Middle School
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Science
- STEAM
- Academic Technology
- Visual Arts
- Student Extra Curricular Activities
Humanities
Humanities is the study of our language, culture, and ideas. An interdisciplinary, foundational, middle school course combining English and social studies provides a comfortable "home base" in the midst of our community. Students explore the causes and effects of social and political change through history, literature, and culture.
Particular emphasis is placed on the teaching of essential student skills that prepare them for high school. Seventh and eighth-grade Humanities students will be able to:
Develop and communicate an argument supported by textual evidence. In discussions and writing, students explore identity through developing an authentic voice and style in composition and creative writing by writing clearly, passionately, and persuasively. Students learn grammatical skills that support their writing.
Read closely and analyze fiction, nonfiction, primary and secondary sources, images, maps, and other visual media while fostering the act of self-reflection while reading. We lead our students toward becoming life-long readers.
Think critically and imaginatively, and make intelligent evidentiary connections between diverse narratives.
Grapple with research questions by evaluating and properly utilizing sources and becoming adept at paraphrasing, embedding, and citing quotations.
Learn interpersonal skills and cultural competency. Students will learn communication skills, especially in their interactions with people of different cultures. Students will thoughtfully investigate and reflect on how one's layers of cultural identities both shape and contribute to a multicultural society.
Mathematics
Our primary goal is to help students gain familiarity and facility with the language of mathematics. While developing computational, logical, and analytical skills, we encourage our students to become active, creative problem solvers.
We stress the historical significance as well as the practical applications of the concepts we teach. Our students learn the role of mathematics in other fields of study and we hope our students will carry with them an appreciation of the beauty of mathematics throughout their adult lives.
Sixth Grade Curriculum
- Grade Level Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Accelerated Pre-Algebra
Seventh Grade Curriculum
- Pre-Algebra
- Accelerated Pre-Algebra
- Algebra I
Eighth Grade Curriculum
- Algebra IA*
- Algebra I*
- Geometry
*Algebra IA begins the student of high school Algebra I, which concludes with Algebra IB in grade 9. Qualified students can also take and complete Algebra I in grade 8.
Science
SEVENTH GRADE CURRICULUM
Students are introduced to a wide range of concepts and the critical thinking skills necessary for the scientific method. There is an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Topics include:
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Ecology: life cycles, biomes, and environmental conservation
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Cell Biology: structure and function of cells and single-celled organisms
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Animal Phylogeny: structure and function of animals and study of evolutionary advances in animals
SCIENCE 100
GENERAL SCIENCE I — Grade 7
The seventh-grade science course is the first part of a two-year middle school sequence. This life science course introduces students to a wide range of concepts and techniques with a heavy emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Students are introduced to concepts of lab investigation design and work collaboratively on projects and labs. Topics covered include Ecology (including life cycles, biomes, and environmental conservation), Cell Biology (including structure and function of cells and single-celled organisms), and Animals (including adaptations and the evolutionary development of structure). In addition, the seventh-grade science curriculum includes technology integration and the development of computer skills.
EIGHTH GRADE CURRICULUM
In eighth grade, students gain considerable lab experience and continue to build on the skills acquired in seventh grade. Topics include:
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Chemistry, atomic structure, and chemical bonding
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Physics, conceptual understanding of mechanics
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Astronomy, exploring the phases of the moon, star formation, and our solar system
SCIENCE 200
GENERAL SCIENCE II — Grade 8
The eighth-grade science course is the second part of a two-year middle school sequence with an emphasis on physical science. Students will develop scientific skills of investigation and analysis, building on the skills acquired in seventh grade in preparation for high school science. The heavy emphasis on hands-on, collaborative, experiential learning remains paramount, as students will begin to design their own projects and investigations with exposure to basic STEM and engineering design principles. General topics covered include an introduction to basic chemistry and Physics through a wider exploration of space science, with emphasis on measurement and problem-solving skills and continuing development of technological competencies.
STEAM
COURSE OFFERINGS
Introduction to STEAM Concepts
7th Grade
Through their Science and Humanities courses, all 7th-grade students are introduced to the design and engineering concepts used in S.T.E.A.M. Various projects, including building their own microscopes, allow all 7th-grade students the exposure to the technology and innovation of S.T.E.A.M. In addition, there are several after school opportunities for middle school students in the field. (See below)
Through their Science and Humanities courses, all 7th-grade students are introduced to the design and engineering concepts used in S.T.E.A.M. Various projects, including building their own microscopes, allow all 7th-grade students the exposure to the technology and innovation of S.T.E.A.M. In addition, there are several after school opportunities for middle school students in the field. (See below)
Introduction to Design Thinking
8th Grade
This introductory course develops students’ creativity by using the design process. The emphasis is on visualization and communication skills using solid modeling software and 3-D printers. They will document and capture their ideas in a notebook and digital portfolio as their projects progress. Students will also study the design concepts of form and function as they translate conceptual design into reproducible products.
This introductory course develops students’ creativity by using the design process. The emphasis is on visualization and communication skills using solid modeling software and 3-D printers. They will document and capture their ideas in a notebook and digital portfolio as their projects progress. Students will also study the design concepts of form and function as they translate conceptual design into reproducible products.
Academic Technology
The core program is a project-oriented curriculum that is closely integrated into the seventh and eighth-grade courses. Students are introduced to technology tools during assignments that directly apply their newfound skills to practical applications. For example, one lesson may be tied to research skills necessary for Humanities while another is learning how to use Excel spreadsheets utilized
in math.
Some of the topics include:
• Digital Citizenship
• Coding and Web Programming
• Google Apps for Education
• Academic Research Tools
• Digital Media Tools
• Scratch Programming
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Department offers a wide variety of classes that engage our students, capture their imaginations, and ignite their desire to connect with the world as creative and independent thinkers. Our curriculum intentionally sustains an attachment to established disciplines and practices, while also introducing students to current concepts, techniques, practices, and technologies. Our faculty is composed of highly-skilled, sensitive, veteran teachers who have been or currently are practicing professional artists. We emphasize ideas and processes and are dedicated to teaching art-making and critical thinking in concert. At the same time, we see tactile work, artistic practice, and the liberty to experiment as indispensable. Visual Arts students develop an awareness that art is to be understood in the framework of history and culture. It is our goal that through making art, students will gain an understanding of the world and themselves, and an ability to communicate their ideas in multiple ways.
