MILFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION 2012-2013 GRADE 8

Student Name Homeroom Teacher GRADE 8 REQUIRED COURSES

READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS (RELA ) 8*

The language arts course combines literature, language and writing to develop skill in all forms of communication. Literature units include poetry, drama, the novel and the short story. During the study of literature, students analyze the elements of plot and structure, and often respond in written form. Writing instruction integrates the principles of language mechanics and composition. Students follow the writing process to produce many different types of writing.

MATHEMATICS*

All students will originally select the next level in the math sequence and changes will then be made based on the results of the math placement testing.

Math Sequence Course 2 to Pre Algebra Pre Algebra to Algebra I Honors Algebra I Honors to Geometry Honors

Pre-Algebra 8 – This pre-algebra course addresses five major areas: numbers and operations, measurement, geometry, algebra concepts, and data analysis and probability. Students acquire pre-algebra skills while expanding their mathematical knowledge to gain a deeper understanding and application of skills in problem solving.

Algebra I Honors 8 – Basic to an understanding of the technical innovations in our society, Algebra I is the first of the math courses geared toward higher education. This course includes a systematic in-depth study of variables, rational numbers, solving equations and inequalities, relations and functions, linear equations and their graphs, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations, statistics, and rational expressions. An understanding of the basic computational skills as applied to the rational numbers (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers) is assumed. Problem solving and real world application are emphasized.

Geometry Honors 8 – The purpose of this course is to show the strong student of mathematics how to make the transition from intuitive to demonstrative geometry, and then transfer the procedures learned into effective patterns of thinking. Students develop effective patterns of thought through the study of logical patterns of thinking. An in depth study of the theories of geometry and their development is presented. A mathematical system using the concepts of two- and three-dimensional geometry is developed. The scope of the course includes patterns and inductive reasoning, measurement, reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships within triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, transformations, coordinate geometry, area, surface area and volume, and circles. Problem solving and real world application are emphasized. Practical problems using algebraic computations are routinely included.

SCIENCE 8 * This course is designed to enable the student to obtain the necessary skills in compiling evidence of a basic model of matter, offering a rudimentary knowledge of physical science and providing insight into the means by which this scientific knowledge is acquired. By performing a series of related experiments, the identification of characteristic properties of substances is explored. Various methods of separating solids, liquids and gases are investigated. Students organize and present data, and groups of students compare and analyze collective results.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8 * This course is designed to introduce students to early American culture and history from the Age of Discovery to the Civil War, and includes the relationship between the United States and the world. Students continue to develop and utilize reference, study, communication, and critical thinking skills while refining and learning new geography skills. An awareness of current events is included in this course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8 (PE ) The physical education program focuses on the physical development of each student. Developmentally appropriate activities provide experiences conducive to the development of one's physical capabilities and realization of individual potential. A healthy body and positive attitude toward physical activity as a way of spending leisure time are stressed.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 8 (Band) Students are taught the basics of good musicianship with an emphasis on counting and development of music reading skills. Five major performances throughout the school year include Band Night at a senior high football game, a winter concert, two spring concerts (March and May) and the Memorial Day parade. Band members are required to participate in all performances. Students are also required to participate in regularly scheduled sectional rehearsals several times per marking period.

VOCAL MUSIC 8 (Chorus) This course provides students the opportunity to study vocal skills and techniques in an organized group instruction format. Sacred and secular music of all historical periods and styles are studied and performed during winter and spring concerts. Students learn many phases and techniques of singing which will aid each chorus member to make the most expressive use of his/her voice in a performance format. Basic conducting skills, sight singing, part singing, ear training, exercises, rhythmic exercises and proper vocal techniques are applied to a rehearsed and performed repertoire.

GO EXPLORING –WEB 2.0 Style (for non-band/chorus students only) Students entering the 21st Century workforce are required to have a diverse technological skill set. This course will introduce and develop these skills through the exploration of various Web 2.0 tools, in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as laid out in their National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students.

FUTURES (Required course for 1 marking period) This course guides our students to make better life long decisions by offering a look at career opportunities that best fit their personalities. Students experience firsthand the opportunity costs of education, salary, budgeting, and other topics that they will experience as a young adult. This course focuses on career education and work academic standards. Students will explore careers, develop career plans, create a resume, make a budget, and learn teamwork skills as they apply to the workforce.

*CYBER COURES*: All of the above Required Core Courses will also be offered in cyber format. Any students/parents that are interested in a cyber-course should the “Characteristics of the Successful Cyber Student” which is provided below.

*Students requesting cyber courses are REQUIRED to attend an information session and participate in an orientation session prior to the start of the school year.

The scheduling portal will be open to parents/guardians from March 19th 2013 until April 8th 2013. After April 8th all course request changes must be made through the Milford counselor, Mr. Breininger. Contact information and additional scheduling information can be found on the counseling pages at the Milford Middle School website (http://www.qcsd.org/domain/317). Please refer to the following page for more information on how to access course requests on the Parent Portal MILFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRADE 8 ELECTIVE COURSES

Each course will be for one marking period. Students need rank them 1 - 7, with 1 being the top choice

FROM LITERATURE TO MOVIES: LITERACY IN A DIGITAL WORLD This course examines various genres of literature with their media interpretations. Students will analyze, evaluate and compare media. Emphasis is placed on developing, reinforcing, and applying effective response techniques such as Web 2.0 tools, group collaboration, and independent research.

TAKE THE LEAD Students will experience a variety of activities designed to teach leadership skills and concepts. Decision-making skills will be emphasized for group success.

BE FIT, DON’T QUIT Students will participate in a variety of physical activities that emphasize fitness development and cooperation. Skills and concepts will be taught for successful play. Activities will vary by marking period and may include tae-bo, dance/DDR, pickle ball, badminton, golf, table-tennis, handball, personal fitness, etc. (note this is in addition to the required PE class)

TIDE (Technology Innovation Design and Engineering) This elective course is divided into three components, Manufacturing, Architectural Design, and Options. Options provides students with the ability to choose from several activities from the Technology Student Association (TSA); Dragster, Invention & Innovation, Engineering Structures, and Systems Control (Lego Mindstorms) to name a few. Upon completion of the Options portion students may use their classroom project towards competition in the TSA extracurricular club. The Manufacturing component will allow students to experience the use of wood working machinery and manufacturing processes as they complete a wood project (similar to the old 8th grade class). Students will design basic floor plans using a Computer Aided Design program as they learn about Architectural Design.

PIANO KEYBOARD-MUSIC THEORY SKILLS Music theory is the study of the building blocks of music. Knowledge of theory is an essential tool for all young musicians that will provide them with a common technical language and a means of understanding the organization of music on a score. This class will involve: note reading on the treble clef and bass clef staves for keyboard and instrumental repertoire, sight-singing of basic scales using solfege, instrumental application of basic major and minor scales as well as basic major and minor chords, demonstrating proficiency with rhythm in all repertoire.

ART STUDIO 8 The Art Studio 8 course involves creative investigation of art based on student’s prior experiences in art class, their personal interests and passion for creating their own ideas and applying them to art concepts and processes. This class is designed for students who want to explore and process their creative thinking, artistic skills, and creative potential advancing their art learning to future endeavors and/or personal satisfaction.

EbD: TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS This course is intended to teach students how technological systems work together to solve problems and capture opportunities. The focus will be on systems interaction, evolution, adjustment, failure, and trends. Lessons will look at designing structural systems, fax machines, airplanes, and hydraulics.

This form should be returned no later than ______Monday March 8th______.

Parent/Guardian Signature Telephone Date Characteristics of the Successful Cyber Student

• Be open-minded about sharing work, educational experiences, and life as part of the learning process. • Be able to communicate through writing. • Be self-motivated and self-disciplined. • Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise. • Be willing and able to commit to 7 to 8 hours per week per course. • Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process. • Have access to a computer and the internet. • Be able to think ideas through before responding. • Feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom. *Students requesting cyber courses are REQUIRED to attend an information session and participate in an orientation session prior to the start of the school year.

If you have an interest in having your child take a cyber-course next year, a parent/guardian written request must be included with the course selection sheet. For any questions regarding cyber courses please contact the Milford Middle School Counselor – Mr. Breininger at [email protected]. If you do not have access to email you can call 215-529-2215.

Directions for Accessing On-line Information If you already have your Parent Portal Account set up: 1. Get to Milford’s home page. 2. Find: PowerSchool Parent Portal Click here to read about and access the Parent Portal.

3. Click Enter. Then use your PowerSchool user name and password that you created 4. Click on the “Class Registration” icon. 5. Review course selections

**NEW THIS YEAR** If you have not yet set up your Parent Portal account for this school year, you need to do this first! Directions for Parents to Create an Account 1. Visit www.qcsd.org and click on "Parent Portal". 2. Click on the "Create Account" button. 3. Add your parent information at the top by providing the relevant information for the account you are creating.

Under the "Link Students to Account Section": 1. Type the Student's Name in the "Student Name" box.

2. Add the Access ID by typing in the Username given by the school. 3. Add the Access Password by typing in the Password given by the school 4. Choose your relationship to the child(ren). Example: 'mother' 5. Add any additional students by following the same procedure. 6. Click "Enter". The account is then created and parents can log in with the username and password that they created.