Middle School Course Descriptions
6th Grade Required Courses
Sixth grade students are required to enroll in the following courses of study:
English Mathematics P.E.
Science Computers Explorations
Every sixth-grade student will be enrolled in three CORE classes (English, mathematics, and science). Physical Education, computer literacy, and an elective will also be required. Students will be placed in classes according to teacher recommendations and their most recent achievement test results. Daily practice in the form of homework and/or home study may be required each night in each subject and should be expected. Teachers are available on a daily basis before and/or after school to assist students.
English 6
This one-year required course will develop students’ writing, reading, speaking, listening, research and critical thinking skills. All lessons will relate to the Nevada State English Language Arts Standards. Grammar and mechanics will be taught as essential elements of writing as a process. Selections from literature will be used as models for writing and as a means of developing critical thinking.
Science 6
This one-year course for sixth-grade students focuses on understanding the living systems on Earth. Students will use scientific processes, protocols, and tools, including inquiry, to build understandings of living things and the interactions between living and non-living things. Critical thinking, collaboration, accuracy, and communication skills will be used as students develop a foundation for scientific literacy in life, earth, and physical science content. Technology, history and nature of science and career information will be integral components of this course. This course is required for sixth-grade students.
Mathematics 6
This one-year course builds on previously learned concepts in developing new skills and mathematical fluency with decimals, fractions, percents, ratios, measurement, geometry, data analysis, probability, spatial relationships, and patterns. Problem solving, connections, reasoning, and communication are integrated throughout this course. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the mathematics requirement for sixth-grade students.
Computer Sci & Applications
This course is designed to familiarize sixth grade students with computer terminology, keyboarding, and the use of the computer. Students will experience hands-on instruction in keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and multimedia presentations. Other aspects of the computer field that will be explored are computer ethics and computer-related career opportunities. This course will meet the computer literacy requirement for high school graduation.
Beginning Art
This one-year course develops basic knowledge and skills in visual art techniques through the introduction of a variety of media and subject matter. Various styles and artists are considered within their historical context. Problem solving, creativity, and originality are developed through planning, art making, and reflection. Students learn principles and practices of aesthetics and critique. Through collaboration and production, connections will be made between visual art and their academic studies, lives, and the world around them. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contribution to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill one elective credit.
Physical Education 6
This course, required in grade six focuses on the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of the individual in cooperative and competitive settings. The student is provided with experiences in psychomotor skills, movement, and lifetime health- related fitness knowledge, skills, and values. The goals of this course are accomplished through participation in movement experiences and application of movement principles found in team sports, individual/dual sports, fitness and wellness activities, dance/rhythms, and lifetime recreational activities. Rules, strategies, and safety are emphasized in relation to active participation and development of knowledge spectators. Self-esteem is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum as is the exploration of career opportunities in related fields. This is a required course for all sixth grade students.
7th Grade Required Courses
Seventh grade students are required to enroll in the following courses of study:
English 7 Mathematics Science 7
PE History & Geography 7
To plan for student success, students will be placed in English, Mathematics, History, and Science classes according to teacher recommendations and their most recent achievement test results. Daily practice in the form of homework and/or home study may be required each night in each subject. Teachers are available on a daily basis before and/or after school to assist students.
English 7
This one-year course will expand students’ writing abilities and strengthen critical thinking skills. All lessons will relate to the Nevada State English Language Arts Standards. Grammar and mechanics will be taught as essential elements of writing as a process. Selections from literature will be used as models for writing and as a means of developing critical thinking skills. All seventh-grade students are required to take an English course.
Physical Education 7
This course, required in grade seven focuses on the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of the individual in cooperative and competitive settings. The student is provided with experiences in psychomotor skills, movement, and lifetime health- related fitness knowledge, skills, and values. The goals of this course are accomplished through participation in movement experiences and application of movement principles found in team sports, individual/dual sports, fitness and wellness activities, dance/rhythms, and lifetime recreational activities. Rules, strategies, and safety are emphasized in relation to active participation and development of knowledge spectators. Self-esteem is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum as is the exploration of career opportunities in related fields. This is a required course for all seventh grade students.
History & Geography 7
This one-year course examines the development of the Western Hemisphere with an emphasis on the Americas. Using appropriate technology, students develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to geographical, historical, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students will develop, research, and answer compelling questions using various and cross-disciplinary source material. Students will construct organized arguments for various audiences and purposes using researched evidence and reasoning. Students will participate in rigorous academic discussions, emphasizing multiple viewpoints in which claims and evidence are acknowledged and critiqued. Students will take action on local, regional and global problems at various times and places. This course fulfills the seventh-grade social studies requirement.
Mathematics 7
This one-year course is designed to increase mathematical fluency in problem solving, logic, reasoning, and effective communication. This course builds on the concepts of number operations with integers, decimals, and rational numbers, problem solving and reasoning skills, data analysis, probability, geometry, measurement, spatial relationships, patterns, and algebraic concepts. The use of technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the mathematics requirement for seventh-grade students.
Science 7
This one-year course for seventh-grade students focuses on understanding Earth and Space science systems. Students will use scientific processes, protocols, and tools, including inquiry, to build understanding of Earth’s structure and place in the Solar System, atmospheric processes, and composition of matter. Critical thinking, collaboration, accuracy, and communication skills will be practiced as students extend their scientific literacy. This course is required for seventh-grade students.
Intermediate Art
This one-year course is for students who have successfully completed beginning art, and will expand skills in visual art techniques through a variety of media and subject matter. Various styles, artists and historical periods will be investigated and demonstrated. Students will continue to develop problem solving skills, creativity and originality through art making and discussion. Students will apply knowledge of principles and practices of aesthetics and critique. Through collaboration and production, connections will be made between visual art and their academic studies, lives, and the world around them. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contribution to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill one elective credit.
8th Grade Required Courses
Eighth grade students are required to enroll in the following courses of study:
English Mathematics Science 8
History & Geography 8 Health & P.E. (one semester each)
Explorations or Spanish I
To plan for student success, students will be placed in English, Mathematics, History & Geography 8, and Science classes according to teacher recommendations and their most recent achievement test results. Daily practice in the form of homework and/or home study may be required each night in each subject. Teachers are available on a daily basis before and/or after school to assist students.
Pre-Algebra 8
This one-year course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete algebra and geometry. This course builds on the concepts of number operations with integers, decimals, and rational numbers, word problems and reasoning skills, data analysis, probability, geometry, measurement, spatial sense, patterns, and beginning algebra. Problem solving using a graphing calculator as an instructional tool is an integral part of this course.
Algebra I
This one-year course is designed for highly motivated students committed to challenging coursework. It is intended to increase mathematical fluency in problem solving, logic, reasoning, and effective communication in the study of patterns, functions, and algebra. This course builds on the concepts of rational and irrational numbers, data analysis, probability, geometry, measurement, spatial relationships, patterns, and algebraic concepts. Emphasis will be placed on abstract algebraic methods and strategies for solving complex problems. The use of technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill the algebra requirement and one of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation.
English 8
This one-year course will expand students’ writing, reading, speaking, listening, and research skills, and will strengthen critical thinking skills. All lessons will relate to the Nevada State English Language Arts Standards. Grammar and mechanics will be taught as essential elements of writing as a process. Literature selections will also serve as models for writing. All eighth grade students are required to complete a full year of English.
History & Geography 8
This one-year course examines the development of the Eastern Hemisphere with an emphasis on global studies. Using appropriate technology, students develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to geographical, historical, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students will develop, research, and answer compelling questions using various and cross-disciplinary source material. Students will construct organized arguments for various audiences and purposes using researched evidence and reasoning. Students will participate in rigorous academic discussions, emphasizing multiple viewpoints in which claims and evidence are acknowledged and critiqued. Students will take action on local, regional and global problems at various times and places. This course fulfills the eighth-grade social studies requirement.
Science 8
This year-long course for eighth-grade students provides the physical science explanations that extend understandings developed in previous science courses. Students will use scientific processes, protocols, and tools, including inquiry, to build understanding of structures, patterns, and relationships explained through the physical sciences. Critical thinking, collaboration, accuracy, and communication skills will be emphasized as students refine their scientific literacy. This course is required for eighth-grade students.
Health 8 (one semester)
This one-semester course is designed to introduce students to the mental, physical, social, emotional, and environmental aspects of human wellness. The course will include concepts for achieving a healthy body and healthy mental attitudes. Other topics studied are body systems, health hazards, diseases, safety, and first aid. Human sexuality and sexually transmitted infectious disease education, within established guidelines, will be an integral part of this course. This is a required course for all eighth-grade students.
Physical Education 8
This course, required in grade eight, focuses on the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of the individual in cooperative and competitive settings. The student is provided with experiences in psychomotor skills, movement, and lifetime health- related fitness knowledge, skills, and values. The goals of this course are accomplished through participation in movement experiences and application of movement principles found in team sports, individual/dual sports, fitness and wellness activities, dance/rhythms, and lifetime recreational activities. Rules, strategies, and safety are emphasized in relation to active participation and development of knowledge spectators. Self-esteem is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum as is the exploration of career opportunities in related fields. This is a required course for all eighth grade students.
General Electives
Spanish I (8)
This one-year course is designed to acquaint students with the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish within a limited scope. The focus is communication in Spanish, incorporating understanding of Hispanic cultures, connecting with other disciplines, comparing native language to Spanish, and participating in multicultural communities. The course provides practice in correct use of basic vocabulary and language structures to enable students to function effectively within realistic settings. This course will fulfill one of the elective credits required for graduation. The grade earned in this course is recorded on the student’s high school transcript and is calculated into his/her high school grade point average.
Advanced Art
This one-year course is for students who have successfully completed beginning and intermediate art and will apply advanced skills in visual art techniques through an expanded variety of media and subject matter. Diverse styles, artists and historical periods will be analyzed and incorporated into production. Students will implement creativity, originality and innovation through problem solving and art making. Students will demonstrate an extended knowledge of aesthetics and will effectively critique their own work and the artwork of others. Through collaboration and production, connections will be made between visual art and their academic studies, lives, and the world around them. Instructional practices will incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contribution to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course will fulfill one elective credit.