Independent Middle School in Summerlin

English

Grade 6

Sixth grade English is designed to reinforce the foundational concepts of grammar and sentence diagraming through a review or teaching of all the parts of speech and primary parts of the sentence. Students are exposed to classical and time-honored literature through the study of short stories, novels, poetry, and non-fiction, and vocabulary enrichment words are taken from the literature, from words introduced to English from other languages, and from literary terms. Writing assignments are varied and numerous and will often relate to one specific skill; quality and content rather than length are the focus.

Topics covered:

Introduce proper sentence diagraming from simple subject and verb sentences through adverb clauses.
Reinforce knowledge of all parts of speech and parts of the sentence.
Focus on ways to improve and strengthen comprehension skills continue to enrich vocabulary with words from reading and supplementary sources.
Emphasize basic writing skills, including composing strong topic and concluding sentences, writing quality sentences following specific formulas, composing short in-class assignments, and offering opportunities for creative writing.

Grade 7

Seventh grade English builds on the grammar foundation established in sixth grade, introducing more advanced grammar and diagraming skills. Literary terms and tools are examined and discussed critically through the use of varied works and genres of literature. Students will work on components of a basic five-paragraph, thesis-based essay.

Topics covered:

Introduce advanced grammar concepts and diagraming: participles, gerunds, infinitives, noun clauses, and adjective clauses.
Improve note-taking skills, especially annotating, through the reading of classic novels and short stories.
Continue to enrich vocabulary with words from reading and supplementary sources.
Produce oral presentations related to the literature.
Emphasize paragraph organization, strong introductions and conclusions, proper use of quotations, and original expression.

Grade 8

In English 8 students develop their ability to learn from great thinkers and to articulate their ideas in writing and speech. Each semester includes one book, that will challenge the most astute readers, and two essays based on the reading. Compositions practice the foundations of powerful communication: organization, detail selection, strong vocabulary, proper grammar, and revision, a staple in every writer’s life.

Topics covered:

Improve sentence fluency from a foundation in diagraming.
Practice annotation and note-taking from a variety of texts.
Use new vocabulary from readings.
Practice posing and probing questions in Socratic-styled discussion.
Compose original essays that interrogate an aspect of the literature or test an author’s tactic.

Life Elective

Mathematics

Grade 6

Grade 7/Pre-Algebra

Seventh grade math/pre-algebra provides a review of topics covered in sixth grade math and extends those topics to prepare students for success in algebra and geometry.

Topics covered:

Integers and variable expressions
Factors, fractions, and exponents
Multi-step equations and inequalities
Application of proportion and percents
Introduction to linear functions and graphing
Analyzing data and probability
Spatial thinking
Problem solving and logical reasoning

Grade 8/Algebra 1

Eighth grade math/algebra provides students with a strong foundation in algebra and is designed for highly-qualified, motivated students who are committed to a challenging course of study. Algebraic procedures and continued development of problem-solving skills form the basis of this course.

Topics covered:

Variables, exponents, and expressions
Linear equations and inequalities
Systems of equations and inequalities
Polynomials and factoring
Quadratic equations
Radical expressions and equations
Rational expressions and equations
Problem solving and logical reasoning

Grade 6

Computer science provides students with an array of experience within the world of computers.

Topics covered:

Basic computer operation
Keyboarding skills
Digital citizenship/Internet safety
Google apps for education suite
Creation of multimedia presentations
Photo/video production
Graphic art/animations
Web page creation
Computer programming/coding

No prerequisites required for this course.

Web Page Creation

Science

Grade 6/Earth Science

Grade 7/Life Science

Grade 8/Physical Science

Competitive Science Elective

Social Science

Grade 6 World History

This course examines the major intellectual, political, economic, and social movements that have influenced the development of people and their cultures in the ancient and medieval world. This course introduces students to the major civilizations and world religions through approximately 1500 C.E. Because the world has always been largely interdependent and interconnected, the program stresses comparisons among various civilizations and events. Additionally, students analyze the connections between geography and historical events as well as the lasting influences of the Ancient world on our world today.

Topics covered:

Stone Age and Early Culture
River Valley Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River Valley, China
Premodern China: Tang-Ming Dynasties
Ancient Hebrews
Ancient Greece and Rome
Islamic World
Early African Civilizations
Early American Civilizations
Medieval Europe

Grade 7 World History

In this course, students examine some of the significant historical events and trends in World History. This course is designed to help students understand how civilizations, peoples, and societies develop and change over time. Students examine the interrelationships between resources, social structures, and the daily life of specific populations. Students also practice crafting and supporting arguments regarding historical topics.

Topics Covered:

European Renaissance and Reformation: Exploration, Cultural Diffusion, New Ideas.
The Enlightenment: Challenging Absolutism, Scientific Revolution, Spread of New Ideas.
The French Revolution: Causes and Impact on Europe and the New World.
Nationalism and Revolution: Changes in Political Thought, Development of Nation States.
Industrial Revolution: Why England First? Consequences of Industrialization.
Imperialism: How Nationalism, Industrialism, and Empire are connected.
Transformations Around the Globe: China Resists the West, Japan Modernizes, Global Tensions, and WWI.
Revolutions and Nationalism: Russian Revolution, Totalitarian Regimes, Nationalism in India and Southwest Asia, WWII.
Decolonization: Policies Implemented After WWII Around the Globe.

Grade 8 U.S History

This course, 8th Grade U.S. History: Multiple Perspectives, provides an advanced survey of the history of the United States as a frontier, from exploration to the twenty-first century. Students study political, social, cultural, economic, and environmental aspects of the building of the United States.

Topics Covered:

Meeting of Cultures: European contact and interaction with Native groups.
Empire: Colonization of North America.
Creating a Republic: Revolution, Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
Westward Expansion: Land Use, Indian Policy, War with Mexico, and the Civil War.
Industrialization: Urban Development, Railroads, Mining, Labor, and the Birth of the Progressive Movement.
Turn of the Century: Changes in Society, Two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the New Deal.
Modern America: Social Unrest, Civil Rights, Vietnam, and Changes to the Political Landscape.

Film Studies Elective

World Languages

Spanish 6

In this sixth grade course, students continue to learn the fundamentals of the Spanish language working primarily in the present with further practice of the past tense structures. Students role-play, survey, interview, debate and present using the vocabulary and grammar structures learned through a blend of comprehensible input and traditional learning methods. Students are exposed to film, art, interviews and other aspects of Hispanic culture in order to build their cultural competency.

Topics covered:

Expressing opinions
Discussing food across Spanish-speaking countries
Using high frequency vocabulary to describe daily lives
Cultural perspectives and comparisons
Read and explain novels written in Spanish including TPRS

Spanish 7

In seventh grade Spanish, students improve proficiency through storytelling and reading. This course reviews present tense, various cultural aspects, covers negative commands, the future tense, sentence and question formation along with short compositions and stories.

Topics covered:

Describing daily routines
Identifying classes and extracurricular activities
Read and explain novels written in Spanish including TPRS
Summarize novels and respond to comprehension questions
Present short stories using the present, past and imperfect tenses

Spanish 8

In eighth grade Spanish, students continue to study and learn the language while becoming comfortable communicating at an intermediate level. Through a blend of comprehensible input and more traditional methods, students study a variety of grammar structures for communication in the present, past and future. They role-play, survey, interview, debate and present. Students are exposed to film, short novels, art, interviews and other aspects of Hispanic culture in order to build their cultural competency.

Topics covered:

Dispelling stereotypes across the Spanish-speaking world
Respecting cultural differences
Realizing how our behavior affects the environment
Understanding how food can define culture
Introduction to the subjunctive mood

LATIN 8

In eighth grade Latin, students explore the presence of Latin everywhere around them as 21st-century Americans. The biggest component of the course is English (and Spanish) vocabulary acquisition through the study of Latin word roots. Mini-projects investigating Latin’s role in topics ranging from science, law, medicine, government, rhetoric, and argumentation punctuate the year. Sustained and concerted effort is exerted in understanding ancient Roman culture.

Topics covered:

Exploration of ancient Roman culture as a means to understand modern US culture
Active engagement with Latin that has persisted into the 21st-century US in its language and institutions (especially scientific, legal, and medical terminology)

Latin I

In Middle School Latin I, students are introduced to basic grammar and vocabulary, derivatives, Roman history, culture, and mythology. Emphasis is placed on mastery through the recognition and application of patterns (morphology) and grammatical rules (syntax). Successful completion allows for transition directly into Latin II (Honors) in the Upper School. (Latin I is also offered at the Upper School level.)

Performing Arts

Band 6

Band 7 & 8

Designed for the intermediate band student. The 7th and 8th grade Concert Band performs a Fall/Winter/Spring concert, at school sporting events, and at graduation. Various groups are developed from this level of instrumentalists.

Topics covered:

Music Pieces for Upcoming Concerts
Rehearsal Behavior
Characteristic Sound on the Horn
Breathing Routine for Focus and Timing
Fundamental Based Exercises
Articulation

Drama 6

Drama 7 & 8

Theatre Performance 6

Theatre Performance 7 & 8

Theater Workshop

Broadcast Technology 6-8

One-semester course, offered in fall and spring. TMS-TV or M-TV is an introduction to the world of broadcast journalism and to electronic news gathering (ENG), also known as "info-tainment." The course provides opportunities for students to develop skills and understanding in the concepts of the history of television, basic video camera operation, post production graphics, audio, and editing.

Orchestra 6

Designed for students who already play or are interested in learning violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar or piano. No previous music experience is required. The course includes the development of the skills necessary to become a musician and develop a life-long interest in music performance. Students will be introduced to classical music as well as other popular styles with a variety of performing experiences throughout the school year.

Topics covered:

Sight Reading
Performance Skills
Musical Skills Development
Form and Structure in Music Understanding
Composing and Arranging
Music Technology
Stage Presence

Orchestra 7 & 8

Designed for students who have experience playing violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar or piano. The course includes the development of the skills necessary to become an independent musician and continues to develop a life-long interest in music performance. Students will be introduced to classical music as well as other popular styles with a variety of performing experiences throughout the school year.

Topics covered:

Sight Reading
Performance Skills
Musical Skills Development
Form and Structure in Music Understanding
Composing and Arranging
Music Technology
Stage Presence

Visual Arts

Art 6

Sixth grade art is designed for interested and eager artists to explore their creativity. Students will be provided with a basic understanding of the elements and principles of design as emphasized through the production of original art and the study of art history and contemporary art. Students will be introduced to a variety of different media including chalk pastels, oil pastels, graphite, prismacolors, acrylic paints, watercolors, wood, clay, linoleum blocks, canvases, and much more.

Topics covered:

Drawing
Painting
Collage
Mixed Media
Sculpture

Art 7

Seventh grade art is designed for interested and eager artists to further develop their creativity. Students will be provided with a basic understanding of the elements and principles of design as emphasized through the production of original art and the study of art history and contemporary art. This course is meant to foster a love and appreciation for art, while also nurturing developing skills. Students will be introduced to a variety of different media including chalk pastels, oil pastels, graphite, prismacolors, acrylic paints, watercolors, wood, clay, linoleum blocks, canvases, and much more.

Topics covered: Drawing

Drawing
Painting
Collage
Mixed Media
Sculpture

Art 8

Eighth grade art is designed for interested and eager artists to further develop their creativity. Students will be provided with a basic understanding of the elements and principles of design as emphasized through the production of original art and the study of art history and contemporary art. This course is meant to foster a love and appreciation for art, while also nurturing developing skills. Students will be introduced to a variety of different media including chalk pastels, oil pastels, graphite, prismacolors, acrylic paints, watercolors, wood, clay, linoleum blocks, canvases, and much more.

Topics covered:

Drawing
Painting
Collage
Mixed Media
Sculpture

Health & Physical Education

Grades 6 & 7
Grade 8

Grades 6 & 7

Students take PE Classes twice per week and must:

1. Participate on one School team.

– or –

2. Participate in a sport or activity not offered by the School which is competitive and meets at least three hours per week throughout the school year.

Physical Education class focuses on the sports that are in-season as well as teaching students how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

All Middle School students need six Physical Education credits earned over three years to satisfy the Middle School PE requirement.

Grade 8

Students do not have a regularly scheduled PE Class and must participate in the following to meet the Middle School PE requirement:

1. Participate on two School teams.

– or –

2. Participate in a sport or activity not offered by the School which is competitive and meets at least three hours per week throughout the school year.

– or –

3. Take the Early Bird Fitness Class.

All Middle School students need six Physical Education credits earned over three years to satisfy the Middle School PE requirement.

Curriculum