Middle School Curriculum Overview

The middle school Physical Education Program is an activity based learning experience.  The goal of the program is for students to develop knowledge, skills, and appreciation in a variety of activities with the hope that the child will develop healthy lifestyles that include lifelong physical activity.  A variety of wellness related skills are introduced and taught throughout the units presented in grades 6-8 including social emotional learning. Students attend their physical education class 2-3 days per week for the entire school year.

The Grade 6 FACS/Health curriculum focuses on skills for life outside of the classroom.  Students will learn and develop emotional regulation, communication skills, self advocacy, tolerance, and stress management techniques.  Students will also learn decision making skills, especially in regards to new risks like drugs, tobacco, and alcohol as well as online communication.  Students will attend their FACS/Health class 2-3 days per week for one quarter of the school year.

The Grade 7 Health curriculum at Ottoson helps students acquire functional health knowledge, strengthens attitudes, beliefs, and practice skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives. Students will attend their Grade 7 health classes for approximately 14-16 classes during the school year.

The Grade 8 Health curriculum at Ottoson builds upon the units taught in Grade 7 and continues to help adolescents acquire functional health knowledge, strengthens attitudes, beliefs, and practice skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives. Students will attend their Grade 8 health classes for approximately 14-16 classes during the school year.

The FACS program teaches students basic health and daily living concepts. FACS also challenges students to solve problems, make connections between academics and real life application, and to use critical thinking skills in their everyday lives. The emphasis is on healthy life skills, school-to-work skills, and helping students discover how academics connect to real life. There is a focus on project based learning, experiential learning, safety skills, and opportunities for both independent and group work. Students will attend their grade 7 and 8 FACS classes 2-3 days per week for one quarter of the school year.