Course Descriptions
ENGLISH
7th grade English: In this course, students will: read and evaluate ideas from a variety of sources, introduced to and begin the process of literary analysis, identify and make choices that shape writing for a variety of purposes and audiences, demonstrate ability to present ideas effectively in an oral presentation, use techniques to guide you through the entire writing process, begin using library and Internet resources to support and develop ideas, read and respond to peers’ writing as part of the writing community, understand and analyze plot, theme, characterization, narration, point of view, setting, and historical context., make connections between main idea and supporting detail, recognize various literary genres, explore literary devices such as foreshadowing, irony, and dialect.
8th grade English: In this course, students will: read and evaluate ideas from a variety of sources, engage in literary analysis , clearly demonstrate writing ability for diverse purposes and audiences, present and illuminate ideas effectively in an oral presentation, organize and prepare detailed outlines for an assortment of writing assignments, utilize library and Internet resources to support and develop ideas, read and respond to peers’ writing as part of the writing community, analyze plot, theme, characterization, narration, point of view, and historical context, recognize literary devices such as irony and foreshadowing in literature, explore the use and effectiveness of literary devices, make connections between main idea and supporting detail.
MATHEMATICS
7th Grade Math: Seventh grade Math students will further develop their ability to communicate, problem solve, and reason mathematically. Students will expand on their previous mathematical skills and explore real-world application. They will explore pre-algebra concepts including number theory, consumer math, rational number topics, real numbers, and coordinate geometry.
Pre-Algebra: This Pre-Algebra course will help students develop the skills necessary to manipulate numbers, solve equations and understand the general principles at work. Students will compute interest through percentages, graph linear function, compare rational numbers with scientific notation, and convert fractional numbers between fractions, decimals, and percents. Practical application through the incorporation of word problems is required in this course.
Algebra I: This is a first year course in High School Algebra. Topics include operations in algebra, equations, proportional reasoning, linear functions, inequalities, absolute value function and equations, solving systems of equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, quadratic functions, radicals and coordinate geometry.
Geometry: This is full-year course in Plane geometry. Topics include points, lines, planes, angles, deductive reasoning, parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, inequalities for triangles, similar polygons, right triangles, circles, loci and areas of plane figures.
SCIENCE
Life Science: Life Science introduces students to the characteristics living things. Students will study the diversity of life forms from the major areas of ecology, cell structure, genetics, microorganisms, plants, and human anatomy. Students will discover the structures and inner workings of cells and the underlying nature of genetics that directs an organism’s characteristics. Students are expected to use critical thinking, problem solving, and hands-on inquiry skills that are developed through observation, classification, data collection, and cooperative learning experiences. In addition, there will be a key emphasis on laboratory investigation and observation with a minimum of one lab per week. The labs use an inquiry approach, which involves inferred thinking skills throughout the experimental process.
Integrated Physics & Chemistry (IPC): This course presents a study of the physical and chemical interactions of matter. The chemistry concepts include the atom and its structure, formation of compounds and chemical reactions; and the physics concepts include motion, force, energy, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory investigations emphasize development of process skills and safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials. This course serves as a background for subsequent courses in chemistry and physics.
History
7th Grade World History: The purpose of the World History course is to develop an understanding of the evolution of civilization and the political, social and economic development of society. During the year, this course will apply themes to identify, explain, analyze and conclude the changes and developments of World History. Account for the making of Europe and the increasing strength of the Christian Church. Course Outcomes: Analyze the many different dynasties that will dominate East Asia. Analyze and the relationship of East and west during the Middle Ages. Develop an understanding of the Renaissance, the Reformation and the Age of Enlightenment. Assess the global impact of both the American and French Revolutions. Trace the development of the Industrial Revolution and the new Global Ages. Develop an understanding of the events that will lead up to World War. Analyze the factors that lead to the rise of the Nazi Party and World War II. Account for the decision making during the Cold War—East vs. West. Analyze the world today: Europe, the United States, Asia, Africa and South America.
8th Grade U.S. History: 8th Grade US History will cover the beginnings of the United States of America (cir. 1500) to present day. Students are expected to participate in daily discussions, role-playing and presentations. Respect for one’s self and others is paramount at all times. Disrespect will not be tolerated. Students will be assessed through written tests, projects, oral presentations and in-class activities. Students should take notes on daily lectures as well as assigned reading from the text or issued materials.
FINE ARTS
Art: This introductory art course focuses on the study of the elements (line, shape, form, color, texture/pattern, space) and principles (balance, rhythm, unity, contrast, emphasis) of design and how they relate to each other in a composition. Development of skills and creativity in a variety of media, drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage techniques coupled with the opportunity to show and compete with original works give students extensions into the realms of creativity expression, communication, and problem solving.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
French I or Spanish I (A and B): French I or Spanish 1 may be completed over a two year period, beginning with the first half of the class (A) in 7th grade, and completing the second half (B) in 8th grade. Students learn basic vocabulary and structures. They will be able to understand and communicate in the foreign language in everyday situations. Reading and writing are introduced and cultural activities are included. Communicative skill development is achieved through a variety of activities and media.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PE offers a fine variety of physical activities to meet the needs of the age group of both girls and boys. The emphasis of fundamental skills is applied to individual and co-ed team sports. The courses offer soccer, speedball, volleyball, basketball, flag football, tennis, badminton, track and field and softball. Physical fitness is also a prime objective of the course; the Presidential Physical Fitness Test is given each semester.
H.O.T.S.
The H.O.T.S. program is designed to enhance critical thinking skills in middle school students. Students will use reasoning, analysis, comprehension, and synthesis skills to solve word problems, puzzles, and logic exercises. The program has four nine-week enrichment segments in the disciplines of English, Science, Math, and Computer Skills. In this course, students will gain knowledge in the following:
HOTS English: Increase vocabulary to improve reading comprehension, Gain knowledge of Greek and Latin root words to determine meaning of unfamiliar words, Dissect words based on knowledge of root words and the context it is presented in, Engage in critical and deductive thinking by presenting context clues to decipher meaning, Categorize and analyze information, Distinguish between fact and opinion, Analyze puzzles by relationship, categories, and structure, Promote logical thinking skills, Increase reading comprehension.
HOTS Computers: The purpose of this class is to promote Critical Thinking, Analytical and Problem Solving Skills, and to improve Keyboarding and typing Skills to develop Computer Technology Skills.
HOTS Math: The purpose of this class is to reinforce the math curriculum by promoting critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving. Students will be challenged to use their thinking skills as they complete various types of problems, logic puzzles, perplexors, and brain games. If a student does not complete a class assignment, it will become homework that is due the following day.
TEEN LEADERSHIP
Teen Leadership is a program in which students develop leadership, personal, and business skills. They learn to develop a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, and learn to understand the concept of personal responsibility while delveoping an understanding of Emotional Intelligence and the skills it measures, which includes self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, and social skills. Learning to understnad the effects of peer pressure and how to conteract these effects is an integral part of this program. Finally, students learn to develop an understanding of the need for vision by creating personal and professional goals.
ROBOTICS
Robotics provides a hands-on, mind-on set of lessons that reinforce and connects to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts in an engaging and concrete manner. Robotics is designed to motivate students to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It also helps student work effectively as part of a team, developing their communication and negotiation skills. At Woodlands prep, robotics is taught using Lego Mindstorms Education. Our students design, program and control fully-functional models using Lego NXT 9797. They use software to plan, test and modify sequences of instructions for various life-like robotic behaviors; using various sensors and analyze data using functionalities embedded in the software.
|
