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8th Grade Classes |
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Glenwood Middle School 111 Lacey, Suite 100 * Glenwood, Iowa 51534 * 712-527-4887 * Fax: 712-527-3411 |
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ENGLISH – MS. HUNDT The purpose of the eighth grade English course is to improve students’ skills in writing, listening, and speaking. Topics covered are parts of speech, word usage, punctuation, mechanics of writing, persuasive and personal narrative writing, research paper techniques and methods, listening skills and public speaking skills. READING – MR. KINZLE Reading Eight gives students daily sustained reading practice through a study of literary genres while stressing the development of reading and thinking skills. Students study powerful examples of the novel, short story, nonfiction, science fiction, social fiction, drama, folk literature, and poetry, while learning the characteristics and purposes of each literary form. Students are asked to draw inferences, interpret, compare and contrast, analyze, and critique, as well as learn to recognize and understand literary elements such as setting, character, plot, theme, fore-shadowing, irony, metaphors and similes, and various poetic forms and conventions. Other reading strategies stressed include self-questioning, visualizing (imagery), relating (making connections), re-reading, rate, shared inquiry discussion and response writing. HISTORY – MR. GIAFFOGLIONE The purpose of the eighth grade history course is for the student to gain an understanding of the American story. The course covers the time period from the discovery of America through the Civil War. EARTH SCIENCE – MR. JONES Earth science is the science that considers the earth, its materials, processes, history and environment in space. Earth science is an integrated, inter-disciplinary science that builds on the background of science acquired in the earlier grades and is closely related to the student's natural environment. *Note: Eighth graders are required to take one of the following mathematics courses. *MATHEMATICS - MR. LOEFFELBEIN The eighth grade general mathematics course builds upon those concepts introduced in the seventh grade and involves computations using integers and rational numbers. Sections in set theory and geometry are also studied. In the latter part of the year, a small section of equations will be introduced. *PRE-ALGEBRA - MR. LOEFFELBEIN Topics covered in the pre-algebra course are sets, operations with whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, geometry, exponents, and the metric system. These topics, together with the associated skills, form an essential part of a mathematical background that all students need as adults, while at the same time, laying a solid foundation for any future work in mathematics. *ALGEBRA - MR. LOEFFELBEIN Algebra is intended to prepare the student with the foundation in algebraic concepts needed for further study in mathematics and science. Because of the strong emphasis on development of logical reasoning abilities, algebra can be helpful to those interested in other areas as well. In algebra, the student will develop skills in applying algebra concepts and learn to understand the role of deductive reasoning and the need for precision in mathematical language. COMPUTER SKILLS – MRS. DASHNER This course will provide learners with the necessary computer skills to access, evaluate, and utilize information and communicate effectively. Course topics include basic computer operation, file management, keyboarding, technology in the world, social and ethical technology issues, Internet research, word processing, spreadsheet, and multimedia presentations. PHYSICAL EDUCATION - MR. STARNER Physical education is considered an integral part of the total educational process, and is a field of endeavor which has as its aim the development of physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially fit individuals. This will be accomplished through a variety of physical activities selected and driven by course outcomes. In compliance with Title IX, Glenwood Middle School will have co-educational physical education. Physical education class is required for all students unless they have been excused, in writing, by a doctor. HEALTH - MRS. CAIN Eighth grade health is a one-semester course with the curriculum focusing on a detailed study of human sexuality. Abstinence and refusal skills are stressed as the underlying theme of the course. Topics addressed will include, but not be limited to, the following: relationships with the opposite sex, sex roles and stereotyping, love and infatuation, decision-making, the reproductive systems, teen pregnancy, contraception methods, sexually transmitted diseases, and related issues. *NOTE: Parents or guardians who have questions regarding the health curriculum are encouraged to contact Mrs. Cain or Mr. Finken. Parents or guardians should also be aware that they may opt their student out of all or any part of the health course. SKILLS FOR ADOLESCENCE - MRS. HOHNEKE This one-semester course is designed to allow students to discover their personal interests, attributes and character qualities as well as methods to improve elements that will empower them to work toward personal goals. The course follows two main themes—career discovery and the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. EIGHTH GRADE ELECTIVES GENERAL MUSIC – MRS. PETTY General Music is offered as an elective to 7th and 8th grade students. Composers and musical styles of historical eras, past and present day, are researched and samples of the music identified. A wide variety of cultural and ethnic music from around the world is explored. Students learn basic music reading skills and are graded on quizzes, reports, and classroom projects. CHORUS - MRS. PETTY The middle school vocal music program provides students with a variety of opportunities to explore musical concepts (vocal production, reading, listening, and rehearsal skills, musical elements, performance appreciation, and cultural awareness,) while demonstrating positive communication skills, self-esteem, and positive social behaviors. Students develop an appreciation for many musical styles and learn to read three- and four-part music. Concerts, festivals, clinics, and community performances offer enjoyable experiences for students who have a special interest in music as a career or for personal pleasure. BAND - MR. JACOBUS In the instrumental music program, the student continues the development of their skills, and has expanded opportunities for participation in a number of out-of-school activities. Students will participate in the Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree in Clarinda, the homecoming parade, Band Night, three concerts, and one or two large group contests. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble contest, numerous honor bands, and Jazz Band. All students will receive individual or small group lessons in addition to band class. ART 7-8 - MR. BUELTEL Seventh and eighth grade art students attend class together. They will explore various media with an emphasis on drawing, painting, clay, print-making, and graphic art. Students will also learn about various artists and art movements seen throughout history, allowing them to develop skills of seeing, understanding, and making judgments about their own art as well as that of others. A personal drawing journal with weekly assignments provides for personal growth in skills as well as art concepts. FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE - MRS. CAIN Family and consumer science class for eighth grade is a comprehensive course that meets every-other-day all year. The purpose of the course is to develop in students, skills that they can use in their daily lives to make wise decisions and choices. The following are just a few of the areas covered: nutrients and how they affect our lives, planning a nutritious menu, using proper and safe procedures when preparing and serving meals, techniques necessary to prepare a variety of food, how to select and care for fabric, how to use a sewing machine while sewing a class project, and what to look for when selecting clothing. Other areas studied are child growth and development, family relationships, and housing trends and housing care. EIGHTH GRADE ASSIGNED CLASSES SPECIAL PROGRAMS - MS. FISHER, MS. KRASHIN, MRS. WINUM AND MS. HOFMANN Special programs are available for students who may require individual remedial instruction in mathematics, science, or language arts. Small classes and individualized instruction makes possible a program geared to meet the current individual needs regardless of grade placement. Math and language arts attempt to acquaint the student with the basic needs of everyday living, while science explores the different aspects of earth science through the discovery method.
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