Academics
Middle School

Eighth Grade

MBCA Curriculum

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  • Welcome to Eighth Grade!

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  • 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.  

  • 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, AND RENAISSANCE HISTORY
    Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance 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, AND RENAISSANCE HISTORY
    Advanced Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance 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?” 

Electives

At MBCA, we believe our students need and deserve to be challenged beyond traditional academic subjects, important as they are. Our students are blessed with tremendous opportunities to: express their creativity through visual and performing arts, take care of their bodies through physical education and participation in competitive athletics, and learn about other cultures and languages through our Latin and Spanish programs. From the technology courses to the library and many points in between, our student’s academic day is enriched by co-curricular classes, which expand their horizons and encourage their interests.

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  • 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.
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  • Robotics & Innovation

    The objective of this course is to introduce students to the expanding field of robotics and how innovation is being accelerated through automation. Students are introduced to the fundamentals behind designing, building, and automating robotic systems. Students work in teams (3-4 students) to design, build, and program a robot.  Project examples include Christmas Parade of Robots and a robot vs. robot game called Carnival Madness.

  • Studio Art

    Students express themselves creatively through drawing, graphics, sculpting, painting, 3D ceramic sculpture, and digital art to develop skills and concepts. Composition, technique, the elements of art and principles of design, and attention-to-detail are explored. 

  • Digital Art & Photography

    Using a variety of tools, including computers, iPads, apps, and key programs from Adobe's "Creative Suite" (including Photoshop), students work on a wide variety of projects and photography. These can include photo manipulation, collage, logo design, varieties of digital mark‐making, and drawing, along with some limited video and animation work.  

  • 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 8

    This Musical Theatre course is designed to allow students to grow as actors, singers, and dancers and is an exploration of American Musical Theatre. Students will study acting techniques and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers.
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  • Innovating with STEM

    This course leverages the Innovation Lab and the Design Process to help students learn how innovation is being accelerated with STEM. Through an interdisciplinary design and engineering process, students build remotely operated vehicles to keep our school pond clean. Through Computer Aided Design, 3D Printing, and biotechnology, students design & build intelligent robotic prosthetics. Finally, using the “Art of Innovation” mindset, students design, build and market an innovative product prototype. 

  • 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 on campus 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.  NOTE: First-time students are more than welcome to take this class!
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