In 8th Grade English class, students will learn about the different genres of writing and develop their writing skills according to the Pennsylvania Writing Domains and according to each genre. We will focus on short stories, poetry, literary and informational nonfiction, grammar, and other areas of English. The students will write various types of writings and read appropriate literature throughout the year. The 8th grade English curriculum ties into what was learned in 7th grade English.

8th Grade Social Studies is a conceptual look at the history of the United States of America. The class begins by picking up where Mr. Martz finished in seventh grade - after the American Revolution - what do we do next?

We create a government - a democracy - like no other ever created.

Specific Areas of Study:

·Formation of our Democracy

Constitution – Bill of Rights

·Expanding Boundaries - Louisiana Purchase - Lewis and Clark - Southwest

·Impact of Technology - Transportation - Growth of Cities – Factories

·Road to Civil War - Sectional Divisions – North vs South

·Nation Divided - Reasons why our country split - The Agony of War

·Reconstruction - Rebuilding the country

·The Wild West – Myth vs. Reality

·Gilded Age – Industry - Robber Barons – Immigration

·Imperialism: Becoming a World Power

Integrated Geography is an exciting course that reveals the geography, history, culture and economics of our community, our state, our continent, and the world.

General science includes the nature of science, earth and space science, life science, chemistry, and physics.