Middle School Curriculum

The learning objectives of middle school focus on fostering academic growth, critical thinking, and personal development to prepare students for high school and beyond. Academically, students build foundational skills in core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies while developing problem-solving, digital literacy, and effective communication abilities. They also explore creativity and interest in subject areas such as Spanish, robotics, art, PE and theater. Finally, students develop leadership skills by mentoring elementary students, organizing club activities, and directing group projects.

STREAM in Middle School

Middle school STREAM education aims to spark curiosity and prepare students for more advanced topics in high school and beyond. Hands-on activities, real-world problem solving, and teamwork are key components of this learning stage. Students begin lessons in data science and the importance of collecting and analyzing relevant and accurate data. Students learn how to incorporate the scientific method, engineering design process, and mathematical modeling in order to find practical solutions for complex problems.

Engineering Design Process

Formulates a detailed plan in writing, pictures, or digitally

Anticipates and identifies potential design problems

Understands real world impacts of design solutions and constraints

Records and analyzes test results

Scientific Method

Completes an experiment independently

Explains data in multiple formats

Engages in objective reasoning

Identifies errors in data and analysis

Redesigns and improves experiments

Critical Thinking

Identifying needed and reliable sources of information

Breaking down complex ideas into smaller parts

Identifies data relevant to the problem and conducts data analysis

Manages difficulties and thinks through unexpected challenges

EXAMPLES:

Sphero Projects: Students drive or code Spheros to do multiple functions with Lego attachments (chariots, floats, etc)

Thermal Houses: Designing a house out of cardboard and other materials to either conserve heat energy in the winter or remain cool in the summer

EXAMPLES:

Science Fair Experiments: Students compete in the MS Regional V science fair

Earthquake Analysis: Using Google Sheets, students analyze earthquake magnitude data from the US Geological Survey

EXAMPLES:

Innovation Project: Robotics students design an invention based on the theme of the First Lego League as well as a robot to complete as many missions as possible on a set game board in 2 min 30 sec

Weather Analysis: Using Google Sheets, students analyze weather data to determine the influence of terrain features on various weather measurements (temp, rainfall, etc)

Communication

Practices active listening and asking relevant questions

Paraphrases and summarizes complex material

Speaks clearly in an organized manner, both formally and informally

Adjusts written and speaking tone and content to a specific audience and purpose in various formats

Creativity and Curiosity

Incorporates art in all subject areas

Builds models and experiments

Engages in digital mediums such as animations, videos, and posters

Collaboration

Prioritizes group or project needs

Assigns and accepts roles

Learns from others

Resolves conflict respectfully

Accountable for own contribution

EXAMPLES:

Science Newscasts: Students create a report in the form of a newscast to provide info on a scientific topic

Exit Projects: Students conduct research on a self-chosen topic and present their findings via slideshow and science model or animation

EXAMPLES:

Bio Bios - Stop motion animation of a biologist's biography

Saints Project: Students use various mediums to create an art piece representative of their chosen saint (Instagram post, fashion design, stained glass window)

EXAMPLES:

STREAM Day Goosechase: Teams are assigned to complete the most STREAM challenges in a given time frame. Students employ a strategy to receive the most points possible in order to win the chase

NASA International Space Station: creating a model of the ISS out of maker space materials

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