 CORE CLASSES
Eagle Ridge Junior
High School
th
8 Grade
Registration Guide
2015-2016
To visit our website and find out more about our school
go to our website at
http://www.isd191.org/schools/eagle-ridge-junior-high
Principal
Don Leake
dleake@isd191.org
707-2801
Guidance Counselors
Michelle Henderson (student’s last name A-K)
mhenderson@isd91.org
707-2814
Scott Harrison (student’s last name L-Z)
sharrison@isd191.org
707-2978
All 8th grade students are required to complete a full
year of study in the Core Classes of Social Studies,
Science, Language Arts, and Mathematics. Students are
also required to take a semester of Physical Education
and an Exploratory Block of courses that meet for one
quarter each. Students have one period in which they can
take their Elective Class.
Global Studies
The primary emphasis in the course will be the study of
American History as outlined by the Minnesota state standards
in Social Studies. Incorporated into the course will be a focus
on the Constitution, federalism and other related concepts of
American government.
Honors Global Studies
This rigorous class is a deeper and more complex study of
content and concepts in American History and Government
utilizing debate, inquiry, role-playing and Socratic
questioning, along with other techniques of differentiation for
high level learning. Students will examine and analyze a
variety of texts, including primary source documents which
are at college reading level. Heavy emphasis is placed on
essay writing and students will learn the framework of how to
craft a DBQ (document-based question) which is found on all
AP exams. Students must be both strong readers and strong
writers to excel in this class.
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
Chemistry and Earth Science
The chemistry curriculum includes structure and properties of
matter, structure of the atom, and chemical reactions. The
earth science curriculum covers rocks and minerals, plate
tectonics, the solar system, and weather. This course uses
math and language skills in the exploration and understanding
of core scientific concepts along with controlled experiments
in a lab setting. This course includes both middle level
Minnesota chemistry and earth science standards as well as the
Nature of Science and Engineering middle level standards.
Honors Chemistry and Earth Science
This course covers the same topics as the regular Chemistry
and Earth Science course, but at a greater depth and in a way
that allows students to challenge themselves. Due to less time
needed to master concepts, students may be given
opportunities to enrich their learning by having greater choice
in the process, product, or type of assessment. The eighth
grade curriculum emphasizes concepts central to Chemistry
and Earth Science. This course requires advanced math skills
to accelerate basic content and provide for deeper application
of concepts.
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
Language Arts
This course provides practice and skill application for
grammar, oral communication, the writing process, literature,
and reading. Students will be exposed to various genres of
reading and writing, such as suspense, short stories, nonfiction and poetry and prepare for state level standards and
testing, including researching and narrative writing.
Honors Language Arts
This course is designed for advanced students who need
acceleration, depth, and complexity in the Language
Arts. Focus will be on higher level questioning, inquiry, and
reading and writing skills and strategies utilizing higher level
materials and resources. Students will actively explore both
fiction and non-fiction, and are expected to integrate their
learning with other subject areas through research and
application.
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
• Math Options •
Linear Algebra – grade level
Intermediate Algebra – one year advanced
responsibility for making wise food choices for optimum
physical and mental health is stressed in the nutrition unit.
Students will learn food preparation through lab experiences
in which they will prepare foods from all food groups. The
final project of the class is to create a snack and "sell" it on
snack shop day. This course is for students who like hands on
learning.
• Health Options •
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
Honors Geometry – two years advanced
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
 EXPLORATORY BLOCK
• Art Options •
Art 8: All About Me
Do you want to tell the world about yourself? Do you like to
make things to keep? Take this class and enjoy drawing,
painting, pottery, paper mache and more. You will
experiment with different media to create images that express
who you are. Personalized treasure boxes, personal symbols,
giant paper mache objects, and unique paintings are all
planned. We will learn a variety of art techniques while you
learn about using the principles of design and the elements of
art. Famous artists, different periods of history, cultures and
styles are all part of the exploration. You’ll make things you
will never forget!
• Industrial Technology Options •
Project Lead the Way® - Gateway to Technology
(Junior High School) Pre-engineering Program
Project Lead the Way® - The Gateway to Technology is a
cutting-edge program which addresses the interest and energy
of middle level students while incorporating national standards
in mathematics, science and technology education. PLTW is
an activity based program which allows students to experience
the tools and techniques used by engineers to solve
manufacturing challenges as they bring our future closer.
Introduction to Emergency and Sports Medicine
In this health class students will be given the opportunity to
explore a variety of topics related to basic emergency and
sports medicine. This class is for students that would be
interested in learning topics related to a medical field of study.
Topics could include: first aid/CPR, preventive taping, injury
prevention, how and why the muscles work, sports related
techniques, sexuality, and much more.
• Computer Options •
Animation 8
Plan and animate your own Adobe Flash animations and
games. Storyboard, design, create interaction, and make
symbols move and interact with the user of the game. It is a
fun way to play video games during school by making it
yourself.
• Theater Options •
Drama
A performance based class for students interested in learning
about the stage and dramatic arts. We’ll learn theoretical
terms and skills and use this knowledge by performing some
short scenes, musical numbers and perhaps a short play. Other
lessons will include improvisation, dramatic interpretation of
songs, stage make-up, and creating prompt books. If you like
to perform, this class is for you. Grades are based on
performances. Memorization is required for many of the
assignments.
8th Grade Manufacturing
The Parke System of Material Processing® is an exciting way
to learn how raw materials are processed into finished
products in a workshop or factory. This lab class will
introduce students to many real-world industrial processing
techniques such as: die cutting, explosion forming, metal
spinning, injection & compression molding, casting of metal,
firing & glazing ceramics, sand blasting, drop forging & heat
treating of tool steel, enameling copper, arc & spot welding,
tooling of leather and many more. There are ten cool projects
students can choose to make: Tool Box, Candle, Peg Puzzle
Game, Plastic & Leather Key chains, Sheet metal Tray, Wall
Sign, Screw Driver, Tape Dispenser, Sign Scrolls, and Pen
Base with Insert. For more information about The Parke
System of Material Processing® visit
www.theparkesystem.com
• Family and Consumer Science Options •
Exploring Foods
In this quarter long course, students will explore the areas of
food and nutrition. The need for students to take

ELECTIVE CLASSES
• Computer Options •
Dig Into Computers
This class will dig into different pieces of hardware, software,
and other technology. As the world's technology changes,
impacting the critical skills you need to succeed in the
classroom, workplace, or in life, this is the class to help you
succeed. Successful completion of this course ensures you
have the knowledge and skills required for basic use of
computer hardware, software, networks, and the Internet.
Programming
Ever wondered how to make a program work on a computer?
Then this is the class for you. Using programming language,
BASIC, students will construct graphics and games. This class
will dive into the how and why those programs work.
• Music Options •
Exploring Music 8
If you like music, but don't want to perform, this class is for
you! We will learn music history, from Mozart to Michael
Jackson, from jazz to Jay-Z and instruments from the string
bass to the electric guitar. Students will learn a basic
understanding of music notation and how music is 'created' in
the studio. We will also listen to a wide variety of music,
including music of the student's choice.
Band
8th grade Band is awesome! Band meets every other day and
students will present two required evening performances.
Students will also take a field trip to the high school to
perform on the Mraz Center stage. Band members will study
a wide variety of music. This elective will help build
teamwork skills and will develop individual musicianship.
Prerequisite: 7th grade band or instructor approval.
Chorus
Boys Chorus and Girls Chorus - “Come and join in the chorus,
the mighty, mighty chorus!” If you love to sing in the shower
or in your room at the top of your lungs…or even if you have
little or no experience singing, give this elective a try. Since
boys and girls voices are so different at this grade level, each
gets their own choir! This elective will help build teamwork
skills as students learn techniques of vocal music and perform
in two required concerts. CHOIR ROCKS!
Orchestra
Orchestra will teach students the fundamentals of playing in a
musical ensemble. They will learn the techniques to perform
on their instruments and learn the historical, theoretical and
community aspects that go into a polished performance. In
essence students will learn the "behind the scenes" aspects of
performing.
• Physical Education Options •
Recreational Sports and Fitness
Choose this course if you want to play sports for fun. This
course could include but will not be limited to the following
activities: badminton, tennis, soccer, touch football, softball,
weight training, volleyball, floor hockey and basketball.
Advanced Sports and Fitness
This course is for the more competitive physical education
student. This course could include but will not be limited to
the following activities: badminton, tennis, soccer, touch
football, volleyball, floor hockey, basketball, softball, and
weight training. For some sports a mouth guard is highly
recommended due to limited body contact. Prerequisite:
Successful completion of prior physical education classes and
instructor approval.
• World Language Options •
Note: Eighth grade students can take first year World
Language. If students take a world language and also take
band or choir, they are waived from the exploratory block of
required classes. All other students are required to take the
required exploratory block.
Note: Students who take a world language without taking
music will be waived from physical education.
Note: Students who do not plan to take five years of a world
language, are below grade level in reading and writing,
and/or have struggled academically in seventh grade are
encouraged to wait and begin their language study in 9th
grade.
French I, Spanish I
Bonjour . . . Hola. Learning a new language is fun! The
focus of the curriculum is communication, culture, and
grammar. Material is reinforced through meaningful reading,
writing, listening, and speaking activities in the target language.
Concepts are introduced and practiced by role playing, group
projects, partner activities, and independent work.