Curriculum Overview: The CORE Program
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
English Language Arts
Grade 6
The curriculum for the sixth grade is divided into two areas, reading and writing. The writing curriculum will include the following: mechanics, sentence and paragraph structure, research skills, grammar/conventions, and students will be able to successfully follow and complete the writing cycle. The reading curriculum will encompass reading for comprehension, main idea, inference, word recognition/context clues, identifying literacy devices for fiction and nonfiction text, drawing conclusions, and developing engagement, stamina and fluency. Both areas will cover strategies and skills for test taking. Students will read at least 40 books and practice test taking skills and strategies.
English Language Arts
Grade 7
The curriculum for seventh grade ELA is divided into two parts: writing and reading. The writing curriculum will include the following: paragraph and sentence structure, conventions, spelling, following the writing cycle and developing basic vocabulary skills and words. The reading curriculum will include test taking strategies, reading for comprehension, inference, authors’ purpose, main idea, character analysis and making text to self, world and text connections. Students will read at least 40 books and practice test taking skills and strategies.
English Language Arts
Grade 8
This course is divided into two parts: writing and reading. The writing curriculum includes strengthening basic grammar, vocabulary and writing skills of all students. Students will be taught to write short essays, fiction and nonfiction as well as complete research projects. The reading curriculum focuses on strengthening a variety of reading strategies that include inference, main idea, author’s purpose, sequencing, critical thinking and determining importance. Students will read at least 40 books and practice test taking skills and strategies.
Foreign Language/Spanish
The course of study in Spanish is designed to help students attain proficiency. Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills will be the focus of diverse activities and projects. An understanding of and fluency in the language will be developed through the use of visual materials focused on topics relevant to the students and their experiences. At the end of the eighth grade, students will take the Spanish Proficiency Exam.
MATH
Math
Grade 6
CORE
In this course, students will build on their problem solving skills by learning to use appropriate tools and strategies to develop their understanding of patterns, numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement and statistics. Through investigations and the use of manipulatives, students will gain a conceptual understanding of numbers, operations and the relationship between them.
Math
Grade 7
CORE
This 7th grade course covers a wide range of topics, including: number operations in the real number system; variables and expression; geometry; statistics and probability; and measurement.
Math
Grade 8
CORE
This course focuses on algebraic functions, tables, graphs, transformational geometry, and operations of monomials, binomials and polynomials. In particular, students will be sharpening their skills to solve algebraic inequalities and equalities, find angle measures using algebra and graph functions. Students will use and create function tables, graphs and stories to show an understanding of linear and non-linear equations. Students will also design tile patterns using tessellations.
MUSIC
Instrumental Music (6,7,8)
Music classes will cover a wide range of topics including basic music theory, notation, part reading, sight reading, conduction, composing, rhythmic notation, ear training – dictation, and performance preparation. Students will have the opportunity to hone their instrumental and vocal skills and will learn proper instrument care and maintenance. The Winter and Spring Music Festivals give students the chance to perform. In addition to music, the course emphasizes listening, self-discipline, responsibility and teamwork.
Vocal Music (6,7,8)
The choral music program is designed to build music literacy and promote vocal development for all students. Students will learn music literacy strategies to help them expand their ability to read and analyze music. More specifically, students will learn about the care of the voice, exercising the voice using vocal exercises, learning to read and write music and reading music related literature. The course differs depending on grade level and becomes progressively more challenging as the grade level increases. Students will have the opportunity to perform for an audience in at least two concerts a year. It is a goal of this course to help the students think critically, understand more about the role of music in our lives and use their imagination, talents, and skills to appreciate and create music.
GENERAL SCIENCE
Grade 6
CORE
Students will be studying transformation of energy. Students will be learning about the role of energy and machines in our lives, how matter and energy interact to produce weather patterns, how the transfer of matter and energy supports diversity of living things and how interdependence is essential in maintaining life on earth. Using the scientific method, students will collect data, analyze it and present the data using Excel. Students are also required to complete a research paper, a power point presentation, a Science Fair projects and a model of a simple machine.
Grade 7
CORE
This course focuses on physical science, motion, matter, energy, simple machines, electromagnetism, waves and chemistry. Students must complete a Science Fair project in addition to lab reports. The course focuses on skills including applying the scientific method, manipulating science tools, following inquiry procedures and practicing inferential thinking.
Grade 8
CORE
This course has two main components -- Earth Science and Life Science. In Earth Science, students will focus on planetary motions, earth as a system, geology, weather, astronomy, earth history and water. In Life Science, students will learn about genetics, reproduction, cell structure, photosynthesis, classification and ecology. Students must complete a Science Fair project in addition to lab reports. The course focuses on skills including applying the scientific method, manipulating science tools, following inquiry procedures and practicing inferential thinking.
SOCIAL STUDIES
World Cultures
Grade 6
CORE
This course covers begins with the study of early civilizations as well as India, South and Southeast Asia and China. The study of the social and economic characteristics of each will be covered in addition to the role of religion, individuals and geography in their development. Students will study both primary and secondary sources. The use of maps, graphs and pictures will enrich their study. The development of analytical and interpretive skills will be stressed. Several major projects will be part of the course requirements.
American History
Grades 7 and 8
CORE
This two-year course spans American History from the study of the Native Americans until the present. During the seventh grade, students study up to and including the Civil War, and in the eighth grade the course ends with present day issues. Taught chronologically, students study a variety of primary sources. Emphasis is placed making connections between the past and the present, sequencing events, understanding cause and effect, creating and interpreting maps and other charts and graphs, distinguishing fact from opinion and relevant and irrelevant information. Students are required to complete research and other projects.
WRITING
Grade 6
CORE and DELTA
This course will focus on writing skills. Students will learn to write a strong five paragraph essay building up from the thesis statement to the conclusion. The curriculum will be reinforced in all academic subjects.