CURRICULUM GUIDE
Grade 7
Please note that individual classroom activities will vary depending on the classroom teacher and the needs/interests of the children. We encourage you to discuss with your child’s classroom teacher the specifics of projects and assignments which may be given during the course of the school y ear.
MATHEMATICS – The following eight strands are addressed in this curriculum: Numeration and Order, Geometry and Measurement, Functions and Algebra, Data and Probability, Problem Solving and Reasoning, Math Skills and Tools, Mathematical Communication, Putting Mathematics to Work.
Decimals – add, subtract, multiply, divide
Data – median, mode, range, scatter plots, histograms
Fractions – add, subtract, multiply, divide
Integers – add, subtract, multiply, divide
Equations and Inequalities – writing and solving
Ratio and Proportion – rates, slope, scale drawings
Percent – comparing part to whole, part to part, applications
Geometry – measurement, properties of angles and lines, area and volume, solving problems on the coordinate plane
Probability – compound events
Problem Solving – in all of the above areas
READING/LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading – All students in the 7th grade will be enrolled in a reading strategies class taught by a reading/literacy specialist. This class builds on the grade 6 reading curriculum and focuses on the strategies that are important for reading nonfiction materials. In seventh grade the students will:
Identify and practice the steps of the reading process
Learn active reading strategies that can be used across all content areas
Practice various note-taking strategies that are effective for various types of text.
Develop vocabulary awareness through prefixes and suffixes, and context clues.
Construct critical reading strategies
o Main idea and supporting details
o Making supported and thoughtful conclusions
o Analyzing an author’s purpose
o Identifying text structure
o Learn self-check strategies for comprehension
In reading review classes, students will focus on various decoding and fluency strategies to better comprehend text at their independent reading level.
Language Arts – This curriculum addresses development in reading; writing; speaking; listening and viewing; conventions, usage and grammar; and literature. Students are expected to read a minimum of 25 books or equivalents each year.
Expectations include:
Analysis and Interpretation of Literary Texts/Citing Evidence
o Elements of fiction
o Short story analysis
Personal Writing
o Responding to literature, making personal connections
o Narrative writing and other creative writing
Formal Writing
o Informational writing such as reports, procedures and persuasive writing (in conjunction with content subjects)
o Responding to literature by showing understanding and making judgments
Grammar Concepts and Conventions
Vocabulary Strategies
SOCIAL STUDIES - This course is designed to correlate with the National Council for Social Studies Standards.
In the 7th grade Social Studies curriculum, we study the history of the United States to 1877, focusing on strands of history, civics, government, geography, economics, and culture.
American Revolution Confederation and Constitution Citizenship
A New Nation Jefferson Era Industrialization
Jacksonian Democracy Manifest Destiny/Westward Expansion
The Age of Reform Southern Secession Civil War Reconstruction
SCIENCE – Life Science: Science in the 7th grade focuses entirely on the living world. After students have reviewed the scientific method and lab safety, they begin their study of the basic unit of life….the cell. As the year progresses, students use a "hands-on" approach, moving from the cell to single celled and multi-cellular organisms. They end the year with a study of human organ systems. In addition to their class work students are expected to complete a "science fair" project.
All living things Microscope Classification Marine Animals Lab Safety Lab Instruments
Scientific Method Viruses Cells DNA Genetics Bacteria Protists Animals
Human Body
Grade 8:
Please note that individual classroom activities will vary depending on the classroom teacher and the needs/interests of the children. We encourage you to discuss with your child’s classroom teacher the specifics of projects and assignments which may be given during the course of the school year.
SOCIAL STUDIES - This course is designed to correlate with the National Council for Social Studies Standards.
In 8th grade Social Studies curriculum we study from the post civil war era to the present day. We focus on the major eras and events that shaped our country with an emphasis on examining America’s unique values and ideologies. This helps students understand the factors that shape them and helps them realize their own cultural identity.
The following is a chronological list of major areas of concentration.
The Western Frontier
The Growth of Industry
Toward an Urban America
Progressive Reforms
Overseas Expansion
World War I
The Jazz Age
Great Depression and FDR
World War II
The Cold War Era
America in the 50s
Civil Rights Era
Search for Stability
New Challenges
READING/LANGUAGE ARTS –
Reading – All students in the 8th grade will be enrolled in a reading strategies class taught by a reading/literacy specialist. This class builds on the grade 7 reading curriculum and focuses on the strategies that are important for reading non-fictional materials. In eighth grade the students will:
Identify and practice the steps of the reading process
Learn active reading strategies that can be used across all content areas
Practice various note-taking strategies that are effective for various types of text
Develop vocabulary awareness through Greek and Latin roots, context clues, multiple meanings
Construct critical reading strategies
o Main idea and supporting details
o Making supported and thoughtful inferences
o Analyzing an author’s purpose
o Recognizing bias
o Examining propaganda techniques
In reading review classes, students will focus on various decoding and fluency strategies to better comprehend text at their independent reading level.
Language Arts - This curriculum addresses development in reading; writing; speaking, listening, and viewing; conventions, usage, and
grammar; and literature. Students are expected to read a minimum of 25
books or equivalents each year.
Literature—In response to literary or informational text, students show understanding of plot/ideas/concepts by:
Selecting and summarizing key ideas
Making Connections
Identify elements of short story and
Analyzing test and citing evidence.
Comparing/contrasting characters, identifying conflicts, analyzing themes, and explaining point of view
Writing—Students use the writing process to develop the following types of writing:
Persuasive essays
Descriptive essays
Research paper
Narratives
Autobiography/biography
Journal reflection
Scientific lab reports
In independent writing, students demonstrate command of appropriate English conventions for the following:
Sentence construction
Paragraph structure
Punctuation
Spelling
Usage
MATHEMATICS - Eighth Grade Honors Algebra Curriculum
Work with integers using the order of operations to evaluate and simplify expressions
Solve one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations, including those with fractions and variables on both sides
Solve and graph inequalities
Define, solve, and graph problems involving absolute value
Graph linear functions using slope on the Cartesian plane, and write the equation of a line from given information
Solve systems of equations and inequalities by graphing, substitution, and elimination
Algebraic applications of probability and statistics
Study exponents and scientific notation
Factoring and performing basic operations on polynomials
Simplify and perform operations on radical expressions and equations
Analyze quadratic functions and inequalities
Applications of all of these concepts using word problems (ex. Consecutive integers, distance, etc.)
Eighth Grade Math Curriculum
Study percents as a way of describing change (percent increase/decrease)
Study magnitude of numbers by comparing rational, whole, integers, common irrational numbers, and numbers represented by scientific notation
Study problems involving proportional reasoning, including finding squares and square roots
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to problem-solving situations
Solve problems involving surface area or volume of three-dimensional figures, including scaling
Study the constant rate of change of a linear function by solving problems (slope)
· Evaluate algebraic expressions and solve linear equations
· Interpret graphs to make predictions or solve problems
· Analyzes patterns, trends, or distributions in data by determining measures of central tendency
· Organize and display data using scatter plots
· Use counting techniques to solve probability problems
SCIENCE – Physical Science – The 8th grade science curriculum focuses on Chemistry and physics and how they relate directly to our lives. It is inquiry-based with hands–on lab activities designed to meet the National Science Standards. Students are also expected to complete a "Science Fair Project."
Introduction to Safety
Metric System
Particles of Matter
Atoms, Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
The Periodic Table
Chemical Bonding
Chemical Reactions
Solution Chemistry
Electricity, Magnetism
Work, Machines and Energy
Motion and Energy
Forces and Motion
Waves, Sound, Light
Heat
Health
Health education is taught by a specialist at the middle school level. The state mandated curriculum includes 10 nationally accepted content areas: Personal Health, Mental and Emotional Health, Injury Prevention and Safety, Nutrition, Family Life, Environmental Health, Substance Use and Abuse, Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Health, and Community Health.
Not all content areas are addressed each year.
Health classes meet every other day for one semester for a total of 45 classes per year. Students are graded on tests, homework, and projects. They will receive a letter grade on their report card.
Review - Total Health; Self-concept, Relationships(family, friendships); Communication (emotions, anger management, healthy expressions of feelings); Conflict Resolution, Bullying; Hygiene & Puberty; Project Northland Alcohol Prevention Program, Tobacco; Nutrition
SEVENTH GRADE - Stress Management; Values & Goals, Decision-Making; Communication, Conflict Resolution, Refusal Skills, Bullying(passive, aggressive, assertive); Cardiovascular Diseases; Eating Disorders; Project Northland Alcohol Prevention Program, Marijuana, Inhalants, HIV/AIDS
EIGHTH GRADE - Project Northland Alcohol Prevention Program, Substance Use & Abuse, Other classes of drugs (cocaine, heroin, etc); Reproductive Unit, Teen Pregnancy, Contraceptives, STD's, HIV/AIDS; Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships, Teen Dating Violence & healthy relationships, Sexual Harrassment
The topics covered in Grade 7 include:
Stress Management
Values, Goals, and Decision Making Skills
Project Northland (alcohol prevention program)
HIV/AIDS
Cardiovascular Disease/Nutrition
The topics covered in Grade 8 include:
Substance Use and Abuse
Project Northland (alcohol prevention program)
Human Reproduction (anatomy/physiology, teen pregnancy, STD’s, HIV/AIDS, abstinence, and contraceptive methods
Unified Arts
PHYSICAL EDUCATION – The seventh grade student will be able to use and apply concepts from a variety of sources to enhance learning and performance, as well as achieving and maintaining a healthy level of fitness. They will develop an understanding of the components of fitness and how these relate to their overall fitness status.
The units covered in grade 7 include:
Team Sports
Individual Sports
Team Building Activities
Dance
Personal fitness concepts
Any physical education program/unit are subject to change.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION – The eighth grade student will be able to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness. They will develop an understanding of long-term health benefits and the relationship of health maintenance to the quality of life long health. They will also demonstrate an understanding and respect for differences among people in physical activity settings.
The units covered in grade 8 include:
Team Building Activities
Team Sports
Individual Sports
Dance
Personal Fitness (Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance)
Cardiovascular Endurance, Flexibility, and Body Composition)
Any physical education program/unit are subject to change.
Computer Literacy – Students wills be exposed to a curriculum based on the National Education Technology Standards. Topics will include:
Windows Environment
Network Environment
File Management
Keyboarding
Internet Unit: Safety, Email, Bulletin Boards
Common Application Programs: Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher
WORLD LANGUAGE - The approach to secondary language instruction is designed to facilitate genuine understanding of another language and culture and interaction with others, whether they are on another continent, across town, or within the neighborhood. To study another culture and language provides one with a powerful key to succeed in communication. Language and culture enhances one’s personal knowledge and, in many ways, increases the ability to make connections. The content of this class deals with history, geography, social studies, fine arts and math.
Review - Culture and Knowledge
Grade Seven - Spanish
Grade Eight - Italian and French
LIBRARY - The Library Media Center provides resources both print and non-print to support all areas of the curriculum grades sixth through eight. The library’s curriculum is based on standards developed by the American Association of School Librarians. Our goal is to teach students how to be information literate by:
Accessing information efficiently and effectively~
Evaluate information critically and completely~
Use information effectively and creatively~
It is our ultimate goal to foster independent learners who are information literate and contribute positively to the learning community and to society. One of the ways this is achieved is through collaboration between the media specialist and classroom teachers both in the media center and in the classrooms. Topics include research strategies, internet safety (personal safety, predator identification, intellectual property and cyber bullying) power point, photo story and various enrichment activities that support school curricula and promote reading for pleasure and information.
BAND – The overall focus of the band courses is to develop all of the student’s understanding of the 9 National Standards for music with special emphasis on music reading skills. Music reading is essential in the course because of the need for students to have a rich understanding of notation in order to effectively practice technical skills regularly between class meetings and study concepts while gaining mastery at each level of achievement. Each course is enhanced through carefully chosen and/or designed supplements of a variety of performance pieces and educational tools. We review Grade 6 band material covered in Accent on Achievement Book 1 and Rhythm Tapping exercises. The Grade 7 band continues into Book 2 of Accent on Achievement, while focusing on all the major scales. The Grade 8 course
completes mastery of the book 2 level of Accent on Achievement with a higher percentage of supplementary materials for performance as well as individual methods selected for each student’s specific levels once the band method course, book 2, is completed.
CHORUS/ORCHESTRA CURRICULUM
Chorus – All chorus classes focus on the following area of:
Good vocal tone production
Breath support
Singing in tune
A strong emphasis on music reading is reinforced through constant review of music notation, solfege and rhythm. Daily rehearsals consist of vocal exercise, scale-work, rounds, and canons, and vocal selections in diverse styles which are grade-level appropriate.
Review – Unison and two-part arrangements (soprano/alto)
Grade Seven – Three-part (SAB) with special attention to the boys changing voice (baritone)
Grade Eight – Introduction to Four-part (soprano/alto/tenor/bass) in preparation for high school involvement
Choruses will perform at least twice a year in a public concert situation, with several special performance opportunities through the year. Performances are frequently collaborated with other subject areas.
Orchestra – Orchestra is a string ensemble which consist of violins, violas, cello and bass players who have begun the study of a string instrument in grades four and five. Beginners are accepted in grade six, but it is strongly recommended that beginning string students have a private tutor, or at least previous experience with playing an instrument that involves learning to read music.
Areas of focus area:
Basics of music notation (note-reading/rhythm
Bowing technique
Intonation (playing a tune)
Grade-level expectations for strings:
Review – Mastery of skills in Strictly Strings Book 2
Grade Seven – Introduction to vibrato and shifting (violins)
Grade Eight – Further exploration of shifting to other positions, vibrato and harmonic.
Sting students in all grades are combined for various performances throughout the year. Opportunities to challenge were advanced players are frequently provided.
ART – The Art curriculum at Curtis Corner Middle School begins with review of the principles and elements of Design which are the building blocks of Art. Seventh grade Art classes delve into the concepts of creating realistic works of Art and how artists through the ages learned and passed on the rules for creating the illusion of deep space on a flat surface. Eighth graders are exposed to more advanced materials and problem solving projects such as paper sculpture, advanced drawing, ceramics, cardboard and plaster constructions.
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE –
Review:
USDA program "Fight Bac"
RI Fire Safety Unit
Nutritious Snacks
Spicy hot pad construction
A component of "The Make it Real Game"
Seventh grade:
"Fatal Five" reasons why people contract food borne illness
Nutrient functions and deficiencies; analyze food labels
Students learn to prepare baked products to teams
Produce a 12" x 12" pillow
School to Career and goal setting skills
Eighth grade:
Quilt piece construction to be used for Hasbro Hospital community service projects
Work in a team situation to prepare ethnic foods
Completes the 8th grade component of the "The Real Game" and identifies 40 job options for young people
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