Curriculum

6th Grade English

Sixth graders start the year in English studying the smaller units of the English language: words. They begin a yearlong study of vocabulary, as well as a final look at commonly misspelled words and helpful spelling rules. A study of dictionary skills helps them understand origins of words, how words relate to each other, and how to pronounce newly learned words. All of this builds into a study of sentences: how different types of sentences can be used, how parts of sentences are properly constructed, and, most importantly, how using a variety of sentence structures can lead to an improvement in writing skills. By the second trimester the students are ready for a serious introduction to the writing of expository essays, a genre that will become increasingly important for them to master in their upcoming years. In addition to the organization of the different paragraphs, the students will learn how to write a thesis and how to support it in a clear, precise, and persuasive way. They also do a study of Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream, in which they read the entire play, react to it, and perform scenes from it. The final term is spent on a major research report on the topic of each student's choice. Students learn how to find information, take notes, organize information into outline form, and write the final paper and reference list. In many ways this paper is truly a culminating activity for the English course. The students display the writing, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar skills they have learned, as well as their skills in organization and persuasion.

6th Grade Literature Studies

Emerging Independence and the personal journey that ensues function as the guiding theme for our study of literature in the sixth grade course. Through a variety of genres such as realistic fiction, historical fiction, poetry, drama, comedy and fantasy-quest, students examine various literary techniques.  As they develop the vocabulary to discuss the literature, their reading comprehension is strengthened and their writing becomes more intentional.  From The Watsons Go to Birmingham to The Wind Singer, each novel is accompanied by study guides to assess literal and inferential reading skills as well as to encourage attention to an author's development of character, setting and plot. In addition to reading novels, short stories, poetry, newspapers and scripts, film serves as a vehicle for understanding how a writer conveys meaning to an audience.  Creative writing assignments and artistic projects encourage alternative modes of student response to the literature. The course is designed to complement the sixth grade English course, thus providing students with a strong array of skills in reading and writing to build a solid foundation in the language arts as they enter into the middle school years.

7th Grade English

The seventh grade English curriculum guides students through the process of writing and reading in a variety of genres and on a variety of themes relevant to seventh graders. The goal is for students to gain an appreciation and enjoyment of language that will sustain them as lifelong learners.

Students engage as readers early in the year by choosing their own novels and non-fiction book; the class also reads books together.Lois Lowry'sThe Giver provides them with an excellent model for their own fiction writing; George Orwell's Animal Farm leads to work on the persuasive essay and a look at advertising as a form of propaganda; William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night gives students the chance to act and direct in class, and to master a difficult but rewarding text. Students also read as part of smaller literary circles a historical fiction novel of the group's choice: Wolf by the Ears, Fever 1793, Bull Run, The Ransom of Mercy Carter, or Lyddie). We also read a wide selection of poetry.

Students write their own poetry, memoirs, book summaries, short fiction, and persuasive essays. Sample texts from published writers serve as inspiration. The year concludes with 7th graders pairing up with the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes for weekly reading sessions. Drawing on the writing strategies practiced and mastered all year, the 7th graders write and illustrate professionally bound picture books for their young (and admiring) reading partners.

8th Grade English

Eighth grade English is designed to build a bridge between the middle school years and the impending transition to high school.  Through writing and literature, we further develop and explore a sense of self and identity with a focus on the role of the individual and his or her responsibilities within a community.  Texts and assignments build in nuance and complexity to match the development of the adolescent brain and its abilities to engage in abstract thinking.  Texts are also chosen to represent a diverse array of genres and voices, and currently include The House on Mango Street, Persepolis, The Secret Life of Bees and Peace Like A River.  Written assignments mimic this variety and place an emphasis on freeing the connection between brain and pen.  Additionally, interwoven study of vocabulary and grammar provides important structural support to the development of critical thinking powers and their articulation.

6th Grade History: Developing Societies

The 6th grade History course travels to many places, time periods, and peoples.  We begin the year with mini-units on areas of social science: world geography, cartography, material culture and archaeology.  The culmination of the fall term is the "Create a Country" project, where students demonstrate their understanding of global location, topography, climate, economic and cultural concepts by developing a society of their own.  In the winter term, the study of the Vikings involves learning about the geography of the regions they inhabited, raided, or explored.  Following the Vikings and their wide-ranging travels, we segue into a study of emergent medieval society in Europe.  Tracing the development of European society from the Dark Ages to the High Middle Ages, we discover how architecture and literature provide windows onto the lives of people and their places in a structured society.  Our final unit of the year brings us to a very different place but a parallel time period: the West African kingdoms of Mali, Songhai, and Ghana.  After reviewing the effect of geography on these societies, students explore the development of each culture and their progression and end the year with a look at the West African slave trade of the 17th-19th centuries and its impact on West Africa.

In addition to our work with the Developing Societies curriculum, class time is used once a week throughout the year to explore students' understanding of Quaker history and Friends' beliefs and practices.  Students develop their understanding of Meeting for Worship and why, as a Friends school, we hold to certain emphases and practices.  Many of these lessons also provide an opportunity to explore and celebrate the diversity of religious and spiritual practices among our student community.

Seventh Grade United States History

To begin our study of history, students select historical events from their own lives to create a personal time line. The first unit of the course focuses on the encounter between the Europeans and the indigenous people in the Caribbean. Students complete a map of Central America and the West Indies as well as a world map to identify locations significant to the topic. A creative planet map, designed to parallel errors in mapmaking that affected early world views, allows us to begin the discussion of the validity of different kinds of historical documents. In addition to working on outlining skills and writing clear, concise paragraphs, students develop skills to distinguish fact from opinion as they interpret events.

In the second unit, in order to explain the development of the United States, exploration and colonization of the Americas centers on the English experience. Colonization of the Virginia and New England regions is compared to set the stage for future North/South divisions. Our examination of the role of women and Africans in the colonies enables students to begin to understand the history of their treatment in the United States. To encourage students to synthesize the complex issues involved in early colonization, students assume the role of a colonist writing a letter home to England in the early 1600s. The trimester ends with a mini-unit on Pre-Revolutionary events. As they delve into the restrictions placed on colonists’ liberties, they uncover explanations for the ideas developed in The Constitution and its Bill of Rights.

After some analysis on The Constitution, the second trimester begins with a four-part project on The Bill of Rights. Students work in pairs and individually to research, analyze and interpret a contemporary issue related to The Bill of Rights.

The rest of the trimester is focused on three major areas of change in the 19th century: Westward Expansion, the Industrial Revolution and Slavery and Pre-Civil War events. The geographical changes created by the Lousiana Purchase lead into an investigation of its impact on Native Americans. Students’ knowledge of the geography of the West and key dates and events, as well as their ability to interpret and apply information is demonstrated in a unit test. As pioneers ventured into the new western lands, their experiences were often expressed in diaries from which students read excerpts. Reading for the main point, highlighting , note taking and map reading skills are focused on and applied to a Women’s Diary project. During our study of causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution, we investigated inventions, child labor and other economic implications. One effect, the increase of slavery in the 1800s and its social and political impact, is examined in depth. As we examine the widening split between the North and South, we learn selected causes of the Civil War. To understand the aftermath of the war and its connection to the Civil Rights Movement, the Reconstruction period is delved into.

Towards the end of the second trimester, the stage is set for the major research project. Students choose a famous person from the 20th century who had a significant impact on her/his field. As the third trimester begins, they investigate the person’s life from birth, focusing on early influences, actions and decisions that helped to determine the person’s role in and effect on society. Research skills are the emphasis as students work through the process of locating sources, using an index, taking notes and creating an outline. Each student then writes her /his research paper complete with citations and a reference list. Students are evaluated on the quality of the paper’s content as well as its mechanics. In character and with prepared notes, students orally present their research to the class. Each student designs a visual aid as a supplement to the presentation.

The 1920s and The Depression follow the research project. A mini-unit on Japanese Internment during WWII is followed by our final unit on the Civil Rights Movement. In our study of the causes and effects of events that occurred in both eras, we discuss the legacies that are evident today.

Eighth Grade History: Global Studies

Global Studies is designed to lay a foundation for an expanded view of geography as a method of inquiry into regional and global issues.  In this trimester-length course, students will study the human and physical geography of several regions as a way to analyze and to understand how "place" is related to issues.  As geographers do, students will be involved in graphing, mapping and describing the geographic patterns of statistics.  This beginning exploration involves issues in West Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia with particular emphasis on nation building, human rights and population topics.

Eighth Grade History: Latin America

This trimester-long course provides an intensive study of a small selection of important questions about Latin America. When and how did the first humans arrive in the Americas? Upon what evidence have theories been offered to answer this question? What are some of the possibilities and limitations of writing history and of making conclusions about the past? In what ways did civilization arise in the Americas? Why was the success of the Maya unlikely, and their fate both mysterious yet in many ways parallel to our own? How did we translate their writing? What were some of the global forces that led Europe to conquer the Americas rather than vice versa? What factors were most influential in the reshaping of the New World? As time allows, we will examine some of the environmental, economic, racial and political realities of modern Latin America. Through a combination of reading, writing, class discussion, lecture, geography, group work, and art, each student will improve their study skills as well as work to understand the questions above.

Eighth Grade History: Middle Eastern History

Middle Eastern History acquaints students with the geography, religion, culture and history of this part of the world, and helps deepen our students' understanding of Judaism and Christianity by comparing and contrasting the three Abrahamic, monotheistic faiths.

The geography unit examines the physical and political geography of the region, including how the concept of the Middle East is a Western construct. Students develop media literacy as they learn the techniques and assumptions of modern media, and how they can shape the viewer's understanding of the world.  We apply these ideas by looking at how the image of the Arabs has been distorted by Western media. 

Part of the course is devoted to Islam, and includes learning about the prophet Mohammad, the Qur'an, the Hadith, the five pillars of Islam, and the wide variety within the Islamic culture. The role of women, the concept of jihad, and the experience of this region under European colonialism during the 19th and 20th centuries, including the periods of the Ottoman Empire, World War One, and the British and French Mandates are also explored.  Students look at the history of oil in the region and how the American addiction to it has driven our foreign policy in the Middle East.

Finally, there is an examination of the experience of particular countries during this period, including Israel/Palestine, Iran and Iraq.  With Israel and Palestine, students explore the origins of Zionism, the British promises during World War One to the Arabs and to the Jews, the growing tensions between Arabs and Jews during the British mandate, and the issues that have arisen since Israel's independence.

6th Grade Spanish

In 6th grade students are required to take Spanish. Students in Spanish will be introduced to the study of language in general and specifically they will focus on Spanish pronunciation, vocabulary and verbal expression.

7th Grade Latin

In 7th grade students may elect to take Latin or Spanish. Students in Latin will be introduced to the fundamentals of the language, with a focus on translating from Latin to English, grammar and basic language structures, vocabulary and English derivatives. Students may elect to continue with Latin in 8th grade or, armed with a strong foundation, begin the study of a different language.

7th Grade Spanish

In 7th grade students may elect to take Latin or Spanish. Students in Spanish will continue with the study of Spanish that they began in 6th grade. There will be a continuing focus on grammar, pronunciation, understanding oral expression and the study of Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. Students may elect to continue with Spanish in 8th grade or, armed with a strong foundation, begin the study of a different language.

8th Grade French

Using the French in Action audio/visual series and the French First Year text, this course introduces students to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural topics.

8th Grade Latin

8th Grade Latin introduces students to the fundamentals of the language through Latin stories concerning classical mythology, history and culture. Emphasis is placed on translation from Latin to English, grammar and basic language structures, vocabulary and English derivatives. The course provides a strong preparation for further study in Latin and modern languages.

8th Grade Spanish

Through speaking, listening, reading and study, first- and second-year students learn simple vocabulary and basic structures. They build a base for further study and more complex communication, becoming acquainted with the cultures and history of Spanish-speaking peoples. The series, Destinos, is used extensively to supplement the text.

8th Grade Mandarin

This Mandarin Chinese course is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of Chinese. Students will be introduced to elementary Chinese and be given a basic knowledge of Chinese geography, history and cultural heritage. They will learn essential grammar and basic everyday vocabulary in an oral/aural context. Students are expected to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Games and art work will be planned to integrate language elements with cultural themes.

6th Grade Essential Math

The sixth grade essential math section starts the year by reviewing place values, the value of digits and numbers, and how numbers can be compared and ordered. This is followed by the study of order of operations, powers, and square roots, using the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with both whole numbers and decimals. Special attention is devoted to making certain that every student has mastered the multiplication tables. Algebraic expressions, simple algebraic equation-solving, and word problem solving strategies including the use of tables, finding patterns, guess and check, multistep problems, and working backwards are covered All of the second trimester focuses on fractions and related skills. Students learn to identify factors, prime and composite numbers, greatest common factor, and least common multiple. We study equivalent fractions, and we learn to identify the least common denominator and to identify a fraction in simplest form. Students learn to compare and order fractions and to identify a mixed number as a fraction and vice versa. This is followed by working with the addition and subtraction of like and unlike fractions as well as mixed numbers. Finally students learn how to multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers. Word problem-solving activities are included throughout the trimester. During the last trimester students learn to change a fraction to a decimal and vice versa. This is then related to the skill of determining how to convert a decimal or a fraction to a percent and vice versa. Students work with practical examples of how to use fractions, decimals, and percents. Students then begin an examinations of some geometry skills. They learn how to classify lines, angles, polygons, and solid figures. They learn how to find the perimeters of some polygons as well as area of the same polygons. They identify the parts of a circle and learn how to find the circumference and the area of a circle. Word problem-solving activities also occur throughout the this trimester.

6th Grade Regular Math

The sixth grade regular math section starts the year with a review of place value, the value of digits and numbers, and how numbers can be compared and ordered. We continue with the study of the order of operations, powers and square roots, using the four operations with both whole numbers and decimals, algebraic expressions, and problem solving strategies including using tables, finding patterns, guess-and-check, multistep problems, and working backward. In the second term we work on graphing, statistics and probability, number theory, and a wide range of skills with fractions, including estimating and finding sums, differences, products, and quotients with fractions. We also explore the relationships between fractions and decimals. Our work on problem solving strategies is ongoing, and we continue to work with patterns and multistep problems, as well as graphs and diagrams. By the third term we work on metric and customary measurement, ratios, proportions and percents, and geometry, including perimeter, area and volume. In problem solving, in addition to the continuation of skills already introduced, we work on scale drawings, circle graphs, and formulas. We finish the year with an introduction to integers, and a review of simple algebra.

6th Grade Advanced Math

This course builds on the students' enthusiasm for math and prepares them for the study of algebra in the 7th grade. Essentially a pre-algebra course, we start work with variables while we review fundamental concepts and topics and throughout the year revisit standard 6th grade material (fractions, ratio, percent etc.), but use those topics with algebraic applications. The first trimester covers decimals, place value, and solving equations with variables. The second trimester covers fractions, percents and geometric relationships. Each is used as an application for our work with writing and solving algebraic equations as a manner of solving problems. The spring term will finish area and volume and go on to mastery of basic operations with integers, coordinate graphing of linear equations, and an introduction to probability and statistics. Following the national standards we are striving to make students more fully numerate and comfortable relating to math in real world applications: in problem solving, logical sequencing, and creative thinking. Students in this course are introduced to comprehensive course exams as well as assembling a portfolio of their work which structures their self-examination as a math student. Daily homework and introduction of new procedures are enlivened by use of brainteasers, games, logic problems, and group exercises to expand their thinking and increase their proficiency.

7th Grade Essential Math

Students in the essential section of seventh grade math begin the year with a review of whole number and decimal operations. This is followed by a review of the order of operations; commutative, associative, distributive, and zero properties; notation and use of exponents, and scientific notation. At each of these stages, they work with equations and word problems, continually reinforcing their deductive reasoning and problem solving skills. Students work with the concepts of prime and composite numbers, factorization, least common denominator, greatest common factor, least common multiple, and mixed numbers while we discuss rational numbers and review operations with fractions. They also review proportion, ratio and percent. Learning about negative numbers and absolute value challenges the students conceptually, making the math more abstract. This involves expanding ideas students have long held about math (For example, the “-“ symbol no longer means only “minus;” it also indicates a negative number. This means that what they once conceived of as a subtraction problem can now be seen as an addition problem using a negative number.). Additionally, student work to solve 1, 2 and 3 step equations with variables, learning to use inverse operations. Textbook based math curriculum is mixed with a hearty dose of logic puzzles and math games. The students are involved in two long projects during the year: a salary project for which they are all assigned jobs, debts, and families, and then calculate living expenses, and taxes before writing a budget for themselves; and a quilting project for which they design a quilt, then calculate proportions and percent totals for each fabric chosen. A spreadsheet program is used specifically for calculations and graphing of the salary project.

7th Grade Regular Math

visit the Math Forum site for T. John's class

Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra is a year-long course that begins with a review of mathematical expressions, order of operations, exponents and the decimal system, and the basic properties. We then concentrate on integers and using all of the operations with positive and negative numbers. We then do the same with rational numbers, including making equivalent fractions, and also changing fractions into decimals and vice versa. We work with equations and variables, and study how one uses the four operations with equations to solve for the variable, and then use those skills to solve inequalities. We also study the coordinate plane, graphing equations, systems of equations, and inequalities. We study geometry by identifying the parts of points, lines, planes and geometric shapes, how they are constructed and how they are measured in length, area and volume. We examine right triangles and use algebra to solve problems with the Pythagorean Theorem. We end with a unit on statistics and probability.

7th Grade Pre-Algebra

Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra is a year-long course that begins with a review of mathematical expressions, order of operations, exponents, the decimal system, and the basic properties.  Subsequently, we explore these topics with positive, negative and rational numbers.  A major focus is on the skills needed to use variables and solve equations.  We apply these skills to the coordinate plane and to a study of geometry.  Throughout the year, the class engages in a variety of real-world applications of their skills.  Projects include a unit on intelligent financial practices, maintaining and funding a micro-loan project in developing countries, electronic and hand construction of tessellations, and a scale drawing puzzle project of countries in the Middle East.

7th Grade Advanced Math

The advanced section of math is designed for students with a strong pre-algebra background, a demonstrated aptitude for abstract thinking, and a willingness to work intensively on math. After a quick review of real number properties and operations, focusing on the order of operations, this course covers roughly half of a rigorous Algebra One program. Major topics will include manipulating algebraic expressions, solving a variety of multi-step equations, linear graphing, working with exponents, factoring, rational expressions and problem solving. In addition, extensive work is done in computer programming and data processing.

8th Grade Essential Math

This section is designed to develop both the specific mathematical skills of introductory algebra and the general study skills to help students more successfully demonstrate and build upon their knowledge. After an extensive review of real number properties, especially the order of operations, working with negative and positive integers, recognizing like terms, and distributing, the course will cover many of the elements of algebraic manipulation and problem solving. It is intended to prepare the students to do well in an Algebra One class in 9th grade. Students are expected to take thorough notes and to record each problem in neat, stepwise fashion in an orderly and well-maintained notebook.

8th Grade Regular Math

visit the Math Forum site for T. John's class

This course assumes a solid base in Pre-Algebra: solutions to 1st degree equations, and all basic operations with integers and fractions. Because of developmental readiness some students may be able to finish this course and test out of the Algebra I course, while others will use it as the first part of a two year study of Algebra I. Students plunge right in with the first trimester covering order of operations, solving equations, writing equations from word problems, and coordinate graphing. Daily exercises from the text leading to quizzes and tests are the spine of the course, with other materials, logic problems, and games, fleshing it out. Work with exponents, radicals, and factoring second degree equations make up the bulk of the material for the second trimester, and in the third trimester students study the quadratic formula and perform operations with rational expressions. Pace for this course is not absolute but is determined by the success of the students. If assessments reveal difficulties then material may be revisited to assure greater mastery. Students end the year with a comprehensive exam which is evaluated to determine student placement for the following year.

8th Grade Advanced Math

Algebra I (Adv.) in 8th grade is also part of the Upper School mathematics curriculum at Westtown School and students who successfully complete this course will earn an Upper School credit and meet the prerequisite for Geometry and Geometry (Adv.). Algebra I (Adv.) covers in greater depth and rigor all of the traditional topics in an Algebra I course. After developing the system of Real Numbers as a framework for the study of Algebra, students learn various techniques for simplifying and factoring algebraic expressions, explore concepts in coordinate geometry, and solve linear and quadratic equations and functions as they study a wide-variety of real-life applications problems.

6th Grade Science

6th grade science is a general introduction to scientific inquiry and begins with a study of endangered species. Students work in groups to research a specific endangered animal and identify factors that cause species to become endangered. Students participate in the Adopt-an-Animal program and visit the Philadelphia Zoo to find out how zoos are working to save animals worldwide.  During the second unit on trees and forests, each student participates in a month long observation of a deciduous tree. Because observation is at the heart of scientific inquiry students are asked to record detailed observations through written notes and drawings each week. These observations are summarized in a formal report. The unit includes the study of the structure of trees, their importance and a comparison of our deciduous forest with rainforests.

The chemistry unit explores the nature of matter through lab investigations about the chemical and physical properties of mixtures and compounds. Important scientific skills include observing, drawing conclusions and writing an organized and coherent lab report. In addition, students learn to participate in a safe and responsible manner in the lab setting. The chemistry unit lays the foundation for the study of geology, in which students will explore the interior of the earth and the study of rocks and minerals. The geology unit concludes with the study of plate tectonics. Students explore such topics as causes and prediction of earthquakes and volcanoes.

The final unit of the year is the study of freshwater wetlands. In this unit students study the ecology as well as the importance of these areas. This unit culminates in an overnight field trip to the Pinelands in New Jersey where students will do field study through hiking and canoeing.

7th Grade Life Science

In Life Science, students explore the living world and its various levels of organization. Through hands-on experiences and projects, students develop skills in observation, problem solving, identification of unknown species and much more. The goal is to develop student awareness of and respect for all living things and the environments on which they depend. The year begins with a study of the Delaware River and the Scientific Method. The Scientific Method is a systematic approach to problem solving that is used to evaluate unique situations and develop creative experiments to test hypotheses. The class then progresses into an in-depth analysis of the Invertebrate animal group. The second term focuses on the structure and function behind all living things, cells.  After cells, we delve into evolution and disease.  The spring brings back the animal kingdom with an exploration of vertebrates.  We study their groupings, characteristics, interactions, and connections to the greater environment.   Throughout the year we enjoy time working in our organic, biointensive gardening program located on the Westtown campus.

8th Grade Introductory Physical Science

Introductory Physical Science (IPS) is a laboratory course which gives our students a beginning knowledge of physical science and offers insight into the means by which scientific knowledge is acquired, collected, and interpreted. Emphasis is placed on performing classroom experiments safely using the scientific method. This course helps students to understand some of the basic principles of physical science and to acquire useful laboratory skills; it also encourages the exercise of reasoning skills. The course further provides an opportunity for students to develop their ability to communicate by requiring the individual student to take part in a collective learning process. IPS students learn from nature, the text, their teachers, and each other. The theme of the course is the development of evidence for an atomic model of matter. Rather than broadly surveying the entire field of physical science, we have taken a well-defined path toward this major objective. The method employed to achieve the goals is one of experimentation and guided reasoning. Students take a “hands-on” approach while conducting classroom experiments to explore the laws of nature. Students explore topics such as mass, volume, characteristic properties, solubility, elements, compounds, mixtures, separation of substances, and the atomic model of matter. Emphasis is placed on how these topics are applicable to everyday life activities. Students are also given the opportunity to conduct their own scientific investigation during the annual Science Fair. They are encouraged to take an area of specific interest and devise their own project to present and defend to the class. Units on first aid are also included in the course.

6th Grade Health

In 6th grade Health, the focus is on making wise decisions. There are three major units: Relationships, Nutrition, and Smoking. In the Relationships unit, we concentrate on self-esteem, friendships, and family relationships - realizing that while the dynamics may be different, there are some skills that can apply to all relationships - such as our conflict resolution model. We take a field trip to the ropes course to use this model to solve a "problem" on one of the ropes course elements. There are some reading and role playing activities and some group work - both small and large groups - to use these interpersonal skills in class. The goal of the nutrition unit is to teach the students what the major groups of nutrients do for their bodies and how to make wise food choices to suit their needs for any particular situation. We use the food guide pyramid, as well as many sample food labels to put together menus for hypothetical situations - ie: you have a championship soccer game tomorrow, you think you are coming down with a cold, you have been feeling sluggish lately, etc... The students keep a food diary for a day and we make an overall class food pyramid using math to find an average of the number of servings of a particular food group. We also take a trip to the school garden and discuss the nutrients found in what we are harvesting or planting. The smoking unit is based on advertising and peer pressure and we discuss making wise choices in keeping with one’s personal and/or family values.

7th Grade Health

This course is designed to guide students to explore and research topics about personal hygiene and behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle. The students learn basic human anatomy and physiology of various systems of the body and how to practice preventative care to maintain a healthy body system. Class discussions, lecture and cooperative work, in addition to various written and research assignments are used to enhance the overall learning of the material. The first part of the course focuses on what makes a health body system and the maintenance of homeostasis. The skin, eyes, ears and immune system are explored from a multidisciplinary approach. Environmental stress and issues of modern approaches to medical care are discussed. Disease prevention and infectious and non-infectious diseases are researched from both historical and present day contexts. A group called Freedom from Chemical Dependency does a week-long course on drugs and alcohol prevention. The students learn about the affects of drugs and alcohol on the body and the personal cost to friends and family. The latter part of the course covers stress management, eating disorders and body image. The use of videos, speakers, web research and individual projects guide the students understanding so they can make informed choices. Developing critical analytical skills about health claims and new medical research help the students develop a more global perspective of health care.

8th Grade Health

This course is designed to explore and study the science of Human Sexuality. The students are guided through discussions about human sexuality in cooperative groups and dyads and triads of mixed gender as well as same gender. The students use journal writing to examine their ideas and explore new ideas about sexual health. The first part of the class concentrates on the anatomy of the reproductive system and the proper hygiene of that system. This leads the class into issues about gender and relationships. The class reads various articles and materials to support their ability to analyze and dialogue about research and editorial writings. Issues about the psychological aspects of adolescence and growth and development are also debated. The latter part of the course studies issues of abstinence, homophobia, dating and sexual harassment. The use of videos, speakers, role-play and textbook materials guide the class discussions and writing assignments. Life skills are the underlining theme of this course. The goal of this course is to help the students develop greater self-awareness and knowledge about how they will change throughout their lives.

6th Grade Home Economics

In 6th Grade Home Economics students work to understand terms, directions and techniques needed for culinary and textile projects. The results of the students' cooking efforts are several delectable treats. Moving on, the students learn to use the sewing machines, which require directional and mechanical applications. Creatively, students create a highly individualistic pillow as a culminating project. Students also use their expertise to create gifts that support the middle school community service initiatives. Throughout the course basic First Aid instruction is given. This practical knowledge is helpful in the classroom, on the playing field, and at home.

7th Grade Decisions

This discussion based, opened ended course uses a loose-leaf compilation of information sheets and exercises as a springboard. Meeting a single period a week for three terms, it responds to the needs and interests of students and is non-graded. At its best the course succeeds when the students accept the concept of the course as a confidential, anonymous discussion and openly share their opinions and feelings about issues in their lives. Two recurring exercises are some form of values clarification exercise and the “Dear Abby” exercise, in which students address a concern of theirs to Dear Abby and then the cards are read to the class and the class gives the writer advice. We have used some other exercises consistently: on the nature of decisions, on gender issues, on diversity, on time management, on the value of “I” language and on conflict resolution. There are additional resources on aging, AIDS, sexual awareness, tobacco, alcohol, death and drugs.

 

8th Grade Ethics

This nine-week course builds on each eighth grader's experience thinking about some of the personal decisions they may confront in the future. In Ethics, we will reflect upon some of the decisions that we have to make for ourselves as we live and grow together as a society and a species. We will explore and utilize a variety of disciplines in this course, for example, religion, philosophy, political science, history, ecology, and sociology, examining hypothetical situations as well as actual ones. We will concentrate on issues that currently or recently affected real human beings; therefore, our topics will often come from contemporary and historical events. Topics vary each quarter and often respond to current events. What does not vary is the expectation that each student will bring an open mind to class and treat their colleagues with respect. This is a course which involves reading, research, essay writing, class discussion, public speaking, and community service. Students also complete a 10 hour individual service project for this course.