Course Outlines

Other important locations for curriculum information (external links):

Grade 6

Math

The sixth grade uses the middle grade mathematics curriculum. This curriculum is designed to help all students develop their mathematical understanding and ability using a variety of instructional techniques, including diverse and real world problems to motivate the students. the materials stress not only key mathematical skills such as fractions, decimals, geometric, and algebraic thinking, but also the importance of problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking. You should expect to see homework assignments following each class.

Science

The sixth grade science program is built upon the use of the scientific method of experimentation and data analysis to understand some of the basic principles of the natural world. Emphasis is placed upon making predictions (hypothesizing) and testing the validity (experimenting) of these predictions.
The six book series uses in the course explores the dynamic relationships between the plant and animal kingdoms in a variety of environments (land, sea, air). this includes studying how weather and climate form the natural balance within an environment. the series also examines how human interaction can change the natural balance of any environment.

A variety of abstract science ideas are demonstrated and recreated by students so that they can easily grasp and understand such complex ideas as adaptation, energy and buoyancy. These activities aid students in understanding how basic principles of science exist and are at work in the world around them.

Social Studies

The sixth grade social studies curriculum focuses around the study of the world. It includes unit of study relative to early civilizations and countries of the world. The course will begin with the study of prehistory and move into the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, Greece, rome, China, India and beyond. The students compare ancient civilizations and cultures, create various maps, locate various geographic features and explain their relationships within the ecosystem. They describe ways that historical events and cultures have influenced national and global settings. The students will investigate these relationships in a variety of ways including class discussion, textbooks, group projects and research activities.

Language Arts

Sixth grade Language Arts covers reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, speaking and listening skills. Each quarter we will cover one of the Literacy Place units. Other activities such as research papers, giving speeches, reading short stories and novels will supplement the textbook materials. The Accelerated Reader (AR) program is also an integral part of sixth grade Language Arts. Students are required to read a variety of books, then test their comprehension levels using the AR computer tests.

READ 180

Students in Read 180 are preselected according to reading ability as determined by Terra Nova scores, SRI scores, and teacher recommendation. Read 180 is a computer based program that 'delivers individual, adjusted reading instructions to move students toward grade level.' The program is comprised of Reading passages, comprehension skills, and vocabulary skills.

Grade 7

Math

This course will help you learn all the important middle grades concepts and skills that prepare you for high school and beyond. Math Thematics 7 develops the reasoning, problem solving, and communication skills that enable you to apply mathematics to real life activities. Emphasis is placed on solving real life problems involving ratios, per cents, proportions, probability, statistics, and rational numbers. The student will be actively involved in exploring, modeling and communicating mathematics using a variety of tools, including technology, when appropriate.

Science

This is a full year course for Seventh Graders. The course consists of topics related to the Physical (50%), Life (25%), and Earth (25%) Sciences as set forth in the National Science Standards and District Standards. Instruction involves students using hands-on, inquiry-based, activities incorporating the use of technologies related to the concepts being taught. Concepts are presented thematically in an organized framework. A variety of evaluative techniques are used to assess student learning, to include: tests, quizzes, labwork, group projects, classwork, homework, practical and oral exams.

Social Studies

Students learn how to use maps, globes, and other graphic tools and technologies to acquire and report information about communities that share our earth. Students are introduced to the five themes of geography: Location, Place, Human-Environmental Interaction, Region and Transportation.

Students understand how the earth was formed and how the natural resources in a particular region influence the types of homes, jobs, and art within a nation or community. It also influences the various modes of transportation, types of communication, the strength of an economy and the richness of its culture.

Students learn to take notes and organize their information into essay form. There are plenty of hands on type of activities that bring the beauty and excitement of each continent alive for middle school students.

Language Arts

Language Arts 7 is designed to strengthen the students' skills in listening, speaking writing, literature and language. The content includes developing an understanding of listening responsibility, a tolerance for other points of view, and knowledge of various listening techniques for various situations; using standard English in classroom situations; developing an appreciation for the importance of speech in problem solving and the importance os skill in organizing information, thoughts, and ideas logically, leading to clear, concise oral presentations; practicing the process of composition, including prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, and publishing; writing in complete sentences; using proofreading skills to correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar and usage in final drafts; experiencing different types of literature; applying information found in the dictionary and the thesaurus; using the media center research facilities; and reading self-selected books to help students learn to view reading as a useful and pleasurable activity.

AVID 7

Students enrolled in AVID are pre-selected based on grade point average of 2.0-3.0, a good attendance record, determination to keep good work habits, and a willingness to complete all homework. AVID students have a desire to complete a 4 year college and agree to take rigorous courses at the middle school such as Algebra and German.

AVAVID is a 36- week elective course. AVID is a language arts based curriculum with emphasis on the writing process and writing as a tool for learning. In addition to inquiry and collaboration, AVID also provides students with academic survival skills, i.e., time management, note taking, textbook reading, library research, test taking skills, and study skills. The Cornell note taking system is taught and students are expected to use this system in all classes. Students will also receive instruction in tutor leading groups. Field trips are an important aspect of this program. Students will be required to maintain an AVID notebook.

Grades will be based on daily assignments, the quality of the notebook and Cornell notes, class participation in tutorial groups, and writing projects.

The goal of the AVID program is to prepare students to enter and be successful in four year colleges and universities.

READ 180

Grade 8

Math

Mathematics 8

This course places emphasis on the core concepts of algebraic and geometric reasoning. Topics presented include computation of rational numbers, solving equalities and inequalities, measurement, graphing, and the use of probability and statistics. Lessons are designed to help students develop the reasoning, problem solving, and communication skills that enable them to apply mathematics to real-life activities.

Algebra I

This course expands the basic algebraic concepts previously acquired and integrates those principles with real-life activities. Students use formulas, functions, and equations to describe and clarify relationships. Tables and graphs are used to interpret algebraic expressions and to analyze equations. Students learn to communicate using the language and symbols of mathematics when discussing problems and problem solving methods. Successful completion of this course will result in high school credit.

Science

This course uses the text, Glencoe Science, blue edition, which explores the relationship between science and technology, and their effect on society. The Science course is designed to provide students with the major process skills they need to truly understand and apply science as they integrate important concepts from the content areas of life, physical, chemical and earth science.

These goals are met by the extensive use of hands on experimentation, microcomputer based experimentation, information researching in the information center, information processing in computer laboratory through Power Point presentations and creation of web pages, and visual aids presented throughout the text.

Social Studies

This U. S. History course places emphasis on the The First Americans, Colonialism, Independence, Formation of a New Nation, Expansion, The Civil War and Reconstruction. Instructional activities include: the textbook, skills in geography, interpreting charts and graphs, cause and effect, comparison and contrast, role playing, research and formal presentations. The grade is based on class participation and note taking, vocabulary, quizzes, short term projects, major projects, and tests based on the text.

Language Arts

Language Arts is designed to strengthen students' skills in listening, speaking, writing, literature, and language. The content includes, but is not limited to, writing from information received aurally; differentiating between emotional and intellectual arguments in a written or spoken or written discussion; knowing and inference in spoken and written language; writing coherent answers on essay tests; writing narrative and description writing; using parts of speech correctly in final written drafts; and reading and reviewing and reading self selected books to help them learn to view reading as a useful and pleasurable activity.

READ 180

AVID 8

AVID is a 36- week elective course. AVID is a language arts based curriculum with emphasis on the writing process and writing as a tool for learning. In addition to inquiry and collaboration, AVID also provides students with academic survival skills, i.e., time management, note taking, textbook reading, library research, test taking skills, and study skills. The Cornell note taking system is taught and students are expected to use this system in all classes. Students will also receive instruction in tutor leading groups. Field trips are an important aspect of this program. Students will be required to maintain an AVID notebook.

Grades will be based on daily assignments, the quality of the notebook and Cornell notes, class participation in tutorial groups, and writing projects.

The goal of the AVID program is to prepare students to enter and be successful in four year colleges and universities.

Encore Subjects

Art 6

Art for sixth grade is an exploratory class. For one quarter, students will be introduced to the basic elements and principles of design while engaging in drawing, painting and sculpture. Artists and cultures are included.

Art 7

Art for seventh grade is a more in depth exploration of the elements and principles of design. Students engage in drawing, painting, print making, sculpture and ceramics and computer graphics. A study of artists and cultures is interwoven into the course.

Art 8

Art for eighth grade takes students further into explorations of art materials--a review of elements and principles of design is integrated with the production of art. Drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and computer graphics are used to study artists, art history and cultures.

Creative Thinking

Creative Thinking is an elective course for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. In sixth grade, it is a quarter course on the elective wheel. In seventh and eighth grades, it is a semester course. Students are engaged in activities designed to promote right-brain, creative thinking. Students learn about the parts of the brain, left vs. right brain thinking, and expanding logical thinking skills. Assignments include experiments designed to fool the senses including visual, auditory, and tactile illusions, as well as logic problems designed to promote analytical thinking. Grades are based on project completion and class participation.

Drama

This is an eighteen-week course for seventh and eighth grade students, and a nine-week course for sixth graders. It is designed to steer students toward a greater appreciation for , and a love for drama and its different types by making it their own through active participation. Students will have an opportunity to view and critique plays and other artistic performances. They will also learn and be able to use theatrical terms. Units covering production staff and functions behind the set will be studied. The evaluation of students will be in four areas: Daily Average 25%, Tests and Quizzes 25%, Class Participation 40%, Homework 10%.

ESL

The English as a Second Language program provides the English language learner (ELL) with full access to the curriculum through a continuum of service options. The overall program goal is to increase the student’s English language skills so his/her academic performance is equivalent to native English speakers of the same age and grade level.

Placement and the type and level of ESL services vary since their design depends on the individual student’s needs, parent request, and the recommendation of teachers and counselors. ESL services may include in-class assistance, a pullout program, consultation, or a combination of different service delivery models.

DoDEA has established a uniform procedure for the identification of language minority students. The procedure begins with the completion of the Home Language Survey (HLS) or with the submission of a referral. All sponsors must complete the HLS at the time of registration. The school registrar provides the ESL teacher with a copy of any HLS on which the sponsor has indicated that a language other than English is spoken in the home. The ESL teacher reviews the educational records of all potential ELL’s. Based on this review, the ESL teacher compiles a list of all students with possible ESL needs, interviews those students, administers a DoDEA approved language proficiency assessment, and notifies parents to discuss placement options

Foreign Language Program

The Department of Defense Dependents Education Activity (DoDEA) Foreign Language program prepares students to meet the ever-increasing demands of an interdependent world community. The goal is to develop and improve students speaking, listening, and understanding skills during their language studies, with special emphasis on speaking.

6^th grade: Exploring Foreign Language: German and Spanish

Exploring

Foreign Language

The nine-week course introduces sixth grade students to the German and Spanish languages. Students learn some basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures from everyday situations. Pronunciation is practiced at a basic level and short, situational role-plays help the students get an idea of what it is like to communicate in a foreign language. Culture and way of life are also an issue to help students understand and appreciate the target culture. The course is designed to give the students a first impression of foreign language and help them choose their electives in grade 7.

Two years of a foreign language are required for high school graduation and for college or university entrance. Level 1 and Level 2 foreign language courses (below) receive high school credit. That is to say, these are high school classes, and the grades earned will be on the student’s high school transcript! The expectations and requirements of these preparatory classes are therefore higher than those of ordinary middle school classes. Middle school students should not enter into these classes lightly, rather they should be prepared to engage in rigorous, autonomous academic study.

7^th grade: German 1 and Spanish 1

Foreign Language

Level 1

In Level I, students develop speaking, listening, and understanding skills that will enable them to function in everyday situations. The student also develops reading and writing skills appropriate to the level of study, The student demonstrates an appreciation of the culture and people of the target language.

Speaking, listening, and understanding are fundamental processes which people use to express, explore, and learn about ideas. The student speaks and understands the target language as a result of various instructional strategies focusing on oral proficiency. These include use of the target language in familiar situations to enhance vocabulary development and oral proficiency skills.

8^th grade: German 2 and Spanish 2

Foreign Language

Level 2

In Level II, students continue to develop oral proficiency skills. Students continue to develop reading and writing skills appropriate to the level of study. Students continue to demonstrate an appreciation of the culture and people of the target language. Reading is a process of understanding the written target language. It requires students to recognize the printed word, interpret the text, and demonstrates comprehension of the text in the target language. Writing is a process through which the writer shapes the target language to communicate effectively.

Health, Exploratory

This is a nine-week health course that is designed to help all students develop health habits and attitudes that will last a lifetime. Students are motivated to become responsible for their own health as they learn the connection between establishing good health habits now and enjoying their lives in the future. The content health areas are growth/development, substance use/abuse, mental/emotional, family/social, and disease/ disorder.

Evaluation Techniques: Student attainment of course objectives will be evaluated through written and oral examinations, individual and group projects, and class participation.

Home Economics Exploratory

This is a nine-week wheel class offered to sixth grade students. Basic kitchen operations like identification and proper use of small equipment, safety use of knives, stoves, small appliances, etc. will be studied. Simple recipes will be read, analyzed, and prepared. Units will be covered to help students learn more about themselves and getting along with others.

The evaluation of students will be in four areas: Daily Average 25%; Tests and quizzes 25%; Class Participation 40%; Homework 10%.

Home Economics

This is an eighteen-week course for seventh and eighth grade students. Students new to Home Economics, and those with some knowledge of the subject will benefit from this course. It is designed to begin where mere basic skills end. Units covered will be in such areas as food preparation, sewing, environmental resources, and family and peer relationships. The evaluation of students will be in four areas: Daily Average 25%, Tests and Quizzes 25%, Class Participation 40%, Homework 10%.

Information Center Program

The objective of the Information Center is to provide access to information in its many print and non-print formats and to work with teachers to help students become independent, information-literate, lifelong learners. This information literacy--the ability to find and use information--is the keystone to lifelong learning.

Keyboarding A

This is a nine-week course in the sixth grade to introduce students to the keyboard. By the end of the course, the student should be able to type at a rate of 25 words per minute with 95% accuracy, using the correct technique.

Technology Applications

This is an eighteen-week elective for seventh and eighth graders. Students learn basic computer applications such as word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, and presentation programs. Keyboarding skills are introduced or maintained and improved. Students also study a variety of textbook topics such as parts of a computer, history of computers, how a computer works, peripherals for input and output, careers in computers, and ethics.

10/15/07

Course Outlines

Grade 6

Math

Science

Social Studies

Language Arts

Grade 7

Math

Science

Social Studies

Language Arts

AVID 7

Grade 8

Math

Science

Social Studies

Language Arts

AVID 8

Encore Subjects

Art 6

Art 7

Art 8

Creative Thinking

Drama

ESL

Foreign Language Program

6th grade: Exploring Foreign Language: German and Spanish

7th grade: German 1 and Spanish 1

Health, Exploratory

Home Economics Exploratory

Information Center Program

Keyboarding A

Technology Applications

6^th grade: Exploring Foreign Language: German and Spanish

7^th grade: German 1 and Spanish 1