8th Grade Magnet Courses

8th Grade - 
Global Literacy III: Inquiry and Discovery

Students will read and write multi-genre texts, with an emphasis on nonfiction and current events. They will also engage in the inquiry process as they explore their interests and future career options, encouraging them to develop and work toward goals for high school and beyond. This course also synthesizes the learning from the prerequisite courses in 6th and 7th grades as a diverse foundation for further discovery. Through Inquiry-based instruction, teachers will guide students to explore their individual interests and future pursuits in our global society.

8th Grade - 
Global Communications & US History

This course is designed to explore 8th grade U.S. History concepts as they relate to global communication, cybersecurity and information technology. Students will blend skills learned in social studies, ELA and technology together and engage in Gifted and Talented learning strategies such as depth and complexity, creative problem solving, and critical thinking. The content in this course includes a variety of topics such as the political, social, economic and geographic study of United States history. Students will learn about the physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns. They will examine American beliefs and principles, learn about the structure of the U.S. government, and examine the rights and responsibilities of a United States citizen.

8th Grade - 
Fundamentals of Computer Science

Students will learn about the computing tools that are used every day. Students will foster their creativity and innovation through opportunities to design, implement, and present solutions to real-world problems with a special focus on cybersecurity.. Students will collaborate and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. Students will learn the problem-solving and reasoning skills that are the foundation of computer science. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws and regulations and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations and concepts.

8th Grade - 
Future Investigations A
The course focuses on the skills and strategies necessary for students to make a successful transition into high school and an academic career. Students will explore the options available in high school, higher education, and the professional world in order to establish both immediate and long-range personal goals. After identifying their individual learning styles and abilities, students will build on these abilities by developing critical time-management, organization and study skills. The course focuses on self understanding, decision-making, resiliency, attitude, character education, and leadership to help students maximize personal achievement. Students will develop the specific strategies necessary to achieve their personal and professional goals  

8th Grade - 
Future Investigations B

This course blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based environment. Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional oral and written communication. Within this context, students will be expected to develop and expand the ability to write, read, edit, speak, listen, apply software applications, manipulate computer graphics, and conduct Internet research.