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Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves
8th Grade Program of Studies

Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves

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Required and Elective Courses for 8th Grade Students
Timberstone offers a 7 period day, plus a 25 minute A+ class at the end of the day.  Listed below are the five required courses, as well as the full list of electives offered to 8th grade students. Students may select two electives from the options below. Please note that some students are recommended for certain electives based upon their individual needs.	

Required 8th Grade Courses	Elective Options	
1.	English/GATE English
2.	Math 
3.	Science 
4.	Social Studies 
5.	8th Grade Rotation
1.	Information Technology (1 Quarter)
2.	Integrated Health & PE (2 Quarters)
3.	STEM Applications (1 Quarter)

 	•	Art
•	Band 
•	Chinese I
•	Choir 
•	French I
•	HS Prep Reading (May be required)
•	Musical Theatre 
•	Orchestra
•	Spanish I

The Timberstone “I Will Pledge”
I will not tease, harm or threaten others
I will not start or spread rumors
I will treat others the way I want to be treated
I will look for the good in other people
I will not do what is popular, but what is right

	

Timberstone Junior High Course Descriptions	
ENGLISH 8
English is a comprehensive course of study. Students read classic and contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of genres. Students follow writing process steps to produce arguments, informational texts, and narratives. They work to ensure that development, organization and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Students use media and technology to publish their writing projects. Vocabulary, language, and research lessons are included in reading and writing instruction. Speaking and listening skills are also addressed to ensure that students are working towards college and career readiness.
GATE ENGLISH 8
GATE English is a comprehensive course of study. Students read classic and contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of genres. Students follow writing process steps to produce arguments, informational texts, narratives, and more ensuring that they are appropriate to task, purpose and audience. Students use media and technology to publish their writing projects. Students develop skills in analysis, interpretation, oral communication, vocabulary, and research. This class offers depth, complexity, and accelerated pacing appropriate to gifted learners. 
MATH 8                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The curriculum is organized into units, each focusing on a core set of mathematical ideas.  Students will grow in their ability to reason effectively with information represented in graphic, numeric, symbolic and verbal forms.  Instruction emphasizes inquiry and discovery of mathematical ideas through investigation of rich problem situations.  Connections between mathematical ideas and “real world” problems offer students opportunities to apply their skills and revisit prior concepts.  This year’s units develop: number systems, equations, Pythagorean Theorem, geometric transformations, surface area and volume, linear, inverse and exponential functions, statistics and systems of equations.  To accommodate student needs, this course is offered at three levels.
ALGEBRA (High School Credit Class) 
Algebra is a course that will enhance the students’ ability to reason through symbolic form. The students need to have the ability to reason abstractly, a mastery of all basic math skills, and a successful completion of the advanced 7th grade course prior to enrollment in this class. The current 7th grade math teacher’s recommendation is required. Purchasing a graphing calculator will be required for this class. This course is the same course that is taught at both Sylvania high schools; therefore, students will earn high school credit for the course. All grades earned for high school classes taken in eighth grade will be included on high school transcripts and factored into high school GPA calculations. High school ADD/DROP policy applies for this course.
SCIENCE 8
The eighth grade science course is aligned to Ohio's revised Academic Content Standards emphasizing the grade band theme, Order and Organization. The curriculum focuses on helping students use scientific inquiry to discover patterns, trends, and relationships that are related to the studies of earth, space, physical, and life sciences. Students will explore the topics of: the Physical Features of Earth; Forces and Motion; and Species and Reproduction. Emphasis on laboratory safety and scientific processes such as conducting scientific investigations, developing laboratory measurement skills, analyzing and interpreting data, and thinking logically and critically are woven throughout these areas of focus. 

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
This course studies the United States from 1492 to 1877 beginning with the European exploration and early years of the United States.  Students learn how historic events are shaped by geography, social, cultural, economic, and political factors.  	

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8 (1 Quarter)                                                                                                                                                                                     This project oriented class uses Microsoft Word to review word processing concepts while adding draw features and graphics to most documents. Students will have fun creating PowerPoint and Moviemaker slideshows. In addition students will learn the basics of Microsoft Excel as well as develop better search tools, internet skills, and internet safety. There will be a unit and introduction to basic financial literacy and career exploration. Google Documents will be used for various activities and assignments. Students will also get the opportunity to learn and work with coding and basic HTML.        

INTEGRATED HEALTH and PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8 (2 Quarters)
This class will result in a combined Health and PE grade. Students will experience an integrated course of PE and Health.  Living a drug free life, abstinence, puberty, and improving healthy behaviors will be explored.  A T-shirt, tennis shoes and socks are required.  Sweat suits may be worn on cooler days.  Emphasis is placed on fitness, skills and individual sports.  Areas covered include physical fitness, tennis, track and field events, golf, badminton, eclipse ball, and games.  Grading for PE is based on dress, participation, and effort.  Students physically unable to participate in physical education should have a letter from their doctor explaining their limitations.                                                                                                                                                                    
STEM APPLICATIONS 8 (1 Quarter)                                                                                                                                                                                          Students in pre-engineering programs acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork, and innovation. Students explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers as they participate in a project-based learning process, designed to challenge and engage natural curiosity and imagination of junior high students. Teams design and test their ideas using modeling, automation, robotics, and mechanical and computer systems, while exploring energy and the environment. STEM 8 is a continuation of STEM 7, where students have an opportunity to explore more advanced topics in the area of STEM.
ELECTIVES:
ART 8
This course is developed for students with a strong desire to problem solve and create. This course will study the elements and principals of art as they create through drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, paper mache', fiber arts, paper making, and digital photography. Self-expression, craftsmanship, and independent thinking are stressed. Students are required to purchase a hard bound 8.5” x 11” sketchbook which is a vital tool in our class. Student art will shine in the spring with our “Celebration of the Arts”! This art show features our eight grade artists only. Grade/Evaluation is based on in class participation, projects, sketchbook assignments, quizzes, and work ethic. 
BAND 8
This ensemble meets daily, performs in a variety of settings throughout the year, and prepares students for the transition to high school. In band, students build upon previously learned skills, have the opportunity to perform in different events and honor groups, assist younger players, and represent the school throughout the area. Rehearsals will be used to build technique, learn to practice in small groups, and prepare for performances. Grades are given based on individual playing, participation, and practice. Attendance is required at all concerts. Prerequisite is enrollment in 7th grade band or approval of the director.
CHINESE I (High School Credit Class)
Chinese I is designed around the Ohio World Language Standards and the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages by ACTFL. The course introduces the modes of communication in interpersonal conversations, presentational writing and speaking, and interpretive reading and listening skills. Units will utilize 21st century skills and authentic resources to engage learners in relevant and meaningful use of the new language and exploration of the culture through the study of topics such as school, family, and weekend activities. Students will begin to learn how to pronounce words by writing with Pun Yin (Chinese phonetic writing system).  Students will also learn how to write Chinese characters. The targeted proficiency level for students at this level is Novice-Low according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, or the ability to identify with words and phrases and express ideas with memorized words and phrases. This is the same course that is taught at both Sylvania high schools; therefore, students will earn high school credit for the course. All grades earned for high school classes taken in eighth grade will be included on high school transcripts and factored into high school GPA calculations. The high school grading scale and Add/Drop Policy applies for this course.

CHOIR 8
Students who enjoy singing are taught proper rehearsal techniques including voice production, correct posture, and the self-discipline needed for successful performance.  Evaluation includes daily progress in rehearsal skills and performance of individual parts.  Attendance at all concerts is required, as is proper attire for these performances.
FRENCH I (High School Credit Class) 
French 1 emphasizes communication and comprehension of the language through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Topics covered in class are explored in connection with Francophone culture and use authentic materials. Activities during the year include games, skits, and various projects to reinforce material covered in class. Each month a student who demonstrates exemplary effort, improvement, and/or participation is awarded “Frenchie of the Month” and recognized for their in-class achievements. This is the same course that is taught at both Sylvania high schools; therefore, students will earn high school credit for the course. All grades earned for high school classes taken in eighth grade will be included on high school transcripts and factored into high school GPA calculations. The high school grading scale and Add/Drop Policy applies for this course.

HIGH SCHOOL PREP READING 8 (Full Year, may be Required) 
High School Prep Reading applies innovative reading strategies to content area materials, literature, and informational text. Students learn and practice reading skills to improve their overall fluency and comprehension. Test taking techniques help students to prepare for assessments.
MUSICAL THEATRE 8
Students will combine their talents to enjoy a wonderful experience of American Musical Theatre through the development of at least one musical theatrical performance which is required as part of the student’s grade.  Singing is not a focus of this course; however, that opportunity exists for those who enjoy vocal performance as well as for those who prefer to be involved in a performance “behind the scenes.”  Students must audition for this course in the spring in order to enroll for the following year.                       
ORCHESTRA 8
Rehearsal fundamentals, scales, rhythms, positions, and vibrato are taught to prepare junior high students for the high school orchestras.  A variety of music is performed ranging from pops to the classics.  Concerts are performed throughout the year.  Attendance at performances is required.  Prerequisite is enrollment in 7th grade orchestra or approval of the director. 

SPANISH I (High School Credit Class) 
Spanish I focuses on communication and culture at the Novice Level. This course is designed to engage learners in topics of interest such as birthdays, school, daily activities, and Hispanic celebrations. Some activities include reading magazines, watching movies or video clips, reviewing with a variety of games and tools, and analyzing Hispanic cultures. Class periods compete to see who can speak the most Spanish each semester with the winner receiving a fiesta. Students are not learning ABOUT Spanish, but how to USE Spanish in the REAL WORLD! This is the same course that is taught at both Sylvania high schools; therefore, students will earn high school credit for the course.  All grades earned for high school classes taken in eighth grade will be included on high school transcripts and factored into high school GPA calculations. The high school grading scale and Add/Drop Policy applies for this course.	

	

Timberstone Junior High Schedule Change Policy	
Many factors are taken into consideration when planning class schedules to create a successful school experience for students. Students should be careful in their initial course selections and adhere to these choices. Changes in schedules can cause many difficulties for the individual student as well as for the master schedule. However, occasionally a change in an individual student’s schedule may become necessary. For a parent-approved schedule change to be considered, you should see your counselor prior to the closing of the current school year or set an appointment for the month of August. Space availability and appropriate balancing of classes may impact these requests. Requests for specific teachers will not be honored.