This transition between basic mathematics and the more complex Algebra and Geometry has a heavy influence of pre-algebraic concepts as well as an exploration of pre-geometry concepts. The three themes of applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry are explored by focusing on arithmetic operations and problems of the real world.

The science curriculum includes the study of matter and atoms, rocks and minerals, earthquakes and volcanoes, plate tectonics, geologic time periods, weather, and astronomy. An emphasis on content as well as process skills forms the basis for future success in science. Critical and creative thinking is valued as well as a questioning and curious mind. There is heavy emphasis on the combination of a clear understanding of science concepts with elaborative, detailed, writing.

 

The Giver by Lois Lowry, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, and Animal Farm by George Orwell plus two independent books are required reading. Weekly activities focus on grammar and vocabulary. Improved writing skills are encouraged through written responses, journal writing, creative writing, proofreading, and editing. Students also write a variety of different types of essays, letter writing, writing news stories, poetry, and literacy autobiographies.

 

Different cultures of the ancient world are studied including Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient India and Ancient China. Social justice multiculturalism and social interaction is promoted through the study of these cultures' geography, law, science, arts, and literature. A research project is associated with each culture.

 

The students will begin their work toward achieving natural fluency in French. The four areas of language learning, listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing, are emphasized with a particular emphasis on comprehension and speaking.

This proficiency based course emphasizes the four primary areas of foreign language learning: speaking, writing, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. Cultural issues are explored in order to promote cultural awareness. The first half of Spanish I is completed at the year's end.

 

Strauss' Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream, and Handel's Messiah are used to explore the elements used in communicating emotion through music. Students write original compositions that imitate compositional techniques used by the masters. Students combine artistic media to write a composition based on a poem or painting that expresses the overall emotion of the piece.

 

The visual element of space is the focus of the studio work, as students draw and paint pieces that create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two dimensional surface. Life sketching, pictorial drawing, print-making, geometric ceramic construction, and model-building in assignments are related to fundamentals of design and the architecture of various time periods. The students are encouraged to consider the question, “How does the environment affect us as people and how do people affect the environment?”

 

Students explore their imagination through storytelling, pantomime, observation, improvisation, public speaking, blocking, stage business, scene reading, and analysis.

Physical activity in the form of team sports, individual sports, rhythms, and health education are offered to promote fitness, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle beyond the classroom. Some of the activities include badminton, strength training, softball, team handball, volleyball, swimming, track and field, tennis, aerobics, dancing, basketball, and flag football.