Description

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
Saxon Pre-Algebra Homeschool Kit . Worked out solutions manual sold separately
- Note: Families looking to complete Algebra 1 in Grade 8 may request a substitution at checkout by adding a note to the Shipping Instructions field*
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

*While we recommend Pre-Algebra for the vast majority of 8th Grade students some families may choose to move ahead with Algebra 1 in 8th Grade. For these families you can request a substitution at checkout by adding a note to the Shipping Instructions field. Unsure which math level is right for you? Try this self-assessment test.

Additional Materials Recommended

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

8th Grade Curriculum Overview

View samples of our 8th grade curriculum here.

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.

The eighth grade math curriculum provides a choice of Pre-Algebra (called Saxon Algebra 1/2) using Saxon which is designed specifically to guide homeschoolers and independent learners. The pre-algebra course provides a solid foundation for learning to use algebra effectively. It also provides a developmentally-supportive transition between middle school math courses and high school math courses. Skills include decimals and percentages equations with multiple variables exponents and radicals measuring area and volume of geometric figures functions and graphing and statistics and probability.

Projects crafts and activities include: