through problem-solving skills in activity settings.

4. Developing strategies for a lifelong healthy lifestyle. 

5. Applying attributes of responsible citizenship.

(*7th Grade is Required and 8th Grade is optional)

 

MATHEMATICS

62123- Math 8   [1]       

8th Grade Mathematics focuses on these critical areas: (1)formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling and association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2)grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3)analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

62124- Math 8 Honors  [1]         

Same as 8th Grade Mathematics with additional depth and breadth on existing topics.

 

SCIENCE

72340 – INTEGRATED SCIENCE 8TH   [1]

The eighth grade SEEd standards describe the constant interaction of matter and energy in nature.

Students will explore the following Learning Standards:

                1) Physical and Chemical Properties

                2) Energy and Waves

                3) Energy and Ecosystems

               4) Natural Systems and Resources

SOCIAL STUDIES

77340 - U.S. HISTORY  [1]

This course covers the formation of the United States, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries.  The first semester will involve European Exploration and Colonization, the Revolutionary War Era, the Creation of the Constitution, and the Early Years of the Republic.  The second semester will explore, but is not limited to, the concept of Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Westward Movement.  Studying and discussing current events will also be emphasized.

 

 PERFORMING ARTS

32175 – BEGINNING ACOUSTIC GUITAR   [1/2]

This course provides an opportunity for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play the guitar.  Emphasis will be placed on playing position, basic tone production, rhythmic precision and interpretation of musical symbols.  Students should provide their own guitar.  (A very limited number of school-owned instruments will be available upon request. $15.00 participation fee required.)

 

32176 – INTERMEDIATE GUITAR  [1/2]

This course is for students who have already completed beginning guitar.  Students will develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play the guitar.  Emphasis will be placed on playing position, basic tone production, rhythmic precision and interpretation of musical symbols.  Students should provide their own guitar.  (A very limited number of school-owned instruments will be available upon request. $15.00 participation fee required.)

 

32150- BEGINNING BAND  [1]

This is a preparatory class designed for students who want to learn how to play a woodwind or brass instrument.  The fundamentals of playing musical instruments will be taught.  Basic music notation and simple tunes will be learned on the instrument.  Woodwind or brass players must take this class or audition before registering for Symphonic Band.  Instruments are available for rent from local music retailers.  Larger instruments may be rented from the school.  The class will present concert repertoire in a variety of styles.  ($15.00 participation fee required)

 

32237 PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE    [1]

This is a class designed for students who want to learn how to play percussion instruments.  The fundamentals of playing percussion will be taught.  Basic music notation and simple tunes will be learned on the instruments.  Emphasis is on snare and bells.  Percussion kits are used in class and taken home to practice on.  Kits are available from local music retailers.  The class will perform with the other bands as needed as well as present concert repertoire in a variety of styles. Solo performance and ensemble performance are emphasized as well. ($15.00 participation fee and $25 instrument use fee required)

 

32152 – ADV/Intermediate  BAND    [1]

This class is designed for continuing instrumental music students.  Beginning Band is a prerequisite for this class as well as a teacher signature.  Emphasis is on advanced concert band literature.  Continued training in advanced skills is stressed. Instruments are available for rent from local music retailers.  Larger instruments may be rented from the school. Solo performance and ensemble performance are emphasized as well.  ($15.00 participation fee required)

 

32250 BEGINNING ORCHESTRA     [1]

This course is open to all students interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello or string bass.  No previous experience is necessary.  Violins may be rented from local music stores.  Violas and cellos and basses may be rented from the school.  Students learn to read music and produce a clear tone.  Students will review and learn skills necessary to move onto high school orchestra level.  Solo performance and ensemble performance are emphasized as well.  The class will present concert repertoire in a variety of styles. ($15.00 participation fee required)

 

32170 ADV/INTERMEDIATEORCHESTRA   [1]    

This course is for students who have completed beginning orchestra, or have had private lessons.  Violins may be rented from local music stores.  Violas and cellos and basses may be rented from the school.  Students learn to read music and produce a clear tone.  Students will review and learn skills necessary to move onto high school orchestra level.  Solo performance and ensemble performance are emphasized as well.  The class will present concert repertoire in a variety of styles. ($15.00 participation fee required)

 

32270 – MINUTEMAN CHOIR    [1]

This singing group will participate in several concerts during the year.  Appreciation for many types of music will be emphasized, and development of performance skills will be gained.  Vocal technique, sight-reading, and music theory will also be taught through two, three and four part mixed vocal literature.  ($15.00 participation fee required).

 

32137 – CHAMBER CHOIR   [1]

This is an audition only, advanced mixed chorus and will be involved in many performances and tours throughout the year.  Here, the choir will concentrate on performing and entertaining skills as well as proper vocal techniques and advanced choral music.  A purchase of performance attire is required.  ($15.00 participation fee)

 

32136- ADVANCED SSA CHOIR (BELLTONES)   [1]

This is an audition only vocal class for the student who wants to participate in more advanced presentations & music learning areas with three & four-part singing in soprano/alto range.  Many performances are required through the year.  Emphasis will be placed on a cappella singing and sight-singing techniques.  ($15.00 participation fee required) 

 

32110- DRAMA  I   [1/2]

Students will learn the basics of performance by performing often in front of the class.  We'll cover improvisation, memorize monologues andscenes, and write and tell stories.  ($15.00 participation fee required)

 

ADDITIONAL COURSES

28350-DIGITAL LITERACY  [1/2]

This course is an introduction to computer literacy. Students will have opportunities to use technology and develop skills that encourage creativity thinking, productivity and collaboration in the classroom and day to day life. Skills will be demonstrated by creating a project for a different content area.

 

73150- INTERMEDIATE ACTIVITIES   [1/2]

The 8th grade physical education classes will provide a fitness program, team games and individual sports, with co-educational activities.  Highly Recommended

 

 

 

 

Choose carefully:  Class changes cost $10.00

 

FEE SCHEDULE

In accordance with Utah State Law, the Weber School District Board of Education annually reviews all fees charged students for various activities, classes, yearbooks, etc.  Fee waiver applications are available at the school office.