Seventh and Eighth Grade Language Arts

These core classes teach traditional grammar and mechanics (spelling, capitalization, and punctuation), which are applied in the writing process. Narrative, persuasive, and classificatory composition modes are practiced, as well as research paper content and form. All basic reading skills are taught using a variety of sources, such as literature books, novels, magazines and newspapers. All TAAS objectives and essential elements specified for these grade levels are taught.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Pre-Advanced Placement Language Arts

These courses are available to qualifying students who wish to study more challenging course work than regular Language Arts. In addition to knowledge and skills taught in the regular Language Arts courses, these courses also include an SAT-correlated vocablary program and special projects (differing by teacher) and the knowledge and skills necessary for success in later Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement English courses.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Reading

This is a literature based course that covers all basic reading skills, including those objectives specified for the TAAS test. A variety of sources are used to teach the skills, such as literature books, novels, magazines, and newspapers. Accelerated Reader, a computerized system that tests students over novels, is used also to enhance student reading abilities.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Reading Improvement 

This course is a slower-paced version of regular reading, with a stronger emphasis on TAAS reading objectives. Students are placed in this course based on a below 70 percentage on the previous year's TAAS test.

Eighth Grade American History

American History provides an in depth examination of American history from earliest times through the present with emphasis on events through the Civil War and reconstruction. We identify major themes in American history and explain their importance at each stage of development of the nation. We also try to convey a sense of the breadth of experience and influence that have shaped the United States.

Seventh Grade Honors Texas History

Texas history presents the stories of people, events, and institutions from the states earliest civilizations to modern times. People's beliefs, the ways they meet their economic need, the social and political institutions they form, and the culture they transmit from one generation to another are all a part of Texas history. There will also be special emphasis on geography which tells the story of where events took place and the interactions between people and places. This is a project-driven class with a strong emphasis on research and writing skills. 

Seventh Grade History;

Texas history presents the unfolding story of Texas from earliest civilizations to modern times. Special emphasis will be given to the study of specific terms and events, including: geography, Spanish exploration and settlement, Stephen F. Austin and Anglo-Amercian colonization, the Texas Revolution, the Republic of Texas, and the many ethnic and cultural groups represented in Texas.

Math - Deana Seidel, Department Head

Seventh Grade Math

This course provides for the use of problem solving approaches to understand and practice regular mathematical concepts. TAAS preparation is emphasized throughout the year and pre-algebra concepts are introduced.

Seventh Grade Honors Math

This course provides the guidance for a full year of the fundamentals for mathematical operations and the basic topics of beginning math are examined. Major emphasis is placed on solving algebraic equations in solving whole numbers decimals, fractions, percents and integers. Word problems and problem solving strategies are equally emphasized. Testing strategies and preparation for the TAAS test are continually practiced throughout the year. Successful completion of this course is highly recommended before taking eighth grade algebra.

Honors Math 8 

Eighth grade Honors Math is a course designed to give high school Algebra I credit. Because students will be required to take a state mandated end-of-year Algebra test, the following objectives will be covered: review of prealgebra concepts, functions and their graphs, algebraic concepts and simple equations, equations and inequalities, graphing and writing linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and functions, exponents and exponential functions, right triangles and radical expressions, polynomials, and rational expressions and functions. 

Eighth Grade Math PreAlgebra

This course provides for the use of problem solving approaches to understand and practice regular meathematical concepts. TAAS preparation is emphasized throughout the year and prealgebra concepts are covered in depth.

Seventh Grade Science

This course uses a lab and lecture approach to introduce students to the general science concepts of systems, change, patterns, interactions, and cycles centering content around living organisms. Basic topics in physical science, ecology, and biology will be covered.

Eighth Grade Science

This course uses a laboratory and lecture approach to introduce the general science themes of systems, change, patterns, interactions, and cycles centering content around the Earth and environmental processes. Basic topics in geology, astronomy, meteorology, chemistry, and oceanography will be covered.

Seventh Grade Honors Science

This course is designed to present ninth grade level biological education by structuring its content around the major themes in biology. The concepts of systems, change, patterns, interactions, and cycles of living organism will be covered. Subject matter will be examined at a greater depth and an emphasis will be placed on higher level and critical thinking skills. The topics will be examined through both lecture and laboratory. Students will use the Bastrop High School Biology book and will take the Biology End-of-Course Exam in Spring. Prerequisite: BMS Honors requirements for science

Eighth Grade Honors Science

A lecture/laboratory-oriented course which includes all the concepts of regular grade science with a greater depth of subject matter and an emphasis on higher level and critical thinking skills. Topics in geology, astronomy, meteorology, chemistry, and oceanography will be covered. Prerequisite: BMS Honors requirements for science