Language Arts 6

This course eases students’ transition to middle school with engaging, age appropriate literary and informational reading selections. Students learn to read critically, analyze texts, and cite evidence to support ideas as they read essential parts of literary and informational texts and explore a full unit on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Through the Looking Glass. Vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills are sharpened through lessons that give students explicit modeling and ample practice. Students also engage in routine, responsive writing based on texts they have read. In extensive, process-based writing lessons, students write topical essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this full-year course, students develop a mastery of reading, writing, and language arts skills.

Language Arts 7

Students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers in this middle school course. With engaging literary and informational texts, students learn to think critically, analyze an author’s language, and cite evidence to support ideas. Students complete an in-depth study of Jack London’s classic novel White Fang and read excerpts from other stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Explicit modeling and ample opportunities for practice help students sharpen their vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. Students also respond routinely to texts they have read. In extensive, process-based writing lessons, students write topical essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this full-year course, students develop a mastery of reading, writing, and language arts skills.

Language Arts 8

In this course, students build on their knowledge and blossom as thoughtful readers and clear, effective writers. A balance of literary and informational texts engage students throughout the course in reading critically, analyzing texts, and citing evidence to support claims. Students sharpen their vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills through lessons designed to provide explicit modeling and ample opportunities to practice. Students also routinely write responses to texts they have read, and use more extensive, process-based lessons to produce full-length essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this full-year course, students develop a mastery of reading, writing, and language arts skills.

Mathematics 6

This course begins by connecting ratio and rate to multiplication and division, allowing students to use ratio reasoning to solve a wide variety of problems. Students further apply their understanding of multiplication and division to explain the standard procedure for dividing fractions. This course builds upon previous notions of the number system to now include the entire set of rational numbers. Students begin to understand the use of variables as they write, evaluate, and simplify expressions. They use the idea of equality and properties of operations to solve one-step equations and inequalities. In statistics, students explore different graphical ways to display data. They use data displays, measures of center, and measures of variability to summarize data sets. The course concludes with students reasoning about relationships among shapes to determine area, surface area, and volume.

Mathematics 7

This course begins with an in-depth study of proportional reasoning during which students utilize concrete models such as bar diagrams and tables to increase and develop conceptual understanding of rates, ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students’ number fluency and understanding of the rational number system are extended as they perform operations with signed rational numbers embedded in real-world contexts. In statistics, students develop meanings for representative samples, measures of central tendency, variation, and the ideal representation for comparisons of given data sets. Students develop an understanding of both theoretical and experimental probability. Throughout the course, students build fluency in writing expressions and equations that model real-world scenarios. They apply their understanding of inverse operations to solve multi-step equations and inequalities. Students build on their proportional reasoning to solve problems about scale drawings by relating the corresponding lengths between objects. The course concludes with a geometric analysis of angle relationships, area, and volume of both two- and three-dimensional figures.

Mathematics 8

The course begins with a unit on input-output relationships that builds a foundation for learning about functions. Students make connections between verbal, numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of relations and apply this knowledge to create linear functions that can be used to model and solve mathematical and real-world problems.

Technology is used to build deeper connections among representations. Students focus on formulating expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and writing and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations.

Students develop a deeper understanding of how translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations of distances and angles affect congruency and similarity. Students develop rules of exponents and use them to simplify exponential expressions. Students extend rules of exponents as they perform operations with numbers in scientific notation.

Estimating and comparing square roots of non-perfect squares to perfect squares exposes students to irrational numbers and lays the foundation for applications such as the Pythagorean theorem, distance, and volume.

Pre-Algebra

This full-year course is designed for high school students who have completed a middle school mathematics sequence but are not yet algebra-ready. This course reviews key algebra readiness skills from the middle grades and introduces basic Algebra I work with appropriate support.

Students revisit concepts in numbers and operations, expressions and equations, ratios and proportions, and basic functions. By the end of the course, students are ready to begin a more formal high school Algebra I study.

Life Science

Examining a broad spectrum of the biological sciences, Life Science is a full-year course for middle school students that builds on basic principles of scientific inquiry and translates those skills to more complex, overarching biological themes. The course includes units that help students understand the definitions, forms, and classifications of living organisms and learn to analyze the diversity of each unique group of living organisms. Other units introduce students to the structures and functions of cells, cell theory, and cell reproduction. These larger themes are then applied to other topics, such as genetics, Darwinian theory, and human biology and health. An introduction of ecology draws all of these concepts together to examine the interrelationships that help to maintain life on Earth.

Earth Science

Students enrolled in this dynamic course explore the scope of Earth sciences, covering everything from basic structure and rock formation to the incredible and volatile forces that have shaped and changed our planet. As climate change and energy conservation become increasingly prevalent in the national discourse, it will be important for students to understand the concepts and causes of our changing Earth.

Earth Science is a two-semester course that provides a solid foundation for understanding the physical characteristics that make the planet Earth unique and examines how these characteristics differ among the planets of our solar system.

Physical Science

This full-year course focuses on basic concepts in chemistry and physics and encourages exploration of new discoveries in the field of physical science. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures and has students examine the chemical building blocks of our physical world and the composition of matter.

Additionally, students explore the properties that affect motion, forces, and energy on Earth. Building on these concepts, the course covers the properties of electricity and magnetism and the effects of these phenomena.

As students refine and expand their understanding of physical science, they will apply their knowledge to complete interactive virtual labs that require them to ask questions and create hypotheses.

Middle School Ancient World History

This yearlong course covers ancient peoples, cultures, civilizations, and innovations through approximately 300 CE. Students are introduced to historical inquiry skills for application to studies of ancient civilizations. Students explore physical and human geography to explain how ancient people interacted with the environment and understand how civilizations developed. Students study early economies and how trade relations affected culture and language. In later lessons, students examine how early forms of government and technology have had a lasting influence on modern civilization. Throughout the course, students analyze maps and primary sources to identify patterns and make connections across time and space. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and learn to explore the past with historical empathy.

Middle School Civics, Government & Economics

Exploring the structure of the United States government on a national, state, and local level, this course challenges students to learn and understand fundamental concepts and philosophies that led to the creation of the United States Constitution.

Students enrolled in this two-semester course analyze the political process, political parties, and influences that affect them both. Engaging, interactive content introduces economic concepts and encourages students to explore government and economics on a global scale.

By instilling a thorough understanding of government and economics, this course inspires students to investigate what it means to be an American citizen.

Middle School Modern World History

The MS Modern World History course presents a cohesive and comprehensive overview of world history from the Middle Ages to the modern era. This yearlong course examines the role of conflict and cooperation in shaping the modern world.

Students will draw upon and further develop historical inquiry skills as they examine the expansion of global economic, political, and social interactions and question the impact they had, and continue to have, on cultures and nations. Students will explore the lasting effects that revolutions in government and technology have had on people, nations, and the environment.

Students apply historical inquiry skills to studies of civilizations from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Students study economies and the growth of more complex trade systems, the cultures of and conflicts among peoples and places, the development of political institutions, and the rise and fall of governments.

In later lessons, students examine how changes in the arts, technology, and political systems have had a lasting influence on modern civilization. Throughout the course, students analyze maps and primary sources to identify patterns and make connections across time and space. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and learn to explore the past with historical empathy.

Students encounter rigorous reading and writing activities for a variety of purposes. These activities allow students to develop literacy and writing skills, as well as critical-thinking and communication skills.

Middle School Survey of World History

This yearlong course examines the major events and turning points of world history from ancient times to the present. Students investigate the development of classical civilizations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and they explore the economic, political, and social revolutions that have transformed human history.

At the end of the course, students conduct a rigorous study of modern history, allowing them to draw connections between past events and contemporary issues. The use of recurring themes, such as social history, democratic government, and the relationship between history and the arts, allows students to draw connections between the past and the present, among cultures, and among multiple perspectives.

Throughout the course, students use a variety of primary and secondary sources, including legal documents, essays, historical writings, and political cartoons to evaluate the reliability of historical evidence and to draw conclusions about historical events.

Middle School U.S. History

Offering an interactive and comprehensive overview of American history, this course engages and inspires students to learn about the rich and diverse history of America’s native peoples, early European colonization and settlement in America, and the creation of a new nation through the American Revolution.

Middle school students enrolled in this course will closely examine major changes brought about by the nation’s reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, and progressive reforms, and consider the implications each of these events had on the expansion of the United States’ global influence through modern times.

Over the course of two semesters, interesting course content encourages students to think carefully about the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the twenty-first century.

Middle School World Cultures & Geography

Designed to introduce students to the study of geography, this course helps students master important concepts in physical and human geography. Comprehensive and organized by region, this two-semester middle school course helps students understand the Earth’s physical and human diversity.

Students analyze population and settlement patterns and evaluate the ways that human activities modify the physical environment. While studying humans around the world, students compare development, standards of living, systems of government, and economic factors across the globe. In addition, students gain a rich understanding of global cultures and the historical factors that have shaped the world around them.

All units in the course are parallel and include studies in physical and human geography, ancient cultures, regional studies, and modern issues.

Middle School Civics and Citizenship *

Civics and Citizenship is a one-semester elective . The course investigates events, concepts, and issues with a 360-degree view allowing multiple perspectives from various cultures and institutions to inform student learning . The course is divided into five units in which students will explore their civic roles, rights, and responsibilities; analyze the development of democracy in the United States; study the purposes and principles of the Constitution; investigate the role of power in decision-making; and discover ways to influence the government . The course provides opportunities to actively engage with the content through interactives, assignments, readings, short writings, projects, and discourse .

Key
* One-semester course
° Limited availability - there may be a wait

Spanish 1

Middle school students begin their introduction to Spanish with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major Spanish-speaking areas in Europe and the Americas.

Spanish 2

Students in middle school continue their introduction to Spanish with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major Spanish-speaking areas in Europe and the Americas.

French 1

Students in middle school begin their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major French-speaking areas in Europe and across the globe.

French 2

Middle school students continue their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major French-speaking areas in Europe and across the globe.

German 1°

Middle school students begin their introduction to German with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major German-speaking areas in Europe.

German 2°

Students continue their introduction to middle school German with this second-year course by covering fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major German-speaking areas in Europe.

Chinese 1°

In this middle school course, students begin their introduction to Chinese with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major Chinese-speaking countries.

Chinese 2°

Middle school students continue their introduction to Chinese with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major Chinese-speaking countries.

Latin 1°

Students in middle school begin their introduction to Latin with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, cultural presentations covering significant aspects of Roman culture or their modern-day manifestations, and assessments.

Latin 2°

Middle school students continue their introduction to Latin with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, cultural presentations covering significant aspects of Roman culture or their modern-day manifestations, and assessments.

Key
* One-semester course
° Limited availability - there may be a wait

Middle School Health Quest*

This middle school Health course introduces students to the concepts of what good health is, why good health is important, and what students should do in order to achieve good health.

By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of health as it applies to their bodies, minds, and environment; identify the components of a healthy lifestyle; set reasonable wellness goals; and apply health concepts across multiple contexts.

Middle School Fitness Basics 1* & 2*

This course is designed to provide students with the basic skills and information needed to begin a personalized exercise program and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Students participate in pre- and post-fitness assessments in which they measure and analyze their own levels of fitness based on the five components of physical fitness: muscular strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and body composition.

In this course, students research the benefits of physical activity, as well as the techniques, principles, and guidelines of exercise to keep them safe and healthy.

Throughout this course, students participate in a weekly fitness program involving elements of cardio, strength, and flexibility.

Middle School Health *

This comprehensive health course is designed for middle school students. It covers basic information about body systems, disease, and hygiene.

Students explore the various realms of health, including mental, social, and emotional health. In addition, students learn important life skills such as decision-making and refusal skills.

Middle School Intro to Group Sports 1* & 2*

This course provides students with an overview of group sports. Students learn about a variety of sports, with an in-depth study of soccer or basketball in Intro to Group Sports 1, and baseball/softball and volleyball in Intro to Group Sports 2.

Students learn the history, rules, and guidelines of each sport, as well as game strategy and the benefits of sports. In addition, students study elements of personal fitness, goal setting, sport safety, and sports nutrition.

Students conduct a pre- and post-fitness assessment, as well as participate in regular weekly physical activity as they practice skills related to group sports.

Middle School Into to Individual Sports 1* & 2*

This course provides students with an overview of individual sports. Students learn about a variety of sports, yet do an in-depth study of running, walking, strength training, yoga, dance, biking, swimming, and cross-training.

Students learn not only the history, rules, and guidelines of each sport, but also practice flexibility.

Family & Consumer Sciences *

This course prepares students with a variety of skills for independent or family living. Topics covered include child care, home maintenance, food preparation, money management, medical management, clothing care, and more.

The course also focuses on household, personal, and consumer health and safety. In addition, students learn goal-setting and decision-making skills, as well as explore possible career options.

Family Living *

In this course, students examine the family unit and characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships at different phases of life—including information on self-discovery, family, friendships, dating and abstinence, marriage, pregnancy, and parenthood.

Students learn about the life cycle and the different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood. The course also focuses on a variety of skills to improve relationships and family living, including coping skills, communication skills, refusal skills, babysitting, parenting, and healthy living and disease prevention habits.

Life Skills *

This course allows students to explore their personality type and interests, as well as refine important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, including personal nutrition and fitness skills, time and stress management, communication and healthy relationships, goal setting, study skills, leadership and service, environmental and consumer health, and personal finances.

In addition, students explore possible colleges and careers that match their needs, interests, and talents.

Key
* One-semester course
° Limited availability - there may be a wait

Middle School Digital Literacy*°
Middle School Keyboarding and
Applications *
Middle School Computer Science °
Middle School Online Learning and Digital
Citizenship *
Middle School Career Explorations I *
Middle School Career Explorations II *
Middle School Career Explorations III *

Middle School 2D Studio Art 1A *
Middle School 2D Studio Art 1B *
Middle School Digital Art & Design 1A *
Middle School Digital Art & Design 1B *
Middle School Exploring Music 1A *

Middle School Exploring Music 1B *
Middle School Journalism 1A *
Middle School Journalism 1B *
Middle School Photography 1A *
Middle School Photography 1B *

Key
* One-semester course
° Limited availability - there may be a wait

Middle School Digital Literacy*°

This semester-long elective provides a foundation to understanding key applications, computing fundamentals, and online living.

This course focuses on describing technology basics including finger placement on the keyboard and the differences between hardware and software. Students describe the functions of operating systems and their utilities, identify computer networks, how they work, and computer and internet safety.

Students identify different communications industries and how to use email, Microsoft Word®, PowerPoint®, and Outlook®; describe how to create spreadsheets, enter data, create graphs, and use formulas and shortcuts in spreadsheets.

Additionally, students will identify the functions of PowerPoint®, digital media, intellectual property law, workplace crimes, privacy concerns, digital citizenship, and how to stay safe on social media.

Required materials: Students must have access to MS Office or Office 365, including Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.

Keyboarding and Applications*

Keyboarding and Applications is a semester-long course that teaches students keyboarding skills, technical skills, effective communication skills, and productive work habits. Students learn proper keyboarding techniques. Once students have been introduced to keyboarding skills, lessons include daily practice of those skills.

Students gain an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, file management, and the Internet. In addition, students apply their keyboarding skills and create a variety of business documents, including word processing documents and electronic presentations.

Required Materials:

• Word-processing software (e.g., MS Word)
• Presentation software (e.g., MS PowerPoint)
  

Middle School Computer Science °

Middle School Computer Science is a full-year course designed to introduce students in grades 6-8 to computer science as a vehicle for problem solving, communication, and personal expression. This course focuses on the visible aspects of computing and computer science, centering on the immediately observable and personally applicable elements of computer science while also asking students to look outward and explore the impact of computer science on society.

Students will explore the design process with creative, hands-on learning opportunities to create programs and collaborate with peers while learning specific aspects of computer science including problem solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data.

Required Materials:

• Access to the Microsoft Office suite or similar product line
• Python and Scratch

Middle School Online Learning and Digital
Citizenship*

This one-semester course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to online learning, including how to work independently, stay safe, and develop effective study habits in virtual learning environments.

Featuring direct-instruction videos, interactive tasks, authentic projects, and rigorous assessments, the course prepares students for high school by providing in-depth instruction and practice in important study skills such as time management, effective note-taking, test preparation, and collaborating effectively online.

By the end of the course, students will understand what it takes to be successful online learners and responsible digital citizens.

Middle School Career Explorations I*

Career Explorations I is a semester-long course designed to give middle school students an opportunity to explore various CTE subjects. Specifically, students learn about careers involving human-related services. Each of the five units introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. These units include: Career Management, Introduction to Careers in Health Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism Systems, Human Services, and Consumer Services.

The goal is to whet students’ appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as high school students.

Middle School Career Explorations II*

Career Explorations II is a semester-long course designed to give middle school students an opportunity to explore various CTE subjects. Specifically, students learn about careers involving various technical fields from computers to agriculture. Each of the five units introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. These units include: Information Technology, Introduction to Information Support and Services, Introduction to Network Systems, Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, and Introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The goal is to whet students’ appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as a high school student.

Middle School Career Explorations III*

Career Explorations III is a semester-long course designed to give middle school students an opportunity to explore various CTE subjects. Specifically, students learn about careers from business to hands-on career paths. Each of the five units introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. These units include: Introduction to Business and Finance, Introduction to Manufacturing, Introduction to Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, Introduction to Architecture and Construction, and Introduction to Marketing.

The goal is to whet students’ appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as a high school student.

Middle School 2D Studio Art 1A* and 1B*

Journey inside the art studio and learn to bring your 2D art visions to life. Whatever medium you prefer, painting or drawing, this course will help you hone your 2D art skills. Learn the elements and principles needed to logistically create art; explore your artistic inspirations; view art from different ages and cultures; gain insight about the art of critiquing.

Middle School Digital Art & Design 1A* and 1B*

Digital art and design involves everything from advertising to animation to photography and more. In this course, you’ll learn about the evolution of art; the basic principles of art and design; the role of art in politics and society; and how to create digital art and make it come alive.

Middle School Exploring Music 1A* and 1B*

Learn about how we hear music, its history and culture, and how it affects our lives. Explore the elements of music, such as rhythm, pitch, and harmony, while discovering more about musical genres, singing and your voice, instruments, and musical composition. Tune up your understanding and appreciation for all things musical.

Middle School Journalism 1A* and 1B*

TELL YOUR STORY
Who? What? When? Where? Journalism provides us with the answers to these questions for the events that affect our lives. In this course, students will learn how to gather information, organize ideas, format stories for different forms of news media, and edit their stories for publication. The course will also examine the historical development of journalism and the role of journalism in society.

Middle School Photography 1A*

Photographs are all around us, and each helps to tell a story. Now it’s time for you to create your story through photos you learn how to take in this course. Learn the basics of using a camera, lighting, and how to choose great subjects to create magazine-worthy photos and amaze your friends and family with your skills.

Middle School Photography 1B*

Do you have vacation photos or pics of your pet that need a little editing? How about getting ready to add that new selfie you took to your social media platform? Taking photos is an art, and editing photos is a skill that many photographers seek to master. Explore how to manipulate angles and lighting, the purpose for different types of photo files, how to use different software to edit photos, and safe places you can store them. You’ll be well on your way to being an editing guru when you’re done with this course.

Key
* One-semester course
° Limited availability - there may be a wait