MATHEMATICS8th Grade Mathematics focuses on Algebra I concepts and skills. The goal of this course is for girls to understand and retain algebraic relationships, challenge themselves through problem solving and think critically by drawing generalizations on their own. Units cover graphing linear equations and inequalities, solving systems, quadratic equations, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions and equations, radicals, functions and an introduction to Geometry. Throughout the year, graphing calculators are used as a tool to support learning in the classroom. All 8th graders also take a once a week Math Workshop. This class offers the opportunity for girls to differentiate their learning by enhancing their skills and reviewing past concepts. This is also a time for peer tutoring and for girls to get one-on one help. PHYSICAL SCIENCE The goal of 8th grade physical science is to provide students with a basic understanding of fundamental scientific concepts, to encourage thoughtful scientific inquiry through use of the scientific method and to inspire the girls to be curious about the world around them. We cover a wide range of topics in both physics and chemistry, including motion, force, energy, the nature of matter, sound and light. Emphasis is placed on hands-on activities, experimentation and collaborative creative projects. Students use tools for building and measurement, construct computer programmed Lego robots, educate the community about energy conservation and create an invention based on science concepts for a culminating “Invention Convention.”
SCIENCE WORKSHOP8th grade Science Workshop focuses on large-scale building and experimentation. This course complements the 8th grade physical science curriculum and provides girls with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real world situations. In this class, students construct hot air balloons, build and test balsa wood bridges, and design and construct vehicles using a mousetrap as the power source. ENGLISHThe central focus of this course is to learn what it means to have a voice in American literature. Students read novels, poetry, short fiction, and essays that explore the multiple perspectives represented in modern American literature. Some of the writers covered are: Harper Lee, Isabel Allende, Helena Maria Viramontes, and Art Spiegelman. Students learn to write from their own voices, adding points of view and stories to the American narrative. We look at both reading and writing as art forms, and use vocabulary, annotating, comprehension assessments, discussion, various writing styles, and artistic responses to improve reading and writing strategies.WRITING WORKSHOPWriter's Workshop is a time set aside within the English curriculum to focus on the writing process. We use this class time to learn about the stages of writing and to hone our intentions as writers. From writings inside and outside of class, students put together a portfolio at the end of the year that showcases their growth as writers and is used for their final evaluations. In addition to literary commentary, students concentrate on a personal essay, which can help some construct high school entrance essays, a review, and a poem, with many opportunities to explore their personal favorite genres in depth.UNITED STATES HISTORYStudents learn to be hands-on "investigators" of history as we delve into the following themes: The first quarter introduces the girls to the original Native cultures of America. We then explore the American colonies and slavery. During the second quarter, students learn about the Revolution, Independence, and the forming of American government. They study the Constitution and the BIll of Rights. They learn how America grew through industrialization and the addition of westward territories. The third quarter focuses on the Civil War and Reconstruction. The girls research their personal family histories as we study immigration and modernization. Finally, in the fourth quarter, students explore imperialism and America's world domination in an expanding economy. Throughout the year, students continue to challenge themselves with the following questions: What does it mean to be an American with respect to democracy, diversity, freedom, discrimination, leadership and change? How have the challenges and victories that our ancestors encountered helped to shape the events of today? SPANISHEighth grade Spanish builds on the previous two years of language study. Students work on becoming more comfortable and confident expressing themselves in Spanish. In addition to expanding their vocabulary and understanding of grammar and verb tenses, students produce creative projects that capture their understanding of the material.
ARTS ELECTIVE PROGRAM As 8th graders, girls can choose from a variety of Arts Electives. These include both the visual and performing arts. Arts Electives course offerings have included: Glee, Urban Dance and Choreography, Needle and Thread, Photography and Digital Imaging, and Robotics.PHYSICAL EDUCATIONThe goal of the athletic program of Julia Morgan School is to inspire and challenge girls of all physical talents and interests to develop confidence, flexibility, strength, endurance, mental discipline, grace, and athletic skill.
The goal for each student is that she: feels confident and comfortable in her body participates in a wide variety of physical activities from diverse cultures becomes enthusiastic about some aspect of fitness, sports, or movement develops a life-long commitment to movement, exercise, and healthy nutrition strives for excellence either as a member of a team, or in individual physical pursuits learns from women and men who are positive role models of physical fitness and health
The focus for 8th grade PE is to build skills while also working on core concepts such as: Being a supportive member of a team, health, personal fitness, goal setting, anatomy, balance, attitude, and leadership. Each girl will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities while developing these skills. Each trimester girls will participate in one of the three classes listed below:
1. Movement and Health Units: Hip hop dance, Yoga, dance cardio workout, belly dance Themes: body image, awareness, basic conditioning, alignment balance, breath, coordination, grounding. stress reduction, nutrition 2. Individual Fitness and Goal Setting Units: circuit training, track and field, playground games, racquet sports, disc golf Themes: Warming up and cooling down, anatomy, cardio, heart rate, goal setting, progress tracking, fitness is fun 3. Team Sports and Leadership Units: soccer, track and field, basketball, volleyball, kick ball, flag football, ultimate frisbee and active team builders/games Themes: girls and sports, leadership, honoring the game, Inclusion, healthy competition, team spirit, respecting self and others, attitude
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