LANGUAGES

SCIENCE 6 (3000) Grade 6

In sixth grade, there is an emphasis on the hands-on exploration of scientific concepts and the way science is related to everyday life. Students use laboratory activities and projects to develop an understanding of concepts and vocabulary. They apply the scientific method with a focus on asking questions, forming hypotheses, analyzing data, and using and identifying variables in experiments. Application of reading and writing skills, interdisciplinary work and awareness of current issues are also part of the 6th grade curriculum. Specific curricular topics include evolution, an introduction to chemistry, An Introduction To Physics, A Cross-Curricular Identity Unit, and a culminating unit called experimental design and data analysis.

ECO SCIENCE 7 (3107) Grade 7

Eco Science continues to further students’ understanding of the scientific process through investigations and hands-on experiences. Students will analyze the environmental interactions, ecological impacts, and the interconnectivity of all living things. Students apply acquired knowledge and skills to real-world environmental issues. Key topics include the water cycle, biomes, food webs, trophic levels, lab skills, and problem solving. Introduction to fieldwork takes advantage of several local environments, including the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, the Hudson River, a local water treatment plant, and a yearly overnight trip to Shelter Island. Students exercise choice and passion when researching, creating, and presenting extensive studies including a look at endangered, threatened, or invasive species, an investigation of major water quality issues in the area, and the emerging technological solutions to solve the world’s ecological problems. Students leave the year with an enthusiasm for getting involved and making a difference in the world around them.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 8 (3208) Grade 8

Energy is the capacity to perform work, or in other words, create some sort of change. Through the study of astronomy, chemistry, physics, and robotics, the eighth grade science curriculum looks at the importance of energy in our world, how it manifests, where we can observe it, and where we cannot. Students will hone their skills in observation, questioning and analysis, as they begin to understand the role that energy plays in our daily activities, our society, the world, and our universe. Their curiosity about the physical and natural world is cultivated with a hands-on approach to science. Students will take data and measurements, analyze and interpret their results, and practice communicating their results through writing, speaking, creating data tables, and graphing. As the role of energy is central to understanding the universe as well as everyday phenomena, it will serve as a thematic backdrop to each concept covered.

All students in the Middle School are required to take one language. Students who demonstrate a proficiency in languages may elect to take a second language beginning in 7th grade.

LATIN 7, 8, AND 8 ADVANCED (4101) (4201) (4210) Grades 7-8

The Latin program in the Middle School serves to introduce students to material at once familiar and foreign. Students will find numerous similarities between Latin and English vocabulary words; on the basis of these similarities they will begin a study of word construction that builds a strong foundation for their study of modern languages and facilitates acquisition of a complex and sophisticated English vocabulary. In the study of Latin sentence structure they will develop their metacognitive skills by exploring the possibilities of an inflected language, as well as reinforcing their understanding of basic language structure. Through the continuous reading of Latin texts, as well as supplementary materials in English, students become acquainted with Roman daily life, history, and culture. The two-year sequence allows students to advance to Latin Level Two in the Upper School language program.

LATIN: MIDDLE SCHOOL 8 (4308) Grade 8

Latin (4308), combined with US Latin (4300), uses a grammatical approach in which reading serves to build basic translation skills. The readings underline the similarities in grammar and vocabulary between Latin and English and provide an introduction to the culture of the Roman people in the first century C.E. This is a course for eighth grade students who have never before studied Latin. The course completes the first year of Upper School Latin.

FRENCH AND SPANISH

testing materials, maps and slides. Target language videos and videotaping, film and Internet are also used as aids in instruction. These aids also help to create an atmosphere of the target language and of cultural immersion within the classroom.

Maximum use of the target language is encouraged in all modern language classes. These language courses teach and reinforce grammatical structures and vocabulary, involve students in the practical use of the language in everyday situations and acquaint students with the cultures of French and Spanish speaking countries. They are also the foundation courses necessary for higher-level academic study and instruction aimed at using the language for professional purposes. The students engage in cooperative small group work and oral presentations. The course descriptions below give further information specific to the level of instruction.

FRENCH 6 (5106) Grade 6

This sixth grade language program studies the sound system of French and basic conversational patterns. Key language structures are also taught. The course is designed around practical vocabulary modules and uses inductive oral/aural techniques to present content. Students also investigate geographical, historical, and cultural themes. Classes are taught primarily in French.

FRENCH 7 (5117) Grade 7

Students learn French pronunciation, vocabulary, beginning grammar, culture, and geography. As students become more comfortable with the French language, they begin to work in all four areas of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Classes are taught primarily in French. Prerequisite: (5106) or the equivalent.