Students extend their study of mathematical topics into pre-algebra skills. They explore the principles of algebra through a variety of topics, such as graphs, functions, expressions, equations, geometry, probability and statistics. Reading, writing, presenting and problem solving are included throughout the year.

Course Units

1^st Semester:                                                                    

Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

Unit 2: Dilations , Similarity, and Intro to Slope

Unit 3: Linear Relationships

Unit 4: Linear Equations and Systems

2^nd Semester:

Unit 5: Functions and Volume

Unit 6: Associations in Data

Unit 7: Exponents and Scientific Notations

Unit 8: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

8th Grade Early US History focuses on the reasons and effects of colonization in United States history. We will study our nation’s history from the pre-colonial era through Reconstruction after the Civil War. Key concepts in economics, government, and geography are integrated into the curriculum throughout the year. Additionally, students will continue to develop a variety of skills including analyzing primary sources, interpreting maps, analyzing graphs, forming reasoned conclusions about the past, and communicating their knowledge both verbally and in writing.

• Week 1-8: Skills Review, Colonization- Founding/American Revolution
• Week 9-18: New Nation (US Government and Government structure)
• Week 19-28: Westward Migration
• Week 29-36: Civil War and Reconstruction following the Civil War

Textbooks:

8th Grade Early US History students will utilize various in class resources throughout the year.  Though a resource will not be assigned to each student, they will have the ability to check out any source they wish.  If a resource is checkout by the student it is their responsibility to return the resource in a timely fashion.

In 7^th grade science we will explore Scientific Inquiry, Collaborative tool use, Energy Transfer, forces and interactions, Solar System, Extinction, Geologic Time, Genetics, Ecosystems, Energy Flow in Living Systems.  Des Moines Public Schools has adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), starting in the fall of 2018 for middle school.  The new standards are 3 dimensional and contain scientific content, crosscutting concepts (example: cause/effect) and engineering practices. http://www.nextgenscience.org/

Units:

8th Grade Early US History focuses on the reasons and effects of colonization in United States history. We will study our nation’s history from the pre-colonial era through reconstruction after the Civil War.  Key concepts in economics, government, and geography are integrated into the curriculum throughout the year. Additionally, students will continue to develop a variety of skills including analyzing primary sources, interpreting maps, analyzing graphs, forming reasoned conclusions about the past, and communicating their knowledge both verbally and in writing.

• Week 1-8: Skills Review, Colonization- Founding/American Revolution
• Week 9-18: New Nation (US Government and Government structure)
• Week 19-28: Westward Migration
• Week 29-36: Civil War and Reconstruction following the Civil War

Textbooks:

8th Grade Early US History students will utilize various in class resources throughout the year.  Though a resource will not be assigned to each student, they will have the ability to check out any source they wish.  If a resource is checkout by the student it is their responsibility to return the resource in a timely fashion.