STEM electives in middle school are important building blocks in the preparation of all students for demands of college, careers, and the rapidly changing 21st century workforce. STEM courses teach students to apply mathematics, science, and technical knowledge to innovate and solve problems. MCPS is committed to providing a well-rounded education for middle school students that includes an engaging, hands-on experience with computational learning. Middle school STEM electives teach students computational and technological literacy through coding, computer science, engineering, robotics, and other technology and design-related experiences. This program promotes creative problem solving and an exploration of multiple STEM related fields of study and careers.
The goal of the Secondary English Language Arts program is to create literate, thoughtful communicators, capable of controlling language effectively as they negotiate an increasingly complex and information-rich world. As students leave elementary school, they encounter new academic expectations such as analyzing varied and complex texts, developing arguments, synthesizing information from multiple sources, examining different perspectives, and engaging in self-reflection. Students work to acquire specific skills and strategies in reading literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language.
This course involves implementation of iLit, a reading intervention program designed to meet the needs of struggling readers through differentiated instruction, computer adaptive instruction, background-knowledge-building videos, high-interest literature, and explicit instruction in reading, writing, and vocabulary skills.
The Digital Literacy 1 curriculum focuses on developing critical and creative thinking through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing in a 21st-century approach. Working through a problem-based process, students learn to define real-world problems of interest, research the causes of those problems using real-time global texts, and then create solutions to address the problems. Students will advance their understanding of comprehension, analysis, and evaluation of text as well as vocabulary acquisition through reading complex informational and argumentative texts in a technology-rich medium. Students will collaborate regularly through research and solution phases of their investigations. Students' curiosity and motivation will engage them in their investigations while learning and refining the processes that will enrich all other courses and prepare them for college and career projects.
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program provides high-quality English language development instruction aligned to grade-level content standards in English Language Arts. These courses focus on helping students develop the academic language proficiency needed to be able to learn content knowledge, skills, and processes and effectively use language to communicate proficiently in mainstream courses.
These courses are designed for the rapid mastery of the English language, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. ESOL courses usually begin with extensive listening and speaking practice, building on auditory and oral skills, and support the development of reading and writing. These courses provide an explanation of grammat- ical structures of the English language, enabling students to progress from a basic under- standing of English words and verb tenses to a more comprehensive grasp of various formal and informal styles to prepare them for grade-level mainstream English courses. ESOL classes may also include an orientation to the customs and culture of the diverse population in the United States. All ESOL courses are aligned to the grade-level standards and curriculum in Grades 6-8.
ESOL students will be scheduled into English classes designed to meet their level of academic language proficiency in appropriate ways including sheltered, co-taught, single and double periods. The English Language Proficiency (ELP) levels are directly correlated with the ELP levels 1.0-4.4 on the WIDA ACCESS test.
Grade Level | Course | New Course Code # | Notes (i.e. HS credit) |
---|---|---|---|
Grade 6 |
English 6 for English Learners (ELs) I |
ESL1014 |
Double Period |
English 6 for ELs II |
ESL 1017 |
Double Period |
|
English 6 for ELs III |
ESL 1020 |
Single Period |
|
Grade 7 |
English 7 forELs I |
ESL1015 |
Double Period |
English 7 for ELs II |
ESL 1018 |
Double Period |
|
English 7 for ELs III |
ESL 1021 |
Single Period |
|
Grade 8 |
English 8 forELs I |
ESL 1016 |
Double Period |
English 8 for ELs II |
ESL 1019 |
Double Period |
|
English 8 for ELs III |
ESL 1022 |
Single Period |
Multidisciplinary Educational Training and Support Program (METS)
Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) programs focus on processes and skills that enhance individual, family, and societal well-being. Programs reflect the National Standards for FACS Education and integrate math, science, English, and social studies. A project-based curriculum encourages students to investigate and solve authentic problems. Students learn to use communication and critical-thinking skills as well as current technologies to make informed decisions.
UNIT 1: INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY, AND SOCIETAL NEEDS
UNIT 2: DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
UNIT 3: NUTRITION AND WELLNESS
UNIT 4: PERSONAL FINANCE
UNIT 5: LIVING ENVIRONMENTS
UNIT 6: COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING
The fine arts are important to every child’s development and play a vital role in providing students with a well-rounded, world class education. Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Art promote academic excellence, creative problem-solving, and social emotional learning, which are essential components of college and career readiness. In order to meet the evolving needs of a 21st century learner, the fine arts focus on developing artistic literacy by engaging in the artistic processes (creating, performing/presenting, responding, and connecting) through authentic materials and techniques. The fine arts introduce students to new world views and cultures, help students to value the perspectives of others, and enable students to creatively express a personal viewpoint. Through artistic experiences, students become independent and divergent thinkers, selfmotivated workers, and innovators. All students have access to fine arts programs in middle school. In Grades 6–8, students may specialize in one or more of the fine art forms.
Students with no previous dance experience should begin at Level 1 in the dance sequence. This beginning course provides a survey of dance styles and elements
In this course, students will have the opportunity to learn about music and instruments from a variety of world cultures. Students explore various genres of music through singing, performing on instruments, and creating music. World Beat Music Grade 6 is open to all sixth grade students interested in deepening their understanding and application of musical concepts and historical study.
Students acquire basic piano technique and learn to read written music notation. Students develop effective practice habits so they will be able to progress independently. Check with your child’s counselor to see if this is offered at your school.
Students learn beginning guitar techniques, including selected major, minor, and seventh chords; basic finger picks and strums; and tuning technique. Students develop effective practice habits so they will be able to progress independently. Check with your child’s counselor to see if this is offered at your school.
Students will create, perform, and respond to music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will develop the fundamentals of proper vocal technique and choral singing in relation to posture, breath control, tone, intonation, diction, blending, singing in harmony, music literacy, and sight-singing. Students will primarily sing state level 2 music. There will likely be a minimum of two school concerts and students are expected to participate in all performances. This course is open to all students, regardless of music background.
Students will create, perform, and respond to music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will continue to develop the fundamentals of proper vocal technique and choral singing in relation to posture, breath control, tone, intonation, diction, blending, singing in harmony, music literacy, and sight-singing. Students will primarily sing state level 2-3 music. There will likely be a minimum of two school concerts as well as the opportunity to participate in other festivals/performances and students are expected to participate in all performances. An audition and/or a prerequisite of MS Chorus 1 may be required.
Students will create, perform, and respond to music in a variety of styles/genres. Students will continue to develop proper vocal technique and choral singing in relation to posture, breath control, tone, intonation, diction, blending, singing in harmony, music literacy, and sight-singing in multiple keys and parts. Students will primarily sing state level 3 music. There will likely be a minimum of two school concerts as well as the opportunity to participate in other festivals/performances and students are expected to participate in all performances. An audition and/or a prerequisite of MS Chorus 1 and/or 2 may be required.
This course is for students with no prior instrumental music experience. Students prepare for participation in performing ensembles and develop technical skills necessary to perform Grade 1 Level music, a performance level established by the National Association for Music Education and not a reference to first grade. Basic instrumental skills are developed by performing a variety of music. Students are taught the elements of musical form, terms and symbols, tone production, instrument care and maintenance, and the importance of consistent practice habits. Cultural context of the music and its historical significance as they relate to performance is studied. Students may attend live performances and perform in public. Students may be concurrently enrolled with 7892, 6845, 6815, and Middle School Band I (6880) or Orchestra I (6800) if necessary to run the course.
Students refine skills learned from their elementary Grade 4 and 5 instrumental music programs or in Middle School Beginning Band, String, or Wind and Percussion, and develop more advanced performance techniques. The development of technical skills necessary to perform Grade 1 to Grade 2 Level music is stressed. Emphasis is placed on developing formal rehearsal decorum, following a conductor, and developing pitch and rhythmic security in preparation for performing an independent part in the traditional band or orchestra ensemble. Students also learn melodic form and construction as they examine and perform more complex folk melodies and melodies from master composers. Students discuss the social and intellectual influences that affected the creation of the music they are studying. They begin to develop aesthetic criteria for measuring the quality of instrumental performance. Students may attend live performances and perform in public.
Prerequisite: Attainment of outcomes for Beginning Band, String, or Wind/Percussion Instruments in Grades 4–5 or 6–8.
Students develop and refine their technical skills in order to perform music at the Grade 2 Level of difficulty. Emphasis is placed on developing formal rehearsal decorum, following a conductor and developing pitch and rhythmic security in preparation for performing an independent part in the traditional band or orchestra ensemble. Students learn the social, cultural, and intellectual influences reflected in the musical works they are studying and discuss performance styles and musical forms of corresponding historical periods. The study of music theory includes performance and recognition of major scales, diatonic and chromatic intervals, and simple melodic dictation. The critical listening skills that are developed as a result of preparation for instrumental performance are used to help the student formulate criteria for effectively evaluating his/her own performance as well as the performance of others. This band or orchestra represents middle schools at public performances.
Prerequisite: Attainment of outcomes for Middle School Band I or Orchestra I. Students may also audition to qualify for this course. This course may be taken for more than one year.
Students distinguish between abstract and programmatic music and learn and discuss the social, intellectual, and historical influences on each. Students develop and refine their technical skills in order to perform music at the Grade 2 to Grade 3 Level of difficulty. In addition, students perform and historically categorize transcriptions of a variety of composers. This band or orchestra represents middle schools at public performances.
Prerequisite: Attainment of outcomes for Middle School Band II or Orchestra II. Students may also audition to qualify for this course. This course may be taken for multiple years.
Students in Grades 6, 7, or 8 with no previous theatre experience should begin at Level 1 in the curricular sequence. In this beginning level course, students will explore how the theater is a space that both creates and challenges COMMUNITY. Theatre artists create an ensemble amongst themselves which functions as a safe space for risk-taking and creating. A sustained investigation of COMMUNITY in this intermediate level course engages students to study a variety of dramatic works, participate in the creation and enhancement of ensemble, and question the role of theatre within their COMMUNITY.
Students will be provided multiple and varied opportunities explore IDENTITY and the many ways this theme can be represented through visual art. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of ideation, media techniques, formal qualities, and compositional devices. Students in Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 with no previous art experience in middle school should begin at Level 1 in the visual art sequence.
These year-long courses integrate visual art and computational thinking. By the end of the course, students will have mastered both the Maryland Technology Education Standards and the National Visual Art Standards. Students will investigate real-world problems, and then seek to design and create meaningful solutions via computational thinking and the artistic process.
Comprehensive Health Education promotes positive health- related attitudes and behaviors that support self-reliance and self-regulation, while developing health literacy skills and lifelong wellness. The health literacy skills emphasized throughout the program include analyzing influences, accessing information, interpersonal communication, decision making, goal-setting, self-management, and advocacy.
Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, the Family Life and Human Sexuality unit will include age-appropriate instruction on the meaning of “consent” and respect for personal boundaries in every grade in which the curriculum is taught. Health Education aligns with Be Well 365 by emphasizing lifelong positive health-related attitudes and behaviors that promote self-reliance and self-regulation for all students.
The Grade 6 Math Course extends students' understanding of concepts developed throughout the elementary grades. There are intentional connections between and within units in this course. This allows students to explore ideas informally and concretely in order to build toward a more formal and abstract understanding. The intent of this course, through the organization of content, carefully selected pedagogy, and inclusion of the Standards of Mathematical Practice in design, is that students will work collaboratively to deepen their understanding of concepts, practice procedural skill and fluency, and apply their understanding to a variety of contexts.
The Grade 6 Math Course begins with a unit on reasoning about area and understanding and applying concepts of surface area. These materials incorporate opportunities to practice elementary arithmetic concepts and skills. From geometry, students move to studying ratios, unit rates, and percentages using various diagrams. The first semester ends with dividing fractions using diagrams and the standard algorithm. From there, students continue the study of standard algorithms to compute with decimals. Students will then evaluate expressions, solve equations, and study rational numbers before concluding the year with an introduction to statistics.
Investigations into Mathematics (IM) extends students’ understanding of mathematical concepts developed in Mathematics 6 and accelerates the pace of instruction to prepare for Algebra 1. This course compacts all of the Grade 7 Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and much of the Grade 8 CCSS into a single year. Students who successfully complete IM are prepared for Algebra 1 in Grade 8. The remaining Grade 8 CCSS are compacted into the Algebra 1 course. Instruction for IM will focus on four critical areas: (1) developing a unified understanding of number, recognizing fractions, decimals (including both those that have a finite or a repeating decimal representation), and percents as different representations of rational numbers; (2) using linear equations and systems of linear equations to represent, analyze, and solve a variety of problems; (3) comparing two data distributions and reasoning about differences between populations; and (4) analyzing geometric relationships in order to solve real-world mathematical problems.
IM focuses on the Standards for Mathematical Practice to build a climate that engages students in the exploration of mathematics. The Standards for Mathematical Practice are habits of mind applied throughout the course so that students see mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Through this course, students will—
TOPICS OF STUDY:
Illustrative Mathematics 6–8 Math Accelerated provides an alternate pathway to Algebra 1 by the 8th grade addressing access, opportunity, and equity for students mathematically by allowing them to complete a graduation requirement in middle school and enroll in more advanced-level math courses in high school to prepare them for college and career-readiness. Current Grade 5 students enrolled in the Math 5 course will be able to take the Accelerated Grade 6+ course in Grade 6, the Accelerated Grade 7+ course in Grade 7, and Algebra 1 in Grade 8. The Illustrative Mathematics 6–8 Math Accelerated course is a comprehensive, standards-aligned, two-course curriculum designed to provide an effective accelerated pathway to Algebra 1. It includes all of the standards in Illustrative Mathematics Grades 6–8 Math and compacts them into a two-year curriculum meant to be covered during the 6th and 7th grades. The pace is faster than Illustrative Mathematics Grades 6–8 Math, but no crucial mathematical concepts are missed.
Illustrative Mathematics created a 2-year version of IM 6–8 Math in IM 6–8 Math Accelerated to compress 3 years of content into 2 by:
The Accelerated Math 6 Plus (AMP 6+) course begins with a study of area and surface area concepts. This work sets the tone for later units that use area models for arithmetic using rational numbers. Next, students begin study of ratios, rates, and percentages with an introduction using representations such as number line diagrams, tape diagrams, and tables. Student understanding of these concepts expands by exploring fraction and decimal representations of rational numbers. They explore sums, differences, products, and quotients using intuitive methods and efficient algorithms. Next, students are introduced to equations and expressions including finding solutions for linear equations in one variable and basic equations involving exponents. Student understanding of ratios and rates combined with a basic understanding of equations leads students to study proportional relationships with special emphasis on circumference and area of a circle as an example and nonexample of proportional relationships. This is followed by looking at percentage concepts and applications such as sales tax, tipping, and markup. They learn about rational numbers less than zero expanding their understanding of arithmetic to negative numbers. A brief study of data and statistics concludes the new concepts in the course. The last unit offers students an optional opportunity to synthesize their learning from the year using a number of different applications.
This course increases literacy in both written and visual text, improves collaboration skills, builds confidence and motivation, and provides opportunities for high-level thinking via specific strategies. Students transfer their skills as viewers of film to skills on the written page, as well as learn how to read visual text and create effective visual communications.
The course focuses on all three areas of the MCPS Moving Image Education—integrating, deconstructing, and creating the moving image. Students transfer reading skills.
This course offers a study of film and film history as the core for teaching more advanced literacy skills. Students learn the physics and history of motion pictures, as well as how to apply filmmaking techniques to their own visual communications.
Students read one novel as well as shorter written text selections and screenplays. The eight units include How Movies Got their Start; Silent Narrative Films; Early Talkies; Early Color; Genre Classics: The Golden Age of Hollywood; Classic Adaptations: The Golden Age of Hollywood and Beyond; Documentaries; Animation; and The Business of Film and Film Festivals. (Completion of Lights Camera, Literacy! is not required.)
This course offers a study of media, its history, and basic related physics concepts as the core for teaching even more advanced literacy skills. Lights, Camera, Media Literacy! presents a timeline of media with focus on the history and physics of communication from the earliest times via storytelling by troubadours and griots to today’s mass media world. The units include Storytelling; The Printing Press; Newspapers & Print Advertising; Photography & Film; Radio; Television; Computers and the Internet; and Media & Our World. Students develop related multimedia projects within each of these units. (Completion of Lights Camera, Literacy! or Lights, Camera, Film Literacy! is not required.)
The Grade 6 MCPS Outdoor Environmental Education Program, known as “Outdoor Ed,” provides students with a three-day residential experience focused on the driving question, “How do our actions and choices impact the health of the watershed?” Using relevant, engaging, and interdisciplinary lessons, students explore the local ecosystem and their role in it. The natural world is both classroom and laboratory for teaching and learning at Outdoor Ed - literacy and mathematics are authentically integrated. The core lessons of this Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience include:
At Outdoor Ed, students live in dormitory-style housing at one of three sites, work collaboratively to take care of the dorms, and serve each other at meals. Teachers from each middle school accompany their students and teach several of the lessons at Outdoor Ed along with the Outdoor Ed coordinators. A fee is charged for the residential setting of the program, set by the Board of Education; alternative payment options and waivers are available. Speaking volumes about Outdoor Ed, MCPS high schools seniors cite this unique experience among their three most remembered and cherished learning events in their twelve years of education.
The middle school physical education program focuses on health-related fitness, movement skills and concepts, and personal and social responsibility. Each physical education unit challenges students to better understand the benefits of physical activity toward fitness, fundamentals of efficient movement in physical activity and sport, and the essentials of responsibility in a movement setting. The learning tasks in physical education emphasize and teach problem-solving and decision-making skills. Students participate in games and activities that promote fitness, develop tactical awareness, and build social qualities. Physical Education aligns with Be Well 365 emphasizing lifelong positive health-related attitudes and behaviors that promote self-reliance and self-regulation.
By the end of Grade 6, students should know and be able to do the following:
HEALTH-RELATED FITNESS
MOVEMENT SKILLS AND CONCEPTS
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In Montgomery County Public Schools, the goal of the science program is for all students to achieve full scientific literacy through Next Generation Science Standards aligned and phenomenon-based instruction that will prepare them for success in college and career. The MCPS science curriculum was developed as a coherent learning progression from kindergarten through grade 12 where all students experience a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to science content, exploring science through hands-on explorations, productive discourse, and purposeful reading and writing. Students apply content knowledge through the scientific and engineering practices to solve real world problems and develop the tools that will make them successful lifelong learners.
Students in the Investigations in Earth Science course will develop understanding of 5 major concepts of Earth science that include the Earth’s surface systems, weather and climate, the Earth's Interior systems, the history of Earth, and natural resources and human impacts. While each of these concepts will be taught in isolated units, Investigations in Earth Science will also revisit related concepts throughout the school year to show the interconnected nature of all of the Earth Systems: the hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. The theme of climate change, both natural and manmade, will also be woven throughout the units to develop student understanding of this important issue and to create a consistent year long storyline.
The course is taught through hands-on explorations, productive discourse, and purposeful reading and writing. The curriculum is problem/project-based where students apply their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to propose solutions to real world phenomena/problems. Students are awarded 10 SSL hours at the completion of Grade 6 Science for their full participation in SSL activities related to their Outdoor Education experience.
Unit 1 - Our Watershed, Our World explains the environmental impacts that increasing populations have on the Earth and the techniques used to assess a community's effect on its local environment.
Unit 2 - Atmospheric Phenomenon demonstrates how changes in atmospheric variables such as density, unequal heating, air pressure, and moisture leads to the weather events that humans' experience daily. The unit also investigates the relationship between ocean currents, land masses, and other Earth features that affect global weather patterns and climate.
Unit 3 - Dynamic Earth explores the conditions within the Earth responsible for the geologic processes that shape the landscape around us and processes on the Earth's surface that alter that landscape over time.
Unit 4 - Earth's Geologic Past examines the 4.5 billion year history of the Earth, the major events that have occurred through time both geologically and biologically, and how scientists use relative and absolute aging techniques to organize these events into a Geologic Time Scale.
Unit 5 - Earth's Resources & Human Impacts identifies the impact the human population increases and per capita resource consumption has on the natural world and how usage of these resources carelessly is leading to the depletion of resources, climate change, pollution of our natural environment, and other major impacts felt worldwide.
Unit | Title | Content Focus |
---|---|---|
1 |
Our Watershed, Our World |
Story Line:Human habitation and settlement has caused significant impacts on the natural environment. With increased population and continual development, ecosystems around the world have been changing at an alarming rate. Many of these impacts can be seen throughout Maryland and Montgomery County including our local watersheds. In this unit, students will learn that by studying their school communities, we can assess the environmental impact our development patterns have had on our local ecosystem and aquatic habitats. Students learn techniques to assess the areas around their school to see what specific impacts their communities have on Montgomery County, the state of Maryland, and the Chesapeake Bay. Unit Driving Question(s):What is a watershed? How do our actions and choices impact the watershed? How do we monitor the health of the local watershed? How is biodiversity an indicator or watershed health? What are the different spheres of Earth? What is a limiting factor and how can it impact an ecosystem? What do organisms depend on and compete for in an ecosystem? How do organisms interact with the living and nonliving environments to obtain matter and energy? Performance Expectations:Unit Anchoring PhenomenaMany environmental changes can be observed in and around the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students will explore how humans impact the water quality and environment around them and determine what actions they can take in order to lessen this impact. |
2 |
Atmospheric Phenomenon |
Story Line:The atmosphere is a complex system of variables that are ever changing both daily (weather) and long-term (climate). Students will learn about the different variables responsible for the weather and climate of our planet and the factors that lead to changes both short term and long term. Unit Driving Question(s):How do the properties and movements of water shape Earth’s surface and affect its systems? Within a natural or designed system, how does the transfer of energy drive the motion and/or cycling of the air and water? What regulates weather and climate? How do humans change the planet? Performance Expectations:MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-5, MS-ESS2-6, MS-ESS3-5 Unit Anchoring PhenomenaThe atmosphere is a complex system of variables that are ever changing both daily (weather) and long-term (climate). Students will learn about the different variables responsible for the weather and climate of our planet and the factors that lead to changes both short term and long term. |
3 |
Dynamic Earth |
Unit Storyline:All Earth processes are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among the planet’s systems. From earthquakes and volcanoes to weathering and erosion, These interactions have shaped Earth’s history and will determine its future. Students will learn concepts that enable them to evaluate the potential causes and effects of geologic hazards, mitigate their effects on the human population, and their potential effect on the Earth or on the natural cycle of climate change seen throughout Earth's history. Unit Driving Question(s):How and why is Earth constantly changing? How do Earth’s major systems interact? How do the properties and movements of water shape Earth’s surface and affect its systems? How do people reconstruct and date events in Earth’s planetary history? Why do the continents move, and what causes earthquakes and volcanoes? How do natural hazards affect individuals and societies? How do humans depend on Earth’s resources? Performance Expectations:MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3, MS-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-2 Unit Anchoring PhenomenaStudents will view the effects of geological hazards, evaluate the potential causes, and generate a plan to mitigate their effects on the human population. Students will learn concepts throughout the quarter to help support their evaluation and assessment of such hazards. |
4 |
Earth’s Geologic Past |
Unit Storyline:The Earth's Geologic Past unit, students will examine how people figure out that the Earth and life on Earth have changed over time. Students will learn how geologists divide Earth’s long history and use geologic principles to interpret relative age in layered rocks. Students will also learn about the techniques used to determine the absolute ages of rocks and fossils. Unit Driving Questions:How do people figure out that the Earth and life on Earth have changed through time? How do geologists divide Earth’s long history? How can certain geologic principles be used to interpret relative age in layered rocks? How are different techniques used to determine the absolute ages of rocks? Performance Expectations:MS-ESS1-4, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, MS-LS4-1. Unit Anchoring Phenomenon:Earth’s surface changes over time and dramatic changes in flora and fauna as well as climate. |
5 |
Human Impacts on the Environment |
Unit Storyline:Students will discover that natural resources are used by living things in a variety of ways, but how much and in what ways we use those resources affects the footprint of our planet. Students will learn that our use of fossil fuels has consequences on the environment. Students will investigate how human activity and use of resources impacts the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere and consider alternative solutions for the products we make and the resources we use. They will model a solution to a variety of environmental problems created from natural resource use. Unit Driving Question(s):What are natural resources and why are they important to mankind? What are renewable and nonrenewable resources and how do they differ? How do humans depend on Earth’s resources? How does the unequal distribution of resources affect society as a whole? How can we use our resources in a more responsible way? What sustainable practices can be employed to conserve our resources for the future? How do humans change the Earth's lands, oceans, and atmosphere? Performance Expectations:MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, MS-PS1-2 Unit Anchoring PhenomenaEarth is a system of systems: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere. Human use of planet resources affects each of these spheres bringing changes at an accelerated speed. |
Students in the Investigations in Life Science course will develop understanding of biology concepts related to the following topic areas: Cellular Structure and Processes, Matter and Energy Flow in Organism, Inheritance and Variation of Traits, Evolution, and Ecosystems Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics. While each of these concepts will be taught in isolated units, Investigations in Life Science will also revisit related concepts throughout the school year to show the interconnected nature of biological sciences.
In Investigations in Science 7, students will experience an interdisciplinary approach to science content, exploring life science through hands-on explorations, productive discourse, and purposeful reading and writing. The curriculum is problem/project-based where students apply their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to propose solutions to real world phenomena/problems.
Unit 1: Cellular Structure and Processes
Students will examine the characteristics of living things including the structure of cells and the processes they carry out. Students will also learn what materials are required by living things, how the materials are delivered, and how these materials sustain life.
Unit 2: Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
Students will study the body systems of organisms and explore how the interactions of those systems affect overall functions. Students will learn about the levels of organization within an organism and the contribution cells provide a system as the basic building blocks of life. Students will explore how matter and energy are processed by organisms to build, maintain, and repair themselves. Students will relate structure and function of body systems to nutritional requirements and disease prevention.
Unit 3: Inheritance and Variation in Traits
Students will study the principles of heredity and genetics. They will learn how organisms reproduce and transfer their genetic information to their offspring. Students will study how characteristics get passed on from generation to generation and research several genetic disorders that affect human offspring. Students will use biotechnical processes to explore the genetic characteristics of organisms. Students will conduct a DNA extraction and a microarray will be performed as a way of checking the genotypes of the offspring.
Unit 4: Evolutionary Biology
Students will explore the concepts of natural selection and adaptation and will learn that traits of an organism can change as a result of environmental conditions or a need for survival. Students will explore the similarities between organisms and use biotechnical processes, such as DNA fingerprinting, as means of identification.
Unit 5: Ecosystems, Energy, and Dynamics
Students will explore the biodiversity and essential factors of different ecosystems and learn that a population consists of all species that occur together at a given place and time. Students will investigate populations within food webs and categorize those populations as producers, consumers, and decomposers. Students will learn that organisms compete for limited resources and that the number of organisms an ecosystem can support depends on the resources available. Students will explore how competition may limit or generate the growth of populations in specific niches in the ecosystems. They will use models to demonstrate the flow of matter and energy in an ecosystem.
Unit | Title | Content Focus |
---|---|---|
1 |
Cellular Structure and Processes |
Unit Driving Question(s):How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions? How do organisms grow and develop? How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow? How do food and fuel provide energy? If energy is conserved, why do people say it is produced or used? Performance Expectations:MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS1-7 Unit Project/RFPHydroponics and Food Deserts: Students will research a process for growing plants without the use of soil called hydroponics. Students will investigate a variety of different systems and growing mediums for raising plants and will analyze such variables as growth rate and food production to determine a solution for the increasing number of food deserts present in our communities and the world as a whole. |
2 |
Matter and Energy Flow in Organism |
Unit Driving Question(s):How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions? How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow? How do the systems of the human body function and perform basic life processes? How do body systems work together as a cohesive unit to make life possible? Performance Expectations:MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-7, MS-LS1-8 Unit Project/RFPBody Systems Investigation: The human body is made up of many interacting systems that work together to allow us to perform life’s functions. In this Investigation, you will design and conduct an experiment to explain how different systems of the body collaborate to perform a task. In Investigation Parts I and II, students will conduct planned investigations on the human body. In Investigation Part III students will design and conduct an investigation to illustrate how systems of the body interact. |
3 |
Inheritance and Variation of Traits |
Unit Driving Question(s):How do organisms grow and develop? How do organisms reproduce, (sexually or asexually) and transfer their genetic information to their offspring? What characteristic behaviors do animals perform that increase the odds of reproduction? How are the characteristics of one generation related to the previous generation? How does genetic variation among organisms affect survival and reproduction? Why do individuals of the same species vary in how they look, function, and behave? Performance Expectations:MS-ETS1-1, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-1, MS-LS3-2, MS-LS4-5 Unit Project/RFPGenetic Counseling: Students develop resources and informational materials to be used in doctor offices. These materials will be used by genetic counselors in their meetings with clients. The materials will need to meet specific criteria in order to be effectively used by doctors and genetic counselors. |
4 |
Evolutionary Biology |
Unit Driving Question(s):How do people reconstruct and date events in Earth’s planetary history? What evidence shows that different species are related? How do Earth’s major systems interact? How does genetic variation among organisms affect survival and reproduction? Performance Expectations:MS-ESS1-4, MS-ESS2-2, MS-LS4-2, MS-LS4-3, MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-5, MS-LS4-6, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2 Unit Anchoring PhenomenaEvolutionary Change: The population of tuskless elephants is on the rise in heavily poached areas of Africa. In some parks, 10-20% of elephants born are with no or shortened tusks due to poaching of large tusked males before reaching sexual maturity. With fewer large tusked males present, evolutionary changes related to tusk growth are occurring at a more rapid rate. Students will explore how environmental stressors can be the driver of evolutionary change and debate how these genetic variations affect survival. |
5 |
Ecosystems Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics |
Unit Driving Question(s):How do organisms interact with the living and nonliving environments to obtain matter and energy? What happens to ecosystems when the environment changes? How do matter and energy move through an ecosystem? What happens to ecosystems when the environment changes? Performance Expectations:MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5 Unit Project/RFPStudents will model the flow of matter and energy in an ecosystem including: the boundaries of the ecosystem, energy roles of organisms, abiotic parts of the ecosystem, energy transfer in the ecosystem, cycling of matter, connections to atoms, and energy. The goal is to create a model of a healthy ecosystem that can be used as a reference to understand how humans can bring ecosystems out of balance. |
In Investigations in Science 8, students will experience an interdisciplinary approach to science content, exploring all two of the three domains of science (Physical & Earth Science) through hands-on explorations, productive discourse, and purposeful reading and writing. The curriculum is problem/project-based where students apply their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to propose solutions to real world phenomenon/problems. Students will take the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) during March to assess their knowledge of the concepts learned throughout the middle school science curricular program.
Unit | Title | Content Focus |
---|---|---|
1 |
Weather and Climate |
Unit Driving Question(s):How do the properties and movements of water shape Earth’s surface and affect its systems? Within a natural or designed system, how does the transfer of energy drive the motion and/or cycling of the air and water? What regulates weather and climate? How do humans change the planet? |
Performance Expectations:MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-5, MS-ESS2-6, MS-ESS3-5 |
||
Unit Anchoring PhenomenaWeather and climate are influenced by interactions involving sunlight, the ocean, the atmosphere, ice, landforms, and living things. These interactions vary with latitude, local and regional geography, and affect oceanic and atmospheric flow patterns. The resulting complex patterns are major determinants of local weather patterns. Students will explore the many interactions and patterns of around the globe to better understand their effect on weather and climate. Students will use their knowledge to develop a detailed report that outlines the severe weather risks for a specified location and develop a proposal that details two innovative and sustainable solutions that address the severe weather risks and match the unique needs of the local community. |
||
3 |
Earth, the Solar System, and the Universe |
Unit Driving Question(s):What is the universe, and what is Earth’s place within it? What is the universe and what goes on in stars? What are the predictable patterns caused by Earth’s movement in the solar system? What makes up our solar system and how can the motion of Earth explain seasons and eclipses? |
Performance Expectations:MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3, MS-ESS2-1, MS-PS1-4, MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5 MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3 |
||
Unit Anchoring PhenomenaStudents will learn that the solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects of varying sizes and conditions including planets and their moons that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them. Much of the unit will focus on how the Earth and the moon, sun, and planets have predictable patterns of movement. These patterns, which are explainable by gravitational forces and conservation laws, in turn explain many large-scale phenomena observed on the Earth, moon, and other planets. Students will be able to explain that patterns of the apparent motion of the sun, the moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, predicted, and explained with models. The universe began with a period of extreme and rapid expansion known as the Big Bang. Earth and its solar system are part of the Milky Way galaxy, which is one of many galaxies in the universe. Students will use their learning to design a realistic movie set that would simulate a habitable human settlement on another planet. |
||
3 |
Earth’s Materials and Processes |
Unit Driving Question(s):How and why is Earth constantly changing? How do Earth’s major systems interact? How do the properties and movements of water shape Earth’s surface and affect its systems? How do people reconstruct and date events in Earth’s planetary history? Why do the continents move, and what causes earthquakes and volcanoes? How do natural hazards affect individuals and societies? How do humans depend on Earth’s resources? |
Performance Expectations: |
||
Unit Anchoring PhenomenaAll Earth processes are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among the planet’s systems. This energy is derived from the Earth’s hot interior. The energy that flows and matter that cycles produce chemical and physical changes in Earth’s materials and living organisms. The planet’s systems interact over scales that range from microscopic to global in size, and they operate over fractions of a second to billions of years. From earthquakes and volcanoes to weathering and erosion, These interactions have shaped Earth’s history and will determine its future. Students will learn concepts that enable them to evaluate the potential causes and effects of human-induced earthquakes and develop a complete public service campaign plan that will help residents and lawmakers understand the best ways to reduce human-induced earthquakes in Maryland and its neighboring states. |
||
4 |
Forces, Motion, and Interactions |
Unit Driving Question(s):How can one predict an object’s continued motion, changes in motion, or stability? What are ways that we can describe an object's motion? What is the law of inertia and how does that apply to the real world? What is meant by for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction? How do mass and velocity affect the momentum and acceleration of an object? What is energy and how is it transferred and conserved? |
Performance Expectations:MS- ETS 1-1, MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-PS3-1, MS-PS3-2, HS-PS2-3 |
||
Unit Anchoring PhenomenaForces, motion, and interactions encompasses the mechanical branch of physics, studying the nature of forces and its impact on the motion of objects. Students will learn that the motion of an object is determined by the sum of the forces acting on it and that the greater the mass of the object, the greater the force needed to achieve the same change in motion. For any given object, a larger force causes a larger change in motion. Forces on an object can also change its shape or orientation. Using these learned concepts, students will create a design for an advanced rocket capable of launching large payloads and crew to Earth’s orbit. |
The Digital Literacy 1 curriculum focuses on developing critical and creative thinking through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing in a 21st-century approach. Working through a problem-based process, students learn to define real-world problems of interest, research the causes of those problems using real-time global texts, and then create solutions to address the problems. Students will advance their understanding of comprehension, analysis, and evaluation of text as well as vocabulary acquisition through reading complex informational and argumentative texts in a technology-rich medium. Students will collaborate regularly through research and solution phases of their investigations. Students’ curiosity and motivation will engage them in their investigations while learning and refining the processes that will enrich all other courses and prepare them for college and career projects.
The Digital Literacy 2 curriculum focuses on increasing critical and creative thinking through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing through an integrated approach. By participating in a problem-based process, students learn to define, analyze, and evaluate real-world problems of interest related to standards-based curriculum topics. Students will use research skills to investigate problems using real-time global texts and then create solutions to address the problems. Students will participate in sustained inquiry, analysis, and evaluation of text through reading complex informational, expository, and argumentative texts in a technology-rich medium. Students will hone their communication, collaboration, research, and problem-solving skills and learn to give, receive, and use feedback to improve their process and products during complex tasks. Digital Literacy creates authentic work for students to engage in by allowing for presentation of their solutions beyond the walls of the classroom.
Challenging Problem or Question
SEMESTER 1: HUMANITIES
SEMESTER 2: STEM
The Digital Literacy 3 curriculum focuses on increasing critical and creative thinking through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing through an integrated approach. Students will be introduced to a variety of social issues from various perspectives, examine the history of social movements and the impact on social and economic justice, explore their identity, and understand the ways in which communities can respond to these complex issues. Students will explore social justice terminology in order to better advocate for a socially just society. They will have multiple opportunities to participate in book clubs, where they will interact with classmates to analyze social justice texts. Students will participate in sustained inquiry, analysis, and evaluation of text through reading complex informational, expository, and argumentative texts in a technology-rich medium. Students will use research skills to investigate a contemporary social issue using real-time global texts and then create solutions to address the issue at the individual and/or systemic level.
READ 180 is an intensive reading intervention program designed to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below the proficient level. The program directly addresses individual needs through adaptive and instructional software, high-interest reading materials, and direct instruction in reading and writing skills. Students rotate among a small group, teacher-directed lessons, a computer station for reinforcement and practice, and an independent reading center where students read books at their reading level. The program is designed to rapidly accelerate student achievement with the goal of bringing students to grade level.
The social studies program in middle school builds chronological and thematic understanding of world and United States history, while also developing the social studies strands of geography, economics, political systems, and culture. Each social studies unit is organized around a historical era and a social studies strand. A mix of modern content and the lessons of history provide the background knowledge and thinking skills that prepare students for high school instruction and their responsibilities as citizens, including meaningfully evaluating financial decisions.
In Grades 6 and 7, the focus of study is on ancient world history and culture from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In Grade 8, students learn about the founding and early development of our nation, from the Revolution through Reconstruction. At all grade levels, students build understanding of the modern world by applying concepts of geography, economics, political systems, and culture to present-day scenarios.
Unit 6.1: Patterns of Settlement
Students learn how from hunter-gatherers, established farming communities to the rise of towns and cities, each society throughout time has exhibited different levels of complexity in their political, social and economic systems. Each society has strived to meet the wants and needs of its citizens and their successes and failures have become the building blocks for future societies to learn from to create more complex and sustaining civilizations. Unit Question: How do complex societies develop over time?
Unit 6.2: The Impact of Economies
Building on the idea that societies are complex due to various factors, students explore which factors makes a civilization an empire. From there, students explore the first dynasties of China to modern day China examining the relationship between the economic and political system and the impact the growth and decline of the economic system has on the structure and effectiveness of China's political system. Unit Question: How does economic growth and decline impact society?
Unit 6.3: Citizenship and Governance
Students learn how a political system, such as a democracy, strives to meet the common good of its citizens through shared accountability. Political systems influence how people in power make decisions that then impact the social and economic system of a civilization , including how they operate and who benefits from the choices. Unit Question: How does a government meet the common good of its citizens?
Unit 6.4: Cultural Systems
Students learn how culture is made up of beliefs, values, religion and traditions. Individuals and groups in societies use their cultural identity to influence structures and processes in their political, economic and social system. Culture is ever changing due to the interactions between groups of people from different societies. It is through these interactions facilitated many times both past and present by trade that people either accepted or resisted changes in their beliefs, ideas or traditions. Unit Question: How does culture influence the development of a civilization?
Students are encouraged to pursue World Language offerings as early as possible in middle school. The world languages available in middle schools are Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Spanish for Spanish Speakers. Offerings vary by school. The world language courses are high school credit-bearing courses. Please see page 4 for more information about high school credit in middle school. Course numbers are language and level dependent.
Students begin to learn to communicate orally and in writing in a culturally appropriate manner about topics related to daily life. They interpret basic information when listening and reading. Vocabulary and basic grammatical structures are taught within the context of these familiar topics. Culture is embedded throughout the course.
NOTE: Levels 1A and 1B may be offered in middle school as full-year courses. In that case, students must pass the full year of 1A and the full year of 1B in order to earn one high school credit.
Students expand their ability to communicate orally and in writing in a culturally appropriate manner about topics related to daily life. They interpret information when listening and reading. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are taught within the context of these topics. Culture is embedded throughout the course.
Students continue to expand their ability to communicate orally and in writing in a culturally appropriate manner about a variety of familiar topics. They interpret detailed information when listening and reading. Vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are taught within the context of these topics. Culture is embedded throughout the course.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 A/B and Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 A/B are offered at selected middle schools. Spanish for Spanish Speakers provides language instruction for students with proficiency in Spanish, either because it is their first language or it is spoken extensively in their home. Each course integrates history, culture, language, and connections related to the Spanish-speaking world.
Students who have completed an MCPS elementary school immersion program may join the immersion programs at the middle school level. Students who did not participate in the elementary program may test into an immersion program, if there is space available. The following middle schools offer these courses: Silver Spring International Middle School (Spanish/French), Westland Middle School (Spanish), Gaithersburg Middle School (French) and Hoover Middle School (Chinese).
The immersion language courses are high school creditbearing courses. Please see page 4 for more information about high school credit it middle school.
A two-period program of instruction enables students to enhance their language development through one period of language class and one period of the MCPS social studies curriculum in French.
A two-period program of instruction enables students in Grades 6 and 7 to enhance their language development through one period of language class and one period of the MCPS social studies curriculum in Spanish. In Grade 8, students continue with one period of language instruction.
This one-period course continues to build on the language skills acquired in the elementary school immersion program. Students transition into the regular MCPS Chinese 2 course in Grade 7.