Eighth Grade at Magellan

Patrick Winters (Social Studies)
Debbie Cain (Math)
Susan Young (Science)
Phil Bailey (Language Arts)
 

The eighth grade students are asked to complete at least 10 hours of independent community service. The students complete these hours in a variety of ways to include time at school, church/synagogue, Scouts or other groups.

In the Spring, they go to an elementary school  for two days to read to the kindergartners. They find reading to the children very fulfilling.

Once again the eighth grade will continue its support of the Bubel-Aiken Foundation, which was founded by Clay Aiken to aid children with disabilities.


 

 Summer Reading

The eighth grade experience focuses on personal growth and responsibility as the student encounters our integrated language arts and social studies component, the study of science in society, and the study of math, both skills and concepts. We encourage personal accountability, a commitment to excellence, an implementation of time management and organizational skills, critical and creative thinking, and a look beyond self. These areas of personal growth are woven into our days at The Magellan Charter School; our fall excursion to Washington, DC; local outings; and our spring trip to the coast.

Social Studies

In our social studies curriculum, students research the issues and people of North Carolina and America’s history. History is not just the study of dates and facts; history is about making connections from the past to the present. History is the way by which we can improve the human condition. At Magellan we stop at intervals to focus on specific issues of each century. Beginning in Colonial North Carolina & America and continuing to the present, we study the individuals who were the shapers of history. We examine the issues facing them - their actions and reactions. Geography, archeology, political science, sociology and current events are well represented in our studies. Broad topics are coordinated with the language arts program, integrating American Literature and writing. In the learning environment period music and art are incorporated, as well as, exploration in science and mathematics. Research is conducted using primary documentation and the latest computer technology. For the 18th Century we visit Charlottesville, Virginia. Our students are placed in the environment of our colonial leaders, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. Monticello, Montpelier and Ash Lawn become the setting as we learn about the lives of three of these most extraordinary founding fathers. A visit to Pamplin Park in Petersburg, Virginia immerses our students into 19th Century America via living history. Come take a voyage with us to the past!

Social Studies Links:

Colonial America Cyberhunt

Colonial America Flashcards

Origins of the Original Thirteen Matching Game

The Original Thirteen Hangman Game

The Original Colonies Matching Game Game

The Original Colonies Scramble Puzzle

The Original Colonies Online Quiz

Multiple Choice Test for the Original Colonies

Civil War WebQuest

Language Arts

Since the Social Studies curriculum focuses on United States and North Carolina history, works of fiction and nonfiction by American writers form the core of Language Arts. Students will read classic American literature by authors such as Irving, Longfellow, Poe, Whitman, and Dickinson. Selected works by three important writers from North Carolina’s past are also studied: Harriet Jacobs’s autobiography recounting her days as a slave in Edenton, the poetry of George Moses Horton, and short stories by O. Henry. Balancing old with the new, students read contemporary works by award-winning young adult authors such as Robert Cormier, Avi, Ray Bradbury, and Karen Hesse. Even though emphasis is placed on American writers, a few non-Americans receive special attention: William Shakespeare, Robert Service, and Anne Frank. Classroom discussions and Paideia seminars centered on readings play an essential role in helping students become critical thinkers.

Reading acts as a springboard into writing. Students write essays, poetry, short stories, and research papers. Grammar and punctuation lessons are a daily component of language arts. Sentence combining and sentence imitation lessons help students become mature writers. While a vocabulary workbook is not used in eighth grade, students are exposed to new vocabulary through reading and through participation in Word Masters, a national vocabulary and analogies competition.

The year culminates with each student writing a graduation speech that is delivered in class. Exemplary speakers are chosen to give their speeches at eighth grade commencement.

Computer Practice Test Link :

NC Computer Test Practice

Science

In eighth grade science, our classroom is our laboratory. Students inquire each day to construct meaning about the world around them. Emphasis is placed on creating experiences that make the topics relevant and meaningful. Our curriculum is based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Some of our specific topics of study include Scientific Inquiry, Technological Design, Hydrosphere, Chemistry, Evolution Theory and Cellular Biology.

Math

Realizing that math skills are sequential and specific, we carefully ability group for this period of the day. As a result, we offer four courses in math: eighth-grade math, pre-algebra, algebra, and, for those meeting the required prerequisites, geometry. As well as thoroughly covering the state curriculum, we emphasize proficiency in mathematics, critical thinking, problem solving, and the application of mathematical skills. For the study of mathematical applications to be truly significant, mathematics is not learned in isolation, but tied together giving clear understanding of the structural unity and interrelationships of the whole.

In all aspects of our day, students, parents, and teachers focus on building the individual, our prologue for tomorrow.