Redwood Day is an independent, diverse K-8 school   |   510.534.0800

EIGHTH GRADE

EIGHTH GRADE

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  • ALGEBRA 1

    In Grade 8 Algebra I, students expand on their algebraic understanding and foundations built in sixth and seventh grades. The units that students explore at this level are Linear Functions, Systems of Linear Equations, Properties of Exponents and Exponential Growth and Decay, Operations with Polynomials, Radicals and Radical Equations, and Quadratic Functions. Students learn concepts through a variety of pedagogic approaches and are asked to apply their thinking in various ways, honing their mathematical practices/habits of mind. Students graduate from 8th grade with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin their high school learning in higher level math courses.
     
    Grade 8 Geometry Exposure Activity
    The Grade 8 Geometry Exposure activity is geared for students who are passionate about math and ready to explore high school level geometry during an eighth grade year-long activity. Students who are eligible to join this activity will show readiness for geometry by taking a pre-activity assessment as well as demonstrate independence and curiosity for learning advanced mathematics. This activity will be facilitated using the Big Ideas Geometry program materials. Individuals in this activity will navigate geometry concepts within a collaborative environment.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Math
    • Big Ideas Math program
    • Standards for Mathematical Practice to promote mathematical thinking and habits of mind
    • Balance between conceptual understanding (discovering why), procedural fluency (learning how), and application (knowing when to apply)
    • Learning progresses from surface to deeper levels then transfers to real-life situations
    • Encourages a growth mindset
    • Flexible small group instruction and scaffolding of concepts to provide extra support
    • Deeper conceptual understandings built through enrichment, challenging learning tasks, and projects to extend learning
    • Optimal Learning Zone practices

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  • WORLD LANGUAGES

    Grade 8 Spanish 
    In Grade 8 Spanish, a continuous focus is on developing students’ oral language fluency and accuracy, while balancing learning that develops knowledge of Spanish grammar. Students work on reading, writing, listening and speaking in almost every class period, and have opportunities to communicate in Spanish without an emphasis on perfection. Attention at this level is on using the verb phrase “ir a infinitivo” to discuss and ask about future plans as well as developing and using the present progressive tense and direct and indirect object pronouns. To support comprehension growth, students read two Spanish novels written for novice language learners in addition to other authentic texts. These experiences with texts also facilitate discussion about Latinx/a/o culture while putting the vocabulary we study into meaningful contexts. 
     
    Grade 8 Advanced Spanish
    Grade 8 Advanced Spanish builds upon the concepts introduced in the previous year, with a primary focus on enhancing oral communication skills. Instruction is exclusively conducted in the target language, requiring students to communicate solely in Spanish, including during interactions with their peers. Two novels, Libertad and La Guerra Sucia, are introduced to students, and each class incorporates new vocabulary themes and grammar concepts, encompassing reading and listening comprehension activities, as well as speaking and writing exercises. The curriculum also features multimedia cultural presentations and interactive activities designed to reinforce vocabulary and grammar learning. Key learning objectives included direct and indirect object pronouns, differentiation between por and para, a review of regular and irregular preterit tense verbs, and the acquisition of vocabulary relevant to traveling in Spanish-speaking communities. As the second semester progresses, the primary learning objectives shift to reflexive verbs and a comprehensive review in preparation for high school placement tests.
     
    Grade 8 Mandarin 
    In eighth grade, in Mandarin, students continue to develop a solid foundation in all essential areas of Mandarin language learning that includes an increasing knowledge of tones, character strokes, radical parts, and the structure of Chinese characters. Students engage in conversations using various sentence structures to express themselves with greater confidence, and they enhance their comprehension skills by reading various articles and texts and learning about Chinese idioms. Students also build their understanding of cultural topics while developing their presentational skills through a presentation project. Throughout their years of learning Mandarin at Redwood Day, students acquire the skills to prepare them for an advanced or intermediate level of high school Mandarin.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in World Languages
    • Comprehensible input
    • Total Physical Response (TPR) techniques
    • Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
    • Plays and role-playing
    • Authentic materials 
    • Leveled readers
    • Cultural explorations
    • Thematic vocabulary study
    • Communicative, functional tasks
    • Explicit grammar instruction
    • Project-based learning
    • Singing and games
    • Technology tools
    • Guided writing
    • Assessment through illustration
    • Choral response

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  • MUSIC

    In Grade 8 Music, students learn how to write melodies over ukulele chords and harmonize existing melodies. Using online composition tools and notation software, students compose pieces using different melodic techniques, including passing tones, neighbor tones, escape tones, anticipations, appoggiaturas, and suspensions. After they complete their compositions, students play duets in which one person plays chords and another plays the melody. Additional focus at this level has students engaging in critical listening through the lens of different instrument families as they learn about how they are made, how they produce sound, and in what styles and traditions they are generally used. In the fall, students choose a song democratically, rehearse it as a class, and then perform it at Generations Day and the Winter Concert. 
     
    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Music
    • Exploration of songs from diverse cultures
    • Musical expression through a variety of instruments including voice and and the ukele
    • Using and caring for musical instruments
    • Cross-disciplinary connections 
    • Technology tools

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  • ADVISORY

    The Middle School Advisory Program at Redwood Day supports students’ social emotional learning and development and helps students navigate and flourish within their three years of middle school. Eighth graders continue in the same advising groups from sixth grade and have daily touch points with their advisors: during homeroom time, every afternoon before dismissal, during an advisory period that meets twice within an eight-day cycle, and occasional study halls. The eighth grade dean leads the eighth grade advising team to prepare a curriculum that supports social emotional learning at this level and helps students navigate through their final year of middle school. In eighth grade, the advisory program focuses on high school readiness (self-advocacy, personal responsibility, resilience, personal and academic preparation) and the application and transition process, legacy projects, and ongoing community building and support as students prepare to move on from Redwood Day.

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  • ENGLISH

    As students begin to think about what lies beyond middle school at Redwood Day, eighth graders, in English, explore the themes of individual versus group identity, identity formation, and social justice. Students read a combination of self-selected and assigned texts and hone their literary analysis skills, through deep study and critically examining literature and their universal themes and perspectives. In writing, students write for specific audiences and purposes while developing narratives, explanatory texts, and arguments, including monologue writing as part of the eighth grade Automated Wax Museum project. Students also continue to cultivate English language conventions and language to purposefully communicate intention and meaning with their audience.
     
    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in English
    • Writing process
    • Real-world contexts, purposes, and audiences for writing
    • 1-1 teacher and peer and feedback
    • Relevant, diverse, complex texts
    • Book clubs
    • Small and whole group discussion
    • Independent reading
    • Research 
    • Critical thinking and collaboration
    • Patterns of Power grammar and conventions instruction
    • Membean personalized vocabulary instruction
    • Optimal Learning Zone practices

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  • DESIGN, BUILD, INNOVATE

    In eighth grade DBi, the themes are purpose (aligning one’s story, strengths, skills, and stance with one’s world) and play (take part in an activity with/for enjoyment), which serve as contexts for learning for eighth graders to apply deeper design/build craft in relationship with what matters to them in their world. Students practice the 7th Generation Principle to ensure their designs positively impact those seven generations in the future, they practice the principles of design thinking to ensure their designs enact equity and are inclusive of those most impacted by harmful design, practice social entrepreneurship, and build sustainable relationships, partnerships, objects, processes, and systems.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in DBi
    • Design thinking process
    • Authentic, real-world design problems and projects
    • Analog and digital tools
    • Collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication
    • Cross-disciplinary learning
    • Optimal Learning Zone practices

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  • PHYSICAL EDUCATION

    Physical Education in eighth grade emphasizes students applying their increased knowledge of skilled performance to improve their own movement skills. Students also continue to apply principles of effective team participation and to lead and follow by sharing leadership positions. The Middle School PE program focuses on developing movement, motor skills and social skills across a variety of environments. They also learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle through individual and collaborative fitness components throughout the program, and they develop skills for communication, leadership, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution in a variety of physical activity settings. Class content and social emotional development are geared towards preparing students for their next challenge and promoting lifelong fitness.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in PE
    • Cooperative, collaborative learning
    • Teambuilding
    • Variety of games and activities
    • Learning stations
    • Indoor and outdoor learning/playing spaces
    • Social-emotional skills development
    • Scaffolding learning
    • Inclusive, equitable learning environments
    • A wide array of equipment to support skills acquisition

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  • DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING (DEIB)

    In Grade 8, DEIB concepts are developed across the academic program including within Social Emotional Learning, Advisory, and within Equity and Inclusion groups that focus on students examining their identities and understanding how their identities may impact their experiences. At this level, students deepen their exploration of self and awareness of others. Student learning centers on identifying what dominant culture looks like in our community and society and what it means to be part of/not part of the dominant culture. Learning is also focused on building empathy as defined by our Redwood Day values: caring about someone else’s feelings, caring about someone else’s experience, actively listening for understanding, and recognizing someone else’s perspective. Students may choose to participate in affinity groups based on gender identity, race, religion and sexual orientation.

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  • HISTORY

    Eighth grade history centers on U.S. history from Indigenous societies before Columbus through the Reconstruction. Students study government, politics, and the human experience as they engage in an exploration of current events and issues of social justice that make history real and relevant to them. Big projects include an essay on religious intolerance in colonial America, debates about Constitutional issues, and design projects that commemorate a part of the antebellum period. 
     
    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in History
    • Inquiry and essential questions
    • DBQ (Document-Based Question) Project materials 
    • Primary and secondary sources
    • Current events
    • Connecting the past and present
    • Research
    • Critical thinking
    • Communication and collaboration
    • Project based learning
    • Field trips 
    • Optimal Learning Zone practices

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  • DRAMA AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

    In Grade 8 Drama and Public Speaking, with a focus on scriptwriting, students develop and create their own theatrical material across a variety of genres and styles. Students have frequent opportunities to collaborate and share their work with peers via staged readings and in-class performances. They study, write, and perform different types of monologues as part of a cross-curricular collaboration with the English Department (the Automated Wax Museum project). In the realm of public speaking, students build on presentation skills from previous years and research and present on influential historical worldwide figures in the performing arts, politics, history, and sports from under-represented communities or whose accomplishments are not as well known today. The year culminates with students creating scripts that incorporate the playwriting skills developed throughout the year in the form of an allegory or morality play that communicate a life lesson or message.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Drama and Public Speaking
    • Exploratory games
    • Growth mindsets
    • Collaboration and communication
    • Theater terms and origins
    • Modeling and demonstration
    • Real-world contexts and audiences
    • Scenes, sketches, and improv
    • Creative character and scene development
    • Research
    • Giving, receiving, and applying peer/teacher feedback

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  • WELLNESS & LIFE SKILLS

    In Grade 8 Wellness and Life Skills, students review the importance of healthy decision-making in terms of nutrition, exercise, sleep and drug and alcohol awareness. In the realm of sex education, eighth graders learn about sexual ethics, STIs, HIV, and contraception. Students also take a deeper dive into making healthy, balanced, ethical decisions in relation to using and sharing information and media. Students learn via Common Sense Media lessons, guest speakers, small and large group discussion, and reading and viewing relevant articles and media. The 'learning to learn' portion of this course focuses on executive function and cognitive flexibility, planning and organization, and nurturing a growth mindset.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Wellness and Life Skills
    • Small and large group discussions
    • Community circle
    • Harkness discussion model
    • Guest speakers
    • Common Sense Media lessons
    • Relevant readings and viewings: articles and media
    • Role plays
    • Skills application and demonstrations
    • Optimal Learning Zone practices

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  • OUTDOOR EDUCATION

    Outdoor Education takes students outside of the familiarity of the classroom, encourages them to undertake challenges that develop new skills, and connects learning beyond school walls. In April, the eighth grade class goes to Catalina Island where students learn about biodiversity, the interconnectedness of nature, and environmental conservation. During their week away, students participate in a variety of group and individual challenge activities including kayaking, snorkeling, high ropes courses, team-building, hiking, and science activities. The trip is led by C.E.L.P. (Catalina Environmental Leadership Program) and chaperoned by the eighth grade advisory team.

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  • SCIENCE

    In Grade 8 Science, students delve into the world of physical science. Topics include chemistry, force and motion, Newtonian mechanics, simple machines, work, and energy. Eighth graders review the Scientific Method and expand their measurement skills to include density and temperature. They engage in a variety of labs and project-based tasks with the year culminating in a STEAM project where students use their knowledge of simple machines and energy to create Rube Goldberg machines.
     
    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Science
    • Hands-on investigations
    • Scientific phenomenon/real-life applications
    • Small group discussion
    • Science and engineering practices
    • STEM connections
    • Promotion of life-long learning and curiosity
    • Optimal Learning Zone practices

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  • VISUAL ARTS

    In Visual Arts in eighth grade, students focus on sculpture and learn how to translate their two-dimensional skills to three-dimensional formats while expanding their own limits of art making. Projects include designing and painting a classroom stool to visually represent the legacy they want to leave behind as they move on to high school; creating a Papier Mache sculpture exploring proportion and honing craftsmanship; creating a functional, thematic ceramic cup or mug; showcasing technical hand skills; and engaging in a culminating altered book project. Additional focus at this level is on developing student-artists’ personal style and their understanding of what art is and the impacts art has on individuals and societies.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Art
    • Diverse artist explorations
    • Expression of creativity through a variety of mediums
    • Using and caring for art studio tools
    • Art reflection, response, and interpretation
    • Development of artistic expression and identities

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  • ADVANCED TOPICS COURSES

    Art History
    We can learn a lot about people from the art they create. In this introduction to art history, students will examine and analyze art from societies of the past and present. Remember discussing the Seated Lady of Çatal Hüyük in sixth grade? Or perhaps you recall studying kente cloth in seventh grade? This Advanced Topics course will build on those skills. In addition to discussing and writing about art, students will watch films, create art of their own, and leave campus to view art in the Oakland community.

    English
    The Advanced Topics English course further develops students’ reading and writing skills, in particular their ability to read critically and write about important issues in their communities. During the first semester, students explore, with a contemporary lens, some of the traditional, well-known novels that were once staples of middle and high school English curriculums. We analyze and discuss the power dynamics presented in the novels through the lens of race, gender, and other social hierarchies. Potential novels include The Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Great Gatsby.

    During the second semester, students use their critical thinking skills to observe and report on their own communities. First, students learn how to write articles as journalists. After developing their reporting and interviewing skills, students select an issue that matters to them and the community to further investigate. As a final project, students produce a podcast that incorporates narration, interviews, music, and sound effects to inform their audience about their chosen issue.
     
    Design-Crafting Change: Design Tools & Project-Based Learning
    In this course, students learn how to use our Design Build Innovation Lab tools, such as the laser cutter, microcontrollers, 3D printers, and additional lab tools that match the specific needs of individual projects. Students will engage in Project-Based Learning (PBL) and utilize basic project management skills: they will identify real-world problems, set goals, plan projects, and stay organized. Working in teams, students will create projects based on real-world problems or experiences, and they will design and prototype tangible solutions that demonstrate the transfer of learning. By the end of the course, students will have developed practical lab skills, gained experience in teamwork, and completed a project based on real-world problems or experiences, showcasing learning and creativity.

    Garden to Table
    In the Garden to Table Advanced Topics course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to rebuild the Middle School Garden, amending raised beds, planting produce and herbs, and learning how to tend to crops. They will also gain important techniques in the kitchen such as knife skills, venture into various cuisines from around the world, and even develop their own recipes. This course provides the experience and opportunity to make connections with food and build useful, life-long skills.
     
    The Wide World of Sculpture
    This course is designed for those who like working with their hands to create three-dimensional artwork and who are interested in exploring new materials and building techniques. In this class, students will learn about the wide-ranging discipline of sculpture through a global lens. Students will have the opportunity to grow their basic skills while focusing on a diversity of artistic influences and mediums. They will work with clay, plaster, paper, fabric, recycled and found materials, wire, and more and learn the processes of carving, modeling, assembling, slab construction, plaster casting, sewing, and the fundamentals of sound construction. Students will find new inspiration in global art while making masks, figurative sculptures, alebrijies, plushies, and much more. The course culminates with the construction of wearable sculptures inspired by the artist Nick Cave.
     
    Grade 8 Geometry Exposure Activity
    The Grade 8 Geometry Exposure activity is geared for students who are passionate about math and ready to explore high school level geometry during an eighth grade year-long activity. Students who are eligible to join this activity will show readiness for geometry by taking a pre-activity assessment as well as demonstrate independence and curiosity for learning advanced mathematics. This activity will be facilitated using the Big Ideas Geometry program materials. Individuals in this activity will navigate geometry concepts within a collaborative environment.

ADVANCED TOPICS COURSES

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  • ADVANCED TOPICS ENGLISH

    Controversial Classics
    What makes a book controversial or even banned? Over decades and generations, what justifies a book being characterized as a “classic” and why might these “classic” books become banned? With a contemporary lens, the Controversial Classics Advanced Topics course will explore some of the traditional, well-known novels that were once the staple of the middle and high school English curriculum. Students will read and discuss what makes them controversial in contemporary society. They will also rewrite chapters of the books to make them more contemporary and relevant to the community students are part of at Redwood Day.

    Introduction to Journalism
    The Introduction to Journalism Advanced Topics course is for those who enjoy seeking out news stories, interviewing people, and telling true stories through the lens of a journalist. Building on narrative and information writing skills from sixth and seventh grade, this course is where students will research and write an investigative article and use multimedia to publish their work in a newsletter distributed to the middle school. This is a great introductory course for anyone considering joining a newspaper staff in high school.

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  • ADVANCED TOPICS ART

    Perspectives in Painting
    Do you enjoy painting and want to expand your skills and knowledge of this important art medium? Do you want to go beyond the typical artists we often see and learn about diverse and unique approaches to painting? While rooted in traditional painting media and techniques, this course explores less traditional and more expanded modes and ideas of painting. We will explore watercolor and acrylic, collage painting, monotype prints, yarn painting, paper marbling, clay painting, and digital painting. We will also investigate the principles of design and fundamentals of color theory and will look closely at the work of historical and contemporary artists, with an emphasis on women artists and artists of color. This course will culminate with a large-scale, student-led mural project.

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  • ADVANCED TOPICS HISTORY

    Another Lens: Learning More than the Single Story
    In the past five years, the United States has come to a reckoning of its history. Protests happened. Statues came down. Counter-protests happened. Starting with a popular notion of America's founding, this class aims to find out how the widespread commemoration of Christopher Columbus came to be. The initial focus then broadens to how Native Americans have fought to be recognized in history classrooms and the nation. We see how events like the Black Lives Matter movement have brought about a seismic change in how towns and cities tell their stories. We close by peeling the layers of Oakland's history to determine how it should be told.

    History Through Art
    We can learn a lot about people from the art they create. In this introduction to art history, students will examine and analyze art from societies of the past and present. Remember discussing the Seated Lady of Çatal Hüyük in sixth grade? Or perhaps you recall making inferences about the Maya murals of Bonampak in seventh grade? This Advanced Topics course will build on those skills. In addition to discussing and writing about art, students can expect to watch films, create art of their own, and leave campus to view art in person.

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  • ADVANCED TOPICS DBi

    Get Your Maker On
    Are you itching to spend more time in our Design, Build + Innovate Lab (DBiL)? Do you want to have hands-on time with the tools in the lab to design, prototype, and build your own projects? If so, then this Advanced Topics DBi class is for you. During the first semester of this course, students will participate in guided learning of the machines in our makerspace and the software required to operate them. This may include 3D printers, laser cutters, hand tools, sewing machines, the jewelry kiln, bookbinding tools, leather tools, etc. In the second semester, students will have an opportunity to pursue a teacher-approved, self-guided, project that piques their curiosity using the lab tools. With guidance, students will look for and submit work to design competitions that match individual curiosities and interests.
3245 Sheffield Ave
Oakland, CA 94602
510.534.0800