Classes: 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 in English 8 will further expand their exposure to a variety of literary works. Reinforcing and expanding necessary writing skills will be major focus of this class. Critical thinking skills based on the readings will be another core element in this class. The skills of reading, writing, oral expression and listening will be essential combination in 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
The purpose of World History is to introduce you to the history of the world beginning with the first people right up to the world today. Since this is a very long time span we will focus on key concepts and ideas of important moments in time. The goal of World History is to 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 nd 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
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
Middle School ELL A, B, C
ELL A, B, and C will provide opportunities to expand students’ English skills. Each content area – Language Arts (ELL A), Science (ELL B), Social Studies (ELL C) – will help students use English to achieve academic successes and communicate in various social settings. Students will broaden their English skills by practicing listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Middle School Writing Grade (7 and 8)
Students in MS writing C class will learn how to be effective writers as they compose text. Different skills such as prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing will be introduced. Students will learn writing elements while writing paragraphs and 3-paragraph essays.
Middle School Writing (5 and 6)
Middle School Writing class is the introduction of essential writing skills that are necessary for academic and professional success. Students will start at the beginning of grammar and sentence development, expand into quality paragraphs and finish with the ability to write quality essays of various topics. Successful completion of this class will provide students with the tools to excel academically.
Middle School Current Events
The events and issues of our society have a dramatic effect on our lives whether we understand them or not. In order to take a more productive, active role in the lives we lead, an understanding of current events and issues and how these events and issues affect society and individuals is needed. We intend to do this during this course through analysis and discussion of current issues and events.
Speech
The purpose of Speech Communication is to teach you how to become a great communicator. This class will focus on three areas, Elements of Communication, Leadership Skills/Working in Groups, and Speaking in Public. The goal of Speech is for you begin to acquire the social and professional skills you need to lead a successful life.
French I
French I is an introductory course to French language and culture. In this course students will learn how to read, write and speak beginning French vocabulary and grammar. We will spend time during each unit exploring not only the language of France, but also its culture, society and prominent cities.
Middle School Multimedia
With access to full-time technology having exploded over recent years, students now have available a variety of tools to enable them to reach out beyond the text book and classroom and into the real world. They can now be presented with the challenges of more complex problems than ever before. They are not simply passive consumers of information and computer technology, but rather, as future leaders, creators, producers of such products. Students will publish research to inquiries and projects in a wide array of forms using various tools: software and presentation tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, emerging online tools), imaging tools like Photoshop, and, time permitting, introductory website tools like HTML and CSS. A longer-term project involves some participation in the school yearbook.
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.
Art
In this course students will develop and apply skills using a variety of two dimensional and three dimensional media, tools, and processes to create works that communicate personal meaning. Students will be identifying and controlling different media, techniques, and processes to effectively communicate their ideas, experiences, and stories including: drawing, painting, printing, printing, sculpture /architecture, fibers, mixed media, new media. Students will also explore what is art, who makes it, and why it is made. Every student will have a group exhibition at the end of the year. Students will participate in the exhibition. By preparing a group exhibition, students will learn how to articulate their ideas and visualize their thoughts. The class will help students improve their drawing and painting skills.
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.
- Gaining insight on how social factors shape both local and global health.
Health – Grades7/8
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.
Our goals as a class include:
- Gaining insight on how social factors shape both local and global health.
- Setting both short and long term personal health and wellness goals.
- 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.
Goals:
- Identify available school and community resources that promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Set both short and long term personal health and wellness goals.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rules and strategies for various sports and activities.
- Become a supportive helpful classmate by learning how to give and receive constructive criticism.
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.
Goals:
- Identify available school and community resources that promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Set both short and long term personal health and wellness goals.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rules and strategies for various sports and activities.
- Become a supportive helpful classmate by learning how to give and receive constructive criticism.