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           MATH

Grade 5 students build on their earlier math skills to tackle higher level operations. Rounding, estimation, measurement and capacity, basic geometry, patterns and coordinate graphing are covered at this level. In addition, students expand their multiplication and division skills to two and three places, begin decimal concepts using all four operations, and begin grappling with fraction concepts. The 5th grade math curriculum also works to sharpen problem solving abilities and to hone critical thinking skills.

THE SCIENCES

Science in the Middle School is divided into four core curriculum areas: Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science and Chemistry, which are presented in two-year cycles.  Study of the sciences involves science lectures and readings with laboratory work at least twice a week.

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The Earth Science cycle takes the students on a journey to the center of the earth.  They discuss various theories of plate tectonics, continental drift, ocean formation, structure of the earth and earthquake and volcanic activity.  Students study the water cycle, the planets, the atmosphere and weather.  In the culminating activity for the Earth Science unit, students will produce a detailed three-dimensional project depicting their understanding of our Earth and its structures.

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Life Sciences explore the plant and animal kingdoms by examining plant and animal cell structure, division and function. These activities lead to the study of human anatomy and the structure and functions of the various organ systems.

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The students’ knowledge of the human anatomy and the human condition will continue as they complete the dissection (actual or virtual on the computer) of a frog.

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Chemistry studies explore the properties and changes of properties in matter. Students discuss the elements of the periodic tables, acids and bases, polymers and chemical and physical changes. The course covers the properties of density, boiling point, solubility and flammability. Students will also learn the language of chemistry and balance equations.

In addition, students study environmental issues facing the world today: alternative energy sources, rainforest ecology, recycling opportunities and air and water quality. The unit culminates in an environmental project designed and implemented by each student.

Each year students develop a project of scientific inquiry and display their findings at the annual Science Fair.

5th and 6th grade students apply reading skills toward higher-level understandings. Students engage in detailed studies of material from different literary sources.  The curriculum is designed to develop specific reading skills including: identification of the main idea, drawing conclusions when reading, making inferences from text, comparing and contrasting characters, settings and plots in stories, and examining story themes.

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Students also work independently reading novels of choice within a given theme. Using these books, students examine literary themes: family, relationships, and death and dying and write reading responses in their journals.

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Students generate projects as extensions to their reading. Ideas and scenes inspire dioramas, clay models, mobiles, drawings and paintings. Characters and action are immortalized in story sequels written by the students.

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Students become proficient in the mechanics of English with studies in spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage. Practice in formal writing--correspondence, summary paragraphs and reports--is balanced by creative writing and personal experience stories.

Students generate projects as extensions to their reading. Ideas and scenes inspire dioramas, clay models, mobiles, drawings and paintings. Characters and action are immortalized in story sequels written by the students.

Students become proficient in the mechanics of English with studies in spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage. Practice in formal writing--correspondence, summary paragraphs and reports--is balanced by creative writing and personal experience stories.

Students utilize literature to connect reading and social studies.  Lists for independent reading include multi-ethnic selections and historical fiction appropriate to social studies topics as well as traditional classics.  The mysteries genre involves students in paired-shared activities.  The exploration of poetry and its different forms is included at this level.  Novel studies in Grades 7 and 8 incorporate guided reading activities, reading response logs, whole group work, Literature Circles and advanced reading strategies to bring reading skills to a more mature level. Graphic organizers, independent study, and reading extensions add an extra dimension to the student's understanding.

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Literary studies are a springboard for written forms. Students enter responses to daily reading in their journals. Character studies spring from the reading experience. Students experiment with different writing styles and different forms of poetry. The classes practice the formal patterns of the essay, the persuasive paper and comparison and contrast studies. Practice in paragraph writing is expanded into the research paper.  Students learn research techniques, note taking, outlining, bibliographic and footnote entry.  Eighth grade students hone listening skills with weekly practice in note taking, outlining and summarizing from spoken texts.

To ensure that written expression is clear and effective, upper division students continue studies in spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage.

Students in the 5th and 6th grades study World History in two-year cycles.

Year 1 begins with the rise of civilizations along the ancient Tigris, Euphrates, Nile and Indus Rivers. Students trace the development of cities and empires, trade and culture through Ancient Sumer, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Focus then turns from the Mediterranean basin to civilizations of the East, especially the history and culture of China. Students then turn their attention to the African continent, its peoples and its varied cultures.

Students supplement classroom studies with visits to the Art Institute for a first-hand look at the artifacts of the cultures they study. At the Spertus Museum they participate in hands-on archeology, digging for reproductions of Ancient Near Eastern artifacts such as pottery shards, spearheads, mosaic tiles and clay figures.

Year 2 begins with the height of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, moves through Medieval Europe and the rise of modern Europe. Students study the effects of European Imperialism and Exploration as the nations of Western Europe as first contact leads to conflict with the Empires of Central and South America.

In addition to group work and independent study in history and culture, students benefit from cross-curricular activities in their art and language arts classes. Readings in mythology, historical fiction and novels from the Medieval period give students the flavor of the culture.

Each year, students also develop local history projects for the annual Lake View/Ravenswood History Competition.

Year 1 of the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies curriculum begins with a study of the cultures and peoples of the native tribes of North America and their encounters with the first European colonists. Students follow the struggles of the 13 English colonies and their War for Independence and observe the forging of a new nation with a new constitution. (Special emphasis is placed on study of the United States Constitution, in preparation for the state-required Constitution exam.) The year closes with a study of the Civil War. Cross-curricular readings pertinent to the historical topics add depth to the student's understanding of these times.

Year 2 picks up with the Reconstruction and expansion of the young nation across the continent. The turn of the 20th century brings an in depth study of immigration and the Ellis Island experience. The rise of World Nationalism and the conflicts between modern nations brings the countries of Europe to World War I. Study of World War II is supplemented by an in depth look at the Holocaust. Students also participate in the national "Facing History" to examine social injustices, in particular, the Holocaust.

All students in 6th through 8th grade generate an extensive research paper on an Illinois history topic relating to the National History Day theme of the year (2009-2010 - Innovation in History: Impact and Change). Suggested topics carrying out the National Theme are offered to students at the beginning of the year so that they may develop an extensive research bibliography of primary sources from which to construct their papers. Top papers are selected to be developed into entries in the Chicago Metro History Fair. For this competition, students may continue with a refined research paper or may expand into an exhibit, a dramatic performance or a media presentation. With these projects they may advance to the state and national competitions.

Students also expand their primary source research skills as they develop an annual local history project for the Lake View/Ravenswood History Competition.

Centered around the Voyages series, the 5th and 6th graders explore God's Word in the Bible and input the life of Martin Luther. Assignments are completed in student workbooks.

The 7th grade students receive Confirmation instruction using Luther's Small Catechism as the basis for discussions, memory work and written assignments.

8th grade students use the Choices series for Bible-based discussions of contemporary issues affecting today's teenagers. In addition, the 8th graders take weekly sermon reports in order to reinforce note-taking, outlining and summarizing skills.

5th and 6th grade students continue to develop their skills both in individual activities and in team sports. The program places emphasis on personal conditioning, cardiovascular strengthening, flexibility and endurance. The team sports (floor hockey, soccer, basketball and volleyball) are taught at this level. The program also includes progress in individual sports (cross country, tumbling and personal strength development).

7th and 8th grade students participate in team and individual sports, expanding and refining their skills. Coordination activities are included in the curriculum. Endurance, stamina, flexibility, and cardiovascular strengthening are emphasized in instruction. Students begin to assume responsibility for their personal physical conditioning as they develop their own fitness programs in which they will implement physical activity and proper nutrition into their lives.