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Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/ 5 days per week Length of Course: QuarterPrimary Resources: PDE Art StandardsUnits of Study:Unit 1: 2D DRawing/Painting (Value)Unit 2: 3D hand-building clay/ceramicsCurriculum-Based Assessments: Individual & Group Critiques, Project Rubrics, and Finished ProjectsStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:Eighth-grade art is a nine-week course that is cumulative and sequential to 7th-grade art. It also emphasizes the engagement of students using both 2D and 3D projects. Various mediums (materials) are continuing to be introduced, focusing student attention on increasing artistic skills, thought processes and art-specific techniques. The Elements and Principles of Design and the Pennsylvania State Standards for Art Education are used. Students in 8th-grade art are also evaluated using summative, formative and benchmark assessments. These assessments emphasize classroom effort, new art techniques taught and demonstrated as well as written and reflective writings.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/dayLength of Course: 9-week rotationPrimary Resources:Microsoft Office SuiteGoogle DocsGmailEntrepreneurship OnlineBizKids website/DVDsUnits of Study:Unit 1: Intro to BusinessUnit 2: EntrepreneurshipUnit 3: Business PlanUnit 4: Internet SafetyCurriculum Based Assessments: Project-based Assessments, Test/QuizzesStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:Unit 1 relates to the introduction to business, helping the students to acknowledge the differences between a want and a need. Students identify the challenges associated with forms of ownership. Students define key terms associated with basic economic concepts, helping them to identify and understand trigger factors that drive the economy. Unit 2 examines the personality, traits, and skills that are needed to financially succeed in entrepreneurship. Students acknowledge the ever-changing global business environment related to emerging fields and technology. Students learn to identify the three types of businesses, and also people in the community that owned businesses. They also identify examples of social media related to businesses. Unit 3 helps students to understand the focus and time associated with the business plan in relation to their personal career interests, and also how to implement the idea. Students organize and analyze financial statements needed for a business plan. The students learn the importance of the business plan and also learn how to create the plan using appropriate data in order to support the concept. Unit 4 deals with Internet Safety, helping the students to identify and avoid situations that can put them in danger. Students learn how to categorize the different types of social networking, and also interpret inappropriate behavior that can be demonstrated on the internet.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes/5 days per week Length of Course: YearUnits of Study:Unit 1: Economy of Words/Inferencing in LiteratureUnit 2: Horror/Science FictionUnit 3: Historical Nonfiction [Anne Frank]Unit 4: Poetry
Curriculum Based Assessments: Section quizzes, Unit tests, Individual and Group Projects/Presentations, Informal formative assessments.Standardized Assessments: PSSA - ELADescription of Course:Unit 1 focuses on inferencing skills and the economy of words. Students identify the definition of inferencing and study Ernest Hemingway and a selection of his works that demonstrate the skill. Students learn how explicit context clues are necessary to draw implicit conclusions. Unit 2 focuses on the elements of Horror and Science Fiction writing and how these elements lead to critical thinking and interaction between reader and text. Unit 3 explores historical nonfiction, specifically the writings of Anne Frank and Elie Weisel as well as the Holocaust, genocide, human rights violations instruction as per PA ACT 70. Unit 4 analyzes the use of poetic devices to create concrete imagery so that the reader may connect with the writer’s abstract ideas. Unit 5 studies the elements of fiction and interaction of dialogue in a text. Within each of these units, students will continue to develop and expand their grammar, writing, speaking, and research skills.
Course Title: Compact/Extended (C/E) English 8 Department: English
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes/5 days a week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources:Weisel, Elie Night; Frank, Anne, The Diary of a Young Girl; Wells, H.G. The Time Machine; Hemingway, Ernest The Old Man in the SeaUnits of Study:Unit 1: Economy of Words/Inferencing in LiteratureUnit 2: Horror/Science FictionUnit 3: Historical Nonfiction [Anne Frank, Night]Unit 4: PoetryUnit 5: Novel
Curriculum Based Assessments: Section quizzes, Unit tests, Individual and Group Projects/Presentations, Informal formative assessmentsStandardized Assessments: PSSA - ELADescription of Course:Initial lessons focus on inferencing skills and the economy of words. Students identify the definition of inferencing and study Ernest Hemingway and a selection of his works that demonstrate the skill. Students learn how explicit context clues are necessary to draw implicit conclusions. The elements of Horror and Science Fiction writing and how these elements lead to critical thinking and interaction between reader and text are explored. Historical nonfiction, specifically the writings of Anne Frank and Elie Weisel, as well as the Holocaust, genocide, human rights violations instruction as per PA ACT 70, are introduced. Students are guided through the process of analysis and use of poetic devices to create concrete imagery so that the reader may connect with the writer’s abstract ideas. The elements of fiction and interaction of dialogue within a text. Within each of these units, students will continue to develop and expand their grammar, writing, speaking, and research skills.
Course Title: Reading 8 Department: Reading/ELAGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes day/5 days per week Length of Course: YearUnits of Study:Unit 1: Collection 4: Approaching AdulthoodUnit 2: Collection 6: Value of WorkUnit 3: Constructing a Written ResponseUnit 4: Speaking and Listening/Independent Reading Active Reading, Literary Elements, and Critical Reading Skills are cycled through each unit of study.Curriculum-Based Assessments: Quizzes, tests, evidence-based book talks, Accelerated Reader comprehension quizzesStandardized Assessments: PSSA, STAR 360 ReadingDescription of Course:Instruction focuses on active reading which reinforces the use of before, during, and after reading strategies to help students self-monitor comprehension. Students will analyze comprehension questions and writing prompts to construct appropriate answers. A variety of vocabulary strategies are addressed to help increase reading comprehension. These include vocabulary in context, the study of prefixes, suffixes, and roots, and word analysis. Students will analyze elements of plot, character, theme, setting, and story devices to increase comprehension of the fiction text. Students will also identify the elements of argumentative writing and analyze each element to determine the strength of the author’s argument. Additional reinforcement of analysis of written response prompts and identifying relevant evidence from the text is also emphasized. Students are asked to create written responses consisting of an introductory statement, body, and conclusion statement. Students conduct an analysis of both fiction and non-fiction text using critical reading skills such as inferencing, generalizing, and summarizing. Skills are cycled through all text presented in Reading 8. Grade 8 Reading is aligned to PA Academic and Core Standards Grade 7 ELA. Standards focus on reading informational skills, reading literature, writing, speaking and listening.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 43 minutes/ 5 days per week Length of Course: 9-week rotationUnits of Study:Family and Consumer Sciences topics via national and state standards alignment/benchmarks.Curriculum-Based Assessments: Project Based Assessments for each unit
Standardized Assessments: N/A
Description of Course:Unit One: Financial and Resource Unit...Students will identify different shopping and purchasing options for consumer goods and services. The unit covers budgeting, consumer rights, and responsibilities, checking accounts/balance sheets, values, and spending and comparison shopping.Unit Two: Careers in Family and Consumer Sciences Unit... Students will complete a self-discovery survey, review job qualifications and opportunities in FCS related job fields.Unit Three: Housing and Space Design... Students will identify design concepts principles that contribute to the effective use of space for family, work, and community activities. Topics include traffic patterns, sharing space, drafting and CAD (computer-aided drafting) designs.Unit Four: Food and Nutrition Unit...Students will demonstrate basic food handling and preparation techniques and follow food and kitchen safety while preparing small healthy meals. Other topics include Nutrients, food labels, food choices, recipe modification, dietary guidelines, buying and storing food, and the use of two or more cooking appliances during one food lab.Unit Five: Community Service Project... Students will construct a pillowcase and donate the pillowcase to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The unit identifies public and nonpublic services in a community that can help families in times of need.Unit Six: Balancing Family, Work, and Community... Through the various hands-on projects, students will contribute to a classroom environment that encourages and respects the ideas and contributions of all group members. Areas of focus include communication, team building, goal setting, time management, and decision-making skills.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 43 min/ every other day Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Comprehensive Health Skills for Middle School, Sanderson, Zelman, McCarleyUnits of Study:Unit 1: Introduction to WellnessUnit 2: Stress Management,Unit 3: Body SystemsUnit 4: Substance AbuseUnit 5: NutritionUnit 6: Human Growth & DevelopmentCurriculum-Based Assessments: Unit Tests, Research Paper, Group Projects/PresentationsStandardized Assessments: N/A
Description of Course:The focus of this course is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to develop healthy habits of the mind and body for a lifetime of wellness. This course is aligned with the PA Academic Health, Safety and Physical Education Standards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified major youth risk behaviors, developed in adolescence, which are the primary contributors to chronic diseases in adulthood. The middle school curriculum addresses each of these risk factors in the following areas: Alcohol and Other Drugs (e.g. Drugs, Medicine, Tobacco) Healthy Eating (e.g. Nutrition, Digestive System & Urinary System), Mental & Emotional Health (e.g. Stress Management, Central Nervous System), Personal Health & Wellness (e.g. Muscular System, Skeletal System, Cardiovascular System), Safety & Violence (e.g. Relationships & Dating, School Violence), and Sexual Health (e.g. Reproductive System, Sexually Transmitted Infections). A key component of this course is to introduce and practice skills that are reinforced in subsequent units. Skills include accessing information, analyzing influences, goal setting, decision making, interpersonal communication, effective listening, responding to the emotions of others, assertive communication, asking effective questions, refusal skills, negotiation, collaboration, self-management, and advocacy.
Course Title: Physical Education 8 Department: Health and Physical EducationGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 min/ every other day Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: N/AUnits of Study:Unit 1: Fitness IIUnit 2: Track & FieldUnit 3: Flag FootballUnit 4: SoccerUnit 5: BasketballUnit 6: BadmintonUnit 7: Floor HockeyUnit 8: Strength & Cardiovascular Conditioning IIUnit 9: VolleyballUnit 10: Team HandballUnit 11: Cooperative Strategic GamesUnit 12: Outdoor PursuitsUnit 13: Dance IIUnit 14: Lacrosse StrategiesCurriculum-Based Assessments: Fitness Evaluation & Goal Setting, Unit Skills TestsStandardized Assessments: N/A
Description of Course:The focus of this course is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a physically active and healthy lifestyle. Physical Education 8 builds upon Physical Education 7 with increasing rigor and complexity of knowledge and skills. This course is aligned with the PA Academic Health, Safety and Physical Education Standards and focuses on core strands including Fitness, Individual-Performance, Games & Sports, Outdoor & Lifetime, and Dance & Rhythm. Fitness II activities (e.g. FitnessGram tests, Yoga, Cross-Fit) focus on demonstrating the knowledge and skills to achieve a health-enhancing level of physical activity through fitness testing and goal setting. Individual-Performance activities (e.g. Track & Field II, Badminton, Golf) aim to help students recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, and social interaction. Games & Sports units (e.g. Lacrosse Strategies, Team Handball, Fort Knox) center on students applying knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance. Outdoor & Lifetime adventures (e.g. Geocaching, Hiking, Frisbee Golf) concentrate on student engagement and encouraging students to accept challenges and learn to cope in a positive way. Dance & Rhythm (e.g. Line dance, Social dance, Ballroom dance) aspires to aid students to demonstrate competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns as well as exhibit responsible social behavior.
Grade Level: 7-8Time Per Day/Week: Five days per week/45 min per day = 225 minutes per week; two project-based units per year.Length of Course: YearPrimary Resource(s): N/A
Units of Study:Unit 1: Navigating the Middle School LibraryUnit 2: Independent Book SelectionUnit 3: Using DatabasesUnit 4: Primary and Secondary SourcesUnit 5: Research Process: PlanningUnit 6: Research Process: Using Print and Web ResourcesUnit 7: Research Process: Citing Sources, MLAUnit 8: Research Process: Reflection
Curriculum-Based Assessments: N/AStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:The seventh and eighth-grade library curriculum builds on the skills introduced in the sixth grade. Project-based learning activities support the curriculum for both grades. The research focus is on databases, print material, and correct searching techniques. Each student is responsible for the creation of works cited page using the Modern Language Association model.
Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/5 days per week Length of Course: Year
Primary Resources: N/AUnits of Study:Unit 1: Number SystemUnit 2: Expressions and EquationsUnit 3: FunctionsUnit 4: GeometryUnit 5: Statistics and Probability
Curriculum Based Assessments: Section quizzes, Chapter tests, Unit tests
Standardized Assessments: PSSA
Description of Course:In the Number System Unit, students will apply concepts of rational and irrational numbers. In the Expressions and Equations Unit, students will represent and use expressions and equations to solve problems involving radicals and integer exponents, analyze and describe linear relationships between two variables using slope, and write, solve, graph, and interpret linear equations in one or two variables, using various methods. In the Functions Unit, students will define, evaluate, and compare functions displayed algebraically, graphically, or numerically in tables or by verbal descriptions and represent or interpret functional relationships between quantities using tables, graphs, and descriptions. In the Geometry Unit, students will apply the properties of geometric transformations to verify congruence or similarity, solve problems involving right triangles by applying the Pythagorean Theorem, and apply volume formulas of cones, cylinders, and spheres. In the Statistics and Probability Unit, students will analyze and interpret bivariate data displayed in multiple representations and understand that patterns of association can be seen in bivariate categorical data by displaying frequencies and relative frequencies in a two-way table.
Course Title: Algebra 1 Department: MathematicsGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes per day/5 times per week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Algebra 1; McGraw-HillUnits of Study:Unit 1: Properties of real numbers
Unit 2: Solving linear equations
Unit 3: Proportional reasoning
Unit 4: Graphing linear functions
Unit 5: Solving and graphing absolute value equations
Unit 6: Solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions
Unit 7: Polynomials and factoring
Unit 8: Probability and Statistics
Unit 9: Rational functions
Unit 10: Radicals
Unit 11: Solving and graphing quadratic functionsCurriculum Based Assessments: section quizzes, unit tests, midterm and finalStandardized Assessments: Keystone Algebra Exam, 8th grade math PSSADescription of Course:The study of Algebra expands what students know about applying operations to numbers to get specific fats to thinking in terms of patterns that are valid in many situations. Specifically, we replace unknown values with variables that allow us to write equations that represent patterns. The study of Algebra is largely about how to model situations and how to find the unknown patterns. Algebra 1 students spend much of the year modeling real-life problems with constant rates of change. In order to do this, students explore the properties of real numbers, absolute value, proportional reasoning, systems of linear equations and inequalities, and a brief introduction to quadratic functions. The emphasis on multiple representations provides opportunities for students to make connections and strengthen their problem-solving strategies. All Students completing Algebra 1 of Education. The Keystone Exam score is not used to calculate the student's final course grade.
Course Title: Honors Geometry Department: MathematicsGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/5 days a week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Glencoe Geometry, McGraw-HillUnits of Study:
Unit 1: Points, Lines, and Planes
Unit 2: Logical Arguments and Line Relationships
Unit 3: Rigid Transformations and Symmetry
Unit 4: Triangles and Congruence
Unit 5: Relationships in Triangles
Unit 6: Quadrilaterals
Unit 7: Similarity
Unit 8: Right Triangles and Trigonometry
Unit 9: Circles
Unit 10: Area
Unit 11: Volume
Unit 12: ProbabilityCurriculum-Based Assessments: Section Quizzes, Chapter Exams, Midterm, and FinalStandardized Assessments: PSSA Math 8th gradeDescription of Course:
Geometry topics are studied using both an inductive and deductive approach. Students discover relationships through experimentation and then verify their discoveries by deductive proofs. Real world applications and algebraic connections are emphasized. Topics include definitions, constructions, parallel line properties, triangle and polygon properties, circles, transformations, symmetry, area, surface area, volume, the Pythagorean Theorem, similarity, basic trigonometry and basic logic.
Course Title: Band - Grade 8 Department: Music Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 5 Days/Week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Music Library, and Listening ExamplesUnits of Study:Unit 1: Quality of soundUnit 2: Ensemble movementUnit 3: Matching pitchUnit 4: Technique and ArtistryUnit 5: Expression, PhrasingUnit 6: Stylistic traitsUnit 7: FeelingUnit 8: Cultural understandingCurriculum-Based Assessments: Seating Auditions, Practice Charts, ConcertsStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:Students will rehearse music throughout the year and focus on improving important elements to musical success such as:Quality of SoundEnsemble MovementMatching PitchTechnique & ArtistryExpressionNuanceSensitivityThese rehearsals will culminate in several performances throughout the year.Course Title: Choir - Grade 8 Department: MusicGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes/5 days per week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources:Choral ScoresResources Designed by Teacher (aligned to PA Academic Standards)Units of Study:Vocal Tone ProductionMusic Literacy and SightreadingChoral LiteratureVocal PerformanceCritical Thinking and EvaluationCurriculum-Based Assessments: Individual Vocal Assessments (teacher-designed), and Concerts
Standardized Assessments: N/A
Description of Course:Eighth Grade Choir is a course that emphasizes more advanced instruction of good ensemble singing, improving each individual’s vocal technique, and high-level performance of quality literature. Class activities include warm-up and sight-singing exercises, the teaching and implementation of more challenging vocal practices, and rehearsal of choral selections of higher difficulty for mixed ensembles. Attendance at concert performances is required.
Course Title: Orchestra Department: MusicGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes 5 days per week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Music purchased by district, instruments, music stands, chairsUnits of Study:Unit 1: Pitch/Left HandUnit 2: Tone/Right HandUnit 3: Music ReadingUnit 4: Ensemble SkillsUnit 5: Ear TrainingCurriculum-Based Assessments: Playing Tests, Performance quizzes, ConcertsStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:Proper pitch is reviewed and practiced every day, Bowing exercises are used every day, Music reading is a part of daily classes, Ensemble Skills are reinforced on a daily basis, and ear training or listening skills are repeatedly reinforced.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/5 days a week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources:Units of Study:Unit 1: Nature of ScienceUnit 2: Electricity and MagnetismUnit 3: The Effects of Multiple Forces on ObjectsUnit 4: Structure and Properties of MatterUnit 5: Interactions Between MatterCurriculum Based Assessments: Section quizzes, Chapter tests, Unit tests, Mid-term and Final ExamsStandardized Assessments: PSSA Science, CDT TestingDescription of Course:The 8th-grade science course has been designed to employ multiple teaching approaches to master Physical Science concepts. Through hands-on lab-science experiences, Internet-based labs, as well as regular classroom activities students will develop critical thinking and analysis skills. In addition, students will understand how science influences and affects their everyday lives. Students will be exposed to 1) Nature of Science; 2) Chemistry; and 3) Physics. The nature of science, which contains the scientific method, describing matter, measurement, etc. will be emphasized throughout the entire year. During the chemistry component of the curriculum, students will examine the following topics: the atom and the Periodic Table, chemical bonding, and physical and chemical changes of matter. The physics portion of the curriculum will include the following: electricity and magnetism, forces involved in motion and work, and the conservation of energy. Grade 8 Physical Science is aligned with PA Academic and Core Standards. The material covered in this course encompasses the standards outlined in grades 5-8, in the areas of Nature of Science and Physical Science.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/5 days a week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources:Units of Study:Unit 1: Nature of ScienceUnit 2: Electricity and MagnetismUnit 3: The Effects of Multiple Forces on ObjectsUnit 4: Structure and Properties of MatterUnit 5: Interactions Between MatterCurriculum Based Assessments: Section quizzes, Chapter tests, Unit tests, Mid-term and Final ExamsStandardized Assessments: PSSA Science, CDT TestingDescription of Course:The Compacted/Extended class will use the same curriculum as the Physical Science class. The Compacted/Extended class will explore curricular topics more in-depth and students will be expected to be more independent in and out of class. Exploratory and discovery activities will be emphasized and enrichment opportunities will be provided. Grade 8 Physical Science is aligned with PA Academic and Core Standards. The material covered in this course encompasses the standards outlined in grades 5-8, in the areas of Nature of Science and Physical Science.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/ 5 days a week Length of Course: YearUnits of Study:Unit 1: Establishment and Development of the Thirteen English ColoniesUnit 2: Road RevolutionUnit 3: American RevolutionUnit 4: Confederation Era and ConstitutionUnit 5: Federalist EraUnit 6: Age of JeffersonCurriculum Based Assessments: Quizzes,Document Based Questions (DBQ), Free Response Questions (FRQ), Text Dependent Analysis Questions (TDA), unit tests, midterm and final examStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:The eighth-grade social studies class, United States History for 1607 to 1877, is designed to foster the development of strategies and skills that will assist students in a deeper understanding of people, events, and issues throughout American History. The curriculum and classroom instruction is designed to prepare students for classes in high school and eventually college. Students are challenged in a variety of areas: nonfiction reading, questioning of primary & secondary sources, higher-level thinking (move beyond rote learning), essay writing (DBQ and FRQ), answering open-ended questions similar to those on the PSSA tests, techniques to assist in organizing thoughts, note-taking, and inquiry.
Course Title: Social Studies - Grade 08 Compacted/Extended (C/E) Department: Social Studies Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 Minutes/5 Days Per Week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: HMH Social Studies. United States History: Beginnings to 1877, Houghton Mifflin HarcourtUnits of Study:Unit 1: Establishment and Development of the Thirteen English ColoniesUnit 2: Road to RevolutionUnit 3: American RevolutionUnit 4: Confederation Era and ConstitutionUnit 5: Federalist EraUnit 6: Age of JeffersonCurriculum Based Assessments: Quizzes, Document Based Questions (DBQ), Free Response Questions (FRQ), Text Dependent Analysis Questions (TDA), Unit Tests, Midterm, and Final ExamStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:The eighth-grade Social Studies class is designed to foster the development of strategies and skills that will assist students in a deeper understanding of people, events, and issues throughout American history. The curriculum and classroom instruction is designed to challenge students intellectually.Students are challenged in a variety of areas: nonfiction reading, questioning of primary & secondary sources, higher-level thinking (move beyond rote learning), essay writing (DBQ and FRQ), answering open-ended questions similar to those on the PSSA tests, techniques to assist in organizing thoughts, note-taking, and inquiry.
Course Title: Automation and Robotics Department: Technology EducationGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/ 5 days per week Length of Course: QuarterPrimary Resources: Project Lead The Way Curriculum, Robot C Software, and Vex Robotics KitsUnits of Study:Unit 1: Introduction
Lesson 1.1 What is Engineering
Lesson 1.2 Design Process
Unit 2: Automation and Robotics
Lesson 2.1 What is Automation and Robotics?
Lesson 2.2 Mechanical Systems
Lesson 2.3 Automated SystemsCurriculum-Based Assessments: The eighth-grade learner will be assessed utilizing a combination of project grading rubrics and quizzes, as well as project analysis questions and follow up discussion.Standardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic cars.
Grade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes, 5 days per week Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Discovering French Bleu, McDougall, Littell.Units of Study:Unit 1: Students communicate to make new friendsUnit 2: Students compare life in French-speaking countries to their ownUnit 3: Students communicate about their favorite activitiesUnit 4: Students utilize basic survival skills needed when traveling to francophone countries and when hosting new friends who speak FrenchUnit 5: Students study the main areas of the world where French is a first or second language.
Curriculum-Based Assessments: written quizzes, oral/listening assessments, presentations, dialogues, short essaysStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:French I class meets every day of the year. It is an academic course that has a mid-term and final exam. The French Level I Curriculum includes reading, writing, listening to and speaking French. Most of the class is conducted in the French language. Culture is used as a foundation for each lesson. Students are encouraged to engage in a variety of functional and practical activities to help practice speaking and to reinforce grammatical concepts. Through the course of the year, students begin to experience the benefits of learning another language. There is a strong emphasis on writing and speaking in this course.
Course Title: German I Department: World LanguagesGrade Level: 8Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/everyday Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Deutsch Aktuell. Saint Paul, Minnesota, EMC/Paradigm Publishing, 2004.Units of Study:Unit 1: HalloUnit 2: Zu HauseUnit 3: Was machst du?Unit 4: SchuleUnit 5: StadtUnit 6: Wie Schmeckt’s?
Curriculum Based Assessments: Section quizzes, Chapter TestsStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:In unit 1, students learn how to introduce themselves and state where they live and where they come from. In unit 2, students learn to form questions and plan events. Students also learn how to describe family members and describe their family tree. In unit 3, students learn to communicate preferences, likes and dislikes as it relates to free time. In unit 4, students learn to describe their school schedules and classroom objects. In unit 5, students learn to describe the weather and explore Berlin, points of interest, and a brief historical overview. In unit 6, students use food vocabulary. Learn to communicate about the future.
Course Title: Spanish I Department: World LanguageGrade Level: 8-12Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/everyday Length of Course: YearPrimary Resources: Boyles, Peggy, et al. Realidades. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.Units of Study:Unit 1: Introduction to the Spanish LanguageUnit 2: My friends & IUnit 3: School subjects and schedulesUnit 4: Food, Restaurants and Maintaining Good HealthUnit 5: Places in the communityUnit 6: FamilyUnit 7: Describing a house
Curriculum Based Assessments: Vocabulary and grammar quizzes, Individual and group projects and presentations, Chapter testsStandardized Assessments: N/ADescription of Course:In Unit 1, students learn introductions and greetings, as well as how to interact in formal vs. informal situations. In Unit 2, students express likes and dislike using the phrase “me gusta” with infinitives. Students also learn personality characteristics to describe themselves and others. In Unit 3, students converse about their school classes, schedules and classroom objects. They also learn to conjugate AR verbs in the present tense. In Unit 4, students learn food and exercise vocabulary and will discuss mealtimes in Spanish speaking countries. In this unit students also learn conjugations of ER and IR verbs. In Unit 5, students ask and tell where people go in the community using vocabulary for places around town. They also learn to express plans in the future using the verb “ir.” In Unit 5, students explore family relationships and celebrations as well as necessary vocabulary to order in a restaurant. In Unit 6, students describe their bedroom using colors and communicate using stem-changing verbs.
