Middle Grades Classes
English Language Arts
English 06 A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
This course provides a strong foundation in grammar and the writing process. It emphasizes simple but useful composition and language mechanics strategies with multiple opportunities for modeling practical, real-world writing situations that will enable students to improve their written communication skills quickly. Through a variety of grade-appropriate reading selections, students develop a clear understanding of key literary genres and their distinguishing characteristics.
English 07 A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
English 7 integrates the study of writing and literature through the examination of a variety of genres. Students identify the elements of composition in the reading selections to understand their function and effect on the reader. Practice is provided in narrative and expository writing. Topics include comparison and contrast, persuasion, and cause and effect essays, as well as descriptive and figurative language. Lessons are supplemented with vocabulary development, grammar, and syntax exercises, along with an introduction to verbal phrases and research tools.
English 08 A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
Extends the skills developed in English 7 through detailed study of parts of sentences and paragraphs to understand their importance to good writing. Students also acquire study skills such as time management and improved test-taking strategies. Other topics include punctuation, word choice, syntax, varying of sentence structure, subordination and coordination, detail and elaboration, effective use of reference materials, and proofreading.
Intensive Reading
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Intensive Reading explores foundational reading skills for middle-school students to remediate gaps in reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and vocabulary skills, grammar skills, and writing fluency through responses to a variety of literary and informational texts.
Mathematics
Math 6 A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
This middle school course will provide students with a deep understanding and mastery of the objectives that will prepare them for algebra. It is aligned to Common Core State Standards, and is based on best practices in the teaching of mathematics and the disciplines of STEM learning. Students will develop 21st century skills as they master ratios and proportional relationships; the number system; and number visualization. The course is highly engaging while being easy for teachers to customize and manage.
Math 7 A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
Math 7 builds on material learned in earlier grades, including fractions, decimals, and percentages and introduces students to concepts they will continue to use throughout their study of mathematics. Among these are surface area, volume, and probability. Real-world applications facilitate understanding, and students are provided multiple opportunities to master these skills through practice problems within lessons, homework drills, and graded assignments.
Math 8 A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
This course is designed to enable all students at the middle school level to develop a deep understanding of math objectives and leaves students ready for algebra. The first semester covers objectives in transformations, linear equations, systems of equations, and functions. The second semester focuses on scientific notation, roots, the Pythagorean Theorem and volume, and statistics and probability. The course is based on the Common Core State Standards Initiative and on a modern understanding of student learning in mathematics.
Pre-Algebra
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Students begin this course by reviewing operations with rational numbers. They find factors and multiples of numbers, along with common factors and multiples of sets of numbers. They also add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers, fractions, and mixed numbers. Students apply properties, such as the Distributive, Associative, and Commutative Properties, and use the order of operations to simplify numerical expressions and then algebraic expressions. Next, they work with algebraic equations and use them to solve problems. This is followed by identifying, graphing, and comparing linear relationships. The course concludes with an introduction to functions.
Science
Middle School Biology & Physical Science A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
MS Biology and Physical Science investigates the interaction between systems and what factors affect their growth, and the life cycles of plants and animals to find out how they reproduce plants and animals. Topics include: cells, the hierarchy of organization, covering tissues, organs, and organ systems. Part B explores topics through many creative and interactive assets, including virtual labs and review games to immerse students in 21st-century online learning. Topics include: energy and its transformation, matter, natural cycles, the effect of the sun on ocean and air currents, different types of pollution, and the effects of greenhouse gases on the Earth’s climate.
Middle School Environmental Science A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
MS Environmental Science (1 of 2) examines life science concepts from biology, ecology, environmental sciences, and explores scientific process to investigate the questions of ecology and genetic technology. Part B examines physical science, such as physics and space science, and the history of science to highlight influential scientists.
Middle School Physical Science A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
MS Physical Science examines concepts from the fields of chemistry, biology, and ecology. The relationship between matter, energy, and chemical reactions is explored to understand cellular respiration and photosynthesis, while synthetic materials are analyzed to see how they impact society. Part B investigates concepts from ecology and geology to explore the interactions between and among organisms in an ecosystem. Topics covered include types of rocks, the rock cycle, and Earth’s resources to explore how Earth’s processes can lead to natural hazard events and severe weather, and then discover how technology can help during disasters, as well as other benefits of technology.
Social Studies
Middle School US History: Colonization to 1900 A/B
MS US History: Colonization to 1900 explores early American history from pre-Columbian era and closely examines the evolution from the British Colonies to the creation of the United States. A close look at the ideology of the framing documents and nature of the American republic set against the backdrop of the challenges of growth and sectional divisions and conflict. Part B explores westward expansion, early Spanish missions in western North America through to Reconstruction, the Second Industrial Revolution, and connects these events to how policies and cultures are shaped. Topics include: causes and effects of the Texas Revolution and the Mexican American War; the California gold rush; American Civil War, Indian Wars of the 19th Century.
Middle School World History: Ancient Times to 1770s A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
MS World History: Ancient Times to 1770s explores the social, cultural, and technological developments occurring concurrently in Europe, Africa, and Asia in the years AD 500–1789. It also examines how archaeologists and historians uncover the past. Part B explores the growing economic interaction among civilizations during the Renaissance, Reformation, the Age of Exploration, and how the Enlightenment gave rise to democratic ideas that still resonate today. Topics include: the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities inspire the Enlightenment philosophy and the interest in reason and authority, natural rights of human beings, the divine right of kings, experimentalism in science, and the dogma of belief.
Middle School World History: Peoples of the Ancient World A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
MS World History: Peoples of the Ancient World explores geographical, social, economic, and political foundations of early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Ancient Israel, and India as they shift from nomadic societies to agricultural societies. The study of these civilizations includes the impact of geography, early history, cultural development, and economic change. The geographic focus includes the study of physical and political features, economic development and resources, and migration patterns. Part 2 explores the geographic, political, economic, and cultural development of ancient Greece, Rome, and China and applies historical thinking skills to understand implications of ancient literature, art, and philosophy on later Western culture. The course examines the birth and spread of Judaism, Christianity, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Middle School Civics and Economics
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
MS Civics and Economics examines the general structure and functions of the US systems of government, the roles and responsibilities of citizens to participate in the political process, and the relationship of the individual to the law and legal system. Topics include: The Declaration of Independence, analysis of the principles US Constitution and the debates surrounding its ratification, examining validity of sources, landmark Supreme Court cases, and the voting process. Part 2 explores the economic structures for individuals, businesses, and government; the examination of how institutions influence the market economy; and how government interacts and influences the private sector. Topics include: personal finance, preparing a personal budget, national budget, analysis of interest rates, investing, debt, influence of natural resources on economies, trade, market systems, taxes, labor, and regulatory agencies.
Health and Physical Education
Physical Education – Grade 6
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Physical Education 6 explores fitness, nutrition, exercise basics, and specific sports. Topics include fundamental aspects of physical activity (safety tips, warm-up and cooldown exercises, and good sportsmanship), personal fitness and nutrition, and the importance of regular exercise to encourage lifelong healthy activity. Sports in the course include dance, baseball, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, soccer, and football. Project 1 creates a health and fitness log and project 2 explores the basics of golf.
Physical Education – Grade 7
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Physical Education 7 explores the importance of physical fitness for good health and provides opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities. Topics include running, strength training, dancing, swimming, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, baseball, bowling, basketball, soccer, and football. Other activities include keeping an exercise and nutrition log and creating an exercise routine for themselves, as well as the importance of warming up and cooling down muscles before and after exercise, health-related verses skill-related fitness, goal setting, and safety.
Physical Education – Grade 8
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Physical Education 8 explores personal health and wellness benefits of physical fitness with a variety of activities, a fitness and nutrition log, and two projects. Project one creates a personal fitness plan and project two creates a synchronized swim routine. Topics include endurance and flexibility applied in activities such as running, hiking, stretching, and dancing, as well as improving fitness and well-being with heart-rate monitoring, nutrition tracking, and interval training. Sports skills are practiced in pickleball, tennis, soccer, hockey, football, baseball, basketball, and bowling.
World Languages
Middle School Spanish 1 A/B
ONE CREDIT COURSE
Students will be introduced to the basics of the Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will learn how to introduce themselves and others, talk about interests and hobbies, ask for directions, and more! In addition to learning the language, students will also learn about the cultures of some Spanish-speaking countries. They will learn about daily life in Mexico, the history of Colombia, and more! Students will participate in discussion boards, speaking practice, a culture project, and a speaking project.
Middle School Spanish 2 A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
Students will continue to learn the basics of the Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will learn how to discuss school subjects, various professions, and their daily routines. In addition to learning the language, students will also learn about the cultures of some Spanish-speaking countries. Spanish is spoken from Europe to Africa to the Americas. In the first half of this course students will learn about the history, daily life, and cultural products of Venezuela and Chile. To help with their learning experience students will participate in discussion boards, speaking practice, a culture project, and a speaking project.
Electives
Middle School 2D Media Artwork
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
2D Media Artwork introduces concepts and methods used in the creation of digital art and design. The course explores design principles, common applications of digital artwork, and techniques for brainstorming and developing an artistic idea. Topics include artistic mediums such as digital photography, 2D computer graphics, web design, and digital illustration, relevant tools, techniques, and skills of each medium. Supporting topics include meaning, audience, impact, and ethics in the creation and use of digital media.
Middle School Gaming Unlocked
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Gaming Unlocked researches the basics of gaming, from what makes games fun to what makes them work by exploring quality in a variety of games such as mental games, board games, and video games. This course does not require students to know or learn a programming language. The emphasis is on the history and design of games and the different careers available in the game industry.
Middle School Health
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Middle School Health explores how behavioral choices, such as nutrition and physical activity, affect health, then provides information to make healthy choices. Topics include: nutrition and physical activity; growth, development, and sexual health; safety and injury prevention; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; mental, emotional, and social health; and personal and community health.
Middle School Character Education
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Character Education explores values of truthfulness, trustworthiness, responsibility, diligence, and integrity. The course offers specific, real world situations to interpret and connect to these traits to provide safe and appropriate ways to respond in real time. Topics include: identifying bullying, how to develop a bullying-prevention mindset.
Middle School Computer Applications
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Computer Applications explores online networks and software. Topics include word processing software, organizing data, selecting the correct digital tools, analysis of data, visual representation of data, and troubleshooting software and operating systems. Additional topics include safe digital citizenship, data security, intellectual property, file management, and intellectual property rights.
Middle School 3D Graphics and Video
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
3D Graphics and Video explores digital art and design, how life relates to art, and how individual works of art are interpreted. Topics include design principles, types and common applications of digital artwork, and techniques for brainstorming and developing an artistic idea, artistic mediums (3D computer graphics, animation, digital video, and digital audio). Supporting topics include expression, purpose, meaning, ethics, testing, critique, improvement, presentation, and distribution in the creation and use of digital media. Course projects include the creation of a digital animation and a piece of digital audio.
Middle School Career Explorations
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Career Explorations provides instruction and practice about various topics in the world of work. These topics include jobs, careers, labor markets, traditional and nontraditional occupational roles, ethical and unethical behavior, educational pathways to careers, budgeting, communication in the workplace, and technology in the workplace. There is a short project on problem-solving skills as well as a project on searching for a job, preparing a resume and cover letter, and interviewing for a job.
Middle School Photography Basics
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Photography Basics explores proper use of photography equipment, how to build a portfolio of work, and describes the steps to starting a career in this field. Topics include: the habits and etiquette of the profession.
Middle School Introduction to Coding
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
Introduction to Coding introduces the fundamentals of JavaScript, including syntax, data types (strings, numbers, and Boolean), variables, operations, logic, control structures, and procedures to simplify code. Building on these basics, the course explores troubleshooting, testing, debugging, and effective code documentation. Students practice problem-solving by breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps, planning, coding, and integrating solutions while learning to give and receive constructive feedback.
Middle School Exploring College and Careers A/B
ONE-CREDIT COURSE
Exploring College and Careers focuses on personal and career assessment, exploration of career opportunities, academic planning, and financial planning. The course begins with an introduction to self-exploration and explains how to identify aptitudes, interests, skills, values, beliefs, and strengths. It discusses how to interpret self-assessment data to create an initial career and education plan. It delves into how to develop long-term, mid-term, and short-term goals. The course then explores jobs, occupations, and careers in 16 career clusters. It provides insights into the educational requirements and skills necessary for different professions. The course compares postsecondary educational options such as trade or technical schools, apprenticeships, community colleges, the military, and two- and four-year colleges and universities.
Keyboarding
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Keyboarding focuses on the skills needed to improve typing speed and accuracy in order to format, type, and edit letters, articles, and reports. Topics include the proper hand and finger placement, posture, the touch-typing technique, file management, reliable electronic sources, as well as keyboarding and computer terminology. Course projects include a log to track typing progress and typing a research article.
Scratch Coding
HALF-CREDIT COURSE
Scratch Coding introduces the basics and logic of programming language in Scratch. Topics include introducing and using the different tools in Scratch; creating programs that include loops, variables, lists, or conditionals; and identifying and fixing errors in a program. The course concludes with putting the tools and concepts altogether to create a larger program.
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