Classes & Scheduling
Sixth Grade Courses
Language Arts
This year in English Language Arts we will be harnessing our super reading and writing powers as we work our way through the various learning standards that the state of Ohio mandates all 6th grade students master by the time they leave the 6th grade. We will be learning how to annotate text in order to help make sense of what we are reading. We will effectively learn to formulate a well constructed essay. We will use our super reading powers to locate evidence within text that helps us answer essential questions in both literature and informational text. We will do all this and more without even breaking a sweat! How? By using our special abilities!
Social Studies
6th grade Social Studies is devoted to the study of the Eastern Hemisphere (Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe), its geographical features, early history, cultural development and economic changes. Students will learn about the development of river civilizations in Africa and Asia, including their governments, cultures and economic systems. The geographical focus includes the study of contemporary regional characteristics, the movement of people, products and ideas, and cultural diversity. Students also develop their understanding of the role of consumers and the interaction of markets, resources and competition. We will delve into the world of religion. Specifically where they began and characteristics of each.
Math
Sixth grade math students will continue to build on many concepts they have learned in previous grades. They will model dividing fractions and solve related real-world problems. Students will fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide problems including fractions and decimals. They will be working to understand ratios, rates and solving problems involving proportional relationships. Students will work with algebra using variables, expressions, and learn to write and solve equations. Students will reason about the relationship between shapes to determine area, surface area and volume. Students will also get an introduction to statistics and continue creating various graphs to represent real-world situations. All concepts will involve problem solving strategies and relationships to the world around them. Students will take the AIR state test at the
end of the course.
Encore
Keyboarding (6th grade)
In this keyboarding class, students will learn touch typing. We will be working with an online program to learn proper strokes, body posture and increase accuracy. Students will be graded on proper form, continuing improvement of accuracy and speed.
Choir
6th grade choir is a year-long class in which students learn to use proper vocal production and technique to perform in 3 or more concerts each school year. Through participation in choir students develop team-building and leadership skills, in addition to learning to read music and to apply vocal techniques.
Design and Modeling – 6th Grade
Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of engineering. Concept sketching, 2-point perspective drawing and orthographic and isometric views will be studied. Students will work through the Design Process with groups generate solutions to classroom design challenges. Autodesk Inventor software will be used learn computer-aided drafting skills to design and build a project from start to finish.
Health
This course will provide students an opportunity to develop an understanding of health concepts, behaviors, and skills that reduce health risks and enhance the health and well-being of self and others, to set personal health goals, and to evaluate health information, products, services, and the effects of health behaviors on oneself and their environment. Specific topics will include health and wellness, personal safety, nutrition, personal fitness, and life skills.
Physical Education;
The Physical Education program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in rules, skills, and strategies associated with the different sports as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning activities. The students will also have opportunities to become involved in life-long physical activities through individual sport units. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, good sportsmanship, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition
Art
Students will use a variety of techniques and materials to learn about the elements and principles of art and design. In sixth grade we focus on learning how to create space in a work of art. Students will learn to make scenes and artworks showing depth and dimensionality.
7th Grade Courses
Language Arts
7 Seventh Grade Language Arts
During the school year students will be learning several new concepts that are aligned with the Ohio Common Core Language Arts Standards. Students will be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. To reach our goals in 7th grade students will be expected to do the following: students will write every day, will read every day, students will master all of the reading strategies, students will follow the writing process of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, students will work to develop and enhance their vocabulary by researching, exploring, and using a large number of new words, and students will participate in regular literature circles during class that include reading, discussing, and analyzing various forms of text at ever-increasing levels of understand.
Honors Placement 8- Teacher recommendation required
Honors Placement 8 class combines the Ohio State Standards for both seventh and eighth grades to produce a challenging, thought-provoking academic atmosphere. This class integrates multifaceted thought processes while reading and writing complex text. The expectation is that the student will have strong organizational skills while thinking analytically and abstractly. Comprehension strategies will be mastered so that complex text can be analyzed. Writing will be extensive using all formats; expository, persuasive, and narrative incorporating primary and secondary sources using correct MLA format. At least one piece will be submitted for publication
Mathematics
7th Grade Math:
This course is designed to meet the established Ohio standards for 7th grade mathematics.
Seventh grade math students will analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve realworldand mathematical problems. Students will develop an understanding of operating withrational numbers. They will use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions andsolve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions andequations. This course leads into 8th grade pre-algebra and provides the foundation of necessaryskills to meet the established Ohio standards for 8th grade mathematics. Students will take theAIR state test at the end of the course.
Accelerated Math 7:
This course is a rigorous blend of 7th and 8th grade Ohio Standards. It provides the
foundation necessary for Integrated Math I. During this course, students will develop an
understanding of operating with rational numbers. They will analyze proportional relationships and understand the connection between these relationships with lines and linear equations. Students will use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions and solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. Students will take the AIR state test at the end of the course.
***Placement is based on: AIR testing, teacher recommendation, class performance, grades, and TenMarks assessments
Social Studies
7th grade World History:
The course begins in 750B.C.E. and goes through 1600 C.E. We travel through the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Next we explore Middle Ages Europe and the feudal system. We disucss the crusades, the West African Kingdoms, and the achievements of the Islamic faiths. We will travel to the Far east and study the Chinese, Japanese and Mongolian societies. We end our year with Renaissance, Reformation, and Exploration.
Encore
Health-
This course will provide students an opportunity to develop an understanding of health concepts, behaviors, and skills that reduce health risks and enhance the health and well-being of self and others, to set personal health goals, and to evaluate health information, products, services, and the effects of health behaviors on the community. Specific topics will include human body systems, life skills, the development of healthy relationships, communication skills, medication and substance abuse and sexuality education that focuses on dating and abstinence education.
Physical Education-
The Physical Education program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in rules, skills, and strategies associated with the different sports as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning activities. The students will also have opportunities to become involved in life-long physical activities through individual sport units. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, good sportsmanship, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition
Art
Students will use a variety of techniques and materials to learn about the elements and principles of art and design. In seventh grade we focus on color schemes. Students will be using various color schemes (groups of colors) to complete their artworks.
Intro to Computer Tech
In Computer Tech, students will be learning all the different aspects of Google Apps. They will be creating documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and drawings. They will also learn editing tools, sharing and collaborating in Google Apps. Many of the lessons will be from an online source which will walk students thru the steps and then allow them to demonstrate their skills.
Choir
GMS Choir is open to any 7th- 8th grader wishing to improve their singing or just try it out! This is essentially a beginning choir working on good healthy singing habits, performance etiquette and musical skills. . This is a course for a grade. GMS Choir performs with the high school choirs in the school and community. Choir is a year-long class.
Music
7th grade music is offered as a one quarter (9 week) class. The course focuses on developing music appreciation through technology-based projects, as well as an introduction to basic drum and piano skills.
Flight and Space/Advanced Design and Modeling – 7th Grade
Students will study the history and principle of modern rocket flight to design their own rockets. They will use Autodesk Inventor CAD software to assist in their design. They will build, test and launch their designs. Advanced Design and Modeling takes the design curriculum further by picking up where the 6th Grade left off. Students will expand their CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting) skills with more in-depth projects.
8th Grade Courses
Language Arts
Eighth Grade Language Arts
Welcome to 8th grade ELA! The goal for every student is to master eighth grade ELA standards and pass the AIR test at the end of the school year. Students will be given the opportunity to study a wide variety of topics and complete interesting, engaging, and challenging assignments. These assignments and units of study are aligned with the Ohio Revised Standards. We expect every student to come to class ready to be an active learner. We look forward to working with every student to help them grow and succeed
Honors English 9- Teacher recommendation required
Honors English 9 is an advanced placement class for 8th grade students. Students are placed in this class based on 7th grade test scores and teacher recommendations.
During this course, students will be working through the Honors 9th grade curriculum, with a focus on 9th and 10th grade common core standards.
Students will cover 9th grade novels, short stories, and supplemental texts.
This class is the first step to having more opportunities to take dual credit, honors, and AP courses of study at the high school.
Students will take the 9th grade AIR assessments in place of the 8th grade AIR assessments.
Mathematics
Math 8
In Grade 8 mathematics, students will focus on learning the foundational concepts needed for high school Algebra. In this course, instructional time will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. The eight mathematical practices will be embedded into each of the areas of mathematics
Integrated Math 1:
Students will complete the entire Integrated Math 1 course as well as complete 50% of the 8th grade curriculum. The other 50% of the 8th grade curriculum is taught in the Accelerated Math 7 course. In the Integrated Math 1 course, students will use previous knowledge acquired from their earlier math courses. They will focus on linear and exponential functions and be able to apply them to real world concepts. Students will learn to solve systems of equations for two unknown variables. Also, students will become fluent in using graphing calculators where they use 21st century skills to solve math problems. They will create arithmetic and geometric sequences, apply pythagorean theorem, as well as learn basic triangle theorems. For multiple concepts learned in this course, students will apply them to the real world through STEM related
*** Placement is based on: AIR testing, teacher recommendations, class performance, grades, and TenMarks assessments.
Social Studies
The course is designed to cover important events that have shaped the United States from Colonization through the American Civil War. We focus on the major themes of “Dirt,” “Growth,” “Injustice,” and “Freedom.” Students can expect an interactive set of lessons and simulations that will be challenging and fun.Eighth
Encore
Health
. This course will provide students an opportunity to develop an understanding of health concepts, behaviors, and skills that reduce health risks and enhance the health and well-being of self and others, to set personal health goals, and to evaluate health information, products, services, and the effects of health behaviors on the community. Specific topics will include human body systems, life skills, the development of healthy relationships, communication skills, medication and substance abuse and sexuality education that focuses on dating and abstinence education.
Intro to Programming
This quarter class is designed to give students an insight to programming. Students will be introduced to basic coding. We will utilize programs such as Code.org, Scratch, and Game Star Mechanic. They will have the opportunity to experience many different programs that allow them to design different activities. Students will also have the opportunity to design their own video games.
Physical Education
The Physical Education program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in rules, skills, and strategies associated with the different sports as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning activities. The students will also have opportunities to become involved in life-long physical activities through individual sport units. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, good sportsmanship, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition.
Art
Students will use a variety of techniques and materials to learn about the elements and principles of art and design. In eighth grade we focus on drawing techniques and materials. Students will use different materials to show form and use a viewfinder to create proportionate work.
Choir (
GMS Choir is open to any 7th- 8th grader wishing to improve their singing or just try it out! This is essentially a beginning choir working on good healthy singing habits, performance etiquette and musical skills. . This is a course for a grade. GMS Choir performs with the high school choirs in the school and community. Choir is a year-long class.
Automation and Robotics – 8th Grade
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 the Robot C software to program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.
**Contact the Guidance Office for information on Parent Request forms for the Accelerated Courses.