Eighth Grade Required Courses

  • Language Arts 8 and Honors Language Arts 8

    In Language Arts 8, learners will be reading, writing, speaking and listening with the goals of improving their critical thinking and literary analysis skills, as well as increasing their interpersonal and global perspectives.

    Language Arts 8 teachers use the Wit & Wisdom curriculum. This curriculum is designed to challenge students in a positive and productive way, to build their knowledge of the world around them, and to hone the skills they need to be strong readers, critical thinkers, skilled writers, and excellent communicators.

    In Honors Language Arts 8, learners will be reading, writing, speaking and listening with the goals of improving their critical thinking and literary analysis skills, as well as increasing their interpersonal and global perspectives.

    Honors Language Arts 8 teachers use the Wit & Wisdom curriculum. This curriculum is designed to challenge students in a positive and productive way, to build their knowledge of the world around them, and to hone the skills they need to be strong readers, critical thinkers, skilled writers, and excellent communicators.

    NOTE: Honors classes are designed for students who excel in English Language Arts and require a faster-paced, more in-depth, and challenging course of study. Students will be exposed and challenged to greater depth of thinking and complexity through a variety of additional texts, supplementary materials, and multifaceted projects. 

    Reading Intervention

    WMS offers a continuum of reading support through three research based reading interventions covering a variety of instructional strategies relating to  phonics, decoding, fluency, comprehension, and/or a combination based on a student’s individual needs and screening results.

    American History 8

    This course studies the development of the United States from early American History to the present. Students learn about the major events and concepts that have shaped our nation. The goal of this class is to help students see the connections of our nation’s past to current events and issues in America. The first semester the focus is on US History and the major events and issues between the years of 1790 to 1900. During second semester the focus will be on US History and the major events and issues between the years of 1900 to 1990.

    Science 8

    In this course students explore and learn about a variety of physical, life, and Earth science topics. Throughout the year, students will study earth science by examining the rock and fossil record of the earth, and by exploring the dynamics between the sun, moon, and Earth. Physical Science leads to an in-depth study of forces and motions, while the Life Science unit exposes students to the biodiversity and the interactions of living things.

    Math 8

    Math 8 is a grade level math course with instruction and assessment in the following areas:

    • Expressions, Equations
    • Graphing Linear Equations
    • Proportional Relationships & Scatter Plots
    • Exponents & Square Roots
    • Transformations
    • Pythagorean Theorem
    • Angles & Parallel Lines
    • Volume
    • Scientific Notation

    Math Skills

    Math 180 provides engaging differentiated math instruction through a combination of teacher-led instruction and adaptive math technology that effectively prepares middle- and high-school students for the transition to algebra.

    Honors Algebra 8

    Algebra is an accelerated math course with instruction and assessment in the following areas:

    • Number Sense
    • Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities
    • Rates, Ratios, Proportions, and Probability * Graphs and Functions
    • Linear and Absolute Value Equations
    • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
    • Polynomials and Factoring
    • Quadratic Equations
    • Radical Expressions and Equations
    • Data Analysis
    • Algebraic Applications

    NOTE: Students should maintain a grade of “B” or higher to remain in the class and to be ready for the next course level in the honors math program.

    Honors Geometry

    Geometry is a fast-paced, challenging high school level algebra course for accelerated math students. Continuation on this path places students in Calculus as a junior in high school. Areas of instruction and assessment include the following:

    • Understand and properly use the language of Geometry
    • Use inductive and deductive reasoning to solve problems and prove theorems based on Euclidean geometry
    • Be able to do indirect proofs, paragraph proofs and two column proofs
    • Deduce properties of and relationships between figures from given assumptions *Continue in the study of Algebra

    NOTE: Students should maintain a grade of “B” or higher to remain in the class and to be ready for the next course level in the honors math program.

    Health 8 (Alternate days with PE)

    This class will focus on enabling students to become independent problem solvers. Students will understand the impact certain health decisions can have on their overall health. Health topics will encourage students to make educated daily decisions regarding their physical, mental, and social health.

    Health topics include: Self-concept/self-esteem – Goal setting – Decision Making – Nutrition – Relationships – Skeletal and Muscular System – Drug and Alcohol Prevention – Non-communicable Diseases – Communicable Diseases – Human Growth and Development

    Physical Education 8 (Alternate days with Health)

    Eighth grade students will participate in Physical Education classes every other day for the year. The course will include advanced team activities and interest development for lifetime fitness. Students are required to wear appropriate clothing (shorts, shirts, sweats, and tennis shoes).

    *Leggings and tights are not acceptable PE attire.

    PE activities include: Soccer – Fitness Activities – Aerobics – Flag Football – Fitness Testing – Floor Hockey – Basketball – Frisbee Golf – Softball – Volleyball – Tennis – Dance.

    Eighth Grade Required Elective Courses

    Engineering & Technology 8

    Engineering & Technology is a semester course in which students will build on the core concepts of Engineering and Technology. Students will use Design Briefs to solve problems using the Engineering Design Process. They will apply what they learn about the types of technology and engineering to 3D technical drawings, floor plans, and electronics. Students will also learn how to use SketchUp, read schematics, and solder. Career Ready Practice Standards from the Nebraska Career Education Model will also be emphasized. Students will be involved in large group lectures, discussions, and lab activities. As they work with a partner, students will develop their own solutions to creatively solve problems. An Engineering Notebook will be used to record class work, ideas, notes, and sketches. It has all the information needed to be successful in class.

    Eighth Grade Full Year Elective Courses

    Band 8

    This sequential yearlong band course meets every day and is open to all eighth graders meeting prerequisites. The main emphasis is on playing, with a continuation of performance fundamentals and music theory. Students have the opportunity to participate in jazz bands or other small ensembles. Students are given at least a four week notice and are required to attend all performances. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 7th grade Band at WMS or previous school

    Chorus 8

    This sequential yearlong choir course meets every day and is open to all eighth graders meeting prerequisites. This course will develop and refine skills in part singing and note reading. Sight singing will be emphasized. The concept of choral sound will be developed. Students will be introduced to choral selections of representative choral styles. Students will present at least four public performances a year at which attendance is mandatory. (Any student planning to audition for show choir must be in a chorus class). Prerequisites: Successful completion of Music 7 at WMS or previous school

    Band/Chorus 8

    Students interested in participation in both Chorus 8 and Band 8 will be expected to fulfill the requirements of each course. Prerequisite: Permission of both Band and Choral Directors

    Strings 8

    Students will continue to build the techniques required for orchestral performance and develop an appreciation of orchestra music. Each student will attend all performances, given four weeks notice. Prerequisites: Successful completion of a seventh grade Strings course or audition for director

    Strings/Chorus 8

    This course is open to those uniquely talented in both vocal and instrumental music. Since the student will be absent from “Strings ” rehearsals two days each week, it is essential he/she has above average skills. Students are given a four week notice and are required to attend all performances. Prerequisites: Permission of both Strings and Choral directors.

    French 1

    In this course, students will learn vocabulary and structures to communicate in simple French language; they will practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. They will be introduced to the culture and people of France and many French-speaking regions of the world and begin to develop an understanding of how those cultures relate to our own.

    German 1

    In this course, students will learn vocabulary and structures to communicate in simple German language; they will practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. They will be introduced to the culture and people of Germany and many German-speaking regions of the world and begin to develop an understanding of how those cultures relate to our own.

    Spanish 1

    In this course, students will learn vocabulary and structures to communicate in simple Spanish language; they will practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. They will be introduced to the culture and people of Spain and many Spanish-speaking regions of the world and begin to develop an understanding of how those cultures relate to our own.

    Eighth Grade Semester Elective Courses

    Art 1

    This course will offer a variety of experiences to the beginning art student. A foundation in drawing is the main building block of the semester. Students will also expand their knowledge of the elements of art: line, shape, color, space, and texture. The focus will include the production of art, art history, and the critical evaluation of one’s own work as well as that of other artists.

    Studio Art

    Students choosing this class will experience a variety of two and three dimensional art units. These might include: sculpture, printing, art history, and pottery. Students opting for this class should want to continue their interest in new art forms. Students

    Art Plus

    Art Plus is a challenging art course which will build off of the drawing and painting skills taught in 7th and 8th grade art. This course will be geared toward those students who anticipate taking more art classes at the high school level. Extensive project work will revolve around a self-portrait, which will require a great deal of dedication in and outside of class. This is an advanced art class for the serious art student.

    Current Events

    This course will expose students to an array of current event topics with an emphasis on national and international issues. Students will research, analyze, and evaluate current events topics, write arguments to develop positions on debatable issues, and engage in discussion and debate to support their arguments. Additionally, students will assess the role that media and bias play in the portrayal of current events.