Texts: The Compound (summer reading), Zeus (graphic novel), The Miracle Worker, The Sword in the Circle, selected short stories and poems.

Transcription

1 Grade 7 Middle School Academic Program English English 7: Stories and Selves (70300) English 7 SSE (70301) The Greek Mythology unit with which the course opens helps students not only become acquainted with narrative structures that continue to shape our stories and culture, but also, in working from visual as well as textual media, develop the inferencing skills that serve as the foundation they build upon throughout the year. In the poetry that follows, students learn key literary terms, negotiate the difference between literal and figurative meaning, and practice writing skills in a variety of different creative and expository formats. Both units prepare students for the heavier textual work in the study of drama and legends that follows. Critical essay assignments are structured to promote thinking that begins in key textual details and extends to deeper understandings about relationships among character, conflict, plot, and theme. Review of key grammar concepts helps students express their ideas in clear, serviceable prose. While standard 7th-grade classes apply techniques of differentiated instruction, students with identified learning needs may be placed in a Structured English class, which provides the benefit of building skills that help them succeed in the program in a smaller, more structured environment. Texts: The Compound (summer reading), Zeus (graphic novel), The Miracle Worker, The Sword in the Circle, selected short stories and poems. English 7-8 ESOL (70302) This is an English course designed for students who are speakers of other languages as their first language and who are in their first three years at CESJDS. Placement in this course is determined as part of the admissions process and is based on testing and recommendations. Interest in ESOL enrollment should be discussed with the student s guidance counselor. HISTORY SocSt: Geography and Developing World (70402) Students explore the connections among personal, social, and cultural developments and the geography, climate, and natural resources of various regions including Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. In each unit, students will examine and analyze the region s geographic characteristics, cultural history, current issues, and the relationships among geography, culture, and issues. Students will learn the methods and skills that geographers, historians, and social anthropologists use to analyze how humans interact with, affect, and are affected by the physical and climactic characteristics of the place in which they live. At the end of the course student will be able to understand and describe: 1. The essentials of geography: The World in Spatial Terms; Places and Regions; Physical Systems; Human Systems; Environment, Society, and Culture; The Uses of Geography 2. The influence of geography on the historical development of different regions of the world. 3. The historical, political, economic, and cultural characteristics of different regions of the world. 4. Some issues and challenges faced by these regions in the modern world. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

2 Math Pre-Algebra/Math 7 (70502) This course is a review of arithmetic skills and an introduction to Upper School mathematics, including basic algebra and geometry concepts. Topics covered include: uses of and operations with decimals, fractions and percents, uses of variables, solving simple equations in one variable, operations with positive and negative numbers, and problem solving. In this course, students will develop good mathematical study skills and learning strategies, as they are an integral part of the Math 7/Pre-Algebra curriculum. Students are expected to be able to master fundamental skills of the course after careful modeling by the instructor. Pre-Algebra (70500) This course introduces students to the basic concepts of Upper School mathematics: algebra and geometry. Students investigate numerical and geometric relationships using algebraic techniques. As Upper School mathematics requires students to think creatively, students learn strategies to approach more abstract and conceptual problems that appear throughout the year. In this course, students develop good mathematical study skills and learning strategies, as they are an integral part of the Pre- Algebra curriculum. Students are expected to be able to master fundamental skills of the course after careful modeling by the instructor. Enriched Pre-Algebra (70501) This course is a rigorous introduction to the basic concepts of Upper School mathematics: algebra and geometry. Students investigate numerical and geometric relationships using algebraic techniques. Developing the ability to think abstractly is a central aim of this class. In the Enriched Pre-Algebra course, students are expected to become independent learners and to develop strategies for seeking help both in and out of the classroom. This course will challenge students regularly to think mathematically while also helping students develop mathematics study skills and learning strategies. Students should be able to master fundamental and advanced skills of the course with some degree of self-sufficiency. They should be comfortable taking intellectual risks and at times, solving problems that have not been modeled yet. Algebra 7 (70503) This course rigorously introduces and explores algebraic concepts for the advanced 7th grade mathematics student. Core concepts of the course include solving equations, systems of equations, and word problems for unknown quantities; working with real numbers and integers; graphing on the Cartesian plane; combining and factoring polynomials; and solving inequalities. This course consistently challenges students while helping them develop mathematics study skills and learning strategies. These students are expected to master fundamental and advanced skills with limited modeling from the instructor, and are regularly expected to apply these skills to solve more challenging problems on their own. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

3 Science The knowledge and skills taught in our science courses have assisted many students in attaining internships at prestigious research institutions such as the NIH, FDA, NIST, NASA, Walter Reed, the Technion, and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Interested high school students should talk to their teachers about the possibilities open to them. Life Science 7 (70600) 7th grade Life Science uses the study of biology to teach students to look at the world around them through the lens of the scientific method. Life Science builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in the elementary years and, along with 8 th grade Physical Science, prepares our students for the higher level study of biology, chemistry, and physics in high school. The young scientist must learn not only the content of the discipline but how to study that content: hence much emphasis is put on laboratories related to the material, the reading of scientific literature, and the writing of procedures, observations, and conclusions. The major topics students study are: scientific method, ecology, the cell, disease, classification, cell reproduction and genetics, evolution, and anatomy and physiology. There are two major projects: a cell research poster and the Create an Animal Project. Jewish Text Students must take a full year of Tanakh and Toshba in both 7th and 8th grade. Tanakh 7 (70701) Tanakh 7 fosters love for the text and stories of the Tanakh, while also introducing concepts, ideas, and skills that allow for a more in-depth and critical study of the texts. We will learn biblical grammar, basic vocabulary, ancient Near Eastern geography, and more. In the first semester, we will do a sweeping review of the themes and narratives found in the entire Chumash, focusing on key verses. We will also begin to learn about Rashi and his commentary and other skills important to our continued study. In our second semester, we will take all of our skills from first semester and refine and apply them as we begin to study Joshua and Judges. The story of Bnai Israel conquering the land of Israel and their challenge to live together as one people under God are the subjects of our Tanakh studies. Tanakh 7 ADV (70703) Tanakh 7 fosters love for the text and stories of the Tanakh, while also introducing concepts, ideas, and skills that allow for a more in-depth and critical study of the texts. We will learn biblical grammar, basic vocabulary, ancient Near Eastern geography, and more. In the first semester, we will do a sweeping review of the themes and narratives found in the entire Chumash, focusing on key verses. We will also begin to learn about Rashi and his commentary and other skills important to our continued study. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

4 In our second semester, we will take all of our skills from first semester and refine and apply them as we begin to study Joshua and Judges. The story of Bnai Israel conquering the land of Israel and their challenge to live together as one people under God are the subjects of our Tanakh studies. This advanced (ADV) level course is designed for advanced level conceptual thinkers who have a working knowledge of Hebrew and will delve deeper into content and skills: Language of instruction: English; text is studied in Hebrew with scaffolding of specific Hebrew terms and phrases for discipline related concepts and terms. However, longer passages may be presented in English translation. Tanakh 7 Ivrit (70704) Tanakh 7 fosters love for the text and stories of the Tanakh, while also introducing concepts, ideas, and skills that allow for a more in-depth and critical study of the texts. We will learn biblical grammar, basic vocabulary, ancient Near Eastern geography, and more. In the first semester, we will do a sweeping review of the themes and narratives found in the entire Chumash, focusing on key verses. We will also begin to learn about Rashi and his commentary and other skills important to our continued study. In our second semester, we will take all of our skills from first semester and refine and apply them as we begin to study Joshua and Judges. The story of Bnai Israel conquering the land of Israel and their challenge to live together as one people under God are the subjects of our Tanakh studies. This Hebrew advanced (Ivrit) level course is designed for students who have a strong mastery over the Hebrew language. This level focuses on developing Hebrew language skills (texts, worksheets, language of instruction and discussion and all student work will be in Hebrew) and may not go into as great a depth of content and skills as the advanced (ADV) level. Both the language of instruction and text are Hebrew, with scaffolding of specific Hebrew terms and phrases for discipline related concepts and terms. Toshba 7 (70900) Toshba 7 is the first time most of our students are introduced to the discipline of Rabbinic text, interpretation, and thought. We explore the foundational texts of our tradition through the theme of relationships and responsibility to the world around us. In the first part of the course, we study themes found within the mitzvot in human relationships: how to be a good friend, how to treat others, what makes a good student and a good study partner, how to respectfully debate ideas, using your powers of speech carefully, how to treat the property of others, how to be a mentch in the world around us. The second part of the course begins with a unit learning about the traditions of and development of kashrut. The remainder of the year will focus on themes found within the mitzvot between humans and God. We study Brachot (blessings), the Siddur, and a very basic introduction to Jewish theology. We will be studying texts from the Mishna, from the Gemara, from the Siddur, and from various other rabbinic sources. Each of the units combines traditional text study with personal reflection and class discussion. We develop skills in reading traditional rabbinic texts, recognizing patterns in the Mishna and Gemara, the geography of the Siddur, the anatomy of the traditional bracha and the structure of traditional Jewish ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

5 prayer. Along with introducing the discipline of Jewish study, we also develop strong relationships within the class, learning the methodology of how to best study in chevruta with study partners. Toshba 7 ADV (70902) Toshba 7 is the first time most of our students are introduced to the discipline of Rabbinic text, interpretation, and thought. We explore the foundational texts of our tradition through the theme of relationships and responsibility to the world around us. In the first part of the course, we study themes found within the mitzvot in human relationships: how to be a good friend, how to treat others, what makes a good student and a good study partner, how to respectfully debate ideas, using your powers of speech carefully, how to treat the property of others, how to be a mentch in the world around us. The second part of the course begins with a unit learning about the traditions of and development of kashrut. The remainder of the year will focus on themes found within the mitzvot between humans and God. We study Brachot (blessings), the Siddur, and a very basic introduction to Jewish theology. We will be studying texts from the Mishna, from the Gemara, from the Siddur, and from various other rabbinic sources. Each of the units combines traditional text study with personal reflection and class discussion. We develop skills in reading traditional rabbinic texts, recognizing patterns in the Mishna and Gemara, the geography of the Siddur, the anatomy of the traditional bracha and the structure of traditional Jewish prayer. Along with introducing the discipline of Jewish study, we also develop strong relationships within the class, learning the methodology of how to best study in chevruta with study partners. This advanced (ADV) level course is designed for advanced level conceptual thinkers who have a working knowledge of Hebrew and will delve deeper into content and skills: Language of instruction: English; text is studied in Hebrew with scaffolding of specific Hebrew terms and phrases for discipline related concepts and terms. However, longer passages may be presented in English translation. Toshba 7 Ivrit (70903) Toshba 7 is the first time most of our students are introduced to the discipline of Rabbinic text, interpretation, and thought. We explore the foundational texts of our tradition through the theme of relationships and responsibility to the world around us. In the first part of the course, we study themes found within the mitzvot in human relationships: how to be a good friend, how to treat others, what makes a good student and a good study partner, how to respectfully debate ideas, using your powers of speech carefully, how to treat the property of others, how to be a mentch in the world around us. The second part of the course begins with a unit learning about the traditions of and development of kashrut. The remainder of the year will focus on themes found within the mitzvot between humans and God. We study Brachot (blessings), the Siddur, and a very basic introduction to Jewish theology. We will be studying texts from the Mishna, from the Gemara, from the Siddur, and from various other rabbinic sources. Each of the units combines traditional text study with personal reflection and class discussion. We develop skills in reading traditional rabbinic texts, recognizing patterns in the Mishna and Gemara, the geography of the Siddur, the anatomy of the traditional bracha and the structure of traditional Jewish prayer. Along with introducing the discipline of Jewish study, we also develop strong relationships within the class, learning the methodology of how to best study in chevruta with study partners. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

6 This Hebrew advanced (Ivrit) level course is designed for students who have a strong mastery over the Hebrew language. This level focuses on developing Hebrew language skills (texts, worksheets, language of instruction and discussion and all student work will be in Hebrew) and may not go into as great a depth of content and skills as the advanced (ADV) level. Both the language of instruction and text are Hebrew, with scaffolding of specific Hebrew terms and phrases for discipline related concepts and terms. Hebrew Our Hebrew curriculum in grades 7-10 has been designed by our Hebrew department, in consultation with experts in Israel. Courses are offered at four proficiency levels in each grade, and there are also courses specifically for native speakers and for beginners (Ulpan). Each course includes four components: Vocabulary and language structures, the work will increase in complexity as students advance in their proficiency. Literature. Depending upon level, students may read an original Hebrew novel, a collection of short stories, or an abridged text intended for non-native speakers. This element of the course is designed to support the development of decoding and reading comprehension skills. Day-to-day conversations (sichot yom yom). Attention is devoted to developing conversational skills and vocabulary appropriate for everyday situations that a Hebrew speaker might encounter in Israel. The focus is on relevance of content and on promoting fluency in speech. Current events (chadashot hayom). Students read about and discuss world events in Hebrew, utilizing internet-based news sources geared toward a variety of different levels (from beginners through native speakers). Ivrit 7/8 Ulpan (70805) Ivrit 7 INT (70820) Ivrit 7 Mechinah (70822) Ivrit 7 ADV (70819) Ivrit 7 (70821) Ivrit 7/8: RNS (70812) Health and Exercise Science All Middle School Students are required to take one semester of Health and Physical Education in both 7 th and 8 th grades. PE 7(A) (71403, semester 1) PE 7(B) (71404, semester 2) Middle school students take part in physical activities that address each component of health-related fitness, including muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory health and fitness. They can assess their personal fitness status for each component. Students are introduced to the various principles of training and how they can be utilized in improving personal health and fitness. At this level, students should be able to understand the importance of physical activity for a lifetime and use this information to assist in the pursuit of activities that they enjoy in order to experience the health benefits of regular physical activity. Sport and Physical Education Class Activities include sports and team ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

7 concepts such as: soccer, flag football, basketball, recreational games, softball, floor hockey, volleyball, tennis, fitness component conditioning and running for cardiovascular fitness. Health Units include: safety, human development, healthy relationships, health and hygiene, nutrition, addiction, drug prevention and awareness, and introduction to personal fitness. All Middle School Students are required to take one semester of Health and Physical Education in both 7 th and 8 th grades. Electives Arts Electives Art and Design 7-8 (71215) May be repeated for credit. By using a variety of materials such as paint, pastel, charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor, print making, collage, and mixed media, students build their artistic skills. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to art history, explore important artistic movements, specific artists and various cultures. Formal critiques are part of the course as students learn how to talk about and assess artwork. MS Music (A) (80001, semester 1 only) MS Music (B) (80002, semester 2 only) May be repeated for credit. Students enrolled in Middle School Band learn how to perform as an ensemble, with sensitivity to musical style and tone, while strengthening the technical proficiency of their instruments. Band students improve upon performance techniques including improvisation, sight-reading and sight-singing, ensemble work and performance styles. As a prerequisite for band, students must have some prior experience with a musical instrument. Introduction to Piano 7-8 (81211) During the course of the semester, students in Intro to Piano will gain familiarity with the piano keyboard and learn music notation through basic exercise and drills the course is precisely for students who have never encountered a musical instrument before. Students learn proper hand positions, fingering, and the relationship between melody and harmony. Sculpture 7 (71218) Throughout this course, students develop a greater ability to creatively express themselves through and within a 3-D world. Students work with clay, wood, wire, fabric, and recycled materials while learning the fundamentals of balance, style, planning and organization. Students also learn about various types of sculpture and the significance of 3-D art within specific cultures across the globe. Theater 7-8 (71299) May be repeated for credit. Throughout this hands-on course, students develop performance and design skills by experiencing everything that goes into performance, including improvisational theater games, character construction, ensemble work, blocking, interpretation, rehearsal, set design, lighting design, and costuming. By taking a theater class, students gain confidence in their abilities to speak and perform in front of others. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

8 World Language Electives Spanish I (510919) This is an introductory course to the Spanish language and culture. By the end of Spanish I, the student is able to read, write and speak the language on an introductory level. Students become familiar with the Hispanic countries and their customs through the text, DVD programs and mini research and cultural projects. There are regular vocabulary quizzes as well as chapter tests. In addition to the text, students also use a workbook and online resources which accompany the text. The resources include activities such as games, flashcards, video clips, cultural readings and grammar activities which allow the student to individualize his/her method of review of previously taught material. Study Hall Electives Structured Study Hall SSH 7 (71201) Structured Study Hall is a year-long elective required for students who receive Educational Support Services. Learning Specialists work closely with students to foster independent learning and academic self-confidence. Students get help in note taking, textbook reading, and test preparation. Students who receive the accommodation of extended time testing complete their exams in an adjoining room. In addition, students have the option of working with private tutors paid for by parents. Study Hall 7(A) (71280, semester 1 only) Study Hall 7(B) (71281, semester 2 only) Study Hall provides a time and place for students to complete homework, practice emerging study skills by reviewing what is learned in class, prepare for tests and quizzes, or organize their notebooks and materials. Students are expected to come prepared to work for the full class period, and to bring books or other reading materials in case they complete their work before the end of the period. It is hoped that students in grade 7 will learn to work in a self-directed manner over the course of the year. In study hall, they will be required to work quietly and independently. Students may schedule make-up tests or quizzes to be taken during study hall. All students will be expected to work silently when any student is taking a test or quiz. Students in study hall will be expected to use their time wisely and responsibly. They may be required to keep a log or journal to document how they use their time. Students who choose a semester of study hall must indicate which semester(s) they prefer. Often students select a semester when they will be busy with other after-school activities. Minyan Derekh T filah (100049) This Egalitarian Learner s Minyan is designed to provide each student with the opportunity to reinforce his/her T filah/prayer skills, explore topics in Judaism and liturgy through discussions and experiential activities, investigate and discover Shabbat rituals and topics, and take active roles leading T filot, reading Torah and being a Gabbai. The Derekh T filah experience will prepare students for the 8 th grade ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

9 Minyan experience and will empower them to make more directed choices when they ultimately approach their high school minyan options. Masorti (100052) This Minyan is intended for students who are seeking an intensive, traditional, egalitarian prayer environment. Students receive training from both faculty members and high school student leaders in such skills as leading the service, reading Torah, understanding the meaning and structure of the prayers, and use of tallit and tefillin. The Minyan conducts a full, traditional Shacharit service, and males and females participate equally. Both boys and girls are expected to wear tefillin once they reach the age of bar/bat mitzvah, unless there is a strong family custom not to do so. Mechitzah Ashkenazi (100054) This Minyan utilizes the traditional liturgy and worships in the Ashkenazi tradition. Females and males sit separately, and the service is led by males. Males are expected to wear tefillin. Females meet in a separate group once per week. High school and middle school groups meet separately on non-torah reading days and together on Torah reading days. Mechitzah Sepharadi (100055) This Minyan utilizes the traditional liturgy and worships in the Sepharadi tradition, with an emphasis on lively music. Females and males sit separately, and the service is led by males. Males are expected to wear tefillin. This Minyan includes students in grades ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852