Eighth Grade Scope

What Your Child Will Learn in Calvert's Eighth Grade Course

Reading

Reading literary classics; studying literary devices

Spelling & Vocabulary

Completing spelling lessons drawn from other subject areas

Composition

Writing in various styles-descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and explanatory; building research skills; taking notes; outlining; proofreading; editing; writing letters

Geography

Reviewing geographic themes in the historical context of the United States; chronological evaluation of the spatial growth of the United States between 1500 and the present includes land acquisitions, wars, economic expansion, immigration, and settlement patterns; historical demographic patterns, climatic issues, and landform constraints as the United States developed into a leader of the 21st century.

Grammar

Reviewing and using parts of speech; diagramming noun, adverb, and adjective clauses; studying gerunds, infinitives, and participles; grammar and usage; building paragraphs and varied sentences

Mathematics (featuring Calvert Math)

Pre-algebra; reviewing problem-solving skills, geometry; scientific notation; 2-step algebraic equations, inequalities; constructions; vertical/adjacent angles; tangent; sine; cosine; absolute value; rational/irrational numbers; inequalities; compound and open number sentences; geometry; surface area; volume; coordinate graphing functions; fractions, exponents, ratios and proportions; polygons and transformations; data and statistics; algebraic relationships, linear functions

Science

Exploring Earth’s surface; topographic maps; weathering and soil formations; erosion and deposition; astronomy; Moon; Sun; phases, eclipses, and tides; solar system; comets; asteroids; meteors; star systems; galaxies; the universe; cells and heredity; structure of plant and animal cells, genetics; environmental science; conducting scientific investigations; thinking critically; completing chapter projects

Technology

Application lessons, activities, and online interactive learning tool integrated with curriculum: continuing application of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software; basics of HTML; desktop publishing. Internet activities integrated with Grammar and Science text.

Poetry

Understanding elements of poetry; narrative poetry; imagery; blank verse; reading, interpreting, and memorizing selections

History

Studying U.S. history from discovery to modern America; building the nation; U.S. role in world events; charts, maps, and illustrations

Go back to Calvert's Eighth Grade Curriculum page.