The following details the course offerings for the Middle School

Language Arts 6

Sixth grade Language Arts program includes all aspects of literacy. The writing process is emphasized throughout the year. The students use the 6+1 Writing Traits as the tool for assessing their work and defining the characteristics of good writing. It covers Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions and Presentation. Grammar, vocabulary and spelling are integral parts of this learning process. Reading includes various novels of the students’ choice, as well as class novels and text selections. The students are introduced to the early stages of analysis of novels through oral discussions and written reflections.

Language Arts 7

Seventh grade Language Arts concentrates on developing skills introduced in the sixth grade; reading and analysis of literature, grammar, spelling, vocabulary building, public speaking and process writing. Reading and writing workshops are conducted in which students concentrate on improving editing skills, finding their own voice and style and appreciating the craft of writing. The 6+1 Writing Traits model of writing assessment is also used as a means for improving their writing.

Language Arts 8

Eighth grade Language Arts emphasizes writing through a literature based program. The novels, all carefully selected, are set in Asia. The 6+1 Writing Traits assessment is used throughout the year. The writing process begun in earlier grades is continued with an emphasis on descriptive writing, poetry, thematic essays, persuasive writing, as well as reflective writing. During the second semester a research paper is produced. Correct grammar usage, vocabulary enrichment, as well as oral language and effective listening skills are highlighted and stressed throughout the year.

Social Studies

Social Studies 6

This course is designed to acquaint the students with the regions of the Middle East, Near East, North Africa and Europe. The students will analyze and compare each in the areas of geography, politics and culture. They will look into the history of the region as well as the contemporary issues, and how former has influenced the latter. Within the course the students will also explore units on Globalization, Gender Equity and Child Labor.

Social Studies 7

Seventh grade Social Studies is designed to familiarize the students with the regions of Africa and Latin America. We will look at the history of the various regions and then focus on contemporary issues. Students will study the physical and political geography of the nations in these areas and analyze how culture, economics and demographics influence the people in the various regions. In the area of conflict special attention will be paid to health issues, deforestation, racism and human rights issues. Currents Events will also be done throughout the school year. Its purpose and focus is to ensure that the students are aware of news events that are transforming the world in which we live.

Regional Studies 8

Eighth grade Social Studies is designed to educate students to the physical and political geography of Asia. Students explore the cultures and histories of the Asian countries as well as their modern socio-economic relationships to each other and the global community. An emphasis on current events in Asia requires students to read from a wide variety of sources as well as report orally to the class with Current Events issues. Students must develop strong speaking skills as well as writing and research skills that support their view and arguments.

Mathematics

Math 6

The 6th grade mathematics curriculum is designed around the essential math concepts and skills that are the foundations of all mathematics. Students in grade 6 study many of the same topic areas introduced in earlier grades. These core areas include numeration, computation, geometry, measurement, fractions, decimals, percent, statistics and probability. Grade 6 also introduces students to integers and exponents to help prepare students for the abstract thinking required for Pre-Algebra in the 7th grade.

Pre-Algebra 7

The seventh grade Pre-Algebra course emphasizes the language of algebra and solving problems using various approaches including algebra, number theory, fractions, ratios, proportions, equations, inequalities, statistics, exponents, graphing functions and statistical graphing. The student will also explore, analyze, and apply the principles of geometry in mathematical and life situations.

Algebra 8

The eighth grade Algebra course builds on the concepts and skills learned in seventh grade pre-algebra to lead students to a deeper and broader understanding of the more abstract aspects of those concepts and skills necessary to succeed in higher level mathematics. The course of study emphasizes algebraic structure and the mechanics of the operations of algebra, including linear equations and their solutions, using factoring of quadratic equations to solve polynomials, graphing of functions, and problem solving.

Science

Life Science 6

In this life science course, the main topics covered include exploring life, classification and biodiversity, the structure of cells, cell reproduction, heredity, ecology, immunity and diseases. Students will be engaged in a variety of activities focusing on laboratory and project-based materials. Inquiry skills will include the use of scientific method, organization and analysis of data and manipulating variables in experimentation. The course aims to increase the awareness of the diversity of living organisms and to understand that organisms within an environment depend on nonliving components and are interdependent.

Earth Science 7

This course emphasizes Earth Science and is a natural follow-up to grade 6 Life Science. Students begin the year studying meteorology and oceanography, then progress to study geology, ending the year with the study of astronomy. The goal of this course is for students to understand the intricate systems involved in Earth’s processes and the impact humans have on these processes. Students will also explore other celestial bodies, comparing and contrasting these to Earth.

Physical Science 8

This course emphasizes concepts in chemistry and physics. Students begin the year studying the different states of matter, then continue on to study atomic structure and chemical reactions. During the second semester, students study electricity and energy production, ending the year with a unit on force and motion. The goal of this course is for students to hone observational and data collecting skills, while gaining a cursory understanding of the major concepts in chemistry and physics without the challenge of higher mathematics.

Computer 6

This course is designed to develop an appreciation for information technology and its application. Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. The usage of network systems will be introduced and Microsoft Office including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint and MS Publisher will be taught. Students will also learn the ISY policy for appropriate internet use.

Computer 7

This course is designed to develop an appreciation for information technology and its application. Students will learn effective network system usage. Microsoft Office including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint and MS Publisher will be reinforced. Using these programs, students present projects, create databases and spreadsheets, publish newsletters.

Computer 8

This course is designed to develop an appreciation for information technology and its application. Students will continue to learn effective network system usage. The effective use of storage space on the network will be modeled and implemented. Microsoft Office including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint and MS Publisher will continue to be reinforced. Students will be presenting research based projects using these tools. They will also design web pages, create database programs and publish newsletters.

Languages

French/Spanish 6

This course is a true beginner level focusing on acquiring listening skills and practiced speaking skills. The essential concepts of grammar are introduced to reinforce recognition of differences in written and spoken language. Reading and writing are introduced as reinforcement skills. Several activity units coordinate with 6th grade core courses to provide an integrated learning base.

French/Spanish 7

This course expands listening skills and develops a larger repertoire of spoken phrases while moving reading and writing skills from reinforcement to a larger communicative role. Grammar concepts are introduced as needed to support communication. Several unit themes coordinate with 7th grade core and arts courses to provide an integrated learning base.

French/Spanish 8

This course develops a larger repertoire of spoken phrases while moving towards a more formal study of grammar. Students will move from using learned phrases to generating their own sentences in the present tense for more personalized and creative conversations and both written and oral description. The past and future tenses may be introduced.

English for Academic Purposes

EAP is a yearlong course for ESL students. Vocabulary comprehension, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are developed in EAP. The content of Language Arts and Social Studies classes are supported through the language skills development activities in EAP. The purpose of the EAP class is to help the ESL student understand the content of these classes and improve English language proficiency.

Chinese Mandarin 6

This course is for intermediate beginners who are above a learning foundation level.
The course focuses primarily on strengthening listening/speaking skills. Character recognition through reading and writing in simplified/pinyin will be included to give a comprehensive approach to learning Chinese. Chinese calligraphy writing will also be included to enhance students’ writing ability.

Fine Arts

Grade Six Art

Grade Six Art is a general studio art class that continues from the skills developed in the Elementary Art classes. Studio class projects are design to start with basic drawing, painting, and sculptural techniques that include application of design and composition. The class is intended to give a foundation for the two art electives offered in the seventh and eighth grade: Two-Dimensional Art and Three-Dimensional Art. A variety of media with be used, again, starting with basic drawing and painting materials plus clay. Assessment will be on studio projects, homework, skills, and portfolio.

3-D Art

Three-Dimensional Art is one semester in length and is an in-depth study of “art-in-the-round”. The class is based on the exploration of the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design as it applies to sculptural art. Media techniques in wire, clay (including the potter’s wheel), paper, papier-mâché, wood, etc. will be used to develop skills that allow for self- expression. The class is intended to be preparation for the high school Studio Art class.

2-D Art

Two-Dimensional Art is one semester in length which explores two-dimensional art. The class is designed to develop artistic skills that will lead to the creation of successful art and the development of artistic communication skills. The curriculum will be based upon exploration and application of design, drawing, and painting. Media used will include pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, etc. 2-D Art is intended to be preparation for the high school Studio Art class.

Middle School Concert Band

Concert Band offering in grades 6, 7, & 8 are all full year courses. The courses curricula continue from the grade 5 Beginning Band offered here at ISY. The goal of the Middle School Band is to prepare students for the High School Symphonic Band which begins in grade 9. This wind and percussion instrumental course aims to encourage students to develop further as instrumentalists. Instruction is offered in a large ensemble setting. Students are also encouraged to study privately as well. Students with advanced skills coming from the previous year’s band program will be given priority entrance into the course as well as the use of school owned instruments, however at this level students are expected to own their own instrument. The class follows a band methods course of instruction as well as concert band literature and solo and ensemble material. Students enrolled in the Middle School Concert Band will perform at various concerts throughout the school year as a requirement of the course. Performance attire of the director’s choice may also be required.

MS Drama

The MS drama is dedicated to the belief that as human beings, success on stage depends upon how comfortable we feel in the communal expression of feelings and ideas. It gives students (6-8) an insight into what it takes to be an actor. Students are encouraged to explore and discover individual and cooperative ways of expressing. It is a course that encourages young people to dare, to share, to perform, to communicate, to reflect, and through all of the above, to understand.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to participate in activities that promote physical fitness, enhance growth and development, provide enjoyable play experiences, develop physical skills, provide opportunities for positive social interactions, and develop a positive self-image. The middle school P.E. program is developmentally based while recognizing that during the middle school years individual differences become more pronounced. Students are encouraged to improve their personal fitness level and to view physical activity as a way of life. Cooperation and fair team play are also stressed in this program. Additionally, good personal hygiene practices are reinforced.
The middle school program includes sports units, recreational activities, health, and fitness and conditioning.