Middle School Curriculum
Our middle school curriculum is thoughtfully designed to challenge and inspire students, encouraging them to explore diverse subjects and develop critical thinking skills, while building a strong foundation that prepares them for the success in the Upper School and beyond.
Students are required to carry a full course load of core academic classes, which includes the following disciplines: English, social studies, religion, math, science, and physical education. As part of our commitment to global citizenship and cultural competency, students are also required to pursue studies in an international language for all four years of middle school, unless they are participating in Learning Support Services. Additionally, our students in the seventh and eighth grades must engage in a specialized writing course, which further hones their written communication skills.
Finally, all Forest Ridge Middle School students are required to participate in one of our highly regarded Immersive courses, which take place each spring. This weeklong program is designed to challenge students in new ways, promoting collaboration, leadership, and experiential learning.
- English
- Social Studies
- Religion
- Mathematics
- Science
- TechMaker
- International Language
- Performance & Fine Arts
- Physical Education
English
5th grade English focuses on an exploration of active reading skills and evaluation of literary elements. Students are encouraged to build habits toward becoming life-long readers, and read fiction and non-fiction books as a class, in small groups, and individually with an emphasis on a variety of genres.
The units below are designed to challenge each student to grow new interpretive reading skills and as community members while practicing critical communication skills, open-mindedness, and dialogue in small groups.
Personal Narrative/Realistic Fiction: Students will select at least one realistic fiction book that is a good fit for them to independently read over the course of the unit. Through reading realistic fiction books and short stories, students use their active reading skills to analyze complex fictional texts, with a focus on theme, characters, author perspective and making comparisons across texts. Students will analyze choices author’s make when writing realistic fiction stories and apply that learning to their own writing as they compose personal narrative stories. Students will work their way through the writing process, brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing as they write their narrative. Students will practice the skills of writing strong introductions and conclusions, writing with vivid vocabulary to create detailed and descriptive stories, using punctuation and grammar to convey meaning through their dialogue and storytelling.
Non-Fiction: Fifth graders learn how to approach, analyze, and summarize non-fiction texts. Each student builds a toolkit for understanding how to interact meaningfully with informational non-fiction texts. Students use their non-fiction tool kit to research and compose their own informational text product about a topic of their choosing.
Narrative Non-Fiction: Through non-fiction research and writing students will blend scientific research with narrative writing to compose narrative nonfiction stories based on a chosen biome studied in science class. They will also read and analyze “The Tree that Came Home,” a narrative nonfiction book about a tree from Bainbridge Island located at IslandWood (the location of our class trip).
Fantasy: Students will select at least one fantasy book that is a good fit for them to independently read over the course of the unit. This unit provides a great opportunity for students to continue building their reading and writing skills with an emphasis on deep analysis of story structure navigating complex characters and magical settings to analyze metaphors, life lessons, quests, and thematic patterns while still thinking about theme, character, plot, author choice and more! Students will analyze multiple iterations of fantasy story telling across many stories in many forms. Students will independently read a book that features elements of the hero’s journey and analyze the aspects of it within their story, Student’s will also stretch their writing skills and continue using the writing process to write their own fantasy narrative story.
These units challenge each student to grow new interpretive reading skills and as community members while practicing critical communication skills, open-mindedness, and dialogue in small groups. Vocabulary and grammar skills are learned in the context of literature and writing and through the online resource, No Red Ink.
Social Studies
The fifth-grade social studies curriculum focuses on the study of America’s past. Each social studies unit in fifth grade provides an opportunity for each student to recognize her personal rights and responsibilities as a young citizen. These historical topics push each student to grow and apply critical thinking and discussion skills while developing a deep knowledge of American heritage and ideals. The units of study for this course include:
America’s Geographic Setting: Students explore the physical and human features of the world. They will learn about continents, countries, and major landforms, with a focus on the physical features and formations of North America. Students will also interpret how geography influences culture, climate, and human activities. Through map skills, research projects, and interactive activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of geography and the interconnectedness of people and places.
Native Peoples: This unit explores the vibrant and diverse cultures of Native American tribes throughout different regions of North America. The curriculum connects back to their learning of geography as students deepen their understanding of connections between place and people. Included in this unit is an emphasize of understanding and respect for indigenous perspectives, highlighting the enduring contributions of Native peoples to the heritage of the United States.
Europeans and the New World: Students explore the age of exploration and colonization as European nations ventured across the Atlantic Ocean. They learn about the motivations behind European exploration, encounters with indigenous peoples of the Americas, and the impact of colonization. Students will also closely explore three of first English settlements in North America and formation of the original 13 colonies. Students will dig into the history of slavery in the Americas and analyze primary sources as they study the impacts of slavery.
American Independence: In this unit, students delve into the events leading to the American Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the United States as an independent nation. They explore key pivotal events like the Boston Tea Party and make connections across events to establish causes and effects. The curriculum emphasizes the ideals of liberty, democracy, and the rights of individuals that shaped the foundation of the United States, encouraging critical thinking about the significance of these historical milestones.
Civic and Economics: Students explore the cornerstone texts that laid the foundation of American democracy. They study primary documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, understanding the principles of government, individual rights, and the separation of powers. The curriculum encourages students to analyze the historical context and enduring relevance of these documents, developing an understanding for their role in shaping the United States as a nation. Additionally, Students will analyze the United States government structure and explore its organization and functions. They learn about the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—and their respective roles in making and enforcing laws. The curriculum emphasizes the principles of checks and balances, encouraging students to understand how these foundational elements ensure a system of governance that protects individual rights and promotes democratic principles in our nation.
Religion
The fifth-grade Religion program is rooted in Goal One of Sacred Heart education: to educate to a personal and active faith in God. Students explore their images of God and discover how their ideas of God are similar regardless of their faith traditions. Through individual and group activities, students are encouraged to grow in their understanding of their relationships with God and with one another.
Personal Faith in God through Prayer: Students begin the year by gaining a deep understanding of our Sacred Heart Schools Goal I that calls Schools of the Sacred Heart to “commit themselves to educate to a personal and active faith in God.” Grounded in our Sacred Heart Schools Criteria, “the school community welcomes and respects personas of all faither and educates to an understanding of the religions and spiritual traditions in the world,” students will reflect on various forms of prayer, identifying their favorite prayer or method and how it helps them be their best selves. They will become familiar with traditional devotions, practicing prayer in common, song, gesture, and meditation. This exploration will deepen their understanding and experience of prayer, enriching their spiritual lives.
Liturgical Foundations: Students will explore the sacraments, learning to identify and explain each sacrament, including those of Initiation, Healing, and Service. They will understand the significance of each part of the Mass and the symbols and sacramentals associated with the sacraments. Students will also learn about the three persons in the Trinity and the various seasons of the liturgical year, deepening their comprehension through naming, describing, or drawing each season.
Catholic & Sacred Heart Values: Students will examine the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes and their connection to God's grace. They will choose a Cardinal Virtue and a Theological Virtue to illustrate with real-life examples. Students will make connections to Sacred Heart Goal IV that calls Schools of the Sacred Heart to “educate to the building of community as a Christian value,” including the Criteria that “the school, affirming that all are created in the image and likeness of God, promotes the inherent dignity of the human persona and strives for relationships characterized by inclusion and mutual respect.” Additionally, students will reflect on Catholic Social Teachings, and will select one teaching to discuss its challenges and application in their own lives.
Call to Serve: Students will learn about the Sacraments of Vocation and Service. Students will participate in discerning the gifts of their classroom community and giving thanks for these gifts. They will identify their own talents and gifts from God and explore ways to serve, with a special emphasis on the stewardship and care of their bodies. Students will explore the connections to our Sacred Heart Goals & Criteria which calls students “to serve the common good in an interdependent world” and “engage in direct service, advocacy, outreach and partnerships to work for justice, peace and the integrity of creation.”
Mathematics
Forest Ridge Middle School accelerates math instruction at least one grade level ahead of the students’ chronological grade. Our Foundations of Mathematical Practices course for fifth grade students features a differentiated instructional approach that supports and challenges all students. Before starting each unit of study, students complete a pre-assessment to identify areas where they have already mastered the content and areas that require further development. Our coursework is carefully designed to provide extensive exposure to real number operations and a strong foundation in practical problem-solving techniques. Using a hands-on, problem-solving approach, students gain both conceptual understanding and operational fluency in the topics below:
Mathematical Mindset: Understand how our brains grow and learn how a growth mindset is crucial to our ability to learn math. Develop a toolkit of growth mindset strategies to bring to our math learning for the entire year. Emphasize the importance of mindset, depth of understanding, the value of struggle, inclusivity, and persistence.
Area and Surface Area: Extend our ability to calculate the area of rectangles and triangles to irregular shapes. Apply our knowledge of area to finding the surface area of rectangular prisms and pyramids.
Ratios: Create a toolkit of math representations (ex. tables, double number lines, and unit rates) to calculate equivalent ratios and to solve real-world ratio problems.
Unit Rates and Percentages: Build on ratio reasoning developed in previous unit to determine unknown parts, wholes, and percentages. Expand equivalent fraction and decimal reasoning to convert between units of measurement.
Dividing Fractions: Equip our toolkit with a variety of strategies to divide fractions. Focus on the language of word problems to apply our skills to real-world situations with fraction division.
Decimal Arithmetic: Develop proficiency with multi-digit decimal addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, with a focus on using powers of 10 to foster number sense. Determine the least common multiple (LCM) and greatest common factor (GCF) of numbers using various strategies.
Expressions and Equations: Practice writing and solving one-step equations, and use the distributive property to create equivalent expressions, and evaluate expressions with whole number exponents. Represent relationships using tables, equations, and graphs, to foster a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts.
Positive and Negative Numbers: Compare and order positive and negative numbers using number lines, and represent inequalities with symbols, words, and graphs. Solve problems by graphing points with positive and negative coordinates, developing strong analytical and visual skills.
Describing Data: Analyze and create dot plots to visualize data and calculate statistical measures such as mean, mean absolute deviation (MAD), quartiles, interquartile range (IQR), and range. Describe and compare data sets using these measures, interpreting histograms and box plots for comprehensive data analysis.
Science
The fifth-grade experimental science curriculum revolves around the nature of science, and students learn content from life, earth, and physical science domains by using scientific skills. Students begin to develop skills in three major categories: scientific inquiry, scientific communication, and engineering. The goal for every student is to engage with content in a variety of learning experiences that align with the National Science Teachers’ Association recommendations for middle school science, including use of “hands-on, minds-on” inquiry-based science instruction in which at least eighty percent of instructional time is spent on investigations. The units below preview content from the next three grade levels, including life, earth and physical science.
Ornithology: Students develop and hone their skills as scientific investigators through the lens of the many birds that call Forest Ridge campus home. Students build upon their own observations and results of investigations by past fifth graders to design, conduct, and make conclusions from a never-before-done investigation of their own.
Hydrology: Students dive into the depths of aquifers, wells, and the water cycle. Scrutinizing groundwater data from topographic maps, geologic cross sections, and their own water quality testing, students hone lab skills and learn to create isomaps with the data they collect. At the heart of their inquiry lies a pressing question: What lies behind the contamination of Fruitvale's groundwater, and where is it coming from?
Ecosystems: Students explore the ecology of our local ecosystem through the lens of the continuous cycling of matter and transfer of energy. They then combine their ecological expertise and research skills to create, model, and present a matter cycle in the biome of their choosing. The unit culminates in our spring trip to IslandWood.
Oceanography: As oceanographers, geologists, marine biologists, and environmental scientists, students use their expertise to collaboratively combat the problem of ocean pollution. They hone the skill of scientific argumentation, supporting claims with strong evidence and logical reasoning. Students then apply themselves as engineers, including blueprint creation, prototype construction, and iterative testing, to address the problem of cleaning up oceanic oil spills.
Meteorology: Students become meteorologists by tackling the central question: which local weather station best forecasts weather at Forest Ridge? They start by exploring how temperature affects air pressure through hands-on experiments like the crushed can and egg flask phenomenon. Then, they use quantitative data and statistical reasoning to argue for the most accurate weather station.
TechMaker
In TechMaker, students develop foundational technology and maker skills that can be applied in their academic classes and expanded in future years. Using Scratch, they learn to write code that employs variables and controls. In The Shop, they learn to create stop-motion animation films and hand sew felt creatures.
International Language
French: In this course, students will explore the basics of the French language while also learning about the history and traditions of our Sacred Heart Schools Network. Through a variety of interactive activities, students will develop their listening and speaking skills in French, and also gain an understanding and appreciation of the unique heritage of Sacred Heart Schools, including the life and legacy of Saint Madeleine Sophie, the founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart. In addition to common French phrases, students will learn key vocabulary for Sacred Heart Schools such as congé and goûte!
Spanish: Our approach to learning Spanish is grammar and syntax-based, situational, and cultural. Each unit encompasses the five goal areas for language learning and instruction: communication, cultures, interpretive language skills, connections and comparisons. Students use the target language to explore practices, perspectives, compare the language and culture of Spanish speaking countries with their own and explore opportunities to use their Spanish skills in their own community. Units of study include:
- Mis Amigos y Yo: In this unit students learn to describe themselves, their friends and what they like to do or don’t like to do. They describe their favorite activities, and they also interpret how their family or friends might describe them.
- Tu Día en la Escuela: Students talk and write about classes in their schedule, school activities, and their likes and dislikes. They exchange information while explaining what classes and activities they and their friends have in common. They also talk and write about classrooms and where things are located in the classroom.
- ¿Qué debes comer para mantener la salud?: Students listen to and read descriptions of meals and menus. They talk and write about foods that they and others might like and dislike. They listen to and read descriptions of healthy and unhealthy lifestyles. They write about food health and exercise choices, and they exchange information while expressing their opinions about food choices and health.
Performance & Fine Arts
5th Performance: Throughout the semester, the 5th grade class will rehearse various songs, dances and spoken word pieces that will culminate in a holiday concert in December. As students prepare for the concert, they will learn the fundamentals of music, dance/movement and acting. Students will also be involved behind the scenes as they learn to collaborate with the director on music selections, costumes and scenes.
Fine Arts: In this course, students will be introduced to a wide variety of art materials and techniques, from drawing and painting to ceramics and more. Along with learning practical skills, students will also study design concepts and global art history. Through experimentation and exploration, students will develop their observation and imagination skills, make creative choices, and learn from their mistakes. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on their work, with the goal of evolving their artistic abilities throughout the semester.
Physical Education
A focus on fun and exercise while working in a collaborative environment. Engaging in a variety of sports with an emphasis on the topics below:
- Cooperation and learning to work with classmates through games and activities.
- Emphasis on class participation, cooperation, and individual effort.
- Develop basic movement skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to assess and accept gifts and limitations.
- A positive learning environment established through cooperative activities.
- Non-competitive games reinforce good sportsmanship, teamwork, support of teammates, and respect for classmates.
- Working together and learning to communicate in a dynamic environment.
- English
- Social Studies
- Religion
- Mathematics
- Science
- TechMaker
- International Language
- Performance
- Physical Education
- Electives
English
Literary Identity: Reflect on important literature and experiences that have made you the reader and writer you are today. Analyze texts as mirrors and windows and experience the joy of sharing stories in a class read aloud. Practice reading independently and analyzing plot, characters, setting, and author choices. Develop a personal narrative by telling a story from inside of it and focusing on sensory language.
Pacific Northwest Perspective: Dive into the depths of the Salish Sea in this collaborative unit with Science as we investigate the lives of the Southern Resident Orcas. Read A Whale of the Wild to help us understand the power of perspective and research another Salish Sea creature to develop a narrative from. Use your voice and apply your knowledge to write a powerful letter to current state legislators urging them to protect our most vulnerable and endangered neighbors.
Exploration of Voice: Investigate the power of poetry by reading selections from Amanda Gorman, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, and others. Use these mentor texts to try your hand at many different structures and forms. Experiment with literary devices to unleash the power of your poetic voice. Create your own Poetry Portfolio and prepare a poem to perform in front of a small audience.
Mythology and Creation: Analyze myths, legends, and oral histories that tell the beginnings of our human history. Wonder about the origins of storytelling and why these tales continue to impact us today. Develop an adapted version of a myth using your knowledge of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses in partnership with the Social Studies curriculum.
Social Studies
Elements of Civilization: As archeologists, students examine artifacts of Ancient Sumeria, analyzing their connection to the seven elements of civilization and culture. Next, students will explore how each element of civilization is present within their own life and the impact that it has on them personally both in and out of school. The unit concludes with students participating in a campus-wide scavenger hunt and exploration of the school website as they seek to find evidence to support the claim, “Forest Ridge is a civilization”.
Ancient Egypt: As historians, students will examine the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. By analyzing ancient Egyptian art and architecture they will develop hypothesizes as they seek to answer the question, “What did the pharaohs of ancient Egypt accomplish, how did they do it, and what effect did those accomplishments have on ancient Egypt?” The class will then explore the role and importance of ancient Egyptian religion on society by creating and presenting a multimedia product about a specific god or goddess.
Ancient China: As philosophers, students will examine the three philosophies of ancient China as they explore the question, “How did Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism influence political rule in ancient China?” Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of the three different approaches in a variety of situations and examine how they experience elements of each both in school and at home. Next, students create a brochure in which they make a claim about which philosophy is best and support that claim with evidence and reasoning. Drawing on elements from each, they will craft their own personal life philosophy. Finally, students will gather evidence to answer the question, “What kind of leader was Emperor Qin?” and create either a commemorative plaque or a wanted poster supporting their claim about his legacy.
Ancient India: As city planners, students will collaborate as part of a team to design a city. Groups will work together to complete a simulation challenge as they consider such elements as layout, materials, climate, sanitation, security, and public services. Throughout this challenge students will be examining the artifacts of the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro as they explore the guiding question, “What can artifacts tell us about daily life in Mohenjo-Daro?” Students then individually create a cover for Dig It! Magazine, showcasing various artifacts and explaining what they reveal about this ancient city and its people.
Ancient Greece: As political scientists, students will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of government in Ancient Greece, answering the question, “How did democracy develop in ancient Greece?” Then, students will create a multimedia presentation in which they complete a report card to evaluate the four forms of government. The unit will conclude with a collaborative project with English class in which the class will then explore the role and importance of ancient Greek religion on society by creating a poster about a specific god or goddess.
Religion
Goal 1 of Sacred Heart education calls us to educate to a personal and active faith in God. Students come to us from a variety of backgrounds, so we begin the year by exploring the nature of religion by asking questions such as, what is a religion, who is God, and what is prayer? Students also learn what it means to be a Child of the Sacred Heart as we explore the history and traditions of a Sacred Heart education.
In this course, students are introduced to the bible as a sacred text and the word of God with a special emphasis on the study of Hebrew scripture. Our year concludes learning about the origins, beliefs, and practices of the major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Forest Ridge is a rich and diverse faith community, and students are invited to share and celebrate their own faith traditions, as well as, being welcomed into the celebration of Catholic traditions.
This course includes the following units of study:
What is a religion?: What is religion and what role does it play in people's lives? Discuss the difference between the physical self and the spiritual self. Learn about attributes that are centered in the spiritual self, and explore ways in which our spiritual self can turn to religion to help us answer the "big questions" in life.
Who is God?: Discover how people nourish their spiritual self by turning inwardly to meditation and prayer which can lead them to experience the presence of God. Learn how God reveals himself to us through prayer, daily life, and the Bible. Explore diverse ways in which people encounter God. Express a description of God based on a study of the Old Testament and world religions.
Who is Jesus?: Learn about the story of Jesus’s birth and explain the unique role of Mary, the mother of God, in his life and mission. Explore stories in the Bible in which it is revealed that Jesus is the second person of the Trinity. Discover within the Sacred Heart tradition, the attitudes of the heart of Jesus as our means to be in relationship with each other.
Life in the Sacred Heart: Learn about key personalities, dates, places in Sacred Heart history and identify the Goals of Sacred Heart education and how they are lived out at Forest Ridge. Learn about the purpose of the spiritual traditions in the Catholic mass and explore the seasons of Advent and Lent, and how they prepare Christians for Christmas and Easter.
Introduction to the Bible: Students will locate the Old & New Testaments in the Bible and find passages within each. They will be able to compare the books of the Old Testament and the New Testament and explain how God is revealed through scripture, tradition, and in the person of Jesus.
Hebrew Scripture: Students will explore four themes found in the Old Testament: covenant, prophecy, sacrifice, and exile/rescue. They will read stories from Hebrew Scriptures in which God reaches out to be in a covenant relationship with the people. They will identify how the prophets called people to live with God in covenant. They will also learn about the importance of Moses and the Ten Commandments as Covenant and be able to connect Passover to the celebration of the Eucharist.
World Religions: The students will explore different spiritualities, religions, and value systems. They will identify the key themes and teachings of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism from story and scripture, including covenant, sacrifice, suffering, enlightenment, submission, peace, karma, and dharma. They will explore what gifts each religion gives to the world and what the major religions have in common.
Mathematics
Forest Ridge Middle School accelerates math instruction at least one grade level ahead of the students’ chronological grade. Furthermore, teachers continuously differentiate instruction to meet the unique needs of each student providing extensions to students demonstrating readiness for more advanced standards.
Beyond Numeracy
Our Beyond Numeracy course features a differentiated instructional approach designed to challenge and engage students at every level. Prior to beginning each unit of study, students complete a pre-assessment that helps us identify which topics they have already mastered and which areas require additional support. This course builds on students' prior knowledge of geometry and introduces new topics that will expand their understanding and problem-solving skills.
Students will extend their understanding of areas of rectangles to reason about areas of parallelograms and triangles. They will also learn how to calculate surface areas using these geometric shapes. In addition to geometry, students engage with ratios through a formal, scaffolded introduction. They will learn several ways to represent ratios, including using double number lines, tables, as well as tape and hanger diagrams. These skills will enable them to convert units, calculate unit rates, and solve problems involving percentages.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to apply mathematical concepts such as operations with decimals to real-life scenarios through inquiry-based activities that focus on problem-solving and critical thinking. This content-packed course also features data analysis, including measures of center and spread, to help students make sense of complex information. Students are introduced to exponents and learn to reason about equivalent equations. They develop their understanding of negative numbers on the number line and the coordinate plane.
This course upholds high expectations for all and can be challenging for students who previously had less access to rigorous mathematical content and practices; these students are advised to seek additional support during tutorial sessions to ensure they are well-prepared to engage with the curriculum and collaborate effectively with their peers. Our Beyond Numeracy course is designed to foster a love of learning and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts that will stay with students for years to come.
Note: Students may accelerate from Beyond Numeracy in 6th grade to Algebra 1 in 7th grade by consistently engaging in enrichment activities and demonstrating proficiency with algebra readiness skills.
Science
The sixth-grade curriculum revolves around the theme of life science, and students learn content using scientific skills. Students continue developing skills in three major categories: scientific inquiry, scientific communication and engineering. The goal for every student is to engage with content in a variety of learning experiences that align with the National Science Teachers’ Association recommendations for middle school science, including using “hands-on, minds-on” inquiry- based science instruction in which at least eighty percent of instructional time is spent on investigations. Within the life science content, units of study include:
Astrobiology: Students begin our Life Science course and learn about the fundamentals of scientific inquiry, laboratory experimentation, and the characteristics of life by investigating the question: How would we know if we found life on Mars, Enceladus, Titan, or Europa? Students design and conduct an investigation to determine if an “extraterrestrial” specimen is alive, was once alive, or is nonliving. They then use the results of their investigation to write a scientific argument, supporting their claim with experimental evidence and logical reasoning.
Cells: By exploring why plants wilt without water, students learn about cells, the building block of all life. They make and test predictions about the movement of water across membranes. Then, they model how water moves through plant cells and affects the whole plant, from osmosis to transpiration.
Plants: Students learn about the cellular processes of photosynthesis and respiration by exploring how Douglas Fir trees can reach towering heights of more than 400 feet. Students investigate seed dispersal and germination, then collect, organize, and analyze data about gas exchange in aquatic plants. The unit culminates with students putting together all they have learned to model the complex processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration within a tree.
Ecology: In this collaborative unit with English, students study ecological principles using the Southern Resident Orca population as a focus. They investigate why this population is declining and how to help them, exploring ecosystem dynamics, analyzing orcas' role in the ecosystem, and studying the effects of pollution on their health and behavior. Students advocate for our orca neighbors by writing letters to legislators, proposing actions to support their conservation.
Genetics: Students explore patterns of inheritance and variation through the phenomenon of kittens from the same litter exhibiting diverse appearances. Students organize and analyze genetic data using pedigree diagrams and Punnett squares and model the transmission of genes and their resulting traits across multiple generations.
Evolution: Students learn about evolution by natural selection by exploring the recent puzzling phenomenon of polar-grizzly bear hybrids. They investigate by writing scientific arguments about the impact of evolutionary selection pressures and analyze population data to understand evolutionary forces. The unit culminates with an engineering design challenge, in which student apply what they have learned about coevolution to design, build, and test artificial flowers to attract specific animal pollinators.
TechMaker
International Language
French: This course aims to follow the natural path of language acquisition by supporting students in first mastering basic speaking and listening skills and then digging into the study of French phonics. By emphasizing basic conversational French, students will learn vocabulary and phrases for everyday communication. Students will have opportunities to learn through immersion games and practice in pairs and small groups as they focus on building their listening and speaking repertoire. Later in the course, phonics will be introduced to help students develop the foundations needed to rapidly acquire language in their future studies. This strong understanding of French phonics will allow students to read, write, and spell with fluency in future courses.
Spanish: Our approach to this introductory Spanish course is to foster the enjoyment of learning a new language. This introductory year will familiarize students with the language to better prepare them for the rigor of the academic courses provided in the 7th and 8th grade international language courses. This course is marked as pass/fail and students check in on their progress through unit reviews. Students will be introduced to expressions, vocabulary, and basic grammatical structures. This is a project-based course which includes, artwork, videos in Spanish, student created skits and projects.
Performance
In this course, 6th grade students rehearse various songs, dances and spoken word pieces that will culminate in a holiday concert in December. As students prepare for the concert, they will learn the fundamentals of music, dance/movement, and acting. Students will also be involved behind the scenes as they learn to collaborate with the director on music selections, costumes and scenes.
Physical Education
A focus on fun and exercise while working in a collaborative environment. Engaging in a variety of sports with an emphasis on the topics below:
- Cooperation and learning to work with classmates through games and activities.
- Emphasis on class participation, cooperation, and individual effort.
- Develop basic movement skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to assess and accept gifts and limitations.
- A positive learning environment established through cooperative activities.
- Non-competitive games reinforce good sportsmanship, teamwork, support of teammates, and respect for classmates.
- Working together and learning to communicate in a dynamic environment.
Electives
TechCraft: In this course, students will leverage their creative skills while learning essential digital literacy skills, mastering the safe and appropriate use of their school-issued devices both at home and in school. They will explore our school makerspace, the Shop, where they will gain proficiency in using a variety of tools and equipment. Students will apply these skills to ideate, plan, prototype, and bring their creative projects to fruition, fostering innovation and hands-on problem-solving abilities.
Fine Arts: In this course, sixth-grade students dive into the world of visual art, where they discover and explore various art materials and techniques. Along with learning about the history and cultural significance of art around the world, students develop an understanding of design concepts such as composition, color theory, and form. Through daily hands-on art-making, students improve their skills of observation and imagination, as well as develop the confidence to make creative choices. Furthermore, students are encouraged to critically reflect upon their work, allowing them to better understand their artistic process and growth.
- English
- Writing
- Social Studies
- Religion
- Mathematics
- Science
- TechMaker
- International Language
- Leadership
- Physical Education
- Electives
English
Identity: Explore novels in verse by engaging in literature circles. Read a variety of poems from diverse authors and practice several forms and structures. Engage in small and large group discussions, focusing on building on one another’s ideas. Develop a creative project focusing on identity as well as a poetry portfolio.
Society: Analyze media and literature for dystopian characteristics, including Wall-E, The Giver and a novel of choice. Learn to question the reliability of narrators and people in positions of power. Develop a theme analysis essay and discern the lessons we can learn from dystopian societies. From your findings, design your own utopian society.
Heroes: Research a historical person of interest through close reading nonfiction texts, articles, and media. Develop engaging and informative media projects as well as an argumentative piece to determine if the person you researched is a hero. Engage in small and large group discussions to share personal definitions of a hero. Summarize learning in a multimedia project.
Storytelling: Lord, what fools these mortals be! Engage in an interactive study of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Follow the chaotic characters, plot twists, and literary word play in a class read aloud and analyze adaptations from the stage and screen. End the year with a collaborative performance in our school’s Theater!
Writing
Memoir and Personal Narrative: Writing about ourselves requires reflection and introspection that challenges us to find meaning in not only the big events in our lives but also the small and seeming mundane. Through short vignettes, six and ten word memoirs, and a personal narrative essay students will focus in on the joyous complexities of word choice, sentence variation, figurative language and the drafting process to write meaningfully about themselves, lessons they’ve learned, and what’s important to them. Students share their writing with their peers in a supportive environment and practice the revision and drafting process to develop their own unique voice while also practicing the nitty gritty foundational aspects of clear and effective written communication.
Social Studies
Population and Demographics: As demographers, students will examine and analyze our growing global population of over eight billion as they work to understand just how big that number is through the creation of a statistics-driven poster. Next, students will explore how this large global population is represented through different nationalities, languages, and religions. By examining this demographic data and applying it to their own identities they will determine whether they are in the majority or minority group within each category and create a brochure that summaries their conclusions and celebrates our global diversity.
Global Equality and Poverty: As humanitarians, students will discover the spectrum of wealth and various standards of living by analyzing images of families throughout the world. Together we will explore the question, “Why are people living in extreme poverty?” and “What barriers are they facing in leaving poverty?” Next, students will explore how humanitarians can utilize microloans to assist those living in extreme poverty. Students will finish the unit by creating and presenting a multimedia product in which they nominate an individual or group to receive funding for a microloan through Kiva as the class democratically decides which nominees the teacher will provide funding for.
The Beginnings of Globalization - The Silk Road: As historians, students will explore the beginnings of Globalization by investigating the Silk Road and the impact that it had on the world through cultural diffusion. Next, they will create an historically accurate character who would have travelled along the Silk Road and use the first-person perspective to write a series of diary-entries that demonstrates their understanding of the historical significance of the Silk Road, as well as its rewards and challenges.
Modern Globalization: As consumers, students will analyze where in the world their belongings are made and draw conclusions from the data. Next, students will collaborate in groups to create a multimedia presentation for the class that addresses the positive and negative impacts of globalization as they relate to social media, trade, culture, and the environment. The unit ends with each student creating a brochure incorporating the knowledge from each group's presentation as they individually address whether they believe globalization is a positive or negative in our world.
City of the Future: As city planners, students will discover their personal eco-footprint and the impact that their lifestyle has on the environment. Together, the class will look at the future of cities and how innovations in diet and food choices, housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices can transform our cities and minimize our impact on the environment. Students will create a multimedia presentation in which they design their own city, incorporating eco-friendly elements and customizing their solutions to their location.
Activism: As activists, students' select topics of personal interest that they would like to advocate for. Students will next research and create a present a multimedia informational slideshow in which they address why their topic is a problem, who it affects, and what are some possible solutions and opportunities for activism around their topic. Finally, students will become activists by writing to a local or national politician. In their letter students will identify the problem they would like to address and propose their own unique solution evidence-backed to the issue.
Religion
Tradition and Ritual: Students will reflect on and appreciate their own rituals and traditions, while recognizing and respecting those of others. They will learn about the evolution of religions over time and how community beliefs and behaviors change in response to social, historical, and political contexts. Additionally, students will engage in personal and communal prayer, experience different prayer forms, and deepen their understanding of the Eucharist, including the concept of transubstantiation and its contrast with Protestant views.
The Gospels: Students will delve into Gospel stories to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus and his life. They will learn about the organization and origins of the Gospel writers, differentiate Catholic interpretation of Scripture from literalist approaches, and articulate New Testament terminology. Additionally, students will explore the diverse beliefs within religious communities, understand the harmony between scientific fact and religious truth, participate in various prayer forms, and recognize the significance of the resurrection and its revelation of Jesus' divine and human nature.
Power and Kinship: Students will explore who Jesus might be in today's world, considering whom he would spend time with and advocate for. They will apply their understanding to make thoughtful choices in their own lives, guided by Catholic Social Teaching and New Testament themes of human dignity and care for the vulnerable. Through this unit, students will engage in prayer, reflection, and service, and develop skills to analyze and challenge social injustices, promoting peace and reconciliation.
Healthy Relationships: Students will learn to identify appropriate behaviors in their personal relationships and understand the building blocks of healthy interactions. They will explore self-advocacy, friendship dynamics, and practice respectful dialogue, ethical decision-making, and non-violent conflict management. This unit emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual and emotional well-being, and the development of compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness, guided by the belief that all people are made in the image and likeness of God.
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra
Rigid Transformations and Congruence: Students will learn to manipulate shapes through translations, rotations, and reflections on a grid, and they'll apply these transformations to determine if two figures are congruent. Additionally, they'll utilize transformations to find missing angle measurements and uncover new angle relationships, expressing geometric properties through equations.
Dilations, Similarity and Introducing Slope: Students will learn to describe dilations accurately by specifying their center of dilation and scale factor, applying these concepts to figures both on and off a coordinate grid. They'll also identify similar figures and their properties through transformations, while expressing geometric properties such as slope in terms of similar triangles on the same line and calculating the slopes of lines.
Proportional and Linear Relationships: Students will compare proportional relationships through equations, tables, and graphs, interpret linear relationships by analyzing intercepts and slopes, and utilize the representation of a graph to solve problems involving equations.
Linear Equations and Linear Systems: Students will learn to write and solve equations with multiple occurrences of one variable, and they'll utilize both graphs and algebraic methods to solve systems of linear equations with two variables.
Functions and Volume: Students will identify functions from various representations and interpret function graphs in context. Additionally, they will calculate and compare volumes of cylinders, cones, and spheres, using their relationships to find missing dimensions.
Associations in Data: Students will explore various methods to organize bivariate data, including scatter plots, and utilize scatter plots and fitted lines to analyze numerical data and identify associations, while also using two-way tables and bar graphs to identify associations in categorical data.
Exponents and Scientific Notation: Students will identify and generate equivalent expressions with positive, negative, and zero exponents, and they'll express and manipulate very large or very small quantities using powers of 10 and scientific notation.
The Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers: Students will grasp the geometric significance of square roots and cube roots, utilize the Pythagorean theorem to solve right triangle problems, and determine fractional and decimal representations for rational and irrational numbers.
Algebra 1
Modeling with Functions: Explore characteristics of functions as you identify, evaluate, and use them to predict future events.
Linear Functions: Learn to identify the key parts of a linear equation and write equations from different types of information.
Linear Equations & Inequalities: Graph and find solutions to systems of linear equations and inequalities. Explore special circumstances that result in no solutions or infinite solutions to systems. Develop a repertoire of strategies for solving systems efficiently.
Exponents: Apply your prior knowledge of exponent rules to simplify increasingly complex exponential and radical expressions.
Data Analysis: Use technology to develop a model from a real-world linear data set and interpret the meaning of its slope and y-intercept.
Polynomials: Add, subtract, multiply, and factor polynomials to solve polynomial equations.
Quadratic Functions: Identify the key features of a quadratic function from equations and graphs of parabolas. Interpret the meaning of these key features from a real-world situation.
Quadratic Equations: Convert between different forms of quadratic equations using a variety of strategies, like factoring and completing the square.
Absolute Value & Exponential Functions: Solve and graph absolute value and exponential equations, including from real-world situations.
Putting Functions to Work: Apply your growing toolkit of strategies to model real-world linear, quadratic, and exponential data sets.
Science
Seventh-grade science is an Earth Science course, with a focus on developing scientific skills in three categories: scientific inquiry, scientific communication, and engineering. Our middle school science department has a set of eight standards that describe the skills that scientists use in their work, informed by the Next Generation Science Standards, and every summative assignment targets and is graded on the rubric for one of these skills. Class time centers around hands-on labs and collaborative group learning opportunities, where regular and thoughtful participation is encouraged and expected.
Earth's Building Blocks: Students examine the basic building blocks of our planet--rocks and minerals--studying the ongoing processes that make up the rock cycle, identifying characteristics of different mineral properties and crystal forms, and exploring these geologic processes in action at our class trip to the Olympic Peninsula.
Forces Inside the Earth: Students study plate tectonics, developing an understanding of how the earth's dynamic interior shapes the earth's surface. They learn about convection currents and model their interaction with the fascinating properties of the mantle layers. Students predict and investigate what happens when different types of plates converge and diverge, focusing on unique real-world examples, such as the Great Rift Valley of Africa and Iceland.
Earth's Disasters: Students focus on the disastrous effects of plate tectonics experienced on earth's surface, including earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis and volcanoes. They explore technology available to help with predictions and preventative measures and learn about their constraints and limits. Students take a deeper dive into creating engineering solutions for structures potentially affected by earthquakes.
Geological History: Students consider the scope and depth of earth's history, studying what evidence is available, in the form of fossils. They will model fossil formation and investigate how radiometric dating is calculated. They will explore extinction theories and form their own claims and arguments about patterns within geological time.
Astronomy: Students take an introductory survey of astronomy, using their new knowledge about our planet to better understand other objects in the universe and how the earth may be connected to them. Areas of focus include the formation of the solar system, life cycle of stars and galaxy classification. Students will model how light waves travel though space and will create their own prototypes of tools to manage the impact of dust on human exploration of other planets and moons.
TechMaker
In TechMaker, students expand their technology skills by decomposing code and utilizing principles of modularity to write flexible code. They add to their repertoire of maker skills by learning to safely use cutting tools and construction techniques to build cardboard structures, using adhesives strategically, and advancing their sewing machines skills.
International Language
French
Unité preliminaire - Bonjour!: Students will begin with asking and answering basic questions to meet and get to know others. They will reflect on and practice how to communicate and interact respectfully when meeting people from other cultures.
Objectifs de l’unité: Students will learn to express their identity, ask for and give personal information, and express preferences about activities. Students will present basic information about themselves. They will learn different structures for asking questions and begin to use three present tense forms or the verb être. They will investigate explain and reflect on the role of language in shaping identity in French, Quebec, and in our community.
À l’école: Students will learn to exchange information about life at school, including people, places, schedules, and student activities. Students will then use images, videos, and schedules to gain insights into what school life is like in a Francophone country. They will gain confidence in correctly using the indefinite and definite articles in all three basic forms. Students will practice using the three basic forms of verbs in the present tense. Students will conclude this unit by presenting information about their experience at school and how it compares to their Francophone peers.
La vie en famille: Students will learn to exchange information about family and home life. Students will present a collection of images to share information about their home, family, and friends. Students will learn more les adjectifs possessifs and practice using the verb avoir. They will examine the grammar rules for French adjectives and learn more structures to ask questions using interrogatives.
Mandarin Chinese
Foundations of Mandarin: Students will begin with foundational topics essential for language acquisition. They will learn the pronunciation system using Pinyin and tones, enabling accurate spoken Mandarin. Additionally, students will explore the structure and stroke order of Chinese characters, practice introducing names, engaging in simple greetings, mastering numbers up to 31, and exchanging phone numbers.
Time and Identity: Students will focus on practical topics related to time and personal information. They will learn how to discuss days of the week, months of the year, and express dates in Mandarin Chinese. Additionally, students will learn vocabulary and expressions for talking about age, introducing their birthdates, and discussing birth years.
Family, Identity, and Careers: Students will delve into topics centered around family, personal introduction, and occupations. They will learn vocabulary and expressions to discuss family members, introduce themselves, and describe occupations in Mandarin Chinese. Through interactive activities and cultural discussions, students will develop language skills while gaining insights into Chinese family structures, personal identity, and the significance of occupations in Chinese society.
Daily Life in Motion: Students will explore practical topics related to daily life and transportation. They will learn how to tell time, discuss daily routines, and describe various means of transportation in Mandarin Chinese. Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, students will develop language proficiency while gaining cultural insights into daily schedules and transportation systems in Chinese-speaking contexts.
Colors, Fashion, and Anatomy: Students will delve into topics related to color, clothing, and parts of the body. They will learn vocabulary and expressions to discuss colors, describe clothing items, and identify parts of the body in Mandarin Chinese. Through interactive activities and cultural discussions, students will enhance their language proficiency while gaining insights into the diverse Chinese fashion preferences.
Spanish
Our approach to learning Spanish in the 7th grade focuses on grammar and syntax - based, situational, and cultural. The theme of each unit encourages immediate use of practical expressions and introduces new grammatical structures, including subject-verb- adjective agreement and the present tense. The textbook, Auténtico, is tailored to middle-school students. Supplementary activities include viewing videos in Spanish, student created skits and projects, listening comprehension and writing activities.
The curricular goals of 7th grade Spanish include:
- The development of a wide variety of vocabulary and grammar skills that enable them to communicate ideas and emotions based on each chapter's themes.
- The correct use of newly developed grammatical structures enabling students to formulate sentences using correct conjugation of verbs in the present tense, noun adjective agreement and prepositional phrases.
- The building of confidence for speaking the language through multiple opportunities to speak Spanish with classmates.
- Demonstrating understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons between Hispanic cultures and their own.
¿Qué te gusta hacer y cómo eres?: In this unit, students will listen to and read about activities people like to do and don't like to do. They will describe their favorite activities and ask others about theirs. They will be able to describe themselves and others, as well as share their opinions on how others might describe them.
¿Cómo es tu día en la escuela?: In this unit, students will listen to and read descriptions of school subjects and schedules. They will be able to talk and write about classes, school activities, and their likes and dislikes about those classes. They will exchange information while explaining what classes and activities they have in common with friends. They will also be able to compare their school day with those of students in Spanish speaking countries.
¿Para mantener la salud qué comes en el desayuno y el almuerzo?: In this unit, students will learn to describe meals and menus. They will talk and write about foods that they and others like and dislike. They will be able to describe healthy and unhealthy lifestyles according to diet. They will talk and write about food, health, and exercise choices.
¿Adónde vas? ¿Quieres ir conmigo?: In this unit, students learn to describe activities in the simple future tense using the verb ir + a. They will talk and write about places to go and activities to do during their free time. They will exchange information about weekend plans and be able to extend an invitation for future activities while responding to invitations from others.
Leadership
Seventh grade students will lead the Middle School in a weekly assembly, with a focus to inspire, connect, inform and celebrate their community. Students will learn and practice presentation and public speaking skills, along with growing their confidence in sharing and implementing their ideas collaboratively. They will develop plans to help this community time feel inclusive to their peers and supportive of our school’s goals and mission.
Physical Education
Seventh grade P.E. focuses on exercise while working in a fun and collaborative environment. Students engage in a variety of sports with an emphasis on:
- Cooperation and learning to work with classmates through games and activities.
- Emphasis on class participation, cooperation, and individual effort.
- Develop basic movement skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to assess and accept gifts and limitations.
- A positive learning environment established through cooperative activities.
- Non-competitive games reinforce good sportsmanship, teamwork, support of teammates, and respect for classmates.
- Working together and learning to communicate in a dynamic environment.
Electives
Intro to Ceramics: In this introductory course, students explore the exciting world of ceramic art. Through a variety of hand-building techniques and experiences on the potter's wheel, students will develop an understanding of the various stages of clay development, planning, construction, glazing, and firing. They will create both functional and decorative clay forms, and learn to analyze their own work as well as the work of others. Through written reflections and art-centered conversations, students will develop an appreciation for the principles of form, function, texture, and balance in ceramic art.
The Art of Public Speaking: In this course, students will learn the art of effective public speaking and develop the confidence and poise necessary to engage and captivate audiences. The curriculum emphasizes practical communication skills that are relevant to real-life scenarios. Through a variety of projects, students will refine their vocal techniques, including proper vocal health and anatomy. The projects for this class involve prepared opportunities for practicing public speaking. Planned projects may include, but are not limited to, formal introductions, reading aloud to a large audience, storytelling, dramatic monologues, debate skills, and poetry recitation.
STEAM: In STEAM class, students use elements of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics as access points for exploration and creativity. This project-based class encourages students to connect with the world around them, develop and create innovative solutions to problems, think deeply, work collaboratively, and communicate their ideas clearly. The design-thinking process is used as the basis for work sessions, and the cycle of planning, prototyping and responding constructively to feedback and failure is key in this class. Projects will include creating "Rube Goldberg" style inventions, upcycled fashion design, and more. Students will have the opportunity to use a variety of tools, technology and materials in the FR Shop, as well as develop new skills using the Adobe Creative software suite.
Foundations of Studio Art: This course immerses students in the process of creating art and provides them with the opportunity to explore and experiment with different media. Students develop foundational skills in drawing and painting by examining the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. Alongside hands-on artmaking, students contextualize their work within the broader framework of art history, current cultural trends, and global concerns. Through the study of diverse sources of artistic inspiration, students gain confidence in their creative abilities, and incorporate feedback to refine and enhance their work.
7th Grade Dance: This class explores the fundamentals of dance through daily stretching practices and technique exercises, while also exploring various disciplines of dance. Through the teaching of dance combinations, students will learn how to put various steps together to form a cohesive, artistic thought. Students will also explore choreography by creating their own dance during the second half of the semester. By the end of the semester, students will be able to exhibit a basic understanding of the foundations and guiding principles of dance.
- English
- Writing
- Social Studies
- Religion
- Mathematics
- Science
- TechMaker
- International Language
- Physical Education
- Electives
English
Identity: Explore how identity both impacts and is impacted by our own understanding and expressions of our identity. Through various poems, short stories, and essays students think about identity and personal expression. They respond to their exploration by creating their own motto, and choosing to tell the story of one experience in their life that has been impactful on how they view and express themselves. Students decide to write and perform a poem, craft an essay, or develop a short work of narrative non-fiction as a means of sharing their story. Students also read, discuss, and analyze Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Charting a chosen character’s story arc, students focus in on that character’s expression of their identity and how they view themselves at various points throughout the play. They respond to their character study by creating a playlist of songs that depict the various stages of the character’s journey.
Rights: Read and discuss Fire Keeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley while researching the history of Native American Schools in the United States through the opportunity to research the experience of a student that attended Carlisle Native American Boarding School in the 1800s. Students practice research, evaluation, citation, and presentation skills while bringing their previous exploration of identity to their focus on rights in this unit. Students respectfully tell the story their research unfolds to their classmates in the oral tradition through a formal presentation.
Power: Choose to read and discuss either Jamie Ford’s novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet or Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston’s memoir Farewell to Manzanar while considering the powerful impact that occurs when identity and rights intersect. Through the lens of Japanese Incarceration during WWII consider the roles people play within different situations and how those roles impact social dynamics in powerfully positive or negative ways. Participate in a Socratic Seminar
Poetry Platter: Across the school year, woven throughout the three themes of identity, rights, and power, exercise creativity by exploring different structures and styles of poetry across history. Craft different pieces of written and cultural expression. Participate in the annual 8th grade Poetry Platter bracket competition by choosing a favorite poem among those we study over the course of the year and see how your favorite stacks up against everyone else’s. Perform your poem while employing elements of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Writing
The Mysterious Research Paper: Practice your research and critical thinking skills by trying to solve one of history’s unsolved mysteries. Locate, evaluate, document, and organize credible resources. Tell the story of your chosen mystery in non-fiction narrative format, then dive into a fully supported discussion or your research including the main theories concerning solutions to your mystery. Finally, pull together the evidence you think most fully supports your own unique solution to the mystery based on your research and write a fully developed argument in an effort to persuade your readers to your way of thinking. Pull all of these piece together into one MLA formatted research paper complete with Works Cited and parenthetical citations to share you’re your classmates. You are the new expert on your topic and we can’t wait to hear what you’ve got to share with us concerning it. When it’s all said and done, take your paper and turn a portion of it into a found or blackout poem that expresses the essence of some aspect of your mystery or it’s solution.
Social Studies
From British Colony to Independent Nation: Explore America's journey from a group of British colonies to an independent country while covering key events such as the French and Indian War, the imposition of British taxes, the rise of colonial resistance, and the American Revolution. The unit highlights important figures, including women like Abigail Adams and Molly Pitcher, alongside George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Students will understand the causes, major battles, and outcomes of the struggle for independence, with a focus on the contributions and perspectives of women during this transformative period.
The US Constitution: Delve into the creation, structure, and significance of the United States Constitution, while examining the historical context of the Constitutional Convention, the debates and compromises that shaped the document, and the roles played by influential figures, including James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. In this unit, students will also learn about the contributions of women like Mercy Otis Warren and explores how the Constitution has evolved to include amendments and interpretations. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Constitution's principles, its impact on American governance, and its relevance to contemporary issues.
The Legislative Branch: Explore the structure, functions, and significance of the United States Congress while examining the roles and responsibilities of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the process of how a bill becomes a law, and the importance of checks and balances within the federal government. This unit highlights influential legislators, including women like Jeannette Rankin and Shirley Chisholm, and discusses their contributions to American politics. Students will understand the legislative process, the challenges lawmakers face, and the critical role Congress plays in shaping national policies.
The Judicial Branch: Delve into the structure, functions, and importance of the United States judiciary while examining the roles of the Supreme Court, federal courts, and the judicial review process. The unit highlights landmark cases and the contributions of key figures, including women like Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Students will explore how the judicial branch interprets laws, protects rights, and ensures justice, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its impact on American society and governance.
The Executive Branch: Explore the structure, functions, and responsibilities of the United States presidency and the federal executive departments while examining the roles of the President, Vice President, and the Cabinet, and discusses the powers and duties outlined in the Constitution. This unit highlights influential leaders, including women like Eleanor Roosevelt and Condoleezza Rice, and their contributions to the executive branch. Students will understand the process of presidential elections, the implementation of national policies, and the executive branch's role in shaping and executing laws, with a focus on its impact on American governance and society.
Washington State & Indigenous Peoples: Dig into the diverse cultural, economic, and political developments that have shaped Washington State while exploring the state's indigenous heritage, early European exploration and settlement, and its role in key historical events such as the Oregon Trail migration and the Klondike Gold Rush. This unit also examines Washington's industrial growth, environmental conservation efforts, and its contributions to national and global affairs, providing a comprehensive understanding of the state's pivotal role in American history.
Black History and Civil Rights: Explore the rich history and significant contributions of African Americans, along with the ongoing journey for civil rights. Students will learn about key periods such the Reconstruction era, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights Movement. This unit highlights influential figures, including women like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Ida B. Wells, alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Students will understand the challenges faced by Black Americans, the landmark achievements in the fight for equality, and the impact of these movements on American society and beyond.
Women's Rights: Explore the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles in the fight for gender equality while examining key movements such as women's suffrage, the labor movement, and the feminist waves of the 20th and 21st centuries. This unit highlights influential figures like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Gloria Steinem, and discusses their contributions to advance women's rights. Students will understand the legal, social, and political challenges women have faced, the progress made, and the continuing efforts to achieve equality and empowerment for women in society.
Religion
Gifts of the Spirit: Students will review the essence of the Holy Spirit as the third person in the Trinity and recall the events in the story of Pentecost while developing an understanding that the Holy Spirit provides Christians with a variety of attributes to portray their faith. Through a creative collage, students will explore the gifts they have already been given and make connections between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and their personal lives (particularly in reference to their goals and dreams and how they can use these gifts in service to the community).
Goal 1 of a Sacred Heart education: In this unit, students will explore a variety of creeds and draw connections to the tradition of Sacred Heart belief in God from the perspective of many faiths. Students will also examine the trinitarian nature of God as expressed in the Nicene Creed. Having researched the creeds or beliefs of other groups and religions, students will express through art and written word their own faith traditions or personal beliefs that reflect their identity.
Goal 3 - Social Justice, Awareness and Action: In this unit, students evaluate the criteria of Goal 3 of a Sacred Heart education and explain the significance of an active faith by generating a variety of examples. Students will define terms that express possible reasons for our human response to suffering. When given different scenarios, they will analyze and recognize the reasons for a variety of responses to suffering. As the unit concludes, students will be able to explain the role of social awareness in our response to suffering and the Catholic church’s response through Catholic social teaching. Finally, they will name the Corporal Works of Mercy, where they are found in the gospels, and give examples of them in practice.
Catholic Social Teaching: Students begin this unit reflecting on the life of Jesus as the Church’s model for Catholic social teaching. In this unit, students will explore the power structures in first century Palestine and how Jesus challenged those structures and what Jesus meant by the Kingdom of God. They will also define the word agape and be able to offer examples of living a life with a heart centered in agape. During this unit, students will create presentations to explain the principles of Catholic social teaching and describe how each of the social teaching principles stem from the life and dignity of the human person. They will evaluate their presentations and knowledge of the principles based on questions from their peers.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person: In this unit, students will explore in more detail the first of the Catholic social teaching principles as the foundation of all other principles. Students explore the belief that all human life is created in the image and likeness of God, while sharing examples of the belief in the inherent dignity of each person. This unit explores questions regarding issues of life and dignity, such as: How does Catholic social teaching guide responses to social issues that are a threat to human life? How does Catholic social teaching guide responses to social issues affecting human dignity, such as racism, sexual exploitation, and immigration? Can basic human dignity be destroyed or taken away? What are the sources of the Christian doctrine that teach about the inherent dignity of those in prison? As part of this unit, students will explore individuals and programs that promote life and dignity.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: How does caring for the poor strengthen the entire community, and how does it wound the whole community when the poor lack adequate resources and power? Students explore answers to these questions as they examine the principle of Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. During this unit, students participate in an online simulation in which they are asked to live on minimum wage and provide for themselves and a child. Students keep a daily diary of events as they are challenged by a chain of events that could leave them without enough money for housing and or food at the end of the month. The unit concludes with roundtable discussions about their experiences. They discuss some of the challenges a single parent would face living on minimum wage and what left them feeling vulnerable when they did not have enough money for housing, childcare, and food. They discuss what support they need to help lift them out of poverty.
Mathematics
Algebra 1
Modeling with Functions: Explore characteristics of functions as you identify, evaluate, and use them to predict future events.
Linear Functions: Learn to identify the key parts of a linear equation and write equations from different types of information.
Linear Equations & Inequalities: Graph and find solutions to systems of linear equations and inequalities. Explore special circumstances that result in no solutions or infinite solutions to systems. Develop a repertoire of strategies for solving systems efficiently.
Exponents: Apply your prior knowledge of exponent rules to simplify increasingly complex exponential and radical expressions.
Data Analysis:
Use technology to develop a model from a real-world linear data set and interpret the meaning of its slope and y-intercept.
Polynomials: Add, subtract, multiply, and factor polynomials to solve polynomial equations.
Quadratic Functions: Identify the key features of a quadratic function from equations and graphs of parabolas. Interpret the meaning of these key features from a real-world situation.
Quadratic Equations: Convert between different forms of quadratic equations using a variety of strategies, like factoring and completing the square.
Absolute Value & Exponential Functions: Solve and graph absolute value and exponential equations, including from real-world situations.
Putting Functions to Work: Apply your growing toolkit of strategies to model real-world linear, quadratic, and exponential data sets.
Geometry
Tools of Geometry: Use tools of measurement to categorize angles and calculate perimeter, distance, surface area, and volume.
Logical Arguments and Line Relationships: Construct proofs by making conjectures, finding counterexamples, applying deductive reasoning to reach valid conclusions, and applying geometric properties.
Rigid Transformations and Symmetry: Perform reflections, translations, rotations, and dilations to measure, name, and draw transformed images.
Triangles and Congruence: Apply special relationships of angles, identifying and prove congruence of triangles, and apply definitions of congruence to rigid motion of triangles.
Relationships in Triangles: Learn about special segments and points related to triangles and learn to write indirect proofs.
Quadrilaterals: Find and use the sum of interior and exterior polygon angles and apply properties of quadrilaterals.
Similarity: Identify dilations, similar polygons, SSS and SAS similarity, parts of similar triangles and parallel lines.
Right Triangles and Trigonometry: Use the Pythagorean Theorem, properties of special right triangles, and trigonometry to find missing measures of triangles.
Circles: Explore relationships between central and inscribed angles, define and use secants and tangents, and use equations to identify and describe circles.
Extended Area: Find areas of polygons and solve problems involving areas and sectors of circles. Apply these skills to find scale factors using similar figures.
Extended Volume: Find lateral areas, surface areas, and volumes of three-dimensional figures.
Science
The curriculum in 8th grade science revolves around the theme of physical science. Students demonstrate proficiency in three major categories: scientific inquiry, scientific communication and engineering. The goal for every student is to engage with content in a variety of learning experiences that align with the National Science Teachers’ Association recommendations for middle school science, including using “hands-on, minds-on” inquiry-based science instruction in which at least eighty percent of instructional time is spent on laboratory investigations. Within the physical science content, units of study include energy, physical and chemical properties of matter, motion, force, electricity and magnetism.
Nature of Science: Students act as forensic scientists while collecting evidence at a crime scene and using it to formulate an argument
Properties of Matter: Students apply their understanding of physical and chemical changes to explain the process of baking a cookie and create stop-motion animation films to diagram the effects of ocean acidification on a marine species.
Forces & Fields: Students explore contact and non-contact forces and apply their knowledge to build a model recycling plant that uses an electromagnet to sort aluminum from steel.
Heat & Temperature: Students connect to their experience at camp by applying their knowledge of how thermal energy moves through systems to design a new product to help adventurers stay warm outdoors.
Force & Motion: Students develop mathematical models to describe the relationship between height and freefall time and then analyze linear and quadratic data sets to reveal how mass and freefall time are related.
Sound Waves: Students design their own musical instruments and create graphical models of the sound waves they produce. They argue whether digital or analog signals are better in different circumstances.
Light & Color: Students design and conduct investigations to test a prediction they formulate in response to phenomena related to light and color.
TechMaker
In TechMaker, students use flowcharts and pseudocode to address increasingly complex problems, create data visualizations using software tools, and design simple circuits and constructing them with solder. They grow in their maker skills by creating 2D vector models to create stickers on a vinyl cutter and 3D models to model our campus on a 3D printer.
International Language
French
Bon appétit!: Students will learn and then share preferences, opinions, and habits about food choices and food preferences. They will create a menu based on food preferences and food traditions of a Francophone country. Students will build on their knowledge of indefinite and definite articles to refer to things in general or to something in its entirety. Students will also expand their use of negative versions of verbs. Students will recognize how Francophone cultures demonstrate responsible attitudes and practices towards food-related issues.
Le temps libre: Students will learn and practice using vocabulary to exchange information about leisure activities. They will make simple social plans and invite others to an event. Students will identify how and why people use their leisure time in Francophone cultures and in our community. They will capitalize on an expanded understanding of the aller verb. Students will also begin to write and speak with the future tense.
En ville: Students will share information and preferences about places in our community and in the French-speaking world. They will interpret blogs, lists, and promotional materials about shopping choices and activities. Students will describe the relative location of stores in a community unit maps. They will identify some of the unique features that have shaped and defined the culture of a community. In this final unit, students will develop a deep understanding of when and how to use verbs with nuanced differences in order to further advance their speaking and writing skills.
Mandarin Chinese
Global Connections: Students will explore the expansive impact of Mandarin Chinese across the globe. They will learn how to identify and discuss different countries, their nationalities, and the languages spoken there in Mandarin Chinese.
Elements of Daily Life: Students will delve into practical topics such as discussing weather conditions, describing seasons, and navigating medical visits. They will learn essential vocabulary and phrases related to weather patterns, seasonal changes, and health concerns, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in everyday situations.
Hobbies: Students will explore various hobbies including music, sports, and arts and dances. They will learn vocabulary and expressions related to these interests, enabling them to discuss and express preferences in Mandarin Chinese.
Culinary Adventures: Students will delve into practical topics related to food and dining. They will learn vocabulary and phrases for identifying and discussing vegetables, fruits, and meals of the day in Mandarin Chinese. Additionally, they will practice dining out situations, including ordering food and interacting in restaurants.
Home and Community: Students will explore topics related to living spaces and community. They will learn vocabulary and expressions for describing houses, different types of living arrangements, furniture, and neighborhood features in Mandarin Chinese.
Spanish:
Spanish in the 8th grade is the second half of a level one high school Spanish course. Students start the year reviewing the material covered in Spanish 1A. Main grammar instruction includes verb structures in the future tense, present progressive and past tense, and an introduction to direct and indirect objects. Supplementary activities include viewing short videos and creating skits based on the themes in each unit. Investigations of cultural events, history and geography are also incorporated. During December, the students participate in the celebration of Las Posadas in which they learn traditional songs and prepare traditional foods. Themes for this year are family, home, leisure activities, birthdays, restaurant dining, and travel. Our emphasis is not only learning how to read and write in Spanish but also to improve upon listening comprehension and verbal skills.
Unit 1: ¡Vamos a un restaurante para tu fiesta de cumpleaños!: In this unit, students will learn to name family relationships and describe members of their family. They will talk and write about family celebrations and learn how to make papel picado while explaining how this craft is used in celebrations. The unit concludes with group skits about a visit to a restaurant in which they discuss the meal, family, future activities, and the service at the restaurant.
Unit 2: ¿En la casa de tus sueños, de qué color es tu dormitorio?: In this unit, students listen to and read descriptions of bedrooms and colors. They talk and write about their own room and survey classmates about their bedrooms. They compare their bedrooms to those of others. They also have conversations about chores that are carried out in a house or an apartment and exchange information while giving advice.
Unit 3: ¡Vamos de compras!: In this unit, students learn about clothing and shopping, and they write about shopping plans and purchasing gifts. They have conversations about items they have purchased as gifts and discuss the price. As a part of this unit, students work in groups to create skits about a shopping experience, and they model and describe the clothes they have purchased.
Unit 4: ¿Adónde fuiste de vacaciones?: In this unit, students learn to describe activities in the preterite tense. They learn to describe trips and vacations, and they talk about favorite and imaginary trips. They will also talk about various community service opportunities and exchange information about volunteering.
Physical Education
Eighth grade P.E. focuses on fun and exercise while working in a collaborative environment. Engaging in a variety of sports with an emphasis on the topics below:
Cooperation and learning to work with classmates through games and activities.
Emphasis on class participation, cooperation, and individual effort.
Develop basic movement skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to assess and accept gifts and limitations.
A positive learning environment established through cooperative activities.
Non-competitive games reinforce good sportsmanship, teamwork, support of teammates, and respect for classmates.
Working together and learning to communicate in a dynamic environment.
Electives
Intro to Ceramics: In this introductory course, students explore the exciting world of ceramic art. Through a variety of hand-building techniques and experiences on the potter's wheel, students will develop an understanding of the various stages of clay development, planning, construction, glazing, and firing. They will create both functional and decorative clay forms, and learn to analyze their own work as well as the work of others. Through written reflections and art-centered conversations, students will develop an appreciation for the principles of form, function, texture, and balance in ceramic art.
The Art of Public Speaking: In this course, students will learn the art of effective public speaking and develop the confidence and poise necessary to engage and captivate audiences. The curriculum emphasizes practical communication skills that are relevant to real-life scenarios. Through a variety of projects, students will refine their vocal techniques, including proper vocal health and anatomy. The projects for this class involve prepared opportunities for practicing public speaking. Planned projects may include, but are not limited to, formal introductions, reading aloud to a large audience, storytelling, dramatic monologues, debate skills, and poetry recitation.
STEAM: In STEAM class, students use elements of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics as access points for exploration and creativity. This project-based class encourages students to connect with the world around them, develop and create innovative solutions to problems, think deeply, work collaboratively, and communicate their ideas clearly. The design-thinking process is used as the basis for work sessions, and the cycle of planning, prototyping and responding constructively to feedback and failure is key in this class. Projects will include creating "Rube Goldberg" style inventions, upcycled fashion design, and more. Students will have the opportunity to use a variety of tools, technology and materials in the FR Shop, as well as develop new skills using the Adobe Creative software suite.
Foundations of Studio Art: This course immerses students in the process of creating art and provides them with the opportunity to explore and experiment with different media. Students develop foundational skills in drawing and painting by examining the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. Alongside hands-on artmaking, students contextualize their work within the broader framework of art history, current cultural trends, and global concerns. Through the study of diverse sources of artistic inspiration, students gain confidence in their creative abilities, and incorporate feedback to refine and enhance their work.
8th Grade Dance: This class explores the fundamentals of dance through daily stretching practices and technique exercises, while also exploring various disciplines of dance. Through the teaching of dance combinations, students will learn how to put various steps together to form a cohesive, artistic thought. Students will also explore choreography by creating their own dance during the second half of the semester. By the end of the semester, students will be able to exhibit a basic understanding of the foundations and guiding principles of dance.