8th Grade Curriculm
- Algebra I/Algebra I Honors/Advanced Algebra I Honors
- Earth Science
- English
- World History
- World Languages
- Electives
- Discovery Classes
- Physical Education
- Debate
Algebra I/Algebra I Honors/Advanced Algebra I Honors
Algebra I and Algebra I Honors cover variables in polynomials and number sequences; graphing one and two variable equations and inequalities, algebraic functions and problem-solving. In advanced Algebra I Honors, students cover advanced topics in Algebra I and move into beginning geometry and Algebra II concepts.
Earth Science
An inquiry-based course investigating environmental science and basic geological principles. Students learn the characteristics of the earth and its atmosphere and hydrosphere while studying catastrophic events such as earthquakes, storms and volcanoes. Topics include heat transfer, global climate change, using earthquakes to explore the Earth’s interior, and igneous rock formation and crystallization.
English
An analytical study of great works of literature from major genres: short stories, poetry, plays and novels. Students emulate stylistic techniques of great authors in their own creative writing. Students continue grammar study and vocabulary development. English classes are divided by gender in the eighth grade so that we have the ability to tailor novels, assignments and discussions.
World History
This course is a study of the modern world and initially focuses on the time period between the Renaissance and the French Revolution. The course continues with a study of the social, political and economic forces that have created the world we live in today. Great importance is placed on practices of historical thinking, study of primary sources and analysis of current events. Research and essay writing are also common themes throughout the year.
World Languages
Electives
Band
The Middle School band puts on two major concerts per year and stages other smaller performances for the student body. A variety of styles, including jazz, classical, popular, and Broadway, are showcased. Students learn how to read music, assemble and produce a characteristic tone on their instrument, and develop finger technique, ensemble balance and dynamics. Band develops lifelong skills that increase brainpower and build discipline, and the course offers a team atmosphere in which students make beautiful music with their friends.
Chorus
A yearlong course for students who seek to develop their vocal and musical skills. Students learn various types of literature, including but not limited to classical, pop, jazz and Broadway. The primary focus of each class is to learn to read music and then develop those skills in a more refined way. Students also learn to match pitch, develop healthy breathing techniques and improve tone quality. There are numerous opportunities for solos within the choral group, and students perform at concerts, assemblies and various school events throughout the year.
Strings
Steam
Our Middle School STEAM elective incorporates all of the disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and applies them to the following five areas:
1. Robotics & Programming
2. Engineering & Making
3. Digital Expression
4. Design & Innovation
5. Cutting Edge
In the Robotics & Programming section of the course, students use both block and script programming to design and code robots for competitions.
In Engineering & Making, students use modeling software and fabrication tools such as 3D printers and other CNC machines to create prototypes.
Digital Expression allows students to use digital tools such as graphic editing, animation and videography to express their ideas.
In the Design & Innovation portion of the class, students work through design cycles—from empathy and ideation to prototyping and testing—to address an identified problem or opportunity.
Then, in Cutting Edge, students explore advancements in STEAM practices and careers.
Cutting across all of these sections, students in the STEAM track also pursue a Curiosity Project(s), an independently driven part of the course in which students explore an area of personal interest. Examples of past projects range from building a model Tesla valve to designing safer football helmets.
Studio Art 8
In Studio Art, a year-long course, seventh- and eighth-grade students use observation and photo references to create two- and three-dimensional compositions from a variety of mediums. Students learn about art history, various forms of critique, and traditional and modern art-making techniques. Through this more advanced and in-depth arts curriculum, students begin to explore their own artistic styles through experimentation. Students leave the course with a wide range of skills in creating and discussing art.
Discovery Classes
Art
Eighth-grade art meets for one quarter during the Discovery rotation. Students create sculptures out of clay and portraits with pencil and paint, leaving the course with enhanced attention to detail; a strong understanding of hand-building, glazing and drawing techniques; and artistic awareness of facial features.
Holocaust & Civil Rights Studies
"If to teach is to learn, then to learn is to question.” The topics covered in Holocaust and Civil Rights Studies allow students to learn, to question and to discuss. The lessons from the past, both from the Holocaust and from the Civil Rights Movement, help us frame our questions as we engage in learning from history.
Study Hall
Tech Studio
All Middle School students take Technology Studio as a Discovery class. The course uses technology as a lens for developing STEAM competencies—skills and mindsets that require cross-disciplinary, open-ended, issue-based and student-directed learning. Students learn about sensors and circuits, programming, digital expression platforms, 3D modeling, machine learning, and augmented and virtual reality. In addition, they practice research, ideation, prototyping, collaboration and presentation skills.
Each year students build on learning from the previous year but follow similar questions such as: How does technology work?; How can I use technology effectively to create and communicate new ideas, work with others, and build knowledge?; How can I become a digital citizen and critically examine technology? How can I understand issues of intention, equity, bias and impact in the design, use and access of technology?; How can I move from being a user to becoming a designer of new technology?; How can I anticipate how technology will change in the future and how technology will change the future?
Most importantly, Tech Studio examines how technology can advance the mission of Pace Academy and asks: How can we use technology to become prepared, confident citizens of the world?
Physical Education
Daily physical education classes in single-gender groups are required for all Middle School students. The physical education department strives to improve students' physical skills while also developing thinking, creating and feeling capacities. Students are exposed to cardio exercises, flag football, gymnastics, lacrosse, swimming, weight training, wrestling and personal fitness. All Middle School students are pre- and post-tested on the five components of fitness using the President's Fitness Challenge Test.
Debate
Debate is an elective course for seventh and eighth graders. The class meets for one semester in the Discovery block. Students may take both an arts elective (band, chorus, strings, STEAM or art studio) and debate. The course focuses on policy debate, a fast-paced game of smarts and strategy in which wins and losses are based on how well students understand and explain their own claims and how thoroughly they analyze and defeat opponents’ arguments. Because the playing field for this type of debate uses facts and theories about current events, a significant portion of classroom time is spent exploring details about government, politics and international relations, in addition to the time spent developing students’ speaking and critical-thinking skills. This course is designed for students who are interested in the subject matter and who have demonstrated the ability to focus and work independently.