MS Curriculum

Humanities 6 (English & Social Studies)

In Humanities 6, students wrestle with the essential questions of what it means to be human and why personal freedom is important. It is a course with a large writing component in which students will learn about the research and writing processes. From personal narrative to argument-driven essays, students collaborate with their peers and teachers to hone their craft. The class takes place within the context of early America, starting with Native Americans and progressing through the founding of the United States. Students read and analyze fiction, informational, and opinion texts related to the themes and time periods. These are differentiated based on students’ ability levels and taught through the workshop approach. The Humanities 6 double class period provides the opportunity to explore personal stances on big ideas and centers on deeper learning by examining and analyzing the causal nature of history. 
 

Math 6 

Math 6 expands on concepts first learned in Lower School mathematics and introduces new ones. An emphasis is placed upon mastery of basic skills, fluency in mental computation, increased number sense and communicating mathematically. Topics include numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability, and problem-solving. All students in this course will advance to Math 7. 

Science 6 

The Middle School follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Therefore, Science 6 focuses on “doing science”. Students will learn how to explain their thinking by drawing models of understanding of various phenomena. They will test their theories by designing experiments, creating and interpreting graphs, along with becoming skillful researchers. The main areas of study involve exposure to biology, ecology, earth-science (concentrating on the human impact of the environment), and physics. 

Physical Education and Health 6 

The ASM Physical Education/Health program is designed to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for achieving and maintaining healthy, productive lifestyles. Classes will focus on important life skills students need to learn and practice for the rest of their lives. The program promotes physical, mental, and social wellness. Physical Education classes will provide opportunities for the students to participate in a team, dual, and individual learning experiences. Specific seasons are designed for each grade level in order to provide a complete Middle School program. These seasons are scheduled on a rotating basis with fitness development, personal, social, responsibility levels (PSR) being central areas of focus. Assessments include PSR, development of fitness, performance, and understanding concepts. Health education is incorporated throughout the year as part of the physical education program. The program is designed to facilitate the development of skills, attitudes, and behaviors that lean towards healthy lifestyles and to prepare students to cope with our complex and constantly changing world. 
It is compulsory that all students wear the ASM physical education uniform and bring a water bottle. The school will provide the equipment necessary for classes. 

Español 6º Primaria (Native Spanish speakers)

This is the sixth and final year of “Educación Primaria” (Grades 1-6), prior to the four years of “Educación Secundaria Obligatoria” (Grades 7-10). This course covers Spanish Language and Social Studies. The goal of this course, concerning language, is to review all the contents related to the Spanish language, as seen in previous years, specifically focusing on morphology and grammar. This course also consolidates the four basic language skills: written and oral expression as well as reading and listening comprehension. Students will read a variety of texts (including independent reading books) to improve their reading comprehension. Throughout the year they will practice using literary conventions to become more efficient writers. Through Social Studies, the goal is to cover basic concepts of Spanish and European Geography, climate, population, and institutions. This curriculum meets the requirements as set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) Español Lengua Extranjera (ELE)

The main objective of Spanish as a foreign language is to introduce students to the Spanish culture and enable them to achieve a level at which they will be able to participate in everyday activities using the Spanish language with sufficient fluency and accuracy. Students will be stimulated to develop an interest in learning Spanish and to build self-esteem and self-confidence with their ability to speak the language in and out of class. Classes are conducted in the target language. Students will be assessed and placed at their language level according to their proficiency in all four skills using the Common European Framework (CEFR).

English 7 

The goal of the English 7 program is to instill in students the habits of mind that characterize a confident and independent thinker, reader, and learner. Students continue to refine their skills in the five domains of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking, under the overarching thinking skills of Analysis, Organization, Producing Text, and Language Usage. ASM follows the Reading and Writing Workshop model in conjunction with Teacher’s College, Columbia University which basic philosophy centers on maximizing student time actively engaging with Reading or Writing. Students are exposed daily to teaching points to help them deepen their reading comprehension or writing skills. Reading units include Realistic Fiction, Poetry, Social Issues, and Non-fiction, both narrative and expository. Writing Units run concurrently in the same genre or category and students will produce fiction and non-fiction, narrative, expository, and argument pieces. Additionally, traditional instruction in writing conventions -- grammar, mechanics, and punctuation – accompanies writing assignments through periodic mini-lessons. 

Ancient Civilization 7 

This course is designed to familiarize students with World History from prehistoric times to the Roman Empire. Students will examine the lives of early humans, the Agricultural revolution, the rise of civilization in Mesopotamia, and the ancient empires of Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. Through these topics, students will explore the social, economic, political, cultural, and environmental occurrences that have caused change over time in our world. Students will also discover how geography played a key role in the development of each unique civilization. To aid students in reaching more complex levels of understanding with each topic, research and writing will be an integral part of the course. Students will also engage in collaborative work with their peers to promote and enhance their skills in becoming more sophisticated readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. 
 

Science 7 

Science 7 uses a thematic approach to learning the skills of science and being a scientist. The thematic units are developed using the Next Generation Science 16  Standards (NGSS) and explore life science (stimulus-response, body systems, photosynthesis-cellular respiration), physical science (waves: sound & light), and earth science. NGSS focuses on delivering these concepts through scientific practices. As such, in Science 7, students ask their own questions and learn the process of scientific investigation. They learn how to write claim-evidence-reasoning including analyzing data, critiquing methods to collect this data, and how to use models to show understanding. During the year they complete a variety of student-led scientific investigations and experiments. 

Math 7 

Math 7 compacts all of the Grade 7 Common Core Standards and the essentials of the grade 8 Common Core Standards to ensure that students that meet proficiency in all standards of Math 7 will be prepared for Math I. Students in Math 7 will develop an understanding of applying proportional relationships, formulating and reasoning with expressions and linear equations, solving linear equations, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume. Students will also learn to draw inferences about populations based on samples and grasp the concept of a function, using functions to describe quantitative relationships. 

Physical Education and Health 7 

The ASM Physical Education/Health program is designed to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for achieving and maintaining healthy, productive lifestyles. Classes will focus on important life skills students need to learn and practice for the rest of their lives. The program promotes physical, mental, and social wellness. Physical Education classes will provide opportunities for the students to participate in team, dual, and individual learning experiences. Specific seasons are designed for each grade level in order to provide a complete Middle School program. These seasons are scheduled on a rotating basis with fitness development, personal, social, responsibility levels (PSR) being central areas of focus. Assessments include PSR, development of fitness, performance, and understanding concepts. Health education is incorporated throughout the year as part of the physical education program. The program is designed to facilitate the development of skills, attitudes, and behaviors that lean towards healthy lifestyles and to prepare students to cope with our complex and constantly changing world. 
It is compulsory that all students wear the ASM physical education uniform and bring a water bottle. The school will provide the equipment necessary for classes. 

Español 1º ESO (Native Spanish Speakers)

This is the first of four years of Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (grades 7-10). This course covers Spanish Language, Literature, and History. In language, the course focuses on a systematic reflection on the Spanish language, placing emphasis on communication, parts of speech and syntax analysis, reading, and writing.  Regarding literature, this course will familiarize students with the origins of Spanish literature throughout the 16th century. This course will also provide an overview of the most relevant historical events in the Iberian Peninsula, from prehistoric times to the 16th century. Students will work on oral and written expression and comprehension as well as on becoming better readers. The Español 7 curriculum meets the requirements as set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) Español lengua extranjera (ELE)

The main objective of Spanish as a foreign language is to introduce students to the Spanish culture and enable them to achieve a level at which they will be able to participate in everyday activities using the Spanish language with sufficient fluency and accuracy. Students will be stimulated to develop an interest in learning Spanish and to build self-esteem and self-confidence with their ability to speak the language in and out of class. Classes are conducted in the target language. Students will be assessed and placed at their language level according to their proficiency in all four skills using the Common European Framework (CEFR).

English 8 

The goal of the English 8 program is to foster the enjoyment that comes from wallowing in a well-crafted work of literature. A process of reflection, shared inquiry, and written response highlight the program, offering students the opportunity to hone their skills as thinkers, readers, writers, speakers, listeners, and viewers as they navigate their way through their final year of middle school. Each unit has a theme from which all reading selections flow. 
Most writing topics are connected to each unit’s theme and students follow the steps of the writing process to complete these assignments. Assignments may require students to write analytically, persuasively, or creatively. Instruction in writing conventions, such as grammar, mechanics, and punctuation, accompany writing assignments through periodic mini-lessons. Students are also expected to study vocabulary within the context of literature. 
Finally, students are given ample opportunity to both speak and listen to their peers through full-class discussion, small group assignments, and individual presentations. They are expected to state their comments clearly, respond appropriately to questions, share their points of view while respecting the views of others, provide constructive feedback, and ask questions as needed. 

Medieval History 8 

The Medieval period covers the time from the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5 th Century A.D. to the Renaissance in the 15 th Century. This class provides an excellent sequence to the7 th grade Ancient Civilizations course. Among the topics studied are Defining History, the Rise of Christianity and Islam, European Economics, Culture, and Politics, and the Influence of the Past on the Present. An emphasis will be placed on practicing and improving the skills of writing, oral explanation, technology, and creativity. 

Integrated Math 8 Core and Extended

This mathematics course follows the Common Core Mathematics Standards using the Open Up Resources - a carefully designed mathematics course drawing on the latest research regarding mathematics education. There is an emphasis on reasoning and communication, not simply producing answers and following procedures. It is essential that students are engaged in class discussions and activities as well as committed to completing all assigned work. There is a strong emphasis on linear and exponential functions in this course, as well as geometry and data analysis. The curriculum can be accessed online at openupresources.org. 

The Core course covers all topics in the curriculum, whereas the Extended course also includes additional material and extension problems and activities.

Science 8 

The Middle School Science department has officially adopted the Next Generation Science Standards. In Science 8, students explore the topics of chemistry, genetics, and physics. Students will hone their skills of experimentation, observation, critical thinking, and analysis. They will build models, design experiments, and complete a variety of projects while exploring these topics. At the end of the year, they will participate in a science fair, for which they do all the work independently to answer a question they generate. 
 

Physical Education and Health 8 

The ASM Physical Education/Health program is designed to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for achieving and maintaining healthy, productive lifestyles. Classes will focus on important life skills students need to learn and practice for the rest of their lives. The program promotes physical, mental, and social wellness. Physical Education classes will provide opportunities for the students to participate in team, dual, and individual learning experiences. Specific seasons are designed for each grade level in order to provide a complete Middle School program. These seasons are scheduled on a rotating basis with fitness development, personal, social, responsibility levels (PSR) being central areas of focus. Assessments include PSR, development of fitness, performance, and understanding concepts. Health education is incorporated throughout the year as part of the physical education program. The program is designed to facilitate the development of skills, attitudes, and behaviors that lean towards healthy lifestyles and to prepare students to cope with our complex and constantly changing world. 

It is compulsory that all students wear the ASM physical education uniform and bring a water bottle. The school will provide the equipment necessary for classes. 

Español 2º ESO (Native Spanish Speakers)

This is the second of four years of Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (grades 7-10). This course covers Spanish Language and  Literature. In language, the course focuses on a systematic reflection on the Spanish language, reviewing parts of speech and placing emphasis on syntax analysis.  Regarding literature, this course will familiarize students with the literary genre. It focuses on the development of oral, expression, writing, and reading skills. This curriculum meets the requirements as set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) Español lengua extranjera (ELE)

The main objective of Spanish as a Foreign Language is to introduce students to the Spanish culture and enable them to achieve a level at which they will be able to participate in everyday activities using the Spanish language with sufficient fluency and accuracy. Students will be stimulated to develop an interest in learning Spanish and to build self-esteem and self-confidence with their ability to speak the language in and out of class. Classes are conducted in the target language. Students will be assessed and placed at their language level according to their proficiency in all four skills using the Common European Framework (CEFR).

Transition from MS Spanish courses to US Spanish courses 
MS Español 1 (A1 CEFR) → US Español 1 (A1-A2 CEFR)
MS Español 2 (A2 CEFR)→ US Español  2 (A2-B1 CEFR)
MS Español 3 (B1 CEFR)→ US Español  3 (B1-B2 CEFR)
MS Español 4 (B1-B2 CEFR) → US Español 4 (B2 CEFR)

Introduction to Art  Grades 6, 7, 8

Art students in the Middle School follow a program that is designed to expose them to the fundamental aspects of a comprehensive and integrated approach to the five major areas of art. The Basic Principles of Design and Elements of Art are covered systematically throughout the course, in combination with a variety of art activities drawn from the major component areas. A range of historical themes and art functions form the basis for specific projects and the development of both literacy and information technology skills are integrated into the planning and assessment stages of individual student assignments. 

Ceramics

In Ceramics, students will learn basic hand-building techniques to create a base for their clay structures. Students will also be taught the historical background, aesthetic qualities, and artistic expression through a variety of studio workshops and experiences. Students will gain knowledge of form, volume, and space while creating a 3-dimensional work of art while also exploring and experimenting with a variety of mark-making and glazing techniques.

Digital Photography  Grades 6, 7, 8 

Graphic Design  Grades 6, 7, 8 

Video Art Grades 6, 7, 8 

This trimester-long technology-based course provides the student with a solid base in and exposure to artistic video processes. The class is designed to expose the student to concepts involved in filming pre-production, scene blocking, staging, lighting, camera moves, green-screening, editing, compositing, and post-production. Students are required to have a portable, external hard-drive/ pen-drive for back-up and saving of their work on a daily basis. 

Digital Art Grades 6, 7, 8 

Digital Art is designed to expose the student to a wide range of digital, interactive and technology-based platforms and tools used by contemporary artists and designers. Students will explore and create artwork and design projects that include the use of interactive design, 3D animation, video, photography, illustration, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mobile applications. A wide range of software, equipment, and materials will be used throughout the course. 
 

Grade 6 Band 

This year-long course for woodwind, brass, and percussion players continues to develop concepts taught in 5th-grade band as well as introduce more complex musical responsibilities geared toward “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of challenging and varied literature for concert band including rock, blues, pop and classical styles. Student learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and; performance practice. Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged by taking private lessons or, for exceptional 6th graders, auditioning for the AMIS honor band. 

 Grade 7-8 Band 

This year-long course teaches “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of challenging and varied literature for concert band including rock, blues, pop and classical styles. Skills and concepts taught in 6th grade band will be developed and expanded upon. Student learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and; performance practice. Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged by taking private lessons or auditioning for the AMIS honor band. 

Middle School Choir  Grades 6, 7, 8 

This course provides students with an opportunity to be involved in a well-rounded musical setting. Students study the music of various time periods, genres, and styles. Students will learn and perform traditional choral repertoire as well as popular and folk music from around the world. By studying a wide range of choral music, students will grow as musicians and performers and will improve their knowledge of basic music theory and sight-singing. Students will learn both solo singing and group singing skills. Students will perform at several concerts throughout the school year and will also have the opportunity to audition for various honors choir festivals which take place throughout the year, including the AMIS Honor Boys Choir Festival, AMIS Honor Girls Choir Festival, and the MAIS Honor Choir Festival. 

Grade 6 Orchestra 

This year-long course for violin, viola, cello, and bass players continues to develop concepts taught in the 5th-grade orchestra as well as introduce more complex musical responsibilities geared toward “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of challenging and varied literature for orchestra including rock, blues, pop, and classical styles. Student learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and; performance practice. Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged by taking private lessons or, for exceptional 6th graders, auditioning for the AMIS Honor Orchestra Festival. 

 Grade 7-8 Orchestra 

This year-long course teaches “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of challenging and varied literature for concert orchestra including rock, blues, pop, and classical styles. Skills and concepts taught in 6th-grade orchestra will be developed and expanded upon. Student learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and; performance practice. Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged by taking private lessons or auditioning for the AMIS Honor Orchestra Festival. 

Drama  Grades 6, 7, 8 

The aim of this course is to pursue drama as a means of nurturing teamwork, promoting communication, improving confidence levels, and to gain personal satisfaction from collaborating with one’s peers. Skills include, but are not limited to, pantomime, trust exercises, improvisation, acting techniques, use of character, monologues, scriptwriting, history of theater, and the production process. 

World Languages 

French 1  

This introductory course prepares students in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Major emphasis is put upon the development of the ability to read and to speak with accurate pronunciation and intonation. This course is designed to teach the foundation of the French language. Students will learn the building blocks of French: the basic verbs, the feminine, and plural, the present tense, etc.. They will learn considerable vocabulary for authentic situations: how to meet and greet people, how to describe their family, talk about animals, clothing, weather, and so on. Interwoven into grammatical and vocabulary lessons are the vibrant culture of France and the rest of the French-speaking world. If a Grade 8 student decides to enroll in MS French I, he or she will take French I in the Upper School. 
 

French 2 

This course is designed for students who have completed French 1. It extends the students ́ abilities in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course will reinforce and complete the topics studied in French 1. Students will also learn the immediate future as well as commands. They will learn considerable vocabulary for authentic situations: how to meet and greet people, how to describe their house as well as the courses they take at school, how to order in a café or restaurant, how to ask and understand directions, how to make purchases, to cook crêpes and so on. Interwoven into grammatical and vocabulary lessons are the vibrant culture of France and the rest of the French speaking world. If a grade 8 student decides to enroll in MS French 2, he or she will take French II in the Upper School. 

French 3 

This course is designed for students who have completed French 2. It extends the student ́s abilities in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course will reinforce and complete the topics studied in French 2 and will take the students to French III in Upper School. Students will also learn pronouns and logical clauses, past tense (passé composé) and future tenses, vocabulary for authentic situations such as how to talk about travel plans, leisure activities, and holidays, how to improve their school, how to talk about environmental issues, how to go to the doctor or pharmacy, etc. Interwoven into grammatical and vocabulary lessons are the vibrant culture of France and the rest of the French-speaking world. 

Mandarin I

In the Mandarin I, students are going to start with pronunciation in Mandarin, which means the tones and the way to pronounce each sound. The four language skills, which mean speaking, listening, reading, and writing are all included in the first year of Mandarin learning although writing is less demanding. Constant recording assignments are summative assessments. Some knowledge of Chinese culture will also be introduced in class, to make the learners get a superficial understanding of Chinese people and culture. 
After one year of studies, students are expected to be able to distinguish the four tones and say them. They are able to read around 200 characters and write around 100 basic Chinese characters by the end of Mandarin I. 

The following are the topics which will be covered during this course: pronunciation (Hanyu pinyin: initials/finals/tones), basic radicals and writing orders of the Chinese characters, knowledge of structures and evolution of some Chinese characters, numbers and dates, greetings and core family members, occupations, self-introduction, time and time adverbs, the verbs of the daily routine, typing Chinese characters on the computer, means of transportation, colors, clothes, parts of the body, describing people’s looks. 

Mandarin II  

Those who successfully passed Mandarin I courses can continue Mandarin II. The students are going to start with reviewing of Mandarin I. Pronunciation in Mandarin will continue to be emphasized. The four language skills, which mean speaking, listening, reading, and writing, are all included. Writing is getting more important as the course advances. They will begin to write short essays in Mandarin. There is more listening comprehension and begin with one to one oral tests in the second year of the Mandarin course. 

After Mandarin 2, students are expected to be able to read around 350 characters and to write about 200 Chinese characters. The following are the topics that will be covered during the course. Countries and languages, school subjects, making phone calls, weather, seasons, sickness, hobbies (music, sports, and dance) price and food. Projects may include school subjects, weather reports, and seasons’ descriptions, comparison of Western and Chinese food, which will usually be followed by a field trip to a nearby Chinese restaurant. 

Mandarin III

Those who successfully passed Mandarin II courses can continue Mandarin III. The students are going to start with reviewing of Mandarin 2. Pronunciation will continue to be emphasized. The four language skills, which mean speaking, listening, reading, and writing, are all included. The students are required to write Chinese characters in most of their assignments. 

At the end of the Mandarin 3 course, the students are expected to be able to read around 450-500 characters and write about 300 Chinese characters. Some topics from Mandarin 2 will be repeated but covered in more depth. They include describing a person, weather, seasons, seeing doctors, hobbies, food. Some new topics such as Chinese family’s titles, shopping, eating out, school facilities, house, and neighborhood will be added. Projects may include the following: Chinese New Year, Chinese food, Chinese geography (including scenic spots in China), describing your school, and Interviewing a Chinese native speaker. A comparison of cultures will be emphasized in their projects. 
 

Debate  Grades 6, 7, 8

In Debate, students learn how to effectively discuss two opposing viewpoints on a particular topic. They gain self-confidence and poise with public speaking through numerous speeches and debates as well as through peer and teacher feedback. Students learn how to write persuasively, hone their research skills through their exploration of current events and other debatable topics, develop reasoning and critical thinking skills, and think quickly to respond under pressure. Through this process, students develop a willingness to really listen to others and a more open-minded approach to learning. 

Journalism Grades 6, 7, 8 

Students in Journalism produce the Middle School newspaper, “News From the Middle,” by becoming real reporters and designers. Students are involved in each stage of the process of developing the newspaper. They identify newsworthy topics that are informative and entertaining for our target audience, the Middle School community. They interview their peers and teachers, draft and revise their articles, and take photos. They also learn about principles of design and create the layout for “News From the Middle” themselves. This course is designed to be repeated as few or as many times as a student wishes throughout Middle School. A student taking this course for the first time will gain an understanding of the basics of the writing and layout processes. A student repeating the course will be able to continue their learning where they left off by completing more complex projects. 
 

Model United Nations MUN Grades 6, 7, 8 

The content of the Model United Nations elective includes geography, current world issues, and global politics. Students will learn about one country in particular, and represent that country through in-class mock debates. Throughout the course, students will be developing their critical thinking, research and writing skills. Regular homework assignments will involve following the news by investigating different news media sources. There will also be a focus on public speaking. MUN is a great way for students to better understand complex global problems that the United Nations currently discusses and at the same time be focused on realistic solutions. 
Model United Nations is also offered to middle school students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 as an after-school activity twice a week during the first and second half of the school year for those that cannot fit the elective into their schedule. This after-school activity prepares students for two unique experiences: A MUN conference in Europe and Madrid (MADMUN). Each year, a group of students is selected by the MUN Director through an application process to participate in a MUN conference in Europe. Students who are selected to participate in these conferences must be in good standing academically and demonstrate good citizenship at school. 

Film as Literature  Grades 6, 7, 8 

The class is designed to show students how film is a form of literature. By viewing classic and modern American films, students will learn that good film, like good literature, has certain elements in common. Students will be expected to understand motifs, symbols, metaphors, allusions, plot, theme, and other literary elements as they relate to both film and literature. In addition, students will develop an appreciation for the interaction of film elements such as scripting, directing, acting, producing, lighting, sound, music, editing, cinematography, special effects, set design and costuming. Students will learn to recognize such film genres as drama, comedy, western, science-fiction, mystery, action/adventure, and animation. Students will use their knowledge of the various elements of cinema to analyze and critique films studied in class. Assessment will include class discussions, notebook checks, type-written film reviews, oral film critique, and a trimester semester project. 

Science Design and Projects  Grades 6, 7, 8 

Do you ever wonder how things work? Do you like hands-on projects, designing and constructing? Do you like to create inventions? Students will work collaboratively to try to solve real world problems. Inquiry, design, engineering, dilemma and puzzle experiments are stressed. Some projects will occur in one class, while others may be long term. To be successful in this course, you need to be willing to take risks, make mistakes and adjust, be a team player, as well as brainstorm and problem solve all while having fun exploring and designing. 

Introduction to Computer Programming  Grades 6, 7, 8 

This is an introductory course in computer programming. We will focus primarily on the foundations of computer programming, using Scratch, MIT App Inventor, Arduino and/or Javascript to build programs for the computer and mobile devices. The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the basics of programming as well as problem solving strategies. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a variety of programs and algorithms. Students who have a strong foundation in computer science and/or programming will have the opportunity to engage with more advanced challenges using a wider variety of hardware and software. Students will work hands-on individually and in teams to design, build, program and document their progress. Topics may include algorithmic thinking, program loops, logic gates, data sorting, boolean decision-making, timing sequences and binary number systems. Learning is aligned with the ISTE standards for technology education. 
 

Video Production  Grades 6, 7, 8 

Students will explore the fundamentals of storytelling and learn how to convey those stories using digital cameras, computers, and software. This course is primarily a lab experience which relies heavily on team participation and provides students with resources to brainstorm, plan, film, edit and publish their own unique stories using digital images, video, and audio. This course is designed to be repeated as few or as many times as a student wishes through Middle School. A student taking this course for the first time will gain an understanding of the basics of camera techniques (visual composition, angles and shots, etc.) and equipment usage as well as video and audio editing. A student repeating the course will be able to continue their learning where they left off by completing more complex video/audio projects. 

Robotics Grades 6, 7, 8 

Students will use LEGO® Mindstorms robots as a fun tool to explore robotics, mechanical systems, electronics, and programming. Students will program the robots using the software bundled with each robot CPU, or using the RobotC programming language. This course is primarily a lab experience which relies heavily on team participation and provides students with resources to design, build, program and debug functional robots using parts, motors, and sensors. This course is designed to be repeated as few or as many times as a student wishes through Middle and Upper School. A student taking Robotics for the first time will complete a series of projects that will lead the student to an understanding of the basics of Robotics. A student repeating the course will be able to continue their learning where they left off by completing more and more complex Robotics Projects. Learning is aligned with the ISTE standards for technology education. 

Ideate with LEGO ® Grades 6, 7, 8 

In this trimester exploratory course, students will design and promote their own, unique LEGO® set. The course is similar to LEGO® Ideas “Product Ideas”. Students design a building block set using TinkerCad, make a prototype using the 3D printer, and learn to write business proposals and make product marketing pitches. Each week will focus on a different step of the design process: 
● “Pretotype” - quick builds using LEGO® and no instructions 
● Conceptualize 
● Design 
● Prototype 3D print the small set or part of a big set or a mini-figure 
● Promote the Product This course is highly collaborative and task-oriented where students will regularly share ideas and give each other feedback on their builds, designs, and communication skills. Learning is aligned with ISTE and CCSS Literacy standards. 

Future Technologies Grades 6, 7, 8 

Technology is ever-present and constantly changing. This course will offer students the opportunity to explore and interact with a variety of emerging technologies. The class will be divided into 3 areas of focus each taking approximately 1/3 of the trimester: 
1. Electric Control Systems: This part of the course will look at and work with these types of systems - comparing and contrasting various models of 3d printers, deconstructing and electric skateboard and learning how these objects work.

2. Drones and Aerial Robotics: Students will learn the how, what and why behind drones and drone technology as well as learn basic operations with several models of drones.

3. Eco Technologies: Turbines, Hydroponics, Urban Farming, Photovoltaics. These 
are ecological technologies many are looking to mitigate the impact of humanity on life here on our little blue dot. We will examine various types of each and build a small scale version of one. Learning is aligned with the ISTE standards for technology education. 

Innovation Design Grades 6, 7, 8 

Do you like to think about and propose solutions for problems that our world is facing? The main goal of the course is to find ways to create solutions to solve real-world problems. Students will experience authentic empathy through learning about global problems. Students will use design thinking, which is a process that fosters an Innovator's Mindset . In this course, students will design solutions to problems in areas like child labor, fair trade, global warming, and agriculture. Students will be assessed by researching, developing ideas and solving problems through innovation design. The students will be interfacing with community members and researching issues in the world that drive their passions and interests. 
 

Literacy Support Grades 6, 7, 8

Literacy Support is a course for students who have been assessed by teachers as needing intensive reading and writing instruction that supplements the regular English class. Students benefit from small group and 1:1 instruction to reach individualized achievement goals in both areas. Students will learn strategies for approaching fiction and nonfiction texts, skills that will carry across content areas. Focused word-study instruction will arm students with ways of approaching new words in their texts. Students will refine skills in each stage of the writing process; planning and organizing ideas, drafting, revising for word choice and sentence structure, and editing for grammar, mechanics, and usage. 

Study Skills Grades 6, 7, 8

In Study Skills, students improve their learning effectiveness, attitude, and motivation. Through self-reflection and examination of both their work and study habits, students come to understand their individual strengths and weaknesses as learners. Once identified, students, develop individualized study plans that address their needs. Aspects of these plans include habits of organization, time-management, self-monitoring, note-taking, studying, test-taking, and critical thinking. The course provides students with a variety of strategies to build these habits, as well as opportunities for guided practice and reflection on their growth as learners. 

Math Foundations

This course is designed to encourage critical thinking, problem solving and creating arguments supported by data. This course not only aims to develop students’ math knowledge but also seeks to develop skills to help them be successful both within and beyond the classroom, including:

·         Making sense of problems and persevering in them
·         Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively
·         Constructing viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
·         Modelling with mathematics
·         Using appropriate tools strategically
·         Attending to precision
·         Looking for and make use of structure
·         Looking for and express regularity in repeated reasoning
·         Reading critically and increasing student academic literacy
·         Developing a growth mindset

Over the course of the year, our mathematical journey will take us through several key foundational skills and concepts that span four main strands: number sense, algebraic expressions and equations, geometry, and statistics. More specifically, this course will support students with learning Integrated Mathematics 1 while also helping fill in gaps or strengthen weaknesses in other areas of foundational mathematics.