Grade 6 Academic Cycles (Trimesters)

Digital Collaboration

Sixth-grade Digital Collaboration encompasses several facets of learning to use computers effectively and efficiently. The main goal of this class is to introduce students to the use of computers and how they can facilitate learning in our everyday lives. The keyboarding component consists of hands-on individualized typing lessons from an online typing program. The course will focus on students becoming effective users of the GSuite for Education apps (Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Classroom) with the addition of other Web 2.0 tools for presentations. Digital Citizenship, including digital etiquette, online safety, and cyberbullying are integrated with other units throughout the course. As the student is exposed to different styles of digital creation throughout the course, their projects demonstrate their newly learned skills. Students will collaborate to share ideas, create and solve digital problems as they work with word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet tools.

Introduction to Spanish

This course is an introduction to learning Spanish for middle-school students. Students will learn to listen and to read with awareness in order to discover word meanings and relations. The course begins with an introduction to language families and cognates (with special emphasis on Latin and the Romance languages), with exercises to help train students’ eyes and ears to see relationships between words and become more skilled language learners. Students practice these skills with an exclusive focus on Spanish before moving into the main beginners’ course in Spanish. The focus of the Spanish course will be on learning vocabulary and practicing pronunciation. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills will be developed. Topics covered include: greetings, the body, clothing, numbers to 100, colors, shapes, family, weather, the calendar, and food.

Applied Math

Applied Math is a project-based math course containing skills determined by the current NJ Common Core Standards. It is a trimester cycle class that enables students to learn, create, explore, and build tangible artifacts using mathematics in real-world scenarios. They will experience math in a collaborative, interactive, project-based environment. Projects will be delivered via Webquest which challenges the students to determine when and where to use interactive tutorials, resources, and online information to solve the problem. Use of the Smartboard, manipulatives, and the document camera will supplement Webquest-based projects. Each project will be graded on a standard rubric. Mathematical practices such as reasoning, estimation, perseverance, attention to precision, and problem-solving are woven into each unit, as well as teamwork, collaboration, and critical thinking. Specific topics include operations with multi-digit numbers, ratios and proportions, the number system, statistics, and geometry.

Grade 6 Exploratory Cycle Classes (Trimesters)

Hooked on Books - Book Club

In this fun and dynamic course, students will select their own books and engage in discussions and projects that reinforce reading and writing skills. Emphasis will be placed on students setting their own individualized reading goals and learning more about themselves as readers.

Introduction to 3D Printing

Students will learn the basics of 3D printing and digital modeling through the mastery of the Engineering Design Process and Design thinking. They will produce a product by working collaboratively to identify a current need, brainstorming multiple ways to meet that need, effectively designing a solution on paper and in 3D modeling software, and fabricating the actual product using 3D printers and other materials.

Applied Music and Theory

The Middle School General Music program is a continuation of the elementary music program. Students will explore different aspects of music throughout their three years in middle school.  Applied Music and Theory is an exploratory course on reading music and playing instruments and applying the concepts learned to perform.  

Surviving Natural Disasters

The Surviving Natural Disasters course is an emergency preparedness curriculum for grade 6 that covers what to do before, during, and after an emergency while fostering critical 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, leadership, and communication. Students will work individually and in teams to research emergencies that can impact communities locally, nationally, and internationally and apply creativity and literacy skills to demonstrate their understanding of emergency preparedness. Students will exercise their investigative, creative, and communicative skills working both individually and collaboratively on various tasks ranging from identifying natural disasters, and where they occur, creating and implementing an action plan correlated to several natural disasters, and demonstrating basic survival skills when faced with a natural disaster.

7 Habits of Highly Successful Students

The course is based on the best-selling book by Sean Covey, ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.’ It helps teenagers practically apply personal leadership principles to the tough choices they face in the 21st century. The course format introduces powerful life-changing ideas to teens, followed by inspiring videos that link to the ideas, high-energy interactive exercises are used to apply the learning, and finally, reflection time to personalize the learning. The 7 Habits for Teens training is a means for educators and parents to build teenagers' self-confidence and interpersonal skills, improve students' emotional wellbeing, boost achievement as well as raise life aspirations, and reduce school-wide discipline problems.

Understanding Social Media

The digital age is thriving and communication is constantly evolving to adjust to our advanced technological world. Throughout this course, students will learn the value of a positive online presence and the impact our digital behavior can have on our future. As social media continues to play an integral role in our economy, students will learn how to break down the use of social media for the purpose of business, marketing, and developing a successful brand. Students will learn how to sift through the abundance of information available through new media to become more informed, critical consumers of media.

Art 6 - 2D

The 2D Arts Curriculum reviews and builds upon two-dimensional fundamental concepts and techniques in art. Concepts, techniques, and skills are established, reviewed, and enriched through meaning and application within each unit. They will emphasize personal feelings through visual imagery within various areas of concentration such as Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Color Theory, Art History, Cultures, and Aesthetics. Some art media may include pencil (graphite, colored, charcoal, and pastel), paints (watercolor, tempera, and acrylic), clay, and mixed media (tissue paper, glue). 

During the course of the school year, students will be exposed to various concepts and techniques in all the units: Elements of art-2D, Drawing, Color Theory, and introductions/transition to 3D. Within the artistic process, students are encouraged to communicate and participate in student dialogue, critical inquiry, and reflection in response to the art. Classroom dialogue and written expression are also encouraged in order for students to reflect on their artistic process and brainstorm with other students. Students will also use an extensive array of art media and be instructed on how to engage in the safe and appropriate use of classroom materials and tools. They will engage in a sequence of learning experiences that will develop student understanding and self-assessment of their own artwork through planned learning- doing - reflecting segments. This will be achieved by pedagogical pacing through various classroom activities that encompass active learning strategies, multi-sensory instruction, guided instruction, independent practice, and student evaluation. In the end, students will apply all their knowledge of 2D art to a brief introduction to 3D art in order to prepare them for 7th-grade art.

Introduction to Foods and Consumer Science

This course is an introduction to life skills, manners, and etiquette, sewing. and cooking. Students will be taught basic sewing skills and will create various projects using hand-sewing techniques. Projects will include string art, a hand-sewing sampler and bookmark, a needlepoint coaster, and "friendship" quilt squares. The course will also introduce students to table manners and etiquette, kitchen, and food safety. Several cooking labs will also be included in the course which will emphasize correct recipe reading, measuring of foods, and practice with various types of kitchen utensils and appliances, as well as different cooking techniques. Kitchen safety and good sanitation practices will be stressed on a daily basis.

Grade 7 Academic Cycles (Trimesters)

Discovering Computer Science 

This middle school computer science course is modeled after the first half of CS Discoveries course offered by code.org and is mapped tightly to the Computer Science standards.  Defined Learning's Grade 7 BackPack Design Challenge was added as a supplement.  This class exposes students to computer science as a vehicle for problem-solving, communication, and personal expression. As a whole, this course focuses on the visible aspects of computing and computer science, and encourages students to see where computer science exists around them and how they can engage with it as a tool for exploration and expression. More specifically, students learn the problem-solving process, the input-output-store-process model of a computer, how computers help humans solve problems, and eventually propose their own app to solve a problem. Students then learn to create websites using HTML and CSS inside Code.org’s Web Lab environment. Students consider questions of privacy and ownership on the internet as they develop their own personal websites. At the end of the course, students learn fundamental programming constructs and practices in the JavaScript programming language while developing animations and games in Code.org’s Game Lab environment. Students end the unit by designing their own animations and games.

Introduction to French

This trimester course is designed to introduce students to the four fundamental skills of language study - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students will learn basic pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar through interpersonal modes. Emphasis is placed on students' use and comprehension of the language. The students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the customs and cultures of French-speaking countries.

S.T.E.A.M. Tank - Innovation and Design 7

The 7th grade S.T.E.A.M. Tank -  Innovation and Design course is designed to have students experience multiple aspects of STEAM learning with a variety of hands-on experiences. Since the basis of STEAM relies on engineering, students begin with an introduction to STEAM and engineering, including the use of the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to solve a problem and the use of an Engineering Design Notebook (EDN) to document the process. Students will then move on to study the six simple machines (lever, inclined plane, pulley, wheel and axle, wedge, screw) and ways we can use these machines to do work with less effort. Next, students will move on to mechanisms (gears, cams, and linkages), learning how these mechanisms can be used to change the amount and/or direction of a force. This unit will culminate with the creation of a toy that uses a mechanism. The course wraps up with a study of aerospace engineering where students will learn about flight, rocketry, and the history of space exploration. Students will research and build solid-fueled rockets, which will be launched as a culminating activity. Throughout the unit, students will learn about Newton’s Laws of Motion, and need to rely on their math skills to calculate the velocity and apogee of their rocket launches.

Grade 7 Exploratory Cycles (Trimesters)

Book Marked

In this fun and dynamic course, students will select their own books and engage in discussions and projects that reinforce reading and writing skills. Like Hooked on Books, students will set their own individualized reading goals and self-report reading progress. Emphasis will be placed on students making connections between literature and the greater world and on creative and insightful thinking with the ultimate goal of instilling a love of reading within the student.

Podcasting

Over the past few years, podcasts have become increasingly popular for entertainment and information.  In this course, students will gain practical skills for producing distinctive podcasts and learn the essentials of audio storytelling.  Students will explore various forms of podcasts and work collaboratively to produce professional-quality content.

Music and Pop Culture

 The Middle School General Music program is a continuation of the elementary music program. Students will explore different aspects of music throughout their three years in middle school.  In this course, students will study the history of popular music tracing present-day music back through the turn of the century.  

Sustainability

This course fosters sustainability thinking. We must offer students the tools and opportunities they need to reconsider our impact upon the world and tackle complex global environmental challenges. This process begins with each of us recognizing our personal impact on the Earth as well as our responsibility to be a steward of Earth. Next, students can cultivate a deeper understanding of how to act sustainably, how to understand our impact on Earth’s systems, and how to balance the dynamic relationship among people, the planet, and profit. With this approach, we can encourage teachers, students, and parents to rethink and redesign human systems and creations to exist in balance with natural systems, and we can create a new generation of leaders—young and old.  A great way to learn how human systems and societies impact the world is to start by taking a close look at local systems, structures, traditions, and geography. By first appreciating what we love about our communities, we can instill a deep connection to the place in which we live. From this sense of connection, we can begin to dream up solutions to local problems and seek out the ways that other communities have successfully addressed similar issues. Then we can begin to find motivation to relate to other people’s perspectives and experiences around the world and a larger sense of responsibility to the Earth.

Robotics

In this course, students will utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, computer programming, writing, and communication skills to solve programming challenges. Working collaboratively, students will research robotics, develop a strategy, document their progress, and practice engineering design and building skills using LEGOs and LEGO Mindstorms software. Students will be introduced to basic programming through LEGO Mindstorms program blocks, including the use of motors and sensors. At the end of the course, students will be asked to program their robot to complete “missions” that are presented by First Lego League (FLL).

Art 7 - 3D

The 3D Arts Curriculum reviews and builds upon three-dimensional fundamental concepts and techniques in art. Concepts, techniques, and skills are established, reviewed, and enriched through meaning and application within each unit. They will emphasize personal feelings through visual imagery within various areas of concentration such as Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Color Theory, Art History, Cultures, and Aesthetics. Some art media may include printmaking (linoleum, ink, brayers, barren, and paper), plaster, clay (earthenware clay, ceramic tools, and glaze), cardboard (Exacto knives, acrylic/Tempra paint, and hot glue guns), and mixed media.  During the course of the school year, students will be exposed to various concepts and techniques in all the units: Elements of art-2D, Printmaking, Plaster/Cardboard, and clay. Within the artistic process, students are encouraged to communicate and participate in student dialogue, critical inquiry, and reflection in response to the art. Classroom dialogue and written expression are also encouraged in order for students to reflect on their artistic process and brainstorm with other students. Students will also use an extensive array of art media and be instructed on how to engage in the safe and appropriate use of classroom materials and tools. They will engage in a sequence of learning experiences that will develop student understanding and self-assessment of their own artwork through planned learning- doing - reflecting segments. This will be achieved by pedagogical pacing through various classroom activities that encompass active learning strategies, multi-sensory instruction, guided instruction, independent practice, and student evaluation. In the end, students will have experience working three-dimensional in a variety of different mediums.

Food Culture

As the need for understanding and accepting other customs and cultures becomes increasingly important due to our global society and the diversity we encounter on a daily basis, it is important that we appreciate and respect cultural diversity. Food is one of the most natural ways to bridge the gap between cultures.

This course gives students the opportunity to learn about international cultures and cuisines. Various regions of the world will be covered, including Latin America, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, the Mid-East, Canada, and the regions of the United States. Geography, climates, customs, and the traditions of each area will be explored through research, individual and group presentations, class participation and laboratory work. The course will also focus on patterns of family meals, food habits, unique ingredients and methods of preparation. Students will use the food laboratory for cultural food preparation on a regular basis.Units are intermingled and are continued throughout the year where appropriate.

Grade 8 Academic Cycles (Trimesters)

Spanish I - Full Year

In this course, students will attain an acceptable degree of communicative competency in each of the fundamental skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It includes simple conversation, a study of basic grammar, vocabulary and idioms, reading and writing in Spanish for comprehension and pronunciation. Students will also gain an understanding and appreciation of the customs, cultures, and dialects of Spanish-speaking countries.

French I - Full Year

This trimester course is designed to introduce students to the four fundamental skills of language study - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students will learn basic pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar through interpersonal modes. Emphasis is placed on students' use and comprehension of the language. The students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the customs and cultures of French-speaking countries.

Grade 8 Exploratory Cycles (Trimesters)

Entrepreneurship

Students work in teams to develop a product, pitch their idea, and launch their business. The experience culminates in a ‘pop-up’ marketplace experience where students sell their products. Students leave entrepreneurship having defined, built, and launched a product in the market. Evidence of learning includes a business model canvas, a budget, and pricing model for the business, a product name and brand, a pitch deck, communications and marketing material, sales goals, and reflections.

War of Words

In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of debate and argumentation, including affirmative and negative sides of an issue, supporting claims with evidence, and refuting points made in spoken debate. They will engage in academic debate learning how to disagree in a professional manner and how to support their points with facts and statistics.

World Music Survey

The Middle School General Music program is a continuation of the elementary music program. Students will explore different aspects of music throughout their three years in middle school.  This course is a performance-based class studying the music and culture of African and South African countries.  

Project Impact

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the many benefits of community outreach through hands-on service learning projects, as well as the outcome of decisions they make both now and in the future. This class is a culmination of previously learned material focusing on building one's character and helping others along the way.

S.T.E.A.M. Tank Innovation and Design - 8

Students will master the use of 21st Century Skills such as Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking in a technological environment.  Students will collaborate using essential tools including the engineering design process, design thinking, and the seven resources of technology to produce viable solutions by defining real-world problems, brainstorming multiple solutions, and effectively designing a solution.   Students will be able to fabricate a 3D printed innovation, a closed-circuit autonomous robot that creates art, and a hydraulic arm with specialized end-effectors designed for product packaging.

MOMS TV

Students will be exposed to a full spectrum of video tools, techniques, equipment, planning, and materials, as well as the history of video. Students will have hands-on experience and learn how to operate professional video equipment. Students will work as crew members for in-studio and on-location shoots. They will also use problem-solving skills to create and produce original projects.

Art 8 - Digital

This digital art curriculum reviews and builds upon fundamental concepts and digital art techniques in Procreate. Concepts such as the Elements of Art, Advertising, Illustration/Concept, and Design will be established, reviewed, and enriched in order for 8th-grade students to be well versatile in the world of graphic arts. With each concept, students will acquire technical skills and become proficient in Procreate, while applying their knowledge of the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Color Theory, Art History, Cultures, and Aesthetics obtained from each lesson. Emphasis is placed on student dialogue, critical inquiry, and reflection in response to the digital art-making process. Classroom dialogue is encouraged by student artists about their own art and the artwork of master and current conceptual artists working in the digital field.

The students will use an extensive array of digital platforms (procreate, google drive, and/or photoshop) and technology (ipads, apple pens, SD cards, and/or flash drives) in order to participate in the appropriate use of classroom materials and tools. The digital platform will provide students with a variety of brush tools, replicated as pencil drawings (graphite, colored, charcoal, ink, and pastel), paints (watercolor, tempera, air-brush, and acrylic) to emphasize their overall artistic ideas during the creative process. During the course of the school year, students will engage in a sequence of learning experiences that will develop student understanding and self-assessment of their own artwork through planned learning- doing - reflecting segments. This will be achieved by pedagogical pacing through various classroom activities that encompass active learning strategies, multi-sensory instruction, guided instruction, independent practice, and student evaluation.

Bake Shop

This course is designed to educate students in Baking and Pastry Arts. Students will receive hands-on experience in preparing a wide array of baked goods, pastries, and confections. Career options in the baking industry and hospitality areas will also be discussed. Several baking labs will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in preparing various types of cookies, pies, quick breads, yeast breads, specialty desserts, cakes, and cake decorating. Our culminating project will be a "Cupcake Wars" style competition.