Academics
Middle School

Eighth Grade

MBCA Curriculum

List of 1 items.

  • Welcome to Eighth Grade!

List of 7 items.

  • Math

    PRE-ALGEBRA 8
    Students in this course reinforce and build upon concepts learned in Math 7. Topics include operations with integers and rational numbers, powers and roots, ratio and proportion, percents, decimals, and fractions, inequalities, and algebraic expressions. Students are introduced to the concepts of functions, scientific notation, square and cube roots, and negative exponents. 

    ALGEBRA 1
    This course is designed to further develop concepts learned in Pre-Algebra and prepare students to be successful in Geometry and Algebra 2. Algebra 1 includes further exploration in operations with integers and rational numbers, expressions, equations, inequalities, ratios and proportions, powers, and graphing linear equations. This course also requires students to analyze linear and nonlinear functions, radicals and rational exponents, solving systems of of equations and inequalities algebraically and graphically, finding roots of zeroes of functions, and multiplying, factoring, and solving quadratics.  

    ALGEBRA 1 Honors
    Honors Algebra 1 is designed for students who have a strong grasp of foundational math concepts and are ready for a more challenging, in-depth exploration of algebraic principles. Throughout the course, students will create, interpret, solve, and graph linear equations and inequalities in one variable, as well as nonlinear equations and functions, such as quadratic and exponential functions.
    Students will deepen their understanding of quadratic and exponential expressions, enhancing their algebraic reasoning skills. They will also analyze and apply systems of linear inequalities and work with sums and products of rational and irrational numbers. In addition, students will use their algebraic and geometric reasoning to solve problems involving distance, midpoint, slope, area, perimeter, and statistical reasoning.
    This course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of algebraic concepts in real-world contexts, preparing students for more advanced mathematics courses. 

     

  • World Languages

    Our approach to world language instruction in the Middle School is intentional and effective. In seventh grade, each student will choose Latin or Spanish and over the course of their seventh and eighth grade years, they will complete a course of study equivalent to high school Spanish I or Latin I.
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  • English

    ENGLISH 8
    English 8 prepares students for the demands of high school English. Students will practice using higher order thinking skills to facilitate sound comprehension of both fiction and non-fiction text, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and expository text relating to historical context and current events. Students will also combine grammar, writing, and vocabulary to continuously improve their oral and written communication skills. Upon completion of the course, students will understand how to use text evidence to analyze plot, theme, and characterization; additionally, students will be proficient in the proper use of grammar, vocabulary, and writing concepts and skills in a variety of genres.

    ADVANCED ENGLISH 8
    Advanced English 8 prepares students for honors and advanced placement English in high school.  It is distinguished by a rigorous pace and the emphasis of higher order thinking skills necessary for comprehension of advanced level text.  Students will read novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and expository text relating to historical context and current events. Students will also combine grammar, writing, and vocabulary to continuously improve their oral and written communication skills. Upon completion of the course, students will understand how to use text evidence to analyze plot, theme, and characterization; additionally, students will effectively implement the proper use of advanced level grammar, vocabulary, and writing concepts and skills in a variety of genres.

  • Social Studies

    CLASSICAL & MEDIEVAL HISTORY
    Classical & Medieval History is designed to prepare 8th grade students for high-school level historical exploration by providing students with a practical understanding of the historical underpinnings of Western civilization and subsequently our modern world. Starting where 7th grade Ancient World History leaves off, the course will examine Classical History (focusing on Han China and the Greco-Roman World until its fall in 476 AD) during the fall semester, and Medieval History (the Mongols, Feudal Japan, and the European Medieval period in Europe, including the Southern Renaissance) in the spring. Students will also review the political geography of the world as taught in 7th grade, with the addition of selected physical geography features. 

    ADVANCED CLASSICAL & MEDIEVAL HISTORY
    Advanced Classical & Medieval History is designed to prepare 8th grade students for honors and advanced placement (AP) high school history courses.  While covering the same topics and course syllabus as on-level Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance History, it places a greater emphasis on classroom discussion facilitated by enhanced reading and writing assignments, and is thus characterized by a faster pace and greater classroom rigor.  While students will have to master and be able to recall a great deal of factual data, their ability to use that data to form opinions and support them with evidence is the overall goal and will be the key to their success in class.

  • Science

    PHYSICAL SCIENCE
    Eighth grade Physical Science stresses an in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Major areas covered during the school year include organization and use of the periodic table, chemical nomenclature, physical and chemical changes, temperature and heat, electricity and magnetism, fluids and forces, and work, force, and motion. This class counts as an Upper School Science requirement.

  • Bible

    8th Grade Bible is broken into two segments – Logic and Apologetics. Using The Argument Builder curriculum, students will learn to recognize different types of persuasive techniques and fallacies that attempt to derail them, as well as how to build strong arguments that support their beliefs. By knowing how to support their beliefs, they are better equipped to explain those beliefs to others as well as not being easily swayed by others who are using weak or illogical arguments. In the second portion of 8th Grade Bible, we study Apologetics. The goal of Apologetics is to strengthen students’ ability to understand and explain what they believe and why they believe it to help them stand firm in their faith. Particular attention is given to how to refute current challenges of Christianity. We explore answers to questions such as “How can we know that God exists?  How do we know the Bible is trustworthy and accurate? Why doesn’t relativism work? What about tolerance?” 

  • Physical Education

    Middle School physical education gives students the opportunity to be physically active during the day through a wide variety of activities, including many team sports such as volleyball, flag football, basketball, whiffle ball, team handball, floor hockey, kickball, and many other team-based games. Individual games such as pickleball, badminton, and fishing are also included.

Electives

Our middle school elective program offers students the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new skills through a variety of engaging courses. Students may enroll in two electives each year, choosing from dynamic options: Studio Art, Digital Art and Photography, Digital Production, Drama, Praise Band, STEM and Strength and Conditioning. With both creative and hands-on learning experiences, our electives provide something for everyone, encouraging exploration, creativity, and personal growth.

List of 8 items.

  • Praise Band

     This course focuses on developing musical skills for leading worship through both instrumental and/or vocal performance. Open to both instrumentalists and/or vocalists, students will explore various aspects of praise and worship music, including playing instruments of choice (such as guitar, keyboard, bass, drums, etc) as well as vocal and choral techniques like harmonization and breath control. Emphasis will be placed on ensemble performance, music theory, and developing skills in reading sheet music. Performance opportunities include Middle School Chapel and other special events as scheduled.

  • Robotics & Innovation

    The objective of this course is to introduce students to the expanding field of robotics and how innovation is being accelerated through robotics and automation. Students are introduced to the fundamentals behind designing, building, and automating robotic components and systems. Students work in teams of three to design, build, and program a robot using FIRST Tech Challenge hardware and software. Students are introduced to computer-aided assembly, programming with Java, the basics of control systems, and quality assurance. Project examples include Christmas Parade of Robots and a robot versus robot game called Carnival Madness.

  • Studio Art

    This course focuses on utilizing the elements of art and the principles of design, as well as aesthetics. Emphasis is placed on observational drawing and painting skills, composition, and content. Students will continue to develop their understanding and command of various mediums in painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. Class critiques will be used to analyze work. After school commitment will include: MS/US Night of the Arts in April.

  • Digital Art & Photography

    This course continues to develop an understanding of digitally generated art with a focus on self expression. Students will continue to learn about the elements of art and design through further exploration of programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Procreate. We will also continue to develop photography skills through related programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom, as well as utilizing traditional photo-taking techniques. Students will work on both laptops and school iPads for all projects. After school course commitment will include: MS/US Night of the Arts in April.

  • Strength and Conditioning

     The focus of this course is to improve each student’s power, strength, flexibility, mobility, muscular endurance, and agility by stressing technique and attention to detail. Fundamental techniques in strength training, cardiovascular training, stretching, and speed and agility will be taught through this course. Formative and summative assessments documenting individual progress will be used to evaluate student performance.

  • Drama

    This musical theater course is designed to allow students to grow as actors, singers, and dancers and is an exploration of American Musical Theater. Students will study acting techniques and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. Since this is a workshop course, students prepare material for class presentation and critique. There is also a focus on the audition process as well as musical theater history. In culmination, students will work toward the Middle School Musical which is performed in the Spring. All students enrolled in this course are required to perform in the musical or provide technical support to the performances. Students must be enrolled in the Drama course to participate in any school production. After school course commitments will include the Musical Production in March (weeklong).

  • Innovating with STEM

    This course explores STEM innovation through interdisciplinary, hands-on projects. Students leverage the Engineering Design Process to design and build remotely operated vehicles (Seaperches) to participate in a water-based challenge. They also explore computer-aided design, additive manufacturing, and renewable energy to design and build functional solar cars. The course culminates with the “Art of Innovation,' where students propose, design, build, and then market their own innovative product prototypes.

  • Digital Production

    This course challenges new and returning students to the different creative stages of digital production and filmmaking, from pre-to-post production. Students will learn the deeper aspects of moviemaking using an interactive, hands-on approach to the real-world application for the “Art of Storytelling.” Students will study and break down how and why movies are made ultimately for our enjoyment and God’s glory. Students will learn how to write screenplays, create shot lists and storyboards, practice lighting, and then film their work with green screens, where they will ultimately edit and produce their creative visions. This course will utilize previous production skills learned and apply these skills to higher standards of production quality. The course will culminate with our annual Film Festival where students' film projects will be premiered, and student attendance is required. After school course commitment will include: The Film Festival in April.    
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