WACHTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - EIGHTH GRADE CLASSES – 2025/2026

ENRICHED ALGEBRA I..........1 credit..........Full year (This is a class that carries high school credit and counts on a student’s high school grade point average.) – 1 Period per Day                    

Algebra I is a branch of mathematics that includes the use of variables to express general rules about numbers, number relationships, and operations.  This is the first course in the traditional college preparatory sequence. This course has a prerequisite of Accelerated Math 7 and/or teacher recommendation.

MATH 8..........Full year – 1 Period per Day

Math 8 is a course designed to prepare students for Algebra by building on basic math skills introducing key algebraic concepts like variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, and graphing. This class serves as a bridge between basic arithmetic and the more complex concepts in Algebra 1.

CAREER EDUCATION......... Full Year (Every other day/1 period)

Students will explore various career options and learn how to prepare for the job hunt.  They will learn about themselves concerning their interests, abilities, and aptitudes.  They will research jobs and careers, write a personal resume, a letter of application, and complete job applications.  Students will also complete a four-year high school plan.  Several guest speakers from various careers are also included.  Students will also explore personal financial planning through the High School Financial Planning Program.  They will look at spending, saving, investing, and how to use credit wisely.

COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION………Full Year (Every other day/1 period)

Students will learn and apply technology skills.  They will use technology tools to communication and collaborate, to access and evaluate information, and to create and present relevant products.  Students will also learn and demonstrate ethical behaviors and responsible use of technology tools.

EARTH SCIENCE..........Full year – 1 Period per Day

Earth Science consists of the topic’s geology, astronomy, and meteorology.  The course discusses all forms of earth’s processes.

ENGLISH 8..........Full year – 1 Period per Day

This course covers grammar, the eight parts of speech and their usage, and composition including sentence and paragraph writing as the areas of main concern the first semester, along with drama and the short story.  The second semester will include study of the novel, poetry, and the short story, and composition activities with these units.   Vocabulary and spelling are an important part of both semesters’ work.

NORTH DAKOTA STUDIES………Full Year (Every other day/1 period)

North Dakota Studies reviews various aspects of the state of North Dakota beginning with early history and includes government, economics, people, and special topics.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8......... Full Year (Every other day/1 period)

Physical fitness testing occurs each year.  The following units are completed throughout the semester:  soccer, flag football, jogging, physical fitness, badminton, volleyball, archery, square dancing, and basketball.

UNITED STATES HISTORY..........Full year – 1 Period per Day

This course covers the growth of the United States from the time of the Revolutionary War to the Reconstruction period.  It includes a study of the United States Constitution and places special emphasis on the 19th Century.

ELECTIVES

APPLYING TECHNOLOGY.......... Semester – 1 Period per Day- Class fee of $20.

This course will introduce the students to a wide variety of technologies. Subjects include robotics, flight, solar cooking hot dogs, digital design, video production and wood working just to name a few. Between working in the technology lab and in the wood shop, students will get many opportunities to design and build projects. Students can look forward to working with their hands and having lots of fun in Tech Ed this year!

ART 8..........Semester – 1 Period per Day- Class fee of $20.

This elective class expands on the seventh-grade standards-based art curriculum with additional opportunities in art theory and practice.  The students broaden their art experiences through a variety of activities in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, print making, and art history. 

AVID 8……... Full Year – 1 Period per Day

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an elective course which provides students with an intensive preparation for higher education. AVID focuses on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading (WICOR). Students also learn strategies in organization, note taking, and goal setting to enhance skills in preparation for college. Students participate in group tutorials, college visits, team building, service learning and research. AVID is for students who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum with support and utilize AVID to fulfill their own potential. Enrollment in AVID requires an application, interview and contract. If interested in AVID, please contact your counselor.

BAND 8..........Full year – 1 Period per Day

Emphasis is placed on music fundamentals.  The students perform at concerts and may participate in the music festival as a soloist or in an ensemble.  They have a unit on marching band in the spring. The Jazz Band is an extra-curricular activity and audtions are held in the fall for this group. 

CHOIR 8..........Full year – 1 Period per Day

8^th Grade Choir is a non-auditioned choral ensemble.  8^th grade choir students will learn more advanced concepts of proper singing techniques and music knowledge.  Students will have the opportunity to develop new skills and build upon their vocal abilities individually and as an ensemble.  Through vocal music literature, carefully selected by instructors, students will explore different styles, music history and music theory.  Members will perform in required concerts (two per semester) with opportunities to further their abilities in optional events such as:  State, Regional and National Honor Choirs and Middle School Music Festival. SHOW CHOIR is an extracurricular activity made up of members of choir selected by audition.  Popular, choreographed music is performed at concerts and other functions.  Students must be a member of 6^th, 7^th or 8^th grade choir in order to audition.

ORCHESTRA 8..........Full year – 1 Period per Day

Playing skills and music theory activities are utilized to develop a well-rounded orchestral player.  Required performances include school concerts and tour opportunities.

EXPLORING AGRICULTURE 8……Semester – 1 Period per Day

This project-based course is an expansion of Exploring Ag 7.  Didn’t take that one? No big deal.  We will review the foundational material and expand upon our activities in animal production, agricultural mechanics, and natural resources.  We will introduce the concepts of business management and finance through a semester-long class project. Our goal is to provide learning experiences involving agricultural activities such as experimenting, identifying, and constructing different labs.  FFA and Leadership is an integral component of this class.  

EXPLORING WEIGHT TRAINING 8.........Semester – 1 Period per Day

Students will begin to learn proper weight training techniques and safety rules.  Programs will be provided to teach students how proper weight training can be a beneficial lifetime activity.  Some aerobic activities will be included with the lifting programs.  This class will also begin to explore basic human anatomy and muscle functions.

FACS 8 (Family and Consumer Science) ………Semester – 1 Period per Day- Class fee $20

This course is designed to teach hands-on skills. Students will apply skills in math and following directions. Students will explore food preparation, money management, and sewing techniques for real life experiences in the present and for the future..

STEM 8.......... Semester – 1 Period per Day- Class fee of $20.

This course will empower students to become innovators in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Students will follow the Engineering Design Process to create projects related to energy, robotics, computer science and more. Sample projects will use Lego Robotics, digital science sensors, and online coding platforms. Students will also explore STEM careers.

PEER TO PEER 8………Semester—1 Period per Day

Application process will be done the end of your 7^th grade school year. Students must apply and be accepted to be peer mentors.

REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS FOR STUDENTS WHO MEET QUALIFICATIONS

APPLIED TOPICS IN DAILY LIVING…………Full Year – 1 Period per Day

A course designed to teach life skills impacting daily living and personal-social skills. Students will receive education in caring for personal needs; getting around the community; understanding self-awareness and socially responsible behavior; and developing appropriate interpersonal skills. This course may also include instruction in content areas (math, English, etc.). 

APPLIED TOPICS IN ENGLISH…………Full Year – 1 Period per Day

A course designed to introduce concepts, expand English/Language Arts knowledge, allow application of skills, demonstrate proficiency in specific concepts, and maintain life skills impacting personal-social skills (maintaining good interpersonal skills and communicating with others). Students will receive instruction in listening and responding skills; communicating with understanding; knowing the subtleties of communication; and learning effective written/verbal language skills as they pertain to communication with others in a variety of personal, social, and occupational situations.

APPLIED TOPICS IN MATH……………Full Year – 1 Period per Day

A course designed to introduce concepts, expand Mathematics knowledge, allow application of skills, demonstrate proficiency in specific concepts, and maintain life skills in the math domain impacting vocational, domestic living, leisure and recreation curricular areas. Students will receive instruction in counting money, making change, estimating the value of objects, budgeting skills, and making purchases.

CORE MATH STRATEGIES 8………..Full Year – 1 Period per Day

Core Math Strategies provides small group instruction that reinforces classroom learning.  Lessons are designed to pre-teach upcoming units, as well as reinforce previously learned material.  Students that are performing consistently between the 10^th and 20^th%ile on assessment measures (i.e. Aimsweb, MAP) can be assigned to this course. In addition, teacher recommendations and standard scores are taken into consideration. Abilities will be assessed throughout the year using district assessments.  This class is an encore class and is in addition to their core Math course.

READING/MATH STRATEGIES COMBO 8……….Semester – 1 Period per Day

This class is a full year class that is meant to support students with needs in both reading and math. Students may move into and out of this class as improvements are made in the intervention. Students about one year below grade level would be considered for this class. Class size will remain small to ensure direct, explicit instruction is adequate in both areas of need. Reading instruction will include direct instruction on reading comprehension strategies and fluency development. Math instruction will include pre-teaching and re-teaching of grade level concepts that are being worked on in the core Math class. Remediation of math skills will take place as needed to support student growth and access to general education curriculum. This class is an encore class and is in addition to their core English Language Arts and Math classes

READING STRATEGIES 8.........Full Year – 1 Period per Day

Reading Strategies is a full year reading intervention course designed to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is well below the proficient level. The course addresses individual needs through direct teacher instruction, high-interest reading material, and adaptive instructional software. Depending on their proficiency level, some students might be in the course for two years. Students that are considered for placement would be two or more years behind grade level and/or struggle in comprehension and general literacy achievement.

TRANSITION MATH 8………Full Year – 1 Period per Day  

This course utilizes the TransMath program.  This course has three levels beginning with Level I (4^th and 5^th grade standards) for 6^th grade students, Level II (5^th and 6^th grade standards) for 7^th grade students and Level III (6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade standards) for 8^th grade students. Students that are performing consistently between the 5^th and 15^th percentile on assessment measures (i.e. Aimsweb, MAP) can be assigned to this course. In addition, teacher recommendations and standard scores are taken into consideration. The course is designed to meet individual needs and help the student become proficient in mathematical concepts, computation, and problem solving.   This course is a replacement for their core Math class. The goal is for students to be Algebra ready by mastering each unit by high school, students that are not Algebra ready will take alternative placement math classes.

TRANSITION MATH STRATEGIES……….Full Year – 1 Period per Day

Transition Math Strategies provides small group instruction that reinforces learning from their Transition Math course.  Lessons are designed to pre-teach upcoming units, as well as reinforce previously learned material.  Only students enrolled in Transition Math can take this course. This class is an elective class.