Eighth Grade

The theme of eighth grade humanities is “A Place at the Table.” Students explore periods of conflict and progress — both past and present — through the interconnected lenses of race, class and gender. 

The grade hosts a series of guest speakers over the course of the year who shed light on what it means to be Muslim in America, the experience of immigrants and refugees, and the Holocaust.

They hone their skills in reading, writing, research and presentation, with particular emphasis on close reading, examining situations from a variety of angles, incorporating textual evidence and finding their own voices as students and citizens.

With attention to social studies and language arts, students read and analyze poetry, graphic novels and works by a variety of writers, to uncover their meanings and to use as models for writing and expression.

The year’s studies become tangible for our eighth graders during a three-day class trip to Washington, D.C

The Introduction to Chemistry course emphasizes the scientific process, using the study of matter as a vehicle to practice asking questions, performing experiments, forming data-based conclusions, and considering how humanity has uncovered the knowledge we have thus far gained. 

Students learn precise ways to measure, describe, and categorize matter as they discover foundational concepts in physical science, including: physical and chemical properties, measurement, the classifications of matter, atomic structure, patterns in the Periodic Table, chemical bonding, mixtures and solutions, and methods of separating and identifying unknown substances.

 Students engage in hands-on activities, experimental investigations, and mystery challenges that utilize the skills and knowledge gained during each unit. Examples include measuring the density of metals, performing flame tests, splitting water using electrolysis, and determining the solubility, crystallization, and pH of ionic compounds. 

While students work with partners during lab work, each student keeps a detailed digital lab notebook and reports on their experimental results independently. 

The analysis of individual or class data to form conclusions is also an essential element of the course. 

The course culminates with a “sludge test challenge,” in which students work with partners over several weeks to separate and identify the components of an unknown mixture.

In eighth grade math, students study Algebra 1 or Geometry depending on their seventh-grade experience. The Algebra 1 curriculum emphasizes representing real-life situations through linear and nonlinear functions and students build upon the skills developed in seventh grade to problem solve algebraically. 

Students learn how interest is charged by running simulations, and we calculate loan repayments in hypothetical situations that connect to the real world, such as purchasing a car. 

Toward the end of the year, students explore quadratic functions and learn different techniques for solving quadratic equations. 

In Geometry, students develop the skill of proving theorems, which gives them an understanding of how geometric concepts are connected to one another. Geometric reasoning and justification is an important component of the course in addition to problem solving.

Learn more about Math at Foote

In their second year of Latin, students expand their knowledge of the Latin language and the world in which it was spoken, completing the Suburani I textbook by the end of the year. 

In addition to studying more uses of cases and vocabulary, the students practice noun-adjective agreement; relative clauses; the future tense; the imperative; indirect statement; and demonstrative adjectives and pronouns. 

Historical and cultural topics explored include the Roman Republic, travel, expansion of the empire, housing, food, mosaics and marriage. The study of English derivatives, Latin sayings and our inheritance from the Roman world continues. 

Special projects may include Pompeiian graffiti and elections, memorizing and reciting a Catullus poem, creative projects based on mythological monsters, rhetoric in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, and Latin novellas.

In eighth grade, students explore the Chinese language and culture through a theme-based curriculum. Topics include food and dining, school academic life and student health. Each thematic unit is complemented by explorations of both traditional and modern Chinese culture.

The course incorporates authentic materials and emphasizes meaning-based tasks and activities, helping students develop skills at the intermediate-low level. Special projects include creating a menu for a Chinese restaurant, role-playing a dining experience at a Chinese restaurant, and producing a short film about their own school life. To celebrate their accomplishments, students enjoy a meal off-campus at an authentic Chinese restaurant, where they apply their conversational skills in a real-world setting.

Additionally, eighth graders have the opportunity to showcase their language skills at the annual CT COLT Poetry Recitation Contest, competing against peers from across Connecticut.

Eighth grade Spanish builds on students' established foundation, introducing more complex grammatical structures and expanding cultural themes. Eighth graders create an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos, demonstrating the skills, grammar and vocabulary they have mastered. They purchase and sell colorful pulseras (bracelets) that are handcrafted in Guatemala and Nicaragua and donate the proceeds to human rights organizations in those countries. 

New material includes irregular verbs in the preterite tense; the imperfect tense; a comparison of the preterite vs. imperfect tenses; and more. Grammar and vocabulary are introduced and practiced with native speakers using the audio and video program, Yabla. 

Special projects include writing and illustrating a children’s story; an oral presentation using photographs to describe one’s childhood; a researched cooking project; the creation of a filmed short play; a fashion show; creation of a marketplace; and participation in the CT COLT poetry recitation contest. Students read and analyze various literary selections in Spanish, celebrate their accomplishments with a meal off campus at an authentic Hispanic restaurant, and a chance to practice conversational skills in a real-world setting.

Eighth-grade Wellness is a trimester-long course that explores decision-making about alcohol and other drug use, sexual activity, and aspects of mental health. Each class provides students with accurate information as it relates to these topics and provides a space for students to explore answers to their questions, sift through myths and misinformation, and be exposed to other perspectives. 

Students are encouraged to realize their own power to make decisions that align with their values and will enhance conversations with their families at home. 

The lessons and discussions build upon the puberty and sexuality education units students experienced in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades as well as the substance abuse programming they experienced in seventh grade. 

The overall goals for our discussions are: 

• to use knowledge and understanding to empower personal decision making that align with the individual student’s and their family’s values,
• to promote trusted adults (including teachers, family members and medical professionals) as essential resources for information about healthy decision making, and
• to establish the immediate classroom community as a place to practice asking questions, explore discomfort and exercise acceptance of multiple perspectives.

Eighth grade art is a deep dive into sculpture. Students examine sculptural practices, techniques and mediums from the paleolithic era to the present day. Each project engages students in a different aspect of sculpture-based art making. Eighth grade artists work with clay, wire, plaster, wood, cardboard and stone to create pieces ranging from abstract staybiles to detailed human forms. In a collaborative group project, students develop proposals and maquettes for pieces of public art that are then presented to a board of community experts for approval. For their culminating final project, students carve soapstone sculptures with a hammer and chisel.

In eighth grade, students have the opportunity to strengthen their ensemble skills through an interdisciplinary approach. Students take a composition course and two ensembles (Trinidadian steel band and English handbells). Together, these courses allow students to foster interdependence and collaborate using their technical skills. 

Music Composition

This course aligns with the humanities curriculum, focusing on social justice movements in contemporary America. After studying influential protest musicians and major movements for social change, students explore music production software, composition techniques and lyric writing strategies before creating protest songs of their own. This gives students creative freedom to choose the elements of their piece. The project culminates with a day of sharing, where groups perform their pieces and explain their process.

Steel Pans

This course begins with a brief lesson on the history and culture of steel pans. Students then learn to set up and put away the instruments, activities that require care and cooperation. After working on basic stick technique, 8th graders have a chance to play each of the four kinds of pans at Foote: tenors, double seconds, guitars/cellos and basses. They choose the pan they want to play for the rest of the term and the song they want to learn—frequently a contemporary pop song. The remainder of the term is devoted to learning a four-part arrangement of the song. The class culminates in a performance at a school assembly or celebration.

Handbells 

This course introduces students to the art of handbell ringing, emphasizing teamwork, musical literacy, and mindfulness. Through collaborative musical exercises, students develop self-expression, body and spatial awareness, and respect for others while honing both individual skills and ensemble performance. They learn fundamental handbell techniques, practice active listening, and cultivate diligence in learning music and instrument care. By engaging with rhythm, note reading, and dynamics, students will build a strong foundation in musical literacy. The class culminates in a performance at a school assembly or celebration.

Much of the eighth grade year involves theater games that isolate and highlight specific skills. Students focus on the “believability” of a character or a scene, the reasoning and motivation for actions, the significance of entrances and exits, and the subtle interactions of various elements on stage. Students examine backstories, ethical dilemmas and character development through the course of dramatic productions. The major 8th grade project is a scene study unit that encompasses literary analysis, blocking (charting movement), memorization, designing a set and costumes, performance and criticism.

The eighth-grade PE and Outdoor Education curriculum provides students with a well-rounded experience that combines skill development, teamwork, and outdoor adventure. During the PE trimester, students refine their fundamental athletic skills while deepening their understanding of game rules and strategies across various sports. Emphasis is placed on improving hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking while fostering sportsmanship and teamwork in an engaging environment.