EIGHTH GRADE homeschool curriculum
BIBLE
Practical Christianity and Church History. Bible 800 provides a developmental and in-depth academic study of the teachings of the Old and New Testaments. It focuses on prayer, salvation, the attributes of God, the book of Proverbs, and interpersonal relationships. Special emphasis is given to a survey of Church history from the early Church through the Reformation. These areas target five content strands: theology, the attributes of God, biblical literature, Christian growth, and Church history.
In this inspirational course, students will continue their study of practical Christianity and church history. Guided by the King James Version, this course explores the establishment of the church, the nature of God, and the concept of salvation. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to expand their understanding of prayer and its purpose in their lives. Students will trace the history of their faith through the study of early church leaders, the history of the church in the Roman Empire, the importance of the Jews, the Jerusalem church, and the church today. This course also asks students to observe their own behavior and make important personal choices based on biblical thought and prayer.
Download a copy of the Bible 800 Course Overview. You will find the goals for 8th grade homeschool curriculum and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy courses.
In this inspirational course, students will continue their study of practical Christianity and church history. Guided by the King James Version, this course explores the establishment of the church, the nature of God, and the concept of salvation. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to expand their understanding of prayer and its purpose in their lives. Students will trace the history of their faith through the study of early church leaders, the history of the church in the Roman Empire, the importance of the Jews, the Jerusalem church, and the church today. This course also asks students to observe their own behavior and make important personal choices based on biblical thought and prayer.
Download a copy of the Bible 800 Course Overview. You will find the goals for 8th grade homeschool curriculum and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy courses.
HISTORY
History and Geography 800 continues the process of developing in students an understanding of and appreciation for God’s activity as seen in the record of man and his relationships. The 8th grade homeschool curriculum focuses on American History, covering the subject from early exploration through the present day, with special emphasis given to the Civil War and to inventions and technology of the 19th and early 20th centuries. These areas of focus target three major content strands: History, Geography, and Government and Citizenship.
Students will explore the history of the United States from its early explorers to the present time. From the colonization and the quest for independence, to the Civil War, the Cold War, and the challenges America faces today as a global power, students explore the growth and challenges faced by this young nation. Lessons in this interactive course begin with a look at Spain's exploration and trading expeditions across the sea, the discovery of the New World, the colonial politics of the British, and the establishment of the colonies. Discussions examine major milestones and stumbling blocks including the quest for independence and westward expansion. Course materials give students a sweeping perspective based on historical facts and political movements that transformed the United States from a group of colonies into the 50 United States of America.
Download a copy of the History & Geography 800 Course Overview. You will find the goals for the 8th grade homeschool curriculum and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy courses.
Students will explore the history of the United States from its early explorers to the present time. From the colonization and the quest for independence, to the Civil War, the Cold War, and the challenges America faces today as a global power, students explore the growth and challenges faced by this young nation. Lessons in this interactive course begin with a look at Spain's exploration and trading expeditions across the sea, the discovery of the New World, the colonial politics of the British, and the establishment of the colonies. Discussions examine major milestones and stumbling blocks including the quest for independence and westward expansion. Course materials give students a sweeping perspective based on historical facts and political movements that transformed the United States from a group of colonies into the 50 United States of America.
Download a copy of the History & Geography 800 Course Overview. You will find the goals for the 8th grade homeschool curriculum and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy courses.
ENGLISH
Language Arts 800 continues to build on the sequential development and integration of communication skills in four major areas—reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It most specifically focuses on deepening and furthering students' understanding in the following ways: Reading–reinforces reading comprehension skills by teaching students how to analyze propaganda and other forms of writing, including biographies, autobiographies, formal essays, and informal essays; shows students how to make denotative, symbolic, and connotative readings of a text; introduces both Old English and Middle English languages and literature to develop students' understanding of English language formation and development; prepares students for the higher level literary comprehension skills required in the upper grades. Writing–develops students' understanding of sentence structure, providing hands-on experience with conjunctions, transitions, clauses, and common sentence errors; teaches language histories and etymologies to help students build on knowledge of word structures, including topics like prefixes, roots, and suffixes; expands on students' vocabulary and spelling skills; gives students the opportunity to develop their abilities in writing business letters, friendly letters, informal essays, and basic literature analyses. Speaking–offers students experience in delivering oral reports; teaches skills that enable students to become effective speakers and communicators, weaving these skills together throughout the course. Listening–teaches effective listening comprehension skills, weaving these together throughout the lessons; builds upon students' study skills, as well as helping them become reliable and efficient note takers.
Download a copy of the Language Arts 800 Course Overview. You will find the goals for the 8th grade homeschool course and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy homeschool courses.
Download a copy of the Language Arts 800 Course Overview. You will find the goals for the 8th grade homeschool course and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy homeschool courses.
MATH
Pre-algebra is an introductory algebra course designed to prepare junior-high school students for Algebra I. The 8th grade homeschool course focuses on strengthening needed skills in problem solving, integers, equations, and graphing. Students will begin to see the "big picture" of mathematics and learn how numeric, algebraic, and geometric concepts are woven together to build a foundation for higher mathematical thinking.
Students who may have taken Pre-algebra in seventh grade or demonstrate through quantifiable academic work may be approved to take Algebra I in eighth grade for High School credit. Algebra I is a full year, high school credit course that is intended for the student who has successfully mastered the core algebraic concepts covered in the prerequisite course, Pre-Algebra. Within the Algebra I course, the student will explore basic algebraic fundamentals such as evaluating, creating, solving and graphing linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Upon completion of the course the student’s goals are to successfully, solve single variable, absolute value, and linear systems of equations; solve and graph single variable, absolute value, and linear inequalities; evaluate, solve, and graph linear and quadratic functions as well as conceptualize the relationship between the independent and dependent variable of a function; understand and know how to apply the distance, midpoint, and slope formulas as well as the Pythagorean theorem; form an equation of a line using the slope-intercept, point-slope and standard forms of a line; organize data in the form of a table or matrix; perform complex matrix operations such as multiplication, evaluating the determinant, and solving a system of linear equations using Cramer's Rule; apply basic fundamental rules of exponents; be able to construct a formula or equation necessary to solve algebraic word problems involving area, perimeter, and linear systems of equations, basic probability and statistical reasoning, distance, and compounding interest; evaluate rational expressions and solve equations with rational expressions; and, simplify and perform operations with radical expressions and polynomials.
Download a copy of the Pre-Algebra Course Overview. You will find the goals for the 8th grade homeschool curriculum and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy homeschool courses.
Students who may have taken Pre-algebra in seventh grade or demonstrate through quantifiable academic work may be approved to take Algebra I in eighth grade for High School credit. Algebra I is a full year, high school credit course that is intended for the student who has successfully mastered the core algebraic concepts covered in the prerequisite course, Pre-Algebra. Within the Algebra I course, the student will explore basic algebraic fundamentals such as evaluating, creating, solving and graphing linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions. Upon completion of the course the student’s goals are to successfully, solve single variable, absolute value, and linear systems of equations; solve and graph single variable, absolute value, and linear inequalities; evaluate, solve, and graph linear and quadratic functions as well as conceptualize the relationship between the independent and dependent variable of a function; understand and know how to apply the distance, midpoint, and slope formulas as well as the Pythagorean theorem; form an equation of a line using the slope-intercept, point-slope and standard forms of a line; organize data in the form of a table or matrix; perform complex matrix operations such as multiplication, evaluating the determinant, and solving a system of linear equations using Cramer's Rule; apply basic fundamental rules of exponents; be able to construct a formula or equation necessary to solve algebraic word problems involving area, perimeter, and linear systems of equations, basic probability and statistical reasoning, distance, and compounding interest; evaluate rational expressions and solve equations with rational expressions; and, simplify and perform operations with radical expressions and polynomials.
Download a copy of the Pre-Algebra Course Overview. You will find the goals for the 8th grade homeschool curriculum and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy homeschool courses.
SCIENCE
General Science II is a basic intermediate course intended to expose students to the designs and patterns in God’s physical universe. This 8th grade homeschool course expands on the Science 600 and General Science I courses, providing a set of basic scientific skills and a broad survey of the major areas of science. Some of the areas covered in General Science II include the history of science, structure and properties of matter, health and nutrition, types of energy, electricity and magnetism, work, energy, forces, simple machines, balance in nature, natural cycles and resources. The course seeks to develop the student’s ability to be aware of and participate in scientific inquiry.
Budding scientists will discover many facets of the exciting world of science as they study atoms and molecules, rocks and fossils, nutrition and health, oceanography, and inner and outer space from a Christian worldview in this interactive physical science course. Scientific discovery is within the reach of every student with this online physical science course for 8th graders. Students explore the building blocks of our world and how these small particles interact to create energy and physical mass. Lessons on measurement, observation, and evaluation encourage students to see the world through the eyes of science. Beginning with a study of the earth and fossil evidence, to the exploration of space, the course encourages critical thinking and analysis while fostering biblical beliefs and practical problem solving. Students will do their science labs all online through Smart Science Labs for a consistent lab experience and no need to purchase equipment or supplies for experiments.
Download a copy of the General Science II Course Overview. You will find the goals for the course and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy homeschool online courses.
Budding scientists will discover many facets of the exciting world of science as they study atoms and molecules, rocks and fossils, nutrition and health, oceanography, and inner and outer space from a Christian worldview in this interactive physical science course. Scientific discovery is within the reach of every student with this online physical science course for 8th graders. Students explore the building blocks of our world and how these small particles interact to create energy and physical mass. Lessons on measurement, observation, and evaluation encourage students to see the world through the eyes of science. Beginning with a study of the earth and fossil evidence, to the exploration of space, the course encourages critical thinking and analysis while fostering biblical beliefs and practical problem solving. Students will do their science labs all online through Smart Science Labs for a consistent lab experience and no need to purchase equipment or supplies for experiments.
Download a copy of the General Science II Course Overview. You will find the goals for the course and the grading components and the grading scale for all NFC Academy homeschool online courses.
FRENCH I
Students may be academically qualified to take French I in eighth grade for High School credit. In French 1, students begin to develop competence in four basic skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While developing communicative competence in French, students gain and expand their knowledge of francophone countries and cultures. Emphasis is placed on learning the present tense, the near future and the past tense in French I through thematically designed units. Topics include home, school, family, holidays, and daily and leisure activities. Students develop the ability to: greet and respond to greetings; introduce and respond to introductions; engage in conversations on several themes; express likes and dislikes; make requests; obtain information; understand some ideas and familiar details; begin to provide information. By the end of French I, students will: communicate minimally by using short sentences, learned words and phrases, and simple questions and commands when speaking and writing; understand some ideas and familiar details presented in clear, uncomplicated speech when listening; understand short texts enhanced by visual clues when reading.
SPANISH I
Students may be academically qualified to take Spanish I in eighth grade for High School credit. Entry level high school foreign language course which explores the Spanish language through communication, culture, connections, comparisons and communities. Course materials are designed to support students as they work to gain a basic proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural competency. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to do the following: Use Spanish in everyday situations in a basic manner and in both oral and written communication; Use vocabulary necessary to function as a tourist in Spanish-speaking countries; Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world; Listen to and understand basic passages in Spanish related to various themes; Read and understand basic passages in Spanish related to various themes; Compare and contrast cultural aspects of Hispanic countries and the United States. Spanish I introduce students to the mechanics of the Spanish language, acquaints them with the cultural differences of Hispanic countries, and helps them gain a keen awareness of their own culture.
CAREER EXPLORATIONS I
The Career Explorations 1 course is designed to give seventh- and eighth-grade students an opportunity to explore various Career and Technical Education subjects. Specifically, students will be able to learn about careers involving human-related services. Each unit introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. The goal is to whet students' appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as a high school student. The student will: Examine work, lifestyle, and a career; Evaluate the history of health care and the impact of science and technology has had on it; Explain why travel and tourism is important to our economy; Understand how geographic principles relate to traveler decisions; Explain the history the human services and how it functions in society; Analyze careers in the consumer services industry.
CAREER EXPLORATIONS II
The Career Explorations 2 course is designed to give seventh- and eighth-grade students an opportunity to explore various CTE subjects. Specifically, students will be able to learn about careers involving various technical fields from computers to agriculture. Each unit introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. The goal is to whet students' appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as a high school student. Each unit examines the past, present, and future of one specific career field, including information technology, information technology support and services, network systems, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and agriculture, food, and natural resources. Exploring technology-related career options in middle school gives students the opportunity to gauge their interest in specific topics and enroll in more advanced, career-specific courses in high school. Topics of study throughout the semester include computer systems and networks, the use of Internet and mobile technology in business and society, systems design and implementation, the advancement of agriculture to the present day, sustainable agriculture and its impact on society, and careers, concepts, theories, and practical applications related to the STEM field.
KEYBOARDING
Keyboarding and Applications is a semester-long elective that teaches students keyboarding skills, technical skills, effective communication skills, and productive work habits. In this 8th grade homeschool course, students will learn about proper keyboarding technique. Once students have been introduced to keyboarding skill, lessons will include daily practice of those skills. Students will gain an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, file management, and the Internet. In addition, they will apply their keyboarding skills and create a variety of business documents, including word processing documents and electronic presentations. Students in 8th grade may request to take this elective if they are advanced in their computer skills. Taking the course in 8th grade will not be for high school elective credit toward graduation requirements.
MIDDLEBURY MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLINE SPANISH
This middle school Spanish course is filled with interactive language activities with instruction equivalent to that found in the first semester of High School Spanish I. Students begin their introduction to Spanish by focusing on the four key areas of language study: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices to reinforce new vocabulary and grammar. Students make take just first semester or both semesters.
