Science

Throughout grades K-5, students study topics in science from each of three strands: Physical, Life, and Earth Science. In grades 6, 7, & 8, there is a strand of emphasis each year. Eighth grade focuses on the strand of Physical Science. Listed below are the Key Concepts to be studied. Velocity of object is rate of change Unbalanced forces changes velocity All matter is comprised of one or more elements Planets and other bodies that orbit the sun in predictable paths In chemical reactions atoms are rearranged into different combinations of molecules Principles of chemistry underlie functioning of biological systems Periodic table is organized based on properties of the elements All objects experience a buoyant force when immersed in a fluid

History/Social Studies
In eighth grade, students are introduced to the basic concepts of each discipline within History/Social Science: History, Geography, Civics, and Economics. The focus of their year is on

Mission
While nurturing our strong sense of community, rich in diversity, we will develop productive citizens who excel academically and grow personally by providing quality education in a student centered environment built on the foundation of family and community involvement.

BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT Content Standards for Grade 8

United States History & Geography: Growth and Conflict

They work to develop understandings of: Major events preceding the founding of the nation and relate their significance to the development of American constitutional democracy Political principles underlying the U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government Foundation of the American political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it Aspirations and ideals of the people of the new nation U.S. foreign policy in early Republic Divergent paths of American people from 1800 to mid-1800s & challenges Ideals of Declaration of Independence Multiple causes, key events, and complex consequences of Civil War Reconstruction Industrial Revolution

Board of Education Lori Strauss, President Carlos Sanabria, Clerk Tobi Laird-Benz Emil Geddes Heather Partida District Administration
Merrill M. Grant, Ed.D.- Superintendent Margaret Kruse - Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources Scott Anderson, Business Manager Michael Bowen - Director, Curriculum & Instruction Margo Olson - Director, Intervention & Special Education Jan Steed - Director, Student Services Tom Wilson, Technology Coordinator

The Brentwood Union School District considers the education of your child to be our most important responsibility. This brochure is designed to share grade level standards and benchmarks with you. Your understanding of what your child is expected to learn at each grade level is essential as we work together for him/her to reach fullest potential.

BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT 255 Guthrie Lane Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-6300 www.brentwood.k12.ca.us

Improving the Quality of

Life Through a Quality Education

P:C&I/Standard Brochures

Grade 8

Revised 7-2012

Language Arts
Grade 8 standards represent an important culmination of curriculum activities including understanding the most important points in history of English language, using word meanings within appropriate context, identifying significant literary devise (metaphor, symbolism), writing responses to literature, using correct punctuation and capitalization, and delivering narrative presentations.

Mathematics
Whereas in all previous years students have worked within 4 different strands of mathematics (Number
Sense, Geometry & Measurement, Algebra & Functions, and Statistics, Data Analysis and Probability),

in eighth grade, they focus their study on Algebra. Algebra is the language through which most of mathematics is communicated. It provides a way to operate with concepts at an abstract level, which fosters students ability to generalize and to gain insights beyond the original context. Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in Algebra. Through the study of Algebra, a student develops an understanding of the language of mathematics and sciences.
1.0 Identify, use arithmetic properties of integers, rational, irrational, and real numbers 2.0 Understand and use operations:
Taking the opposite Taking a root Finding reciprocal Raising to fractional power

Reading
Standard 1:

.Writing.
says contain formal introductions, supporting evidence, Standard 4: Writing Strategies and conclusions. clear, coherent, and focused essays, Students write Student progresses through the stages of the writing process as needed.and purpose. with awareness of the audience

Word Analysis, Fluency,and Systematic Vocabulary Development

Students determine the meaning of specialized vocabulary and precise meaning of grade-levelappropriate words. Vocabulary development includes use of idioms, analogies, metaphors, and similes and the understanding of the history of English language
Standard 2:

14.0 Solve quadratic equation by factoring or completing the square 15.0 Apply algebraic techniques to solve rate, work, and percent problems 16.0 Understand concepts of relation and function 17.0 Determine domain of independent variables and range of dependent variables 18.0 Determine whether a relation defined by a graph, set of ordered pairs, or symbolic expression is a function and justify conclusion 19.0 Know quadratic formula and are familiar with its proof by completing the square 20.0 Use quadratic formula to find roots 21.0 Graph quadratic functions and know their roots are x-intercepts 22.0 Use quadratic formula or factoring to determine intersection point 23.0 Apply quadratic equations to physical problems 24.0 Use and know simple aspects of a logical argument 25.0 Use properties of number system to judge

Create compositions that establish a controlling Standard 5: Writing Applicationsand end with a impression, have coherent thesis, (Genres and their Characteristics) clear and well-supported conclusion Student writes narrative, expository, persuasive, and Revise writing for word choice, organization,
descriptive texts of at least and transitions consistent point of view 500 to 700 words in each genre. Student writing demonstrates a command of Standard 5: Writing Applications standard American English.
(Genres and their Characteristics)

3.0 Solve equations using absolute values 4.0 Simplify expressions before solving linear equations in one variable 5.0 Solve multistep problems, including word problems, involving linear equations 6.0 Graph linear equation and compute x-, y- intercepts 7.0 Verify that a point lies on a line 8.0 Understand concepts of parallel & perpendicular lines and how slopes are related 9.0 Solve system of 2 linear equations in 2 variables and graph 10.0 Add, subtract, multiply, and divide monomials and polynomials 11.0 Factor, find common factor 12.0 Simplify fractions with polynomials

Reading Comprehension

Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of the text by using their knowledge of text structure, organization, and purpose.

Students write texts of at least 500 to 700 words

Standard 6: Written and Oral English Biographies, autobiographies Responses to Language research reports literature, Conventions Student writes and speaks with a command of standard Persuasive compositions
English conventions appropriate to this grade level.
Standard 6:

Use information from a variety of consumer, workplace, and public documents to explain a situation or decision and to solve a problem

English Language Conventions

Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions appropriate to this grade level.

Standard 3:

Literary Response and Analysis

Standard 7:

Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature and clarify the ideas, make connections between literary works.

Listening & Speaking

Listening and Speaking Strategies
Students deliver focused, coherent presentations and evaluate the content of oral communication.

Evaluate structural elements and development of plot and address of conflict Compare and contrast motivations and reactions of characters from different historical eras

Paraphrase speakers purpose and point of view Prepare speech outline Use appropriate grammar, word choice, pace

Standard 8:

Speaking Applications

Students deliver well-organized formal presentations.

Narrative presentations, Responses to literature Research presentations

Language Arts benchmarks bulleted are those identified as Critical Benchmarks for the grade level. For a complete listing of all grade level benchmarks, visit the BUSD website at www.brentwood.k12.ca.us or contact Mary Black, Director of Curriculum.

Mathematics benchmarks bulleted are those identified as Critical Benchmarks for the grade level. For a complete listing of all grade level benchmarks, visit the BUSD website at www.brentwood.k12.ca.us or contact Mary Black, Director of Curriculum.

P:C&I/Standard Brochures

Grade 8

Revised 7-2012