SENIOR SCHOOL
2024—2025 COURSE CURRICULUM MIDDLE SCHOOL
INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE
The Middle School schedule is designed to support our students’ development of a variety of core academic skills, including reading, writing, listening, speaking, inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Throughout the day students have the opportunity to advance their skills in academic classes, including Math, English, Science, History, and World Language. Additionally, all students are required each year to take courses in Computer Science, Arts, Health, and Athletics.
Our Mission in Action (MIA) guides our students each day and serves as our motto. It states, “be Nice, be Empowered, Work hard….because every day is a NEW day.” Our schedule provides opportunities to grow as we encourage kindness, self-advocacy, and stretching ourselves to be our best, providing the chance to start a NEW day when mistakes are made. Advisory, Skill-Lab, and Clubs are intentional blocks in the schedule that focus on fostering these skills.
ENGLISH
Grade level English courses meet five times in the eight-day cycle.
English — Grade 6
The Grade 6 English curriculum is designed to cultivate students’ innate curiosity and creativity, fostering a lifelong passion for reading and writing. Utilizing an extensive range of texts, students explore the deliberate techniques authors employ to convey specific messages. Reading units encompass fast and furious reading, subgenre book clubs, a deep study of character, narrative nonfiction, and social issues book clubs, while writing units include subgenre short stories, literary essays, and personal narratives. The Hansen Library supplements instructional units with informational lessons and resources, enhancing research strategies. Through self-reflection exercises, students gain a deeper understanding of their identities and aspirations. The curriculum emphasizes effective communication, empowering students to articulate their thoughts and advocate for change.
English — Grade 7
The Grade 7 English curriculum builds upon the foundations established in Grade 6, fostering students’ identities as lifelong readers and writers. This year, students increase their writing volume while learning to adapt their writing style, structure, and format to suit different purposes, tasks, and audiences. They develop a heightened sense of competence and confidence, recognizing the significance of their voices and the potential of their words to effect change. Grade 7 students enhance their critical reading skills through text-based discussions and identifying robust supporting evidence to substantiate diverse literary interpretations. Some units include a historical fiction unit that pairs with history, dystopian literature, and reading stories written in verse. The curriculum continues its collaboration with the Hansen Library to support the development of research skills, further enriching students’ academic experience.
English — Grade 8
In English, Grade 8 students deepen their creativity, curiosity, and independence by interacting with whole-class and self-selected texts. Students engage with literature and nonfiction that present multiple perspectives, allowing them to analyze complex and three-dimensional issues. Reading units include: Multi-Perspective Literature, Historical Fiction-World Conflict Literature, Social Issues (in conjunction with Civics and the Hansen Library), Poetry, and Classics. The Middle School English department recognizes the importance of dedicating instructional time to independent reading as a key tool in developing habitual readers with conscientious reading identities. Debates, books clubs, discussion groups, and one-onone conferences with the teacher help students hone their skills. As a daily activity, writing emphasizes choice and creativity, with direct instruction on rhetorical structures, persuasive techniques, grammar, word choice, and voice. Writing units include: short answer response, analytical essay, creative story, poetry, and persuasive essay. Using their growing ability to self-reflect, students choose, monitor, and modify individual goals for progress as life-long readers, writers, and thinkers.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Grade level History courses meet five times in the eight-day cycle.
Geography — Grade 6
Students in Grade 6 Geography broaden their knowledge, perspective, and appreciation for world geography, world cultures, and world history. Inquiry, investigation, and research skills are strengthened as students are guided to recognize issues of global importance. Students will take a journey through each continent, examining global issues through case studies in various regions of the world. Students investigate the historical and contemporary challenges of Migration, Standard of Living, Globalization, and World Religions. Through their investigations, students develop skills for discussion, debate, research, inquiry, writing arguments, reading informational text, and crosscurricular activities such as our Greek Mythology unit paired with Grade 6 English.
History — Grade 7
Grade 7 United States History encompasses a detailed study of American history beginning with early migration to North America and exploring various factors leading to the United States’ current position in the world. The study of United States history involves understanding how the government, groups of people, or individuals have created and/or solved problems, affected the direction of the country, and influenced world affairs. Important themes and trends will be identified by studying the role of ideas, individuals, and significant events. Students will develop historical reasoning skills and explore how events in the past have contributed to our present as a nation.
Additionally, students will continue to expand on the analytical and assimilation skills they began in Grade 6 through an introduction to Document Based Questions (DBQ’s). DBQ’s help students learn to compare and contrast issues from various perspectives while paying particular attention to different viewpoints and motivations, and identifying strengths and weaknesses in arguments. This is achieved by developing DBQ’s that make use of primary sources including historical documents and records as well as news sources, personal accounts, images, and song lyrics from the era.
History — Grade 8
The Grade 8 civics and government course takes students on a journey through all aspects of domestic and international governance. Throughout the year, students engage with concepts through a blend of interactive lessons and project-based assessments. Topics covered include Citizenship, The Three Branches of the US Government, Elections, The Constitution, State & Local Government, Participation in Government, and Economics. Students will engage in activities such as a Federalist-based rap battle, presidential campaigns, designing products for a mock investor, and writing letters to government officials. The year will conclude with a research paper integrating all of the aforementioned topics into an empirical and analytical project.
SCIENCE
Grade level Science courses meet five times in the eight-day cycle.
Science — Grade 6
Essential questions guide the students in Grade 6 science as they apply scientific principles to build their skills of investigating and questioning using a project-based approach. Students will focus on the study of earth science, exploring topics related to geologic changes, weather and climate, earthquakes, and volcanoes. They will use various modern tools and maps to learn about the structure of Earth, the theory of plate tectonics, interactions of Earth systems, and the history of Earth. They will engage in science and engineering practices as they explore the world around them, using their critical thinking, problemsolving, collaboration, and data-collecting skills to make evidence-based scientific explanations.
Science — Grade 7
Project-Based Inquiry Science (PBIS) inspires the Grade 7 science curriculum. In Grade 7, science students will learn the way scientists learn, investigate, experiment, gather evidence, and form explanations. Grade 7 science is designed to nurture the creation of meaning through knowledge as opposed to rote memorization. Prevention of disease spread is explored as students answer the question, “How can you prevent good friends from getting sick?” Students will investigate communicable diseases, think like epidemiologists, understand the body systems and how they respond to bacteria and viruses, and explore the organization of cells. Students will synthesize and apply the knowledge gained in this unit to develop a specific disease, then formulate recommendations in ways of preventing the spread of that disease. Students will also investigate how traits in organisms are passed on. They will study Mendel’s experiments to gain an understanding of dominant and recessive traits. They will learn that these strands of genetic material are chromosomes that contain genes that have more than one form. “How are traits passed down from generation to generation?” becomes a critical question in the discovery of body systems and the cellular process. Students bring together their scientific learning and experiences to develop a proposal on how genetics can help feed the world. Throughout the year, students engage in scientific
practices as they experience and investigate these scientific phenomena, critical concepts, and connect the curriculum to themselves and their world. Project-based learning allows students to bring prior knowledge and experiences from a variety of backgrounds to enhance the learning environment.
Science — Grade 8
The grade 8 course is about doing science; experimenting, thinking, discussing, and discovering evidence to support an idea along with the development of skills such as measurement, graphing, equipment usage, and model deployment. Sharpening their ability to think critically, problem-solve independently, run experiments, and collect and analyze data, students work individually and with their peers to generate evidence-based scientific conclusions about natural phenomena related to physical science concepts such as linear motion, forces, energy, materials, states of matter, and chemical reactions. A variety of learning and assessment methods are used throughout the course that often require students to apply conceptual knowledge to partner- and group-based challenges.
MATH
Grade level Math courses meet five times in the eight-day cycle.
Middle School is a time for students to develop their academic knowledge and skills as well as the work habits necessary for rigorous academic challenges and competitive work environments. We understand that each child has particular strengths as well as areas for growth, and we work diligently to place them in an appropriate math class each year so that they are challenged and inspired at just the right level. Initial placement in middle school math courses (for all Grade 6 students and for Grade 7 and 8 students who are new to Sewickley Academy) is determined by a holistic set of factors including:
• Academic Readiness
• ERB score profiles
• Past mastery within the content area
• Executive functioning skills as observed by the teacher
• Consistency of homework completion
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to self-monitor
• Demonstrated level of interest and motivation
We utilize the same criteria in subsequent years throughout Middle School to confirm the appropriate placement for your child. Please note that we also offer “honors” and “regular” sections for each course, and we utilize the myriad of factors outlined above to make this placement determination as well. The following courses comprise the Middle School math offerings.
Grade 6 Math
Students in Middle School Math build foundational skills, including a math vocabulary, that will prepare them to understand and solve complex problems in a scaled curriculum. As students work with fractions, whole numbers, decimals, and percents they begin to connect their learning to everyday life and develop a level of understanding that ultimately will lead to mastery of these skills. Building on those skills, students are introduced to algebra as they solve algebraic equations and work with, among other things, exponents, order of operations, and scientific notation. Additionally, the geometry unit explores different geometrical shapes, angles, triangles, and circles, including the geometric properties and formulas associated with them. Separate units focused on measurement (Customary and Metric) and graphs/data analysis are also explored. Vocabulary terms are heavily emphasized in the study of all mathematical topics in an effort to expose the students to the ‘language of Algebra’ and utilize that language in their everyday mathematical engagement.
Making connections between the math students learn in the classroom with math that is used in everyday life is an essential facet of the math curriculum. Students also develop their self-monitoring skills in collaboration with their peers and the teacher. They are prompted to not only take their time to think and solve problems in a diligent manner, but to reflect on their steps and understand the process in order to truly absorb and grasp the material in order to transfer it to higher levels of problem solving.
Pre-Algebra and Honors Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra is designed as a bridge between foundational math and algebra. Students work to strengthen their problem solving skills by building competencies in the following areas: principles of algebra, rational numbers, coordinate graphs and functions, exponents and roots, ratios, proportions and similarity, percent, geometry, perimeter and area of both regular and irregular polygons, probability, multi-step equations and inequalities, and solving one and two step equations. Students become familiar with the content necessary to support success in the follow-up course, which is Algebra. Vocabulary terms are heavily emphasized in the study of all mathematical topics in an effort to expose the students to the ‘language of Algebra’ and utilize that language in their everyday mathematical engagement.
Making connections between the math students learn in the classroom with math that is used in everyday life is an essential facet of the math curriculum. Students in Pre-Algebra also develop their self-monitoring skills in collaboration with their peers and the teacher. They are prompted to not only take their time to think and solve problems in a diligent manner, but to reflect on their steps and understand the process in order to truly absorb and grasp the material in order to transfer it to higher levels of problem solving.
Algebra 1 and Honors Algebra
Algebra I establishes the vocabulary and symbolism of algebra. It includes the study of evaluating expressions, properties of real numbers, rational and irrational numbers, square roots, function theory, solving and graphing linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, exponential properties, simplifying polynomial expressions, solving polynomial equations, factoring, solving and graphing quadratic functions, exponential growth and decay. Students are required to solve traditional and application problems in all topics.
Honors Geometry and Data Analysis
Successful completion of Algebra I (minimum grade of “C”). This is a full-year course that employs a deductive approach to student learning and discovery in the development of logical reasoning. This geometry course requires mastery of the concepts of algebra including quadratics and radical expressions. Students explore both Euclidean and solid geometries with a particular emphasis on plane geometry. Topics of study include: introduction to logic and proofs, triangles, special quadrilaterals, polygons, perimeter and area of figures, surface area and volume of solids, similar shapes (ratio and proportion), circles, and trigonometry.
Data Analysis topics of study include: Classifying and visually representing data, descriptive statistics including measures of central tendency and measures of spread, and methods of sampling.
Applications of these topics are incorporated into the lessons and assignments.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Grade level World Language courses meet five times in the eight-day cycle.
Completing three years of language study is required as part of the diverse curriculum in Middle School. Students entering in Grade 6 select to study French or Spanish. It is our philosophy that students will grow in their appreciation and mastery of a language if they remain in the same language for three years. Students may not add or drop a language after the first day of school, but movement, while not recommended, is possible if the schedule permits following the Grade 6-year only. Regardless of the language choice, students finishing three years of study in Middle School should be ready for a Level II or Level III course in Grade 9. Teachers make a recommendation for the next level based on academic readiness, current mastery in the language course, evidence of executive functioning skills (i.e., planning, time management, and ability to work independently), interest, and motivation.
The first two introductory years of language study are described as Novice 1A and 1B, while the third year moves to a Novice 2 level.
Novice 1A level courses run in response to interest, therefore, a course with fewer than five students may not run. New students in Grades 7 and 8 with previous language experience will take a skills assessment to establish their readiness for the grade level language. Those with no previous experience will enter an introductory course.
Novice 1A French and Spanish
Students fully engage their hearts, hands and minds in the Novice 1A course. With an incorporation of projectbased learning, students develop an appreciation for people and cultures through active role-play, songs, and recreation of cultural traditions, helping them to broaden their understanding of varying perspectives, practices, and values from other parts of the world. Language study is engaging and meaningful when students learn the skills needed to communicate in the target language by engaging in miming, drawing, singing, improvising a scene, collaborating with peers and playing a variety of games. Simultaneously, students work to build the foundation for reading, writing, speaking and listening to the target language.
In Novice 1A courses, students build their introductory linguistic skills through short stories. In Spanish and French, stories promote learning within a communicative context and allow students to use text evidence to support their answers to comprehension questions. By emphasizing, expanding or promoting lexical terms, grammatical patterns and/or recognizing characters, the stories prepare students to be successful at the next level. They develop their writing skills through simple compositions or guided narratives, partake in interactive guided and unrehearsed conversations in the target language, and are expected to participate in diverse class activities.
Novice 1B French and Spanish
Novice 1B French, and Spanish world language courses allow students to further immerse themselves in the language and cultures as they expand their communication skills. With a continued focus on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing, students expand their vocabulary in the target language and learn to develop skills that will permit them to have impromptu conversations with a peer or practice at home with a family member. Students grow in their appreciation for the culture by collaborating with a peer on a research project, watching videos, or preparing food, or art work that are common in the culture.
Novice 2 French and Spanish
In Novice 2 French and Spanish courses in Middle School, students end their three-year sequence of focused study and are able to understand and communicate in the target language using more complex sentence structures. Students engage their hands and minds by participating in interactive exercises, short plays, videos, short stories, or reading novels, helping them to build a fundamental capability of oral communication through real-life situations that explore new cultural, lexical and grammatical themes. They develop their writing skills through more elaborate compositions or guided narratives, partake in guided and unrehearsed conversations
WORLD LANGUAGE
with peers in the target language. Finally, students engage their hearts by developing cultural sensitivity and global awareness while they are introduced to Hispanoparlante and Francophone cultures. They expand their horizons through exploring real estate (houses and their architectures), fashion, neighborhoods, hobbies, food and travel in the region. A community of respect is elevated as students acquaint themselves with a variety of perspectives on society as they practice their four linguistic competencies: reading and listening comprehension, speaking and writing skills.
ELECTIVES
All students will be enrolled in two electives (both of which meet twice in every eight-day cycle). Elective #1 will be a full-year course while classes offered during the Elective #2 block will last for one trimester; thus, students will take three separate trimester electives during that block over the course of the school year.
Students have the opportunity to rank their preferences for electives, but final placement cannot be guaranteed as some courses have enrollment limitations. We always try to give first priority to older students when the requests for a certain class exceed the number of seats available.
ELECTIVE #1 – YEAR LONG COURSES
Each student will be enrolled in one of the following year long electives which will meet twice in every eight-day cycle. Please note that all Grade 6 students MUST take one of the performing arts courses listed below while Grade 7 and Grade 8 students are free to choose from the other selections.
PERFORMING ARTS YEAR LONG ELECTIVES
GRADES 6, 7, & 8
Music Ensembles (instrumental ensembles require two-years of beginning instruction before joining) The Middle School band, orchestra, and choir ensembles are year-long courses open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Students come to the ensembles with a wide range of experiences and ability levels, fostering communal aspiration and personal accountability. In addition to technical and artistic skills, students develop positive traits such as humility, empathy, leadership skills, and partnership. Each ensemble presents a formal concert in the winter and spring, and students may also elect to perform in recitals throughout the school year.
Theater Ensemble
This year-long course, open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8, is dedicated to honing performance skills through a dynamic blend of individual and ensemble work. A general overview of theater history and genres provides a contextual backdrop, leading to the exciting culmination of the course: a performance of a one-act play. Suitable for performers of all experience levels, the course meets individuals where they are, encouraging them to embrace challenges, take risks, and venture outside of their comfort zones. Working as an ensemble allows students to develop a profound sense of teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence. As students develop their performance skills in rehearsal they also acquire valuable life skills such as effective communication, empathy, and adaptability.
The culmination of the course in the performance of a one-act play gives students an opportunity to work in collaboration to apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the year and bring a compelling narrative to the stage, showcasing a year’s worth of learning and dedication.
Dance Ensemble
This year-long dance course, open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8, is designed to inspire creativity, foster selfexpression, and instill a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance. From the foundational building blocks of ballet, jazz, and modern techniques to the nuanced art of choreography and composition, this course is a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted discipline of dance. Students will build their skills through a focused warm-up, technical combinations, and choreographic exploration, growing their movement technique and developing their unique artistry. The curriculum promotes a holistic approach to movement that encompasses body awareness and positive self-image. Emphasis is placed on developing stage presence, confidence, and professionalism through regular performances, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the class. Students will engage in reflective practices, both individually and through peer critiques, fostering a growth mindset and a deep appreciation for the art of dance as a vehicle for self-expression.
ELECTIVES
VISUAL ARTS YEAR LONG ELECTIVES GRADES 7 & 8
Advanced Art
The Middle School Advanced Art Course is designed for 7th and 8th grade students who have serious interest in the arts and who wish to dedicate one schedule block to a full year of visual art. This course will introduce students to two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and mixed media artwork involving a variety of techniques and skills to promote experimentation and exploration. Specifically, students will engage in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textile art, metalworking, and glasswork; they will use a variety of reference materials and observations of the natural world as subjects for their projects. Throughout the course, students will learn about art history and cultural relevance while also focusing on the use of the elements of art and the principles of design to create interesting original works.
Advanced Ceramics: Wheel Throwing
The Middle School Advanced Ceramics (Wheel Throwing) is designed for 7th and 8th grade students who have a serious interest in the arts and who wish to dedicate one schedule block to a full year of visual art. This course will introduce students to the Potter’s wheel and the needed techniques and skills to promote experimentation and exploration. Specifically, students will engage in centering, entering, opening and pulling up the clay. Once these basic skills are mastered the students will then work toward crafting vessels, which can be turned into a variety of forms. Throughout the course the students will be given demonstrations and shown examples of work they will be attempting to create.
STEM YEAR LONG ELECTIVES GRADES 7 & 8
Digital Art/Media
Students will explore many tools used to create media. This includes sound production, digital art, and tools to create digital games. There will be an emphasis on students creating their own content, and/ or citing work from creative commons. Students will explore many consumer and “prosumer” software and hardware applications in this course. This includes, but not limited to code.org, Co-Spaces, Reality Composer, DJ Midi Controller, Looper, MPC-Style Midi Triggers, Green Screen applications, iMovie, Weevideo, iPad pro lidar sensor, Garageband, AR/VR, Soundation Studio, Makey Makey, and Microsoft Makecode.
STEAM Makerspace
In this course students will familiarize themselves with the Engineering Design Process by learning how to utilize the tools, techniques, and applications of the Makerspace. Students will solve problems in creative ways by creating and prototyping robots, 3D models, and even some woodworking as they build their problem solving skills and develop important 21st century skills as a part of a group or team. By the end of this course students will be able to identify and tackle problems in a structured and successful way, develop skills they otherwise wouldn’t encounter, and may even find a new hobby.
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVE #2 – TRIMESTER COURSES
Each student will be enrolled in a second elective which will also meet twice in every eight-day cycle. These “Elective #2” courses each run for one trimester, and students will have the opportunity to rank their preferences of available courses as we near the beginning of the next term. The following descriptions reflect offerings in the performing arts, visual arts, and STEM that have been offered in the past, though we often design new options based on teacher expertise and student interest. Please understand that not all of these courses will be offered in a given year.
PERFORMING ARTS TRIMESTER ELECTIVES
Middle School Musical/Technical Theater (always offered during the first trimester)
The Middle School Musical is an immersive performing arts experience designed to cultivate self-confidence, teamwork, and personal fulfillment. Students have the option to participate in either performing in the musical or working behind the scenes as a member of the technical crew. Regardless of experience level, all students are welcome. In this dynamic course, each day blends hard work with enjoyment, encouraging students to come prepared, take risks, and think creatively. The highlight of the course is the musical production itself, where students assume significant individual responsibility and commitment. This includes attending two Saturday rehearsals, four after-school rehearsals, three performances, and a set strike day. Participating in the Middle School Musical embodies our school’s mission, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the creative process from auditions to performances to set strike. The skills developed extend beyond the stage, encompassing valuable life skills such as collaboration, resilience, public speaking, and self-confidence. Whether pursuing future theatrical endeavors or navigating life’s challenges, students emerge from this experience well-equipped for success.
Bang-on-a-Bucket
Got rhythm? Who could ask for anything more? If you are looking for a safe space to channel your inner drummer, come explore the world of rhythm through bucket drumming in this class dedicated to the percussive arts.
Costume Design
No character is complete without a costume! This course will introduce students to the history of costuming, allow them to explore the roles costumes and costume designers play in a production, and challenge them with hands-on group, partner and solo projects that include sketching costumes, creating costumes with recycled materials, and costuming fantasy characters.
Foundations of Acting
This course is intended both for the beginning actor who wants to build a strong performance foundation and the more experienced actor who wants to continue developing their skills as a performer. Students will work on developing distinct characters with clear physical and vocal traits. They’ll also work on fully embodying emotion while performing both monologues and scenes.
Improv
Improv, or improvisational acting, is the art of thinking on your feet and making stuff up as you go along. We’ll begin with the “Rules of Improv” and then move on to both short and long form improv games in order to build skills such as confidence, collaboration, risk taking, trust, and concise and cohesive storytelling.
Stage Combat
This course will introduce students to the basics of unarmed stage combat. We’ll begin with safety protocols such as stage falls and partnering techniques then move on to learning hand to hand combat moves, such as punches, slaps, and hair pulls. Students will end the trimester by rehearsing and performing choreographed fight sequences.
ELECTIVES
Studio Theater Production
Students in Studio Theater will rehearse and perform a short studio theater style piece for the spring arts showcase. This style of theater generally involves innovative and experimental works with limited technical components. Students will learn about this style of theater, develop their skills as performers, and work as an ensemble to prepare for an audience. Students who sign up for the elective will be required to attend technical rehearsals and performances in addition to their class sessions.
VISUAL ARTS TRIMESTER ELECTIVES
Ceramics: Hand Building
Project based and mastery learning are the central tenants of hand building. Projects include: research and create an African mask employing soft and hard slab construction techniques; create an aquatic animal of their choice by utilizing pinching techniques; craft a “replica” of an ancient Grecian vessel using the coil method and sgraffito decorating; and combine all introduced techniques and create a “personal” art piece as a final project.
Ceramics: Pinch and Coil
The Ceramics: Pinch & Coil course is designed for students who have an interest in using clay as a media to create works of art. Students will experiment with the pinch & coil techniques, while using various types of surface treatments. Students will use stains, underglazes and glazes to decorate the surface of their creations. Students will combine these learned techniques and skills to create unique works of art. This course is a very good introduction to the ceramic process, and is recommended for all beginner ceramic students.
Ceramics: Wheel Throwing
Students will concentrate their studio work on the wheel. Units include: an introduction to basic throwing techniques (center, enter, open, raise, and form); creation of rudimentary vessels, focusing on proportion and wall thickness; introduction of glazing applications (dip, pour, trail, brush, stain, and spray); and presentation of composite pieces (lids, handles, and spouts). Creativity, working independently, and
resilience are Mission-skills that students enhance as they work in the studio. During each class, students receive regular feedback on their progress and are provided the opportunity to work at their own pace to meet their potential.
Found Object Art
Students in Found Object art are encouraged to open their eyes to the world that they live in as they explore and collect. This course focuses on creating two- and three-dimensional artworks from found objects and unconventional materials. Students will work both independently and collaboratively to build and construct, while solving problems and reflecting on their process. The course will explore the work of other artists who use unusual materials throughout the course.
Mixed Media
The Mixed Media course is designed for students who have an interest in using mixed media to create works of art. Students will experiment with a variety of media in combination with various types of surfaces. Students will use a different drawing media, painting media, printmaking, and so on to create threedimensional images on a two-dimensional surface. The combinations of media choices are endless! Students will combine and layer art materials to create unique works. Students will learn how to incorporate value and different shading techniques into their projects. In the class, students will learn how to observe from real life and use reference material to create amazing artwork!
Printmaking
A variety of printmaking techniques, from screen printing and stamping, to block printing are investigated and practiced in Printmaking. Students will develop artistic behaviors that support inquiry and problem solving while pursuing independent projects and taking creative risks. In addition, students will learn to examine, reflect and discuss observations of their own process and artwork, and the work of artists in an historical context.
ELECTIVES
Sculpture and 3-D Art
Students produce pieces that come alive as they are introduced to working in three dimensions. Students will discover a variety of tools and techniques, such as carving, molding, and attaching. Emphasis will be placed on the process of creating work, making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes. Students will be asked to reflect on their process through writing and discussion, as well as engage in peer-reviews and critiques.
Studio Art
This studio art course will introduce MS students to the processes, materials, and experience of drawing and painting. Students will learn principles of observational life drawing, composition, form, scale, color, and perspective and will explore mark-making and representational techniques using a range of materials - pencils, ink, charcoal, pastel, collage, and acrylic paint. In class, students will work from life and observation in a number of formats - still life, portraiture, figure drawing, landscape - as well as create more open-ended color studies, free studies, and abstractions. For their final project, students will create their own independent body of artwork.
STEM TRIMESTER ELECTIVES
AI and Machine Learning (Prerequisites: Programming in Python & App Creation)
Students in this course will learn what makes a robot artificial intelligence and the ethical implications of this technology. They will then use tools to create their own machine learning programs to recognize shapes, audio, and position of objects.
App Creation
Students will apply the problem solving process to the problems of others, learning to empathize with the needs of a user and design solutions to address those needs. During the second half of the unit, students form teams to prototype an app of their own design, first on paper and eventually in Code.org’s App Lab environment.
Arts & Bots
Students in Arts & Bots will combine craft materials and a Hummingbird Robotics kit to create a unique robot that they will animate by programming sensors, motors, servos, and LEDs. Students will also use various digital tools to help them brainstorm and design components of their robot.
Digital Art/Media
Students will explore many tools used to create media. This includes sound production, digital art, and tools to create digital games. There will be an emphasis on students creating their own content, and/ or citing work from creative commons. Students will explore many consumer and “prosumer” software and hardware applications in this course. This includes, but not limited to code.org, Co-Spaces, Reality Composer, DJ Midi Controller, Looper, MPC-Style Midi Triggers, Green Screen applications, iMovie, Weevideo, iPad pro lidar sensor, Garageband, AR/ VR, Soundation Studio, Makey Makey, and Microsoft Makecode.
Digital Game Design
(Prerequisite: Grade 6 CS)
Students will combine the constructs that they learned in the grade 6 CS course to program more complex movement and collisions with their sprites. As they create more complex programs, they begin to use functions to organize their code. In the end, students will use the design process to create an original game.
Lego Robotics
Students in Robotics will learn how to build and program a Lego robot using various Lego parts, motors, and sensors. Students will enhance their problem solving skills as they work to get their robot to perform certain tasks and find solutions to real world problems.
Physical Computing
Students will use Code.org’s App Lab environment, in conjunction with the Adafruit Circuit Playground, to explore the relationship between hardware and software. Throughout the unit, students develop prototypes that mirror existing innovative computing platforms, before ultimately designing and prototyping one of their own.
ELECTIVES
Physical Game Design
Students in Physical Game Design will design, create, play, and evaluate various board and card games. Students in the course will learn how to use fabrication tools such as 3D printers, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, and digital design tools to construct a physical game. They will also learn about circuits and design as they build a custom video game controller using a Makey Makey.
Programming
in Python (Prerequisites: 2 previous programming courses)
Ready to move on from block-based to text-based code? This course will use the Finch robot to teach students the fundamentals of Python, a general purpose programming language used by professionals for developing websites, software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization.
Programming Virtual Worlds
Students in Programming Virtual Worlds will design and program 3D environments to create virtual experiences, animations, and games. Students will use 360 cameras to take photos of real environments and design their own objects in tinkercad which can both be uploaded and used in their virtual world.
Reverse Engineering
Take a dive into the inside of devices to learn more about the hardware side of computer science. Students will learn about the various pieces and parts that make computers work and how the technology used to create them continues to evolve.
STEAM Makerspace
In this course students will familiarize themselves with the Engineering Design Process by learning how to utilize the tools, techniques, and applications of the Makerspace. Students will solve problems in creative ways by creating and prototyping robots, 3D models, and even some woodworking as they build their problem solving skills and develop important 21st century skills as a part of a group or team. By the end of this course students will be able to identify and tackle problems in a structured and successful way, develop skills they otherwise wouldn’t encounter, and may even find a new hobby.
Web Design
Students will learn to create websites using HTML and CSS inside Code.org’s Web Lab environment. Throughout the unit, students consider questions of privacy and ownership on the internet as they develop their own personal websites. They engage in problem-solving as it relates to programming, as they learn valuable skills such as debugging, commenting, and structure of language.
COMPUTER SCIENCE, HEALTH, AND INFORMATION LITERACY
All students will take a series of three trimester courses (Computer Science, Health, and Information Literacy) –each of which will meet three times in every eight-day cycle. Students will rotate through these three courses as a grade level. For example, grade 6 students will have their Get Info Lit course during the first trimester followed by Computer Science and Health during the second and third trimesters respectively. Grades 7 and 8 will each have a different staggered rotation. The following descriptions outline the curriculum for each grade level in each of these three areas:
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Science 6
In this computer science course, students will use the design process to create interactive animations and games. Students will begin by exploring simple, primitive shape-making and then build their skills to create more complex sprite-based games. In the final project, students will develop a personalized interactive game.
Computer Science 7
We use devices every day that utilize some sort of computer component. From smart bulbs to cars to phones to vacuums, we live in a world that is becoming more and more dependent on technology to meet our everyday needs. This course will explore the history of how technology has come to be, the impacts of computing devices on everyday life, and how the design process works to create new technologies.
Computer Science 8
Students in this course will explore how computers learn from data to make decisions and create their own machine learning programs to recognize shapes, audio, and positions of objects. Students will also discuss the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and how this impacts society. Students will end the course identifying a problem that could be solved with AI, and will develop a prototype of their solution.
HEALTH
Health — Grade 6
The Grade 6 health curriculum is designed to meet students where they are developmentally, to fully engage their hearts, hands, and minds through project based and collaborative learning, and to provide a safe space where students can ask and answer questions, at an often confusing time in their life. Preparing to live a healthy lifestyle and develop healthy relationships, personal identity, awareness, and social dynamics, as well as online safety and conduct are central tenets of the course. Students will learn how to navigate life in Middle School as they grow in their ability to provide balance in their lives.
Health — Grade 7
The Grade 7 health curriculum is designed to build the foundation for students to embody a healthy physical, mental, social, and emotional lifestyle. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, skills-based approach to managing their health and wellness. Students can expect to learn using a variety of hands-on activities, class discussions, writing, and experiential projects that emphasize the importance of holistic health throughout one’s lifetime.
COMPUTER SCIENCE, HEALTH, AND INFORMATION LITERACY
Health — Grade 8
The Grade 8 health curriculum is designed to build the foundation for students to embody a healthy physical, mental, social, and emotional lifestyle. Students in Grade 8 will engage in a comprehensive, skills-based approach to managing their health and wellness. Course information is presented in a practical manner incorporating current health trends and concerns, life management skills, and interdisciplinary learning strategies to achieve optimal wellness. Students can expect to learn using a variety of hands-on activities, class discussions, writing, and experiential projects that emphasize the importance of holistic health throughout one’s lifetime.
INFORMATION LITERACY
Get Info Lit
This course is a three-part series of information literacy skills courses. Information literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate, and create information in a responsible and ethical way. These three classes are designed to embolden students in grades 6-8 to become ethical and conscientious consumers and producers of information. Students who complete three years of Get Info Lit at Sewickley Academy Middle School will be better prepared to access and responsibly use a variety of informational sources to research topics in multidisciplinary areas. Get Info Lit interweaves research and media literacy skills with the soft skills necessary to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Get Info Lit will be taught by a certified librarian and a second teacher, who will bring in content-area expertise to the content being studied and researched. This may change the content being researched depending on who is available to teach with the certified librarian.
Students in Grade 6 will take Get Info Lit in trimester one where they will learn and practice the skills necessary to be successful in middle school. Students in Grade 7 will take Get Info Lit in trimester two where they will plan a poster presentation on a topic of their choice. Students in Grade 8 Get Info Lit will research a charitable cause of their choice, select a local non profit organization (NPO), and pitch a publicity campaign to students and staff members.