Ms course descriptions

English Department

English 6: The 6th grade English curriculum focuses on developing reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking skills to better prepare them for the demands of their education. Reading assignments will include but are not limited to the following genres; novels, short stories, poetry, drama, myths, folktales, and factual prose. The course also emphasizes extending vocabulary and its proper use, along with improving and developing grammar.

English 7: The 7th grade English program is designed to enhance and expand on the writing and literary skills presented in the 6th grade. Grade appropriate lessons are geared toward effective communication through written and verbal expression as well as analytical and critical thinking. Writing, vocabulary, and communication skills are developed through essay writing, journaling, note-taking, and creative writing assignments. The standard five paragraph analytical essay is introduced which leads to the writing of the 7th grade research paper using the MLA format. The curriculum also emphasizes various grammatical structures as well as the planning, revising, editing and publishing material. Over the course of the year a variety of fiction and non-fiction works of numerous genres are used. Independent reading assignments are also required throughout the school year.

English 8: The 8th grade English program continues to build upon the 7th grade program. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are once again developed and emphasized. Through the various components of the curriculum, the ability to think critically is developed. A variety of literary genres are studied, which includes fiction and non-fiction texts, novels, poetry, personal narratives, plays and memoirs. Literary elements and themes are explored, and writing for purposes and audiences is developed. Independent reading assignments are also required throughout the school year. The 8th grade research paper, using the MLA format, is a cross-curricula project. Instruction with the research paper emphasizes a careful development of a thesis, topic, transitional, and concluding sentences. All of which support the finished essay product. Vocabulary and grammar are also addressed during class lessons and in the students’ oral and written expression.

Fine Arts Department

Visual Arts Art 6: The 6th grade art class meets once a week for the entire school year. This is an introductory course which focuses on exposing the students to various materials and methods. The elements and principles of art are introduced. The curriculum topics include; proportion, drawing the figure, one point perspective, the color wheel, how to mix colors, clay sculpture, printmaking, and carving. Each of the units will begin with an examination of important artists.

Fundamentals of Art: This class is offered to 7th and 8th graders looking to continue their interest in art. The elements and principles of art are the foundation of this curriculum. Students will explore the characteristics of the elements and principles and learn to use them more purposefully in their work. The students will learn to utilize a wide range of materials and methods which includes but is not limited to; drawing, painting, clay sculpture, wire sculpture, carving, scratch art, figure sculptures, printing, pastels, and collage.

Sketchbook drawings are also assigned each week to encourage observation while fostering imagination and creativity. Group critiques are also utilized to encourage the use of critical analytical skills as students practice using art vocabulary to express their opinions and observations.

Performing Arts

Band Students in the Concert and the Symphonic Band will increase their ability to perform on their instruments. They will understand musical concepts; vocabulary and different musical styles, which in turn will enhance their creative output in class. They will become aesthetically sensitive and better appreciate the gift of music. The students will be encouraged as individual players, which will improve the performance of the group. The students are expected to attend/participate in the Christmas Concert in December and the Fine Arts Festival in the spring as part of their grade.

Choir: Choir is offered as a performing arts elective for all middle school students. The course focuses on the basics of voice training and singing in collaboration. The students are expected to attend/participate in the Christmas Concert in December and the Fine Arts Festival in the spring as part of their grade.

Dance: Dance is offered to 7th and 8th graders. The dance curriculum focuses on different elements and styles of dance with an emphasis on proper instruction and choreography. The students are expected to attend/participate in the Christmas Spectacular in December and the Fine Arts Festival in the spring as part of their grade.

Strings and Orchestra: Students in the string class or orchestra are expected to perform the orchestral music selected by the class instructor. During the process of a performance class, students gain musical vocabulary, technique, reading, and the proper etiquette required for orchestral musicians in general. Seating in the various sections is arranged at the discretion of the instructor, based on the student’s ability, behavior and overall academic standing. Individual lessons are also available for the music students built into the course of their day. The students are expected to attend/participate in the Christmas Concert in December and the Fine Arts Festival in the spring as part of their grade.

Mathematics Department

Math 6: The Math 6 curriculum is designed for students to master whole number concepts, operations, and problem solving. The course also includes operations with decimals, fractions, and percent. Geometry and measurement will be covered as well as an introduction to algebra. Students will be taught thorough practice projects, technology and hands on manipulatives. The class will also introduce the concept of writing in math, which includes emphasis not just on a right answer, but the thinking process involved in achieving the correct solution. The course will also emphasize methodology as well as proper terminology. Active participation and cooperative learning provide the students with an inviting, enriching, non-threatening atmosphere conductive to setting a firm foundation for future mathematics training.

Math 7: The Math 7 curriculum contains strong mathematical content with real life connections. Students are instructed using questioning strategies, practice, and projects. In addition to reviewing fundamental mathematical skills, students will be introduced to algebraic methods utilizing algebra to solve a variety of problems. In addition to developing their algebraic skills, the students will also be exploring concepts in geometry and measurement.

Math 8: The Math 8 course is designed to prepare students for high school algebra. Math 8 reinforces fundamental mathematical concepts. Additionally, the curriculum constantly integrates basic algebra into much of the material. Students will use algebraic expressions to model word problems. Students will also learn the algebraic process of solving equations and inequalities. Math 8 also prepares students for high school level courses by exploring the underlying principles of geometry and statistics.

Pre-Algebra: Pre-Algebra is taught to 7th grade students that have been advanced by one year. Advancement will be designated at the end of the 6th grade year. Eligibility for advancement will be determined by a placement exam, as well as a teacher recommendation. The Pre-Algebra course is designed to prepare students for high school Algebra Honors, and mirrors our Math 8 curriculum. The Pre-Algebra course emphasizes basic algebra to be used with solving equations, model word problems, and inequalities. In addition to algebra, the class will also explore the underlining principles of geometry and statistics.

Middle School Algebra Honors Middle School Algebra Honors is a class taught to students in the middle school that have been advanced either one or two years. The class is designed to mirror our High School Algebra Honors course. This is a first year course in Algebra, focused on developing problem solving techniques through various topics. Topics that will be covered include operations in algebra, equations, proportional reasoning, linear functions, inequalities, absolute value function and equations, solving systems of equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, quadratic functions, radicals and coordinate geometry.

Religion/Health

6th Grade Religion The sixth grade curriculum is an introduction to the Bible. The focus is on Bible stories, and connections are drawn between God’s promises in the Old Testament, and the fulfillment of those promises in the New Testament.

Religion is a pass/fail class. Students with satisfactory completion of assignments, packets, activities, and quizzes will pass the course

7th Grade Religion/Health Students will study an overview of the Old Testament via powerpoint slides, the Bible, notes, and student illustrations. Students will study selected parables and miracles of Jesus using a packet format which incorporates art and technology along with the critical thinking Bible studies and activities.

Students will study the following topics in a portfolio format: Making Decisions and Setting Goals; Communication Skills; Managing Stress; Mental and Emotional Health; Understanding Your Emotions; Conflict Resolution Grading Policy Religion/Health is a pass/fail class. Students with satisfactory completion of assignments, packets, activities, and quizzes will pass the course. Grades will be posted on net classroom with a reasonable turn around time.

8th Grade Religion/Health The Religion and Health program combines the basic precepts of Christianity with a health curriculum that promotes health and well-being with the body being “a temple”. The religion curriculum focuses on a basic understanding of the Old and New Testament as well as Martin Luther’s catechism, specifically emphasizing the Lord’s Prayer.

The Health curriculum in 8th grade includes the study of personal hygiene, tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse. The students are encouraged to discuss these, in light of their “body as a temple” in regards to decision making. The course also includes the study of the human body, human sexuality (reproduction and the transmission of S.T.D.’s). The curriculum will also focus on the theme “Valuing Values”, a course on human relationships that includes dating, friendships, and marriage.

Science Department

6th Grade Life Science: The 6th grade science course focuses on living things and the environment. The topics and concepts included are identifying simple and complex organisms, their differences, interactions and functions, heredity, systems of nature on our Earth, and the important role of the organisms within it.

Measurement and how it is used worldwide is an interdisciplinary topic taught in conjunction with math.

The curriculum also introduces the scientific method and fosters active involvement through at least one laboratory experiment or demonstration per unit. The class is designed to provide a fun safe learning environment as well as exploring the exciting world of science.

7th Grade Physical Science: The 7th grade physical science course is designed to provide students with a smooth transition from elementary science to a higher level science course. The course emphasizes scientific inquiry as well as building a significant scientific vocabulary. The curriculum provides an overview of common strands in physical science including but not limited to the nature of matter, classification of matter, properties of atoms, and the periodic table, chemical bonds, laws of motion, forces and energy. Students also will utilize math in the process of solving scientific problems, while developing the ability to challenge assumptions.

8th Grade Earth Science: The 8th grade science course examines the various disciplines of earth and space science. The major units of emphasis are geology, topography, seismology, volcanology, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, natural resources, astronomy, and cosmology. Students will continue to develop their skills in scientific inquiry. The goal is for students to develop a foundation for high school earth science, as well as developing skills and habits for success in the general high school sciences.

Social Studies Department

Social Studies 6: This course focuses on developing an understanding and appreciation of the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects of ancient civilizations. This is essentially a survey course of ancient world civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and the cultural origins of Asian and African civilizations. Students also will be learning the initial steps of historical research through many of their projects and classroom activities. The curriculum also uses historical literature to reinforce the unit themes.

7th Grade American History: This course is the first half of a two year survey of American History. The course covers the formative Colonial Period through the Civil War. The curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, and discussing historical themes in American History. The course also includes an in depth study of the Constitution, the structure of our government, and the Supreme Court.

7th Grade American history also includes geographical study, analyzing primary and secondary historical sources and political cartoons, current events discussions, as well as research assignments and student presentations. Students will also complete historical projects which will be displayed in the classroom throughout the school year.

8th Grade American History: This is the second half of American History beginning with the Civil War and concluding with the modern era. The course curriculum includes some of the following units; the Age of Industry, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights Era, the Vietnam War, and the Collapse of the Soviet Union.

Students in 8th Grade American History, continue to develop their academic skillsets in analyzing historical documents, as well as completing projects and presentations. The course also includes a couple of “class trips� to historically important areas like the Holocaust Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

World Languages Department

Spanish and French 6: The 6th grade World Language curriculum focuses on learning basic vocabulary and culture. The students are exposed to different vocabulary units which include but are not limited to greetings, numbers, the house, commands, family, clothing, and weather.

Each student will complete one semester of French and Spanish. Both classes are designated as pass/fail and do not affect the calculation of the student’s grade point average, students that earn a 65% or higher pass the course. Through this exposure to language, students will choose in the spring to study either French or Spanish for their required sequence of study at LuHi.

Spanish IA: The curriculum for Spanish IA focuses on the basics of the Spanish language by doing a variety of activities to practice the four basic skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The course includes but is not limited to the following topics; the alphabet, numbers, date and days, time, weather, clothing, parts of the body, descriptions, family, school subjects and classroom items, sports, places around town, and everyday items. Students will also develop and understanding of many verbs and their use in the present, immediate future and recent past tenses. Upon completion of the course students should have acquired enough vocabulary and grammar to be able to understand and respond to everyday situations.

Students completing the course will also have an awareness and understanding of various Hispanic countries and cultures.

Spanish IB: The Spanish 1B curriculum builds upon the information gained in Spanish IA. The 1B curriculum demands commitment and holds students to higher expectations. Successful completion of the 1B course affords students one high school credit in World Language and the ability to continue to level two of the mandatory three year language sequence. Students not earning promotion will either retake level one of the language or switch to another sequence of language.

French IA: The curriculum for French IA focuses on the basics of the French language by doing a variety of activities to practice the four basic skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The course includes but is not limited to the following topics; the alphabet, numbers, date and days, time, weather, physical and personality descriptions, family, school subjects, classroom items, sports, and places around town.

Students will also develop and understanding of many verbs and their use in the present, immediate future and past tense. Upon completion of the course students should have acquired enough

vocabulary and grammar to be able to understand and respond to everyday situations. Students completing the course will also have an awareness and understanding of various French speaking countries and cultures.

French IB: The French 1B course will continue the work begun in French 1A and will provide students with the ability to speak, comprehend, read and write basic French. The goal of the course is to provide students with the ability to comprehend and speak well enough to “survive� in a French-speaking country.

In addition to developing a more extensive vocabulary, students will also continue to learn about the culture and customs of France and other francophone countries in the world. The curriculum also emphasizes a continuation of knowledge regarding verbs and their proper tense use. Methods for the course include but are not limited to the following: speaking evaluations, video and CD listening exercises, reading comprehension, compositions, projects, and iPad and language lab activities.

Middle School Exploratory Program

The Exploratory program is designed to promote choice and experience. These classes are essentially electives which last almost 5 weeks per course. Some of the selections are created to promote supplemental educational opportunities, while others may be athletic or focus on a specific hobby, while some will center on relationships and mentoring. All students in the middle school will be given a list of exploratory options in their advisory. The students are then asked to rank their top 3 choices, and our staff does our best to place the student in their top choice. The exploratory program is not graded, and is not calculated into the students overall grade point average.