Middle School Curriculum

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Core Courses

English	Social Studies	Mathematics	Science	World Languages	Physical Education	Exploratory Classes

English
Language Arts 6	Sixth grade language arts creates a base for future learning and development. The curriculum focuses on the complex nature of society and how the needs of the individual function in different communities. Students concentrate on active reading skills: comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, while they make real-life connections. Students also focus on journal, poetry, and essay writing, and thesis construction. Our current in-class novels include:Seedfolks, Last Book in the Universe, Hunger Games, The Giver, The Outsiders, Ender's Game, and Julius Caesar. Students also participate in independent book groups. The students choose from a variety of contemporary novels that share the theme of a teenage protagonist from various ethnic cultures. The class is a 90-minute block and integrates the study of ancient civilizations.
English 7	The themes in the literature of English 7 are connected with the World Studies curriculum to explore concepts of individual and group identity, immigration, cultural conflict and societal change. Students read selected novels, poems, articles, and short stories from a variety of cultural perspectives in exploration of these themes, and write responses, essays, short papers, poems, and short stories demonstrating lessons learned. Seventh grade writing focuses on structure, grammar, integration of textural evidence, and revision in the writing process. Writing is assessed through appropriate goals from a writing continuum. Active reading is directly taught through meta cognitive reading strategies. Students also build vocabulary by studying words within the context of the literature read in class.
English 8	Eighth grade English includes an exploration of traditional and contemporary literary works, as well as short stories, music, and poetry. Class discussions expand upon the reading and are used to enhance the understanding of the literature. These discussions also improve the student's ability to communicate, listen, and to think in a critical manner. In addition, writing assignments, both creative and formal, build upon the themes and issues raised in each literary piece. Finally, grammar, mechanics, and study skills build upon skills taught in the seventh grade.

Social Studies
Social Studies 6	Students explore ancient civilizations and examine the processes of studying cultures over time. Students learn about the major physical, political, religious, and artistic elements that helped shape and create the rich histories and civilizations of Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, and ancient Mesopotamia.
World Studies	World Studies introduces seventh grade students to the diverse cultures of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through the social sciences’ perspectives of geography, anthropology, history, sociology, political science, and economics, students gain insights into how people around the globe live, the issues they face, and how we are connected to one another. Music, art, dance, literature, food, and community service learning, as well as the social sciences, are integrated to bring the world’s cultures to life in this class. Additionally, some units connect to or are collaborative efforts between the seventh grade English curriculum and seventh grade physical sciences curriculum. The skills emphasize active reading, debate, note taking, writing (expository essays, research papers, oral histories and personal reflections) and participating in discussions. This course is designed to encourage students to explore their world and to learn how to be critical thinkers.
American Studies	Eighth graders will explore American history from the pre-Civil War era (focusing on the economic and social aspects of Antebellum America), through the mid 21st century. Special focus will be paid to the exploration and discovery of the political, social and economic development of America. This “discovery learning” process will ultimately help the eighth graders become more socially and politically aware, as well as become more independent thinkers. Students will augment this process by reading, Freedom, A History of Us, by Joy Hakim as well as works read in conjunction with eighth grade English.

Mathematics
Mathematics 6	Connected Math, a research-based curriculum designed specifically for middle school students, forms the backbone of the curriculum. Topics include: number classification, decimals/percent/fractions, probability, data, 2- and 3-dimensional geometry, and an introduction to linear equations in algebra. Problem-solving is explored further through POWs—problems of the week. Students also participate in Math Olympiads.
Compacted Mathematics 6	Also using Connected Math as the backbone of the curriculum, compacted math in the sixth grade covers algebra and geometry concepts with an emphasis on problem-solving strategies through mathematical investigations. Some topics covered include: variables, tables, graphs, and symbols as representations, linear relationships and equations, number classification, integers, rate, ratio, and proportional reasoning as well as decimals/percent/fractions, probability, data, and 2- and 3-dimensional geometry. The content in the compacted mathematics program is designed for students to complete a study of number systems and algebra in a two-year sequence during grades six and seven.
Mathematics 7	This is the second of the three-year Connected Math program. The course covers algebra and geometry concepts with an emphasis on problem-solving strategies through mathematical investigations. Some of the topics covered include the use of variables, tables, graphs, and symbols as representations, similarity, rate, ratio, proportion, percent, proportional reasoning, understanding and using integers, linear relationships expressed in words, tables, graphs, and symbols, simplifying expressions, solving algebraic equations, and working with graphing calculators.
Compacted Mathematics 7	During the second year of the three-year compacted math program, students continue to develop algebraic thinking and problem-solving skills. They analyze real-life situations and study how they can be modeled by linear, inverse exponential or quadratic relationships. Recognizing patterns, defining and manipulating variables, collecting and graphing data, and predicting outcomes are all central to the curriculum. Students continue to work on mastery of skills: fractions, signed numbers, solving equations and inequalities, and simplifying expressions while manipulating radical expressions, polynomials, and exponents. Geometry concepts, such as properties of quadrilaterals and triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem, area, length, and distance are developed throughout the curriculum.
Mathematics 8	Students continue to develop algebraic thinking and problem-solving skills. They analyze real-life situations and study how they can be modeled by linear, inverse, exponential, or quadratic relationships. Recognizing patterns, defining and manipulating variables, collecting and graphing data, and predicting outcomes are all central to the curriculum. Students continue to work on mastery of skills: fractions, signed numbers, solving equations and inequalities, and simplifying expressions while manipulating radical expressions, polynomials, and exponents. Geometry concepts, such as properties of quadrilaterals and triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem, area, length, and distance are developed throughout the curriculum.
Compacted Mathematics 8	During the third year of the compacted mathematics program, students will explore geometry through inductive and deductive processed, technology, constructions, and algebraic connections. Topics of investigation include logic, angle and line relationships, triangles and other polygons, congruence, and similarity. Although the curriculum focuses on Euclidean geometry, students also study coordinated geometry and its transformations. Trigonometric ratios of sine, cosine and tangent are used to solve triangle problems. Students will use area, volume, geometric probability, and geometric relationships to solve real-life problems. Aside from learning these skills and concepts, students will develop their ability to construct formal, logical arguments and proofs in geometric settings and problems.

Science
Science 6	Sixth grade science is a general study of life science and physical science. Life science is divided into three parts: ecology, learning, and genetics. In ecology, we focus on the desert biome, the interconnections that link all life on earth, plant and animal adaptations, and the causes of global warming. The learning unit focuses on the brain and how we learn, and the genetics unit focuses on heredity and the probability associated with it. Physical science is divided into two main topics: electricity and the physics of structures.
Science 7	This two-part course covers aspects of earth science and physical science. Earth science explores rocks and minerals, mining (its importance to and impact on Utah), earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, and natural resources. Physical science explores Newton’s laws of motion, the nature of forces, work and energy, and the use of simple math to describe and predict. These concepts are applied to the building of a balsa wood bridge, a self-propelled vehicle, and a glider.
Science 8	Eighth grade science presents a survey of physical sciences and scientific processes with an emphasis on hands-on learning, analytical thinking and problem solving, and development of technical communication skills. The course begins with an in-depth analysis of the scientific process and science in society. Students study the introductory concepts of physics, astronomy, and chemistry. The planning, execution, and analysis of scientific experiments and lab projects are the central teaching tool for this class.

World Languages
Latin 6	Sixth grade Latin is a study of Greek and Roman mythology, Roman culture, and history (the founding of Rome through the Republic, the Etruscans and Julius Caesar). It includes grammar: first and second declensions of nouns in all cases; first and second conjugations of verbs in present, future and perfect tenses; prepositional phrases; prefixes; and adjunctive agreement.
Latin 7	Students study Roman culture including aspects of family life, slavery, dress, homes, furniture and architecture. Literature includes the Aeneid and a study of the Trojan War, using The Iliad and The Odyssey. Grammar includes: third and fourth declensions of nouns in all cases; third and fourth conjugations of and the conjugation of all verbs in all six tenses of the active voice, irregular verb-sum; uses of the ablative, questions, apposition of nouns, adjectives, adverbs, uses of dative, clauses and conjunctions, vocabulary and Latin composition and translation:
Latin 8	The study of geography, history (Early Republic), education, social customs, architecture, mythology, and Latin-English etymology is continued in eighth grade Latin. In grammar, students study verbs (the passive voice, the imperative mood, second, third and fourth conjugations), third declension and “I” stem nouns, third declension and partitive adjectives, genitive case (objective, partitive), dative case with adjectives and possessions, ablative case (personal agent, specification, partitive, separation, and manner).
French 6	Students learn study and organizational skills necessary for success in world language learning. Sixth grade French focuses on vocabulary, expressions, dialogues and grammar pertinent to real-life situations at home, at school and in the community. Students learn the present tense of -ER verbs, irregular verbs, pronouns, articles, adjective and adverb usage. Emphasis is placed on not only reading and writing skills, but also listening comprehension and speaking, enabling students to carry on dialogues with native speakers. Students explore the culture of multiple Francophone countries and focus on the geography of France and Francopone Europe.
French 7	Students build on topics learned in Sixth Grade French and review the learning and organizational skills necessary for success in world language learning. Seventh grade French focuses on vocabulary, expressions, dialogues and grammar applicable in real-life scenarios such as ordering food at a café, shopping in a market, traveling on an airplane or train and discussing sporting events. Some of the grammar topics students learn are the present tense of -IR and -RE verbs, several more irregular verbs, the future proche, comparisons and demonstrative adjectives. Students continue to visit various Francophone countries and focus on the geography of French-speaking Canada as well as Caribbean and Polynesian islands. The use of French in the classroom is stressed, and by the end of the year the class is conducted primarily in French.
French 8	Eighth Grade French students review topics and skills covered in both sixth and seventh grade French. They are introduced to even more vocabulary, dialogues, expressions and grammar to increase their conversational abilities in commonplace scenarios such as discussing cultural pastimes, art, movies and theater as well as expressing discomfort and illness. Students learn the passé composé, imperfect and future tenses, direct and indirect object pronouns, even more irregular verbs and the imperative. Students are introduced to French literature by reading an abbreviated version of the Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Even more Francophone culture is introduced with an emphasis on geography and culture of French speaking Africa. The class is conducted almost entirely in French, preparing students for the challenging high school program.
Spanish 6	Spanish 6 assumes no prior Spanish experience and serves as student's initial inquiry into the world of language study. Major objectives are establishing a cooperative classroom environment and instituting a learning sequence that begins with the basics of Spanish-language study. Given younger students' ability to hear detail and nuance, emphasis is placed on accurate pronunciation and listening. Spanish 6 presents a broad palette of content including a wide variety of theme based vocabulary, basic components of sentence structure, agreement and verb conjugation in the present tense. A multimedia classroom allows an interactive approach to investigating the hispanophone world.
Spanish 7	Spanish 7 builds on the aural/oral patterns established in Spanish 6 while employing heightened expectations for written proficiency. Idiomatic expressions, irregular verbs, basic parts of speech, sentence structure, and vocabulary highlight the grammar content. Students strengthen conversational skills by developing proficiency with both asking and answering questions and engaging in role-play. Writing exercises address controlled topics confining vocabulary to established themes.
Spanish 8	Spanish 8 concludes the middle school sequence. Successful completion provides students with the preparation necessary for a successful transition to high school Spanish. All topics typically covered in high school Spanish I are addressed by year's end thus proficient students may elect to move directly into Spanish II at the high school level. Grammar focuses include object and reflexive pronouns, the preterit tense, expressing the future with "ir", two-verb constructions, prepositions, and idioms. In writing, students express original, opinion based thought around topics of culture. Vocabulary broadens to include study-lists generated by students representing their areas-of-interest. In addition to conversational methods established in Spanish 7, students are asked to create target-language presentations.
Mandarin Chinese 6	This beginning Mandarin Chinese course is intended for students with no prior knowledge of any Chinese. Mandarin Chinese is based on the Beijing dialect and is the national standard language of the People’s Republic of China. This course will introduce the Chinese Pinyin system: initials, finals, tones, and rules of phoenetic spelling. Reading and writing skills are introduced and students develop basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Mandarin Chinese 7	Students continue to develop and master the essential linguistic skills required for listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Chinese language. The structure of the class focuses on learning the basic grammar and vocabulary elements by studying the language in authentic contexts using simplified Chinese characters and Punyin. Oral/aural skills, role-playing skits, group activities, conversation, multi-media resources, and realia are used to reinforce individual and collaborative efforts. Students also develop an introductory understanding to the history and culture of China.

Physical Education
All students are required to participate in physical education class throughout their middle school years.
Physical Education Curriculum	Physical education courses include instruction in basic skills, game rules, safety procedures, and rules of etiquette in a variety of team and individual activities, with emphasis on team sports. Each trimester and on a daily basis, three teachers are involved in the instruction of students grades six through eight. Each instructor teaches a unit on a particular sport or game related to his/her area of expertise. Students are divided into three groups at the beginning of the trimester and then rotate approximately every four weeks to become involved in a different unit of instruction and to participate in selected team and individual sports and games. Units of instruction include flag football, recreational games, indoor and outdoor soccer, volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, aerobics, weight training, bowling, badminton, team handball, lacrosse, Pickleball, circus arts, adventure education, softball or baseball, track and field, archery and golf. In addition, during the spring trimester, each student in each grade participates in a rotation of dance.
Dance Education (may be used as one-trimester P.E. credit)	This class focuses on dance technique, improvisation, and group choreography. No previous experience is required. Goals are to develop control, balance, flexibility, strength, rhythm, coordination, concentration, fitness, confidence in participation and performing, and creative, choreographic, and technical skills. All students grades sixth through eight also participate in a two-week rotation of dance instruction during spring trimester each year.

Middle School

Curriculum