Grade 5 science covers metric measurement, the scientific method, Earth and space, forces, and the properties of matter. Measurement, the process of quantifying observations, is one of the cornerstones of science. Students develop an understanding and intuitive feel for the metric system. They learn how to use the appropriate tools to measure length, mass, liquid volume, and temperature, while acquiring the vocabulary associated with metric measurement.

Students then explore the scientific method by designing and conducting experiments, learning to ask questions, form hypotheses, collect data, and draw conclusions. In the Earth and space unit, students investigate the Earth-Sun-Moon system, research planets, study stars and constellations.

Next, students examine forces and their effects on motion through hands-on investigations, applying concepts such as gravity, friction, and balanced and unbalanced forces. They also study the properties of matter, including states of matter, physical and chemical changes, and how matter interacts in everyday life. The final unit focuses on living things and their habitats, where students explore ecosystems, food chains, and the relationships between organisms and their environments. This unit emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and how changes in habitats can affect the balance of life. By the end of the year, students will have developed a deeper understanding of the physical and biological world as well as the scientific processes used to explore it.

Grade 5 technology students practice written and oral communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in this elective course while exploring a variety of learning tools to boost their understanding. Utilizing Chromebooks, apps, and computers, students research project material, question, and explore ideas. They create multiple projects to build their problem-solving, grit, and presentation skills. In addition, students follow a typing curriculum to develop keyboarding speed, and explore programming and digital responsibility. Lastly, students use 2D and 3D design apps to create their own projects.

In Grade 6, the students attend Visual Art twice a week. The program includes more demanding and challenging art assignments than in the previous year; emphasis is placed on the procedure and planning of these assignments. Students progress with increased understanding of the complexities of direct observation drawing, two-point perspective, three-dimensional form making, carved relief and printmaking. They are exposed to more in-depth art terminology, art history, and concept application. Through the use of interdisciplinary units, students explore imagery specific to historical cultures from around the world.

Using a multi-sensory, interdisciplinary approach, students explore the rise and fall of early civilizations, from nomadic societies through the Roman Empire, by analyzing how geography, religion, politics, economics, and social structures influenced the development of complex societies. Throughout the year, students study and compare the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Mayan, Greece, and Rome through the GRAPES framework, identifying recurring patterns and forming generalizations about how ancient systems of power, trade, belief, and governance continue to shape the world today. These themes also emerge across disciplines, with students drawing connections between ancient civilizations and the literature they read, as well as parallels in modern-day news and global issues. 

In this course, students will expand on their ASL skills by reviewing how to sign the alphabet and fingerspelling while learning new signs for everyday communication. They will work on using simple phrases and expressions in conversations about familiar topics. This course will also continue to introduce students to Deaf culture, with students learning about significant figures and historical moments in the Deaf community. By the end of the course, students will feel more comfortable using ASL in brief conversations and demonstrating an understanding of Deaf culture and etiquette.

This exploratory course continues to introduce students to the history and culture of the ancient Romans within the context of the Mediterranean world. Through engaging and meaningful language experiences, students will learn about Roman culture and history in both Latin and English, making connections to modern life. While most of the course will be conducted in English to help students express complex ideas, they will also learn to construct Latin sentences, have basic conversations with peers, and read simple stories in Latin. Students will be expected to read, write, and listen to Latin as they continue through middle school Latin courses.

This course builds upon the Grade 5 Spanish program, giving students a sequential language learning experience. Students engage in multi-sensory activities such as games, songs, mime and peer interaction as a means to practice vocabulary and everyday expressions. They acquire the basic structure and vocabulary for understanding and expressing greetings and for using the words for colors, numbers from 1 to 100, school subjects, animals, places in the city, house and furniture, foods, months of the year and days of the week.

In Grade 6 Literature, students work to strengthen their ability to encode, decode, and comprehend a variety of novels. They also focus on vocabulary development through the Orton-Gillingham approach, which supports word recognition, spelling, and language growth. Students respond to literature  daily, practicing critical thinking and written reflection to deepen their understanding. Each novel study culminates in projects and assessments that allow students to demonstrate their interpretation, analysis, and creativity. Through this process, students not only build foundational literacy skills but also develop their own voices as thoughtful and engaged readers.

Students in Grade 6 follow the Math In Focus series with supplements from McLean teachers’ collection of resources and materials that support best math practices. We embed practices that allow students to approach math with curiosity and confidence.

As in 5th grade, we continue to introduce concrete and representational modeling to build a better understanding of the abstract representation, but now with positive and negative numbers. This helps strengthen students’ number sense and allows them to think flexibly about the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with rational numbers and the relationship between decimals, fractions, and percents. We also focus on the rationale behind multi-step problems and investigate patterns related to ratios, rates, and exponents. Advanced instruction is provided for students performing above grade level.

Once a week, all students also participate in a hands-on Math Lab where they tackle projects and activities that give them more time to practice communicating with peers about their mathematical understanding of key concepts like writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations.

In Grade 6, students continue to concentrate on the development and refinement of the skills essential to musicianship. They gain stronger note-reading skills through the study of rhythm, melody and harmony. Vocal and instrumental ensemble music plays a challenging yet important role in the student’s ability to work with other musicians while building confidence in performance. Students enrolled in the Grade 6 String Ensemble learn to play in three and four parts. There is an emphasis on learning to sight read rhythms, as well as use more complicated bowings and slurs. In addition to ensemble class, students take one 30 minute private lesson during school time. Students enrolled in the Grade 6 Chorus continue to improve their vocal and aural ability through singing unison, two and three-part songs. Along with learning to sing in a world language, Grade 6 Chorus students continue to learn and improve the vocal “mechanics” that produce pure tones and work on vowel placement to ensure a proper singing technique. Rehearsals often consist of vocal/body warm-ups, singing choral repertoire, and musicianship-building activities. Students enrolled in the Grade 6 Guitar learn about common chords and how to finger pick notes. Students learn the importance of playing in an ensemble with a melody. Students learn to play in unison, hold a steady beat and count individual notes for their proper value. Students learn to listen to subtle changes in tempo and different rhythmic strumming patterns. Students are expected to have access to an instrument at home. 

P.R.I.D.E. Matters is a program that teaches skills for developing and demonstrating character strengths related to individual, interpersonal and community interactions. Throughout the school year, we touch the topics by utilizing role plays, games, and activity-based learning. The skills that students will gain throughout the year will reinforce individual, relational and community responsibility, compassion and connection.

Grade 6 students receive daily, 40 minute, Physical Education in classes that focus on learning new skills and strategies, strengthening previously acquired athletic skills, and developing skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution and cooperation. Games such as soccer, volleyball, flag football, hockey, fitness, track and field, Olympic themed events, basketball, and group related activities take place throughout the school year. A strong component of PE class is acquiring self confidence as well as learning to play on a team. The PE staff ensures activities are engaging and worthwhile for students to learn important sports/fitness fundamentals that will carry on for the rest of their lives. Students receive health education one class period per week. Facilities at the Middle School level include an indoor gymnasium, a multipurpose room, a large outdoor grass field and blacktop space for students to use daily.

Grade Six begins the year by reviewing the metric system and building confidence in using measurement tools to quantify observations. Students practice measuring length, mass, liquid volume, and temperature while developing the vocabulary and skills needed to apply the metric system accurately in scientific investigations.

The course then transitions into the scientific method, where students learn how to ask testable questions, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Through hands-on activities and experiments, they gain an understanding of how scientists approach problem solving and build knowledge.

Next, students explore ecology, focusing on the relationships between organisms and their environments. They study ecosystems, food webs, energy flow, and the cycling of matter. This unit emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, and the role humans play in impacting ecological balance.

The year concludes with an introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Students investigate the major body systems including skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous, and how they work together to maintain homeostasis. This unit allows students to connect biological concepts to their own lives, fostering an appreciation for the complexity and resilience of the human body.

Grade 6 students in this technology course will explore programming, online responsibility, cyber-bullying, and both 2D and 3D printer design. The curriculum includes a comprehensive typing program, helping students build keyboarding skills with an emphasis on technique, speed, and accuracy. Students will also develop shared, cloud-based presentations to enhance collaboration. Creativity, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork are emphasized throughout the course. By engaging in hands-on 2D and 3D design projects, students will gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of modern technology skills.

This traditional high school algebra course reviews topics covered in Pre-Algebra before making the transition from the concrete to the abstract concepts of algebra. Basic skill building leads into critical thinking to strengthen problem-solving abilities. Throughout, attention is drawn to real-life connections and geometric applications. Algebraic topics covered include linear functions, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic functions, and rational and radical functions. The Numworks and online Desmos graphing calculators are introduced to reinforce the link between abstract concepts and visual representation.

This course builds on the foundational skills from 6th grade. Students will refine their fingerspelling skills and be gin using numbers to express quantities. They will expand their vocabulary to include topics such as family, time, sports, animals, and food. Through interactive activities, students will deepen their understanding of Deaf culture and etiquette. Videos and other visuals will support learning, providing reinforcement as students enhance their ASL fluency and confidence in everyday communication.

In Grade 7, students attend art for a minimum of one semester. The art program emphasizes increased understanding and utilization of the art process; students learn that the success of a project depends greatly upon the stages of development, including the choice of art mediums, and subject matter. Individual creative expression is encouraged as students begin to develop a personal style to their artwork. As students create two- and three-dimensional works of art, they use dexterity skills in handling new tools and materials. These works include realistic subject matter like still life, portraits and landscape as well as abstract art. They use more advanced drawing and painting techniques as well as media that can include collage, ceramics, printmaking and sculpture.

In this course, students will explore various art-making techniques, focusing on design, drawing, painting, and paper-mache. They will learn the elements and principles of design through studio projects, teacher presentations, and art history lessons. Students will develop skills in art appreciation, critique, and reflection by analyzing their own work and that of others, both verbally and in writing. A portfolio will be started to prepare for advanced art classes, and student work may be exhibited during the term. The curriculum emphasizes the creative process as a form of communication and self-expression, connecting art to other disciplines. Studio assignments are linked to art history and foster analytical thinking. Students will create both two- and three-dimensional art using a range of materials, drawing from observation, memory, and imagination. Exposure to diverse artists and cultures broadens their understanding of art’s societal roles. Proper use of tools, respect for studio space, and quality craftsmanship are emphasized at all levels.

In this class, students explore art making through the creation of short movies, advertisements, and television style media.  Students are tasked with creating a real life morning show that airs periodically during advisories.  They come up with a structure for their show as well as, logos, music, transitions, etc.  They decide on story ideas, research topics, write copy, and report on happenings that are important to students in the middle school.  Behind the scenes, students serve as videographers, editors, directors, and producers.  They also market and advertise the show.

Students bring their instrument and begin developing technical skills including reading music notation,tone production, ensemble performance skills, and improvisation using an introductory band method. They study and perform a variety of new and familiar compositions. Technique, music theory, and stylistic growth are important components of this course. Private lessons are recommended. Practicing at home is mandatory for the development of skills.

This elective allows students to participate in a choral ensemble that focuses on the development of vocal skills and musicianship. Students learn and perform music that is aesthetically pleasing to the age group and simultaneously develops various aspects of choral singing. Musicianship is developed through concepts of notation, phrasing, and dynamics. Sight reading skills are honed through notation exercises that incorporate Solfége syllables. Rehearsals consist of vocal warm-ups, singing choral repertoire in two- and three-parts, and musicianship-building activities.

Students are encouraged to explore, plan, create, test, evaluate and build innovation skills. Curriculum is structured to include game design, coding, 3D design, image editing, technology news, and the design process. Students create multiple projects to stretch their creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills. In addition, students design, edit and print 3D projects using Tinkercad software, explore animation and video editing. This elective class meets each semester, four times per week.

The course is designed to focus on the art of writing, challenging students to become better writers and public speakers. Through daily and extended assignments, students build and expand their understanding of writing purposes and the writing process. This course especially complements world geography and literature classes, and it explores other topics for analytical study. As students practice writing varied sentence structures, paragraphs, and essays, they begin to develop individual styles and employ appropriate tone and diction. Seventh graders plan out their ideas before writing, showing awareness of purpose, audience, content, and form. Elaborate research projects expose students to the use of technology and resource materials, while they hone their skills in note taking, outlining, and documenting. They receive regular instruction and opportunities to practice grammar, word usage, and mechanics, both in the context of their own writing, as well as in targeted skills practice tasks. Oral communication skills improve by reading and evaluating own and others’ writing, and through sharing and responding to feedback from peers and teachers.

In this foundational Latin course, students engage with the language primarily through listening and reading activities. Much of the class time will focus on exploring our lives in comparison to those of the ancient Mediterranean world. Students will enhance their reading skills, expand their Latin and English vocabulary, and draw connections to other languages and cultures. With guidance from the teacher, students will create and read Latin stories, using various storytelling techniques. Additionally, Latin novellas will be incorporated to strengthen reading proficiency. A primary goal of this course is for students to read and discuss Latin texts related to Roman history and daily life in the ancient Mediterranean world.

This Guitar elective is designed to teach basic guitar skills while incorporating general music concepts. Using a variety of student appropriate repertoire, including current popular and rock songs, students will engage with theory concepts such as note reading and identifying intervals of notation. This knowledge will be applied to learning to play triads and major scales. Students will also be challenged to become strong sight-readers as they are drilled on eighth note rhythms and easy syncopated patterns. Each guitarist will learn a variety of chord strumming styles including Rock, Blues, Folk and Classical.

The Healthy Choices class is one week each quarter for 7th grade students. During the entire 7th grade year, students explore the following overarching themes through the lens of youth and technology: Identity/Self-Esteem, Healthy Relationships, Social Media & Digital Safety, Media Influence on Health Behaviors, Mental Health, and Consent & Boundaries. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and role plays, students learn to recognize ways they can value and care for themselves, others, and the community. A key part of the class is a focus on empathy, decision-making and communication. The themes and content of the course reinforce activities that take place during advisory time and community meetings, as well as focus on our P.R.I.D.E. system and monthly Skills and Attributes.

Literature 7 is an examination of selected fiction and nonfiction texts for teaching students the necessary skills and strategies to foster independent reading comprehension.  Students consider literature as a lens for understanding ourselves, our communities, and our world through the stories’  characters, their conflicts, and setting in works of fiction; and, they identify the controlling idea, main ideas and supporting details of reading passages, and the author’s purpose for writing works of nonfiction.  This course emphasizes active reading through direct instruction and practice of reading and the skills and strategies that facilitate comprehension and critical thinking.  Students learn how to make meaningful textual annotations; to identify, analyze, and evaluate various literary elements such as plot, conflict, theme, and characterization; and, to examine sources of information for authenticity, reliability, and bias.  Vocabulary acquisition occurs through explicit instruction of word meanings and their context, and through visualization and kinesthetic exercises.  Students demonstrate understanding of their reading through written and oral responses, partner and group discussions, evaluations, and projects.

Our Math 7 curriculum is designed to be a significant step forward in a student’s mathematical journey. This course moves beyond foundational arithmetic and introduces students to the core concepts of pre-algebra, providing them with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they will need for future success.

Materials are thoughtfully cultivated by the Math 7 teacher. This allows us to tailor the curriculum to the specific needs of our students, ensuring the content is both rigorous and relevant. Throughout the year, students explore key topics like Expressions and Equations, The Number System, Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability, all while discovering the potential of mathematics in their own lives and their futures.

Our goal is to foster a confident and capable mathematician in every student. We are committed to providing a rich and engaging learning environment.

Grade 7 students receive daily, 40 minute, Physical Education in classes that focus on learning new skills and strategies, strengthening previously acquired athletic skills, and developing skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution and cooperation. The students rotate through a variety of sport related units such as soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, hockey as well as group related activities. The basic skills of these sports and activities are practiced and incorporated into small group games and full class scrimmages. Additionally, students learn the basic strategies associated with many games. A strong component of PE class is acquiring self confidence as well as learning to play on a team. The PE staff ensures activities are engaging and worthwhile for students to learn important sports/fitness fundamentals that will carry on for the rest of their lives. Students receive health education one class period per week. Facilities at the Middle School level include an indoor gymnasium, a multipurpose room, a large outdoor grass field and blacktop space for students to use daily.

This course provides both a review of arithmetic skills and an introduction to the foundational concepts of algebra. Emphasis is placed on developing strong mathematical study habits and strategies that will support success in future math courses. Students will build fluency with mathematical operations, strengthen their ability to problem-solve, and grow in confidence communicating with precise mathematical language. Topics include operations on real numbers, powers and exponents, linear equations, and graphing proportional relationships. Students will also explore functions—defining, evaluating, and comparing them—as well as analyzing patterns in scatter plots through statistics and probability.

The Grade 7 science curriculum focuses on the overall theme of life: from the basic unit of all life, the cell, to the theories of evolution and how life has become what it is today. The course begins with an extensive review of the Scientific Method, a step-by-step procedure used to solve all scientific problems. Students will use these steps to conduct and write-up several in-class experiments. Next, students are introduced to fundamental biological concepts, including biodiversity, evolution, cell structure, and cell function. A major goal of the course is to help students develop skills in organization, research, scientific technology, hypothesizing, data collection and analysis, experimentation, and scientific report writing.

This is the initial course for formal Spanish study. It provides a structural and grammatical progression through topics and situation-based activities. Emphasis continues on the development of the four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. During this course, students learn about customs in the Spanish-speaking world and begin to develop an appreciation of other cultures. They acquire the basic structure and vocabulary for understanding and expressing personal details in everyday situations.

Students enrolled in Grades 7 and 8 String Ensemble use the knowledge they have acquired on their instruments to play together as a group. There is an emphasis on sight-reading and playing in three or four parts. Rehearsals consist of scales and technique work, applying music reading skills to playing new music, and working in detail on the more demanding pieces. Students will learn vibrato and shifting while also working on reading in a variety of keys and time signatures.

In today’s interconnected world, geographic thinking helps us understand the complex relationships between people, places, and environments across our planet. Different communities around the world face various challenges that affect their daily lives. For example, a coastal city might deal with rising sea levels, while an inland community might struggle with drought conditions. These issues don’t exist in isolation – what happens in one part of the world can impact communities thousands of miles away. When we study these connections, we need to consider multiple viewpoints: how do economic decisions in one country affect environmental conditions in another? How do cultural traditions influence the way communities respond to challenges? By examining these relationships through political, historical, economic, cultural, and environmental lenses, we can better understand and address the issues that shape our global community today.

This traditional high school algebra course reviews topics covered in Pre-Algebra before making the transition from the concrete to the abstract concepts of algebra. Basic skill building leads into critical thinking to strengthen problem-solving abilities. Throughout, attention is drawn to real-life connections and geometric applications. Algebraic topics covered include linear functions, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic functions, and rational and radical functions. The Numworks and online Desmos graphing calculators are introduced to reinforce the link between abstract concepts and visual representation.

This course is a continuation of 7th grade ASL. Students in this course will continue to explore Deaf history, Deaf culture, and current events in the Deaf community. Students begin to learn the grammatical structure of ASL as well as idiomatic expressions and the use of lexicalized words. Students begin to learn written ASL Gloss. Emphasis is made in the areas of facial expression, use of sign space, and role shifting.

In Grade 8, the art program builds on the skills honed throughout Middle School art, preparing students for the Upper School program. More complex subject matter, media and applications are explored through experimentation. The students discover imaginative and creative solutions to visual problems. Importance is placed on realism and the use of abstract and geometric elements in art through various projects. A variety of two and three-dimensional projects are explored through advanced drawing and painting techniques as well as methods that can include collage, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture.

Students bring their instrument and begin developing technical skills including reading music notation,tone production, ensemble performance skills, and improvisation using an introductory band method. They study and perform a variety of new and familiar compositions. Technique, music theory, and stylistic growth are important components of this course. Private lessons are recommended. Practicing at home is mandatory for the development of skills.

Grade 8 ceramics builds on the skills honed throughout Middle School art, preparing students for the Upper School ceramics program. This course gives students the opportunity to explore, in more depth, three-dimensional form-making, sculpture, and ceramic-specific techniques. During the course, students learn basic and advanced hand-building, modeling, and glazing techniques. Importance is placed on visualization, imagination, and construction of both functional and non-functional art objects.

This elective allows students to participate in a choral ensemble that focuses on the development of vocal skills and musicianship. Students learn and perform music that is aesthetically pleasing to the age group and simultaneously develops various aspects of choral singing. Musicianship is developed through concepts of notation, phrasing, and dynamics. Sight reading skills are honed through notation exercises that incorporate Solfége syllables. Rehearsals consist of vocal warm-ups, singing choral repertoire in two- and three-parts, and musicianship-building activities.

Students are encouraged to explore, plan, create, test, evaluate and build innovation skills. Curriculum is structured to include game design, coding, 3D design, image editing, technology news, and the design process. Students create multiple projects to stretch their creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills. In addition, students design, edit and print 3D projects using Tinkercad software, explore animation and video editing. This elective class meets each semester, four times per week.

English 8 is a course that prioritizes a project-oriented, routine-driven approach to help students build their writer’s voices and hone their senses of confidence and self-direction within their application of the writing process. Throughout each quarter, students complete different written tasks and projects across a variety of purposes and modes of presentation, including essays, narratives, debates, and instruction manuals. Throughout the year, students engage meaningfully with each other and collaborate to revise and edit their compositions, reinforcing the need for deliberate pacing and openness to feedback as they write to express their authentic selves. Through the editing stage, students find personalized and efficient strategies to address effective language usage, all with the goal of enhancing each writer’s ability to share ideas as creatively and powerfully as possible. 

This Upper School course is designed to help students discover, learn, and apply geometry. Students use inductive reasoning to discover and to explore geometric postulates and theorems. Logical thinking is developed and practiced. Real-world applications encourage students to see the practical value of geometry. There are numerous opportunities to review and to use algebraic concepts. Topics covered include parallels, congruent triangles, similar figures and proportions, right triangles and introductory trigonometry, circles, area and volume, and coordinate geometry.

This Guitar elective is designed to teach basic guitar skills while incorporating general music concepts. Using a variety of student appropriate repertoire, including current popular and rock songs, students will engage with theory concepts such as note reading and identifying intervals of notation. This knowledge will be applied to learning to play triads and major scales. T Students will also be challenged to become strong sight-readers as they are drilled on eighth note rhythms and easy syncopated patterns. Each guitarist will learn a variety of chord strumming styles including Rock, Blues, Folk and Classical.

The Healthy Choices class is one week each quarter for 8th grade students. During the entire 8th grade year, students explore the following overarching themes: Healthy Relationships, Sex & Sexuality, Boundaries & Consent, and Substance Use & Abuse. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and role plays, students learn to recognize ways they can value and care for themselves, others, and the community. A key part of the class is a focus on positive skills, decision-making and communication. 

In this course, students build upon the Latin foundations established in 7th grade. Students will continue to develop their Latin writing skills, in addition to their reading and listening skills. As they engage with both teacher- and student-selected texts, students will not only improve their Latin proficiency but also enhance their reading skills in English. Storytelling techniques and Latin novellas will be used to further strengthen reading abilities. By the end of the course, students will be able to read and communicate about the rich history and daily life of the Romans and the ancient Mediterranean world. This course offers an engaging experience for students to deepen their understanding of Latin and its lasting influence.

Building on the skills acquired in Grade 7, students in Grade 8 further their study of complex literature. Students continue the practice of identifying main ideas, sequencing, synthesizing information, paraphrasing, writing characterizations, and analyzing themes. They read novels, articles, poetry, and essays about social, technological, psychological, scientific, political, and historical issues. In class discussions, students collaborate through literary circles and Soratic seminars. Students read dystopian literature and examine the impact of artificial intelligence, surveillance, and biotechnology on society and individuals. Primary texts may include: Scythe, The House of the Scorpion, Hunger Games and Romeo and Juliet.

Grade 8 students receive daily, 40 minute, Physical Education in classes that focus on learning new skills and strategies, strengthening previously acquired athletic skills, and developing skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution and cooperation. The students rotate through a variety of sport related units such as soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, hockey as well as group related activities. The basic skills of these sports and activities are practiced and incorporated into small group games and full class scrimmages. Additionally, students learn the basic strategies associated with many games. A strong component of PE class is acquiring self confidence as well as learning to play on a team. The PE staff ensures activities are engaging and worthwhile for students to learn important sports/fitness fundamentals that will carry on for the rest of their lives. Students receive health education one class period per week. Facilities at the Middle School level include an indoor gymnasium, a multipurpose room, a large outdoor grass field and blacktop space for students to use daily.

This course provides both a review of arithmetic skills and an introduction to the foundational concepts of algebra. Emphasis is placed on developing strong mathematical study habits and strategies that will support success in future math courses. Students will build fluency with mathematical operations, strengthen their ability to problem-solve, and grow in confidence communicating with precise mathematical language. Topics include operations on real numbers, powers and exponents, linear equations, and graphing proportional relationships. Students will also explore functions—defining, evaluating, and comparing them—as well as analyzing patterns in scatter plots through statistics and probability.

Students will design, build, code, test, and debug a robot, using the LEGO SPIKE PRIME kit or Robolink CoDroneEDU kit. They will code using the PRIME or Robolink icon based programming language to control the robots motors, light sensor, touch sensors, and GPS sensor. Their goal will be to create a competitive robot for the FIRST FLL or the REC Aerial Drone Competition. Provided they complete the robot in time, students will attend the contest and meet with the judges, sharing their mission solution, volunteer work, team collaboration, and strategies.

Grade 8 Science explores topics such as properties of matter, physical and chemical changes, elements, compounds, atomic theory, chemical reactions, forces, motion, work, energy, sound, and light. Students will continue developing science concepts using the scientific method during class activities, lab assignments, and independent projects. In particular, they will design and build machines or models for various engineering design process challenges. Students will improve on science skills including but not limited to observing, interpreting data, designing experiments, writing lab reports, problem solving and scientific writing. In addition, students will examine and analyze current events in science.

This course continues to provide structural and grammatical progression through new topics and situation-based activities that integrate cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis is given to the four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking,reading and writing. During this course, information on customs throughout the Spanish-speaking world is presented to help students develop a deeper appreciation of other cultures. Students acquire a solid foundation in the structure of language and vocabulary, using their advancing skills for understanding and expressing new details from everyday situations.

Students enrolled in Grades 7 and 8 String Ensemble use the knowledge they have acquired on their instruments to play together as a group. There is an emphasis on sight-reading and playing in three or four parts. Rehearsals consist of scales and technique work, applying music reading skills to playing new music, and working in detail on the more demanding pieces. Students will learn vibrato and shifting while also working on reading in a variety of keys and time signatures.

In this course, students will examine many components of American history, including economics, government, culture and geography. The class begins with a unit on civic and ethics followed by the motivation of early European explorers. Students then examine European settlement of the Americas and the subsequent discord between Americans and Great Britain. In the second semester, students investigate the process by which America became an independent country with a federal system of government, before learning about American westward expansion and the causes of the Civil War. Throughout the year, students will develop research skills to create and present projects that demonstrate their comprehension of the material. The highlights include putting Christopher Columbus on trial and the Alexander Hamilton vs Thomas Jefferson rap battle. The class employs written documents, photographs, artwork, and film to aid student understanding of US history and how it affects American society today.

The visual arts program offers students diverse experiences in drawing, painting, printmaking, weaving, and paper mache. Emphasis is placed on building confidence with different media and in each student’s abilities. Students learn in a studio setting while also studying art history, aesthetics, criticism, vocabulary, and design principles. Critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving are integrated throughout the course. Art Power teaches students to be critical thinkers and visual problem solvers. Grade 8 students explore the creative process, including brainstorming, analyzing, and evaluating art. Design challenges encourage personal expression and individual artistic style. Studio assignments connect to art history and foster analytical skills through critiques and written reflections. Students use elements and principles of design to create both 2D and 3D artworks from observation, memory, and imagination. The course stresses quality craftsmanship, proper tool use, and respect for studio spaces and others’ work.