Middle School Courses For course descriptions, click department heading

Arts Art Band Rhythms English 6th Grade Reading and Writing 6th Grade Language Arts 7th Grade English 8th Grade English Language Arts Enrichment Math 6th Grade Math 7th Grade Math 7th Grade Math Literacy 8th Grade Math 8th Grade Math Literacy Physical Education 7th Grade Health Physical Education

Science 6th Grade General Science 7th Grade Life Science 8th Grade Physical Science Social Studies 6th Grade World Studies 7th Grade World Studies 8th Grade U.S. History Technology 6th Grade Keyboarding 7th Grade Computer Basics 8th Grade Technology Other Classes 8th Grade Industrial Arts (Shop) Support Class

Art
This is a basic art studio class emphasizing the elements of art through exploration of painting and drawing. Students expand their knowledge of the visual arts through brief studies of art history and art careers. Grades 7 and 8.

Band
First semester band is composed of 7th and 8th grade advanced band students approved by the instructor. Second semester band is for 6th through 8th grade beginning students approved by the instructor.

Rhythms
This class explores different styles of music through listening, singing, dancing and moving. Students will explore how our favorite music evolved and why we appreciate it today.

6th Grade Reading and Writing
This one-semester course supplements instruction in language arts and emphasizes reading and writing. The course provides an opportunity for students to identify and address individual weaknesses.

6th Grade Language Arts
Students study and practice their reading and writing skills based on the Colorado content standards. Social studies topics are incorporated into language lessons.

7th Grade English
Students will read four novels and learn spelling words and vocabulary. Students will engage in a number of different writing activities including autobiographies, creative writing, expository writing and poetry. They will also conduct interdisciplinary research.

8th Grade English
Students read four novels and learn spelling words and vocabulary. Writing activities include first person narrative, creative writing and family histories. Students will conduct interdisciplinary research.

Language Arts Enrichment
This nine-week course focuses on student writing skills. Students write for a variety of purposes in response to essays and prompts using correct writing mechanics including spelling, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.

6th Grade Math
This class includes basic computation with whole numbers, decimals and fractions; statistics including charts, graphs, mean, median, mode and range; problem-solving using the thinking strategies of guess and test, make a chart, logic, working backwards, drawing a picture and using patterns.

7th Grade Math
The class is a review of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, mixed numbers and percentages. Students cover graphing and probability, recognizing patters, geometric concepts and measures. Integer operations and variables are introduced.

7th Grade Math Literacy
This is a one-quarter math enhancement class which covers probability, counting principles, permutations and combinations.

8th Grade Math
This pre-algebra class begins as a review of basic math skills before basic algebra concepts are introduced including variables, evaluating for variable, integer addition and multiplication, terms, like terms and solving equations in a variety of forms.

8th Grade Math Literacy
This is a one-quarter math enhancement class in which students use manipulatives and computers to learn principles of basic plane geometry.

7th Grade Health
This course is designed to introduce students to information concerning their personal levels of health. At the end of the course, students should be able to make informed decisions regarding their own health. Topics to be covered include mental health, body functions, human sexuality, communicable diseases, nutrition and social drug use.

Physical Education
Students learn the basic rules and regulations of designated team sports and lifetime leisure activities. Student evaluation is based on written examination, skill tests, fitness tests, and participation in daily activities.

6th Grade General Science
Course topics include decomposition, nervous system, food webs, photosynthesis, cell division, the five senses, genetics, physical matter, atoms, molecules, mixtures and compounds.

7th Grade Life Science
Students continue to study life processes and survival beginning with ecology including adaptations, populations, and relationships between organisms. Students also study cells, microorganisms, systems of the human body and the science professions. The course includes experiments and labs involving dissection, plant growth and observation.

8th Grade Physical Science
The course begins with a study of chemistry including atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures followed by geology and astronomy. Students also study the cycles of nature and they consider how science and technology benefit the world around them.

6th Grade Citizenship
This nine week course includes the study of political structures in the national and local governments, citizens's responsibilities and student council activities. Focus is on the significance of the Bill of Rights, the three branches of our federal government, the electoral college and Colorado representatives at the national and state levels. Students will also gain experience in planning social events and organizing activities to improve the school and the community.

6th Grade World Studies
Students experience history of the western hemisphere through investigation of various cultures and through historical simulations. The curriculum is integrated with other 6th Grade subject areas.

7th Grade World Studies
This course will provide perspectives in physical and cultural geography and apply themes of geography to the study of the Eastern Hemisphere including Russia and the Independent Republics, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Australia. Students will also research and review current international issues.

8th Grade U.S. History
This course focuses on events in U.S. history from the early settlements of the eastern seaboard to the beginning of the twentieth century including the original thirteen colonies, the American Revolution, westward expansion, the Civil War, immigration and multi-ethnic issues, industrialization and international relations. Students will also research and review current issues.

6th Grade Keyboarding
Students will learn keyboarding skills using the touch typing method.

7th Grade Computer Basics
This one-quarter class familiarizes students with the basic operation of computers. The course begins with keyboarding and progresses to basic word processing and use of the Internet.

8th Grade Technology
Students work through a series of modules focusing on the principles of technology including topics such as physics, energy and mechanics, robotics, bridge building and future technologies.

8th Grade Industrial Arts (Shop)
Students will study types of lumber and plywood and will learn about hardware used in woodworking while learning how to safely use woodworking machines. Also covered will be home maintenance and drafting.

Support Class
This class is designed to help students maintain basic skills in core classes at the Middle School level. Students will be assigned to this class as they demonstrate a need for support. Students failing core classes for the semester or the year will be assigned to the class. Study skills will be emphasized and constructive worktime will be available during class.