8th Grade
Grade-Level Guide
First semester
Core curriculum
Language Arts
Skills:
● 8.6E: interact with sources in meaningful ways such as note taking, annotating, freewriting, or illustrating
● 8.7B: analyze how characters' motivations and behaviors influence events and resolution of the conflict
● 8.7D: explain how the setting influences the values and beliefs of characters
● 8.9E: identify and analyze the use of literary devices, including multiple points of view and irony
● 8.7A: analyze how themes are developed through the interaction of characters and events
● 8.5E: make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society
● 8.12H: examine sources for: (i) reliability, credibility, and bias, including omission (ii) faulty reasoning such as bandwagon appeals, repetition, and loaded language
● 8.8B: analyze the effect of graphical elements such as punctuation and line length in poems across a variety of poetic forms such as epic, lyric, and humorous poetry
● 8.5F: make inferences and use evidence to support understanding
● 8.9A: explain the author’s purpose and message within a text
● 8.9D: describe how the author's use of figurative language such as extended metaphor achieves specific purposes
Habits:
● 8.5A: establish purpose for reading assigned and self‐selected texts
● 8.6C: use text evidence to support an appropriate response
● 8.9A: explain the author’s purpose and message within a text
● 8.9B: analyze how the use of text structure contributes to the author's purpose
● 8.9F: analyze how the author's use of language contributes to the mood, voice, and tone
● 8.8Dii: analyze characteristics and structural elements of informational text, including: features such as footnotes, endnotes, and citations
● 8.8Di: [analyze] the controlling idea or thesis with supporting evidence
● 8.8Diii: [analyze] multiple organizational patterns within a text to develop the thesis
● 8.5G: evaluate details read to determine key ideas
● 8.5H: synthesize information to create new understanding
Questions to Ask my Child about their Reading:
2. How do you track multiple plotlines when reading?
3. How have the characters changed/evolved since the beginning of the novel?
4. What symbols or metaphors are emerging in your story?
5. How does the setting affect the characters?
6. What is the text structure in the nonfiction book/article you’re reading?
Writing
Skills:
● 8.11C: compose multi‐paragraph argumentative texts using genre characteristics and craft
● Habits:
● 8.10A: plan a first draft by selecting a genre appropriate for a particular topic, purpose, and audience using a range of strategies such as discussion, background reading, and personal interests
● 8.10B: develop drafts into a focused, structured, and coherent piece of writing
● 8.10C: revise drafts for clarity, development, organization, style, word choice, and sentence variety
Questions to Ask my Child about their Writing:
2. What texts are you using as mentors to support you with your own writing?
3. What do strong writers do when writing in that genre? Where does that show up in your own writing?
4. What tools support your writing work?
Grammar
TEKS:
● 8.10Dii: consistent appropriate use of verb tenses and active and passive voice
● 8.10Diii: prepositions and prepositional phrases and their influence on subject-verb agreement
● 8.10Dv: correct capitalizations
● 8.10Div: pronoun-antecedent agreement
Questions to Ask my Child about Grammar:
2. How has your writing changed since learning the grammar skill for this week?
Math - Academic
Real Number Relationships
● Approximate the value of an irrational number, including π and square roots (TEKS 8.2B)
● Order real numbers (TEKS 8.2D)
● Convert between standard decimal notation and scientific notation (TEKS 8.2C)
Scatterplots and Functions
● Describe whether there is a linear, non-linear, or no association between the data represented on a scatter plot (TEKS 8.5C, 8.11A)
● Use a trend line on a scatterplot to make predictions (TEKS 8.5D)
● Identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs(TEKS 8.5G)
Linear Relationships
● Understanding the unit rate as the slope on a proportional graph (TEKS 8.4B)
● Represent linear proportional situations from tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = kx (TEKS 8.5A)
● Represent linear non- proportional situations from tables, graphs and equations in the form of y = mx + b (TEKS 8.5B)
● Determine the rate of change or slope from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
● Determine the y-intercept from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
● Understand how two points on the same line have the same slope (similar right triangles)(TEKS 8.4A)
● Write an equation from a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS 8.5I)
● Identify the point where two lines intersect on a graph (TEKS 8.9A)
● Solve problems involving direct variation (TEKS 8.5E)
Equations and Inequalities
● Write a real-world situation to represent a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
● Write a real-world situation to represent a one-variable inequality (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
● Model and Solve a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8C)
● Find angle measures related to triangles and their exterior angles (TEKS 8.8D)
● Find the measure of angles formed when a line crosses two parallel lines (TEKS 8.8D)
Pythagorean Theorem
● Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to determine if 3 given side lengths form a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
● Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to solve the missing side length of a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
● Find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) (TEKS 8.7D)
Math - PreAlgebra
Scatterplots and Functions
● Describe whether there is a linear, non-linear, or no association between the data represented on a scatter plot (TEKS 8.5C, 8.11A)
● Use a trend line on a scatterplot to make predictions (TEKS 8.5D)
● Identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs(TEKS 8.5G)
Domain and Range
● Continuous and discrete functions (Algebra 1)(TEKS A.2A)
● Describe the domain and range of a linear function using sets and inequalities (Algebra 1)(TEKS A.2A)
Linear Relationships
● Understanding the unit rate as the slope on a proportional graph (TEKS 8.4B)
● Represent linear proportional situations from tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = kx (TEKS 8.5A)
● Represent linear non- proportional situations from tables, graphs and equations in the form of y = mx + b (TEKS 8.5B)
● Determine the rate of change or slope from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
● Determine the y-intercept from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
● Understand how two points on the same line have the same slope (similar right triangles)(TEKS 8.4A)
● Write an equation from a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS 8.5I, A.2C)
● Identify the point where two lines intersect on a graph (TEKS 8.9A)
● Solve problems involving direct variation (TEKS 8.5E)
● Identify the x-intercept on a coordinate plane using math and real-world problems (Algebra 1) (TEKS A.3C)
Equations and Inequalities
● Write a real-world situation to represent a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
● Write a real-world situation to represent a one-variable inequality (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
● Model and Solve a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8C)
● Find angle measures related to triangles and their exterior angles (TEKS 8.8D)
● Find the measure of angles formed when a line crosses two parallel lines (TEKS 8.8D)
● Solve one-variable equations using the distributive property (Algebra 1) (TEKS A.5A)
Pythagorean Theorem
● Approximate the value of an irrational number, including π and square roots (TEKS 8.2B)
● Order real numbers (TEKS 8.2D)
● Understand how the Pythagorean Theorem works using models or pictures (TEKS 8.6C)
● Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to determine if 3 given side lengths form a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
● Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to solve the missing side length of a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
● Find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) (TEKS 8.7D)
Math - Algebra I
Expressions, Equations, and Functions
● Find the values when given a function notation(TEKS A.12B)
● Continuous and discrete functions (TEKS A.2A)
● Describe the domain and range of a linear function using sets (TEKS A.2A)
● Describe the domain and range of linear functions using inequalities (TEKS A.2A)
● Solve one-variable equations using the distributive property (TEKS A.5A)
● Solve mathematical and scientific formulas, and other literal equations, for the specified variable (TEKS A.12E)
Linear Functions
● Find the rate of change of a linear function when given a table graph, equation, or real-world problem (TEKS A.3B)
● Identify the slope, x-intercept, y-intercept, and zeros from a graph in math and real-world problems (TEKS A.3C)
● Solve problems involving direct variation (TEKS A.2D)
● Write a formula to find any term in an arithmetic sequence (TEKS A.12D)
Equations of Linear Functions
● Determine the effects on the graph of the parent function (horizontal and vertical transformations) (TEKS A.3E)
● Write a linear equation in various forms (y = mx + b, Ax + By = C, and y - y1 = m(x - x1) when given the slope and one point and given two points (TEKS A.2B)
● Write linear equations in point-slope and standard forms (TEKS A.2B, A.2C)
● Write an equation for a line that is parallel to another one (TEKS A.2E)
● Write an equation for a line that is perpendicular to another one(TEKS A.2F)
● Write an equation that is parallel or perpendicular to the x or y-axis and determine if the slope is zero and undefined slope (TEKS A.2G)
● Create a scatter plot and determine the linear function that fits the data (TEKS A.4C)
● Compare and contrast association and causation (TEKS A.4B)
● Calculate the correlation coefficient between two variables and interpret the strength of the linear association (TEKS A.4A)
Linear Inequalities
● Write a linear inequality in two variables from a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS A.2H)
● Graph the solution set of linear inequalities in two variables on the coordinate plane (TEKS A.3D)
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
● Write a system of two linear equations given a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS A.2I)
● Solve systems of two linear equations using substitution (TEKS A.5C)
● Solve systems of two linear equations using elimination (TEKS A.5C)
● Graph the solution set of systems of two linear inequalities (TEKS A.3H)
● Estimate graphically the solution set of two linear equations in real-world problems (TEKS A.3G)
Simplifying Expressions
● Simplify numerical radical expressions involving square roots. (TEKS A.11A)
● Add and subtract polynomials of degree one and degree two.(TEKS A.10A)
● Multiply polynomials of degree one and degree two. TEKS A.10B)
● Rewrite polynomial expressions of degree one and degree two in equivalent forms using the distributive property. (TEKS A.10D)
Science
Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
● Describe the structure of atoms, including: mass, electrical charge, and location of subatomic particles. (TEKS 8.5A)
● Know that protons determine an element’s identity. (TEKS 8.5B)
● Identify that valence electrons determine an element’s chemical properties, including reactivity. (TEKS 8.5B)
● Interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table, including groups and periods, to explain how properties are used to classify elements. (TEKS 8.5C)
Chemical Formulas & Reactions
● Recognize how chemical formulas are used to identify substances. (TEKS 8.5D)
● Determine the number of atoms of each element in chemical formulas containing subscripts. (TEKS 8.5D)
● Investigate how evidence of chemical reactions indicate that new substances with different properties are formed. (TEKS 8.5E)
● Investigate how chemical reactions relate to the law of conservation of mass. (TEKS 8.5E)
Physics
● Demonstrate and calculate how unbalanced forces change the speed or direction of an object’s motion. (TEKS 8.6A)
● Differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration. (TEKS 8.6B)
● Investigate applications of Newton’s three laws of motion in vehicle restraints, sports activities, amusement park rides, Earth’s tectonic activities, and rocket launches. (TEKS 8.6C)
Ecology
● Describe how organisms and populations in an ecosystem depend on and may compete for biotic factors (food) and abiotic factors (quantity of light, water, range of temperatures, or soil composition). (TEKS 8.11A)
● Explain how short-and long‐term environmental changes affect organisms and traits in subsequent populations. (TEKS 8.11B)
● Recognize human dependence on ocean systems. (TEKS 8.11C)
● Explain how human activities (runoff, artificial reefs, or use of resources) have modified ocean systems. (TEKS 8.11C)
8 Science TEKS http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter112/ch112b.html
Questions to ask your child:
Atomic Structure & Element Identity
● How does the number of protons and electrons in an atom affect its electrical charge?
● What trends are identified in the organization of the periodic table?
Chemical Formulas & Reactions
● How can substances be identified in a chemical formula?
● How do chemical formulas give substances an “identity”?
● How do you know if a chemical reaction has occurred?
Physics
● How are speed, velocity, and acceleration similar and different?
● How are balanced and unbalanced forces related to the motion of an object?
● How are Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion observable in our lives?
Ecology
● How do organisms and populations depend upon biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem?
● Why does competition occur in populations?
● How do short-term and long-term environmental changes impact populations?
How can I help my child learn at home?
Atomic Structure & Element Identity
● Participate in the Atomic Structure tutorial found here
● Play the Build An Atom game.
Chemical Formulas & Reactions
● Visit WolframAlpha and have your child enter 5 different chemicals into the search bar. Have your child write down the chemical formula for each and ask your child to tell you the number of each atom in the formula.
Physics
● Work on the Force & Motion interactive tutorial.
● Brainstorm examples of each of Newton’s Laws.
Ecology
● Talk with your child about the short-term and long-term impacts of environmental changes on populations. Examples can include events like Hurricane Harvey (short-term) and Panacea (long-term).
Social Studies
Anchor Standards:
● 8.3A: explain reasons for the growth of representative government and institutions during the colonial period
● 8.11A: analyze how physical characteristics of the environment influenced population distribution, settlement patterns, and economic activities in the United States
● 8.4A: analyze causes of the American Revolution, including the Proclamation of 1763, the Intolerable Acts, the Stamp Act, mercantilism, lack of representation in Parliament, and British economic policies following the French and Indian War
● 8.4C: explain the issues surrounding important events of the American Revolution, including declaring independence; fighting the battles of Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown; enduring the enter at Valley Forge; and signing the Treaty of Paris of 1783
● 8.4D: analyze the issues of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, including the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise
● 8.15D: analyze how the U.S. Constitution reflects the principles of limited government, republicanism, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights
● 8.17A: analyze the arguments of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, including those of Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, James Madison, and
George Mason
● 8.5A: describe major domestic problems faced by the leaders of the new republic including maintaining national security, creating a stable economic system, and setting up the court system
● 8.5C: explain the origin and development of American political parties
● 8.5E: identify the foreign policies of presidents Washington through Monroe and explain the im[act of Washington’s Farewell Address and the
Monroe Doctrine
Questions to Ask my Child about U.S. History:
2. How was the Constitution formed? What was its impact on the American people?
3. Who were the first six presidents? What are they known for?
4. How do you take notes?
Second semester
Core curriculum
Language Arts
Skills:
● 8.5E: make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society
● 8.5G: evaluate details read to determine key ideas
● 8.7A: analyze how themes are developed through interactions of characters
Habits:
● 8.6E: interact with sources in meaningful ways such as note taking, annotating, freewriting, and illustrating
Questions to Ask my Child about their Reading:
● How do you track multiple plotlines when reading?
● How have the characters changed/evolved since the beginning of the novel?
● What symbols or metaphors are emerging in your story?
● How does the setting affect the characters?
● What is the text structure in the nonfiction book/article you’re reading?
● What central ideas have you found? What is the author’s purpose for your topic?
Writing
Skills:
● 8.11C: compose multi-paragraph argumentative texts using genre characteristics and craft
● 8.8C: analyze the author’s use of print and graphic features to achieve specific purposes
● 8.11A: compose literary texts such as personal narratives, fiction, and poetry using genre characteristics and craft;
Habits:
● 8.9F: analyze how the author’s use of language contributes to the mood, voice, and tone
● 8.10E: publish written work for appropriate audiences
Questions to Ask my Child about their Writing:
2. What texts are you using as mentors to support you with your own writing?
3. What do strong writers do when writing in that genre? Where does that show up in your own writing?
4. What tools support your writing work?
Grammar
TEKS:
● 8.10Dv: correct capitalizations
● 8.10iv: pronoun-antecedent agreement
● 8.10Dii: consistent appropriate use of verb tenses and active and passive voice
● 8.10Diii: prepositions and prepositional phrases and their influence on subject-verb agreement
● 8.10Dvii: correct spelling, including commonly confused terms such as its/it's, affect/effect, there/their/they're, and to/two/too
Questions to Ask my Child about Grammar:
2. How has your writing changed since learning the grammar skill for this week?
Math - Academic
Transformational Geometry
● Compare and contrast the attributes of a shape and its dilation on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.3B)
● Use an algebraic rule to represent dilation of a figure on a coordinate plane(TEKS 8.3C)
● Understand the properties of orientation and congruence of transformations (TEKS 8.10A)
● Understand that reflection, rotation, and translation preserve congruence and dilation does not (TEKS 8.10B)
● Use an algebraic rule to represent translation, reflection and rotation of a figure on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.10C)
● Model the effect on linear and area measurements of dilated 2-D shapes (TEKS 8.10D)
Volume
● Describe the volume formula V = Bh for a cylinder understanding that (B) represents the area of the base and (h) represents the height of the figure (TEKS 8.6A)
● Find the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres (TEKS 8.7A)
Surface Area
● Find the total surface area of rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders (TEKS 8.7B)
Personal Financial Literacy
● Calculate and compare simple and compound interest (TEKS 8.12D)
● Compare how interest rates and loan lengths affect the cost of credit (TEKS 8.12A)
● Calculate the total cost of repaying a loan (TEKS 8.12B)
● Understand how small amounts of money invested regularly grow over time (TEKS 8.12C)
● Identify and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different payment methods (TEKS 8.12E)
● Determine if situations represent financially responsible decisions (TEKS 8.12F)
● Estimate the cost of a two year and four-year college education (TEKS 8.12G)
Math - PreAlgebra
Transformational Geometry
● Compare and contrast the attributes of a shape and its dilation on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.3B)
● Use an algebraic rule to represent dilation of a figure on a coordinate plane(TEKS 8.3C)
● Understand the properties of orientation and congruence of transformations (TEKS 8.10A)
● Understand that reflection, rotation, and translation preserve congruence and dilation does not (TEKS 8.10B)
● Use an algebraic rule to represent translation, reflection, and rotation of a figure on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.10C)
● Model the effect on linear and area measurements of dilated 2-D shapes (TEKS 8.10D)
Volume
● Describe the volume formula V = Bh for a cylinder understanding that (B) represents the area of the base and (h) represents the height of the figure (TEKS 8.6A)
● Find the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres (TEKS 8.7A)
Surface Area
● Find the total surface area of rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders (TEKS 8.7B)
Personal Financial Literacy
● Compare how interest rates and loan lengths affect the cost of credit (TEKS 8.12A)
● Calculate the total cost of repaying a loan (TEKS 8.12B)
● Understand how small amounts of money invested regularly grow over time (TEKS 8.12C)
● Estimate the cost of a two year and four-year college education (TEKS 8.12G)
Solving Inequalities
Math - Algebra I
Polynomials
● Factor trinomials (TEKS A.10E)
● Determine if a binomial can be written as a difference of two squares (TEKS A.10F)
● Divide polynomials (TEKS A.10C)
Quadratic Functions and Equations
● Graph quadratic functions and identify key attributes (x-intercept, y-intercept, zeros, maximum value, minimum value, vertex, and axis of symmetry) (TEKS A.7A)
● Write quadratic functions when given real solutions and graphs of their related equation (TEKS A.6C)
● Describe the relationship between linear factors of quadratic expressions and the zeros of the associated quadratic functions (TEKS A.7B)
● Determine the effects on the graph of a parent function when transformation occurs (TEKS A.7C)
● Write equations of quadratic functions given the vertex and another point on the graph (TEKS A.6B)
● Solve quadratic functions by factoring, taking square roots, completing the square, or applying the quadratic formula (TEKS A.8A)
Exponents and Exponential Functions
● Graph exponential functions that model growth and decay and identify key features (y-intercept and asymptote) (TEKS A.9D)
● Interpret the meaning of a and b in exponential functions in the form of f(x) = abx (TEKS A.9B)
● Write exponential functions to describe problems arising from mathematical and real world situations (TEKS A.9C)
● Using technology, write exponential and quadratic functions that provide a reasonable fit to data and make predictions for real world problems (TEKS A.9E, A.8B)
Radical and Sequences
● Identify terms of arithmetic sequences when sequences are given in function form using recursive processes (TEKS A.12C)
● Identify terms of geometric sequences when sequences are given in function form using recursive processes (TEKS A.12C)
● Simplify numerical radical expressions involving square roots (TEKS A.11A) arithmetic sequence (TEKS A.12D)
Science
Geology
● Relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal features. (TEKS 8.9B)
● Interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features. (TEKS 8.9C)
Sun, Earth, Moon Relationships
● Demonstrate and predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle. (TEKS 8.7B)
● Relate the positions of the Moon and Sun to their effect on ocean tides. (TEKS 8.7C)
Astronomy
● Use models such as H-R diagrams for classification. (TEKS 8.8A)
● Recognize that the Sun is a medium‐sized star located in a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy. (TEKS 8.8B)
● Recognize that the Sun is many thousands of times closer to Earth than any other star. (TEKS 8.8B)
● Identify how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible light and radio waves, are used to gain information about components in the universe. (TEKS 8.8C)
● Know that scientific data are used as evidence to develop scientific theories to describe the origin of the universe. (TEKS 8.8D)
Meteorology
● Identify how global patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather using weather maps that show high and low pressures and fronts. (TEKS 8.10B)
● Identify the role of the oceans in the formation of weather systems such as hurricanes. (TEKS 8.10C)
Questions to ask your child:
Geology
● How do topographic maps provide evidence of erosional changes on Earth’s surface?
Sun, Earth, Moon Relationships
● How would tidal forces be affected if Earth was either further away from or closer to the Sun?
Astronomy
● How can the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram help us learn about stars?
Meteorology
● How can identifying a type of front present help to predict local weather conditions?
How can I help my child learn at home?
Geology
Sun, Earth, Moon Relationships
Astronomy
Meteorology
Social Studies
Anchor Standards:
● 8.5G: analyze the reasons for the removal and resettlement of Cherokee Indians during the Jacksonian era, including the Indian Removal Act, Worcester v. Georgia, and the Trail of Tears
● 8.6C: explain the causes and effects of the U.S.-Mexican War and their impact on the United States
● 8.17B: explain constitutional issues arising over the issue of states' rights, including the Nullification Crisis and the Civil War
● 8.13B: identify the economic factors that brought about rapid industrialization and urbanization
● 8.14B: describe the characteristics and the benefits of the U.S. free enterprise system through 1877
● 8.24B: evaluate the impact of reform movements, including educational reform, temperance, the women's rights movement, prison reform, the labor reform movement, and care of the disabled
● 8.25B: describe religious influences on social movements, including the impact of the first and second Great Awakenings
● 8.26A: identify examples of American art, music, and literature that reflect society in different eras such as the Hudson River School artists, the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and transcendental literature
● 8.28B: identify examples of how industrialization changed life in the United States
● 8.8B: explain the central role of the expansion of slavery in causing sectionalism, disagreement over states' rights, and the Civil War
● 8.8C: explain significant events of the Civil War, including the firing on Fort Sumter; the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg; the Emancipation Proclamation; Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House; and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln
● 8.16B: describe the impact of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments
Questions to Ask my Child about U.S. History:
2. How does industrialization and improved technology impact the economy and culture of the United States?
3. What were the causes and effects of the Civil War?
4. How do you prepare for big assessments/ STAAR?
Resources
Each campus has access to different software that can be used at home. Contact your child’s teacher for the programs their campus utilizes and for their login information.