Middle School
OverviewTop of Page
Middle school is made up of students in the 6th-8th grades who attend 50-minute classes.
Detailed Curriculum by GradeTop of Page
Grade 6
English
- Continue to improve basic written expression skills, which include proper punctuation, accurate spelling, word choice, fluency, and organization
- Be re-introduced to the outline of a five paragraph essay – Introduction – Body (3 Paragraphs) – Conclusion
- Focus on each paragraph included in an essay response using 5-7 sentences in length
- Be introduced to the idea of poetry reading and writing
- Continue to self-edit any and all written expression assignments
- Begin to peer edit writing pieces
- Determine the correct usage of punctuation through written language
- Determine all forms of nouns; common, proper, singular, plural,and possessives
- Identify all forms of verbs; action, helping, linking, transitive, intransitive, and all tenses
- Determine and identify the differences between adjectives and adverbs
- Be able to identify a preposition and phrase in which is connected
- Construct a complete sentence using all forms of grammar and the seven parts of speech correctly
- Recognize and put into practice the process of paragraph formations
- Gain an understanding and implement the six writing traits
- Develop necessary skills and experience reading a variety of age appropriate and grade level novels
- Use literary evidence when reading appropriate grade level novels
- Identifyand explain the author’s purpose; persuasive, informative, and entertainment
- Identify, describe, and use literary skills and story elements correctly; identifying characters, setting, theme, main event(s), climax, resolution, foreshadowing, making predictions, inferring, and listing differences and similarities
- Read and evaluate nonfiction compositions and materials
- Use various forms of graphic organizers to evaluate written material; Venn diagrams, compare and contrast charts, and T-Charts
- Continue to build on grade level appropriate vocabulary and implement their knowledge throughout language arts
Human Geography
- Mapping and World Geography
- Exploring geographical features of our world today
- Exploring human culture from around the world
- Human-Environmental Interaction and the impact it has had on our world today
- Applying the 5 Themes of Geography to our World Studies
- Mapping of and study of Africa, The United States, Canada, Russia, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and as many places in the world we possibly can- inclusive of cultural, political, and economic systems in the world today.
- Various speakers/field trips/projects throughout the school year
- Recognizing Primary and Secondary Sources
- Development of critical thinking skills in today’s political and worldview environment and applying Catholic Social Teaching to same
Math
- Understand a ratio as a comparison of two quantities and represent these comparisons
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Solve problems involving ratios and rates
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Create tables of equivalent ratios and find missing values in the tables
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Solve unit rate problems
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Solve percent problems (finding whole given part, the part given the whole, and percentage)
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Convert measurement units within and between two systems of measurements (use ratios to compare sizes of similar figures with different units)
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Compute and interpret quotients of positive fractions
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Compute with non-negative multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples
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Demonstrate fluency with division of multi-digit whole numbers
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Demonstrate fluency with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of decimals
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Find common factors and multiples
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Find the greatest common factor and the least common multiple
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Use distributive property to express a sum of two whole numbers with a common factor as a multiple of a sum of two whole numbers
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Understand that the absolute value of a rational number is its distance from 0 on the number line
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Extend prior knowledge to generate equivalent representations of rational numbers between fractions, decimals, and percentages (limited to terminating decimals and/or benchmark fractions of 1/3 and 2/3)
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Solve problems involving the four arithmetic operations with integers, fractions, and decimals including order of operations
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Create and evaluate expressions involving variables and whole number exponents
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Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terminology
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Evaluate expressions at specific values of the variables
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Evaluate non-negative rational number expressions
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Write and evaluate algebraic expressions
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Understand the meaning of the variable in the context of a situation
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Write and solve equations using variables to represent quantities, and understand the meaning of the variable in the context of the situation
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Find the area and perimeter of polygons by composing or decomposing the shapes into rectangles or triangles
Science
Cells
- The Characteristics of Cells
- Observing cells with a Microscope
- Cell Structure and Function
- Lab: Surface Area to Volume Ratio in a Cell
Organisms as Systems
- Levels of Organization in Organisms
- Plant Bodies as System
- Animal Bodies as System
- Information Processing in Animals
Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth
- Inheritance
- Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
- Plant Reproduction and Growth
- Animal Reproduction and Growth
Matter and Energy in the Living System
- Matter and Energy in Organisms
- Investigating Decomposers
- Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
- Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
Relationship in Ecosystems
- Parts of an Ecosystem
- Resource Availability in Ecosystem
- Patterns of interactions
Ecosystem Dynamics
- Biodiversity in Ecosystems
- Changes in the Ecosystem
- Maintaining Biodiversity
The History of Life on Earth
- The Fossil Record
- Patterns of Change in Life on Earth
- Evidence of Common Ancestry
Evolution
- Genetic Change and Traits
- Natural Selection
- Speciation and Extinction
Human Influence on Inheritance
- Artificial Selection
- Genetic Engineering
- Human Senses
Dissections
- Sheep Brain
- Frog
- Earthworm
Theology
Themes
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- God ordered all of creation to the good
- All of God’s creation and communication with man is to communicate God’s love and goodness and to invite us to share that love and goodness
Topics
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- Salvation History
- The Moral Law
- 10 Commandments
- The Mass, the source and summit of our Catholic faith
- Family Life instruction
Devotional life
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- The Saints
- Regular visits to the adoration chapel
- Observance of liturgical seasons.
- Personal Prayer
- Rosary
- Stations of the Cross
Grade 7
English
- Apply correct usage of semicolons, colons, hyphens, dashes and parentheses
- Differentiate and show understanding of compound and complex sentences and subordinating conjunctions
- Recognize pronouns such as interrogative, demonstrative, reflexive and intensive
- Identify and use correct verbs such as perfect tenses, progressive forms, active and passive voice, and inverted and interrupted order
- Identify the indirect and direct object and its relation to the direct object
- Recognize and use collective and compound nouns appropriately
- Recognize adjective and adverb phrases and their placement in the sentence
- Combine related simple sentences into complex sentences by using subordinating conjunctions to develop sentence fluency
- Diagram sentences to show visual representation of the structure of a sentence
- Apply the writing process in various types of writing such as persuasive, expository, and five paragraph essay
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative language and connotative meanings using context, affixes, or reference materials
- Analyze how the setting, characters, and plot of a text affect each other and contribute to meaning
- Analyze how an author develops his/her point of view or purpose and distinguishes it from those of others
- Compare and contrast information presented in different mediums
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose and audience
- Read and comprehend informational text independently
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems
Science
Circulation of Earth’s Air and Wind
- Circulation in the Earth’s Atmosphere
- Model of Formation of Wind
- Circulation in the Earth’s Oceans
- Lab: Exploring the Density of Water
Weather And Climate
- Influences on Weather
- Weather Prediction
- Model of Air Mass Interaction
- Influences on Climate
Geological Processes and History
- The Dynamic Earth
- Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition
- Model Erosion and Deposition
- The Rock Cycle
- Model Crystal Formation
- Earth’s Plates
- Model the movement of Earth’s plates.
- Earth’s Changing Surface
Earth Through Time
- The Age of Earth’s Rocks
- Modeling Rock Layers to Determine Relative Age
- Earth’s History
Earth’s Natural History
- Natural Hazards
- Interpreting and analyzing Data
- Natural Hazard Prediction
- Reducing the Effects of Natural History
Resources on Earth
- Natural Resources
- The Distribution of Natural Resources
Using Resources
- Human Population and Resource Use
- Resource Use and Earth System
Human Impact on Earth System
- Human Impacts
- Reducing Human Impacts on the Environment
- Climate Change
Design And Modeling Science and Computer
- Design Process
- 3D and Multiview Drawings
- Computer Aided Design software
- 3D printing
Theology
Key questions
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- How does God share His Life and Love with us?
- Why does God share His Life and Love with us?
Topics
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- Faith and Reason
- Divine Revelation: Scripture and Tradition
- Grace and Virtue
- Salvation History
- The saving mission of Jesus Christ
- Family Life instruction
Devotional life
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- The Saints
- Regular visits to the adoration chapel
- Observance of liturgical seasons.
- Personal Prayer
- Rosary
- Stations of the Cross
World History
- Mapping
- History, Culture, Geography from a worldview perspective
- Citizenship and Economic Systems ranging from the very first social groups to today’s political and economic systems
- Political Systems from a worldview beginning with Egypt and moving toward today’s political systems from a worldwide cultural perspective
- World Cultural Belief Systems
- Recognizing Primary and Secondary Sources
- Development of critical thinking skills in today’s worldview environment and applying Catholic Social Teaching of same
- Various speakers, field trips, and projects throughout the school year
Grade 8
English
- Apply correct usage of comma, semicolon, colon, and parentheses in appositives, complex and compound sentences, and essential and nonessential clauses
- Distinguish between essential and nonessential clauses, using appropriate relative pronouns
- Show correct usage of interrogative pronouns such as who and whom
- Identify and demonstrate correct use of verbals and verbal phrases such as participles, infinitives, and gerunds
- Apply correct use of subject-verb agreement in written work
- Combine related clauses into compound-complex sentences to vary sentence structure
- Create and evaluate various types of writing such as persuasive, expository, research, and five paragraph essay
- Diagram sentences to show visual representation of the structure of a sentence
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings using context, affixes, or reference materials
- Analyze how literary devices are used to develop setting, reveal character, advance the plot, and contribute to meaning
- Analyze how an author’s choice concerning a text’s organization or overall structure contributes to meaning
- Compare and contrast information presented in different mediums
- Read, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose and audience
- Read and comprehend informational text independently
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems
History (American)
- Recognizing Primary and Secondary Sources
- Current Events in our world today and their relevance to our lives and our faith
- Government and Civics
- Development of critical thinking skills in today’s political and worldview environment and applying Catholic Social teaching to same
- Early exploration overview
- Revolutionary Era, War of 1812 Civil War, World War I, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam Conflict, Bosnian War, The Holocaust, The Civil Rights Movement
- Economic and Political structures both in the United States and abroad as they relate to the American Political and Economic Systems we have in place today
- Various speakers/field trips/projects throughout the school year
Science
Energy
- Kinetic and Potential Energy
- Transformation and Transfer of Energy
- project : Build a toy that teaches the transfer and transformation of energy.
Changes in Energy
- Temperature and Heat
- The Structure of Matter
- Properties of Matter
- Atoms and Elements
- Molecules
- Lab: Measuring Density
- Investigation of Pressure Changes
- Project: Build Models of Molecules
States of Matter and Changes of State
- States of Matter
- Changes of State
- Investigation: Observing Changes of State
Chemical Processes and Equations
- Chemical Reactions
- Chemical Equations
- Investigation of Pressure Changes
- Thermal Energy and Chemical Processes
Chemistry of Materials
- Natural and Synthetic Materials
- The Life Cycle of Synthetic Materials
- Project Build a lunch container that keeps food cold.
Forces and Motion
- Forces
- Gravity and Friction
- Newton's Law of Motion
- Investigation Collision of Objects
Electric and Magnetic Forces
- Magnetic Forces
- Electric Forces
- Fields
- Electromagnetism
- Forces experimental kits
Theology
Topics
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- Nature of the Church
- Church History
- Church Teaching
- CHOSEN Confirmation program
- Service
- Family Life instruction
- Personal role and vocation in the Church
Devotional life
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- The Saints
- Regular visits to the adoration chapel
- Observance of liturgical seasons.
- Personal Prayer
- Rosary
- Stations of the Cross
Math in Grades 7 and 8
The progression of Math classes in grades 7 and 8 is either:
Math in Grade 7 and Pre-Algebra in Grade 8, or
Pre-Algebra in Grade 7 and Algebra in Grade 8
Grade 7 Math
- Analysis of Proportional Relationships
This includes: Computation of unit rates, understanding slope as a direct variation, comparing two proportional relationships both mathematically and visually as they appear on a coordinate plane. - Application and Extension of Rational Number Operations
This includes: A fluency of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with rational numbers; the relationship between integers, absolute value, and their distance on the numberline; conversion of rational numbers to decimals; - Use of Algebraic Expressions and Equations
This includes: simplifying and faction expressions; use of equivalent representations; writing and solving equations and inequalities; using estimation and mental computation strategies to assess reasonableness of solutions. - Construction of Geometric Figures and Understanding the Relationships Between Them
This includes: Understanding of scale drawings; using tools to construct shapes; knowing the formulas for measurements of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures and understanding the relationships between those measurements; and solving for missing measurements of geometric figures. - Drawing Inferences of a Population
This includes: Analyzing different data distributions using statistical measures, comparing the numerical measures of center, measures of frequency, and measures of variability; and understanding the purpose, efficacy, and validity of using random sampling when collecting data. - Application of Probability Models.
This includes: Determining the probability of a simple event; predicting outcomes and performing experiments that model theoretical probability; explaining outcomes; finding probabilities of compound events.
Pre-Algebra
- Exploration of the Real Number System
This includes: generating equivalent expressions, understanding the relationship between a decimal and its fraction, approximation of irrational numbers and their respective place on the number line. - Operations with Radicals and Integer Exponents
This includes: Generating equivalent expressions; solving equations with square and cube roots; expressing quantities in scientific notation and approximating differences between numbers written in scientific notation; using scientific notation to solve problems - Proportional Relationships, Lines, and Linear Equations
This includes: Graphing direct variation; graphing linear functions; writing equations for linear functions using multiple forms - Linear Equations and Inequalities
This includes: Solving linear equations; being able to identify linear equations with one solution, no solution, and infinitely many solutions; characteristics of perpendicular and parallel lines; solving and analyzing systems of linear equations - Congruence and Similarity of Geometric Figures
This includes: Verifying congruence or similarity; application of rigid transformations; describing the effect of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections of figures on a coordinate plane; interior angle sum of triangles; relationship between interior and exterior angles of triangles; and angle properties when parallel lines are cut by a transversal. - Measurement of Geometric Figures
This includes: Use and application of the Pythagorean Theorem in formula and in finding the distance between points in the coordinate plane system; volume and surface area of cones and spheres. - Patterns of Bivariate Data
This includes: construction and interpretation of scatter plots; patterns of association between two variables; data presented in a two-way table. - Evaluation of Linear Functions
This includes: Function notation, relationship between relations and functions, graphing functions, recognizing constant rate of change (slope); modeling relationships; determining parameters.
Algebra 1
- Properties of Rational Exponents
This includes: rewriting expressions; using units to solve problems; conversion of units and rates; using appropriate quantities. - Interpretation and Use of Algebraic Structure
This includes: creating equivalent expressions and equations of polynomials; finding zeros of quadratics by factoring; finding maximum and minimum of quadratics by completing the square. - Equations that Describe Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Relationships
This includes: creating and graphing linear, quadratic, and exponential equations in two variables; systems of equations and inequalities and interpreting data points as a solution or non-solution; solving literal equations for a specified variable. - Process of Solving Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
This includes: quadratic formula; analyzing methods for solving quadratics; solving systems of equations algebraically and graphically; graphing solutions; solving problems involving systems of linear inequalities. - Operations on Polynomials
This includes: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials; division of polynomials by monomials. - Functions and Their Properties
This includes: domain and range; function notation; interpreting functions in terms of context; average rate of change within an interval; graphing; identifying key features of a graph; translating between equivalent forms of a function to reveal properties of the function. - Construction and Comparison of Linear, Quadratic, an Exponential Models
This includes: growth and decay of exponential functions; identifying increasing and decreasing intervals; arithmetic and geometric sequences; recursive and explicit forms; finding terms of a sequence. - Summarize, Represent, and Interpret Data
This includes: shape of data distribution; effects of outliers; relative frequencies; scatterplots of bivariate data; correlation coefficients; correlation vs. causation