List of 6 items.

• Mathematics

  Students will cover a full year of Algebra I, with some Algebra II concepts introduced for further differentiation and acceleration. All operations are explored as they develop skills to solve quadratic equations, absolute value equations, systems of equations and inequalities, and rational and radical equations. They examine factoring polynomials, graphing linear and nonlinear functions, including transformations, and investigate the probability of independent and dependent events. Throughout the course, problem-solving strategies are developed further so students can build connections to real-life scenarios and apply their understanding to more abstract ideas.

• English

  Students read and discuss themes such as justice, identity and the American Dream in fiction, poetry, and biographical texts and explore different kinds of writing and film with an emphasis on cultivating each student’s individual voice. They continue developing analytical writing skills and continue to recognize and practice proper usage as a writer and editor around word choice, sentence structure, and punctuation. Students learn a 5 point analysis system and practice annotation, discussion, and revision throughout the year.

• Science

  Eighth grade science covers all three major disciplines to prepare students for any potential high school placement. The fall trimester is devoted to human anatomy, specifically the cardiovascular, nervous, skeletal, and immune systems. The winter trimester consists of an in depth exploration of Newton’s Laws, incorporating algebraic concepts from students' math class. The spring trimester advances students’ understanding of chemistry with particular attention to atomic theory, types of compounds, balancing equations, and chemical nomenclature. By the end of 8th grade, students are able to design experiments and write comprehensive and objective lab reports on their findings.

• Latin

  Latin at Cathedral is taught using a blend of comprehensible input and grammar instruction. The goal is for students to slowly build their vocabulary and reading fluency in a manner that simulates how they learned their first language.  Taking an engaging, comprehensible story as our starting point for each lesson, students are able to understand how the language functions on a more intuitive level. 

   

  Through various readings, students embark on a journey through some of the most impactful events in Rome’s history, such as the Carthaginian Wars and the Year of Four Emperors. After each mini-unit, students lead their own discussion section. Pairing their Latin readings with selected modern articles in English, they discuss societal questions such as, “What makes an effective leader?” or “How can governments reduce inequality?” Students also choose from one of 3 “Pathways”: Ancient History; Ancient Philosophy; and Advanced Latin Language. They are able to follow their own interests and develop a year-round project in their chosen field. We also make sure that students are prepared for high school Latin and success in the language after Cathedral.

• Social Studies

  Eighth graders continue their study of American History to explain the development of our country’s policies and priorities. They consider economic, social, and political trends from Reconstruction to the End of World War II and into present day. Eighth graders continue to build on their toolbox of writing skills while analyzing a variety of source types (visuals/images, text, documentaries/videos, infographics, and graphs), presenting, debating, unpacking and comparing arguments all while making connections to current events.

• World Languages

  Eighth grade Spanish and French are predominantly taught in the target language. Students speak, listen, read, and write in the world language that they have selected for their Upper School career. Teachers make linguistic and cultural connections through the use of language-authentic literature and media, project-based learning, real-world application, and differentiated instruction of grammar and vocabulary. Upon graduating, Cathedral students communicate effectively, participate in communities locally and globally in their target language, and are prepared for intermediate or advanced-level high school language courses.