Grade 8

• Extensive work with linear functions: graphing, intercepts, and solving systems
• Explore all operations with polynomials and extensive work with factoring
• Explore rational expressions
• Extensive work with quadratic functions: graphing, zeros, quadratic formula
• Integrate ideas from algebra and geometry with graphic representation
• Continue to focus on developing logical reasoning skills

• Read literature of various genres, for pleasure as well as critical insight, and always with an appreciation for the time and cultural context in which it was written
• Develop ideas thoughtfully and logically, supporting them with a body of specific evidence and using precise, vivid language
• Know basic literary and poetic terms and concepts and apply them accurately to specific works of literature
• Write cogently, concisely, and vividly in a range of contexts, both expository and imaginative
• Observe rules of grammar, principles of accurate and well-varied sentence structure, and conventions of punctuation and spelling

• Evaluate the validity of scientific work and create scientifically accurate experiments.
• Understand that scientific inquiry is a dynamic, enjoyable process and appreciate the importance of being curious in everyday life.
• Engage students in actions to take responsibility for the natural environment.
• Model kinematics and dynamics in physical systems to measure the force, mass and acceleration in metric units.
• Conceptualize power, potential and kinetic energy within a Rube-Goldberg contraption and accurately describe the changes in energy.
• Demonstrate an understanding of chemistry through a Personal Interest Project, a student-centered research project culminating in a research paper written in scientific format and a formal oral presentation.
• Use the Periodic Table of Elements in modeling atomic structure and influencing bonding within molecules.

• US history covering Reconstruction through to JFK and the Space Program
• Reading critically and discerning information that is significant to the line of study
• Research and documentation: writing and projects
• Heightened and expanded expectations in 8th grade teach and encourage the student to focus on independent thinking, independent study skills and autonomous expression of their perspective
• Expanded exposure to analytical writing: focus on ability to support analysis through research and the ability to understand multiple perspectives on an issue
• Note-taking skills expanded to include multiple formats
• Study, organization and time-management skills are discussed and implemented
• Presentation skills are honed
• Debate skills are practiced; students become more precise by using reasoning and evidence to support their assertions.
• Projects and activities focus on both individual and collaborative skills
• Class discussions: ability to voice a perspective, hear others’ perspectives and consistently develop essential questions to propel the level of discussion/inquiry
• Assessments: variety of forms are designed to allow students to express their understanding in multiple formats
• Precision of expression in the critical thinking process: apply this understanding both verbally and in written form

Class is taught mostly in Spanish; students are encouraged to always speak Spanish

• Grammar concepts covered in eighth grade include, among others: review of present tense stem-changing verbs, saber and conocer, reflexive verbs, learn regular preterite, irregular preterite verbs, preterite of stem-changing verbs, including –ir verbs, reciprocal actions, indirect object pronouns, imperfect tense, forms, and uses, preterite and imperfect, differences between the two
• Extensive oral practice through class discussion, group work, and pair interaction
• Further develop writing abilities
• Explore cultural elements of the language; study Spanish and Hispanic culture
• Expand students’ vocabulary

Learn 3-D rendering programs, 3-D print or manufacture prototypes, understand circuits and incorporate currents into projects. Design ready-to-wear apparel using technology and equipment in class, code robots to solve problems or work cooperatively toward achieving an end goal.

• Expand experience with digital and printed media types while working on various writing genre such as professional letters, student-authored picture books, and newsletters.
• Extend multimedia capabilities by adding hyperlinks and action buttons within presentations.
• Develop an enhanced ability to draw conclusions from data as students explore more advanced spreadsheet functions in Numbers (e.g., average)
• Expand video editing tools, combining still images, video, and audio in varied presentations.
• Use Chromebooks, desktop computers and iPads to assess skills in areas like reading and math.
• Continue to develop research and critical thinking experience using online resources

This class supports and guides students through the secondary school process with success. Students work with the Secondary School Counselor by setting goals and familiarizing students and families with schools. Mock interview classes help students strengthen the social skills needed for successful admissions interviews. Students also work on building strong study habits in order to take the SSAT test with confidence.

Students learn about various types of speeches and work on building keynote speech skills. Students then spend the rest of the trimester working on their capstone project that helps students take stock of themselves and navigate social and moral landscapes. Students then present their keynote speeches at a Middle School Assembly or All-School Assembly. 

Students build an understanding of the origins and causes of diseases, including the relationship between family history and certain health risks (self-awareness and social awareness). They begin to relate short- and long-term consequences of health choices (responsible decision making) and apply health skills to specific personal, family, and community health concerns (self-management, responsible decision making, and relationship skills). Students can discern relationships among all components of health and wellness and knowledgeably use consumer information

Middle School students meet on Wednesday mornings for Community Program class. Topics range from student clubs to DEI work and practice, plus grade-specific meetings led by homeroom teachers and class representatives.

At the end of each day, all middle school students have an opportunity to meet with teachers for extra support or as a checkpoint to ensure understanding of materials and preparedness for homework completion.

Tower’s Arts Block program provides students in grades 7 & 8 with opportunities in technology, visual arts and musical arts classes. Recent Arts Block trimester offerings include: handbells, photography, woodworking, oil painting, technology, jazz band, marimbas, clay, sculpture, video, chorus, part singing, unaccompanied voice work, multi-cultural works, a cappella and folk groups.

• Develop relevant skills connected with the sport played
• Learn and enjoy the benefits of physical activity
• Develop a high level of sportsmanship and school spirit
• Develop leadership skills and an appreciation for the value of teamwork
• Seek personal levels of excellence
• Experience playing on a competitive team
• Identify the correlation between hard work and improvement

The drama program offers opportunities for burgeoning actors and crew to spread their theatrical wings. Under the guidance of the drama directors, students are responsible for all aspects of the production; acting, singing, dancing, costume design, set design, stage tech, and booth tech. Our goal is for students to develop confidence in themselves, while challenging themselves to reach in new directions. Our productions are designed to highlight our middle school students' talents in order to create a show that our entire school community can enjoy.

All Upper School students sing in the chorus. Students focus on part singing and engage in standard choral repertoire, multi-cultural music and folk songs.

Additionally, students may participate in the a cappella Towerettes and Boys Band.

Service Learning is an integral part of school culture, and for good reason. Serving others in our communities helps students feel connected, engaged and involved, building empathy and a sense of generosity. The entire middle school will participate in Day of Service at one of several pre-arranged locations.