Current Events Program Goals and Objectives
Grade Level 8

About the Current Events Program
The Current Events Program teaches students about the dangers of the loss of biodiversity to human health and gives them a chance to learn about population growth, climate change, air and water quality, waste disposal and energy consumption in fun and engaging ways. We want students to understand that everything they throw away goes somewhere and that every action they take affects something else. We want them to know what they can do to conserve our environment, and in doing so, our way of life. But most importantly, after learning about the threats to our global environment, we want students to feel empowered, not afraid. Because of the complex and scientific nature of this program, we are offering these brand new classes only to groups of students 6th grade and older.

Main Curriculum Area: Science
Other Curriculum Areas: Social Studies, English
Grade Level: 8

Primary Goals and Objectives:
These objectives will be covered during all Current Events Program classes. Some objectives are more specific to one habitat than another, so if your schedule does not allow you to take all offered classes, or if there are particular objectives that you want to make sure we cover, please let us know what your specific needs are.

Science Competency
Goal 1		 The learner will build an understanding of the hydrosphere.

Objectives
1.01 Explain the composition, properties, and structure of the hydrosphere.

1.02 Analyze hydrospheric data over time to predict the health of a water system:

  • Temperature.
  • Dissolved oxygen.
  • pH.
  • Alkalinity.
  • Nitrates.

1.03 Evaluate evidence that Earth's oceans are a reservoir of nutrients, minerals, dissolved gases, and life forms.

1.04 Assess human impact on water quality.

1.05 Evaluate the effects of point and non-point sources of pollution on North Carolina water.

Science Competency
Goal 2		 The learner will build an understanding of population dynamics.

Objectives

2.01 Evaluate data related to population growth, along with problems and solutions:

  • Waste disposal.
  • Food supplies.
  • Disease control.
  • Resource availability.
  • Transportation.

2.02 Conclude that some ecosystem resources are finite.

2.03 Explain how changes in habitat may affect organisms.

2.04 Analyze practices that affect the use, availability, and management of natural resources:

  • Land use.
  • Urban growth.
  • Manufacturing.
Science Competency
Goal 3		 The learner will build an understanding of evidence of change or constancy in organisms and landforms over time.

3.02 Evaluate evolutionary theories and processes:

  • Biological.
  • Geological.
  • Technological.

3.04 Evaluate the forces which shape the lithosphere:

  • Constructive.
  • Destructive.

3.06 Analyze factors that determine Earth's climate.

Social Studies Competency
Goal 1		 Impact of Geography
The learner will assess the influence of geography on the economic, social, and political development of North Carolina.

1.1 Determine the absolute and relative location of physical and cultural features.

1.2 Describe the physical and cultural aspects of North Carolina places.

1.3 Analyze ways North Carolinians have modified, used, and adapted to the physical environment.

Social Studies Competency
Goal 8		 Impact of Industrialization
The learner will evaluate the effects of national economic, social, and political change on North Carolina and the South in the late nineteenth century.

8.1 Describe basic business organizations developed in the late nineteenth century and assess their impact on North Carolina.

Social Studies Competency
Goal 11		 Impact of Changes Since 1945
The learner will judge the continuing significance of social, economic, and political changes since 1945 and draw conclusions about their effects on contemporary life.

11.2 Evaluate the importance of technological innovations and advances on quality of life in North Carolina and the nation.

English Competency
Goal 1		 The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

Objectives
1.01 Narrate a personal account which:
  • establishes a point of view and sharpens focus.
  • uses remembered feelings.
  • selects details that best illuminate the topic.
  • connects events to self/society.
1.03 Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:
  • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
  • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues.
  • appraising changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • evaluating personal circumstances and background that shape interaction with text.
English Competency
Goal 2		 The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

Objectives
2.01 Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
  • summarizing information.
  • determining the importance of information.
  • making connections to related topics/information.
  • monitoring comprehension.
  • drawing inferences.
  • generating questions.
  • extending ideas.
English Competency
Goal 3		 The learner will continue to refine the understanding and use of argument.

Objectives
3.02 Refine the use of the problem-solution process by:
  • evaluating problems and solutions within various texts and situations.
  • utilizing the problem-solution process within various contexts/situations.
English Competency
Goal 4		 The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and apply criteria to evaluate text and multimedia.

Objectives
4.01 Analyze the purpose of the author or creator and the impact of that purpose by:
  • evaluating any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, or propaganda techniques.
  • evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
4.02 Develop (with limited assistance) and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of the communication by:
  • drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information.
  • considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions.

4.03 Use the stance of a critic to:

  • consider alternative points of view or reasons.
  • remain fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
  • construct or review.
English Competency
Goal 6		 The learner will apply conventions of application of grammar and language usage.


Objectives
6.01 Model an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression by:

  • determining the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words using context clues, a dictionary, a glossary, a thesaurus, and/or structural analysis (roots, prefixes, suffixes) of words.
  • extending vocabulary knowledge by learning and using new words.