GRADE 8 BENCHMARKS

CLINTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Clinton, CT  06413

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By the end of the school year/course, students will be able to:     

READING/LANGUAGE ARTS 

• Read and respond to a variety of literary genres with emphasis on novels, poetry, essays and nonfiction articles
• Use active reading strategies for comprehending, interpreting, evaluating and studying the author’s craft
• Evaluate text for meaning and literary qualities with an emphasis on bias, tone, satire and irony
• Make critical judgments about text analyzing the validity of evidence and support
• Develop vocabulary using word parts and etymology
• Prepare and deliver effective oral presentations
• Plan and write for different purposes using a variety of formats
• Utilize process writing to produce a complete final copy using standards of the English language
• Incorporate the basic rules of grammar into daily writing emphasizing syntax and usage

MATH 

• Describe and write equations for patterns
• Construct an appropriate format to organize and display data
• Make inferences based on the interpretation of the graph
• Describe and classify polygons
• Calculate area and perimeter of polygons and area and circumference of circles
• Use scientific notation to compute with large and small numbers
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide integers and use them in expressions and equations
• Use the law of exponents to multiply and divide integers and variables as a base
• Demonstrate an understanding of order, magnitude and equivalent forms of fractions, decimals and percents
• Solve problems involving rates, ratios and proportions

SCIENCE 

• Perform basic laboratory experiments
• Use symbolic tools in science
• Distinguish between scientific evidence and personal opinion
• Explain relationships among science disciplines such as ecology and physical science
• Apply scientific knowledge to other areas such as math
• Interpret data presented in tabular and graphic form
• Draw conclusions or inferences from data
• Demonstrate knowledge of light, heat, energy, chemical equations and space science through experimentation

SOCIAL STUDIES 

• Describe physical features of the United States and explain the role of geography in history
• Explain the nature of conflict and compromise
• Describe the impact of industrial expansion and immigration on the nation’s growth
• Examine and distinguish among the economics of barter, mercantilism and capitalism
• Identify and appraise different points of view and formulate alternative solutions for current global issues
• Read, interpret and draw conclusions from maps, charts and tables
• Analyze and evaluate historical sources/recognize bias
• Take a critical stance and defend it

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES 

Culinary Arts

• Explain and demonstrate appropriate use of safety procedures and equipment
• Identify abbreviations and basic equivalents when measuring ingredients
• List health and food safety techniques
• Classify foods using the Food Guide Pyramid
• Identify and explain the significance of label information

Fabric Arts

• Follow safety rules when using sewing equipment
• Name and describe the parts/functions of sewing equipment
• Demonstrate hand sewing skills by completing a soft sculpture project
• Demonstrate machine sewing skills by completing a series of machine sewn samples and a quilt square
• Complete a sewing project
• Organize and complete a plan for finishing a sewing project

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

• Recognize the difference between interests and abilities
• Identify interests and be aware of careers available to them
• Use decision-making strategies
• Set personal and academic goals

HEALTH EDUCATION

• State the effects (physical/behavioral) of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD)
• Discuss the dynamics of living in a chemically dependent family
• Identify symptoms of depression/suicide in adolescents and resources for assistance
• Discuss how one’s lifestyle effects health
• Discuss behaviors that protect the body and those that have potential harm to the body
• Describe individual responsibilities associated with physical, emotional and social development
• Formulate a personal list of health resources

LIBRARY/MEDIA

• Utilize the Follett automation system as a method for locating information
• Locate various books of nonfiction and fiction including mysteries, science fiction, classics, folklore, poetry, biography and award-winning books
• Access information organized into systems:  indexes, tables, databases, charts, Dewey Decimal
• Use the tools of technology to access, create and communicate ideas and gather information to do research
• Distinguish among sources for information to be used in proper bibliographic form

MUSIC

 Sight read rhythm and melody patterns accurately in their vocal ranges alone and in small groups using good breath control

• Play I, IV, and V⁷ chords and traditional melodies in various keys on guitar

• Read, compose and arrange simple melodic and harmonic pieces within specified guidelines using grade level pitches, rhythms and terminology
• Identify specific musical elements contained in music and performances from a variety of genres and cultures
• Perform, study, listen to, interpret, describe and analyze music

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Actively reinforce knowledge of rules of various activities through appropriate play
• Demonstrate self-expression and social interaction through participation in team activities
• Continue to practice the components of a physically active life-style
• Consistently display respect and understanding of individual differences in a physical activity setting
• Demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior in physical fitness setting

UNIFIED ARTS

Communication

• Define communication
• Demonstrate how to use communication equipment to send and receive messages
• Demonstrate safe and proper use of computers and other electronic equipment
• Access related information from the Internet
• Discuss the continual growth of communication technology
• Explain the advantages/disadvantages of certain communication systems
• Explain how technology impacts society
• Utilize technology-based information to create an audio or video presentation
• List related career opportunities

Manufacturing

• Define manufacturing
• Identify various raw materials
• Describe manufacturing using the system model
• Explain a design brief
• Define a consumer
• Explain mass production/assembly line
• Explain how robots help in manufacturing a product

Architectural Drafting

• List and describe the duties of an architect
• Explain and demonstrate utilization of computer software CAD (Computer Aided Drafting)
• Explain the historical significance of architecture design
• Explain the difference between contemporary and traditional structures
• Access information from textbooks and the Internet to solve design problems
• Use manual (scale) and electronic measure devices accurately
• Use basic sketching to communicate ideas or designs
• Name different types of drawings used to produce a residential and commercial structure
• Describe possible future trends in software application in architectural design
• Identify related career opportunities

VISUAL ARTS

• Create drawings using ebony pencil, chalk, and oil pastels, and computer technology
• Incorporate the elements and principles of design, such as one and point perspective, in their artwork
• Utilize an appropriate art vocabulary and use art terms when discussing or writing about art
• Demonstrate knowledge of color theory and create paintings using watercolor, acrylic, and tempera
• Create pottery incorporating the pinch, coil, and slab methods
• Explore a variety of multicultural crafts such as weaving, wire, jewelry, metal, and paper mache
• Demonstrate the safe use and care of art materials, tools, and resources
• Research a variety of artists, artistic styles, and periods in art such as Claus Oldenberg, Pop Art, and Cubism

WORLD LANGUAGES (French and Spanish)

• Recognize, utilize and spell grade-appropriate French or Spanish vocabulary
• Speak and write in the present tense, the immediate future and the past tense (using the “passé compose” with “avoir” in French and the “pretérito” in Spanish)
• Express themselves using regular verbs and some irregular verbs

• In French, irregular verbs such as pouvoir, vouloir, mettre

• In Spanish, irregular verbs such as dar, traer, poner, decir

• Differentiate between the use of formal and familiar levels of language (tu/vous”) (“tú/usted”)
• Demonstrate correct usage of parts of speech, grammar rules, gender and number in oral presentations (role-play conversations, interviews) and written communications (essays, dialogues, poems, letters)
• Respond to questions from listening exercises or reading passages
• Deliver oral presentations and read aloud using correct pronunciation patterns
• Effectively use negative expressions when speaking and/or writing