Middle School Course Catalog. Halstrom Academy ONE TEACHER. ONE STUDENT. NO LIMITS. Halstrom Academy Course Catalogue Cover Page To Come

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1 Halstrom Academy Halstrom Academy Course Catalogue Cover Page To Come ONE TEACHER. ONE STUDENT. NO LIMITS. Middle School Course Catalog 1

2 Halstrom Academy Halstrom Academy Middle School Course Catalog Table of Contents English... 3 Fine Arts... 6 Foreign Language... 8 Math Personal Development Practical Arts Science Social Science

3 English Creative Writing Grades: 6-8 Prerequisite: A passing grade of C or better in English 5, plus a teacher recommendation or director approval. English 6 A/B Grade: 6 Prerequisite: English 5 This middle school elective course examines techniques which extend the range of opportunity for written self-expression through literary genres, including poetry, short stories, short plays, and journal writing, using various forms and subject matter. Students will read and reflect on a diversity of literary excerpts from around the world as they develop and discover their own creative writing style. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of three semesters (15.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8. Creative Writing cannot be used a substitute for the middle school promotion requirements in English Language Arts; students must still take English 6-8 as is appropriate for their grade level. This two-semester course develops proficiencies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students develop the capacities necessary to become career and college ready 21st century learners. Students will read short works of fiction and nonfiction, poems, and plays. They will be introduced to a variety of writing styles and learn to write informative, narrative, and argumentative texts appropriate to audience, task, and purpose, and demonstrate command of the English language. Students will develop independence as readers, writers, and thinkers. They will use strong content knowledge to become creative problem solvers and effective communicators. They will come to understand other perspectives and cultures, and become productive community participants.this college preparatory, elective course (A/B), which can be taken in one or two semesters, examines the development of an essay using a variety of methods, as well as creative expression through varied poetic forms. The study of literature and composition are integrated. Students participate in writing, selecting, editing, designing, laying out, proofreading, and producing a student publication. English 7 A/B Grade: 7 Prerequisite: English 6 This two-semester course develops proficiencies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking with emphasis upon comprehension and vocabulary development, mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students develop the capacities necessary to become career and college ready 21st century learners. Students will read short works of fiction and nonfiction, poems, and plays. They will write informative, narrative, and argumentative texts appropriate to audience, task, and purpose, and demonstrate command of the English language. Students will develop independence as readers, writers, and thinkers. They will use strong content knowledge to become creative problem solvers and effective communicators. They will come to understand other perspectives and cultures, and become productive community participants. 3

4 English English 8 A/B Grade: 8 Prerequisite: English 7 This two-semester course develops proficiencies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students develop the capacities necessary to become career and college ready 21st century learners. Students will read short works of fiction and nonfiction, poems, and plays. They will write informative, narrative, and argumentative texts appropriate to audience, task, and purpose, and demonstrate command of the English language with emphasis upon comprehension and vocabulary development, mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students will develop independence as readers, writers, and thinkers. They will use strong content knowledge to become creative problem solvers and effective communicators. They will come to understand other perspectives and cultures, and become productive community participants. Film Studies Grades: 7-8 Prerequisite: A passing grade of C or better in English 6, plus a teacher recommendation or director approval. This writing-intensive course develops proficiencies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students develop the capacities necessary to become career and college ready 21st century learners. This course examines the various elements of film including screenplay, acting, cinematography, editing, and sound. Students examine the ways cinema must combine all these elements to function as a single work of art. Students analyze cultural implications inherent in the production of film and in the marketing of film. Students develop voice and professional writing style in a manner befitting a a connoisseur of film. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 7-8. Film Studies cannot be used a substitute for the middle school promotion requirements in English Language Arts; students must still take English 6-8 as is appropriate for their grade level. Journalism Grades: 7-8 Prerequisite: A passing grade of C or better in English 6, plus a teacher recommendation or director approval. This course develops proficiencies in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students develop the capacities necessary to become career and college ready 21st century learners. This course, which can be taken in many different semesters, is designed to instruct, assist, and advise students in the theory and practice of journalism, both in print and broadcast journalism. The course emphasizes acquisition of the following skills: news gathering, writing, editing, design, and production. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 7-8. Journalism cannot be used a substitute for the middle school promotion requirements in English Language Arts; students must still take English 6-8 as is appropriate for their grade level. 4

5 English Reading Development This course develops proficiencies in the fundamentals of critical reading skills in comprehension, speed, word analysis and vocabulary. Its target to is to develop literacy skills in the process of being college/career ready and to develop comprehension at various levels. Students will develop basic analytical skills as they learn to grasp information from reading, will formulate ideas, conclusions, opinions, integrate information with personal experience and synthesize, analyze as well as evaluate various texts. As they develop their reading comprehension capabiities, students will be encouraged to identify evidence for opinions and distinguish fact from opinion. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of three semesters (15.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8. This course supports students that wish to develop and/or strengthen their reading comprehension and retelling skills in middle school, in preparation to meet high school standards and expectations. Students testing far below basic proficiency in reading may be required to take this course in conjunction to their core English course. Reading Development cannot be used a substitute for the middle school promotion requirements in English Language Arts; students must still take English 6-8 as is appropriate for their grade level. Writing Workshop This one semester course develops proficiencies in the fundamental skill-areas of writing, with emphasis upon vocabulary development and mastery of syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage in written communication. Students master identifying elements of and writing complete sentences. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of three semesters (15.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8. This course supports students that wish to develop and/or strengthen their writing skills in middle school in preparation to meet high school writing standards and expectations. Students testing far below basic proficiency in writing may be required to take this course in conjunction to their core English course. Writing Workshop cannot be used a substitute for the middle school promotion requirements in English Language Arts; students must still take English 6-8 as is appropriate for their grade level. 5

6 Fine Arts Arts & Crafts This course examines one or more craft mediums of choice as an introduction to hand arts and crafts. Areas of study include pastels, lettering, collage, sketching, water-colors, clay sculpture, paper mache, optoinal batik, needlework and/or knitting, leather, and printmaking. Drawing Prerequisite: Students must provide campus with a portfolio showcasing a minimum of five pieces for review, prior to enrolling in the course. This middle school course encourages the student to explore the elements of drawing techniques. Successive courses add greater emphasis to the development of personal technique with emphasis upon observation, imagination, experimentation, and composition. Students will develop a basic understanding of the elements of art including texture, form shape, line and value. Students should also achieve an understanding of the principles of art including movement unity, harmony balance, contrast, proportion, pattern and rhythm. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of three semesters (15.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8. This course supports students that are serious about developing and strengthening their drawing skills. Elements of Music Theory Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation or Director Approval required. Additionally, students must be active participants in an instrumental music group prior to enrolling in the course. This one-semseter course combines elements of music theory and music appreciation. Students build their knowledge of music in this one semester course as they examines the music and representative composers from a variety of musical styles from Medieval times to the present, with a historical, cultural, and evaluative approach. Students develop an understanding of music theory and genres. Participants also learn to read music and chords. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8. The course is geared toward students that are/were active participants in an instrumental music group prior to enrolling in the course. Additionally, this course is not offered regularly so please check with your campus Director prior to enrollment. 6

7 Fine Arts Painting Prerequisite: Students must provide campus with a portfolio showcasing a minimum of five pieces for review, prior to enrolling in the course. Director approval and teacher recommendation are required. This course explores the elements of techniques. Successive courses add greater emphasis to the development of personal technique, with emphasis upon observation, imagination, experimentation, and composition. Students will learn basic as well as advanced painting techniques and willd develop intense skill-development in color theory and brush techniques alongside painting history and theory. Students gain an understanding of different paint mediums and the characteristics of each. Students study the different movements in art, and the important figures in each. The class will use a sketchbook, and will take field trips to museums as well as complete final paintings. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8. This course supports students that wish to develop and/or strengthen their painting skills in middle school. Photography Grades: 7-8 Prerequisite: Students must provide campus with a portfolio showcasing a minimum of five pieces for review, prior to enrolling in the course. Director approval and teacher recommendation are required. This course allows students to obtain practical experience and training in the use of photographic techniques, applications, and style adaptations by way of a series of directed projects. This course will help the students become well rounded in the fundamentals of photography. Four areas of instruction will be emphasized: How cameras work, how composition works, how lighting works, how to use photo editing software. Students taking this course will automatically be part of the yearbook team--for which they will be recognized--at their campus where they will contribute images from course projects and fieldtrips. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 7-8. This course supports students that wish to develop and/or strengthen their photography skills in middle school. Additionally, this course is not offered regularly so please check with your campus Director prior to enrollment. 7

8 Foreign Language American Sign Language 1 A/B This two-semester course provides entry level instruction in American Sign Language, but is not equivalent to a high school-level ASL year 1 course. Instead the class will cover a minimum of 65% of a high school ASL 1 course. This course is an overview of the basic vocabulary, structure, syntax and grammar of ASL. Students will focus on mastering the basics of fingerspelling, numbers, colors, facial grammar and sentence structure; students will also learn conversational/ cultural behaviors necessary to hold a beginning-level conversation in ASL, with deaf/hard-of-hearing native users of the language. Introductory information about deaf culture will also be presented, along with deaf humor, to provide students with a broad picture of language and culture. American Sign Language 2 A/B Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation or Director Approval required. Conversational French This two-semester course provides entry level instruction in American Sign Language, but is not equivalent to a high school-level ASL year 2 course. Instead the class will cover second semester high school ASL 1 in addition to a minimum of first semester high school ASL 2 course. This course offers students a greater emphasis of the basic vocabulary, structure, syntax and grammar of ASL and builds off of their Level 1 course content. Students will also learn conversational/cultural behaviors necessary to hold a beginning to intermediate-level conversation in ASL, with deaf/ hard-of-hearing native users of the language. Information about deaf culture will also be presented, along with deaf humor, to provide students with a broad picture of language and culture. This one semester course is for students without previous experience in the French language. The goal of the course is to develop basic conversational skills needed in travel. As such, the course examines pronunciation and reading of basic French communication necessary to introduce oneself by emphasizing the development of common French phrases, pronunciation and questions. Additionally, students explore the culture of the French and other francophone cultures. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8 and in preparation for high school beginner French expectations. Additionally, this course is not offered regularly so please check with your campus Director prior to enrollment. 8

9 Foreign Language Conversational Spanish This one semester course is for students without previous experience in the Spanish language. The goal of the course is to develop basic conversational skills needed in travel. As such, the course examines pronunciation and reading of basic Spanish communication necessary to introduce oneself by emphasizing the development of common Spanish phrases, pronunciation and questions. Additionally, students explore the culture of the Spanish and other Latin cultures. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8 and in preparation for high school beginner Spanish expectations. Additionally, this course is not offered regularly so please check with your campus Director prior to enrollment. French 1 A/B Prerequisite: Conversational French (5.0 credits) and Teacher Recommendation or Director Approval. This two-semester course provides entry level instruction in French, but is not equivalent to a high school-level French 1 course. Instead the class will cover a minimum of 65% of a high school French 1 course. This course introduces the student to the French language by incorporating culture, sound, conversation, grammar, reading, and writing. As an introductory course, students will learn the basic communication skills in the French language. Furthermore, students will master the basic forms of speaking, reading, writing, and listening through the use of various strategies and sources. For example, students will participate in comprehension activities by listening to music and watching film clips (provided by the teacher) in connection to the lesson s theme. Students will also communicate in spoken French during each lesson by providing information about themselves as well as answering and asking questions. Students will demonstrate the ability to read passages from the textbook as well as handouts from the teacher. Additionally, students will bring a journal to class in order to complete class assignments, as well as a log to record vocabulary. Specifically, students will be able to express several themes in French, such as introductions, family, household objects, school subjects, colors, c lothing/shopping, food, transportation, sports/other activities, and more. Culturally, students will become familiar with topics such as French hand gestures, French families, French art, French schools, and more. French 2 A/B Prerequisite: A passing grade of C or better in French 1 A/B This two-semester course provides entry level instruction to French, but is not equivalent to a high school-level French 2 course. Instead the class will cover second semester high school French in addition to a minimum of first semester high school French 2 course. This course continues to increase knowledge of the French-speaking people and their culture. Language skills are increased through more advanced conversation and practice with grammatical patterns. Reading and writing are emphasized both through exercises in the basic text and supplementary material. Furthermore, students will master more advanced forms of speaking, reading, writing, and listening through the use of various strategies and sources. For example, students will participate in comprehension activities by listening to music and watching film clips (provided by the teacher) in connection to the lesson s theme. Students will also communicate in spoken French during each lesson by providing information about themselves as well as answering and asking questions. Students will demonstrate the ability to read passages from the textbook as well as handouts from the teacher. Additionally, students will bring a journal to class in order to complete class assignments, as well as a log to record vocabulary. 9

10 Foreign Language Conversational German This one semester course is for students without previous experience in the German language. The goal of the course is to develop basic conversational skills needed in travel. As such, the course examines pronunciation and reading of basic Spanish communication necessary to introduce oneself by emphasizing the development of common German phrases, pronunciation and questions. Additionally, students explore the the German culture and heritage. This course may be taken repeatedly for a total of two semesters (10.0 credits) throughout grades 6-8 and in preparation for high school beginner German expectations. Additionally, this course is not offered regularly so please check with your campus Director prior to enrollment. German 1 A/B Prerequisite: Conversational German (5.0 credits) and Teacher Recommendation or Director Approval. This two-semester course provides entry level instruction in German, but is not equivalent to a high school-level German 1 course. Instead the class will cover a minimum of 65% of a high school German 1 course. This course introduces the student to the German language by incorporating culture, sound, conversation, grammar, reading, and writing. This course introduces the student to the French language by incorporating culture, sound, conversation, grammar, reading, and writing. As an introductory course, students will learn the basic communication skills in thegerman language. Students will master the basic forms of speaking, reading, writing, and listening through the use of various strategies and sources. In an effort to develop their language skills, students will communicate in spoken German during each lesson by providing information about themselves as well as answering and asking questions. Students will demonstrate a very basic ability to read passages from the textbook as well as handouts from the teacher. German 2 A/B Prerequisite: German 1 A/B This course continues to increase knowledge of the German-speaking people and their culture. Language skills are increased through more advanced conversation and practice with grammatical patterns. Reading and writing are emphasized both through exercises in the basic text and supplementary material. Furthermore, students will master more advanced forms of speaking, reading, writing, and listening through the use of various strategies and sources. Students will also communicate in German during each lesson by providing information about themselves as well as answering and asking questions. Additionally, they will demonstrate the ability to read passages from the textbook as well as handouts from the teacher. Latin 1 A/B This two-semester course provides entry level instruction in Latin, but is not equivalent to a high school-level Latin 1 course. Instead the class will cover a minimum of 65% of a high school Latin 1 course. This course introduces the student to the Latin language by incorporating culture, sound, conversation, grammar, reading, and writing. This course gives students ways to communicate in Latin from a historical approach and linking it to vocabulary today with latin roots. The course also teaches authentic speech, sounds and writing that the learner can use immediately. 10

11 Foreign Language Latin 2 A/B Prerequisite: Latin 1 A/B Spanish 1 A/B Prerequisite: Conversational Spanish with a passing grade of C or better and Teacher Recommendation or Director Approval. This two-semester course provides entry level instruction to Latin, but is not equivalent to a high school-level Latin 2 course. Instead the class will cover second semester high school Latin in addition to a minimum of first semester high school Latin 2 course. This course introduces the student to the Latin language by incorporating culture, sound, conversation, grammar, reading, and writing. This course continues to increase knowledge of Latin language and its historical impact. Language skills are increased through more advanced conversation and practice with grammatical patterns. Reading and writing are emphasized both through exercises in the basic text and supplementary material. This two-semester course provides entry level instruction in Spanish, but is not equivalent to a high school-level Spanish 1 course. Instead the class will cover a minimum of 65% of a high school Spanish 1 course. This course provides an introduction to the Spanish language. Spanish is the most widely understood language in the Western Hemisphere, and the second most-spoken language at home in the United States. The primary purpose of the course is to prepare students to be college-ready, well-rounded global citizens who can communicate effectively in Spanish and are aware of the cultural influences of the Spanish and Latino heritage at home and abroad. Students in this course will learn Spanish phonemes and basic vocabulary including numbers, colors, and greetings. Students will be expected to master proper Spanish sentence constructions, articles and adjectives, subject-verb agreement, and regular and irregular verb conjugations. As part of the course, students will be afforded opportunities to read, write, hear, and speak Spanish while they work towards becoming linguistically and culturally literate. Spanish 2 A/B Prerequisite: Spanish 1 A/B This two-semester course provides entry level instruction to Spanish, but is not equivalent to a high school-level Spanish 2 course. Instead the class will cover second semester high school Spanish in addition to a minimum of first semester high school Spanish 2 course. This course continues to increase knowledge of Spanish-speaking people and their culture. Language skills are increased through oral communication, and more advanced grammatical concepts are introduced. This course provides deeper instruction of the Spanish language. Spanish is a widely understood language in the Western Hemisphere, and the second most-spoken language at home in the United States. The primary purpose of the course is to prepare students to be college-ready, well-rounded global citizens who can communicate effectively in Spanish and are aware of the cultural influences of the Spanish and Latino heritage at home and abroad. Students in this course will build on their basic Spanish knowledge by practicing more complex grammatical structures and by reading short stories. As part of the course, students will be afforded opportunities to read, write, hear, and speak Spanish while they work towards becoming linguistically and culturally literate. 11

12 Foreign Language Spanish for Spanish Speakers Prerequisite: Proven Proficiency & Teacher Recommendation This course is designed to develop and challenge students ability in speaking, reading, writing, listening in Spanish. This course offers Spanish-speaking students an opportunity to study Spanish formally. The course allows students to reactivate the Spanish they have learned previously and develop it further. It enables students whose heritage language is Spanish to read intermediate texts for understanding, recognize standard spelling and usage, write short essays and opinionated papers on selected topics. The course also emphasizes the complexities and similarities among the various Spanish speaking countries and cultures. It helps deepen students understanding of their own culture as well as other Hispanic cultures. As students sharpen their Spanish language skills and accrue cultural knowledge, they will undoubtedly develop a greater sense of pride in their linguistic and cultural heritage. It has been crafted for students in the United States who grew up speaking or hearing Spanish at home or in their community and who, for the most part, have been educated in English. While they are typically proficient at understanding and speaking Spanish, their reading and writing skills in this language need to be further developed. Heritage speakers can often benefit from an increased command of gram-matical structures, improvement in orthography, expansion of vocabulary, writing and reading. 12

13 Math Algebra Readiness Grade: 8 Prerequisite: Math 7 as well as Teacher Recommendation or Director Approval This course will combine eight grade Common Core mathematical expectations and grades 9-12 expectations and practices. Algebra Readiness is a course designed for students finishing middle school that wish to be introduced to high school level Algebra 1 with the expectation of taking Algebra 1 their first year in high school. In this Algebra Readiness course, students will cover a minimum of 70% of the high school level Algebra 1 course through a project and guided inquiry approach. This course emphasizes the language of algebra, linear graphs and transformations as well as operating with rational numbers and inequalities and the use of manipulatives such as Algebra tiles. It also emphasizes monomials, polynomials, and factoring. Algebra 1 A/B Grades: 8-12 Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra & Placement Test This is a high school level course offered to middle school eight-graders that can show proficiency in mathematics. Students taking this course in middle school are expected to begin HS with Geometry provided that they score a B or higher and how proficiency in their math high school placement exam. Algebra 1 is a foundational course for the college bound student in which (s) he will learn to reason symbolically. The first semester emphasizes the language of algebra, operating with rational numbers, inequalities, monomials, and polynomials. The second semester emphasizes functions and graphs, lines and slopes, systems of open sentences, radicals, quadratics, and factoring. Basic Mathematics A/B Grades: 6-12 This course enables the student to practice and improve fundamental skills in everyday arithmetic. Students in this course will learn and review basic math concepts of numeration, computation, and problem solving. It is a great support course for students finishing middle school that have had a history of struggling to meet mastery expectations in mathematics. This course supports math literacy and understanding for students that require additional support in transitionning from concrete mathematical representations to abstract mathematics and thinking. Please be aware that this course is an elective and does not meet mathematics standards for middle school promotion and as such may not be used to fulfill core mathematical course requirements. Mathematics 6 A/B Grade: 6 Prerequisite: Mathematics 5 13 This course enables the student to improve fundamental skills in everyday arithmetic, including basic operations of decimals and percents and solving problems with geometric shapes. The course focuses on concepts, procedures, and vocabulary that students will need in order to be successful in upper-level algebra and geometry courses are introduced and continually practiced. Students begin with a general review of the four basic operations. They are introduced to exponents, geometric formulas, algebraic concepts, ratios, percentages, and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing signed numbers. 6th Grade Math students work extensively with fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and estimating. Problem solving strategies are also an integral part of the curriculum.

14 Math Mathematics 7 A/B Grade: 7 Prerequisite: Mathematics 6 This course is designed to prepare students for 8th grade and high school mathematics by improving upon everyday arithmatics and extending math knowledge to include a transition to more abstract thinking. The first semester focuses on the Number System, Ratios & Proportional Relationships, and Geometry. Students will apply and extend their understandings of operations with integers and fractions to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers. In the Geometry unit students will draw, construct, describe geometrical figures, and describe the relationships between them. The second semester focuses on Expressions & Equations, Geometry & Expressions & Equations, and Statistics & Probability. Students will begin with using properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions, and then solve real-life and mathematical problems using expressions, equations and geometric formulas. This course is equivalent to an overview of Pre-algebra course and follows common core standards and mathematical practices. Mathematics 8 A/B Grade: 8 Prerequisite: Mathematics 7 This course enables the student to practice and improve fundamental skills in everyday arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions and decimals. In 8th Grade Mathematics students will focus on formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations. In this course, students will grasp the concept of a function and use functions to describe quantitative relationships as well as analyzing two and three dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. This course is equivalent to an introduction to Algebra course and prepares students for high school mathematics as it follows common core standards and mathematical practices. Pre-Algebra A/B Grade: 7 Prerequisite: Placement Test, Teacher Recommendation and Director Approval The course continues and extends a study of fundamental operations with the system of rational numbers. It enables the student to practice and improve fundamental skills prerequisite to those encountered in formal algebra. Concepts of algebra, discrete mathematics, functions and patterns, geometry, logic, numbers, probability and statistics are included. Attention is given to pre-algebra skills, geometric constructions, volume, ratio, proportion, percent and coordinate graphing. Mathematical development is written in more formal style with each step requiring justification. This course is a foundational course for a first year of Algebra and prepares students for high school mathematics through the use of common core standards and mathematical practices. This course is typically taken in grade 7 by students expecting to complete their high school level Algebra 1 course in grade 8. 14

15 Personal Development Physical Education 6 A/B Grade: 6 Prerequisite: PE 5 This course provides students the opportunity to learn through a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive sequentially planned physical education program. The first semester focus of this course is the development of movement skill combinations and movement skill knowledge. Additionally, the course focuses on the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance, the requisite knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles and strategies in addition to the application of psychological and sociological concepts, including self-responsibility, positive social interaction, and group dynamics, in the learning and performance of physical activity. The class requires active participation with a small group in guided sporting and recreational activities, as well as independent fitness activities which are to be recorded in a personal fitness log. Participation in the program requires active monitoring by both the teacher and parent. Physical Education 7 A/B Grade: 7 Prerequisite: PE 6 This course provides students the opportunity to learn through a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive sequentially planned physical education program. The first semester focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge to individual and dual physical activities. The course also includes the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance, and the requisite knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles and strategies; and the application of psychological and sociological concepts, including self-responsibility, positive social interaction, and group dynamics, in the learning and performance of physical activity. The class requires active participation with a small group in guided sporting and recreational activities, as well as independent fitness activities which are to be recorded in a personal fitness log. Participation in the program requires active monitoring by both the teacher and parent. Physical Education 8 A/B Grade: 8 Prerequisite: PE 7 This course provides students the opportunity to learn through a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive sequentially planned physical education program. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge (including defensive and offensive strategies) to team physical activities, gymnastics/tumbling, and square dance; the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance; the requisite knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles and strategies to improve health and performance; and the application of psychological and sociological concepts, including self-responsibility, positive social interaction, and group dynamics, in the learning and performance of physical activity. The class requires active participation with a small group in guided sporting and recreational activities, as well as independent fitness activities which are to be recorded in a personal fitness log. articipation in the program requires active monitoring by both the teacher and parent. 15

16 Personal Development Academic Study Skills Academic Study Skills offers students the opportunity to develop and strengthen habits and skills necessary for success in academic life. Topics covered include organizational and time management skills, goal setting and decision-making, and strategies for note-taking, critical reading, and test-taking. Students will complete a research project, demonstrating at each step their understanding of the process. 16

17 Practical Arts Computer Applications This one semester course offers an introduction to basic computer skills. These skills include efficiently organizing and storing information, using the Internet as a resource, and identifying the basic components of a computer. Students will be instructed on how to use several different programs as tools to create spreadsheets, write and format documents, and design onscreen presentations. Additionally, this computer applications course presents introductory concepts and techniques as they are applied to Microsoft Office 2010 Professional. The course content includes an overview of Microsoft Windows 2010 and Microsoft Word 2010 in which students will navigate through Windows and Microsoft Office through hands-on, direct learning, and apply their knowledge by completing several problem-solving assignments and creative projects. 17

18 Science Science 6 A/B Grade: 6 Prerequisite: Science 5 The grade 6 science class involves Earth, Physical, and Environmental Science. The course provides experiences that are aimed at developing and maintaining a wide range of science and critical thinking processes. Students are involved in activities which require them to observe, compare, measure, classify, predict, identify, hypothesize, infer, record, and communicate. They use critical thinking when analyzing, evaluating, generating questions, expressing ideas, and solving problems. Students will explore issues related to the environment and Earth processes in order to develop and utilize the scientific method. Science 7 A/B Grade: 7 Prerequisite: Science 6 The grade 7 science class involves Life, Physical, and Environmental Science. The course provides experiences that are aimed at developing and maintaining a wide range of science and critical thinking processes. Students are involved in activities which require them to observe, compare, measure, classify, predict, identify, hypothesize, infer, record, and communicate. They use critical thinking when analyzing, evaluating, generating questions, expressing ideas, and solving problems. Students will explore issues related to the life sciences in order to develop and utilize the scientific method. Science 8 A/B Grade: 8 Prerequisite: Science 7 The grade 8 science class involves Physical, Chemical and Astronomical Sciences. The course provides experiences that are aimed at developing and maintaining a wide range of science and critical thinking processes. Students are involved in activities which require them to observe, compare, measure, classify, predict, identify, hypothesize, infer, record, and communicate. They use critical thinking when analyzing, evaluating, generating questions, expressing ideas, and solving problems. Students will explore issues related to the life sciences in order to develop and utilize the scientific method. 18

19 Social Science Social Studies 6 A/B Grade: 6 Prerequisite: Social Science 5 This course allows students the opportunity to study the people and events from our most famous ancient civilizations. Students will learn how various ancient civilizations came to be, their accomplishments, and the problems associated with each respective society. Students will study ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome, and India to discover why these civilizations developed where and when they did, why they became dominant, and why they declined. The primary purpose of the course is to provide an introductory understanding of world history and geography by looking at the social, economic, political, religious, and geographical structures of the ancient world. Students will view how the ancient civilizations established its roots in all facets of life and how their contributions to society can connect us to the contemporary world. Social Studies 7 A/B Grade: 7 Prerequisite: Social Science 6 This course allows students the opportunity to study the social, cultural, and technological changes to life that occurred during the medieval and modern times from roughly A.D Students will focus on the significant events happening in Europe, Asia, and Africa to explore the history and geography of many great worldly civilizations. Students will learn about the Enlightenment philosophy, the Scientific Revolution, the Renaissance, and the Reformation, which all lead to many changes in the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. Students will also explore various other medieval civilizations such as the Romans, feudal Japan, and medieval Europe and how the political, economic, and social structures of these places have influenced the world today. The primary purpose of the course is to provide an introductory understanding in world history and geography at a period after ancient civilizations of the past and before the contemporary world where society was continuing to develop and form new ways of thinking. Social Studies 8 A/B Grade: 8 Prerequisite: Social Science 7 This course allows students to study the ideas, issues, and events from colonization to the World Wars including studies on the foundation of the Republic, the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, with specific emphasis on the role America plays at home and abroad. Students will follow the development of the emerging nation and the foundation of democratic institutions as taken from English traditional heritage, most notably the shaping of the Constitution. Students will trace the development of politics (political parties), economics (industrialization), and culture (social reform movements) in respects to various regional and geographical areas. Students will also learn about the difficulties and challenges that faced the new expanding American nation, including the Civil War; with great emphasis on the causes, course of action, and consequences towards Reconstruction. The primary purpose of the course is to provide an introductory understanding of American historical concepts. 19

20 Social Science Scientific Investigations Grades: 7-8 Prerequisite: Director Approval This couse appeals to students investigative nature by developing scientific thinking through guided inquiry. In this course students apply the scientific method through data analysis, critical thinking, and by developing projects and investigations that require lab work and research. This course encourages students to shadow a career in science and actively participate in the scientific community through a science fair competition. Grade 8 students taking this course will be required to enter the Google Science Fair Competition and all students may select to enter into an additional state fair competition to be arranged with their instructor. Support in project creation and development is provided by instruction. STEM Explorations Prerequisite: Director Approval This STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) course is like most STEM programs across the nation in that it is not an add-on math, science, or technology course. The course aims to foster a learning environment in which students are guided to produce original ideas, objects, and structures using concepts and skills from math, science, and technology. Altough the course utilizes core concepts, STEM does not fulfill core requirements for promotion, but instead, provides a environment that encourages students capacity for creativity, fun, and back-loaded learning in a STEM context. 20