Watkins Middle School

Watkins Middle School Curriculum Guide 2014-2015 6 th Grade 7 th Grade 8 th Grade Required Course: Required Courses: Required Courses: Integrated Language Arts or Honors Integrated LA Math 6 or Honors Math 6 Science Social Studies Music Experience: Choir or Band Physical Education (Sem) Computer Apps (Sem) Integrated Language Arts or Honors Language Arts Math 7 or Honors Math 7 Science or Honors Science Social Studies or Honors SS Physical Ed. (Semester) Electives: Electives: Electives: Newspaper (semester) Visual Communications (semester) Yearbook (yearlong) Newspaper (semester) Spanish Part A (yearlong) Choir (yearlong) Band (yearlong) Select Band (yearlong) Percussion and Drums (semester) Guitar (semester) Visual Communications (semester) Digital Art 1 (semester) STEM 1 (semester) Integrated Language Arts or Honors Integrated LA Math 8, Algebra 1, or Geometry Science or Honors Science Social Studies or Honors Social Studies Health (Semester) Yearbook (yearlong) Newspaper (semester) Spanish 1 (yearlong) Choir (yearlong) Band (yearlong) Select Band (yearlong) Percussion and Drums (semester) Guitar (semester) STEM 1 and/or 2 (semester) Visual Communications (semester) Digital Art 1 and/or 2 (semester) Physical Ed (semester)

Honors Classes * Students will be placed in honors classes using the following criteria: MAP data from the Fall and Spring testing sessions in math, reading, and science 9 Weeks grades in each core class Past OAA data Teacher recommendation

Curriculum Guide 2014-15 6 th Grade Core Classes Integrated Language Arts 6 th grade integrated language arts is required for all 6 th graders. The students will be provided with integrated language arts opportunities to improve skills in reading, writing, research, listening, speaking, and language. This course meets the 6 th grade common core standards. Honors Integrated Language Arts 6 th grade honors integrated language arts is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. The students will complete the same core standards as those in 6 th grade integrated language arts. However, the course will have a more intensive emphasis on the development of reading, writing, listening, research, speaking, and language. They will also integrate critical and creative thinking skills. Challenge Language Arts/Reading (gifted) This course is open only to students who have qualified via the district s gifted testing program. The course of study includes the sixth grade reading/language arts indicators. Students are also exposed to a variety of higher level thinking activities and are expected to perform at a higher level than those students in Integrated Language Arts. Science The 6 th grade science course will give students the opportunity to explore topics in the areas of earth, life, and physical sciences. Earth science topics will include the study of the characteristic properties of minerals and the formation of rocks and soil. Students will investigate cellular structures and functions within the life science portion of the course. Students will also expand their understanding of the complementary nature of structure and function within various organisms. The physical science area of study will include exploration of the structure of matter and its characteristic properties. Kinetic and potential energy will also be explored. Throughout the course students will learn appropriate scientific investigation skills that will aid in the development of scientific ways of thinking. Math The level 1 course, math 6, will cover the sixth grade content standards. Emphasis will be placed on filling the gaps in students fundamental skills, knowledge, and understandings essential for success in math. Instruction will include a variety of strategies (i.e. technology, manipulatives, inquiry, cooperative learning) designed to not only engage students, but to also foster a positive attitude about mathematics among them. Through differentiated instruction, activities and problem solving experiences, teachers will provide a learning environment that meets the mathematical needs of all students in the classroom.

Honors Math 6 th grade honors math is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. The level 2 course, honors math for 6 th grade, will cover the sixth and seventh grade content standards. Emphasis will be placed upon the application of student s skills, knowledge, and understandings to higher levels of Bloom s Taxonomy. Instruction will include a wide variety of strategies designed to engage the advanced learner. Through differentiated instruction, activities and problem solving experiences designed to stretch the mathematical minds of students, teachers will provide a learning environment that meets the mathematical needs of all students in the classroom. Social Studies In 6 th grade social studies, students will study the Ohio Academic Content Standards and incorporate the Common Core. Students will study the Eastern Hemisphere (Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe) including the geographic features, early history, cultural and economic development. Students learn about the development of river civilizations in Africa and Asia (India, Egypt, China and Mesopotamia) including their governments, cultures and economic systems. Students will develop their understanding of the role of consumers and the interaction of markets, resources and competition. Students will develop their understanding of how ideas and events from the past have shaped the world today. Additionally, students will develop and/or reinforce their social studies knowledge and skills through reading, writing, research and document analysis. Computer: Computer Applications (Semester) Computer Applications is designed to prepare students for utilizing computers throughout their secondary school experience. This course will begin with the basics of improving typing skills and proper internet and social media behavior. Students will use an array of technologies and apply design concepts to communicate with multiple audiences, acquire and disseminate information and enhance learning. Students will gain practical experience with a variety of technology tools and sharing formats including Google Drive and Google SketchUp.

Music Experience: Music Experience (Opt for one): Students are given a choice of music experiences in sixth grade. Choir (yearlong) Students in this class will be given the opportunity to develop and refine their vocal music skills. They will have several opportunities throughout the school year to perform for family, classmates and members of the community. Band (Yearlong) Those interested in playing a musical instrument may sign up for Band 6. Physical Education (Semester) Physical Education: Students must take one semester of Physical Education. Newspaper (Semester) 6 th Grade Electives: This semester class introduces students to journalism. Students will write articles and take photos that are published on the school blog. Students may be interviewed to be selected for this course. Visual Communication 6/7 (Semester) Course Fee - $20 Students in visual communication 6/7 will explore the elements of line, shape, form, color, texture, space and principles of design the rules that govern how the elements are organized in a composition. This project-based course is fueled by connections to personal interests and experiences, art history, cultures and artists as inspiration. The course incorporates art vocabulary and concepts through a variety of media and materials which may include drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture. Students build a strong foundation to discuss and evaluate their own artwork, along with peer work, in a supportive atmosphere. This course can be repeated.

Curriculum Guide 2014-2015 7 th Grade Core Classes Integrated Language Arts 7 th grade integrated language arts is required for all 7th graders. The students will be provided with integrated language arts opportunities to improve skills in reading, writing, research, listening, speaking, and language. This course meets the 7th grade common core standards. Honors Integrated Language Arts 7 th grade honors integrated language arts is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. The students will complete the same core standards as those in 7th grade integrated language arts. However, the course will have a more intensive emphasis on the development of reading, writing, research, listening, speaking, and language. They will also integrate critical and creative thinking skills. Math 7 The level 1 course, math 7, will cover the seventh grade content standards. Emphasis will be placed on filling the gaps in students fundamental skills, knowledge, and understandings essential for success in math. Instruction will include a variety of strategies (i.e. technology, manipulatives, inquiry, cooperative learning) designed to not only engage students, but to also foster a positive attitude about mathematics among them. Through differentiated instruction, activities and problem solving experiences, teachers will provide a learning environment that meets the mathematical needs of all students in the classroom. Honors Math 7 7 th grade honors math is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. The level 2 course, honors math 7, will cover some of the seventh and all of the eighth grade content standards to ready students for Algebra 1 next year. Emphasis will be placed upon the application of student s skills, knowledge, and understandings to higher levels of Bloom s Taxonomy. Instruction will include a wide variety of strategies designed to engage the advanced learner. Through differentiated instruction, activities and problem solving experiences designed to stretch the mathematical minds of students, teachers will provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all students in the classroom.

Algebra This course is open only to 7 th grade students who have qualified via the district s testing program. Algebra 1 will follow the core curriculum standards for Algebra 1. Instruction will include a wide variety of strategies designed to engage the advanced learner. Through differentiated instruction, activities, and problem solving experiences designed to stretch the mathematical minds of students, teachers will provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all students in the classroom. This course receives high school credit. Social Studies In 7 th grade social studies, students will study the Ohio Academic Content Standards and incorporate the Common Core. The 7 th grade year is an integrated study of world history starting with Ancient Greece through the Global Age. Students will learn about the Ancient Greeks, the rise and fall of Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation and the Enlightenment. Our course of study will include the examination of the economic, political, social, and cultural developments of the Eastern Hemisphere. Students will develop their understanding of how ideas and events from the past have shaped the world today. Additionally, students will develop and/or reinforce their social studies knowledge and skills through reading, writing, research and document analysis. Honors Social Studies 7 th grade honors social studies is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. Students in the honors course will follow the same curriculum as outlined in the social studies 7 course. In addition, enrichment materials and creative activities will be incorporated into the curriculum. Students will learn and apply skills used by historians; these will include acquiring information through historical research; thinking critically; using primary and secondary sources; recognizing cause and effect relationships; and using historical information to complete decision making activities. Science Students in 7 th grade science will explore earth, physical and life science content. Earth science topics will focus on water contamination, atmospheric and oceanic currents, eclipses, tides and moon phases. Life science will emphasize plant processes, products and uses, and an opportunity to explore biomes. Physical science will be a combination of atoms, properties of matter, and conservation of energy.

Honors Science 7 th grade honors science is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. Students in this course will follow the same curriculum as outlined in the science 7 course. In addition, students will be expected to integrate and apply knowledge and resources to real life situations and problems. The honors course will progress at a faster pace giving students an opportunity for further investigation into in-depth concepts and will require students to work independently. Assessments will include higher level questions and require more sophisticated responses. Physical Education (Semester) Students must take one semester of Physical Education. 7 th Grade Electives: Newspaper (Semester) Journalism: This semester class introduces students to journalism. Students will write articles and take photos that are published on the school blog. Students may be interviewed to be selected for this course. Yearbook (Yearlong) This yearlong class designs and produces the yearbook. Activities include the basics of photography, interviewing, feature writing, magazine layout, picture planning, sales design, advertising and computer work. Prerequisites: Students should have received a final grade of A or B in 6th grade language arts, be recommended by 6th grade LA teacher, have strong computer skills, an interest in language arts, specifically writing and editing, be able to work well with peers, meet all deadlines and be available for after school and weekend events. Students may be interviewed to be selected for this course.

Foreign Language: Spanish 1 Part A (yearlong) This course offers half of a two part course to 7 th graders interested in getting a jump on foreign language study. It will cover Chapters 1-4 of the Spanish 1 textbook, and will offer a more indepth look at language structure for mastery. A cultural component will be emphasized, and a broader base of beginner vocabulary will be learned at this pace. Students taking this course should have strong reading and writing skills and possess good study habits. Enrollment in this course will be limited and based on data and language arts grades. Students taking this course will take Spanish 1 Part B as 8 th graders. Students must successfully complete both courses to earn 1 high school credit. No partial credits will be given for these courses. STEM 1 (Semester) Course Fee - $5 Computer: The content of this course has been developed around the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) standards. Emphasis has been placed on project based learning in a creative atmosphere. The students will use a variety of technology to design, create, and problem solve how to keep an egg from cracking while traveling down a ramp and slamming into a wall, how many rubber bands will allow Barbie to safely jump from the football stadium steps, how to accurately hit a target with a catapult design, and what materials will need to be used to allow a home to be energy efficient. The students will also use technology to create a stop motion video using pictures or clay. The students will use Google Sketch-up, MS Office, ipads, and a variety of other technologies. Choir (yearlong) Music Experience: Students in this class will be given the opportunity to further develop and refine their vocal music skills. They will have several opportunities throughout the school year to perform for family, classmates and members of the community. Band (yearlong) Students in this class will be given the opportunity to further develop and refine their instrumental music skills. They will have several opportunities throughout the school year to perform for family, classmates and members of the community.

Select Band (yearlong) This class is open to students only through audition. Students in this class will be given the opportunity to further develop and refine their instrumental music skills. They will have several opportunities throughout the school year to perform for family, classmates and members of the community. Percussion and Drums (semester) Through the use of African drums and other rhythm instruments, students explore a variety of music components. Guitar (semester) The guitar class will focus on practical playing applications, most notably learning to play the most common chords using a basic strumming pattern, and to read a lead sheet. Students will also learn proper maintenance and care of a guitar, tuning, and some note reading. Students with prior experience will be able to expand their knowledge of scales, improvisation and other styles of playing including finger picking. The class will be a semester class and will have a required book that students must purchase. Visual Communication 7/8 (semester) Course Fee - $20 Art: Students in Visual Communication 7/8 will explore advanced concepts related to the elements and principles of design, which may include drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture. In this course students apply artistic and reasoning skills to create artworks in conventional and innovative ways, while expressing their personal interests and experiences through visual art. Using advanced responding techniques, students will use a variety of methods including Individual and group critiques, self-reflection techniques and writing activities to assess and improve their artwork and the artwork of others. Students may repeat this course.

Digital Art 1 (semester) Course Fee - $20 Prerequisites (B- or higher in Visual Communication 6/7 or 7/8 ) Students WILL repeat if they receive below a B- in order to move onto Digital Art 2 Digital Art 1 offers an introduction to the technology world of hands on computer-based art production, focusing on using the computer as a tool for manipulating images and transforming ideas into artwork. Students will utilize drawing skills and traditional art materials while emphasizing the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop tools. Projects will incorporate the art elements, principles of design & color theory, and may include capturing and composing an image using a digital camera, image manipulation and graphic design skills. The goal of Digital Art I is to offer students an overview of the endless possibilities of computer-based art. Curriculum Guide 2014-15 - 8th Grade Core Classes Integrated Language Arts 8 th grade integrated language arts is required for all 8 th graders. The students will be provided with integrated language arts opportunities to improve skills in reading, writing, research, listening, speaking, and language. This course meets the 8 th grade common core standards. Honors Integrated Language Arts 8 th grade honors integrated language arts is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. The students will complete the same core standards as those in 8 th grade integrated language arts. However, the course will have a more intensive emphasis on the development of reading, writing, research, listening, speaking, and language. They will also integrate critical and creative thinking skills. Math 8 The level 1 course, math 8, will cover the 8 th grade content standards. Emphasis will be placed on filling the gaps in students fundamental skills, knowledge, and understandings essential for success in math. Instruction will include a variety of strategies (i.e. technology, manipulatives, inquiry, cooperative learning) designed to not only engage students, but to also foster a positive attitude about mathematics among them. Through differentiated instruction, activities and problem solving experiences, teachers will provide a learning environment that meets the mathematical needs of all students in the classroom.

Algebra 1 The Level 2 course, Algebra 1, will follow the core curriculum standards for Algebra 1. Instruction will include a wide variety of strategies designed to engage the advanced learner. Through differentiated instruction, activities, and problem solving experiences designed to stretch the mathematical minds of students, teachers will provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all students in the classroom. This course is for high school credit. Geometry The Level 3 course is open only to those students who qualify via the district s acceleration policy. This course will follow the core curriculum standards for Geometry. This course is for high school credit. Science This course is intended for 8 th grade students and is aligned to the Ohio standards. Students will study physical science, life science and earth/space science. Topics for the earth/space science strand will include properties of earth s interior, tectonic plates, geological processes and geological record. Physical science topics will include forces, magnitude/ direction and types of potential energy. Life science topics will include reproduction and diversity of species, fossil record and inherited traits. Honors Science 8 th grade honors science is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. Students in this course will follow the same curriculum as outlined in the science 8 course. This course will move at a faster pace giving students an opportunity for further investigation into in-depth concepts and require higher level thinking and independent work. Advanced resources and in-depth exploration and enrichment will be required. Emphasis will be placed on student initiated learning. Students will be expected to research real-world problems and incorporate advanced writing skills. Assessments will include higher level questions and require more sophisticated responses.

Social Studies In 8 th grade social studies, students will study the Ohio Academic Content Standards and incorporate the Common Core. This course encompasses the study of American History starting with colonization and culminating with the Civil War era. The course will stress events and time periods such as colonization of America, early U.S. government, U.S. westward expansion, and the War Between the States. The class will allow the students to examine the causes and effects of each time period and to utilize past events to make connections to current world situations. Students will develop and/or reinforce their social studies knowledge and skills through reading, writing, research and document analysis. Honors Social Studies 8 th grade honors social studies is intended for students who meet the district s requirements for middle school honors classes. Students in the honors course will follow the same curriculum as outlined in the social studies 8 course. In addition, enrichment materials and creative activities will be incorporated into the curriculum. Students will learn and apply skills used by historians; these will include acquiring information through historical research; thinking critically; using primary and secondary sources; recognizing cause and effect relationships; and using historical information to complete decision making activities. Health (Semester) This course is designed to provide knowledge that will enable students to make their own decisions on matters that are important to their total well-being. Covered topics include: anatomy, hygiene, influence of family and society on mental health, causes of drug abuse, family life and human sexuality in which abstinence is stressed, first aid and safety, influence of diet and exercise, and health consequences of environmental pollution. This course is for high school credit.

8 th Grade Electives: Journalism: Newspaper (semester) This semester class introduces students to journalism. Students will write articles and take photos that are published on the school blog. Students may be interviewed to be selected for this course. Yearbook (Yearlong) This yearlong class designs and produces the yearbook. Activities include the basics of photography, interviewing, feature writing, magazine layout, picture planning, sales design, advertising and computer work. Prerequisites: Students should have received a final grade of A or B in 7th grade language arts, be recommended by 7th grade LA teacher, have strong computer skills, an interest in language arts, specifically writing and editing, be able to work well with peers, meet all deadlines and be available for after school and weekend events. Students may be interviewed to be selected for this course. Spanish 1 (yearlong) Foreign Language: This is a year-long course that will teach students basic vocabulary and grammar structures needed to make short conversations in Spanish about themselves and others. Students will also gain cultural appreciation and broaden their perspective on connections between cultures. Good reading, writing, and study skills are necessary to a student s success in this course. This course is for high school credit.

Computer: STEM 1 (Semester) Course Fee - $5 The content of this course has been developed around the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) standards. Emphasis has been placed on project based learning in a creative atmosphere. The students will use a variety of technology to design, create, and problem solve how to keep an egg from cracking while traveling down a ramp and slamming into a wall, how many rubber bands will allow Barbie to safely jump from the football stadium steps, how to accurately hit a target with a catapult design, and what materials will need to be used to allow a home to be energy efficient. The students will also use technology to create a stop motion video using pictures or clay. The students will use Google Sketch-up, MS Office, ipads, and a variety of other technologies. STEM 2 (Semester) Course Fee - $5 This course is a continuation of STEM 1. Emphasis will continue to be on project-based learning in a creative atmosphere. The students will expand their ability to critically think, design, create, and problem solve through a number of new and more challenging projects that might include these challenges: gravity car, parachute drop, penny boat, Minecraft to name a few. The students will use Google Sketch-up, MS Office, ipads, and a variety of other technologies. Choir (yearlong) Music Experience: Students in this class will be given the opportunity to further develop and refine their vocal music skills. They will have several opportunities throughout the school year to perform for family, classmates and members of the community. Band (yearlong) Students in this class will be given the opportunity to further develop and refine their instrumental music skills. They will have several opportunities throughout the school year to perform for family, classmates and members of the community.

Select Band (yearlong) This class is open to students only through audition. Students in this class will be given the opportunity to further develop and refine their instrumental music skills. They will have several opportunities throughout the school year to perform for family, classmates and members of the community. Percussion and Drums (semester) Through the use of African drums and other rhythm instruments, students explore a variety of music components. Guitar (semester) The guitar class will focus on practical playing applications, most notably learning to play the most common chords using a basic strumming pattern, and to read a lead sheet. Students will also learn proper maintenance and care of a guitar, tuning, and some note reading. Students with prior experience will be able to expand their knowledge of scales, improvisation and other styles of playing including finger picking. The class will be a semester class and will have a required book that students must purchase. Art: Visual Communication 7/8 (semester) Course Fee - $20 Students in Visual Communication 7/8 will explore advanced concepts related to the elements and principles of design, which may include drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture. In this course students apply artistic and reasoning skills to create artworks in conventional and innovative ways, while expressing their personal interests and experiences through visual art. Using advanced responding techniques, students will use a variety of methods including Individual and group critiques, self-reflection techniques and writing activities to assess and improve their artwork and the artwork of others. Students may repeat this course.

Digital Art 1 (semester) Course Fee - $20 Prerequisites (B- or higher in Visual Communication 6/7 or 7/8 ) Students WILL repeat if they receive below a B- in order to move onto Digital Art 2 Digital Art 1 offers an introduction to the technology world of hands on computer-based art production, focusing on using the computer as a tool for manipulating images and transforming ideas into artwork. Students will utilize drawing skills and traditional art materials while emphasizing the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop tools. Projects will incorporate the art elements, principles of design & color theory, and may include capturing and composing an image using a digital camera, image manipulation and graphic design skills. The goal of Digital Art I is to offer students an overview of the endless possibilities of computer-based art. Digital Art 2 (semester) Course Fee - $20 Prerequisites: B- or higher in Digital Art 1; Students may repeat Digital Art 2 is a natural progression of Digital Art 1, extending and refining computer art skills, which may introduce Adobe InDesign, digital photography and a greater emphasis on graphic design concepts. Students will create real-world applicable projects through a process of sketching, scanning, manipulating & printing artwork. Projects may include individual and advertising team-based projects focusing on graphic design principles. In addition, projects may include concepts such as typography, logo & t-shirt designs, greeting cards, magazine layouts, posters, billboards and much more. A student that passes a screening process will be on a fast track to higher level digital art courses at the high school starting their freshman year. Physical Education (Semester) Physical Education: Students may take physical education during 8 th grade. They will learn a variety of lifelong activities and games as well as condition daily to help maintain a healthy life-style.

Additional options for students: 1. Students may choose to have a study hall in place of an elective. However, students may not be scheduled for more than (1) study hall per semester. 2. Students in all three grades who score below the proficient level on the reading or math Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) may be scheduled into math or reading enrichment. 3. Students with an individual education plan (IEP) may be scheduled into a support period. 4. Repeating courses for high school credit: Students may repeat a course one time. The course information and the grade earned the first time will remain on the transcript as part of the student s academic record. However, the grade that is earned the second time is the grade that is computed in the calculation of the grade point average (GPA). This means students will always receive the second grade earned. Credit is only awarded once for the course. A student may repeat, at most, two year long courses or four semester courses in a given year. Additional guidelines: 1. A course and its prerequisite may not be taken at the same time. 2. A course may be repeated only once. 3. Grades from out of district sources and correspondence courses will not be accepted as replacement grades. 4. Southwest Licking summer school coursework and SWL online course work may be used as replacement grades. 5. The dropping of a course that is being repeated will be handled according to the same rules as all other courses.