Middle School Course Descriptions

Middle school course descriptions

LANGUAGE ARTS

6 th Grade Language Arts: The major focus of this class will be a solid grounding in the basic skills of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing, research, and discussion. Literature is a prominent part of our curriculum as well. We will complete a variety of projects, and all will coincide with the requirements from the Core Knowledge Sequence Guide and the Colorado State Standards for education for sixth grade.

7 th Grade Language Arts: The major focus of this class will be a solid grounding in the basic skills of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing, research, and discussion. Several types of literature will also be covered. We will complete a variety of projects, and all will coincide with the requirements from the Core Knowledge Sequence Guide and the Colorado State Standards for education for seventh grade.

8 th Grade Language Arts: This course will consist of reading, writing, speaking, and word study. Eighth grade students will be exposed to multiple genres of literature. Students will use Step Up to Writing and Six Traits of Writing to gain writing mastery. Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and root word study will be combined to provide a solid foundation in the English language. We will complete a variety of projects, and all will coincide with the requirements from the Core Knowledge Sequence Guide and the Colorado State Standards for education for eighth grade.

Honors English: 8th grade only Requirements: Application and teacher appointed 8th Grade Honors English will consist of reading, writing, grammar, and word study with a concentrated emphasis on literature and writing. Honors students will be exposed to multiple genres of literature, including advanced-level novels. Students will synthesize and interpret text to gain contextual understanding. There will be a continual focus on refining the student’s mastery of writing using Six Traits of Writing. Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and root word study will be combined to provide a solid foundation in the English language.

MATH COURSES

Math Lab: This course is designed for students who have math needs that are not met by the regular curriculum or in a regular classroom setting. The teacher/student ratio is very small and allows students to progress in mathematics on an individual basis. We offer leveled curriculum with repetition as necessary to achieve mastery and progression that is tailored to each student’s individual learning style and current placement level. Students participate in individual, small group, and larger group lessons and activities.

Math 7/6: Emphasis is placed on attainment of 6th grade level standards in this course. In addition to basic operations involving whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers and decimals, Math 7/6 includes word problems, functions and coordinate graphing, integers, exponential expressions, divisibility concepts, prime factorization, ratios and proportions, statistics and probability, area of polygons and circles, and complementary and supplementary angles. Math Connects 2: Emphasis is placed on attainment of 7th grade level standards in this course. This includes: powers and exponents; add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers, fractions, and decimals; terminating and repeating decimals; mathematical properties of operations; algebraic representation and one and two-step equations, linear relationships, and inequalities; unit rates, ratios and proportions, and percent; the coordinate plane and graphing ordinate pairs; units of measure for length, angles, area, and volume; modeling geometric shapes; area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms; the formulas for area and circumference of a circle; statistical analysis of samples as well as comparing samples and computing and predicting probabilities.

Math Connects 3: A preparatory Pre-Algebra course that in addition to attaining 6th-7th grade level standards, includes the study of operations with real and rational numbers, proportions and similarity, percent applications, geometry, measurement and spatial reasoning, algebraic thinking, equations and inequalities, data analysis, probability and statistics.

Pre-Algebra: This course is designed to prepare students for the study of Algebra. Major concepts include: operations with real and rational numbers, proportions and similarity, applications of percent, geometry, measurement and spatial reasoning, algebraic thinking, including equations and inequalities, data analysis, probability and statistics. Emphasis will be placed on attainment of grade level standards as well as strengthening the foundation for high school mathematics.

Algebra I: A problem solving approach to Algebra concepts with emphasis on real-world applications. Major concepts include: solving linear equations, analyzing linear functions, simultaneous equations, inequalities, absolute value equations, polynomials and nonlinear functions, radical expressions, rational expressions and equations.

Geometry: A course in Euclidean Geometry with emphasis on problem solving and logical proofs. Major concepts include: Perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, inequalities in triangles, quadrilaterals and their properties, right triangles and trigonometry, and circles. Throughout the year special topics include coordinate geometry, area and volume, transformations, and geometric constructions and review of Algebra I content.

HISTORY

6 th Grade History: This is a broad and sweeping course that looks at some of the major eras of both World and American history and the connections between them. From Greece and Rome to the Enlightenment, from the French Revolution to the American Gilded Age, this course is truly broad in its scope. It also covers geography of deserts around the world and South America, as well as studying some of the major religions of the world.

7 th Grade History: This is a survey course detailing American History at the turn of the 20th Century. The focus is on the Spanish American War, World War I (including the Russian Revolution), the Roaring 20’s, the Great Depression, and World War II. This course also offers an overview of North American Geography.

8 th Grade History: This is a survey course detailing the major issues of 20th Century American History as well as reviewing relevance of earlier events and movements of both United States History and World History. The main focus concerns topics such as the decline of European Colonialism, the rise of communism, the Cold War (including the Korean and Vietnam Wars), the Civil Rights Movement, social-political-economic aspects of the 1950’s through the 1980’s, and issues of Modern America including a study of the Middle East and the impact of “oil politics”. This course also covers the Constitution and the development of the American Government. Lastly this course offers brief geographical studies of modern Asia, Europe, and North America. SCIENCE

6 th Grade Science: Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, students investigate energy in the Universe and its impact on matter. Specific areas of study include energy, heat and heat transfer, and the physical changes in matter due to energy transfer. On a larger scale, students study Plate Tectonics and Oceans and the role energy plays in the changes in both. Students also learn about the structure of the Universe by studying galaxies, stars, and planets. Finally, students explore human body systems.

7 th Grade Science: Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, students learn aspects of physical science emphasizing chemical principles of atomic structure, types of chemical bonds, and kinds of reactions. They explore biological science related to cell division, genetics, reproductive anatomy, physiology, evolutionary models, and ecology. The study of geology covers the Geologic timeline.

8 th Grade Science: Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, the course covers extensive studies in physics, including motion, force, pressure, work, and machines. Students explore electrical energy, magnetism, waves, sound, and light through various inquiry based labs. Earth’s climates, atmosphere, and weather is covered, allowing students to understand and predict weather patterns. The course concludes with an introduction into classification of plants and animals.

Honors Science: 8th grade only Requirements: Application and teacher appointed Within the guidelines of the State Standard and the Core Knowledge Sequence guide, the course covers extensive studies in physics, including motion, force, pressure, work, and machines. Students explore electrical energy, magnetism, waves, sound, and light through various inquiry based labs. Earth’s climates, atmosphere, and weather is covered, allowing students to understand and predict weather patterns. The course concludes with an introduction into classification of plants and animals. While students learn the same material presented in 8th grade science, they do so in different ways, focusing on problem and project based learning. All students are required to participate in the Monument Academy Science Fair and highly encouraged to compete at the Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair.

Music Appreciation I: Semester course 6th-8th grade This class seeks to explore the basics of music as well as some background in music history. The class covers such topics as instruments and their families, notes and rests, note names in treble and bass clef, musical terms and other basic elements of music. Students in Music Appreciation also study music history starting with the 1600’s focusing on composers such as Bach and Handel and moving forward until the time of Beethoven.

Music Appreciation II: Semester course 6th-8th grade Prerequisite: Music Appreciation I This class covers the same basic music review that is addressed in Music Appreciation I and also continues in the study of music appreciation. Music Appreciation II, begins with the music of Beethoven and the Romantic period and continues into the 20th century. Students also cover a unit on blues and jazz.

Concert Choir: Full year commitment 6th-8th grade This choir class is designed to teach students the basic elements of singing through work on proper vowels, good breathing, precise diction, and more. The goal of the class is to not only provide students with a strong foundation of vocal techniques that they can take with them into high school, but to also teach them how to work in a group setting to achieve excellence. This class is designed to help students learn to sing and enjoy what they are doing in the process.

Advanced Choir: Full year commitment 7th and 8th grade Prerequisite: Concert choir Requirements: Audition This class is an audition- only select group of singers that focuses on challenging repertoire, advanced vocal techniques, and the opportunity to perform high quality music at an elevated level. The Advanced Choir also has the opportunity to perform in many outside venues.

Beginning Band: Full year commitment 6th-8th grade Students have an opportunity to begin playing an instrument in this band. Many of the students have played previously in 5th Grade Band, but in this band all students start back at the beginning with basic fundamentals of playing an instrument.

Intermediate Band: Full year commitment 6th-8th grade This band is the next level after Beginning Band. Students are required to have at least played a year and may be subject to an audition. This group plays more advanced musical literature and goes to musical festival and competitions.

Advanced Band: Full year commitment 6th-8th grade Requirements: Audition The premiere band at Monument Academy requires an audition to participate. This group plays the most advanced literature and competes at many contests and festivals. Most students have been playing at least three years and take private lessons.

Jazz Band: Full year commitment 6th-8th grade Requirements: Audition – skill level must be Intermediate or higher This group focuses on jazz literature such as swing, latin, funk, big band, and other jazz styles. Students have an opportunity to learn improvisational skills and to perform in a musical setting different than that of concert band. This band is open to students who exhibit strong technical and musical abilities on their instrument. Saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and rhythm section players are strongly encouraged to audition; however, other instruments are welcome to audition.

Beginning Strings: Full year commitment 6th – 8th Grade In this class, students can begin to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. No previous experience is required. Students will develop fundamental orchestra skills, including basic playing technique, music reading and listening/ear training skills.

Intermediate/Advanced Strings: Full year commitment 6th – 8th Grade Students with previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or string bass will continue to strengthen their fundamental skills and learn to play more complex orchestral music in a variety of styles. Students must have at least one year of private lessons or string group experience on their chosen instrument. FINE ARTS

Intro to Drama: Semester course 6th-8th grade First year drama students There are two main focuses for the Monument Academy Drama program. The goal of the Intro to Drama class is to teach students basic level acting skills such as projection, characterization, blocking, improvisation, group skits, monologues, etc. and to prepare students to go into the Drama Performance class.

Drama Performance: Semester course 6th-8th grade Prerequisite: Intro to Drama Requirement: Audition This course is an audition~ only performance based course. Students will need to have had Intro to Drama and will also need to audition. The students will review the basics of theater performance and stage rules and will be guided to perform in the Fall/Spring performances. The fall performance is a play and the spring performance is a musical. Extra-curricular time is required for this class. Students will also be expected to provide a costume and makeup for the show.

Acting: Semester course 6th-8th grade Prerequisite: Intro to Drama This class focuses on the basics of comedic and dramatic improvisation and acting technique. Students learn how to develop characters, create scenes, and find genuine motivation for character acting. This class will take the basics that are covered in Intro to Drama and develop greater characterization techniques. Topics covered include: agreement (“yes and”); active listening; using the environment; basic narrative skills; understanding stage status; and making your fellow improviser look good. Students must have taken Intro to Drama prior to taking Acting.

Drama Production: Semester course 6th-8th grade This course provides an opportunity for middle school theatre students to gain proficiency in costume design, makeup design, lighting design, set design, stage management, house management, business management, and technical theatre skills through production. This hands-on course will emphasize artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural awareness, and the interconnections of the arts and other disciplines. Students will apply theatre arts skills to all aspects of theatre in the production of the Drama Performance class. Students must be able to work independently. Extra- curricular time is required for this class.

6 th Grade Art Appreciation: Semester course “The Roots of Western Art”. 1) Exemplary Lessons: Students are to choose a painting from the Sixth Grade Core Knowledge art history sequence, (Ancient Greek to Realism or late 19th century), and depict it in a collage format. Representations of the original art works will be shown alongside the students’ collages to display the departures they have taken to alter the composition. 2) Mythological Mask Project: As an interdisciplinary project with the English class, students will be inventing their own mythological creature. This involves writing the myth, inventing and drawing the mythological creature, and sculpting it out of clay followed by a coat of acrylic paint.

7 th Grade Art Appreciation: Semester course The evolution of artistic movements from Impressionism to Abstraction and from objective to non-objective subject matter is discussed. Exemplary Lessons: 1) Visual Pun: A free standing sculpture combining the concept of a literal “play on words” with the technical aspect of gravity and weight with clay. 2) 3 Part Composition: Taking a composition through three mediums to study art in terms of the compositional elements they are composed of; thus giving the students the tools to evaluate compositions; representational and non-representational, in an objective fashion. 3) Shield Project: Students create a shaped canvas which depicts, through personal symbols, their own identity. This is a self-portrait in symbols.

8 th Grade Art Appreciation: Semester course Students investigate the Modernist, Post-Modernist and Post-Impressionist art periods and create a skit which they will share with the class that describes an artist’s impact and contribution to art history and culture. Exemplary Lessons: 1)Artist as Social Critic Painting: A study of the role of the artist as a social critic throughout history. 2) Surrealist Tone Drawing: Building on the skills acquired through perspective and tone drawing, students will compose a pencil drawing using a Surrealist approach with a surprise element. A review of the Surrealist movement will be required. 3) Clay Heads: This is the final clay project for middle school students where they design and build a clay head of their choosing.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPANISH

Spanish A - Full year course 6th -8th grades Requirement : must be taken a minimum of one time during middle school. The goal of this first year course aligns with Colorado Academic Standards in that it is to acquire Spanish language and to learn about and understand other cultures. During the preliminary unit, a foundation will be laid by covering numbers 0- 100, Spanish alphabet and pronunciation, greetings and farewells, calendar, weather and seasons, telling the time, basic school items, colors, body parts and interrogative words. The main methodology during the units that follow will be TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) that was developed by Blaine Ray and based on the work of Dr. James Asher. We will focus our class time on the acquisition of high frequency structures (the most frequently used words in a language) and use these structures in class discussions, stories and cultural explorations. During the year, we will read some novice level novels.

Spanish B - Full year course 7th & 8th grades Prerequisite: Spanish A The goal of this second year course aligns with Colorado Academic Standards in that it is to increase acquisition of the Spanish language and to learn about and understand other cultures. This course builds on the structures acquired in Spanish A and while continuing in the TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodology, introduces more advanced grammatical structures and expands high frequency vocabulary. We will continue to use these structures in class discussions, stories and cultural explorations. During the year, we will read some novice-mid level novels. Students who successfully complete this course will likely be able to test out of High School Spanish I.

Spanish C ( will be discontinued after the 2015 -2016 school year) - Full year course 7th & 8th grades Prerequisite: Spanish A & Spanish B The goal of this third year course aligns with Colorado Academic Standards in that it is to increase acquisition of the Spanish language and to learn about and understand other cultures. This course builds on the structures acquired in Spanish A and B while continuing in the TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodology, introduces more advanced grammatical structures and expands high frequency vocabulary. We will continue to use these structures in class discussions, stories and cultural explorations. During the year, we will read some novice-mid level novels. Students who successfully complete this course will likely be able to test out of High School Spanish I.

Please Note: French A and B will be offered in 2016-17.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology I: Semester course Required for 6th grade Technology 1 is designed to teach every middle school student at Monument Academy the necessary computer skills that will enable them to succeed in school and beyond. Keyboarding is covered in the first month and then followed with the skills based programs needed in middle school. Projects will be unit-based and will use components of the Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Word and Excel. Students will produce and format reports and business letters, create spreadsheets, and design effective presentations and publication materials. Internet applications and research tips will be included in many of the units. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher 2010 are the software versions currently used at Monument Academy.

Technology II: Claymation: Semester course 7th or 8th grade Class Size Limit is 20 Prerequisite: Technology I Complete the course with your very own short films! Create your own sets, characters, and story to tell through the “Claymation-style” of animation. Students will be exposed to all aspects of stop-animation using clay. Students will plan storylines, create storyboards and manipulate clay to create the characters for their films. Students will work to create a variety of outcomes from quick clips to mini-films. We will end this course with a grand red carpet premiere starring your films.

Technology III: Broadcast Journalism 8th grade (7th Graders may be considered upon teacher approval only) Class Size Limit is 20 Prerequisite: Technology I The broadcast program at Monument Academy is designed to give students a taste of the broadcast journalism world. Through creating daily announcement for the school, students are introduced to the different aspects of this field—from story creation, to the technology behind the scenes. In this class, students will work in groups creating feature stories that highlight the activities and events the school has to offer. Along the way, students learn the process for creating a quality news story. They learn to plan, set up interviews, use proper interview techniques, report, use a camera and edit video. Each group is responsible for turning in a new feature story every two weeks. Along with these feature stories, each group rotates through the news studio one day a week, serving either as a news anchor, weatherperson, or technical equipment operator.

Yearbook/Journalism: Full year course Elective for 8th grade Prerequisite: Technology I Requirement: interview and instructor permission This cross-disciplinary class teaches writing skills, layout and design, advanced computer skills, teamwork, photography, and media literacy. The major concentration is producing a yearbook for the middle school. The students will also produce articles for the middle school’s newsletter, along with other media projects. PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education 6th-8 th grades: Semester course 6th-8th grade Requirement: All students must take PE a minimum of one semester each year. Can be used as an elective for another semester The Monument Academy Middle School PE course is designed to focus on four basic goals. Great care is taken by the PE Department to ensure the course is always in alignment with the core curriculum, state standards, as well as the character traits of MA. Team sports, individual sports, health, hygiene, and nutrition are some of the main methods of reaching the four basic goals. Students that participate in the Middle School Physical Education program at Monument Academy will learn to:  Be skillful while performing various movements

 Be physically fit in order to do required activities in all areas of life

 Enjoy the benefits of being physically aware and physically fit

 Develop a healthy lifestyle and the core knowledge to maintain one

CHARACTER EDUCATION Character Building: Semester course 6th-8th grades This course is designed to help students build character by heightening their awareness of the character qualities that lead to achievement and success. We use the CHARACTER FIRST! © curriculum, which provides definitions of 49 different qualities. Students read stories of men and women in history who have shown good character by demonstrating these qualities. Group work in the form of skits and discussions along with practical assignments and self-evaluation are used throughout the course. We hope that by examining and exploring these character qualities, the easier it will be to make the qualities a part of their daily lives.

Leadership building:Semester course 6th - 8th grades This course uses the CHARACTER FIRST! © curriculum entitled “ENGAGE”, which develops leaders in the specific area of how to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying. It addresses the negative attitudes and root character issues that foster anti-social behavior. Group work in the form of skits and discussions along with practical assignments and self- evaluation are used throughout the course. Students will understand the importance of having a strong base of good character in order to make right choices. They will learn how to build good habits and get rid of bad ones and gain a better understanding of how to develop character, much like they develop a physical skill.

LANGUAGE ARTS/THEATRE

Forensics: Semester course 7th & 8th grades (Eighth grade students receive preference in placement.) Students will learn the art of literary interpretative performance through a variety of assignments both prepared and impromptu. Forensics helps empower students to become effective communicators and critical thinkers. Students will prepare and deliver speeches and prepare oral interpretations (including humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and duet acting). Students will synthesize passages from literary selections, perform their own unique interpretation of the story to convey a particular theme or message, and learn to use language effectively to communicate their ideas. The fundamentals of physical and vocal delivery skills, use of language and gesturing, as well as listening skills will also be learned. The Forensics program at Monument Academy engages students artistically and intellectually, while encouraging creative expression and self-confidence. Students develop strong critical thinking and collaboration skills, as well as an appreciation for the discipline, through preparation for performance.

Speech and Debate: Semester course 7th & 8th grades (Eighth grade students receive preference in placement.) Students will learn the art of public speaking through a variety of assignments both prepared and impromptu. Students will prepare and deliver speeches, participate in debates and forums, and prepare oral interpretations (including humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and duet acting). Students will practice structuring and organizing information effectively for oral presentations. Students will judge, critique, analyze, and question speeches and debates. The fundamentals of physical and vocal delivery skills, use of language and gesturing, as well as listening skills will also be learned. The Speech and Debate program at Monument Academy engages students artistically and intellectually, while encouraging creative expression and self-confidence. Students develop strong critical thinking and collaboration skills, as well as an appreciation for the discipline, through preparation for performance.

Corrective Reading: Full year course 6-8TH Grade This course is designed for students who are struggling readers. Teachers or parents may recommend students for this class. Recommendations are based on reading data for comprehension, fluency, and segmenting. Students reading below grade level should seriously consider this course.

WORK EXPERIENCE Aide: Semester course Eighth Grade Preference Teacher, Office, and Library aides are reserved for students who have demonstrated responsible behavior. It is designed to expose them to the classroom or office setting. It gives them the opportunity to assist and serve in an “on the job” experience. This is an elective that can be given through teacher approval only. Students are assigned an aide position based on teacher recommendation.