8th Grade Course Information

8th GRADE COURSE INFORMATION

2006-2007

A student will be able to pick from the following options when he/she is choosing electives.

Any student involved in and committed to a U.I.L. Band, Choir, or Orchestra

class may sign up for Spanish or German in lieu of Physical Education (P.E.).

Option 1	One full year elective with one full year of P.E.
Option 2	Two semester electives with one full year of P.E.
Option 3	One full year elective with one semester elective and a half year with P.E.
Option 4	Two full year recommended electives and no P.E. (Does not include Art or Office Aide)

NOTE: Students who do not demonstrate mastery of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

(TAKS) will be placed in an academic support course. This course will be taken in place of the elective.

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

ADVANCED ACADEMIC COURSES	Four academic courses, Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) English, Pre-AP Earth Science, Pre-AP Algebra and Pre-AP History are being offered to eighth graders for the 2003 – 2004 school year. In order for a student to register for these classes, he/she and his/her parent must sign a commitment contract verifying that they understand the rigor necessary for success in the class and will be willing to put forth the effort necessary for successful completion of course requirements. Course descriptions are provided below. Contracts must be signed and stapled to the choice sheet in order for the student to be placed in the class. These courses do not earn high school credit, but they are intended to prepare students for the rigor of high school AP courses, which can earn college credit. Contracts must be signed and stapled to the choice sheet in order for the student to be placed in the class.

ENGLISH 8 Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)	English 8 Pre-AP is a rigorous college preparatory course based on a set content. Specific strategies are designed to introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods that prepare students for success when they take Advanced Placement and other challenging courses in high school. Added to this specialized curriculum (Advanced Course of Study) are advanced grammar and logic, including, but not limited to, inference and generalization; literature of various genres, periods, and cultures; multi-paragraph essays for a variety of purposes and audiences; oral presentations and listening skills; study skills; and research involving documentation.A key component of the course is the Junior Great Books Program, which promotes shared inquiry discussions of both literature and non-fiction with multiple levels of meaning.English 8 Pre-AP is designed for students interested in developing advanced language arts skills.

SCIENCE Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)	The eighth grade Science Pre-AP course will include the regular eighth grade Science TEKS with an emphasis on extending the Physics, and Chemistry strands to align with the Integrated Physics and Chemistry TEKS. The course will challenge the student to use critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques that will require the use of higher math skills. There will be extensive use of technology for analysis, extrapolation and communication of data. Pre-AP teaching strategies will be incorporated through out the course. NOTE: Students will be required to do a competition quality Science Project (i.e. Science Fair).

MATH Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) ALGEBRA I	This course is designed for the mathematics student who intends to take calculus in high school. It is the bridge to the abstract study of mathematics. Topics include the real number system and its properties, linear equations and inequalities (one and two variables), algebraic polynomials, rational expressions, roots and radicals, functions, and quadratic equations. Relevant problem-solving is interwoven into all topics. The use of graphing calculators and computers is integrated throughout the curriculum. Students earn 1 unit of high school credit; however, this course does not count toward the three required math courses in high school and the grade average and accumulated GPA rank points are not calculated with the student’s high school GPA. To be successful in this course a student must have a strong foundation in all the pre-algebra skills.

AMERICAN HISTORY 8 Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)	U. S. History 8 Pre-AP is a rigorous college preparatory course based on a set of content-specific strategies designed to introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods that prepare students for success when they take Advanced Placement and other challenging courses in high school. The course will include the regular 8th grade U. S. History TEKS, with and emphasis on learning skills, writing skills, and analytical skills using appropriate topics within U. S. History.

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

ELECTIVES

FULL YEAR/SEMESTER COURSES

ADVANCED BAND	Advanced band placement in one of the three performing bands will be determined by ability. The directors, based on auditions and past performance, will decide placement. Instruction will be geared to improve the individual’s playing proficiency through the performance of various types and styles of music in many different settings. The bands will always strive for the highest quality performance. Students will provide their own instruments although the district does provide certain high-cost instruments.

GIRLS CHOIR -8	The 8^th Grade Girls’ choir is a non-auditioned choir open to any interested 8^th grade girl who would like to sing. Skills in music theory, vocal technique, ensemble singing and sight-reading are stressed. All styles of music are performed including sacred, secular, and choreographed selections in concert programs. Opportunities for personal achievement are encouraged with participation in the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest and TMEA Region 12 Honor Choir activities. Group achievement is stressed in Concert and UIL Contest activities.

BOYS CHOIR - 8	The Driscoll Boys’ Choir is a non-auditioned choir open to any interested 7^th or 8^th grade boy. Male choir members are considered vocal athletes who train and develop their singing skills whether or not a “voice change” has begun. Skills in music theory, vocal technique, ensemble singing and sight-reading are stressed. All styles of music are performed including sacred, secular, and choreographed selections in concert programs. Opportunities for personal achievement are encouraged with participation in the NEISD Solo and Ensemble contest and TMEA Region 12 Honor Choir activities. Group achievement is stressed in Concert and UIL Contest activities and by joining the Mixed Choir (boys and girls) who meet either before or after school for additional ensemble experience. Required uniforms are rented for the year. Attendance at four evening concerts and some after school rehearsals is also required.

Orchestra III (Concert Orchestra) and Orchestra IV (Honors Orchestra)	Placement in either the Concert Orchestra or Honors Orchestra will be determined by the director. Students will have the opportunity to audition for these orchestras. Students’ past performance in orchestra and current performance skills, as well as levels of interest and commitment in the Driscoll Orchestras will be taken into consideration for placement in the Concert or Honors Orchestras. Both classes will focus on higher levels of performance and ensemble techniques, while working on a variety of music and musical styles. All members will have the opportunity to participate in several extra-curricular musical activities, such as Region Orchestra, UIL Orchestra Contest, and the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest.

SPANISH IB OR GERMAN IB	Spanish IB or German IB is for eighth grade students who have successfully completed Spanish IA or German IA in the seventh grade. Emphasis will be placed on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills of the target language, as well as related inter-cultural awareness. Intensive study is required. Students who successfully complete either one of these courses will receive one credit on his/her high school transcript. These students will be prepared for Spanish II or German II in high school.

ADVANCED ART	This is an advanced class. Formal art experience/instruction is required. Students will concentrate class designed for serious art students with a strong artistic background. Art history, art criticism, aesthetics and the creation of art works are developed through a wide variety of media. Students must be self-motivated to develop their own artistic skills and style in a studio setting. Teacher recommendation is required based on past performance experience in 7^th grade.

ADVANCED THEATER ARTS	Students will become better communicators by fine turning their acting abilities. This goal is accomplished through the study of pantomime, acting terminology, duet and solo acting, improvisations, costuming, make-up, theater history, mass media, and play production. Teacher recommendation is required based on past performance experience in 7^th grade.

JOURNALISM	Students will learn the rudiments of photography, layout, production format and video production. The Yearbook will be produced in this class. An application must be attached to the choice sheet.

PEER ASSISTANCE LEADERSHIP (P.A.L.S)	A cored group of students are trained to work as peer helpers with other students and participate in community service projects on campus. These students should be good listeners, show concern for others, go out of their way to help, be trustworthy, and have self-confidence. The recruiting and selection process involves an orientation meeting, a formal application, recommendations, and an interview.

ART	Eighth grade art defines a variety of concepts directly related to the art elements and principles through the Exploring and Understanding Art textbook and experiences with media and tools in design, drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture, ceramics, fiber-art, photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated are: analyzes technological, historical and cultural influences on artwork; and evaluates artwork through discussion and critique.

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

ELECTIVES

ONE SEMESTER COURSES

Teen Rights/Law	This semester course will emphasize the ideas of law, authority, justice, equality, crime, responsibilities, teen rights and how teens respond to these themes.

ART	Eighth grade art defines a variety of concepts directly related to the art elements and principles through the Exploring and Understanding Art textbook and experiences with media and tools in design, drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture, ceramics, fiber-art, photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated are: analyzes technological, historical and cultural influences on artwork; and evaluates artwork through discussion and critique.

THEATER ARTS	Communication and acting presentations are important goals of students in a semester of theater arts. Some activities include pantomime, acting scenes, interviewing skills, and play production. Students may attend Speech and Theater Festivals and produce a school entertainment production.

Exploratory Home Economics (Foods)	This exploratory home economics course offers students the opportunity to explore many things about themselves, discover the importance of family relationships, and learn some tips for planning for the future. Emphasis is on communicating and getting along with others, accepting responsibility, becoming aware of resources, making decisions, caring for children, staying healthy, personal appearance, managing time, and possible career choices. Through meal planning and learning to use recipes to prepare food, students will learn to: measure, mix, cook, and serve food with special emphasis on good nutrition to maintain wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

Exploratory Home Economics (CLOTHING)	The exploratory home economics course offers students the opportunity to learn how to have a neat, attractive appearance, develop good grooming skills, select and care for clothing, and learn the basics of planning a clothing budget. They will be introduced to beginning techniques of clothing construction and have the opportunity to use sewing machines and other equipment to make something they can wear. Also included are some activities that focus on selecting and maintaining a pleasant and comfortable home, child development and baby-sitting. Students may be asked to provide some supplies for “take home” projects.

Exploring Manufacturing Technology	This is an exploratory course designed to investigate the types of activities performed in the construction industry. Through laboratory experiences, students explore the skills and technologies of this industry. Content includes the application of technology; the design of products and services; emerging and innovative technologies; safety and maintenance of technology; codes, laws, and standards; marketing; and technology-related career explorations. Activities may include designing and drafting, manufacturing parts, using tools and machines, and planning a manufacturing project.

Exploring Construction Technology	This is an exploratory course designed to investigate the types of activities performed in the construction industry. Through laboratory experiences, students explore the skills and technologies of this industry. Content includes the application of technology; the design of products and services; emerging and innovative technologies; safety and maintenance of technology; codes, laws, and standards; marketing; and technology-related career explorations. Activities may include building models of buildings, using construction tools and machines, and designing and building simple structures .

OFFICE AIDE	This course will aid the student in becoming familiar with general office practices and procedures. Students must have good academic, attendance, and discipline records. Students must return an application with their choice sheet.