Cores
Language Arts 7
In Language Arts, students explore the theme of identity. Students read a variety of texts, and engage in individual and collaborative activities that investigate the theme of identity and sense of place. During the winter unit, which is an interdisciplinary study including a two-day outdoor adventure experience led by the Lotus Lake Adventure Center, students work together to develop team building. In the spring, all students engage in a children's book project; every student writes, illustrates and binds his/her own original picture book. The books are then given away on a “Book Buddy” day to all primary schools in the WCSU district.
Writing assignments include journal writing, multi-draft creative and expository pieces, and presentations as well as readers’ theater. Although many of the writing assignments are integrated with the science and social studies curriculum, all are assessed using common-core standards. All students are expected to read a total of 25 books for the year.
Science 7
Science 7 is grounded in life science and when applicable is integrated with language arts and social studies. A primary goal is to foster the development of individuals who are able to question and think critically about the world. Major units and topics covered in 7th grade are: designing and conducting an elevation study, understanding ecological principles, research literacy skills (bio-indicator research/media literacy), winter ecology/survival, and cellular study/microscope use.
Social Studies 7
The seventh grade year will introduce students to the study of indigenous peoples, world cultures, economics and geography. These units will introduce students to anthropology and related fields; the movements and settlements of people; basic economic concepts and their applications, and state, national, and world geography. Students will demonstrate an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in human societies, analyze digital and text sources, make historical connections, explore concepts of culture and traditional societies and use and apply geographical knowledge. They will also learn various research techniques and formal research paper writing skills.
Language Arts 8
In Language Arts 8, our focus is on Teaching Tolerance. We explore universal themes of responsibility, justice, respect and citizenship. Students read a collection of novels, nonfiction, short stories, and poetry relating to these themes. The study of these themes culminates in the trip to Washington D.C. Speaking and listening standards are addressed through class discussions and speaking presentations. All students are required to compile their final middle-school writing portfolio to determine if they have met the common core writing standards in the genres of persuasion/argument, report, and narrative. All students are expected to read a total of 25 books for the year. Special projects include eighth grade plays, Flynn Theater performances, Town Meetings, and the Washington DC trip.
Science 8
Students build upon skills learned in seventh grade through concepts in physical science. Students will become adept at using new lab equipment and understanding their scientific applications. During the 8th grade year, science places an emphasis on the importance of accurate measurement as well as data analysis. During independent and group lab investigations, 8th graders will observe and measure properties of matter and develop an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method as they develop their own experiments to test specific ideas or questions.
Social Studies 8
The eighth grade year will serve as an introduction to American government and history from 1600 to 1865. The units focus on the colonial American experience; the American Revolution; origins of American government and the legislative process; and slavery before the Civil War. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the uses of evidence and data, analyze knowledge, make historical connections, examine the meaning of citizenship, compare different types of government, and explore the nature of conflict and human rights. Students will read extensively and will be assessed in a variety of ways, including research papers, unit tests, role-playing scenarios and various projects.
