Eighth Grade Math & Science
(One year of Math and Science Required)

In the coming school year, 8th grade students will have a limited choice in science courses if they are enrolled in Algebra I. Students taking Algebra IA will be required to take Eighth Grade Physical Science. Algebra I students may opt for Conceptual Physics which will require a an application to the class. The math and science teachers and the administration determine the appropriate science placement. It is completely acceptable for an Algebra I student to take Physical Science. Students completing Conceptual Physics in 8th grade may be eligible to enroll in Biology and/or Chemistry (requires recommendation of Conceptual Physics 8 teacher) in 9th grade.

Algebra IA
This course is designed for students who have demonstrated competency in basic calculations and problem-solving. The pace of the program is such that more time is spent on each concept. This course is a comprehensive program that helps students build their critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as their understanding of algebra. The course begins with a thorough exploration of the fundamentals of algebra and real number properties. Further topics include simplifying expressions, solving one-variable equations, manipulating polynomials, and factoring. This course stresses and reinforces important skills such as organization, note-taking and test preparation throughout the year.

Algebra I
This course introduces important algebraic concepts and their applications. The textbook is designed to help students build their critical thinking skills and problem solving skills through the study and exploration of various algebraic topics. Problem solving techniques are used extensively as students explore solving equations, simplifying polynomials, real number properties and basic algebraic proofs, factoring, systems of equations and inequalities, functions, and rational and irrational numbers. The course culminates with a study of the quadratic formula and its applications. This course stresses and reinforces important skills such as organization, not-taking and test preparation throughout the year.

Geometry Honors
Geometry stresses inductive and deductive reasoning and higher level thinking skills. Through the use of theorems, postulates, and definitions, students use their reasoning skills to prove theorems
about basic geometric shapes, e.g., triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles. Throughout the year, both plane and solid geometric applications are stressed. Skills previously introduced in algebra
are maintained through the solution of various types of geometry problems.
Prerequisite: Algebra I.


Conceptual Physics
Conceptual Physics is a required foundation course for future study in physics, chemistry, and biology. Students learn to think scientifically by studying basic concepts in Physical Science including statics, kinematics, the Scientific Method, Newton’s Laws, Conservation Laws, elementary chemistry, and biochemistry. Students are guided by lecture, demonstration, and lab investigation through topics of historical interest to important scientists. Students explore these topics by reading, question & answer (journal), artistic rendering (portfolio) and problem-solving. Students present their understanding not only by traditional assessment, but also in PowerPoint presentations, model-making, computer simulation, and using Excel spreadsheets to present data. Students are asked to question topics like the scientists whose lives they study, with answers changing through the year. They learn basic laboratory skills, and apply mathematics to problem-solving, including ratio and proportion, scaling, formulas, vectors, graphing, slopes, and linear equation.

Application Process for Conceptual Physics
Those who wish to apply for this course will need to follow the procedures set forth by the science department. Contact your science teacher for an application. Students must also meet and complete the following criteria:
1. 93% or higher on every quiz or exam in science during the 2nd semester.
2. Submit a portfolio: 5 samples of best works from science and 5 samples from Math.
This Portfolio will be reviewed by the Conceptual Physics Committee.
3. Receive a strong recommendation from their math teacher.
4. Receive a strong recommendation for their science teacher.

Physical Science
Physical Science completes the middle school science sequence of building knowledge and skills bases for high school science. The knowledge base is enhanced in chemistry through the concept of the atomic theory of matter and chemical reactions and in physics through the concept of conservation of energy and matter in mechanical systems. Skills developed range from critical thinking used to design programs to solve a problem to the manipulation of computers, software, and laboratory equipment for the collection of data. Hands-on and investigative activities are used to supplement traditional learning strategies.