The Eighth Grade curriculum introduces students to the concepts of civics through a study of the champions of freedom, federal, state, and local governments, and the economic system.

In English students read a variety of classic novels while studying vocabulary drawn from the reading. Lesson work concentrates on grammar and composition skills. Weekly assignments in writing grammar and usage provide ample practice for the student preparing to enter high school.

The eighth grade social studies curriculum introduces students to the concepts of civics through a study of the champions of freedom government systems and economics. Students get step outside their usual homeschool environment to witness their local government in action explore issues affecting their state and become aware of national issues. This experiential approach to understanding social issues includes practical activities such as community service projects and interviewing local community leaders. Students are encouraged to learn how to make a difference on a local level by learning more about the people and businesses in their area.

The science curriculum focuses on the principles of physical science including mass matter force energy sound light color electricity magnetism and mechanics. In order to prepare students for more advanced science emphasis is placed on using objective observation skills incorporating scientific terminology when writing and demonstrating careful methodology and data collection. Assignments require students to conduct experiments perform mathematical calculations analyze their findings and support conclusions with evidence. Lab investigations (included in a separate lab manual) guide students in actively exploring concepts related to chemical reactions forces and interactions energy waves and engineering design.

In this PreAlgebra course, students will develop the skills and understanding to prepare them for Algebra 1. They will practice skills using self-corrected exercise sets in preparation for chapter tests that gauge their grasp of the material. Activities provide varied opportunities to explore applications of the lesson concepts. This course is organized into 36 lessons that correspond with the 10 chapters in the textbook.

8th Grade projects, crafts, and activities include:

Evaluate a Supreme Court ruling
Participate in a community service project
Interview a member of the fire department
Write a science fiction story
Create your own radio or television advertisement
Research hybrid vehicles

What's Included

The following materials are included with the 8th grade package:

8th Grade Civics Coursebook
8th Grade Civics Teacher Manual
8th Grade Physical Science Coursebook
8th Grade Physical Science Lab Manual
8th Grade Physical Science Teacher Manual
Prealgebra Coursebook
Prealgebra Teacher Manual
Elayne Martin-Gaye Prealgebra Textbook (9th Edition)
8th Grade English Coursebook Third Edition
8th Grade English Teacher Manual Third Edition
100 Ways to Improve Your Composition and Creative Writing
Oak Meadow blank journal (1)
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Before The Ever After by Jaqueline Woodson
The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Baseball in April and Other Stories by Gary Soto
The Elements of Style (Illustrated)

Additional Materials Recommended

The following items are needed to complete the 8th grade coursework:

A note on MyLab Math with Prealgebra: While the basic answer key is in the back of the textbook, the publisher offers an online resource called MyLab Math which contains helpful tools such as instructional videos, a detailed solution manual, and the digital textbook. You can check it out with Pearson’s free 14 day trial and then upgrade through the platform for $60 if you find it helpful!

The course ID for students not enrolled in Oak Meadow’s distance learning school is oakmeadow88193. If you are enrolling with Oak Meadow, your teacher will provide your complimentary access code prior to your start date.

Please note that Oak Meadow course assignments are not loaded into MyLab Math nor does it tie into an Learning Management System. The MyLab Math platform is supplementary and not required to complete the course.