· Web view2016. 4. 6. · The purpose of the Curriculum Development Policy is to support the...

Collier School

Curriculum Guide

2015-2016

Go Pacers!

Collier School Administration

Sr. Debbie Drago – Executive Director

Cynthia D’Arcy – Director – School

High School

(Pages 4-28)

Raymond Bock III– Principal

Patrick Dowling – Assistant Principal

Supervisors of Instruction

Aideen Bugler

Bernard Polatschek

Director of Social Services

Robert Szafranski

Middle School

(Pages 29-38)

Judith Chevalier – Principal

David Croken – Assistant Principal

Supervisor of Instruction

Randy Flaum

Director of Social Services

Patti Hart

Mission Statement for Collier Youth Services:

The mission of Collier Services is based on a philosophy of deep respect for the inherent worth of each individual, of regard for the environment and belief in capacity for personal change. In each program, Collier strives to provide a place where these sacred beliefs are honored. Collier commits itself to forming relationships with people so that each person may experience a sense of belonging, dignity,and hope.

Curriculum Development Policy:

The purpose of the Curriculum Development Policy is to support the mission of Collier Youth Services along with the belief that all individuals can learn and that high expectations drive high achievement. The plan requires a collaborative team of teachers, administrators and supervisors to examine current curriculum, student performance, research and review general education curriculum from sending districts, design and implement instruction and monitor the results.

We are committed to providing a curriculum that will enable students to achieve the instructional goals set forth in their Individual Education Plans, the NJ Core Curriculum Standards, and applicable state law. The curriculum shall contain all courses required by state law and shall provide for the needs of all students. We encourage and support the professional staff in their efforts to investigate new curricular ideas, develop improved programs and evaluate results.

The NJ Administrative code dictates (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1) that schools evaluate all curricula every five years. Our teachers are continually examining the content of our courses and instructional strategies in collaboration with our supervisory and administrative staffs to determine whether the curriculum is meeting the needs of our students and the expectations of the sending districts. We strive to meet changes in state and national standards, state assessment practices, availability of resources, pedagogical research and discipline specific discoveries as we seek to make our curricula relevant for our students.

Since our student population requires much flexibility in terms of content and pace, our curriculum is designed to serve as a general guideline. Our courses closely follow the structure of the general education courses developed and offered in the many school districts that send students to our program. Teachers will make curricular adaptations in instruction, materials, course content, and assessment practices based on the student’s IEP according to 6A:14-3.7 as we instruct students in the core curriculum content standards through a general education curriculum.

Our teachers, in conjunction with their supervisors, develop a series of student course and learning outcomes for a course that they are teaching or planning to teach as the first step in the process. They then access the many public school curriculum guides that are available through websites like https://liberty.wpunj.edu/library/currmats/NJCurriculum.cfm to find a general education curriculum guide that closely matches their outcomes, facilitates student interests, strengths and abilities. We endeavor to download curriculum guides from sending districts to ease student transition back into the program from which the student came.

Note: Complete course guides can be found on the Goals & Objectives Server under the heading high school curriculum guides.

Collier High School

Courses

Visual and Performing Arts Course Descriptions

Digital Photography: (Visual Art)

Course Description: The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Digital Photography offers an introduction to the methods and uses of digital as well as traditional photo techniques. Units of study include pinhole camera construction, dark room developing, manual camera function, computer editing, high speed photography, and stop motion. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials. This course will earn (5) five visual & performing arts credits.

Drama

Course Description: This course is designed to instruct students in their study and application of musical theatre. Students will analyze play scripts, short plays and scenes from a variety of different influences to increase awareness of acting techniques. Towards this end students will perform both alone and with others in collaborative productions for the Collier community. Theatre students will also learn their curriculum while making vital connections with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Instrumental Music

Course Description: Instrumental Music is an elective class which is primarily designed to teach students how to play various musical instruments. Towards this end, students will learn numerous musical elements such as notation, intervals, chords, melody/harmony, and fingering. At the same time, students will also explore the history of musical instruments, while also examining 21st Century technology and it’s impact on music. Throughout the year, Instrumental Music students will be required to perform simple and complex compositions and compose and perform original compositions in connection with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Musical Production/Theatre

Course Description: This course is designed to instruct students in their study and application of musical theatre. Students will analyze play scripts, short plays and scenes from a variety of different influences to increase awareness of acting techniques. Towards this end students will perform both alone and with others in collaborative productions for the Collier community. In connection with the Music Strand, students will also be required to learn and apply proper vocal techniques through both warm ups and pour applied musical theatre repertoire. Musical Production/Theatre students will also learn their curriculum while making vital connections with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Theatre Tech

Course Description: This is a collaborative, project-based class, which will create an opportunity for students to learn and develop those skills needed to produce a dramatic or musical production. The students will assist in the many aspects of theater production under the auspices of a series of teachers and several outside audio/sound specialists. Course work will include: set design and construction; scene decoration; stage property building; costume construction; lighting and sound. In addition, the students will learn the responsibilities of the set builder, stage manager, properties manager and make-up artist. Through direct involvement in actual musical & dramatic productions, students will learn creative problem solving, leadership, responsibility, communication skills, and how to collaborate successfully with individuals and groups. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Sculpture: (Visual Art)

Course Description: The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Sculpture offers an introduction to the methods and uses of materials and three dimensional building techniques in art. Units of study include mold making, casting, carving, CAD, and CNC control, using materials such as aluminum, latex, wood, clay, and found objects. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials. This course will earn (5) five visual & performing arts credits.

Studio Art I-IV

Course Description: The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Studio Art I offers an introduction to the methods and uses of materials in art. Units of study include drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, fiber and metal. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of art materials. Studio Art II, III & IV will build upon the foundation of Studio Art I with increasingly complex projects. Students continue to receive individual instruction as they develop personal imagery. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Video Production

Course Description: The arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language. Video Production offers an introduction to the methods and uses of digital video design, production, and editing. Units of study include storyboarding, lighting, sound, camera control, non-linear editing, stop motion, special effects, and live production. Students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe usage of video equipment. This course will earn (5) five visual & performing arts credits.

Vocal Music

Course Description: Vocal music is designed to guide the Collier student towards personal improvement in the art of singing through study in several musical areas. Students will learn to perform both alone and with others while studying a variety of musical genres and languages. Vocal music students will also be required to learn and apply proper vocal techniques through warm-ups and our applied musical literature/repertoire. Vocal Music students will learn to interpret, analyze, and assess vocal, choral, and a capella musical selections and performances in connection with the NJCCCS for the Performing Arts. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Course Descriptions:

Health A: Fitness/Nutrition

Course Description: Health: Fitness/Nutrition is offered for one marking period and deals with health enhancing life skills within the areas of fitness and nutrition with the goal of promoting behaviors that contribute to a healthful lifestyle and improved quality of life. Course emphasis will be on lifetime fitness and the students will participate in discussions and laboratory activities dealing with the health related aspects of fitness. The subject matter presented will help students to understand the reasons for many exercise related injuries, increase prevention knowledge with the hope of eliminating or minimizing the cause of many injuries, and realize the lifelong importance of developing and maintaining good health. This class will earn one point two five (1.25) credits in health/ physical education.

Health B: Family Life,Sexuality & Fitness

Course Description: Health is offered for one marking period and deals with life skills, choices, human sexuality, and contemporary health issues within the arena of family living. This course is concerned with personal relationships and the natural progression of experiences that draw young men and women toward marriage and family living. It also consists of units on mental health, interpersonal relationships, safe dating, domestic violence and suicide prevention. Discussion of issues such as domestic violence and sexual assault, cyber bullying, and gang violence will assist students in identifying factors that lead to violence and develop strategies to avoid potentially violent situations In addition our students need to do additional work in the area of fitness. This class will earn one point two five (1.25) credits in health/physical education.

Health C: First Aid, CPR ,Wellness & Fitness

Course Description: Wellness and Healthy Relationships is offered for one marking period and will include work on First Aid and CPR. Class discussion will focus on developing student understanding of how mental health relates to total health and discover ways to improve and maintain their own mental health. Students will also examine the effect of dependency on one’s physical and psychological health. All units will incorporate good decision making and refusal skills. In addition our students need to do additional work in the area of fitness. This class will earn one point two five (1.25) credits in health/physical education.

Driver’s Education

Course Description: This course will be devoted to driver education theory and will meet the state mandate for thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction. Students in the course will be exposed to all aspects of driving techniques and safety, automotive care, financial responsibility, defensive driving, and the study of traffic laws and regulations. The students will be given opportunities to develop critical thinking skills that will enable them to make decisions that are essential to safe, responsible driving. This class will earn 1.25 health credits.

Physical Education 9-12

Course Description: Course content will introduce students to the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities; cardio-respiratory endurance; strength and flexibility; selected team, individual/dual sports; understanding the implications and benefits of involvement in physical activities; participation in physical activities; and social development. In other words, we will focus on developing a physically educated person. This class will earn 3.75 physical education credits.

Holistic Physical Education (Supplemenal Class based on Student Need)

Course Description: : The focus of this class is on fitness, nutrition & brain processing exercises as we cover some lifetime sports and basic skills rather than team sports. The emphasis will be on healthy eating, up-to- date fitness practices and consistent participation in exercises that strengthen the eye muscles and improve sensory processing. The class will utilize the Empowered Learning & Transformation Centers Program that works on the brain’s processing abilities. They will also be using a computer program, Brainware Safari, to improve cognitive function, visual processing & sensory motor integration. This class will earn 3.75 physical education credits and 1.25 health credits.

Language Arts Literacy Course Descriptions:

English I

Course Description: English I provides students with a variety of experiences in which they explore the basic language arts literacy skills. Special emphasis is given to the writing process in which students study parts of speech, sentence and paragraph structure, and an expository essay. The students will also be exposed to various literary forms, elements, and devices throughout the year. In addition, there will be a formal structured debate/public speaking activity and research topic that all are expected to participate in. Communication skills, such as vocabulary and development of proper grammar usage are emphasized to prepare students for more advanced courses. This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

English II

Course Description: English II is designed for the tenth grade student and it covers a large range of literary forms as well as practice in the five types of writing. The student will be required to select, apply, and adjust reading strategies according to the material and purpose for reading. Class discussion and writing assignments will accompany each reading project as the student analyzes how works of literature reflect historical events, social conditions, or universal themes. The student will be required to complete a research project /assignment that synthesizes and cites data. This research is to be tied into a formal speaking topic or novel that they read. In addition, the student will be required to participate in a public speaking unit or formal debate that will enable them to fine-tune their speaking and listening skills. This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

English III

Course Description: English III provides students with an overview of literature in the United States from various periods of history. It focuses on several aspects of literature as the students are exposed to various literary forms, elements and devices. The students will be able to select, apply, and adjust reading strategies according to the material and purpose for reading. After reviewing the fundamentals of writing, students will be expected to put these skills into practice in various forms. This writing will include poetry, position paper, research papers, essays, & other creative writing assignments. In addition, the students will be expected to demonstrate effective speaking, listening and viewing skills throughout the year. This class will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

English IV

Course Description: English IV provides the student with an overview of world literature through selective examples of various writers, cultures, & periods of history. The course focuses on a wide range of literary forms, elements, & devices that elicit an aesthetic response. The student will become familiar with how poetry, short stories, & novels deal with historical events, social conditions, and universal themes as they study our global literary tradition. The student will have opportunities to demonstrate effective reading, writing, viewing, speaking, & listening skills throughout the course. Emphasis will be placed on the skills the student needs to function in society once they have graduated. The students will fill out mock job applications, college applications, and create an up-to-date resume with an appropriate cover letter. This class will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

English Arts

Course Description: This is a contemporary literature course, which provides for the study of modern literature as well as building reading comprehension skills. In addition, creative writing component is included under the assumption that good writing improves with good reading. The students will read, discuss, and write about different genres of literature: short stories, novels, and plays. Assignments are structured in such a way that it will force the student to see the writer that they read as commenting on the same things the student thinks about and indeed consumes. This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

American Literature

Course Description: In this course, the student will experience the many facets of American Literature as expressed in the works of authors from the early settlers right up to the modern era. The course will begin by analyzing short stories of the modern period. This will allow the students to formulate some concept of the evolution of American society. Then we will launch into a cultural study of how America came to establish these views. Students will study the writings and development of minority cultures including: Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and women. In addition, the writings of Thoreau, Emerson, Poe, and Franklin will be examined. To culminate this unit on American sub-cultures, the students will be required to write a research paper illustrating their mastery of a sub-culture of their choice. This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

British Literature

Course Description:. This course will examine British Literature through a thematic approach covering various . There will be a comparative approach to authors such as Shakespeare, Chaucer, Colridge, Wordsworth, Wilde, Hornby, Gardner, and Orwell. These works of fiction, drama, poetry and short story will be viewed critically and form the basis for students' essays, exams, research papers, discussion, and presentations. The students will relate literature to interdisciplinary and global topics to write analytically in order to demonstrate mastery. This class will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

Fiction Writing

Course Description: Fiction Writing is designed for students who love creating fiction and are interested in improving their own work. As a part of this process students will explore the various types of fiction writing including short stories, monologues, and plays as well as specific genres such as children’s fiction, fantasy, and horror. Students will write daily and, over time, produce at least three polished works a semester to put in the school’s literary magazine, Mosaic. The class will produce the magazine twice a year. This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

Literature Through Film

Course Description: Through the study of various genres of film, the student will develop literary comprehension and interpretive skills as well as writing skills for expository, analytical and comparative essays. In depth exploration of film as belonging to a particular genre and being the product of a particular director’s vision will build fluency with the exposition of information, the construction of narratives, the development of characters and the elicitation of both aesthetic and emotional response. The students will address not only various story telling styles, but also historical, cross-cultural and contemporary issues. Students will read works that inspired film adaptations and compare the experience of the story across different media. This course will earn five (5) language arts or academic credits.

Women in Literature Curriculum

Course Description:

This course introduces students to female authors from around the world. The course is aimed at providing students with historical approach to understanding literature by female authors. A variety of readings, writing assignments and speaking/listening/viewing experiences will challenge students to think critically in order to evaluate issues in today’s society from the female viewpoint. Historically, women have been marginalized in terms of human and political rights. In this course, students will consider the historical events that allowed for this and the literature and art by women in response to the age in which they lived and worked.

Mathematics Course Descriptions:

Algebra I, Algebra IA, & Algebra IB

Course Description: This course is designed to stimulate and develop clear, logical, creative thinking by reviewing basic mathematical concepts and order of operations before introducing the student to the world of algebra. Some of the topics covered will require the student to use the language of algebra, perform operations with real numbers, solve equations, inequalities, and word problems, demonstrate an elementary understanding of relations and functions, graph and use linear equations and inequalities, perform operations with polynomials, work with ratios, proportions and percents. This class will earn five (5) mathematics credits.

Algebra II

Course Description: This course extends the processes of algebra introduced in Algebra I and uses the geometrical concepts from geometry to produce a more meaningful, in- depth approach to new topics in Algebra. Some of the topics included are: real numbers, equations and inequalities, graphs and functions, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, equations and numerical methods, analytic geometry and matrices. This course will earn five (5) mathematical credits.

Calculus

Course Description: This course provides for the study of the calculus of single-variable functions. It is intended to prepare the student for a first-year college-level calculus course, and assumes successful completion of two years of algebra, as well as one year of trigonometry/analytic geometry. Calculus is the foundation for math, science and technical fields. The concepts and problem-solving techniques underlying limits, derivatives, and integrals will be presented and practiced, using a variety of problems provided by the curriculum. In all exercises sets, application problems will be investigated in order to show the student how the language and techniques of calculus may be used to solve real-world situations in fields such as engineering, physics, medicine, economics, statistics, as well as many others. This class will earn five (5) mathematics credits.

Conceptual Geometry

Course Description: This course is designed to initiate and develop the study of the basic structure of geometry and geometric relationships and formal deductive proofs without the burden of a highly analytical problem solving approach normally associated with a typical high school geometry course. Some of the topics covered in the course include: points, lines, planes, segments, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, right triangles, circles, constructions, and perimeter, area, and volume. It addition, the students will be taught how to use calculators and various drawing utensils to create geometric shapes and figures. This class will earn five (5) mathematics credits.

Geometry

Course Description: This course is designed to stimulate and develop clear, logical, creative thinking through the study of the basic structure of geometry and geometric relationships and formal deductive proofs. Some of the topics covered in the course include: points, lines, planes, segments, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, right triangles, circles, constructions, and perimeter, area, and volume. It addition, the students will be taught how to use calculators and various drawing utensils to create geometric shapes and figures. This class will earn five (5) mathematics credits.

Personal Financial Literacy

Course Description: The main goal of this course is to introduce students to everyday concepts that they will encounter in business and finance. Business and financial issues/problems will provide the practice for using the tools necessary to interpret and analyze the economic data needed to make policy and financial decisions. Students will be required to perform calculations using the four operations, utilize algebraic concepts & processes, interpret & analyze graphs, and relate them to real life situations. At the same time, the course will enhance student awareness of all the skills needed to survive in a competitive workplace. This course will enable students to apply concepts learned to their personal living situation, enabling them to set goals and become fiscally responsible through the application of budgetary discipline. In addition, course content will delve into the realities of independent living, budgeting, earnings, taxation, checking & savings accounts, and goal setting. This course will earn five (5) credits and fulfill the state requirement for graduation.

Pre-Algebra

Course Description: Pre-Algebra, as itsd name implies, is a math course emphasizing the basic core goals of general mathematics but with an emphasis on skills leading to preparation for Algebra I. This course is will acquaint the student with essential areas in mathematics such as decimals, percents, fractions, and algebraic expressions and equations. These areas and others will be introduced and explored through various activities that encourage student problem solving, reasoning, and communication. These learning experiences will allow the student to develop both an appreciation for the role of mathematics in our society and stronger self-image relative to their ability to do mathematics. This course will earn five (5) mathematics credits.

Pre-Calculus (Advanced Algebra / Trigonometry)

Course Description: This course continues the study of Algebra II and examines basic trigonometric functions. The course covers the following topics; exponents & logarithms, quadratic relations & conic sections, evaluating & graphing polynomial functions, basic formulas, functions of acute angles, solution of right triangles, trigonometric analysis, including identities and trigonometric equations; and graphs of the functions. There is an emphasis placed on the analytic aspects of trigonometry with the solution of interesting problems from practical fields. The student will acquire sufficient background to prepare him/her for the study of calculus. This class will earn five (5) mathematics credits.

Statistics & Probability

Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with an intense foundational introduction to fundamental concepts in higher mathematics. Data collection, description and analysis are studies as ways to report findings and build mathematical models for prediction and decision making. Probability is used to assess the usefulness of models. The course uses a practical approach to statistics in which concepts are explained intuitively and supported by real-life examples. This course will earn (5) mathematics credits.

Science Course Descriptions:

Agriscience / Greenhouse Management

Course Description: The student in this vocationally oriented course will have the opportunity to combine hands-on experience in gardening, landscape and greenhouse horticulture with the traditional science-lab classroom experience. The course will focus on introducing the student to the scientific principles that are involved in the art and science of breeding, propagating, installing, and maintaining plants that are used to enhance and improve the human environment. Landscape design, forestry, plant science, natural resource management, meteorology and weather, and entrepreneurship in agriscience are some of the topics that will be studied. This double period class will earn five (5) science credits and five (5) career education or elective credits.

Chemistry

Course Description: This course will direct the student toward understanding the fundamental nature of matter, the changes in its composition, and the energy change accompanying these transformations. Course content will deal with substances that occur naturally - the minerals of the earth, the gasses of the air, the water and salts of the seas, the chemicals found in living creatures - and also with substances created by humans. It will also be concerned with natural changes - the burning of a tree that has been struck by lightning, the chemical changes that are central to life - and also with new transformations invented and created by chemists. This laboratory science class will earn five (5) science credits.

Contemporary Science

Course Description: This course will be a tour of the various sciences in the recorded period of the history of humankind. The student in this elective science course will survey the foundations of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Astronomy. It will touch upon the roots of Mathematics, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology. Topics covered will include: the metric system, scientific method, formation of the Solar System, cosmology, force, energy, motion, heat, sound, light, automation & technology, atomic structure, the properties of life processes, contemporary issues in science. There will also be experimentation and research study skills built into each unit. This lab science class will earn five (5) science credits.

Earth Science

Course Description: This course will require the student to develop and apply his/her scientific knowledge by studying the interrelationship of humans to the Earth's interior, land, sea, air, and space. The student will study four areas of the earth sciences; geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. In addition, he/she will be exposed to units on the scientific method and scientific measurement. This class will earn five (5) science credits.

Environmental Science

Course Description: Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the most sophisticated of all ecosystems - the earth. The course will expose the student to chemistry, ecology, biology, geology, and other relevant material. The student will learn to identify biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, examine various ethical and moral stands which shape the approach to environmental issues, explore energy and matter flow through living systems, alternate energy sources, waste disposal, impact of human activity on natural ecosystems, importance of biodiversity, and explore possible solutions to the growing global issues. This class will earn five (5) science credits.

Forensic Science (CSI)

Course Description: This course will focus on the activities of the crime lab as students learn the methodology needed to evaluate a crime scene, the proper lab mechanics to evaluate evidence, and how to compare between a known and unknown. The lab portions and recitations will focus on the methods to link suspect, victim and crime scene. Students will learn how DNA, fingerprinting, document & handwriting analysis, ballistics, serology, and other forensic tests can be used to solve a crime. The course will involve all areas of science and students will be required to incorporate the use of technology. This lab science class will earn five (5) science credits.

Lab Biology

Course Description: This is a biological laboratory course which incorporates experiments, exploratory / dissection labs, cooperative activities and discussion. This course will introduce the student to the study of systems and cycles within living organisms. The course will have the student design and carry out experiments, observations, and investigations of the natural world using the scientific method. In addition, a basic body of content dealing with metrics / measuring, lab safety, criteria of life, chemical basis of life, cell function and structure, genetics, biodiversity, evolution, classification, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, human anatomy/physiology and ecology. This class will earn five (5) science credits.

Physical Science (Principles of Science)

Course Description: The student in this introductory science class will have the opportunity to acquire fundamental understandings in the life and physical sciences as well as exploring the nature of science and scientific inquiry. The metric system, scientific method, force, energy & work, motion, simple machines, heat, waves both light and sound, electricity, magnetism, matter, density, atomic structure, biochemistry of living organisms and the periodic table are some of the topics studied. There will also be an infusion of reading, writing, and study skills built into each unit. This non-lab science class will earn five (5) science credits.

Physics

Course Description: This course provides for a study of the basic elements of physics. Among the topics covered are kinematics, Newton’s Laws, analysis of motion, energy, rotation, conservation and force which will enhance student understanding of the basic physical concepts which govern the physical universe. Students will be involved in a variety of real world simulations that require them to apply concepts of physics and mathematics to the solution of rudimentary physics problems. The student is expected to have previously and successfully completed chemistry and at least two years of algebra. This class will earn five (5) science credits.

STEM

STEM is a full year study designed primarily for students who want to enhance their knowledge of technology and science. This course seeks to build a firm foundation for understanding technology by blending an understanding of basic physics principles with practice in applying these principles. Concepts like force, work, and rate are introduced and their applications in mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems are demonstrated. This course provides students with the fundamental understanding of the engineering design process. Students will engage in the engineering design process of design and build through project based work that infuses guiding industry standards along with engineering, science, and mathematic principles.

In addition, a large segment of time will be devoted to robotics. Each unit builds on knowledge learned in the previous unit to help the student understand modern interdisciplinary systems. The correct use of laboratory equipment will be learned, and laboratory experiments will compliment each area of study. This class will earn (5) five science credits.

Social Studies Course Descriptions:

Anthropology

Course Description: Anthropology is a social studies elective and the course has no prerequisites and is designed for all levels of students in grades 11 and 12, who have an interest in studying cultural anthropology. The mission of Anthropology is to prepare students to critically interpret and interface with the world around them, by presenting the student with a broad introduction to cultural anthropology, a comparative study of the worlds’ people and cultures, by using information from the natural, social, and behavior sciences. Particular emphasis will be placed on how the material can be applied by students in their own observations and interactions. This course will earn (5) five social studies credits.

Criminal Justice

Course Description: This course introduces the students to the basic components, principles, and processes of the criminal justice system. Students will examine the organization and operation of the three basic components of the criminal justice system – law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Descriptions of the duties and functions of specific actors in the system, including the victim, offender, police, prosecuting and defense attorneys, courts and corrections will be addressed. In addition, the role of the US Constitution and state and federal laws will be analyzed. Career opportunities in criminal justice will also be discussed. This course will earn five (5) elective credits.

Economics

Course Description: The main goal of this course is to educate the students in the concepts and applications of economics to help them become more productive citizens in their roles as consumers, producers, and investors in a global economy. Through the study of economics the students will acquire the knowledge to understand political, social, and historical events and become aware of the many issues that impact their personal lives, their state, local and national governments, and the global economy in which they will be forced to exist in. Students will be exposed to issues of taxation, scarcity, supply and demand, the environment, and how different economic systems address these issues. This course will enable students to delve into the many issues and realities of the economic issues that affect the world, our country and their lives. This course will earn five (5) elective credits.

Essentials of World History

Course Description: This course presents a panorama of people and their development by analyzing various themes from the age of global encounters/ Enlightenment to the present. It is designed to acquaint the student with the fundamental or basic concepts of world history that a person living in the 21st century needs without the emphasis on the preparation for the academic rigors of college. Topics and themes will focus on religious movements, global conflict, revolutions, educational enlightenment, government & political institutions, exploration, colonization, industrialization and finally, globalization. There is also a strong emphasis placed on geographical concepts. The course is designed to increase student awareness of multiculturalism as a means of reducing ethnocentrism. Attention to the skills of the historian as well as those of reading comprehension and written expression will be addressed throughout the course with the use of primary sources. This course will earn five (5) social studies credits.

Holocaust/Genocide Studies

Course Description: This course will enable students to examine the psychological, cultural, political and societal roots of human cruelty, mass violence and genocide. The Holocaust, genocides in Darfur, Turkey, Cambodia, Tibet & Bosnia, the disappearances in Argentina & Chile, the death squad killings in El Salvador, Stalin’s purges, the killing of the Tutsi in Rwanda, the “relocation” of Japanese Americans, treatment of Native Americans, and our participation in the African slave trade will be focal points of study. This course will earn five (50 elective credits.

Mythology

Course Description: The course in mythology is designed to give the students a broad background in world myths across many different cultures. They will learn the symbolic meaning of myths through the acquisition of vocabulary and analysis of the stories. There will be an emphasis on class discussion, reading, and reporting in both written and oral form. The students are encouraged to read out loud in class, and construct a variety of class projects from stories to artwork, related to the mythic literature. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Philosophy

Course Description: In this course, the students will experience a way of thinking that can be practiced and developed. Students will explore fundamental questions about human nature; personal & social responsibilities; social justice; good & evil; etc. to become acquainted with the principles underlying their own values and beliefs as well as those of other people and traditions. This course will earn five (5) elective credits.

Psychology

Course Description: This course is designed to expose the student to the basic theories and principles of human behavior. The student will learn about psychological methods, human development, biological influences, theories of personality, and the role of learning in personality development. The course combines text work, library materials, magazine/newspaper articles, videos and class group discussions as the class attempts to understand the basics of psychology and its impact on his/her life. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

Sociology

Course Description: This academic elective within the History/Social Studies Department is an introductory survey of sociology, the study of people in groups. The students will learn the history, vocabulary, and principle theories of the subject, as well as individual topics, such as the family, subcultures, deviance, social stratification, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and the impact of social pressures on the individual. The students are encouraged to relate what they learn to life experiences through class discussion and the integration of works of literature into the curriculum. The students will be expected to complete a final sociological project and oral presentations throughout the course. This class will earn five (5) elective credits.

US History I

Course Description: This course is a chronological survey of American History. It begins with the Native American tribes and proceeds to the settlement of the American continents by the Europeans and progresses through the late 1930s. . Topics and themes will focus on the events, people, and movements that have shaped our nation's history and our society as well as the United States' unique position in the world. Subjects studied include the geography, discovery, exploration, colonization, and settlement of the nation. The course will also focus on the function, structure & operation of the US Government. The role of family, religion, social, political and economic institutions in the development of our society will be incorporated. In addition, the course will identify the role of NJ in the development of the US. This class will earn five (5) social studies credits.

US History II

Course Description: This course is a chronological survey of American History from the economic collapse of 1929 to the present. Topics and themes will focus on the events, people, and movements that have shaped our nation's history and our society as well as the United States' unique position in the world. Subjects studied include the structure and function of various American governing bodies, the economy, changing American culture, the effects of technology, issues of inteolerance and reform, and the development of a multicultural society. This class will earn five (5) social studies credits.

World History

Course Description: This course presents a panorama of people and their development by analyzing various themes from the age of global encounters/ Enlightenment to the present. Topics and themes will focus on religious movements, global conflict, revolutions, educational enlightenment, government & political institutions, exploration, colonization, industrialization and finally, globalization. There is also a strong emphasis placed on geographical concepts. The course is designed to increase student awareness of multiculturalism as a means of reducing ethnocentrism. Attention to the skills of the historian as well as those of reading comprehension and written expression will be addressed throughout the course with the use of primary sources. This course will earn five (5) social studies credits.

World Language Courses of Study:

Spanish I

Course Description: This is an introductory course for the student who has not studied or been exposed to Spanish before. The course will concentrate on both oral comprehension and production along with a general understanding of the culture. Spanish I is designed to encourage natural language acquisition through constant exposure to and repetition of the vocabulary, syntax and basic grammar of everyday situations. Initially, emphasis is primarily on listening, repeating and speaking, but advancement to reading and writing does take place. This class will earn five (5) academic credits.

Spanish II

Course Description: This course is a continuation of Spanish I and is offered to the student who has mastered basic oral and written skills and who feels comfortable in a classroom where mostly Spanish is spoken. There is an emphasis on the student's ability to express himself/herself both orally and in writing with more complex vocabulary and structure. In addition, further study of Spanish culture and history will be undertaken. This class will earn five (5) academic credits.

Spanish III

Course Description: In this advanced course a great deal of emphasis is placed on reading comprehension as it relates to Spanish Literature, written expression, and the ability to express one's self fluently in another language. The student will acquire a more sophisticated vocabulary and an understanding of all major grammatical concepts. In addition, he/she will develop a sensitivity to the diverstiy of the Hispanic world. This class will earn five (5) academic credits.

Italian I

Course Description: This is an introductory course in Italian for our students. The course will concentrate on both oral comprehension and production along with a general understanding of the culture. Italian I is designed to encourage natural language acquisition through constant exposure to and repetition of the vocabulary, syntax and basic grammar of everyday situations. Initially, emphasis is primarily on listening, repeating and speaking, but advancement to reading and writing does take place. This class will earn five (5) academic credits.

Career Education, Consumer, Family Life Courses:

Agriscience / Greenhouse Management

Course Description: The student in this vocationally oriented course will have the opportunity to combine hands-on experience in gardening, landscape and greenhouse horticulture with the traditional science-lab classroom experience. The course will focus on introducing the student to the scientific principles that are involved in the art and science of breeding, propagating, installing, and maintaining plants that are used to enhance and improve the human environment. Landscape design, forestry, plant science, natural resource management, meteorology and weather, and entrepreneurship in agriscience are some of the topics that will be studied. This double period class will earn five (5) science credits and five (5) career education or elective credits.

Barbering

Course Description: This career oriented course is designed to acquaint a student who aspires to work in the field of cosmetology (barbering) with the skills and knowledge the professional barber must possess. Students will be given a thorough understanding of both the theory and the practice of all pertinent subjects. The students will acquire entry-level skills that are required to render professional services and pass the state licensing exam. Bacteriology; decontamination and infection control; shampooing, rinsing, and conditioning; haircutting; manicuring and pedicuring; and the salon business are some of the topics covered in this course. This course will earn five (5) career or elective credits.

Broadcasting

This course provides students the opportunity to examine their own relationship with television and encourages an examination of the medium. Additionally, it demonstrates that the “magic” of media is carefully planned and expertly executed. This course requires students to create video based projects that allow them to enter the world of visual media which is so prevalent in society today. The course seeks to spark an interest in video journalism, comedy, public service, school initiatives, community activities and much more. Finally, the course gives students the opportunity to apply language to a current communication medium and to employ the tools and technology of the trade in their own planned production. This class will earn (5) five visual and performing arts credits.

Building Trades

Course Description: This vocationally oriented course provides the student who aspires to work within the construction occupational cluster with the basic skills and technical aspects of carpentry the professional carpenter must possess. The student will be given a thorough understanding of both theory and hands-on experience within the field to enhance career development and provide entry-level skills. Topics covered include safety; measurement, the identification, selection, and use of power and hand tools; lumber; framing; shop organization and maintenance; career opportunities; and cooperation within the workplace. This course will earn ten (10) career education, consumer, family life skill or elective credits.

C.A.D. I

Course Description: Computer Aided Design I is a course designed for students who may be considering post secondary training in related areas, such as Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or Industrial Design. The CAD courseware includes, but is not limited to, 2D and 3D design, parametric modeling, engineering drawings, as well as Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology. Students learn by creating computer-generated single view and orthographic designs along with constructing models/prototypes. The CAD course will increase the students’ awareness of various facets of engineering fields including manufacturing techniques, design trends, design styles, CAD functions, and creating prototypes for presentation to clients. Skills in communication, mathematics, science, leadership, teamwork, and problem solving are reinforced in this course. This class will earn (5) five career education credits.

Computer Applications

Course Description: Computer Applications is a one year course. It is designed for students who are interested in learning to use various computer applications. The course will provide students with an opportunity to become immersed in the world of computer software and its various content areas and career paths. The student will learn about the use of various computer applications through hands on use. These applications vary from C.A.D. type applications (Autodesk) to game development environments (Unreal Engine) to basic office applications (Microsoft Office). Each student chooses applications based on their interests and skill level. All students develop and demonstrate proficiency with essential tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel throughout the year in their digital log. Computer Applications I is intended to expand student knowledge and abilities with regard to the operation of computers and a wide variety of applications.

Cosmetology

Course Description: This vocationally oriented course is designed to acquaint a student who aspires to work in the field of cosmetology with the skills and knowledge the professional cosmetologist must possess. The student will be given a thorough understanding of both the theory and the practice of all pertinent subjects. The student will acquire entry level skills that are required to render professional services and pass the state licensing exam. Bacteriology; decontamination and infection control; shampooing, rinsing, and conditioning; haircutting; manicuring and pedicuring; and the salon business are some of the topics covered in this course. This class will earn five (5) career or elective credits.

Culinary Arts -Accelerated

Course Description: This course is designed to provide the students with more advanced experiences in the food service / culinary arts industry by meeting two periods per day. Students will continue to develop and refine their knowledge to work in volume - feeding establishments. They will have the opportunity to work on spices & flavoring procedures, breakfast & egg cookery procedures, salads & salad dressing procedures, stocks, soups, & sauces procedures, poultry, meat & fish procedures and vegetable, potatoes & starches procedures. All students participate daily in the kitchen laboratory in planning, preparing, and serving cafeteria and special event meals. The program is operated on an open-entry/open-exit basis and features a course of study which allows the student to proceed at his or her own pace. The structure of the curriculum is such that with the completion of each unit of study, the student will be job ready for the skills covered in the next unit. Actual food preparation accounts for seventy percent of the learning activities, while the additional thirty percent is provided by text, videos, handouts, lectures, etc. This class will earn five (5) career education, consumer, family, life skills or elective credits.

Culinary Arts

Course Description: This introductory course is designed to develop student abilities to acquire entry level skills in the food service / culinary arts industry. The student will acquire the basic knowledge to work in volume - feeding establishments. He/She will have the opportunity to learn and practice safety and sanitation procedures, use and maintain commercial food service equipment, and prepare food. The student will participate daily in the kitchen laboratory in planning, preparing, and serving cafeteria and special event meals. The program is operated on an open-entry/open-exit basis and features a course of study, which allows the student to proceed at his or her own pace. The structure of the curriculum is such that with the completion of each unit of study, the student will be job ready for the skills covered in the next unit. Actual food preparation accounts for seventy percent of the learning activities, while the additional thirty percent is provided by text, videos, handouts, lectures, etc. This course will earn five (5) career education, consumer, family life skills or elective credits.

Fashion / Styling / Esthetics

Course Description:

This course is designed for those students who want to develop their talents to create a personal style, apply essentials of style to your own life or explore styling as a professional career. It provides students with the opportunity to experience the development of apparel, wardrobe planning, consumer decisions, advertising campaigns, analysis of fashion trends, fashion history, current trends and designers, hair styles and make-up. Projects may include internet and magazine research, timelines, portfolio presentations, coloring, modeling, accessorizing and total look concepts. Do you find yourself giving fashion advice, or critiquing others’ outfits? How can an extra accessory or layer of clothing take an outfit from zero to sixty? Do you know what makes a person look good? Are you a trendsetter or have a passion for style? Do you know how to beautify your skin? Do you know how make-up can enhance your appearance? This course will earn five (5) Career Family Life credits.

Studio Video Production

Course Description: Students will learn real-world strategies for successful studio video production. They are expected to develop a concept for a video that they would like to create. Students will learn the art, science, and craft of digital video production. This is a project oriented course that will include in-depth coverage of the production process, including crew roles, concept story-boarding, camera techniques, lighting, sound, editing and special effects until they have a finished product. The students are responsible for overseeing their own projects as well as assisting on each other’s projects. They will learn the basics of film-making as well as the importance of working as a team. This course will earn (5) five visual & performing arts credits.

Technological Literacy Courses:

The following courses employ a great deal of technology within the structure of the course and emphasize NJ Standards 8.1 & 8.2: Digital Photography, Sculpture, Video Production, C.A.D. I, STEM & Studio Video Production. All of our other courses incorporate strands from these standards to a much lesser degree.

Collier Middle School

Courses

21

Performing Arts Course Description

Chorus

Course Description:

Chorus students will learn to use their vocal instrument to create a correct and pleasing singing sound. In addition to learning

proper vocal production and technique, students will also learn music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance

skills. Chorus also offers opportunities for students to develop team building and leadership skills. This is a performance -based

class. Participation in concert performances outside of regular class hours may be req uired.

Music

Course Description: The students enrolled in this class will have a hands -on experience and classroom instruction to take them

on a musical journey so that they can begin to develop written and verbal skills to analyze music to become life -long consumers o

this indispensable art form. Students are involved in listening, analyzing, composing and improvising music, as well as play ing

instruments and singing.

Art

Course Description: Visual/Studio Art in the middle school is a series of learning experiences correlating to the developmental

stages of the students. Middle School Studio Art offers an introduction to the methods and use of materials in art. Units o f study

include drawing, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and computer art & 3D printing. The students will be exposed to the

elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Inclu ded in

these studies is the proper handling and safe use of art materials. Successive art courses within the middle school build upon the

foundations established in the earlier grades with increasingly complex assignments.

Drama

Course Description: The course is based on the philosophy of the New Jersey Framework for the Visual and Performing Arts.

These standards provide a framework for the study that develops and strengthens the students’ comprehension, analytical, and

communication skills. These standards also provide for the development of performance skills and techniques as well as the

acquisition of knowledge pertinent to this discipline. As students develop these skills and gain the knowledge, they will begin to

apply and utilize both in their own original works of theatre as well as in the work of others.

Performing Arts Course Description

Chorus

Course Description:

Chorus students will learn to use their vocal instrument to create a correct and pleasing singing sound. In addition to learning proper vocal production and technique, students will also learn music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance skills. Chorus also offers opportunities for students to develop team building and leadership skills. This is a performance-based class. Participation in concert performances outside of regular class hours may be required.

Music

Course Description: The students enrolled in this class will have a hands-on experience and classroom instruction to take them on a musical journey so that they can begin to develop written and verbal skills to analyze music to become life-long consumers o this indispensable art form. Students are involved in listening, analyzing, composing and improvising music, as well as playing instruments and singing.

Art

Course Description: Visual/Studio Art in the middle school is a series of learning experiences correlating to the developmental stages of the students. Middle School Studio Art offers an introduction to the methods and use of materials in art. Units of study include drawing, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and computer art & 3D printing. The students will be exposed to the elements and principles of design, color theory, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation and aspects of art history. Included in these studies is the proper handling and safe use of art materials. Successive art courses within the middle school build upon the foundations established in the earlier grades with increasingly complex assignments.

Drama

Course Description: The course is based on the philosophy of the New Jersey Framework for the Visual and Performing Arts. These standards provide a framework for the study that develops and strengthens the students’ comprehension, analytical, and communication skills. These standards also provide for the development of performance skills and techniques as well as the acquisition of knowledge pertinent to this discipline. As students develop these skills and gain the knowledge, they will begin to apply and utilize both in their own original works of theatre as well as in the work of others.

Physical Education Grades 5 & 6

Course Description: The course content will introduce the student to the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical

activities; cardio-respiratory endurance; strength and flexibility; selected team, individual/dual sports; understanding the

implications and benefits of involvement in physical activities; participation in physical activities; and social development . In

other words, we will focus on developing a physically educated person.


Course Description: The course content will introduce the student to the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical

activities; cardio-respiratory endurance; strength and flexibility; selected team, individual/dual sports; unde rstanding the

implications and benefits of involvement in physical activities; participation in physical activities; and social development . In

other words, we will focus on developing a physically educated person.

Health Education Grades 5

Course Description: This course will focus on four main areas: human growth & development, healthy relationships, fitness &

nutrition. Topics will include, but not be limited to, friendships, dating relationships & bullying, daily physical activity ,

components of fitness, safety & equipment, puberty, reproductive system, eating healthy and personal hygiene. Successive

health courses within the middle school build upon the foundations established in the earlier grades with increasingly comple x

assignments and discussions.

Health Education Grades 6, 7 & 8

Course Description: This course will focus on four main areas: human growth & development, healthy relationships, fitness &

nutrition. Topics will include, but not be limited to, friendships, dating relationships & bullying, daily physical activity,

components of fitness, safety & equipment, puberty, reproductive system, eating healthy and personal hygiene. Successive

health courses within the middle school build upon the foundations established in the earlier gra des with

increasingly complex assignments and discussions.


Course Description: The course content will introduce the student to the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities; cardio-respiratory endurance; strength and flexibility; selected team, individual/dual sports; understanding the implications and benefits of involvement in physical activities; participation in physical activities; and social development. In other words, we will focus on developing a physically educated person.


Course Description: The course content will introduce the student to the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities; cardio-respiratory endurance; strength and flexibility; selected team, individual/dual sports; understanding the implications and benefits of involvement in physical activities; participation in physical activities; and social development. In other words, we will focus on developing a physically educated person.

Health Education Grades 5

Course Description: This course will focus on four main areas: human growth & development, healthy relationships, fitness & nutrition. Topics will include, but not be limited to, friendships, dating relationships & bullying, daily physical activity, components of fitness, safety & equipment, puberty, reproductive system, eating healthy and personal hygiene. Successive health courses within the middle school build upon the foundations established in the earlier grades with increasingly complex assignments and discussions.

Health Education Grades 6, 7 & 8

Course Description: This course will focus on four main areas: human growth & development, healthy relationships, fitness & nutrition. Topics will include, but not be limited to, friendships, dating relationships & bullying, daily physical activity, components of fitness, safety & equipment, puberty, reproductive system, eating healthy and personal hygiene. Successive health courses within the middle school build upon the foundations established in the earlier grades with increasingly complex assignments and discussions.

Language Arts / Literacy Course Descriptions

Language Arts / Literacy Grade 5

Course Description: The course is designed for middle school students to build upon previous work and further refine their

basic language arts literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As students move through the program

they will be immersed deeper into literature, writing and gra mmar with more complex projects. Students when reading will

receive instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary & comprehension. Special emphasis will be placed on

equipping the students with the skills needed for successful written a nd verbal communication with a special emphasis on

grammar and usage. The principles of composition are developed through various writing projects throughout the year. In

addition, the students will develop their study habits and research strategies.



basic language arts literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As students move through the

program, they will be immersed deeper into literature, writing, and grammar with more complex projects. Special emphasis wil l

be placed on equipping the students with the skills needed for successful written and verbal communica tion. The students will be

required to complete various tasks in reading comprehension (fiction, non -fiction, and poetry), vocabulary expansion, and written

expression. In addition, the students will further develop their study habits and reading strategie s.



basic language arts literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening . As students move through the


be placed on equipping the students with the skills needed for successful written and verbal comm unication. The students will be


expression. In addition, the students will further develop their study habits and reading stra tegies.



basic language arts literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and list ening. As students move through the


be placed on equipping the students with the skills needed for successful written and verbal communication. The students will be


expression. In addition, the students will further develop their study habits and reading strategies.

Language Arts / Literacy Course Descriptions


Course Description: The course is designed for middle school students to build upon previous work and further refine their basic language arts literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As students move through the program they will be immersed deeper into literature, writing and grammar with more complex projects. Students when reading will receive instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary & comprehension. Special emphasis will be placed on equipping the students with the skills needed for successful written and verbal communication with a special emphasis on grammar and usage. The principles of composition are developed through various writing projects throughout the year. In addition, the students will develop their study habits and research strategies.


Course Description: The course is designed for middle school students to build upon previous work and further refine their basic language arts literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As students move through the program, they will be immersed deeper into literature, writing, and grammar with more complex projects. Special emphasis will be placed on equipping the students with the skills needed for successful written and verbal communication. The students will be required to complete various tasks in reading comprehension (fiction, non-fiction, and poetry), vocabulary expansion, and written expression. In addition, the students will further develop their study habits and reading strategies.





Middle School Mathematic Course Descriptions

Mathematics Grade 5

Course Description: In Grade 5, instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) developing fluency with

addition and subtraction of fractions, and developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and o division

o ractions in limited cases (unit facti ons divided by whole numbers and whole numbes divided by factions); (2)

extending division to 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into the place value system and developing

understanding o operations with decimals to hundredths, and developi ng fluency with whole number and decimal

operations; and (3) developing understanding of volume.

Mathematics Grade 6

Course Description: In Grade 6, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate

to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing

understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which

includes negative numbers; (3) writing, inter preting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing

understanding of statistical thinking.

Mathematics Grade 7

Course Description:

In Grade 7, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applyin g

proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with

expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric

constructions, and working with two - and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area,

and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

Mathematics Grade 8

Course Description:

In Grade 8, instructional time should focus on three critical area s: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions

and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear

equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using fun ctions to describe

quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two - and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle,

similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Middle School Mathematic Course Descriptions

Mathematics Grade 5

Course Description: In Grade 5, instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, and developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and o division o ractions in limited cases (unit factions divided by whole numbers and whole numbes divided by factions); (2) extending division to 2-digit divisors, integrating decimal fractions into the place value system and developing understanding o operations with decimals to hundredths, and developing fluency with whole number and decimal operations; and (3) developing understanding of volume.

Mathematics Grade 6

Course Description: In Grade 6, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking.

Mathematics Grade 7

Course Description:

In Grade 7, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

Mathematics Grade 8

Course Description:

In Grade 8, instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Middle School Pre-Algebra

Course Description: Pre-Algebra, as its name implies, is a math course emphasizing the basic core goals of general mathematics but with an emphasis on skills leading to preparation for Algebra I. This course is will acquaint the student with essential areas in mathematics such as decimals, percents, fractions, and algebraic expressions and equations. These areas and others will be introduced and explored through various activities that encourage student problem solving, reasoning, and communication. These learning experiences will allow the student to develop both an appreciation for the role of mathematics in our society and stronger self-image relative to their ability to do mathematics. This course will earn five (5) mathematics credits.

Middle School Algebra

Course Description:

This course is designed to stimulate and develop clear, logical, creative thinking by reviewing basic mathematical concepts and order of operations before introducing the student to the world of algebra. Some of the topics covered will require the students to use the language of algebra, perform operations with real numbers, solve equations, inequalities, and word problems, demonstrate an elementary understanding of relations and functions, graph and use linear equations and inequalities, perform operations with polynomials, work with ratios, proportions and percents.

Middle School Science Course Descriptions

MS Science-Grade 5

Course Description:

The students will use scientific inquiry method to study structures, processes and relationships in Earth and Life

Science. They will engage in hands-on lab experiences, ask and answer meaningful and thought provoking

questions, share new and important knowledge with others and reflect and revise their work.

MS Earth Science-Grade 6

Course Description:

This course will require the student to d evelop and apply his/her scientific knowledge by studying the

interrelationship of humans to the Earth’s interior, land, sea, air and space. The student will study the structure and

composition of the earth including the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, surfa ce waters, landmasses and interior. They

will also investigate the dynamics of the earth’s changing surface and the role energy plays in earth systems.

Through “hands-on” investigation, students learn to conduct scientific investigations, think scientifi cally and use

scientific tools and technology.

MS Physical Science Grade 7

Course Description:

Physical Science is designed to give students the conceptual framework, actual knowledge and analytical skills

necessary to investigate and understand the compo sition and interactions of the natural world. It will be an inquiry

based approach to the study o the interaction of forces and energy changes in nature. Topics covered will include

but not be limited to the metric system, scientific method, force, ene rgy and work, matter, atomic structure, Periodic

Table, etc. The students will be provided with a comprehensive up -to-date approach to modern physical science

explorations.

MS Life Science Grade 8

Course Description: Life Science is an introductory cours e designed to enable students to explore basic biological

concepts in a lab setting. Students will focus on concepts that are shared by all living things such as cell structure

and function, biochemical make -up, inheritance, evolution, diversity of life, etc. The purpose is to give them an

overview of common strands in life science.

Middle School Science Course Descriptions

MS Science-Grade 5

Course Description:

The students will use scientific inquiry method to study structures, processes and relationships in Earth and Life Science. They will engage in hands-on lab experiences, ask and answer meaningful and thought provoking questions, share new and important knowledge with others and reflect and revise their work.

MS Earth Science-Grade 6

Course Description:

This course will require the student to develop and apply his/her scientific knowledge by studying the interrelationship of humans to the Earth’s interior, land, sea, air and space. The student will study the structure and composition of the earth including the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, surface waters, landmasses and interior. They will also investigate the dynamics of the earth’s changing surface and the role energy plays in earth systems. Through “hands-on” investigation, students learn to conduct scientific investigations, think scientifically and use scientific tools and technology.

MS Physical Science Grade 7

Course Description:

Physical Science is designed to give students the conceptual framework, actual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to investigate and understand the composition and interactions of the natural world. It will be an inquiry based approach to the study o the interaction of forces and energy changes in nature. Topics covered will include but not be limited to the metric system, scientific method, force, energy and work, matter, atomic structure, Periodic Table, etc. The students will be provided with a comprehensive up-to-date approach to modern physical science explorations.

MS Life Science Grade 8

Course Description: Life Science is an introductory course designed to enable students to explore basic biological concepts in a lab setting. Students will focus on concepts that are shared by all living things such as cell structure and function, biochemical make-up, inheritance, evolution, diversity of life, etc. The purpose is to give them an overview of common strands in life science.

Middle School History Course Description

d

Social Studies 5 -World History - Ancient Civilizations

Course Description: This course will examine several major ancient civilizations from around the world. The students will

study the origins of settled life, the emergence of civilization, and the flowering of several ancient civilizations. They w ill study

the government, trade, philosophies, art and religions of these civilizations, as well as the powerful ideas that arose in the ancient

world and significantly shaped the course of world history. The relationship among physical geography, culture, history,

economics, and politics is compared with current global life as students expand their knowledge of early societies.

Social Studies 6 -World History - Roots of the Modern World

Course Description: This course will examine world history from the middle ages to the explorat ion of the Americas. The

students will study the evolutions of civilizations on all continents culminating in the origin of the United States. They w ill study

the government, trade, philosophies, art and religions of these civilizations, as well as the p owerful ideas that arose and

significantly shaped the course of world history. The relationship among physical geography, culture, history, economics, an d

politics is compared with current global life as students expand their knowledge of early societies.

Social Studies -7 - US I

Course Description: This course will examine early American History from the Age of Exploration to just after the adoption of

the Constitution. Topics and themes will focus on events, documents, and people that have shaped our nation’s early history. In

addition, there will be an emphasis placed on the refinement of reading skills and how to use a textbook. Subjects studied include

early cultures of the North American continent, geography, European exploration in the Americas, colonization and settlement,

American Revolution, & forming a new government.

Social Studies -8 - US II

Course Description: This course will examine American History from the development of the new nation to its rebuilding after

the Civil War. The course begins with a study of the Constitution a nd then addresses the domestic and foreign policies affecting

the developing nation. Then the course addresses the expansion and growth of the new nation through territorial and cultural

means. The year ends with an examination of the causes and effects of the Civil War and the development of the US into an

industrial nation.

Middle School History Course Description

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