With the advent of puberty, eighth-graders’ capacity for logical thinking and independent judgment fully awakens. The class teacher brings enthusiasm to the individual student’s search for truth. Children stand at the doorway to adulthood, and they prepare to leave our school. For this reason, the eighth grade curriculum contains much more than would normally be the case, so that they can experience a sense of completion to their years here.

History

As children become physically and intellectually mature, it is important that they gain a clear picture of history up to the present day. Thus, the eighth-grade history curriculum covers the period from the end of the Renaissance through the Twentieth Century. Special attention is given to the emergence of the ideals of human freedom that led to the American, French, and Russian Revolutions, and the way those ideals manifested themselves differently in each nation, and to the pivotal role of individuals such as Charles Darwin in laying the foundation for the modern scientific worldview.

Science

The eighth-grade science curriculum provides a picture of the human being as a microcosm of the kingdoms of nature. On an inner level, eighth graders are strongly entering their skeletal system. It is at this stage that the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and nervous system of the body are studied. The study of physics continues in the eighth grade with hydraulics, aerodynamics, and meteorology. The teacher shows how the discovery of mechanical principles contributed directly to the development of our modern technological society; for example, how the invention of the steam engine made the Industrial Revolution possible. In chemistry, eighth-graders engage in the analysis of organic substances and investigate their role in human nutrition. The chemistry curriculum focuses on those processes by which organic substances are formed (e.g., photosynthesis) and transformed (as in digestion). The class seeks to discover how the classical substances of earth, air, fire, and water can be understood and observed in physical processes; for example, in the various influences that create weather or ocean currents. World geography compares various climates and environments.

Math

Geometry continues with the construction of more complex polygons as well as the Platonic solids. Algebra studies continue with the study of linear and quadratic equations, graphing, simplification of polynomial expressions, as well as expressions using exponents, radicals and absolute values, in addition to the Pythagorean theorem. The binary system is introduced in relation to the development of computers. Word problems are also given special attention, especially ones that test thinking against multi-step problems and utilize analytical skills and strategies in real-life situations.

Special Subjects

During puberty, children become filled with creative forces. It is the task of the teacher to nurture the forces of inner creativity so that children become adults who are able to express themselves to their highest potential. Art and handwork activities during this year include drawing exact geometric forms, three dimensional drawing, theorems, volumes of solids, solid geometry, black and white charcoal drawing, watercolor painting, sewing, woodworking and clay. Music studies provide opportunities to learn Elizabethan songs, Negro spirituals, symphonic form, and American music. They also participate in chorus and orchestra. In foreign languages, eighth-graders continue developing their skills in reading, conversation, grammar syntax, and vocabulary. Work in eurythmy continues, along with gymnastics, team games, team sports, and rhythmic exercise.

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