Eighth Grade

The objective of the St. Mary's Middle School Program is to help students develop to their fullest potential through engaging in a program in which the core curriculum, exploratory and extra-curricular activities are based upon the special academic, emotional, spiritual and social needs of adolescents in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

English
Students spend time reading, writing, speaking and listening.  We begin to spend more time presenting our ideas to our classmates and use more project based learning.  Two different novels are taught in the eighth grade to sharpen the students skills of citing text evidence, supporting analysis, and writing summaries free from personal opinions and judgements.  As a class we are always working to strengthen our grammar, punctuation and spelling skills as practice makes perfect!

Math
Students will be taught Algebraic Concepts with higher level critical thinking while continuing to build on the skills they have already learned.  They will continue to use their "Math" notebook for help on daily homework.  Again, assessments will be given at the end of each chapter with the possibility of using their math notebook for help.

Social Studies
Students will continue to explore and understand Minnesota History, Government, and Social Studies standards.  Our main focus will be on US History from discovery to current times but we will utilize many other sources by continuing to expand on the use of Primary and Secondary sources and original works.  We will pay particular attention to current events and how today’s events relate to the past and future. 

Science
Students will explore scientific methods to solve real world problems and will continue to expand their understanding of design processes as well as further understanding of biological processes.  They will continue to study and expand their knowledge of ecosystems and how human and non-human interactions affect the world that we live in utilizing textbooks, workbooks, and online resources.  Students will also be exposed to and understand the science behind conservation, agriculture, where food and other natural resources come from, and explore a variety of careers in scientific fields including but not limited to manufacturing, resource management and agriculture.

Religion
The focus of the eighth-grade religion program is on catechesis in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The class also covers more in depth the seasons of the Church, evangelism, and the impact virtue and sin have in our lives.