The Fifth Grade curriculum utilizes Interdisciplinary instruction incorporating the Elements of Depth and Complexity and Multiple Intelligences to provide an engaging, challenging, cognitive experience across the disciplines of language, math, science and social studies, and in areas of enrichment such as religion, Spanish, technology, and fine arts.
Fifth Grade scholars are taught to look at the world through the Global Theme lens of Relationships, identifying the following essential, conceptual truths (generalizations):
- Relationships may be natural, forced, or chosen.
- Relationships can be simple or complex.
- Relationships may have positive or negative effects.
- Relationships change over time.
- Relationships can take many forms.
- Relationships serve many and varied purposes.
Language Arts
The Fifth Grade language arts program teaches scholars to be strong communicators: good readers, writers, public speakers, and listeners. Scholars develop their understanding of various literary genres by reading and analyzing short stories and novels. A key goal of Fifth Grade language arts is to deepen scholars’ comprehension and understanding of the power of words by teaching them to pay attention to the writer’s craft, and the significance of structure, word choice, and the use of rhetorical and literary devices. They learn to separate fact from opinion, understand the relationship between cause and effect, and use appropriate supporting details.
The writing curriculum will be integrated with the studies in other disciplines. Scholars learn to analyze and understand what they have read and discussed, and use this knowledge to enrich their writing. Scholars are taught to write using a clearly constructed writing process which culminates in final publishable works of five paragraphs or more. Scholars are required to apply their knowledge of correct grammar and the increasing richness of their developing vocabulary in their writing.
Writing, Grammar and Usage
- Literal and figurative language
- Pen name
- The Globe Theater
- Myths and Legends
- Literary Terms
- Act and scene
- Tragedy and comedy
- Fiction and Drama
- Sources and bibliography
- Relevant paragraphs
- Introduction and conclusion
- Purpose and audience
- Essays
- Literary elements
- Information from a variety or resources
- Well-developed written work
- Descriptions
- Letters
- Summaries
- Reports
- Writing
- Use a variety of types of writing.
- Grammar and Usage
- Topic sentence
- Supporting sentences
- Sentence variety
- Parts of speech
- Punctuation and capitalization
- Colon
- Commas with appositive
- Underlining or italics for book titles
- Vocabulary
- Poetry
- Poet’s use of language
- Poetic devices and terms
- Simile
- Metaphor
- Alliteration
- Onomatopoeia
- Speeches
- Abraham Lincoln
- Chief Joseph
- Sayings and Phrases
History and Geography
The study of history and geography provides scholars with an understanding of the physical processes that shape life: the interactions between humans and their environments and the relationship between space and culture. Fifth Grade scholars will relate the role of environment to the agricultural, religious, and mathematical systems of several Meso-American civilizations.
Scholars continue the study of European history with particular emphasis on the Age of Exploration, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. They will examine the role of technology and language in these periods of transformation. The American history unit examines westward expansion and The Civil War. Fifth Grade scholars write research papers and engage in lively classroom debates generated by historical and current events.
World
World Geography
- Spatial Sense
- Maps and globes
- Latitude, longitude, coordinates, degrees
- Climate and time zones
- Great lakes of the world
Early American Civilizations
- Geography
- Location of Central America and South America
- Countries, rivers, mountains
- Maya, Aztec, Inca Civilizations
- Settlements
- Accomplishments and contributions
- Pyramids and temples
- Hieroglyphic writing
- Astronomy and mathematics
- Settlements
- Warrior culture
- Aqueducts and temples
- Ruler-priests
- Settlements
- Cities
- System of roads
- Cortes and Pizzaro
- Advantage of Spanish weapons
- Devastation by disease
European Exploration, Trade, and the Clash of Cultures
- Background
- Beginning of 1400’s and European trade
- Geography of spice trade
- European Exploration, Trade, and Colonization
- Portugal
- Spain
- England and France
- Holland
- Trade and Slavery
- The sugar trade
- Transatlantic slave trade
The Renaissance and Reformation
- The Renaissance
- Rebirth of ideas
- New trade and new wealth
- Patrons of the arts and learning
- The Reformation
- Gutenberg’s printing press
- The Protestant Reformation
- The Counter-Reformation
England and the Golden Age to the Glorious Revolution
- England in the Golden Age
- From the English Revolution to the Glorious Revolution
- The English Revolution
- The Glorious Revolution
Russia: Early Growth & Expansion
- Geography
- History and culture
Feudal Japan
- Geography
- History and culture
America
Westward Expansion Before and After the Civil War
- Geography
- Early exploration of the west
- Pioneers
- Native American resistance
- “Manifest Destiny”
- The Mexican-American War
- Railroads
- Cattle drives and cowboys
The Civil War –Causes, Conflicts, and Consequences
- Toward the Civil War
- The Civil War
- Reconstruction
Native Americans-Cultures and Conflict
- Culture and life
- American Government Policies
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Removal to reservations
- Conflicts
U.S. Geography
- Western Hemisphere, North America, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico
- Effect of Gulf Stream on climate
- Regions and their characteristics
- Fifty states and capitals
Science
Fifth Grade science is grounded in engaging classroom and hands-on laboratory work. Scholars further the study of living things by examining animal adaptations and reproduction of different animal species. Scholars conclude the year by studying animal interactions with man and the results of these interactions. Fifth Grade scholars work closely with local organizations to further understand present and future environmental concerns.
Classifying Living Things
- Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species, (variety)
- Latin words for classifying living things
- Classes of vertebrates
Cells: Structures and Processes
- Structure of cells
- Plant and animal cells
- Organization of cells into tissues, organs, systems
Plant Structures and Processes
- Non-vascular and vascular plants
- Photosynthesis
- Reproduction
- Asexual and sexual reproduction
- Pollination, germination, plant growth
Life Cycles and Reproduction
- Changes in adolescence
- The endocrine system
- The reproductive system
Math
Fifth Grade mathematics is an intensive study of numbers. Decimal numeration, place value, number theory, fractions, operations, measurement, geometry, probability, statistics, and graphing are studied to a level of mastery that is appropriate for this grade level. These topics are covered through whole numbers, fractions, decimal numerals, and integers. Estimation plays a role in the scholar’s ability to predict and check for reasonableness of solutions. Problem-solving and word problems will give the scholar the opportunity to relate numbers to real-life situations.
Numbers and Number Sense
- Whole numbers to the billions
- Approximation and estimation
- Factors and multiples
- Prime factorization
Ratio and Percent
- Percent
- Writing fractions as percentages
- Percentage of a quantity
- Finding ratio
- Equivalent ratios
- Combining three quantities
Fractions and Decimals
- Comparing fractions
- Fractions and division
- Addition and subtraction of unlike fractions
- Addition and subtraction of mixed numbers
- Multiplying a fraction and a whole number
- Fraction of a set
- Word problems
- Product of fractions
- Dividing a fraction by a whole number
- Dividing a fraction by a fraction
- Tenths, hundredths, thousandths
- Approximation
- Addition and subtraction of decimals
- Multiplication and division of decimals by a 1-digit whole number
- Multiplication by tens, hundreds, or thousands
- Division by a 2-digit whole number
- Multiplication and division by a decimal
Computation: Addition, Multiplication, Division, Problem Solving, and Equations
- Multiplying by the tens, hundreds, or thousands
- Dividing by the tens, hundreds, or thousands
- Calculations with parentheses
- Methods for mental calculations
- Word problems
- Multiplication by a 2-digit whole number
- Division by a 2-digit whole number
Geometry
- Conversion of measures
- Volume of rectangular prisms
- Measuring angles
- Finding unknown angles
- Sum of angles of a triangle
- Isosceles and equilateral triangles
- Drawing triangles
- Sums of angles of quadrilateral
- Parallelogram, rhombuses, and trapezoids
- Drawing parallelograms and rhombuses
- Square units
- Rectangles and squares
- Area of a triangle
- Area of a parallelogram
- Surface area
Probability and Statistics
- Average
- Rate
- Mean, mode, and median
- Histograms
- Line graphs
- Pie charts
Pre-Algebra
- Algebraic expressions
- Integers
- Coordinate graphs
Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Map
Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Map
Middle School Math Curriculum Map
Middle School Spanish Curriculum Map
Language Arts
The Sixth Grade Language Arts is the forum for scholars to explore and understand the past, present, and future through literature and writing. By reading various genres of literature such as mystery, science fiction, and historical fiction, scholars will broaden, relate to, and share each other’s perspectives. Their voices will be heard through discussions about literature, through their products, and through their writing. Sixth Grade scholars will focus on the fundamentals of language, including sentence structure and parts of speech prior to developing and improving writing structures. Literature will focus primarily on classic “coming-of-age” stories with recurring themes of triumph over hardships.
Writing, Grammar, and Usage
- Subjects and predicates
- Complete sentences
- Types of sentences
- Nouns
- Plural nouns
- Possessive nouns
- Verbs
- Transitive and intransitive verbs
- Verb tenses
- Direct objects
- Indirect objects
- Linking verbs
- Punctuation rules
- Prepositional phrases
- Subject-verb agreement
- Adjectives
- Adverbs
Poetry
- The Highwayman
- Casey at Bat
- If
- The Raven
- Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
- All the World’s a Stage
Fiction and Drama
- The Light in the Forest — The Light in the Forest is a classic tale of a frontier adolescent who finds himself caught in between two different worlds and societies.
- Where the Red Fern Grows — Where the Red Fern Grows is a “coming-of-age” classic story.
- Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry – Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry is a “coming of age” story set in the Great Depression involving racial discrimination and prejudice.
- The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Conner
- Examination Day by Henry Seslar
- Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe
Sayings and Phrases
- Idioms including:
- All for one and one for all
- All’s well that ends well
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
World History and Geography
The purpose of the Sixth Grade history and geography course is to expose scholars to the world in which they live from many angles-past and present.
World Geography-Spatial Sense and Great Deserts of the World
- The globe and physical Earth
- Continents and oceans
- Weather on planet Earth
- World deserts and their ecosystems
Lasting Ideas from Ancient Civilizations-Judaism and Christianity, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome
- Cultures of various ancient civilizations
- Basic principles and tenets of Judaism and Christianity
- Geography of the Middle East
- Role of ancient Greece in the development of modern democracy
- Architecture of ancient Greece
- Greek philosophers and leaders
- The Roman Republic
- Roman leaders
- Christianity under Roman rule
- Decline and fall of the Roman Empire
The Enlightenment
- Influence of Enlightenment on the beginnings of the United States
- Ideas of faith in science, human reason, and human nature
- Outstanding human figures during the time of Enlightenment
- Isaac Newton
- Descartes
- Thomas Hobbes
- John Locke
The French Revolution
- Influence of Enlightenment and English Revolution on movements in France
- French alliance in American Revolution
- Influential French leaders
- Louis XIV
- Louis XV
- Louis XVI
- Marie Antoinette
- Robespierre
- Napoleon Bonaparte
Romanticism
- Definition of Romanticism
- Beginning of Romanticism movement in nineteenth century Europe
- Romanticism in literature and art
Industrialism, Capitalism, and Socialism
- Beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain
- Revolution in textiles, transportation, steam power, iron, and steel
- Early factory system
- Capitalism
- Socialism
Industrialism, Capitalism, and Socialism
- History of Latin American independence movements
- Revolutionary and independence movements in Haiti, Mexico, Central America, and South America
- Influential leaders in revolutionary movements
- Toussaint L’Ouverture
- Miguel Hidalgo
- Santa Anna
- Benito Juarez
- Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata
- Simon Bolivar
- Jose de San Martin
- Bernardo O’Higgins
- Geography of Latin America
American History and Geography
Scholars will study American history in its relationship to global events which include population shifts and economic growth.
Immigration, Industrialization, and Urbanization
- Immigrations from Europe, and Asia
- Tension between ideals and realities
- Post-Civil War industrial boom
- The condition of labor
- Growing influence of big business
- Free Enterprise vs government regulation of business
- 1st world, 2nd world, and 3rd world status of nations
Reform
- Populism
- The Progressive Era
- Reform of African Americans
- Women’s suffrage
Science
Sixth Grade science will include hands-on experiences, observations, and lessons from a grade-level text. This will help bring coherence and order to a scholar’s scientific knowledge. The science for 6th Grade aims for more intensive and selective study of topics that were introduced in earlier grades. Scholars are expected to do experiments and write reports on their findings. A weeklong outdoor education trip to Big Bend National Park will enhance the learning experience.
Plate Tectonics
- Surface of the earth
- Layered structure of the earth
- Crust movements
- Volcanos
Oceans
- Surface
- Subsurface
- Ocean bottom
- Composition of sea water
- Currents, tides, and waves
- Marine life
Astronomy-Gravity, Stars, and Galaxies
Energy, Heat and Energy Transfer
- Six forms of energy
- Sources
- Fossil fuels
- Nuclear energy
Lymphatic: The Human Body and Immune System
- Lymph nodes
- White cells
- Tonsils
- Blood pressure
- Vaccines
- Communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Epidemics
- Viral diseases
Math
Welcome to Sixth Grade Math! This class focuses on the Common State Standards in Mathematics, including Core Knowledge for sixth grade. These standards include conceptual understanding and basic mathematical skills which will ensure scholars’ success in higher level mathematics. Scholars will develop conceptual understanding of math topics along with becoming more proficient in problem solving. Scholars will have many opportunities to develop conceptual understanding of various math topics.
Numbers and Number Sense
First and Second Quarter
Ratio, Percent, and Proportion
Second and Third Quarter
Computation-Multiplication, Division and Solving Problems and Equations
First and Second Quarter
Measurement
Third Quarter
Geometry
Fourth Quarter
Pre-Algebra
Third and Fourth Quarter
First Quarter:
- Number Patterns & Algebra
- Read and write numbers.
- Recognize place value.
- Prime and composite numbers.
- Statistics & Graphs
- Find mean, median, mode, and range.
- Solve problems interpreting data.
- Decimals: Addition and Subtraction
- Rounding
- Compare and order whole numbers.
- Determine squares and square roots.
Second Quarter:
- Decimals: Multiplication and Division
- Multiply fractions and decimals including mixed numbers.
- Divide fractions and decimals including mixed numbers.
- Number, Fractions, and Decimals
- Convert between fractions, decimals, and percent.
- Find the given percent of a number and find what percent of a given number is of another number.
- Solve problems involving percent increase or decrease.
- Fractions: Addition and Subtraction
- Understand that addition and subtraction are inverse operations.
- Estimate the sum.
- Estimate the difference.
- Fractions: Multiplication and Division
- Understand that multiplication and division are inverse operations.
- Estimate products.
- Estimate quotients.
Third Quarter:
- Probability
- Ratios, Proportions, and Percents
- Solve proportions.
- Use ratios and proportions to interpret map scales.
- Set up and solve proportions from similar triangles.
- Algebra: Solving Equations
- Solve problems involving the distributive property.
- Solve problems with multiple steps.
- Algebra: Integers
- Locate integers on the number line.
- Compare integers on the number line.
- Add and subtract positive and negative integers.
- Measurement
- Solve problems requiring conversion of units in customary and metric systems.
- Solve problems on elapsed time.
Fourth Quarter:
- Measurement in Geometry
- Identify signs used in geometry.
- Construct parallel lines and perpendicular lines.
- Construct perpendicular bisectors.
- Coordinate Plane
- Plot point.
- Graph simple functions.
- Geometry: Angles and Polygons
- Identify and measure angles.
- Bisect an angle.
- Classify triangles by sides and angles.
- Construct different kinds of triangles.
- Geometry: Measuring Area and Volume
- Find the area and perimeter of plane figures.
- Identify circles and their parts.
- Find volume of rectangular solids.
Spanish
Sixth Grade scholars gain an understanding of how the Spanish language is structured and how they can use this knowledge to express their own needs to talk about the world around them. They also acquire a basic understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultures in the Spanish-speaking previous grades. The textbook and workbook, Spanish Is Fun, provide activities that focus specifically on scholar comprehension of language in context, as well as address elements of pronunciation, spelling, and sound/spelling correlations.
Objectives:
- The Spanish and the English; words that are similar in English and Spanish; how to say “The” in Spanish
- The family; how to make things plural
- The class and the school; indefinite articles
- The activities; ~ar verbs; how to ask questions and say “no” in Spanish
- How to count in Spanish; the numbers
- What time is it?; telling the time in Spanish
- The ~er verbs; other activities
- The description; colors and personal characteristics; how to describe things and people in Spanish
- The verb “ser” – to be—; professions and trades
- The ~ir verbs: more activities
- How are you?; expressions with “estar” – to be—; uses of “ser” and “estar”
- What is today’s date?; days and months of the year
- The body; the verb “tener” – to have—; expressions with “tener”
- How is the weather today?; weather expressions; seasons; the verb “hacer”– to do—
- My house; possessive adjectives
- The food; what do you say when you like something; the verb “gustar”– to like—;
Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Map
Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Map
Middle School Math Curriculum Map
Middle School Spanish Curriculum Map
Language Arts
The Seventh Grade language arts is the forum for scholars to explore and understand the past, present, and future through literature and writing. By reading various genres of literature; such as mystery, science fiction, and historical fiction; scholars will broaden, relate to, and share each other’s perspectives. Their voices will be heard through discussions about literature, through products, and through written compositions. Seventh Grade scholars will use prior knowledge of language to develop and improve writing skills in various types and styles of essays. Seventh Grade literature will focus on stories with deeper meanings and symbols as scholars move into the study of more involved and more meaningful stories.
Writing, Grammar, and Usage
- Simple sentences
- Compound sentences
- Complex sentences
- Clauses
- Nouns
- Collective nouns
- Appositives
- Verbs
- Direct and indirect objects
- Linking verbs
- Verb tenses
- Progressive verbs (past/present)
- Perfect tense verbs (past/present)
- Prepositional phrases
- Participles
- Verbals
- Complements
- Subject verb agreement
Poetry
- Lochinvar
- Annabel Lee
- Because I Could Not Stop for Death
- The Charge of the Light Brigade
- The Chimney Sweeper
- Fire and Ice
- Nothing Gold Can Stay
- Crossing the Bar
- Do not Weep Maiden for War is Kind
- The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner
Speeches
- Shooting an Elephant (Orwell)
- The Night the Bed Fell (Thurber)
- Declaration of War on Japan (Roosevelt)
Fiction, Nonfiction, and Drama
- Novels
- The Captive – The Captive is an adventure novel involving the perennial theme of good versus evil.
- War of the Worlds – War of the Worlds is an early science fiction novel involving a unique commentary on European colonialism.
- The Call of the Wild – The Call of the Wild is a classic novel examining the link between the confines of society and the need for individual freedom as well as an individual’s ability to adapt to their changing environments.
- The Giver –The Giver reflects upon the idea of conformity versus individuality and man’s need to be free.
- Our Town – Thorton Wilder’s play examines the importance of life and how short life can be.
- Short Stories
- An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambroise Bierce.
- The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber
- The Lady or the Tiger by Frank Stockton
Foreign Phrases Commonly Used in English
Latin words and phrases common in English including:
- Ad Hoc
- Bona Fides
- Carpe Diem
- De Facto
- In Toto
- Pro forma
- Quid Pro Quo
History and Geography
The themes of the Seventh Grade history and geography course include growth and change in American democracy and interactions with world forces. Scholars will study the spatial relationship between nature and human culture and the processes that change the environment especially in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Through their study of Texas, scholars will understand the uniqueness of Texas from individual determination to the utilization of vast resources.
Texas
- Texas historical landmarks
- The Alamo and Texas missions in and near San Antonio
- Texas State Cemetery
- Texas State Capitol
- Native America tribes of Texas
- Geography of Texas
- Texas history from 1600-1850
- Texas history from 1850-present
United States History and Geography
America Becomes a Nation
- Early settlement
- British rule
- American Revolution
- Declaration of Independence
- U.S. Constitution
United States History and Geography
America Becomes a Nation
- Early settlement
- British rule
- American Revolution
- Declaration of Independence
- U.S. Constitution
American Expansion
- Westward movement
- The Civil War
- Reconstruction
America Becomes a World Power
- The Spanish American War
- Complications of Imperialism
- Building of Panama Canal
World War I
- History
- Geography of Western and Central Europe
- United Kingdom
- France
- Belgium and the Netherlands
- Germany
- Austria and Switzerland
- Italy
- Iberian Peninsula
The Russian Revolution
America from the Twenties to the New Deal
- America in the Twenties
- Isolationism
- Women’s right to vote
- Technological advances
- The Great Depression
- Wall Street stock market crash
- Unemployment
- Dust bowl
- Roosevelt and the New Deal
The Russian Revolution
World War II
- The rise of Totalitarianism Europe
- Italy
- Germany
- The Soviet Union
- Spanish Civil War
- World War II in Europe and at home from 1939-1945
- Hitler defies Versailles Treaty
- Blitzkrieg
- The Home Front in America
- Hitler invades Soviet Union
- The Holocaust
- North African Campaign
- D-Day
- Battle of the Bulge
- Yalta Conference
- Surrender of Germany
The Russian Revolution
- Physical features
- Political, economic, and social features
- Cities
- Population
- Regions
Science Curriculum
Seventh Grade science will include hands-on experiences, observation, and lessons from a grade-level text, which helps bring coherence and order to a scholar’s scientific knowledge. The science sequence aims for more intensive and selective study of topics, a number of which were introduced in earlier grades. Scholars are expected to do experiments and write reports on their findings.
Atomic Structure
- Review from grade 5 structure of atoms and molecules
- Early theories of matter
- Start of modern chemistry
Chemical Bonds and Reactions
- To get a stable outer shell of electrons, atoms either give away, take on, or share electrons
- Chemical reactions
- Ionic and metallic bonding
Cell division and genetics
- Two types of cell division: mitosis (growth and asexual reproduction) meiosis (sexual reproduction)
- How change occurs from one generation to another: either mutation or mixing of traits through sexual reproduction
- Gregor Mendel’s experiments with purebred and hybrid peas
- Dominant and recessive genes
- Modern understanding of chromosomes and genes
- Double helix (twisted ladder) of DNA coding- How DNA sequence makes protein
- Genetic Engineering
History of the Earth and Life Forms
- Paleontology: fossils
- Geologic Time: age of the earth
- Precambrian Era
- Paleozoic Era
- Mesozoic Era
- Cenozoic Era
Advanced and Honors Pre-Algebra
The Seventh Grade Advanced and Honors Pre-Algebra curriculum will emphasize preparation for algebra and geometry. It will include the elements of Core Knowledge for pre-algebra. This will include mathematical reasoning skills, problem solving including real life problems, probability and statistics, rational and irrational numbers, solving equations, number sense, and working with slopes on the coordinate plane. The scholars will also be introduced to two and three dimensional figures including special right triangles.
Pre-Algebra
Entire year
Geometry-Three-Dimension Objects, Angle Pairs, Triangles, and Measurement
Third and Fourth Quarters
Probability and Statistics
Fourth Quarter
First Quarter:
- Tools for Algebra
- Know and use the commutative, associative, and distributive properties.
- Understand absolute value and evaluate expressions involving absolute value.
- Convert decimal numbers to and from scientific notation.
- Know the proper order of operations with exponents.
- Integers
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers.
- Solving and Writing Equations
- Solve equations with one variable.
- Solve equations after first simplifying.
Second Quarter:
- Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities
- Know the proper order of operations in solving multi-step problems.
- Review equality properties for equations.
- Know that addition and subtraction of the same value from both sides of an inequality maintains the inequality.
- Know that multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality by a positive number maintains the inequality, but multiplying or dividing by a negative number reverses the inequality.
- Rational Numbers
- Explore factors and fractions- Know the meaning of an exponent when it is positive or negative.
- Know that a non-zero number to the zero power is 1.
- Know why a negative number to an even power is positive and a negative number to an odd power is negative.
- Know the multiplication properties of exponents.
Third Quarter
- Ratio, Proportion, and Percent
- Functions and Graphing
- Simplify and graph solutions to linear equalities and inequalities.
- Know the concept of slope.
- Translate situations of proportionality into equations of the form y= mx.
- Show situations of constant proportionality as a line on the coordinate plane.
- Introduce the concept of a function and determine the equation of a line in the form y = mx + b.
- Real Numbers and Right Triangles
- Know and understand the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.
- Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find lengths of missing sides of a right triangle.
- Use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine the exact ratios of the sides of isosceles right triangles and 30-60-90 degree triangles.
- Determine the image of a triangle under translations, rotations and reflections.
Fourth Quarter
- Two and Three-Dimensional Figures
- Compute the perimeter, area, and volume of common geometric objects, and use the results to find measures of less common objects.
- Know how perimeter, area and volume are affected by a change of scale.
- Choose appropriate units of measure and use ratios to convert within and between measurement systems.
- Statistics and Probability
- Find the upper and lower quartiles for a set of data.
- Understand that if p is the probability of an event occurring, then 1 – p is the probability of it not occurring.
- Understand the difference between independent and dependent events.
- Show the relationship between two variables using a scatter-plot and describe the relationship.
- Polynomials and Nonlinear Functions
- Identify and classify polynomials.
- Find the degree of a polynomial.
- Add and subtract polynomials.
Spanish - Advanced
Spanish IA – A secondary Level I curriculum will be used in Seventh and Eighth Grades to develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. Scholars will also acquire a basic understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultures in the Spanish-speaking world. High school credit for Level I will be earned at the completion of Eighth Grade. The textbook and workbook, Dime Uno, provide activities that focus specifically on scholar comprehension of language in context, as well as address elements of pronunciation, spelling, and sounds/spelling correlations.
Objectives:
- Review greetings / “tú” and “usted”.
- Countries
- Nouns and adjectives
- Time – “tener”—
- Pronouns – “estar” and “ser”—
- “Ir”-“ir” + “a” + infinitive
- Verbs in present tense: “gustar”, “encantar” and “hay”
- Possessive adjectives; family; and months
- Review personal “a”; “conocer”, “querer” and “venir”.
- Review feelings; “estar” with adjectives.
- Be able to communicate and read in the master language.
Spanish - Honors
Spanish IIA – This is the first year of a two-year course that prepares scholars to test out of high school Spanish II and enter high school Spanish III in ninth grade. The Spanish curriculum objectives are to develop, reinforce, and refine proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Scholars gain an understanding of how language is structured and how they can use this knowledge to express their own needs and talk about the world around them. They also acquire a basic understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultures in the Spanish speaking world. The textbook and workbook, Dime Dos, provide activities that focus specifically on scholar comprehension of language in context, as well as address elements of pronunciation, spelling, and sounds/spelling correlations.
Objectives:
- Review present tense; “gustar” and “encantar”
- Stem changing verbs; “estar”
- Review adjectives: “ser”, “ir”, “tener”, and “hacer”
- Direct objects
- Preterite;adjectives
- Comparatives; superlatives
- Demonstratives; past tenses
- Commands
- Imperfect verbs; reflexive verbs
- Imperfect “ser”, “i”, “ver”, and “hacer”
- Stem changing verbs
- Be able to narrate in the past using imperfect and preterite
Speech Curriculum
In Seventh and Eighth Grade speech classes, scholars will learn how to prepare and deliver speeches before an audience.
Course Description
The speeches are designed to give scholars experience in a range of speaking situations. Public speaking skills are invaluable no matter what profession or goals of the speakers. Scholars will receive direct instruction on how to write speech outlines, present speeches, use visual aids, and make audience centered presentations. Some examples of Speeches to be given:
- Personal Experience Speech
- Demonstration Speech
- Informative Speech
- Pet Peeve Speech
- Interviews
- Persuasive Speech and Debate
- Final: “I am from…” Speech
Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Map
Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Map
Middle School Math Curriculum Map
Middle School Spanish Curriculum Map
Language Arts Curriculum
The Eighth Grade language arts program is a forum for scholars to explore and understand the past, present, and future through literature and writing. By reading various genres of literature; such as mystery, science fiction, and historical fiction; scholars will broaden, relate to, and share each other’s perspectives. Their voices will be heard through discussions about literature, through their products, and through their writing. Eighth Grade scholars will continue to hone writing skills through a wide variety of writing topics and essays which will prepare them for higher education. The literature in Eighth Grade will include novels that focus on various political and historical issues. Additionally, Eighth Grade scholars will connect recurring political themes in history to the modern world through frequent current event discussions.
Writing, Grammar, and Usage
- Simple sentences
- Compound sentences
- Complex sentences
- Nouns
- Verbs
- Perfect tense (present, past)
- Progressive tense (present, past)
- Prepositions
- Modifiers
- Subject-verb agreement
- Parallelism
- Sentence variety
Poetry
- Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
- Ozymandias
- Buffalo Bill’s
- Chicago
- The Lake Isle of Innisfree
- The Tiger
- Sir Patrick Spens
- Canterbury Tales Prologue
- First they Came for the Jews
- Remember
Speeches
- Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You (Kennedy)
- I Have a Dream (King)
Fiction, Nonfiction, and Drama
- Novels
- The Crucible – Arthur Miller’s drama focusing on the dangers of McCarthyism.
- Anthem – Written by Ayn Rand, Anthem explores the concept of collectivism versus individualism.
- Animal Farm – Orwell’s classic allegory for the Bolshevik Revolution.
- Diary of Anne Frank – Scholars will understand the realities of the Holocaust and the importance of valuing mankind.
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass – Scholars will understand the realities of discrimination and the importance of valuing mankind.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A “No-Fear” Shakespeare edition will introduce scholars to Shakespeare and the numerous symbols.
- Short Stories
- The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant
- The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
- Love is a Fallacy by Max Shulman
- An Honest Thief by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- The Open Boat by Stephen Crane
Foreign Phrases Commonly Used in English
French words and phrases common in English including:
- Au Revoir
- Avant-garde
- C’est la vie
- Carte Blanche
- Coup de grace
- Coup d’etat
- Déjà vu
- Fait accompli
History and Geography
Eighth Grade scholars will study the history of the United States beginning with the earliest Americans to present day. Scholars will read, discuss, study, analyze, and research major events in U.S. history and the impact of these events.
The Decline of European Colonialism
- The breakup of the British Empire
- Creation of British Commonwealth
- Irish rebellion
- Indian nationalism and independence
- Geography of India and South East Asia
- Creation of People’s Republic of China
- Communists take power
- Geography of China
The Cold War
- Origins of the Cold War
- The Korean War
- America in the Cold War
- McCarthyism
- The Eisenhower Years
- The Kennedy Years
- Space exploration
- American culture in the ‘50s and ‘60s
The Civil Rights Movement
- Segregation
- Steps toward desegregation
- Role of President Johnson and the civil rights movement
- African American militancy
- Assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King
The Viet Nam War and the Rise of Social Activism
- The Viet Nam War
- Domino theory
- Antiwar protests
- American disengagement
- Watergate
- Social and Environmental Activism
- Feminist movement
- United Farm Workers
- Emergence of environmentalism
The Middle East and Oil Politics
- History
- Creation of Israel
- Suez Crisis
- Arab-Israeli Wars
- Islamic fundamentalism
- Persian Gulf
- Iraq War
- Geography of the Middle East
- Overview
- Oil: world’s most valuable commodity
- Egypt
- Israel
- Middle East states and cities
- Turkey
The End of the Cold War: The Expansion of Democracy and Continuing Challenges
- China Under Communism
- The Breakup of USSR
- History
- Geography
- Legacies of Soviet policies
- American Policy of Détente
- Contemporary Europe
- Toward European unity
- Conflict and change in Central Europe
- The End of Apartheid in South Africa
Civics: The Constitution –Principles and Structure of American Democracy
- Overview of the U.S. Constitution
- Bill of Rights
- Legislative branch: role and powers of Congress
- Executive branch: role and powers of the presidency
- Judiciary: Supreme Court as Constitutional interpreter
Geography of Canada and Mexico
- Canada
- Geography
- Languages
- North American Free Trade Agreement
- Mexico
- Geography
- Languages
- North American Free Trade Agreement-Maquiladoras
Science Curriculum
Eighth Grade science will include hands on experience, observation, and lessons from grade-level texts. This approach brings coherence and order to a scholars’ scientific knowledge. The science sequence aims for intensive and selective study of topics, a number of which were introduced in earlier grades. Scholars are expected to do experiments and write reports on their findings.
Motion
- Velocity and speed
- Average speed=total distance traveled by the total time elapsed
- Familiar units for measuring speed: miles or kilometers per hour
Forces
- The concept of force: force as a push or pull of an object
- Unbalanced forces cause changes in velocity
Density and buoyancy
- When immersed in a fluid (liquid or gas) all objects experience a buoyant force.
- How to calculate density
- Density =mass per unit volume
- The experiment of Archimedes
Work
- In physics, work is a relationship between force and distance.
- Equation: work equal force x distance
Energy
- Energy is defined as the ability to do work.
Power
- In physics, power is a relation between work and time.
Electricity and Magnetism
Magnetism and Electricity
Electromagnetic Radiation and Light
- Waves and electromagnetic radiation
- The electromagnetic spectrum
Sound Waves
- General property of waves
- Two kinds of waves: transverse and longitudinal
Chemistry of Food and Respiration
- Living cells get most of their energy through chemical reactions.
- Energy in Plants: photosynthesis
- Energy in animals: respiration
- Human nutrition and respiration
- Human health
Advanced and Honors Algebra
Algebra
Throughout the year, scholars in Eighth Grade Advanced and Honors Algebra will learn the skills needed to solve equations, inequalities, monomial expressions, and polynomial expressions. In addition they will develop the skills to understand, write and solve linear and quadratic expressions along with rational equations and probability concepts. The Algebra 1 curriculum will include the Core Knowledge Standards for Algebra 1. It will be a multi-representational approach with problems solved in a variety of ways. Problems will be solved by graphing and algebraically by using the concept of equivalence.
First Quarter:
- The Language and Tools of Algebra
- Raise a positive number to a fractional power and simplify appropriately.
- Know and use the rules of exponents including fractional exponents.
- Solving Linear Equations
- Plot a set of ordered pairs and surmise a reasonable graph of which the points are a part.
- Use the definition of absolute value to solve equations.
- Solving Linear Inequalities
- Solve linear inequalities and be able to graph them.
- Know which graph is the solution to a linear inequality.
Second Quarter:
- Functions and Patterns
- Analyze a graph and be able to tell if it is a function or not.
- Determine whether an equation is linear or not.
- Analyzing Linear Equations
- Convert slope intercept form into standard form.
- Write an equation for a line given two points, or one point and its slope.
- Know if lines are parallel, perpendicular, or just intersecting from their slopes.
- Find the equation of a line parallel or perpendicular to a line through a given point.
- Solving Systems of Equations
- Know that the points of intersections of two graphs are the simultaneous solutions of the relations and indicate the solution.
- Understand and be able to graph the solution set of a linear inequality.
- Solve systems of two linear equations in two variables.
- Solve systems of two linear inequalities in two variables, and graph the solution set.
- Solve word problems that involve linear equations.
Third Quarter:
- Polynomials
- Factor second and higher degree polynomials using standard techniques such as factoring out the GCF, the difference of two squares and perfect square polynomials.
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions in simplest form.
- Factoring
- Factor trinomials.
- Find the solutions when factoring trinomials.
Fourth Quarter:
- Quadratic and Exponential Functions
- Solve quadratic expressions in one variable by completing the square.
- Graph quadratic functions by completing the square to find the vertex.
- Know the x-intercepts of a quadratic function are the zeros (roots).
- Know the quadratic formula and be familiar with its proof by completing the square.
- Solve word problems including physical problems such as the motion of an object under the force of gravity.
- Radical Expressions & Triangles
- Use the ratios of special right triangles to find lengths of sides in simplest radical form.
- Multiply and divide problems involving radical expressions.
**This is a high school algebra course. Higher expectations are placed on the scholars. This could require spending more time on homework and focused attention in class. High school credit may be earned by students who pass the class with an average of 80 or higher.
Spanish - Advanced
Spanish IB offers a continuation of the course begun in seventh grade using a secondary Level I curriculum to develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Scholars will also acquire a basic understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultures in the Spanish-speaking world. High school credit will be earned for Spanish Level I. The textbook and workbook, Dime Uno, provide activities that focus specifically on scholar comprehension of language in context, as well as address elements of pronunciation, spelling, and sounds/spelling correlations.
Objectives:
- Affirmative commands; “tú.”
- Review “gustar” and “encantar”
- Stem changing verbs: regular and irregular
- Preterite regular verbs
- Preterite irregular verbs
- Preterite of “pode”, “tener” and “venir”
- Spelling changes in the preterite
- Direct object pronouns
- Irregular commands
- Reflexive pronouns
- Superlatives and comparatives
- Journal writing and speech
Spanish - Honors
Spanish IIB – This course completes a two-year sequence that prepares scholars to enter high school Spanish II in ninth grade. The Spanish curriculum objectives are to develop, reinforce, and refine proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Scholars gain an understanding of how the language is structured and how they can use this knowledge to express their own needs and talk about the world around them. They also acquire a basic understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultures in the Spanish-speaking world. The textbook and workbook, Dime Dos,provide activities that focus specifically on scholar comprehension of language in context, as well as address elements of pronunciation, spelling, and sounds/spelling correlations.
Objectives:
- Present subjunctive: stem changing verbs
- Expressions of doubt; persuasion
- Double object pronouns
- Present perfect tense
- Review preterite and imperfect
- “Si” clauses in the present tense; preposition “por”
- Subjunctive: “quizás” and “tal vez”; impersonal “se”
- Preposition “para”
- Future tense, conditional; regular and irregular
- Review present subjunctive; preterite and imperfect: “quizás” and “tal vez”
- Journal writing, speech – developing accuracy—
Speech Curriculum
In Seventh and Eighth Grade speech classes, scholars will learn how to prepare and deliver speeches before an audience.
Course Description
The speeches are designed to give scholars experience in a range of speaking situations. Public speaking skills are invaluable no matter what profession or goals of the speakers. Scholars will receive direct instruction on how to write speech outlines, present speeches, use visual aids, and make audience centered presentations.
Some examples of Speeches to be given:
- Personal Experience Speech
- Demonstration Speech
- Informative Speech
- Pet Peeve Speech
- Interviews
- Persuasive Speech and Debate
- Final: “I am from…” Speech
Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Map
Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Map
Middle School Math Curriculum Map
Middle School Spanish Curriculum Map