Texts: Selected memoirs (summer reading), Night, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, A Raisin in the Sun.

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1 Grade 8 Middle School Academic Program English English 8: Stories of Real Life (80300) English 8 SSE (80301) Tracking narratives of personal growth in which characters come to understand what courage and a sense of social justice truly mean, students reinforce and hone the reading and writing skills they developed in Grade 7. Moving from explorations into character and plot to considerations of matters regarding theme, setting, and point of view, students encounter a variety of opportunities to establish voice, purpose, and audience in their own writing, both critical and creative. They continue to develop close reading skills through a focus on annotation and class discussions on key passages. Primary critical writing skills include annotation and the development of a strong paragraph which then leads to a longer, more cohesive argument. In their effort to build critical thinking skills, students express themselves in a variety of formats: visual art, creative writing, digital communication, and oral presentation. They learn both individually and collaboratively to become more independent, confident learners. While standard 8th-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: Selected memoirs (summer reading), Night, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, A Raisin in the Sun. 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: Government (80403) Students learn about the foundations of the U.S. political system, develop their understanding of the interplay among the three branches of the Federal government, discuss the relationship of the U.S. with other nations, and analyze the roles of the citizen in our democracy. Students explore current topics and address these issues as individuals and in groups. In the Economics units, students study the principles underlying a market economy, the main features of the U.S. economy, and the interdependence of the world economy. During this portion of the course, students read Animal Farm as a link between government styles and economic realities, and they compare forms of government not directly presented in class. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

2 Math Algebra 8 (80508) This course is a survey of basic algebra for 8th grade math students. Core concepts are: solving equations for an unknown quantity, graphing on the Cartesian Plane, combining and factoring polynomials, and finding roots. This course seeks to help students develop strategies for seeking help both in and out of the classroom. In addition, students develop good mathematical study skills and learning strategies as an integral part of this course. Students are expected to be able to master fundamental skills of the course after careful modeling by the instructor. Some sections of this course will be designated for students in need of extra support and skills building. (Algebra 8*, 80509) Algebra I (80503) This course thoroughly explores algebraic topics. Core concepts include: solving equations and problems in one and multiple variables for unknown quantities, graphing on the coordinate plane, rational expressions, combining and factoring polynomials, and finding roots of polynomials. This course challenges students to think mathematically, while also helping them to 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 II (80501) This course is a rigorous examination of concepts and applications from the Algebra I and Algebra II curricula and is intended to prepare students for more advanced work in mathematics. Topics covered include sequences and series, permutations and combinations, and functions, as well as elements of mathematical esoterica. An additional goal of this course is to develop students abilities to understand and communicate mathematical ideas effectively, both verbally and in written work. 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. 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. Physical Science 8 (80500) Physical Science is a preparatory course in the basic scientific skills and concepts of physics and chemistry. The content and skills covered this year serve as a foundation to prepare the students for high school physics, chemistry, and molecular biology. Physical Science 8 features an inquiry-based curriculum that focuses on experimentation and data analysis. Working in small groups, students design and conduct laboratory experiments effectively modeling the research performed by scientists. Key conceptual ideas and mathematical models are developed from the experimental results. Proper ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

3 laboratory technique and safety skills are practiced continually throughout the year. The year s culminating project is participation in the Weinberg Family Science Fair. Students are required to integrate all aspects of the scientific method by designing, executing, analyzing, and presenting the results of a scientific experiment. Physical Science 8M (80600) Physical Science 8M is a lab based coursed designed to introduce middle school students to important scientific concepts in physics and chemistry with an emphasis on the application of concepts, in-depth analysis of data, advanced mathematical modeling, and the utilization of logical reasoning to formulate scientifically accurate conclusions. The content and skills covered this year serve as a foundation to prepare the students for high school physics, chemistry, and molecular biology. Physical Science 8 features an inquiry-based curriculum that focuses on experimentation and data analysis. Working in small groups, students design and conduct laboratory experiments effectively modeling the research performed by scientists. Key conceptual ideas and mathematical models are developed from the experimental results. Proper laboratory technique and safety skills are practiced continually throughout the year. The year s culminating project is participation in the Weinberg Family Science Fair. Students are required to integrate all aspects of the scientific method by designing, executing, analyzing, and presenting the results of a scientific experiment. Jewish Text Students must take a full year of Tanakh and Toshba in both 7th and 8th grade. In 8th Grade students have a choice between Jewish Identities and Pre-Talmud to fulfill this requirement. Tanakh 8 (80809) Tanakh 8 builds on both the narratives and skills that were introduced in 7th grade. The year focuses on the narratives found in the book of Samuel 1. In 7th grade, the students sharpened their critical reading skills and learning the methodology of Rashi s commentary; this year they explore the exciting and tragic saga of King Saul s leadership and follow the rise of his successor, King David. Students explore some of the following themes: what makes a good leader and a good person, second chances with people and second chances with God, the transition from judges to monarchy and its effect on the people, how the Israelites related to the idea of monarchy, the significance of the Davidic kingdom, the political and military situation of the Israelites, the development of the character of David in relation to that of Saul, the historical factor of the Philistines in the Land of Israel, the traumatic family ordeals of the Davidic dynasty. The students will build on improving skills in studying the nuances of the biblical text in Hebrew, using Hebrew in our class work, noticing and learning from key words in the text, being able to recognize recurring themes, using the commentaries and other guides to traditional and modern study of the Hebrew Bible, and developing and supporting our own ideas about the Bible. Tanakh 8 ADV (80711) Tanakh 8 builds on both the narratives and skills that were introduced in 7th grade. The year focuses on the narratives found in the book of Samuel 1. In 7th grade, the students sharpened their critical reading skills and learning the methodology of Rashi s commentary; this year they explore the exciting and tragic ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

4 saga of King Saul s leadership and follow the rise of his successor, King David. Students explore some of the following themes: what makes a good leader and a good person, second chances with people and second chances with God, the transition from judges to monarchy and its effect on the people, how the Israelites related to the idea of monarchy, the significance of the Davidic kingdom, the political and military situation of the Israelites, the development of the character of David in relation to that of Saul, the historical factor of the Philistines in the Land of Israel, the traumatic family ordeals of the Davidic dynasty. The students will build on improving skills in studying the nuances of the biblical text in Hebrew, using Hebrew in our class work, noticing and learning from key words in the text, being able to recognize recurring themes, using the commentaries and other guides to traditional and modern study of the Hebrew Bible, and developing and supporting our own ideas about the Bible. 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 8 Ivrit (80701) Tanakh 8 builds on both the narratives and skills that were introduced in 7th grade. The year focuses on the narratives found in the books of Samuel 1 and 2. In 7th grade, the students sharpened their critical reading skills and learning the methodology of Rashi s commentary; this year they explore the exciting and tragic saga of King Saul s leadership and follow the rise of his successor, King David. Students explore some of the following themes: what makes a good leader and a good person, second chances with people and second chances with God, the transition from judges to monarchy and its effect on the people, how the Israelites related to the idea of monarchy, the significance of the Davidic kingdom, the political and military situation of the Israelites, the development of the character of David in relation to that of Saul, the historical factor of the Philistines in the Land of Israel, the traumatic family ordeals of the Davidic dynasty. The students will build on improving skills in studying the nuances of the biblical text in Hebrew, using Hebrew in our class work, noticing and learning from key words in the text, being able to recognize recurring themes, using the commentaries and other guides to traditional and modern study of the Hebrew Bible, and developing and supporting our own ideas about the Bible. 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 8: One Required Jewish Identities (80900) The newly revised curriculum is meant to serve as a bridge between our Middle School and High School classes. We further develop the basic text skills introduced in 7th grade, exploring more complicated ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

5 structures in traditional Mishna and Gemara texts and discussing themes and ideas expressed in these texts. This class seeks to fully integrate experiential learning and textual skill building. We examine themes such as: How do Jewish sources deal with complicated issues that I have been thinking about? How does the process of Jewish philosophy and Rabbinic thought develop? What is my Jewish identity (and why is it important)? How do I fit into the Jewish community? How do I fit into the chain of Jewish history? How does my Jewish identity serve me as a global citizen? Through the year, students have the opportunity to discuss their own emerging Jewish identity and explore how the texts and traditions are relevant to their lives. Jewish Identities ADV (80905) The newly revised curriculum is meant to serve as a bridge between our Middle School and High School classes. We further develop the basic text skills introduced in 7th grade, exploring more complicated structures in traditional Mishna and Gemara texts and discussing themes and ideas expressed in these texts. This class seeks to fully integrate experiential learning and textual skill building. We examine themes such as: How do Jewish sources deal with complicated issues that I have been thinking about? How does the process of Jewish philosophy and Rabbinic thought develop? What is my Jewish identity (and why is it important)? How do I fit into the Jewish community? How do I fit into the chain of Jewish history? How does my Jewish identity serve me as a global citizen? Through the year, students have the opportunity to discuss their own emerging Jewish identity and explore how the texts and traditions are relevant to their lives. 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. Pre-Talmud ADV (80906) This course serves as a foundation for high school Talmud classes, in the first part of the year we will survey each of the 6 Sedarim of the Mishna. Then using Seder Moed as the primary text, we will focus on building text skills and critical reading through serious Mishna study and examination of selected sugiot in the Gemara. Throughout the year, we will examine such questions as: What is the role of the Oral Torah? What is the relationship between the Mishna and the Gemara? What structures and patterns exist in Mishna and Gemara? How do these texts affect our celebration of different holidays today? 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. 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: ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

6 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 7/8: RNS (70812) Ivrit 8 INT (80829) Ivrit 8 ADV (80828) Ivrit 8 Mechinah (80831) Ivrit 8 (80830) 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 8(A) (81403, semester 1 only) PE 8(B) (81404, semester 2 only) 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 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. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

7 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 MS (A) (80001, semester 1 only) MS Music MS (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. Theater 8 (81230) 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. Ceramics 8 (81204) In 8 th grade Ceramics, students learn about the role of ceramics throughout history and implement some of the same techniques that have been used for over 10,000 years. Students will mimic different methods used to create both functional and non-functional ceramic works of arts, as well as practice various decorative techniques. Photography 8 (81202) This introductory course teaches students the fundamentals of how to find and create great photographs. They learn how to use film cameras with F-stops and shutter speeds, work with enlargers to make prints in a dark room, and dry mount prints to display them. Along the way, they are taught the fundamentals of composition, content, color and clarity. 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. ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

8 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. Spanish II (510920) Prerequisite: Spanish I. This course provides progressively more challenging conversational and grammatical study, increasing a student s ability to speak, read and write. During the second semester, there is a research project in which students become familiar with Hispanic countries. 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 8 (81201) 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 8 (A) (81203, semester 1 only) Study Hall 8 (B) (81200, semester 2 only) Study Hall provides a time and space 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. 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 in study hall. Studying in pairs or groups will not be allowed while tests are underway. 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) ANNETTE M. & THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY UPPER SCHOOL Page HUNTERS LANE ROCKVILLE, MD 20852

9 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 Minyan experience and will empower them to make more directed choices when they ultimately approach their high school minyan options. Masorti (100052) This Minyan, which is based upon the concept of a daily chiyyuv (obligation) for prayer, utilizes the complete, traditional Ashkenazi liturgy. Seating is mixed, and females and males participate equally. All participants are expected to wear tallit and tefillin, unless they have a family custom not to do so. This Minyan includes students in grades 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