Somerset Academy

Canyons Middle School

6th Grade Language ArtsStudents are working on reading skills through:

weekly reading logs

TeenBiz 3000 (a computer based program that meets the student at his or her reading

level and propels them forward)

classroom discussion

independent projects

Example of an independent project. This student created

a soundtrack for the book she read

Students are working on writing skills through:

study of grammar, vocabulary and spelling

focusing on responding to articles, passages and stories

taught to use evidence from the text to support the arguments made in their writing

6th Grade Mathematics

Content:

Fractions

Decimals

Ratio

Percent

Introduction to expressions

Algebraic expressions

Inequalities and Equations

Collecting and Displaying Data

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Integers

Introduction to geometry

6th Grade Comprehensive Science

Content:

Earth systems and patterns

Mass wasting

Landslides

Deposition

Erosion

Weathering

Energy

Describing Earth’s atmosphere

Energy transfer in the atmosphere

Air currents

Air quality

6th Grade World HistoryContent:

Geography Introduction

Maya, Inca, Aztec

Early River Valley Civilizations

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Greece

Ancient Rome

Ancient Africa

Ancient China

This year we will be working on some fun projects, including: -Pharaoh biography-Creating your own code of laws

*We will also focus on learning study/note-taking skills, which are built into the curriculum content.

7th Grade Language Arts

Focus on skills for:READING, SPEAKING , THINKING, WRITING

7th grade is a year of highly visible progress in reading, writing and language arts. By the end of seventh grade language arts, students should:

-Develop complex writing skills-Constructively critique their own and other’s writing-Apply punctuation, grammar and syntax skills-Recognize and apply grade appropriate vocabulary-Read with fluency, with focus on comprehension

7th Grade Mathematics

Content:

Ratios and Rates

Direct Variation and Constant of Proportionality

Rates and Percent

Rational Numbers

Numerical and algebraic expressions and equations

Solving equations and inequalities

Using geometry

Scale drawing and scale factors

Data collection

Probability

7th Grade Comprehensive ScienceThe purpose of this course is to explore how physical science describes phenomena in the real

world. You will use your knowledge of physical science principles, to predict the behavior of

real-world systems. Along the way, you will have opportunities to sharpen your laboratory skills,

work in groups, and set and conduct your own experiments.

1st Quarter

Scientific Method

Metric System

Density

Energy

2nd Quarter

Sound and Light Waves

Earth’s Structure

Minerals, Rocks, Layers

3rd Quarter

Plate Tectonics

Human effect on the Earth

Natural Selection and Evolution

4th Quarter

Heredity and Reproduction

Genetics

7th Grade Civics

Content:

Building of extensive civics-related vocabulary

Learning national geography

Learning obligations of the citizen

Understanding the difference between different forms of government

Understanding historic foundations of American government

Articles of Confederation to Constitution

Amendments

Levels and functions of courts

Landmark cases

3 branches of government

Foreign policy

8th Grade Language Arts

Objectives:

TO WRITE GRAMATICALLY CORRECT SENTENCES

TO WRITE A WELL SUPPORTED AND STRUCTURED FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY

TO BE ABLE TO READ AND IDENTIFY MAIN IDEA AND SUPPORTING DETAILS

TO ENJOY READING AND WRITING

TO SCORE A 4.0 OR ABOVE ON FSA WRITES

8th Grade MathematicsContent:

Linear Equations

Linear Functions

Analyzing Linear Equations

Multiple Representations of Linear Functions

The Real Number System

Pythagorean Theorem

Translations, Reflections, and Rotations

Congruence of Triangles

Similarity

Line and Angle Relationships

Systems of Equations

Volume

Data Display and Analysis

8th Grade Comprehensive Science

Content:

Scientific Method

Measurement & Scientific Tools

Scientific Inquiry

Rock Cycle, Earth’s Age, Plate Tectonics

Weather/Climate

Light, Energy, Motion

Organisms

Matter

Atoms

Periodic Table

Elements & Chemical Bonds

Mixtures, Solubility, Acid/Base Solutions

Chemical Reactions & Equations

Sun-Earth-Moon

Exploring Space

Stars & Galaxies

Human Growth & Development

8th Grade American HistoryStudy American History from the beginning of time through 1870.

In depth study about the long-term effects of European exploration and settlement

The Real Christopher Columbus

American Revolution

U.S. Constitution

War of 1812

Mexican-American War

Civil War

Historical novel study

American History Projects/Activities:

o Emphasis on reading and writing skills

o In depth research about the truth of American History

o Creation of a personal declaration of independence

o Living History – students dress up as a historical character and report about their life and accomplishments

Algebra I

Content:

Solving Equations and Inequalities

Linear Functions

System of Equations and Inequalities

Exponents and exponential functions

Polynomials and Factoring

Quadratic Functions and Equations

Radical Expressions and Equations

Rational Expressions and Functions

Geometry

Content:

Reasoning and Proof

Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Congruent Triangles

Relationship Within Triangles

Polygon and Quadrilaterals

Similarity

Right Triangles and Trigonometry

Transformations

Area

Surface Area and Volume

Circles

Electives

Art 2D/3D

Band

Chorus

Drama

Journalism

Leadership

Medical Skills & Services

(Bio-Medical program for

8th grade only)

Physical Education

TV Production

Yearbook

Art

2D-ART The purpose of this course is to enable students to communicate ideas and

concepts through two-dimensional media using advanced-level knowledge of

drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques.

3D-ART The purpose of this course is to enabled students to communicate ideas and

concepts through three-dimensional media using intermediate-level knowledge

of assemblage, modeling, sculpting and construction techniques.

In the art room:

Band

Beginning Band classes are offered to students with no experience to less

than a school year of experience playing an instrument.

Concert Band II classes are offered to students with one year of

experience playing an instrument to two years of experience playing an

instrument. This is an audition entrance class.

Advanced Band III classes are offered to students with two or more years

of experience. Students must be in 8th grade or higher to enter this class.

This is an audition entrance class.

Instrumentation for School Band…

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Saxophone

Trumpet

French Horn

Baritone

Trombone

Tuba

Percussion (Band Director approval only)

Classroom Learning:

1. Voice placement

2. For experienced and non-experienced vocalists

3. Fundamentals of music theory

4. Performance techniques

5. Melody and harmony singing

Somerset Canyons being a member of FVA opens up the opportunity for individual vocal students to participate in All-State Chorus and Solo/Ensemble events!

There are also opportunities for students to try out and sing solos at concert events.

The Future……

Plan for singing at Disney Candlelight event in 2015 Winter Season

Develop a competitive middle school chorus

Develop a competitive high school chorus

Drama

Objectives:

TO APPRECIATE LITERATURE FROM A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE

TO BE ABLE TO THINK ON YOUR FEET

TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN ATTENTIVELY AND PAY ATTENTION

TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK ARTICULATELY

TO DEVELOP TECHNICAL SKILLS

Journalism

The purpose of this course is to develop fundamental skills in the

production of journalism across print, multimedia, web, and

broadcast/radio platforms and to become aware of journalism history,

careers, ethics use, and management techniques related to the production

of journalistic media.

We recently learned about cinema critiquing. It’s certainly easy to watch

movies, but not so easy picking them apart. Being a critic means properly

understanding what it takes to produce movies in order to either

recommend or blast them! We studied both versions of The Time Machine

(1960 and 2002). We learned that, though the effects were meager

compared to today, the 53 year old movie was much better than its 2002

reboot.

Create the school newspaper

Leadership

The purpose of this course is to teach leadership skills, parliamentary

procedure, problem solving, decision making, communication skills, group

dynamics, time and stress management, public speaking, human relations,

public relations, team building, and other group processes.

The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:

study in self-understanding

development in such areas as goal setting, self-actualization, and

assertiveness

study of organizational theories and management

Medical Skills and Services Honors

8th Grade (High School Credit)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this full-year course is to expose the students to a wide variety of traditional medical careers and advanced concepts in Anatomy and Physiology as well as medical terminology. It also employs problem solving and critical-thinking skills in hands on laboratory activities.

Chapters which may be covered include:

Chapter 1 History and trends of Health Care Chapter 8 Medical Math

Chapter 2 Health Care Systems Chapter 9 Computes in Health Care

Chapter 3 Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker Chapter 10 Promotion of Safety

Chapter 4 Careers in Health Care Chapter 11 Infection Control

Chapter 5 Legal & Ethical Responsibilities Chapter 12 Vital Signs

Chapter 6 Cultural diversity Chapter 13 First Aid

Chapter 7 Medical Terminology Chapter 14 Preparing for the World of Work

TEXTBOOK: Health Science Career Exploration by Simmers (County is reviewing textbook selection for upcoming school year 2014/2015

Physical Education

6th Grade - The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become healthy and physically active for a lifetime. This course addresses both the health and skill-related components of physical fitness which are critical for students' success.

7th Grade - The purpose of this course is to develop the physical skills necessary to be competent in many forms of movement, knowledge of team sports concepts such as offensive and defensive strategies and tactics, and appropriate social behaviors within a team or group setting. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to the success of this course.

8th Grade - The purpose of this course is to develop the physical skills necessary to competent in many forms of movement, knowledge of offensive and defensive strategies and tactics, and appropriate social behaviors within both competitive and non-competitive activity settings. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to student success in this course and in the development of a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

TV Production - 8th GradeThe content of this course includes communication skills; leadership skills;

human relations and employability skills; safe and efficient work practices;

and preparation to assume responsibility for overall production of

television studio activities including: scripts, lighting, shooting and

directing, electronic news gathering, and field production. Students will

participate as anchor men/women to host “Cougars Morning News” and

report on school events with videos to post on school website.

World Languages

French

Italian

Spanish

Beginning French

Intermediate French

BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS

1. Greeting people

2. Talk about your family and friends

3. Daily Life: telling time, school, sports, weather, shopping

4. Talk about food – Learn to order food in a restaurant

GRAMMAR AND VERBS

FRENCH CULTURE

French I

8th Grade (High School Credit)

Major Concepts/Content:

French 1 introduces students to the target language and its

culture. The student will develop communicative skills in all 3

modes of communication and cross-cultural understanding.

Emphasis is placed on proficient communication in the language.

An introduction to reading and writing is also included as well as

culture, connections, comparisons, and communities.

Beginning Italian

Intermediate Italian

BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS

1. Greeting people

2. Talk about your family and friends

3. Daily Life: telling time, school, sports, weather, shopping

4. Talk about food – Learn to order food in a restaurant

GRAMMAR AND VERBS

ITALIAN CULTURE

Italian I

8th Grade (High School Credit)Major Concepts/Content:

Beginning Italian introduces students to the target language and its

culture. Students will learn beginning skills in listening and speaking

and an introduction to basic skills in reading and writing. Also,

culture, connections, comparisons, and communities are included in

these courses.

Beginning SpanishIntermediate Spanish

Content:

Current book ¿Cómo te va? (Green edition)

Introduction to vocabulary and grammar

Basic conversational skills

Listening and writing skills incorporated in daily lessons

Learn culture & traditions different then our own

Spanish I

8th Grade (High School Credit)

Content:

Current text book ¡Buen viaje! (Level 1 Red edition)

Each chapter focuses on specific vocabulary and grammar

Many oral activities are open ended to provide free verbal communications

Culture lessons are incorporated into each lesson

Extracurricular Clubs

Academic Math Games

Art Club

Battle of Books

ColorGuard

Drama Club

Hugs & Kisses Club

Jewish Club

Multicultural Club

National Junior Honor Society

Robotics Club

Science Club

Student Government Association

Middle School Sports

Additional school information

Orientation & Schedule pick-up will be held during the week of August 18-21 (TBA)

School starts August 17th

Purchase school uniform at All Uniform Wear (located in West Palm Beach)

High School colors = Khaki pants; Hunter green, Navy blue, or White polo shirt

Middle School colors = Navy blue pants; Kelly green, Light gray, or Royal blue polo shirt

Brown belts only

Navy blue sweatshirts and zip-up jackets with Somerset logo or plain Navy blue

Fridays – student may purchase wristband and wear blue jeans or Cougars sweatpants with a Cougars spirit t-shirt

School hours

High School = 7:30am-2:30pm

Middle School = 8:00am-3:00pm

Aftercare hours available till 5:50pm