CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE GUIDE 2014-15 Klinger Middle School Log College Middle School
Table of Contents Middle School Program Overview. 3 Core Course Descriptions.. 6 Grade 6 6 Grade 7... 7 Grade 8... 9 Expo Course Descriptions 12 Expo Pathways. 13 Art 14 Business, Computers and Information Technology.. 15 Family and Science.. 16. 16. 17 Technology.. 18 2
Middle School Program Overview The goal of the Middle School Program is to develop academic skills, build content knowledge, and expand learning experiences into new areas of study. At each grade level, support structures are in place to help students transition from the elementary school and prepare for the high school. In sixth grade, students are in teams with the same set of teachers. The team structure allows teachers to coordinate instructional assignments and assessments, flex schedules for interdisciplinary activities, and support individual student s academic needs and social development. In seventh grade and eighth grade, students take classes with different peers in departments. The department structure allows students to have selfselected options for Expos and a variety of academic course options. The middle school schedule is a seven period day. Five periods are dedicated to the core subjects and two periods are dedicated to Expo subjects. Core courses are full year courses. Expo courses are half year courses that meet for a semester or every other day. All middle school students are required to take the following core and Expo subjects, unless modified in a student s individualized education plan: Required Core Courses Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Language Arts Language Arts English Reading Reading Math Math Math Science Science Science Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies World Language or Literacy Course Required Expo Courses Expo Department Semesters Art 1 Business, Computers, & Informational Technology 2 Family and Science 1 1 /Health 3 Technology 1 3
Academic Courses Academic courses are designed around a set of subject-specific standards. Academic courses include content and skill-based goals and objectives appropriate for the grade level. Advanced and Honors Courses Advanced-level and honors-level courses are designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace, with increased independence, and in greater depth. These courses are more challenging than academic courses and may include additional content. Students in advanced-level and honors-level courses are recommended by their teachers through multiple criteria that include proficiency on a variety of curriculum-based assessments, state assessments, and performance in class. Supportive Courses Supportive courses are designed for students who have individualized educational plans (IEPs). In these courses, student may receive modified curriculum materials and specialized instruction to meet their individual learning goals and needs. Reading Support Courses Reading support courses are designed to provide focused reading instruction in comprehension. Students will learn how to apply reading strategies and build vocabulary knowledge and reading stamina while utilizing a variety of high-interest texts. READ 180 READ 180 is offered to students who meet academic criteria and are recommended by their teachers. In this course, students rotate through stations that include direct instruction, specialized software modules, and independent reading. Students work with texts at their instructional level. This course is a double-block and takes the place of the students reading, language arts, and English courses. The writing process, composition, and conventions will be addressed in this course. 4
Course Codes: Grade 6 6180 Grade 7 7180 Grade 8 8180 Gifted Courses Students with gifted individualized educational plans (GIEPs) may select the gifted courses in reading and English or any other courses. The gifted courses are designed to support students with GIEPs by extending beyond the academic curriculum to enrich content learning and by broadening to interdisciplinary areas of interest. Supports for students with GIEPs exist in all courses, and the gifted courses allow students to be in a cohort. The following courses are available for students who have GIEPs: Gifted Reading 6 6106 The gifted reading course focuses on critical thinking skills as they apply to literary and non-fiction texts. Students will read short fiction, novels, text excerpts, plays and poetry. Along with the core works, students pursue individual topics of interest. Gifted Reading Inquiry 7 7107 The gifted Reading Inquiry course focuses on critical thinking skills as they apply to literary and non-fiction texts. Students will read a variety of challenging texts that support interdisciplinary connections with an emphasis on divergent thinking, self-directed inquiry, literary and expository text analysis, and reasoning. Gifted English 8 8006 In this course, students will extend beyond the general English 8 curriculum to read challenging texts with an emphasis on literary analysis. Students will compose formal and informal writing pieces with a focus on in-text citations and references. Students will develop their research skills through formal research projects on self-selected topics. English as a Second Language Students who are eligible for English as a second language (ESL) courses are those who have limited English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Student eligibility is determined by an assessment of English 5
proficiency administered by the ESL teacher. Students enrolled in ESL courses will take these courses in place of reading, language arts, or English, depending on each student s individual language needs. Teacher recommendation and placement is required. Course Codes: Beginning ESL 5015 & 5115 Intermediate ESL 5025 & 5125 Advanced ESL 5035 Core Course Descriptions Grade 6 Language Arts 6000 In language arts, students focus on the writing process by composing informative, persuasive, and literary pieces. Other topics include writing conventions, vocabulary, and reading. At this level, students are identifying and developing clear intentions while writing organized, focused, and supported pieces. Math 6300 This math course prepares students for pre-algebra by computing with multi-digit numbers and finding common multiples and factors, and by extending previous understanding of arithmetic to ratios, rational numbers, properties of numbers, algebraic expressions, solutions of simple equations and their applications. Other topics include measurement, geometry, unit rates, coordinate system, data analysis, and probability. Advanced Math 6301 Advanced math is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in math. Students in this advanced class will accelerate one full year in math bypassing the sixth grade math curriculum to study the seventh grade math curriculum one year earlier than the average student. (See course 7300 for specific course content.) Reading 6100 In reading, students will read a variety of literary and non-fiction texts and focus on the reading process by exploring strategies including setting a 6
purpose, previewing, clarifying, monitoring comprehension, drawing inferences, and evaluating and analyzing text. Science 6400 In Science 6, students will study Earth and space science. Students will learn about the oceans, meteorology, climate, and space. In the area of meteorology, students will study the water cycle, air pressure, causes and effects of natural disasters, and how climate is impacted. When studying astronomy, topics include stars and galaxies, constellations, objects in the Solar System, and the moon s effects on the Earth. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments. Social Studies 6200 Social Studies 6 focuses on early humans and ancient civilizations beginning in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, and Greece and leading through to the Fall of Rome. Students will learn about how civilizations develop and the patterns among civilizations. Students will develop skills as social scientists such as analyzing cause and effect and work with primary and secondary source materials. Grade 7 Language Arts 7000 In language arts, students focus on the writing process by composing informative, persuasive, and literary pieces. Other topics include writing conventions, vocabulary, and reading. At this level, students are developing style, engaging the reader, and defending a stance using different viewpoints while writing organized, focused, and supported pieces. Math 7300 This course expands the application of rational numbers to numerical and algebraic expressions and to the solution of real-life and mathematical multistep problems using equations, inequalities, proportions, and percent. Geometric topics include angle measurement, constructions, properties of two and three-dimensional figures, and the application of geometric formulas. Topics also include statistics and probability, random sampling, statistical models and compound probability. 7
Advanced Math 7301 Advanced math is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in math. Students in this advanced class will continue their acceleration in math by studying the eighth grade Algebra Topics curriculum one year earlier than the average student. (See course 8300 for specific course content.) Reading Applications 7100 In Reading Applications, students will have modeled and guided practice in using the reading process by learning and applying various reading strategies to literary and non-fiction texts. Students will analyze these texts by identifying literary elements and making connections between themes within and among texts. Reading Inquiry 7101 In Reading Inquiry, students will independently apply various reading strategies to analyze literary and non-fiction texts. Students will analyze these texts by using literary and structural elements to draw conclusions about extended themes and make comparisons within and among texts. Science 7400 In Science 7, physical science is the focus. Students learn about subject the basic principles of chemistry, energy, and force. Topics include matter, elements, forms of energy, electricity, simple machines and Newton s Laws. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments. Social Studies 7200 Social Studies 7 focuses on world history from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The major topics include how government, society and economic policies are influenced by religion. Students will develop skills as social scientists such as analyzing cause and effect and work with primary and secondary source materials. 8
Grade 8 English 8000 In English 8, students will read and analyze a variety of literary texts. Students will learn how authors use various literary elements and literary devices to communicate a theme within the text. Students will compose informational, narrative, and argument pieces and continue to develop their writing skills and style and use of grammar and conventions. English Honors 8001 Students enrolled in English Honors will independently read and critically analyze a variety of literary texts. Students will learn how authors use various literary elements and literary devices to communicate a theme within the text. Students will compose informational, narrative, and argument pieces and continue to develop their writing skills and style and use of grammar and conventions. Teacher recommendation is required. Aristotle to the World Wide Web 8010 This rigorous academic course will require students to analyze basic media literacy by developing conceptual tools to think critically about print journalism, advertising, the Internet, and cinema among other forms of media. This courses will focus on developing a foundation in classical rhetorical techniques and applying these techniques when analyzing media, debating current issues, and developing the foundations of academic writing. Heavy emphasis will be placed on public speaking. This course would be selected by students who wish to begin World Language in grade 9 and would be taken in place of a World Language option in grade 8. Academic Literacy 8100 Academic Literacy is an intense literacy course designed for students who need to hone their critical reading, writing, and listening skills. Students will learn how to think critically and analytically while reading various texts. Students will compose written pieces that effectively and logically communicate clear arguments/ideas/facts. This course will also focus on grammar, usage, conventions, and the revision process. Teacher recommendation is required. 9
Algebra I 8310 In Algebra I students will be expected to solve multi-step equations/inequalities, apply these equations to real life situations and use mathematical properties to justify any step in the solving process. They will expand upon their linear equation and systems of equations knowledge learned in the Algebra Topics class. Other topics taught at this level include probability, statistics, absolute value, roots, operations with radicals, properties of exponents, simplifying polynomials, factoring and solving quadratic equations (including using the quadratic formula) and exploring quadratic equations. All students taking Algebra I should have mastered all concepts taught at the Algebra Topics level. Students enrolled in this course will take the Algebra I Keystone exam. Requirement: A grade of B or better in Grade 7 Advanced Math. Honors Algebra I 8311 The honors level is designed for students who have the ability to learn at a faster pace and have an aptitude in math. The work in this class will allow students to use the concepts outlined in Algebra I to apply these to real world problems at greater depth and breadth. Students enrolled in this course will take the Algebra I Keystone Exam. Requirement: A grade of B+ or better in Grade 7 Advanced Math and Teacher recommendation. Algebra Topics 8300 In Algebra Topics, students will study irrational numbers, radicals, scientific notation, and will solve problems involving integer exponents, equations in one-variable, and system of equations in two-variables. They will also define, evaluate, and compare linear functions using tables, equations, and graphs. In geometry, rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations will be used to show congruence and similarity of two-dimensional figures on a coordinate plane. Students will also compute the volume of threedimensional figures using formulas, and will apply the Pythagorean Theorem to real-life and mathematical situations. In statistics, students will investigate patterns in bivariate data. Science 8400 In Science 8, students will study life science and biology. Students will learn about the properties of organic materials, cells, diversity of life, life cycles, 10
biomes, and ecology. Students will use the scientific method to conduct experiments. Social Studies 8200 In Social Studies 8 focuses on American history from 1787 through 1900. The major topics include the development of the United States Constitution, the systems of government, westward expansion, the Civil War, and industrialization. Students will develop skills as social scientists such as working with primary and secondary source materials, geography and mapping skills, and developing critical and analytical thinking. World Language In eighth grade, students can begin their World Language study in a level I course. Students may select to take German I, French I, or German I. Within each course students will focus on learning concepts of the target language such as sound system, spelling patterns, common vocabulary, simple sentences and question structures. Students will develop basic conversational skills and competencies. Students will also learn about the part of the world in which the target language is spoken. Topics for this include customs, culture, gestures, and social structure. German I 8520 French I 8530 Spanish I 8510 Foundational Spanish 8511 Foundational Spanish is an introductory course to Spanish. In this course, students will focus on the basic concepts of the language with an emphasis on conversational skills. 11
Expo Course Descriptions For Expo courses, certain courses are required in sixth grade and seventh grade. Seventh grade and eighth grade students have options for which Expo courses they can take. Expo Department Expo Options Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Art *Art I Art II Art III Business, Computers, and Informational Technology *Office Academy $$$Personal Finance, Animation, and Programming$$$ Business Exploration or Media Family and Science /Health Technology *General I or Performance * I *FCS I General II or Performance * II ^STEM I * This course is required in that grade. ^ This course has a prerequisite in that grade. FCS II Performance * III STEM I or STEM II or Technology There are two Expo periods in the student day. One period will follow an A/B schedule where two courses alternate. education and music courses will follow the A/B schedule so these course can meet throughout the year. The Business Exploration course will also follow the A/B schedule. The $$$Personal Finance, Animation, and Programming$$$ course will follow the A/B schedule or a semester schedule. Performance Students may select to take band, chorus or orchestra instead of General I and General II. Students may also select to take band and 12
chorus or chorus and orchestra. Students may take Performance in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Expo Pathways In sixth grade, all students will take the same Expo courses. In seventh grade and eighth grade, students may decide to follow an Expo pathway based on their interests. By following an Expo pathway, students can concentrate on courses within the department. Expo pathways help students with course selection decisions throughout middle school. Here are sample Expo pathways: Art Expo Period A/B Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 General I or Performance Semester Art I Office Academy Art II $$$Personal Finance et. al or General II or Performance Family and Science I Art III Business Exploration or Performance STEM I Business, Computers, and Information Technology Pathway Expo Period A/B Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 General I Semester Art I Office Academy $$$Personal Finance et. al $$$Personal Finance et. al or General II or Performance Family and Science I STEM I or Media Business Exploration or Performance STEM II or Family and Science II 13
STEM Expo Period A/B Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 General I or Performance Semester Art I Office Academy *If eligible for STEM I in grade 7 Art I Office Academy $$$Personal Finance et. al STEM I $$$Personal Finance et. al or General II or Performance Family and Science I Family and Science I STEM I STEM II Business Exploration or Performance STEM II or Family and Science II or Media Technology or Family and Science II or Media Art Art I 1160 Do you appreciate art and enjoy being creative? In Art I, students will learn about different forms of art including sketching, painting, clay, and free form. Elements of art will be incorporated into the theory and practical portions. Students will produce original works with a strong understanding of style patterns and tools used to complete your pieces and be able to explain it with proper vocabulary. Art II 1170 Using the foundational skills learned in Art I, students will continue to with more in depth topics in art such as color and form and principles such as contrast and movement. Students explore styles of art, and practice form, balance, movement and harmony within each piece. Art products will begin to communicate a unifying theme or point of view. Art III 1180 Students who advance to Art III will continue to practice the skills learned in the previous two course to grow as an artist. Each piece of art should produce a defined style that communicates a theme or perspective. 14
Business, Computers and Information Technology Office Academy 1360 Come to the Office Academy where you will review the touch typing method and learn new and exciting ways to use MS Office programs like Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher. $$$Personal Finance, Animation, and Programming$$$ 1370 (A/B) 1371 Have you ever wondered how your favorite video game or animated movie was made? Are you interested in creating some really cool animated stories, games, and movies quickly and easily using 3-D objects in a virtual world? This course is fun and engaging and designed to teach about animation and fundamental programming concepts using simple drag and drop and visual learning objects. This course will also introduce students to the world of careers and personal finance (e.g. earnings, saving, spending and budgeting, etc.). Students will learn and apply these important financial skills in real life situations using interactive virtual simulations and other tools. Media 1380 Do you have what it takes to be in the world of sales? Have you ever wondered why products are placed in certain positions within the store? This introduction to marketing course is designed to teach you just that. Learn how to start your own store, market products, order merchandise, test products, and study the results as well as create commercials and advertisements for just about anything while focusing on careers relating to marketing and sales. Business Exploration and Job Skills 1381 Did you know that every profession today requires business knowledge? The Business Exploration course is designed to engage students in a highly visual, interactive and realistic hands-on learning experience. Not only will students be introduced to accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and explore different business related careers, but they will also have an have an 15
opportunity to manage and operate their own business and make important day to day decisions using a virtual business simulation. In addition, this course will also help prepare students to enter the workplace (e.g. job search, job application, interviewing, etc.) and teach them skills they will need to be successful at work. Family and Science Family and Science I 1270 In this course, students will learn about food science and nutrition, the basics of child development, the fundamentals of families within a society, and financial management as responsible consumers. Family and Science II 1280 In Family and Science II, students will explore topics needed for successful and independent living in a world with many choices and influences. In this course, students will go beyond the basics about food science and nutrition to managing a healthy lifestyle and acting as a responsible consumer. Students will also learn how children grow and the importance of stable family units. General I 1060 Skip to the beat with music class. Students learn basic elements and principles within music. Topics include duration, intensity, pitch, composition, and genre. The course includes performing in class, improvising, using vocabulary, describing style as well as developing an appreciation for different types of music. General II 1070 Students interested in continuing with music will take General II. In this course, students will use the foundational skills learned in General I to advance in the areas of composition, form, harmony, rhythm and texture. Students will be introduced to the guitar. 16
Performance Students who select Performance for band, orchestra, and chorus will continue to develop as musicians by applying their musical skills in three performances. This course includes the goals and topics from the general music classes while preparing students for performances through the dynamics of working within an ensemble. Course Codes: Grade 6 Band 1061 Chorus and Band 1064 Chorus 1062 Orchestra 1063 Chorus and Orchestra 1065 Grade 7 Band 1071 Chorus and Band 1074 Chorus 1072 Orchestra 1073 Chorus and Orchestra 1075 Grade 8 Band 1081 Chorus and Band 1084 Chorus 1082 Orchestra 1083 Chorus and Orchestra 1085 6-8 /Health Students will experience 75 days of (including swim classes) and 15 days of Health for a total of 90 classes per year. During classes students will be exposed to individual and team activities. Instruction throughout the year will emphasize gross and fine motor skill development, team work, and social interaction. Fitness and Wellness will also be emphasized as critical components of healthy behavior and decision making. Students will learn basic health information and services. This curriculum will be delivered in co-educational grade level classes for both and Health. Course Codes: Grade 6 1560 Grade 7 1570 Grade 8 1580 17
Technology STEM I 1480 Grade 7 1470 Are you interested in technology, math and science? Do you want to learn about how math and science fit into a field like engineering or physics? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Students who are interested in these areas will develop an understanding of basic principles and concepts and how they apply to real-world topics and careers. Topics include simple machines, robotics, construction, bio-engineering, environmental engineering, and mechanical engineering. STEM II 1481 In STEM II, students will take their learning from STEM I to the next level. Students will use the foundational skills from STEM I to develop a deeper understanding of principles and concepts within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Topics include construction, robotics, environmental engineering, material testing, CAD (Computer Aided Design), transportation, and electronics. Technology 1482 Technology is a course for students who are interested in developing a more hands-on approach to learning that apply to construction, manufacturing, transportation, energy and power, and communication. Topics include construction, graphic design, electricity, plumbing, mechanical, digital media, communication, and robotics. 18