Course Title: English 8
All Year
Prerequisite: None

Students continue to prepare for the Nebraska State Writing Assessment (a descriptive narrative.) Their study of the essay form expands to a character analysis. Students extend their oral and written vocabulary and continue spelling and language study. Students master identifying the Elements of nonfiction in magazine and newspaper articles. Habits of independent reading continue to be maintained.




Course Title: English 8D
All Year
Prerequisite: Identification in the Lincoln Public Schools Gifted Program or a combination of teacher recommendation, high achievement test scores, and performance.

Students continue to prepare for the Nebraska State Writing Assessment (a descriptive narrative.) Their study of the essay form expands to a character analysis essay. Students extend their oral and written vocabulary and continue spelling and language study. Students master identifying the Elements of nonfiction in magazine and newspaper articles. Students are challenged to extend their reading skills and strategies through study of classic literature and historic speeches.



Course Title: Math 8 - Passport to Algebra & Geometry
All Year
Prerequisite: Math 7

A transitional integrated mathematics course from elementary math to high school math with a broad yet solid foundation in both algebra and geometry. Topics covered: patterns, number operations, order of operations, integers, problem solving, modeling and solving algebraic equations and inequalities, data analysis,, number theory, rational numbers and percents, probability ratio/rate/proportion, perimeter/area/volume of geometric figures, Pythagorean Theorem.




Course Title: Algebra
All Year
Prerequisite: High performance in Math 7, teacher recommendation, and above average aptitude as demonstrated on the Algebra aptitude test.

Algebra meets the requirements of one year of high school mathematics. (Student successfully completing a sequential series of courses could be able to take pre-calculus in their high school senior year.) Algebra is a mathematics language used for problem solving. Topics covered: rules of algebra, signed numbers, probability, equations, inequalities, graphing, formulas and function, system of equations, exponents and radicals, and polynomials.





Course Title: Algebra D
All Year
Prerequisite: C+ or better in Math 7D (Gateways), teacher recommendation, and a high Algebra Aptitude test score.

Algebra D meets the requirements of one year of high school mathematics. (Students successfully completing a sequential series of differentiated courses could be able to take calculus in their high school senior year.) Algebra D is a mathematics language used for problem solving. Topics covered are: rules of algebra, signed numbers, probability, equations, inequalities, graphing, formulas and functions, systems of equations, exponents and radicals, polynomials, and quadratics.





Course Titles: Elements of Math 8D
All Year
Prerequisite: Elements of Math 7D

Elements of Mathematics 8 is the continuation of Elements of Math 7. Topics covered include: 1) number theory; 2) algebra with emphasis on groups, rings, fields, relations, functions, ordered groups, ordered rings, and ordered fields; 3) geometry with emphasis on transformational geometry, isometrics, and their properties; properties of polygons; perimeters, area, and volume of geometric figures; and 4) a continuation of the rigorous study of logic as it is applied to set theory. Class activities encourage student discovery of mathematical principles that require practice to master.




Course Title: Phys Ed 8
All Year(Alternate Days)
Prerequisite: None

8th grade physical education will help students develop: critical thinking skills; problem solving skills; specific movement patterns; and address all components of fitness. Students will be evaluated on their personal fitness by the Lincoln Public Schools fitness testing. Activity units will include: lacrosse, aerobics, dance, and outdoor education.





Course Title: Health 8
All Year (Alternate Days)
Prerequisite: None

In addition to developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, students in 8th grade health will develop the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors to reduce health risks and be able to set personal goals. Units of study will include: introduction to health, stress education, dietary intake, preventing violence, drug abuse, diseases, building healthy relationships..





Course Title: Science 8
All Year
Prerequisite: None

This science course is part of the new Middle Level Science Curriculum, Prentice Hall Science Explorer 2000 series. Course work includes topics in Chemical Interactions, Cells and Heredity, Motions and Forces, Astronomy, and Sound/Light. Class goals are to enhance thinking skills, develop a scientific vocabulary, improve middle students’ knowledge, teach safe laboratory procedures and realize how science relates to their lives.









Course Title: Science 8D
All Year
Prerequisite: Identification in the Lincoln Public Schools Gifted Program or a combination of teacher recommendation, high achievement test scores, and performance.

This science course is part of the new Middle Level Science Curriculum, Prentice Hall Science Explorer 2000 series. Course work includes topics in Motion, Forces, and Energy, Chemical Interactions, Sound and Light, Astronomy, and Cells and Heredity. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher level thinking skills and participate in inquiry activities. An emphasis is placed on laboratory skills and lab safety. Some performance assessment involved.





Course Title: Social Studies 8
All Year
Prerequisite: None

This class is an inclusive examination of the history, cultures, geography, and origins of the United States presented from multiple perspectives. Students will develop reading, writing, geography, and reasoning skills in their investigation through this curriculum.





Course Title: Social Studies 8D
All Year
Prerequisite: Identification in the Lincoln Public Schools Gifted Program or a combination of teacher recommendation, high achievement test scores, and performance.

Eighth grade differentiated social studies examines the history, cultures, geography and origins of the United States. Students will continue to develop reading, writing, research, and reasoning skills. Process and products will be differentiated in order to develop complex and abstract higher level thinking skills.

ELECTIVE CLASSES
Note: Elective classes may not be available if a minimum number of students have not enrolled.

Course Title: Spanish Ist Year
All Year
Prerequisite: None

Spanish I is an introductory language class. This course is designed to introduce Spanish to eighth grade students. Daily lessons will incorporate speaking, writing, listening, reading, and cultural activities that are combined to facilitate learning. Through creative activities, students are encouraged to make cross cultural and cross curricular connections. Spanish Year One will increase students’ global perspective and prepare them for Spanish Year Two.





Course Title: French Ist Year
All Year
Prerequisite: None

This course will introduce French to eighth grade students. The students will participate in various activities involving speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French. They will learn to construct and understand sentences in French with confidence, and they will learn about France, other francophone countries, and their respective cultures. After completing 1st year French, students will be prepared for the 2nd year French classes.




Course Title: German Ist Year
All Year
Prerequisite: None

German I at Lux is an introductory language class. The students not only focus on the language, but the people, the culture, and the history. Germany is brought into focus so that it will not seem foreign to the students. People from Germany in the community are featured guests. Students are encouraged to keep up with German current events. Reading and speaking fluency are stressed, along with grammatical construction. Several sources are used, as well as the standard text. After completing German I, the student will be prepared to take German II.





Course Title: Orchestra 8
All Year
Prerequisite: None (will involve extra work if there has been no previous experience)

Eighth grade orchestra is a class that meets every day as a large ensemble. Students will learn advanced skills of left hand and bowhold technique including how to count more complicated rhythms, expand their dynamic range, shift into upper positions and produce a more consistently beautiful tone including the use of vibrato. Emphasis is placed on enjoyment of music through improved playing skills and on preparation for the high school orchestra program. Musical literature of varying styles and from a variety of historical periods will be learned in small ensemble and full orchestra settings. Required performances include fall and spring concerts, including one concert at East High School. Non-required experiences include All-City Orchestra in January and Solo/Ensemble Festival in March.





Course Title: Band 8
All Year
Prerequisite: None (Will involve extra work if there has been no previous experience)

8th grade band is a class that meets every day in two mixed instrument sections based upon elective availabilities. Depending on enrollment totals, the classes may be taught by a two-teacher team better enabling effective individual and sectional attention. In sectionals, band students are regularly held individually accountable for continuous progress through a more advanced technical course of study, readying them for assimilation into their selected high school band program, including music reading (method book), knowledge of complete ranges of instruments (multiple octave scales, complete range chromatic, snare drum rudiments) and characteristic tone refinement (vibrato). Musical literature of varying styles and from a variety of historical periods will be experienced in small ensemble and full band settings. Required performances include fall and spring concerts, spring band contest and occasional assemblies. Non-required experiences include All-City Band in January, Solo/Ensemble Festival in February or March and a second semester honor band opportunities.










Course Title: 2D/3D Survey (Art 8)
Semester
Prerequisite: None

8th grade art is a semester class that allows students to use a hands-on approach to learning about a variety of art techniques and mediums. Students will be introduced to art history and art appreciation with a multicultural emphasis. 8th grade art will do two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) projects which could include drawing, painting, calligraphy, printmaking, pottery, weaving, sculpture, and basketry.





Course Title: Drama
Semester
Prerequisite: None

In this class students explore special interests, talents, and skills in theatrical activities. Emphasis is placed on using theatre vocabulary and developing performance skills during a variety of dramatic activities.




Course Title: Publications
Semester
Prerequisite: None

Students will learn basic journalism skills by producing the Lux annual yearbook and/or the Lux school newspapers. Students will interview, write articles, and help to layout newspaper and/or yearbook pages. This may include photographing candids and groups, cropping and compiling photographs, creating newspaper pages on the computer, creating yearbook pages on the computer for submission to the publishing company, and newspaper and/or yearbook sales. Journalism is a class requiring students to be very responsible and willing to put in extra time outside of class when deadlines are close.









Course Title: Family and Consumer Science Ind.
Semester
Prerequisite: None

Students will spend their time working on individualized projects/activities as well as group learnings. The intended outcome will be that the students will build on the skills in management of time and resources, cooperation and responsibility, and connections through interdisciplinary (math, science, reading) activities necessary for life long learning.





Course Title: Construction Technology
Semester
Prerequisite: None

Students will be involved in “hands-on” construction processes which simulate real-life construction operations. Computer-aided-design, energy efficiency and other construction techniques, equipment, and materials will be explored. Students will design and construct a model “DREAM HOME”, frame and build a scaled down Garage, and experience a Bridge Building or Tower of Power session which lets students brain storm and test structure design.





Course Title: Manufacturing Technology Semester
Prerequisite: None

This course provides the students with an overview of our modern manufacturing system. Students will be involved in “hands-on” manufacturing processes which simulate “real-life” manufacturing operations. Students will experience start to finish manufacturing through product research, design, production, packaging, and marketing. The emphasis in Manufacturing Technology is on exposure, basic skills, safety, and efficient work habits. Students will learn processes (steps) to produce several products (projects) throughout the semester which may be taken home at no cost to the student. Projects include mouse trap vehicle, robotic arm, a screwdriver and mallet. Other projects may be made depending on time remaining.







Course Title: Transportation Technology
Semester
Prerequisite: None

This course will cover a wide scope of areas and projects related to transportation. The students will design and construct a mousetrap powered vehicle, CO2 dragster, magnetic levitation vehicle, and a rocket. Also, the theory of the internal combustion engine will be covered as it relates to the small gasoline engine.





Course Title: Communication Technology
Semester

Students will be involved in “hands-on” communication processes which simulate real-life communications systems and technologies. Students interested in pursuing a career in Drafting, Engineering, Architecture, Design, etc., will find this class advantageous when taking classes of this content in the future. Being able to visually communicate not only helps in all technology areas, but in everyday life-long experiences. Communicating multi views, isometrics, floor plans not only on a drawing board but with a state of the art Ashlar Vellum CAD program, will allow students many take home problem-solving projects.





Course Title: Multimedia Projects (Computer)
Semester
Prerequisite: Keyboarding is recommended but not required

This course is designed to put an emphasis on computer technology and its role and relationship with multimedia. Students will learn computer basics and apply basic understanding to the development and exploration of multimedia applications. During the course, students will create an understanding of how computers and media work together along with the creation of various student projects. Students will create graphic slide shows, multimedia videos, interactive projects, animations and computer-aided commercials using both computers and live video/sound. The course will give students the opportunity to explore many different multimedia applications and editing tools such as Final Cut Pro, Hyperstudio, iMovie, and Specular Logomotion.





Course Title: Chorus 8 (D’Lux Singers)
Semester
Prerequisite: None

Students will be challenged with a variety of musical styles and harmonies from concert choir to show choir performance. Emphasis will be placed on good vocal production, sight-reading, and harmony singing in order to prepare students for high school performing groups as well as techniques necessary to pursue singing for life-long learning.





Course Title: Keyboarding
Semester
Prerequisite: None

This is an essential skill needed for all high school classes. Students will learn to apply good keyboarding techniques and develop reasonable rates of speed and accuracy. Students master the alphabet keys and learn the numbers and symbol reaches. Students will also learn to properly format letters, outlines, reports, and memorandums/email. In addition to word processing, students will learn to use the numeric keypad. The course is taught on a Macintosh computer using AppleWorks 5.0.3. This keyboarding class will fulfill the keyboarding requirement for those courses in high school which require keyboarding as a prerequisite.




Course Title: Reading 8
Prerequisite: Three areas are used to determine placement in reading: teacher recommendation, grade performance, and MAT reading scores. A total MAT reading score below the 50th percentile as indicated by a three year trend in MAT reading scores will be used for placement.

Reading 8 will build reading comprehension by focusing on increasing vocabulary comprehension, decoding strategies, and critical reading skills. Students will have some practice in distinguishing fact from opinion, drawing inferences, sequencing details, and predicting events. Students will engage in oral reading activities to improve reading fluency. This class will help students work towards gaining skills necessary for meeting the district reading requirements.

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