Middle School
Middle School Core Classes
English
English 5
In 5th grade English students will continue to strengthen their skills in reading, writing and grammar while learning critical thinking strategies and advanced writing techniques. Both the reading and the writing in 5th grade will be longer and more complex than in elementary. Students will practice proofreading and editing and learn to recognize their individual writing strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, the students will read two novels at home each quarter along with a journal. Composition and critical analysis are the cornerstones of academic success and we will focus on developing these skills in 5th grade English.
English 6
In 6th grade English, students learn to think logically, to read with interest and critical understanding, and to speak and write clearly and fluently. Reading and writing in different genres and for different purposes is the focus of the year. Students will strengthen their knowledge of grammar, spelling, vocabulary, reading strategies, writing techniques, and elements of literature. Students will practice proofreading and editing and learn to recognize their own individual writing strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, the students will read two novels at home each quarter along with a journal.
English 7
This course is the first step into the world of literature and writing. Students will be immersed in a variety of literary genres and cultures through reading. Students will then apply their readings to develop strong writing skills. Upon completion of this course students will have the necessary skills to understand and analyze literary works and fully express their thoughts in essays.
English 8
Students will interact with a wide range of literary genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Eighth-grade students are expected to have a firm grasp on basic writing mechanics, so this class focuses more on the development of critical thinking skills. A special emphasis will be placed on literary techniques and devices, such as figurative language and dramatic irony. A balance of reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities forms the foundation of this class.
Science
Science 5 – General Science
The primary focus for the year will be an introduction to Earth Sciences, with some life and physical sciences incorporated where appropriate. Science concepts will be reinforced after studying by doing related in class activities, completing experiments and lab write ups, collaborating on group projects, writing a research paper, and creating a science fair project. Topics covered include; weathering, erosion, energy resources, the atmosphere, weather factors and patterns, climate and climate change, and astronomy. All classes have opportunities for differentiated learning or enrichment if required.
Science 6 – Earth Science
The primary focus for the year will be Earth Sciences, with some life and physical sciences incorporated in a synergistic manner. Science concepts will be reinforced after studying by doing related in class activities, completing experiments and lab write ups, collaborating on group projects, writing a research paper, and creating a science fair project. Topics covered include; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, Earth’s topography, weather factors, forces, populations and communities, ecosystems and biomes, and living resources. All classes have opportunities for differentiated learning or enrichment if required.
Science 7 – Life Science
The primary focus for the year will be Life Science, with some earth and physical sciences incorporated in a synergistic manner. Science concepts will be reinforced after studying by doing related in class activities, completing experiments and lab write ups, collaborating on group projects, writing a research paper, and creating a science fair project. Topics covered include; evolution, cells, genetics and heredity, human biology, reproduction, and physical principals in living systems. All classes have opportunities for differentiated learning or enrichment if required.
Science 8 – Physical Science
The primary focus for the year will be Physical Science, with some earth and life sciences incorporated in a synergistic manner. Science concepts will be reinforced after studying by doing related in class activities, completing experiments and lab write ups, collaborating on group projects, writing a research paper, and creating a science fair project. Topics covered include; motion, forces, work, energy, states of matter, elements and the periodic table, atoms, bonding, chemical reactions and carbon chemistry. All classes have opportunities for differentiated learning or enrichment if required.
Social Studies
World History 5
This course will discuss ancient world civilizations and the spread of various cultures, religions, and ideas up to the 21st Century. Since this is a very broad category, we will focus mainly on key concepts and ideas relevant to each period. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the history of our world while you develop your critical thinking and social studies skills.
U.S History 6
The purpose of studying United States History is to create an understanding of America’s past. In this class you will do a lot of reading and thinking using primary and secondary sources. The goal of US History is to continue developing your critical thinking and social studies skills.
World Geography 7 and 8
Geography is the study of the world, its people, and the landscapes they create. During this year, we will be learning about the people of the world and their interactions with their environment by examining the physical geography, history and culture of countries and regions throughout the world. At BFS, World Geography is a two-year course taught in the seventh and eighth grades. In World Geography A (7th grade) we will learn the themes and essential elements of studying geography and cover The Americas, Europe, and Russia. In World Geography B (8th grade) we will learn about Asia, Africa, and the Pacific world.
Mathematics
Math 5
Students will become more proficient problem solvers and communicators of mathematical ideas as they pursue their studies of the following topics: the use of whole numbers and decimals, algebra, data and graphing, the multiplication and division of whole numbers and decimals, number theory and fractions, operations with fractions, algebra and geometry, measurement, and proportional reasoning (i.e., ratio, percent and probability).
Math 6
Mathematics class will provide an opportunity for students to practice and extend knowledge in areas such as decimal and fraction operations and applications. They will also develop skills necessary to move on to Pre-Algebra such as organizing, representing and analyzing data. Students will also explore more advanced calculations and concepts in the areas of ratios, geometry, measurement, and word problems.
Pre-Algebra
Mathematics class will provide an opportunity for students to practice and extend knowledge in areas such as probability operations and applications. They will also develop skills necessary to move on to Algebra such as linear equations, inequalities, and graphing. Students will also explore more advanced calculations and concepts in the areas of ratios, geometry, measurement, and word problems.
Algebra I
Mathematics class will provide an opportunity for students to practice and extend knowledge in areas such as exponent and polynomial operations and applications. They will also develop skills necessary to move on to Algebra II such as quadratic functions, systems of equations and inequalities. Students will also explore more advanced calculations and concepts in the areas of ratios, geometry, measurement, and word problems.
Middle School Electives
ELL A, B, C and D
Middle School ELL classes provide opportunities to expand students’ English skills so each student can be ready for other regular subject areas. Each content area – Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Writing – helps students use English to achieve academic successes and communicate in various social settings. Students broaden their English skills by practicing listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Band Students will describe tempo, dynamics, articulation, and rhythmic and melodic elements though movements. Students will also identify and describe AB, ABA theme and variations, and rondo forms using movement and symbols. Furthermore, students will be able to identify members of the string, brass, woodwind, and percussion families and instruments associated with those cultures. Students will demonstrate appropriate listening behavior for various types of performances.
Health – Grades 5/6
The Middle School Health course deals with a variety of emotional, intellectual and social health issues including fitness, diet, disease, drugs and alcohol. Our goals as a class include: Recognizing and identifying the body’s systems and sensory organs, setting both short and long term personal health and wellness goals, and gaining insight on how social factors shape both local and global health.
Health – Grades 7/8
The Middle School Health course deals with a variety of emotional, intellectual and social health issues including: fitness, diet, mental and emotional health, health care, infectious and noninfectious diseases, drugs and alcohol, adolescent growth and development. Some of our class goals include: gaining insight on how social factors shape both local and global health, setting both short and long term personal health and wellness goals, and identifying different avenues to improve both physical and emotional health.
Physical Education – Grades 5/6
The Middle School Physical Education course offers a variety of health and fitness activities. We will practice the strategies, mechanics and complex motor skills necessary to play sports at a high level of competency.
Physical Education – Grades 7/8
The Middle School Physical Education course offers a variety of health and fitness activities. We will practice the strategies, mechanics and complex motor skills necessary to play sports at a high level of competency.
Multimedia
Students will, following core National Educational Technology Standards (ISTE), engage in project-based learning themes encompassing text, image, moving image and their interrelations. Students will, accordingly, strengthen their foundations in using Microsoft Office programs (especially Word and Publisher while engaged in creating the yearbook) and develop a portfolio of their work, along with reflections, within a blog. Students will continue to learn presentation techniques using online presentation software. They will also learn introductory programming (logic) skills using Scratch and photography and motion picture skills using a camera.
Handmade Art
This course includes many creative growth experiences while exploring various media, artists, and cultures.
Students will three-dimensionally incorporate fundamentals of perception, creative and skillful production, knowledge of the
cultural heritage, and a basis for making informed judgments.
Life Skills
The objective of this course is for students to develop important life skills in a variety of areas that will help them to become more confident and independent. Srtudents work on activities that involve “real-life” situations and they also strengthen their abilities in reading, comprehension and writing.
English Composition/Language Arts
Middle School English Composition classes include multimedia lessons that teach English grammar, reading comprehension strategies, spelling, vocabulary and writing. This curriculum is designed to provide assistance in the development of academic English Language skills.
World Religions
The World Religions course introduces students to the diversity of world religions as they examine the origins, beliefs and practices of the major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, etc.
For each religion students will explore:
- origins and history
- spiritual leaders and key personalities
- concept and presence of God
- beliefs and teachings
- rituals and rites of worship