Middle School

Year 1:
 

• Tools of Algebra

• Solving Equations

• Solving Inequalities

• Solving and Applying Proportions

• Graphs and Functions

• Linear Equations and their Graphs

• Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• Exponents and Exponential Functions

• Polynomials and Factoring

Year 2:
 

• Quadratic Equations and Functions

• Radical Expressions and Equations

• Rational Expressions and Functions

Year 3:

• Expressions, Equations and Inequalities

• Functions, Equations and Graphs

• Linear Systems

• Quadratic Functions and Equations

• Polynomials and Polynomial functions

• Radical Functions and Radical Exponents

• Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

• Radical Functions

• Sequences and Series

• Quadratic Relations and Conic Sections

• Probability and Statistics

• Matrices

• Periodic Functions and Trigonometry

• Trigonometric Identities and Equations

Advanced Geometry Curriculum

• Points, Lines, Planes and Angles

• Deductive Reasoning

• Parallel Lines and Planes

• Congruent Triangles

• Quadrilaterals

• Inequalities in Geometry

• Similar Polygons

• Right Triangles

• Circles

Introduction to Earth Science

• The World of Earth Science

• Maps As Models of the Earth

Earth’s Resources

• Minerals of the Earth’s Crust

• Rocks: Minerals Mixtures

• Energy Resources

• The Rock and Fossil Record

The Restless Earth

• Plate Tectonics

• Earthquakes

• Volcanoes

Reshaping the Land

• Weathering and Soil Formations

• The Flow of Fresh Water

• Agents of Erosion and Deposition

Oceanography

• Exploring the Ocean

• The Movement of Ocean Water

Weather and Climate

• The Atmosphere

• Understanding Weather

• Climate

Astronomy

• Studying Space

• Stars, Galaxies and the Universe

• Formation of the Solar System

• A Family of Planets

• Exploring Space

This curriculum is designed for Year 1, into the beginning of Year 2. Year 2 most commonly begins with Astronomy. Please note that the ending point of each year might not always be at the beginning of Astronomy. This year, which is year 1, will likely end in the completion of the entire Earth Science curriculum due to the size of the group allowing us to complete more material than usual.

The Study of Living Things

• The World of Life Science

• It’s alive! Or is it?

Cells

• Cells: The Basic Units of Life

• The Cell In Action

Heredity, Evolution and Classification

• Heredity

• Genes and DNA

• The Evolution of Living Things

• The History of Life on Earth

• Classification

Year 3 Begins Here
 

Simple Organisms, Fungi and Plants

• Bacteria and Viruses

• Protists and Fungi

• Introduction to Plants

• Plant Processes

Animals

• Animals and Behavior

• Invertebrates

• Fishes, Amphibians and Reptiles

• Birds and Mammals

Ecology

• Interactions of Living Things

• Cycles in Nature

• The Earth’s Ecosystems

• Environmental Problems and Solutions

Human Body Systems

• Body Organization and Structure

• Circulation and Respiration

• The Digestive and Urinary Systems

• Communication and Control

• Reproduction and Development

Human Health

• Body Defenses and Disease

• Staying Healthy

Writing

Grammar 
1. Parts of a Sentence 
2. Spelling
3. Vocabulary

Mechanics
1. Punctuation
2. Quotes
3. Subject/ Verb Agreement

Style
1. Run-on and Fragment Sentences
2. Word Choice
3. Proper Paragraph/Stanza
4. Introduction, Body and Conclusion
5. Literary Techniques
     a. Figurative Language
     b. Irony
     c. Foreshadowing
     d. Metaphor, Simile

Writing Lab
Students demonstrate writing objectives by completing multiple written assessments. Students are also expected to identify writing objectives in the writing of others.   

Reading

1. Goals Based on Individual Reading Level with Accelerated Reader
2. Literary Elements
     a. Exposition
     b. Plot Development
     c. Character Development
3. Book Clubs
     a. Select Choice Book
     b. Summarize, Connect, Discussion
4. Comprehension of a Variety of Text
     a. Informational
     b. Narrative
     c. Sequential
     d. Non-Fiction & Fiction
     e. Poetry
5. Synthesis of a Variety of Information/Text/ Medium

Speaking

1. Three Levels of Questioning 
     a. Fact
     b. Inference
     c. Open
2. Informal & Formal Presentations
3. Theatrical Performances
4. Accountable Talk

Year 1:

Studies of cultural interaction and conflicts in American history with a focus on Minnesota.

Year 2:

Introduction to physical and cultural geography of the world.

• Strong emphasis on reading comprehension skills, study strategies, and research skills
• Independent research projects on countries of the world

Year 3:

Introduction into United States History with a strong emphasis on analysis of history and writing comprehensive essays from prompts.

Level 1:

United States Geography

Major Landforms
Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, the Great Plains, Mohave Desert, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico

States
Ability to identify and place all fifty states on a map of the United States

Cities
Able to connect state capitals and major cities with their prospective states

Level 2:

United States Geography

Knowledge of US States with a focus on human development from pre-Columbian times through today

Utilization of Resources
Growing of Crops for Food, Mining, Utilizing Trees, Oil, Coal, Natural Gas, Wind, Solar, Biofuel, and Hydroelectric Power

Knowledge of Environmental Issues facing the United States
Water Shortages in the Southwest, Pollution, Global Warming, Endangered Species, Cutting of Old Growth Forests

Level 3:

Knowledge of Global Community

Knowledge of Canada and Mexico
including Canadian Provinces and Major Physical Features of Mexico

Major Physical Features
Mountain Ranges, Rivers, Lakes

Understanding of how physical features affect how people live on a global basis.

Ability to locate countries on a map of the world.

During Middle School, students complete modern languages.

Strong emphasis is placed on building confidence in the target language with a focus on speaking, listening, and reading. A heavy emphasis is placed on cultural awareness.

Students at the Middle School level wire and program Parallax ActivityBot 360s. These robots use electrical breadboards so that students learn how to wire sensors and components.

Students are given the tools to program robots to respond to remote controls, drive in a variety of shapes, and navigate based on light or touch.

Students work at their own pace to develop and implement their own programs from a host of options that utilize block coding to make the robots understand the programmed instructions.