Departments

English 7
Coursework implements a variety of processes and activities to guide students in developing their communication skills. This includes: clear writing, critical reading, thoughtful listening and speaking fluently. Literary elements are studied through novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both in and outside of the classroom. 

Enriched English 7
For the student who performs above grade-level and eagerly accepts the challenge of rigorous coursework. Students in this course have the maturity and ambition to work at a faster pace with less teacher direction at times. Entrance Criteria: MCA Reading Score of Exceeds, strong written and verbal skills, above average reading level and motivation with ability to persevere.  

Objectives:

• Use digital tools to enhance learning
• Analyze texts for central ideas, purpose, point of view, mood, tone and other literary elements
• Support ideas with research and site sources
• Research several sources to answer a question
• Expand vocabulary and interpret figures of speech
• Create concise pieces of work that are organized and edited
• Engage in collaborative discussions
• Present formally in small and large groups
• Become skilled and informed conversationalist
• Develop lifelong enjoyment of reading for pleasure
• Continue writing to process thoughts and ideas

Advanced English 7
For students working well above grade level, generally the incoming Mosaic and newly identified gifted and talented students, as the coursework and pacing differ significantly from Enriched English. Students in this course must have a firm grasp of writing conventions and require little help in the structure and organization of writing. Advanced English includes an emphasis on individualized education and concluding capstone projects that incorporate research and oral presentations. Student work is centered around clear writing, critical reading and thinking skills, thoughtful listening and fluent speaking. Literary elements are studied in the context of various novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both inside and outside of the classroom setting. It has a strong element of creative synthesis and includes interdisciplinary ties to Advanced Social Studies. Entrance Criteria for Non-MOSAIC Students: Successful completion of writing assessment AND FastBridge Reading (Winter) a minimum 98th percentile OR MCA Reading (previous year) a minimum 98th percentile.

Objectives:

• Create clear pieces of writing with topic sentences, supporting details, transitions and concluding statements. 
• Write claims supported by reason and evidence. 
• Cite textual evidence to support a thesis statement or topic sentence in both fiction and nonfiction. 
• Determine an author's purpose and point of view in a text. 
• Research sources to answer a question
• Utilize proper citations in an MLA format to credit sources.
• Select a variety of books to enjoy and read independently 
• Engage in a wide variety of collaborative discussions.

English 8
Coursework implements a variety of processes and activities to guide students in developing their communication skills. This includes: clear writing, critical reading, thoughtful listening and speaking fluently. Literary elements are studied through novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both in and outside of the classroom. 

Enriched English 8
For the accelerated student who performs above grade-level and eagerly accepts the challenge of rigorous coursework. Students in this course have the maturity and ambition to work at a faster pace with less teacher direction at times. Guidelines: MCA Reading Score of Exceeds, strong written and verbal skills, above average reading level and motivation with ability to persevere.   

Objectives:

• Use digital tools to enhance learning
• Critically reads texts for central ideas, purpose, point of view, mood, tone and other literary elements
• Support ideas with research and site sources
• Research several sources to answer a question
• Expand vocabulary and interpret figures of speech
• Create concise pieces of writing that are organized and edited and incorporate deft grammar, usage, spelling, figurative language and vocabulary skills. 
• Engage in collaborative discussions
• Present formally in small and large groups
• Become skilled and informed conversationalist
• Enhance vocabulary strategies which incorporated parts of speech, prefixes, suffixes and context clues.

Advanced English 8
For students working well above grade level, generally—current gifted and talented students, as the coursework and pacing differ significantly from Enriched English. Students in this course must have a firm grasp of writing conventions and require little help in the structure and organization of writing. Advanced English includes an emphasis on individualized education and concluding capstone projects that incorporate research and oral presentations. Student work is centered around clear writing, critical reading and thinking skills, thoughtful listening and fluent speaking. Literary elements are studied in the context of various novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both inside and outside of the classroom setting. It has a strong element of creative synthesis and includes interdisciplinary ties to Advanced Social Studies. Entrance Criteria for Non-Advanced Students: Successful completion of writing assessment AND FastBridge Reading (Winter) a minimum 98th percentile OR MCA Reading (previous year) a minimum 98th percentile.

Objectives:

• Create clear pieces of writing with topic sentences, supporting details, transitions and concluding statements. 
• Write claims supported by reason and evidence. 
• Cite textual evidence to support a thesis statement or topic sentence in both fiction and nonfiction. 
• Determine an author's purpose and point of view in a text. 
• Research several sources to answer a question
• Utilize proper citations in an MLA format to credit sources.
• Select a variety of books to enjoy and read independently 
• Engage in a wide variety of collaborative discussions.

Health focuses on promoting healthy choices and examining consequences. Throughout the curriculum you will learn about physical, mental, emotional and social health. Themed units covered throughout 7th and 8th grade Health include: interpreting media messages, drugs, alcohol and tobacco prevention, mental health, human growth and development, reproduction, violence and anger management, online safety, bullying, and other current topics relating to the overall health and wellness of our students. Also covered are resources available for support with substance abuse, or other areas affecting students well-being. 

Outcomes and Objectives

• Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology and other factors on health behaviors.
• Demonstrate the ability to access valid information and products and services to enhance health.
• Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks. 
• Demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health
• Demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.

 

IMPACT! is a personalized enrichment course designed for 7th graders to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Throughout the course, students will identify and further understand their natural strengths, interests and personality. They will examine how those play a part in the decisions they make as well as the outcomes they receive. They will learn how to use their natural talents to develop attainable goals, attain aspirations and how to make a lasting impact on the world- locally and globally. Students will develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and interpersonal communication- further preparing them to be the global leaders of tomorrow. 

Outcomes and Objectives

• Research and reflect on how family, culture and community has impacted your identity. 
• Complete surveys and activities to identify their cognitive, social and emotional strengths. (Including: Myers Briggs, Enneagram, Multiple Intelligences, Career Finder and Color Personality)
• Study inspirational leadership, transformation of ideas into action. 
• Analyze the Ripple Effect- where one person's actions ripple outward to impact others.
• Create a final IMPACT! project that aligns with the 17 Global Goals.
• Produce a digital Mind Map documenting each step of their creative process. 
• Identify personal strengths and talents and demonstrate how to use them to neutralize areas perceived as weaknesses. 
• Desire to make positive choices and make a lasting impact in the world. 

Pre-Algebra 7

Integrates strategies that focus on conceptual and procedural learning with a goal of concept retention. The curriculum used, Big Ideas Math, provides a balanced approach of student led discovery and direct instruction. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the essential questions that drive instruction. Students are given step-by-step examples to complete the lessons. Students are provided the precise language and structure necessary to build mathematical understanding and proficiency. Successful completion of this course is preparation for 8th grade Algebra.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Locate, compare, apply, and defend positive and negative rational numbers on a continuum in a variety of real-world situations. 
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative integers using multiple strategies in a variety of real-world situations. 
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative rational numbers using multiple strategies in a variety of real-world situations. 
• Identify, represent, apply, and solve proportional relationships and interpret the results within real-world situations. 
• Identify and apply number properties to simplify numeric and algebraic expressions with rational numbers. 
• Interpret, write, and then solve up to 2-step equations using the properties of equality including those in real-world contexts.

Honors Algebra 7

Accelerated grade level math for students who have mastered Pre-Algebra. Two sections of Honors Algebra are offered that cover all state standards through Linear and Quadratic Algebra. Students will be placed in the appropriate section determined by placement test data, parent/student survey data and 6th grade teacher recommendations. Entrance Criteria: Completion of Pre-Algebra or mastery of standards.

Section 1: Designed around the needs of Algebra-ready students who tend to process information  more deliberately.  Greater emphasis is given to conceptual understanding through activities and more examples are covered in class. Deliberate processors tend to focus more on procedures and subsequently attempt to memorize rules. Daily homework will have fewer problems as deliberate processors may need more time per problem.

Section 2: Designed around the needs of Algebra-ready students who tend to process information very quickly.  These students tend to see few examples and are confidently ready to continue.  There is a strong conceptual understanding so generalizing concepts to variations in new problems still results in homework completion in a reasonable amount of time. 

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Solving linear equations. 
• Graphing and writing linear equations.
• Solving linear inequalities.
• Solving systems of linear equations
• Linear functions. 
• Exponential equations and factoring
• Graphing quadratic equations
• Evaluating radical expressions and solving radical equations.

Algebra 8

Supported by Big Ideas Math (Algebra) curriculum. Big Ideas Math integrates strategies that focus on conceptual and procedural learning with a goal of concept retention. Big Ideas Math delivers a unique and revolutionary curriculum providing a balanced instructional approach of discovery and direct instruction.  This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the Essential Questions that drive instruction.  Clearly stepped-out examples complete the lesson and provide students with the precise language and structure necessary to build mathematical understanding and proficiency.

Honors Algebra 8

Honors Algebra differs in content from regular Algebra with the addition of additional concepts (Quadratics) taught at a faster pace. This course is designed as preparation for Honors math courses at the high school. Entrance Criteria: Minimum MCA Math score of Exceeds, understands mathematical concepts quickly, needs minimal additional support and motivation with ability to persevere. 

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Solving linear equations. 
• Graphing and writing linear equations.
• Solving linear inequalities.
• Solving systems of linear equations
• Linear functions. 
• Exponential equations and factoring
• Polynomial equations and factoring
• Graphing quadratic functions (Honors Algebra 8)
• Solving quadratic functions (Honors Algebra 8)

Honors Geometry 8

Available for grade-level accelerated students who have successfully completed Honors Algebra and demonstrated proficiency on the Honors Algebra Exit Exam. We will study the language, logic and applications of Euclidean, transformational, coordinate and solid geometry. Students will analyze patterns used to measure the world around them in terms of space, shape, and size. Entrance Criteria: Completion of Honors Algebra (Linear and Quadratic Algebra) or have shown mastery of standards.

Section 1: Designed for students who tend to process information more deliberately and who might benefit from Algebraic review.  Emphasis is given to conceptual understanding through activities and creating connections to develop a core understanding of material and move away from memorizing rules and procedures.

Section 2: Designed for students who tend to process information very quickly and have a strong Algebraic understanding. These students tend to see few examples and are confidently ready to continue. There is a strong conceptual understanding so students are able to generalize concepts and apply variations in new problems. 

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Identify, solve, and determine angle measures using angle relationships.
• Develop and use properties of triangles and quadrilaterals to find side lengths and angle measures of polygons.
• Prove triangle congruence using flowchart proofs and the shortcut theorems of SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS.
• Apply basic properties of transformations and symmetry.
• Calculate the volume, surface area, and dimensions of various polygons and solids.
• Find side lengths and angle measures of right non-right triangles.
• Determine if polygons are similar by congruence and proportionality.
• Apply properties of segments in a circle and show relationships among chords, arcs, and angles of a circle.
• Communicate problem solving skills orally and in writing.
• Construct logical arguments, translate between numerical/algebraic relationships and special relationships.

 

Exploring Music

Emphasizes music knowledge for students who do not wish to work in a performance area, including opportunities to reinforce basic music concepts and cultivate a broader understanding of music. Students will develop an understanding of many different music genres, study the cultural and historical impact of music and develop critical thinking skills in relation to music. Units may include popular music of today, video game music, bucket drumming, intro to guitar and the impact of music on social justice movements. Exploring Music is a year-long course. The course alternates every other day with World Language. Term grades are reported at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Generate and develop original artistic ideas using feedback from others and self-reflection.
• Identify and use knowledge of musical elements and genres to develop and defend and opinion about the qualities of a musical performance.
• Identify and describe how musical elements convey the composer's intended meaning in a musical selection including cultural and historical context.
• Connect personal experiences to music.
• Illustrate how music connects us to history, culture, heritage and community. 
• Students' choice of music in 7th grade continues into 8th grade 

Choir

Emphasizes vocal music and performance within the framework of the basic music curriculum.  This course is for students who enjoy singing, have a desire to improve their vocal music skills independently as well as in a group and are interested in active participation and performance.  Students will have the opportunity to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and interpretation and enhance their musical proficiency through rehearsals, class participation, performance, listening experiences, written activities and journaling. Choir is a year-long course that alternates every other day with World Language. Term grades are reported at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Interpret printed music using notation, markings, and music theory knowledge 
• Refine musical performances building accuracy and expression 
• Develop, demonstrate and refine healthy vocal techniques
• Create and revise an original music composition using feedback from others and self-reflection 
• Infer meaning of a musical piece, and draw connections between musical works and historical, cultural, and societal contexts 
• Analyze and evaluate qualities of a music performance
• Students enrolled in Choir participate in at least two concerts per year. Concerts are outside of the regular school day.  
• Students’ choice of music in 7th grade continues into 8th grade. 

Band

Rehearsals are geared to provide enjoyment of a variety of music.  Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits, perfecting music for performances and developing self-confidence in a positive environment.  Placement is determined by instrumentation needs, school class schedule and observed student achievement.  Guideline: Students must have approval and signature from their current band director before registration is accepted. Band is a year-long course. The course alternates every other day with World Language. Term grades are reported at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Generate and develop original artistic ideas using feedback from others and self-reflection. 
• Develop and refine artistic techniques and apply the elements of music in performance. 
• Consider cultural context when making artistic choices and convey meaning through my performance. 
• Use the elements of music to analyze, evaluate, or interpret artistic work. 
• I can analyze a music performance for meaning, intent, cultural, or historical context. 
• Explain how artistic works influence and are influenced by societal, cultural, and historical contexts. 
• There is a user fee for percussionists and students who use school bass clarinets, tenor saxophones, horns, baritones and tubas required to cover the cost of repair/replacement on equipment. Scholarships may be available upon request.
• Students will participate in 3 scheduled concerts during the school year. Concerts happen outside of the school day.
• Students’ choice of music in 7th grade continues into 8th grade.

Orchestra

Provides the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and increase musical proficiency through continued study of a stringed instrument along with the study of basic theory, ear training, solo and ensemble playing and instrument turning.  Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits and achieving graduation standards.  Guideline: Students must have approval and signature from their current orchestra director before registration is accepted.  Orchestra is a year-long course. The course alternates every other day with World Language. Term grades are reported at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Students will be able to play with correct posture
• Students will be able to play in tune
• Students will be able to play correct rhythms
• Students will be able to play with quality tone
• Students must rent or own an instrument and participate responsibly in learning activities.  
• Practice outside of school.
• Participate in all concerts and orchestra activities.
• Students enrolled in Orchestra will participate in three concerts a year.
• Students’ choice of music in 7th grade continues into 8th grade 

 

Physical Education

Designed to promote an active lifestyle for all students, our program provides each student with skills, knowledge and attitudes that promote an active lifestyle. Our goal is to introduce each student to as many activities as possible, so they will remain active and healthy throughout their lifetime. 7th & 8th grade activities may include team handball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, basketball, football, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, tennis, fitness, cooperative games, and other lifelong activities. Course Requirement: Students are required to provide color specific activewear.  The activewear should consist of a red shirt/sweatshirt, black shorts/sweatpants and athletic shoes.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns
• Applies knowledge of concepts and principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness
• Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others
• Recognizes and applies the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction. 
   

Science 7

Curriculum emphasizes hands-on, sequential experiences through which students discover important science concepts and develop laboratory and thinking skills. Science 7 concepts for study include investigations into the practice of science, planning and conducting controlled experiments, structure, function and classification of living things, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, human body systems, ecology, genetics, evolution and introductory chemistry. Each student should have his/her own ruler, colored pencils, paper and folder for science class. 

Enriched Science 7

Will move faster through certain content and more in depth in other areas. Students will be required to do more independent work and receive less teacher direction in the classroom. The concepts for study include investigations into the practice of science, planning and conducting controlled experiments, structure, function and classification of living things, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, human body systems, ecology, genetics, evolution and introductory chemistry. Entrance Criteria: Minimum MCA Reading score of Exceeds, strong verbal skills and writing ability, above grade level reading ability and motivation with ability to persevere.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Students learn by “doing” science
• Students develop an understanding of basic science concepts through a sequence of lab activities that build on concepts and skills
• Students develop both basic thinking and skills 
• Students develop both basic thinking and creative thinking skills.

Advanced Science 7

Includes units on the practice of science, planning and conducting controlled experiments, structure, function and classification of living things, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, human body systems, ecology, genetics, evolution and introductory chemistry. In addition to this foundational study, Advanced Science students will read, analyze and write summaries from several sources outside the normal science textbook. 

This will include primary sources, current science news and books such as “Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold. Students must be very comfortable with the application of algebra and advanced mathematical reasoning in a science setting. Collaboration is also key as some group projects will require a high degree of coordination and cooperation. 

Successful Advanced Science Students are highly motivated, thrive on independent work and embrace challenges. While this may seem obvious, Advanced students should be passionate about science! The work involved in this course is quite intensive - a student who doesn’t love science will likely find the expectations overwhelming.  

Entrance Criteria for Non-Mosaic Students: Advanced English/Social Studies criteria AND enrollment in a grade-accelerated math class OR FastBridge Math (Winter) of a minimum 98th percentile OR MCA Math (previous year) of a minimum 98th percentile.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Design, conduct and present a controlled experiment project
• Develop a deep understanding of essential concepts and phenomena from Life Sciences
• Write detailed analyses from the book “Sand County Almanac” and select chapters of “A Short History of Nearly Everything”.
• Participate in high level class discussions on current science events and complex scientific ideas

Science 8

Is an exploration of select topics from Earth Science, Physical Science and Experimental Design. Each of these units will include a variety of hands-on labs, multimedia simulations, animations and videos, along with more traditional textbook and print materials. Specific areas covered this year include geology, astronomy, meteorology, acids and bases, properties of matter, pressure, states of matter and experimental design. We emphasize hands-on sequential experiences through which students discover important science concepts and develop laboratory and critical thinking skills. During the year, students will be learning about these concepts as well as how science helps in understanding the world around them. 

Enriched Science 8

Moves faster and goes more in depth in certain content areas. The science labs are mathematically more challenging and complex than Science 8 labs. Students complete several challenging reading and writing assignments and are required to complete an extensive at-home controlled experiment. The course features less teacher direction, more independent work, an emphasis on higher level thinking and problem-solving skills and greater opportunity to work collaboratively with peers. Entrance Criteria: Minimum MCA Reading and Math scores of Exceeds, enrolled in Honors Algebra 8 or grade-accelerated math, strong verbal skills and writing ability, above grade level reading ability and motivation with ability to persevere.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Practice the scientific investigation process: predict, carry out procedures, analyze data and summarize results.
• Explore important concepts and phenomena related to Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology and Experimental Design
• Build an understanding of acids and bases, density and buoyancy, fluid pressure and changes of states and matter through experimental data and mathematical analysis
• Develop both basic reasoning and creative thinking skills
• Collaborate with group members to collect and analyze lab data
• Gain an appreciation for the amazing world and universe around us!

Advanced Science 8

Includes units on Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, Experimental Design and Physical Science. In addition to this foundational study, Advanced Science students will read, analyze and write summaries from several sources outside the normal science textbook. This will include primary sources, current science news and books such as “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson and “Isaac’s Storm” by Eric Larson. The online curriculum “Big History Project” will be used extensively in our astronomy and geology units.  Advanced science is also very mathematically rigorous. Students must be very comfortable with the application of algebra and advanced mathematical reasoning in a science setting. Collaboration is also key as some group projects will require a high degree of coordination and cooperation.  Successful Advanced Science Students are highly motivated, thrive on independent work and embrace challenges. While this may seem obvious, Advanced students should be passionate about science! Entrance Criteria for Non-Advanced Students: Advanced English/Social Studies criteria AND enrollment in a grade-accelerated math class OR FastBridge Math (Winter) of a minimum 98th percentile OR MCA Math (previous year) of a minimum 98th percentile.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Complete an extensive STEM-related project, which has some at-home components. 
• Develop a deep understanding of essential concepts and phenomena from astronomy, geology and meteorology
• Build an understanding of acids and bases, density and buoyancy, fluid pressure and changes of states and matter through experimental data and mathematical analysis
• Write detailed analyses from the book “Isaac’s Storm” and select chapters of “A Short History of Nearly Everything”.
• Have the opportunity to apply their advanced mathematical skills on highly challenging problems
• Participate in high level class discussions on current science events and complex scientific ideas
   

Social Studies 7

Is a United States History course that follows Minnesota state standards. This course follows a chronology of US History from the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Enriched Social Studies 7

Differs from the regular course in projects, processes, style and depth of content. Students must possess the ability to work independently and collaboratively in groups. This course is designed for students working above grade level. Entrance Guidelines: Minimum MCA Reading score of Exceeds, strong verbal skills and writing ability, above grade level reading ability and motivation with ability to persevere. 

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Identify principles of government
• Identify main causes and consequences of the Civil War
• Understand causes of the rise of the US as a world power 
• Understand causes and consequences of WWI, WWII & Cold War
• Gain knowledge and understanding of how the Civil Rights movement improved life of Americans

Spanish Language Social Studies 7

Is taught completely in Spanish and covers the same content and meets the same standards as Social Studies 7. Entrance criteria: Open to Spanish Immersion students. 

Enriched Language Social Studies 7

Is taught completely in Spanish and covers the same content and meets the same standards as Social Studies 7. Entrance criteria: Open to Spanish Immersion students. 

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Identify principles of government
• Identify main causes and consequences of the Civil War
• Understand causes of the rise of the US as a world power 
• Understand causes and consequences of WWI, WWII & Cold War
• Gain knowledge and understanding of how the Civil Rights movement improved life of Americans

Advanced Social Studies 7

Is designed for students who have been in the Mosaic program. It follows a chronology of US History from the 19th and 20th centuries.  Students will participate in history day and will complete an in-depth research project.  A successful student should exhibit an intellectual curiosity about American History and be motivated to work hard to exceed expectations. Entrance Criteria for Non-MOSAIC Students: Successful completion of writing assessment AND FastBridge Reading (Winter) of a minimum 98th percentile OR MCA Reading (previous year) of a minimum 98th percentile.

Outcomes and Objectives: 

• Identify principles of government
• Identify main causes and consequences of the Civil War
• Understand causes of the rise of the US as a world power 
• Understand causes and consequences of WWI, WWII & Cold War
• Gain knowledge and understanding of how the Civil Rights movement improved life of Americans
• Successful completion of extensive History Day project. 

Social Studies 8

Is an introductory Global Geography curriculum which follows Minnesota State Standards. This curriculum includes mapping, physical geography and human geography. Thematic studies are organized around different regions of the world.   

Enriched Social Studies 8

is designed for students working above grade level. The course will differ from Social Studies 8 in projects, processes, style and depth of content. Students should exhibit an intellectual curiosity about geopolitical  events and be comfortable taking a position.  Entrance Criteria: Minimum MCA Reading score of Exceeds. strong verbal skills and writing ability, above grade level reading ability and motivation with ability to persevere.

Spanish Language Social Studies 8

is taught completely in Spanish and covers the same content and meets the same standards as Social Studies 8. Guidelines: Open to Spanish Immersion students.

Enriched Spanish Language Social Studies 8

is taught completely in Spanish and covers the same content and meets the same standards as Social Studies 8. Guidelines: Open to Spanish Immersion students.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Use, construct and analyze maps, databases, charts and pictures
• Understand the patterns of the Earth’s human activities and demographics
• Explore ways to understand and respect human behavior and cultures
• Explore how human lives and identities are affected by particular places and regions
• Analyze and predict interactions between human systems and physical systems
• Use geography as a tool to interpret the past, solve problems and plan for the future
• Use research skills to access, collect, organize and analyze information
• Understand historical events, people and their influence on the world today.

Advanced Social Studies 8

Is designed for students who have been excelling in advanced coursework. Advanced Social Studies 8 is a global geography curriculum that follows Minnesota State Standards.  This curriculum includes mapping skills, geo-technologies, physical geography and human geography.  The course is predominately organized around thematic issues.  In addition, students will participate in History Day and will complete an in-depth research project. A successful student in the Advanced Social Studies  exhibits an intellectual curiosity about geopolitical events and is comfortable taking a position. Entrance Criteria for Non-Advanced Students: Successful completion of writing assessment AND FastBridge Reading (Winter) of a minimum 98th percentile OR MCA Reading (previous year) of a minimum 98th percentile.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Use, construct and analyze maps, databases, charts and pictures
• Understand the patterns of the Earth’s human activities and demographics
• Explore ways to understand and respect human behavior and cultures
• Explore how human lives and identities are affected by particular places and regions
• Analyze and predict interactions between human systems and physical systems
• Use geography as a tool to interpret the past, solve problems and plan for the future
• Use research skills to access, collect, organize and analyze information
• Understand historical events, people and their influence on the world today

 

Technology Education

Designed to introduce 8th grade students to the high demand and diverse industry of Technology. Students will gain knowledge through exposure to major branches of engineering and other technical fields. Hands-on exploration is emphasized and students will spend their days in a fully equipped wood workshop, computer lab and traditional classroom setting. Students will further develop skills of critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and interpersonal communication- a foundation for both this course as well as the ever-evolving world. 

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Learn about and demonstrate safety with and around power hand tools.
• Explore sub-disciplines of engineering to connect further learning opportunities.
• Understand and apply the foundations of a functional team.
• Read and create blueprints by hand and digitally. 
• Create 3D models design to solve a problem.
• Gain experience with 3D printing team generated designs.
• Construct and assemble their own wooden pen.
• Develop continued interest in Engineering and Technology.
• Discover their natural strengths with Technology Ed units. 

Course Donation

$20 donations are asked to help supplement the cost of material and consumables used in student take home projects. 

Course Description:

Art is required in both 7th and 8th grades and offers students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of our visual culture by discussing, researching, and developing visual artwork.  Students will hone their creative and critical thinking skills as they learn art concepts and techniques, practice visual literacy, and explore the work of relevant artists past and present.  Classroom activities include a variety of 2D, 3D, and digital media projects.  Art education prepares students to become responsible consumers and creators of visual arts and culture.
 

Outcomes and Objectives

• Create, present, respond and connect to artwork.
• Develop foundational  art skills, vocabulary and techniques
• Develop critical and creative thinking skills by analyzing artwork.
• Create artwork by developing and revising an idea, and taking creative risks.
• Achieve greater understanding of how artists communicate.
• Consider how artwork can influence ideas, feelings, behaviors and beliefs.
• Link artistic practice to personal identity.
• Relate artistic ideas and works to cultural and historical context.
• Work safely within an independent studio setting. 

 

World Language

Is our connection to our community and our world.  The learning of a second language and its culture is an integral part of the student’s total learning experience.  The ability to communicate in a second language increases opportunities to interact with other people and to gain insight into other cultures.  The world language philosophy emphasizes a communicative approach through listening, speaking, reading and writing.  The focus is on what the students can do with the language and how well they can communicate in given situations. World Language is a two-year program that alternates every other day with Music. Term grades are reported at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4.

Outcomes and Objectives:

• Communicate basic expressions using vocabulary topics such as greetings and farewells, alphabet, numbers, telling time, and classroom expressions.
• Describe people and things as nationalities, age, colors, etc. 
• Express likes, dislikes, wants, needs in relation sports and leisure activities, foods and drink.
• Talk about oneself, family, house, school.
• Exploring the culture, geography and customs.

Languages Offered:

• Chinese
• French
• German (not available with Orchestra due to shared staffing)
• Spanish