Grades 6–8

ENGLISH 6

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of informational texts related to historical topics. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 6th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 6 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

MATH 6

Semester A: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring geometry through the study of area and surface area of figures. They then move into a study of ratios, unit rates, unit pricing, and percentages. The semester concludes with an in- depth dive into dividing fractions, focusing not only on algorithms, but also conceptualizing and applying this skill. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

Semester B: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course. Students begin this semester by exploring decimals, and learn how to perform operations with decimals in context of real- world situations and problems. They then begin to delve into algebraic concepts such as expressions, expressions with exponents, and equations with one variable. Students begin to learn about negative numbers and plot positive and negative numbers on a coordinate grid. Finally, students explore data analysis and statistical questions through the study of dot plots, histograms, median, IQR, and measures of center. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE 6

In this inquiry-based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

Students begin the semester with a study of light and matter, exploring the phenomenon of one- way mirrors which act as both a window and a mirror. They will investigate how light transmission and reflection impacts how we see an object. Next, they will study thermal energy and learn how containers can keep materials hot or cold. During this study, they will investigate closed and open systems and the movement of particles. Finally, they will learn about cells and systems. Students will explore the systems of the body and investigate how we heal from injuries at a cellular level. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES 6

The course recounts important historical themes and events in world history from the ancient world to the Medieval era. Topics include the following:

• Complex societies developed independently in different cradles of civilization, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and Mesoamerica.
• Ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundations for Western civilization.
• The modern world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam have their roots in ancient and medieval civilizations.
• China introduced the world to new technologies—for example, silk making, paper, gunpowder, and new philosophies, such as Confucianism and Daoism.
• Mesoamerica and South America were home to developed civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca before the arrival of European conquerors.
• The African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai dominated West Africa during Europe’s medieval period.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, evaluating and using primary and secondary sources, and developing logical arguments. Additionally, special topics, like ecotourism, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

ENGLISH 7

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student- friendly version of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Shakespeare’s The Tempest and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 7th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 7 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

MATH 7

Semester A – In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring relationships between figures as they examine scaled copies and scale drawings. This transitions into learning about proportional and nonproportional relationships as well as how to represent proportional relationships with tables, graphs, and equations. Next, students learn about relationships within circles: measuring circles and finding the area and circumference of a circle. Finally, students conclude their study of proportional relationships by studying proportional relationships with fractions, percent increase and decrease, and application of percentages. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

Semester B – In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin this semester with rational number arithmetic, learning how to interpret negative numbers and complete all 4 operations with rational numbers. They are also introduced to solving equations with negative numbers. Next, students apply their skills to solving expressions, equations, and inequalities, as well as writing equivalent expressions. Students then transition to geometry, working with angles, triangles, and prisms. They study relationships between angles and learn how to draw figures with given specifications. The course concludes with a study of probability of single- and multi- step events and sampling. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE 7

In this inquiry- based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs. This semester begins with an investigation of bath bombs and the chemical reactions that happen when they are placed in water. Students will learn how matter can change forms while total mass remains the same. Next, students continue their study of chemical reactions as they learn about chemical reactions and energy. They investigate how to heat up food and how to create a flameless heater. Finally, they will explore ecosystems and how changing an ecosystem impacts living things. They will study the impact of various products on rainforests and on the plant and animal life within them. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES 7

The World History 2 course recounts important historical themes and events in world history from the Renaissance to modern day. Topics include the following:

• The Renaissance marked a renewed interest in the past as well as exploration of philosophy and artistic styles.
• The Protestant Reformation and the Counter- Reformation transformed European religion and politics.
• Interest in Asian trade and the development of new technologies sparked European exploration and colonization.
• During the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Western scientists and thinkers applied reason and systematic study to seek to understand the physical world, human nature, and society.
• World War I was shaped by new technologies such as tanks, machine guns, and poison gas.
• World War II was a global effort to stop German expansionism in Europe and Japanese expansionism in Asia.
• After World War II, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union helped shape events in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
• The dissolution of colonial empires after World War II included conflicts in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
• The early twenty- first century has been shaped by globalization, migration, terrorism, regional conflict, eradication of disease, and climate change.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, analyzing visual sources, and developing logical arguments. Additionally, special topics, like chronological thinking, fact versus opinion, analyzing continuity and change, cultural diffusion and economic specialization, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

ENGLISH 8

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student- friendly version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 8th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, and reading. Grade 8 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

MATH 8

Semester A – In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

This semester begins with an in- depth study of transformations. Students first learn about rigid transformations and congruence of shapes and angles in triangles. They then expand this knowledge to work with dilations and similarity of figures. Next, they begin to explore linear relationships as they find slopes and solve and graph linear equations. Finally, students learn more about linear equations in one variable and are introduced to systems of linear equations. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

Semester B – In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

This semester begins with an in- depth study of functions as students learn to represent and interpret functions. Students evaluate linear functions and apply them to rates of change. They then shift to geometry skills, working to find the volume of cones, cylinders, and spheres. Next, students analyze data by looking for associations, analyzing patterns, and trends. Students then review previous learning about exponents, learn about rules of exponents, and apply exponents to scientific notation. Finally, students apply computational skills to geometric figures, work with the Pythagorean Theorem and find side lengths and volume of cubes. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE 8

In this inquiry- based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

This semester begins with a study of motion and contact forces. Students will investigate how changing the mass or speed of an object can affect forces in a collision, as well as learn ways to protect objects in a collision. Next, students investigate sound and how sounds can make matter move. They study sound waves and frequency and examine the effects of different pitches and volumes of sounds. Finally, students continue their study of forces by investigating magnets and the forces that they can apply on objects. They investigate magnetic fields, energy transfer, and the force pairs in magnetic fields. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8

The U.S. History 1 course recounts important historical themes and events in United States history from the precolonial era to the 1800s. Topics include the following:

• Theories of how the Americas were inhabited by diverse indigenous peoples.
• How the thirteen English colonies were established.
• How the Americans fought the British for liberty and justice.
• The creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights soon after America’s independence from England, and the U.S. became the first country to create a government of the people.
• Compromise over the issue of slavery eventually led to the Civil War.
• The Westward expansion of the United States provided economic opportunity for many and contributed to the growth of the nation, but it came at the price of Native- American sovereignty.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, evaluating and using primary and secondary sources, determining credibility or bias when gathering evidence, and developing claims and counterclaims. Additionally, special topics, like the electoral college, are introduced and examined.Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

The U.S. History 2 course recounts important historical themes and events in modern United States history from the late 1800s to the 2000s. Topics include the following:

• The U.S. became a world power during the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period marked by immigration, industrialization, and urbanization.
• The U.S. experienced economic, technological, scientific, and social changes during the 1900s.
• The U.S. supported the Allies in World War I.
• The U.S. experienced highs and lows during the Roaring Twenties, the stock market crash, and the Great Depression.
• The U.S. entered World War II after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
• The U.S. developed the atomic bomb.
• The U.S. and the Soviet Union competed for global influence during the Cold War.
• The 1960s and 1970s were decades of social change.
• The 1980s and 1990s saw economic growth and involvement in regional conflicts.
• The early 2000s brought economic, environmental, political, and international challenges, including 9/11 and the war in Iraq.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, problem solving, constructing historical arguments using reasoning, evaluating primary sources from multiple perspectives, distinguishing fact from opinion, and developing claims and counterclaims. Additionally, special topics, like analyzing political cartoons, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

Physical Education

Physical Education is intended to help students maintain an active lifestyle by presenting multiple activities to incorporate in a weekly activity log. Each week, students are provided with three activities including a warm-up activity, an aerobic activity, and a cool-down activity. Students are expected to incorporate those three activities, as well as activities of their own choice, to complete the required number of activity minutes weekly.

MS 2D Studio Art

Do you like to draw, paint, or take pictures? Whatever medium you prefer, this course will teach you the design elements and principles needed to create a work of art and explore your artistic inspirations. You’ll also travel back in time to look at art in different cultures and learn about the art of critiquing. Let’s turn your creative dreams into reality!

Health

Our middle school health courses will help the student understand the importance of making decisions that will affect his or her physical, emotional, mental and social health. This course will provide students with the knowledge and resources they will need to make responsible informed decisions about their health. Students will have an opportunity to evaluate their own values, opinions and attitudes about health.