Summit Country Day School Middle School Curriculum Overview

Grade 5 Art At the fifth grade level students learn about color and expression though painting, batik, printmaking, relief (additive) sculpture, textiles and other media. As students become aware of color and other fundamental elements of design (line, form, space, color, texture, and pattern), they are better able to see, feel and understand the world around them. Cross-curricular connections are made throughout the year.

Health Students learn to analyze how outside factors affect their behavior and apply this understanding to make healthy choices. They explore ways to promote overall wellness in themselves and others, focusing on the interactions between the following aspects of health: mental, intellectual, emotional, social/cultural, physical, media-related, and financial.

Language Arts Students gain exposure to variations in style and learn to read for an understanding of the author's purpose. They make connections to other texts, themselves, and the world around them.

Throughout the year, they develop comprehension skills focusing on finding the main idea and supporting details; sequencing; cause and effect; inference; and drawing conclusions. Students learn grammar, vocabulary, and spelling and reinforce all skills as a natural outgrowth of the reading and writing process. Students begin research and note-taking, the five-sentence paragraph and five-paragraph essay. Students also develop speaking and presentation skills.

Math Prerequisite: none Students are expected to know their math facts and be able to compute in all four whole number operations with accuracy. Students learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals. They also learn place value concepts of whole numbers and decimals. Teachers introduce algebraic variables and more problem-solving techniques. Students use manipulatives and learn collaboratively to reinforce math concepts and demonstrate comprehension.

Math Connects Prerequisite: Math Placement Test score determines placement in this course Math Connects provides additional rigor and challenge for selected students. Students develop proficiency with fraction, mixed number, and decimal operations. Additionally, students study ratios and proportions, algebraic concepts, equations, inequalities and geometry, and have an introduction to integer operations. Problem-solving techniques continue to be reinforced.

Students utilize manipulatives and collaborative learning to reinforce mathematical ideas.

Students must be fluent in their math facts and compute in all four whole number operations with accuracy.

Music In Grades and 5 and 6, students may select band or general music class.

Band Students focus on the fundamentals of holding and playing their instrument correctly, so that they have a foundation on which to build in future years. Students perform music from a wide variety of styles, historical periods, and cultures appropriate to their technical abilities. Students learn about the historical periods and cultures from which the music selections come as they master the basics of music reading and music theory.

General Music Students create music, sing simple harmonies, and use instruments to perform larger and more complex compositions, increasing their understanding of music theory. Students practice singing simple harmonies and are introduced to sight-reading, alto, and tenor recorders and World Music Drumming instruments. Students explore the music of other time periods and cultures in a cross-curricular coordination with Social Studies.

Physical Education Students continue to work on developing their physical skills and incorporate them into actual game play. Teachers individualize skill instruction and practice allowing students to develop proper form at their own pace. Students learn the rules and strategies as they play common games.

Religion Students learn about divine revelation, Scripture, liturgical calendar, the meanings of seasons and holy days, parts of the Mass, and the sacraments. They learn to navigate the Bible and use it as a resource. Students study the attributes of God, the concept of the Holy Trinity, and the life of Jesus, including His miracles and parables. Students present the fifth grade character trait, courage, in the cross-curricular capstone project “The Wax Museum of Courage.�

Science Students design experiments to explore questions of personal interest. They determine what defines a testable question and the data needed to answer that question. Students conduct research, develop hypotheses, collect data, and articulate conclusions based on evidence. They learn various methods of scientific inquiry, including qualitative and quantitative research. Other units of study include the movement of matter and energy through a variety of systems, patterns of change, and seasonal cycles.

Social Studies Fifth grade students explore civilizations of the ancient world, including the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, Mesopotamia, Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Students also investigate Medieval Europe, the Renaissance and the Reformation. Students develop skills in using and reading maps, reading and plotting timeline events, note taking, research, critical thinking, writing, content reading, and vocabulary.

World Language Students select either Spanish or French and learn introductory listening and speaking skills, build vocabulary, and study grammar. Coordinating reading and writing with listening and speaking and using multiple learning styles promotes student recall and comprehension. Students learn about life, culture, and structure of native speaking countries.

Grade 6 Art Students explore a variety of artistic media and techniques while adding personal meaning to their work. They create a thematic 3D shoe with a 3D printed component and learn about clay stages and hyperrealism by creating ceramic food. Students write artist statements to express artistic concepts. They apply the perseverance character trait as they create a reductive linoleum block print.

Language Arts Students develop critical-thinking and communication skills through reading, presenting, and writing. As they learn grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, students practice sentence fluency, conventional writing, and analytical thinking about literature through regular journal entries.

Students read a variety of genres, write essays, develop presentations, and create projects reflecting their knowledge of theme, plot, literary analysis which prepares them for studying literature in higher grades.

Latin The Summit believes basic understanding of the Latin language and classical civilization is critical to the student's appreciation of Western civilization and languages. Sixth grade students take an introductory course in Latin and Greco-Roman civilization. Students learn basic vocabulary and English derivatives, common phrases and abbreviations, Greek and Roman mythology, and cultural and historical terms.

In order to keep the language experience seamless, all sixth graders continue taking Spanish or French while participating in the respected Latin program.

Math Prerequisites: none Students build a substantial foundation in essential math skills by routinely using problemsolving techniques to explore key mathematical concepts, including fraction and decimal operations, proportions, and ratios. They learn one-step algebraic equations, writing and evaluating algebraic expressions, inequalities, and integers. Students use manipulative materials and collaborative learning to understand and reinforce new concepts.

Math Connects Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and either successful completion of 5th Grade Math Connects or qualifying Math Placement Test score Math Connects provides additional rigor and challenge for selected students. In addition gradelevel topics, students apply proportions and ratios geometrically; use percentages in applied problem solving; evaluate algebraic expressions; solve one- and two-step equations and inequalities; calculate probability and measures of central tendency; and perform exponent operations and square roots. Students use manipulative materials and collaborative learning as needed to understand and reinforce new concepts.

Music In Grades 5 and 6, students may select band or general music class.

Band Students continue work to master the fundamentals of playing each instrument correctly and venture into more challenging concert music with independent parts. They perform music from a wide variety of styles, historical periods, and cultures. Students learn about the historical periods and cultures from which the musical selections come and further their music reading skills and knowledge of music theory.

General Music Students continue creating, performing, and analyzing music of increasing complexity and difficulty. Students build their sight-reading and part-singing/part-playing skills, continue World Music Drumming, and learn the ukulele. Students explore the music of other time periods and cultures in a cross-curricular coordination with Social Studies.

Physical Education Students work to utilize their skills with reduced modifications. They play common games in a cycle coordinating to their athletic season when possible. Game play is a more extensive component of the class in 6th Grade, but the pace of the game is modified as needed so students demonstrate improved skill use during play.

Religion Students learn how God’s love and mercy are given to all His creation through studying the Old and New Testaments. They explore faith and prayer as foundations of their personal relationship with God. The class discusses the Ten Commandments as a guide to joyful living and making good moral choices. Stories of Mary and the saints inspire students to live a holy life and reinforce the importance of perseverance, the 6th Grade character trait. Students develop their own personal creed and are engaged in celebrating the liturgical year through participation in liturgy and prayer services, the sacraments and sacramentals, and acts of service.

Science Students deepen understanding of inquiry, the scientific method, and the engineering design process through real-world projects, laboratory experiments, readings, argumentation, and design challenges. They exercise critical-thinking skills by analyzing experimental data, building tables and graphs, and applying math concepts to provide evidence supporting hypotheses. Units of study include weather, atmosphere, force and motion, waves, and cell biology and disease.

Social Studies Students learn the geography, history, and culture of North and South America, Europe, Russia, and Australia. Students learn how geographical features apply to the history and culture of different global regions, and they examine major historical events in each region and learn about current events.

World Language

Language classes are more immersive as the students’ skills increase. Students select either Spanish or French to expand their listening and speaking skills, build vocabulary, and learn grammar. Coordinating reading and writing with listening and speaking and using multiple learning styles promotes student recall and comprehension. Students learn about life, culture, and structure of native speaking countries.

Grade 7 Art Students review and realign their knowledge of design elements and skills. Students work on sculpture, mosaic, Victorian architecture throughout the city and across the nation, and batik. All finished products emphasize color and design.

Health Students learn to build a healthy lifestyle by studying different aspects and interactions of wellness including physical, mental, emotional, and social. Students explore self-esteem, stress management, communication skills, nutrition, fitness, the nervous system (brain, senses, mindset, addiction), and the immune system/infectious diseases.

Language Arts Students focus on expository writing in response to classic and contemporary novels. In addition to the five-paragraph essay, students learn and practice creative techniques for writing short stories, descriptive pieces, and poetry. Students also write a narrative essay and study grammar and vocabulary as a natural outgrowth of the writing process, as well as through grammar and vocabulary textbooks. Students read and respond to novels related to community and family, including The Pearl, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Limit, Gathering Blue, A Long Walk to Water, and The Invention of Wings.

Math Prerequisites: none Students integrate skills learned in prior courses so that they have the foundation necessary for the abstract concepts of algebra. Students learn to solve one- and two-step equations and inequalities and hone their problem-solving techniques. Numbers and number relations, data analysis and probability, graphing, measurement and geometry are covered in greater detail.

CP Algebra IA Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, either successful completion of 6th Grade Math Connects, and/or qualifying Math Placement Test score Students who have demonstrated above-average aptitude and ability in mathematics may be recommended for CP (College Prep) Algebra IA. The curricular content of this course mirrors the curriculum of the first semester of the CP Algebra I course in the Upper School. Students use variables to solve problems. Topics covered include operations with real numbers; expressions, equations, and functions; and of equations of linear functions.

Honors Algebra IA Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, either successful completion of 6 th Grade Math Connects, and/or qualifying Math Placement Test score Students who have demonstrated above-average aptitude and ability in mathematics may be recommended for Honors Algebra IA. The curricular content of this course mirrors the curriculum of the first semester of the Honors Algebra I course in the Upper School. This is a rigorous course focusing on advanced problem solving using variables. Topics covered include operations with real numbers; expressions, equations, and functions; and equations of linear

functions. Algebraic skills are applied in a wide variety of application-based problem solving situations.

Music In Grades 7 and 8, students may select band, chorus, or general music class.

Band Students further refine their knowledge and abilities in technical skills, music reading, and music theory, and play more challenging concert music with increasingly complex independent parts. Students continue performing a wide variety of musical styles and learn the corresponding historical periods and cultures. Students are encouraged to play their instruments at school liturgies and other events, including solo and/or chamber ensembles at the OMEA (Ohio Music Education Association) Solo and the Ensemble Adjudicated Event.

Chorus Students practice rhythmic and melodic sight-singing, learn how their voices work, and learn to sing as part of an ensemble. Choral selections include sacred and secular works from a variety of historical styles and cultures. Students perform in three evening concerts throughout the year, the second of which is the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Students perform a final Middle School concert on the last day of eighth grade.

General Music Students utilize and sharpen their musical literacy while singing and continuing to study the ukulele and World Music Drumming. Students explore the blues, jazz, and rock music; analyze music from different times and different cultures; and learn to appreciate the influences of global cultures throughout music history. Music technology (Mixcraft) encourages student creativity and expression, and students are introduced to the guitar.

Physical Education Students participate in games while practicing proper skill use. The class focused largely on team play and why everyone on a team is important. Teachers encourage leadership as students learn to define roles and compete in games and learn the importance of leadership in team sports.

Religion Students ponder the importance of faith and prayer, the purpose of religion, and the meaning of the Advent season. They research theologians and study the Bible, especially the Gospels, to help them define their individual faith and discern their role as a disciple of Christ. They contemplate what it means to live their faith each day. Students examine the similarities and differences of various world religions. Catholic students also prepare for the sacrament of confirmation both in and out of class. Students celebrate the sacrament of confirmation in the fall of eighth grade.

Science Students build on previous experiences by expanding their understanding of science and ability to think critically. They explore the nature of science, earth systems, groundwater, atmosphere,

cell division, heredity, ecology, foundations of chemistry, motion and forces. Students conduct experiments, prepare projects, and conduct research to promote a deeper and more authentic scientific understanding.

Social Studies The focus in seventh grade is on the geography, history, and culture of regions in the Eastern Hemisphere. Students study areas such as Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Students learn geographical features and how they apply to different global regions as well as each region’s major historical events and current issues. At the end of this course, students take an exam identifying 174 countries worldwide, which encompasses the areas they learned about over the course of the sixth and seventh grade years.

STEM Students apply the engineering design process in this hands-on lab course taken in both seventh and eighth grade. Challenges alternate each year. Short challenges include an investigation of pressure by standing on the fewest paper cups. Longer projects include building the lightest balsa-wood bridge holding the most weight. Students experience the importance of failure by analyzing what didn’t work and demonstrate resilience by trying again.

World Language The seventh and eighth grade world language classes mirror the Upper School’s first-year language course over a two-year sequence. As a result, the students have the potential to place in advanced language classes in high school.

Chinese I Utilizing the QTalk program and TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methods, students learn the basic skills necessary for meaningful communication in Chinese. With strong emphasis on speaking and comprehension, students explore the Chinese language through rhymes, poems, movements, role-playing, and hands-on activities. Learning is enhanced with cultural references to Chinese geography, customs, traditional games, and Chinese paper-cut art. By the end of the year, students master 100 new words, make personal introductions, and discuss favorite sports, family, pets and numbers in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes.

French I (Part 1) Students are introduced to basic communicative tasks and functions and are given intensive practice in all four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) while getting acquainted with French culture and geography.

Latin (Part 1) This course covers one-half of the traditional first year of Latin grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and reading comprehension. It also includes the study of classical civilizations, mythology, culture, history, derivations, and classical literacy in general.

Spanish I (Part 1) Students are introduced to basic communicative tasks and functions and are given intensive practice in all four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) while getting acquainted with Hispanic culture and geography.

Grade 8 Art Students work with a wide variety of art medias to get a better understanding of materials and media before choosing subject-specific Upper School courses. Through the creation of a miniature graffiti wall, students explore self-expression and learn about color theory, typography, and collage. Students learn about the stages of clay, and form versus function through the creation of their own ceramic coffee cup. Students study works from the Hudson River School Painters and learn about watercolor painting and techniques by creating their own landscape paintings. Students edit the visual component for their capstone projects using Adobe Photoshop.

These images are included with their written piece in the Hear My Story, Be My Voice book.

Health Students develop self-sufficiency in reducing health risks and improving physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Students learn about the addiction process and how alcohol/drugs affect them. They learn and practice skills to handle stress, recognize signs of depression and suicide, and how to assist others. The class reviews reproductive anatomy, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy, promoting abstinence as the safest choice for teenagers and young adults.

Language Arts Students read, discuss, and respond in writing to novels related to empathy and justice, the eighth grade character trait: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Little Prince, The Human Comedy, A Christmas Carol, The Red Pony and Night. In addition to these novels, students read and discuss several short stories and poems. Besides formal thematic expository writing, students write reflectively in journals; craft descriptive pieces; compose a narrative; and write original poetry, all of which incorporate particular themes, literary devices, and techniques. In addition, students complete a research paper as part of a yearlong capstone project focused on justice. Vocabulary, as well as specific grammatical structures and mechanical applications, are directly taught to enhance spoken and written English.

Math * Note: Teachers integrate Preparation for the High School Placement Test (fall) and The Summit Upper School Math Placement Test (spring) into all eighth grade math courses.

Prerequisites: none Students build upon skills learned in prior years to bolster fundamental competencies and provide a firm foundation and readiness for Upper School algebra. Students practice problemsolving techniques in major topics including number relations, data analysis, probability, graphing, geometry, measurement, and equations of linear functions.

CP Algebra IA Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of 7th grade CP Algebra 1A Students continue the second half of Algebra I in solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities; solving systems of equations and inequalities; solving more complex proportions; exponential expressions; factoring and solving quadratic equations; rational expressions; and applications problems involving variable representations.

Honors Algebra IA Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of 7th grade Honors Algebra 1A Students continue this rigorous course in the second half of Honors Algebra I through advanced problem solving and graphing of linear equations and inequalities; multiple methods for solving systems of equations and inequalities; solving complex proportions including formulae; exponential expressions; factoring and solving quadratic equations; rational expressions; and applications problems involving variable representations. Students apply algebraic skills a variety of application-based problems.

Music Band In eighth grade band, students further refine their technical skills and music reading skills. Students venture into more challenging concert music with independent parts, and continue to perform music from a wide variety of styles, historical periods and cultures that is appropriate to their growing technical abilities. Students learn about the historical period and culture from which their music selections come, and further their knowledge of music theory. Students are encouraged to play their instruments at school liturgies and other events, including solo and/or chamber ensembles at the OMEA (Ohio Music Education Association) Solo and the Ensemble Adjudicated Event. In addition, students perform in concerts combined with students from the Upper School and have the opportunity to play in a pep band at home basketball games.

Chorus Students continue to practice rhythmic and melodic sight-singing, learn how their voices work, and learn to sing as part of an ensemble. Choral selections include sacred and secular works from a variety of historical styles and cultures. Students perform in three evening concerts throughout the year, the second of which is the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in December. Student perform a final Middle School concert on the last day of eighth grade.

General Music Students increase their proficiency in ensemble music-making, singing, and utilizing World Music Drumming instruments, ukuleles, guitars, and recorders. Students continue to analyze and compare contemporary music with historical music (classical, jazz, rock) and with world music (Latin American, African-American, Asian). Music technology (Mixcraft) encourages student creativity and expression records student performances.

Physical Education Students participate in games while practicing proper skill use. The class focused largely on team play and why everyone on a team is important. Teachers encourage leadership as students learn to define roles and compete in games and learn the importance of leadership in team sports.

Religion Students explore prayer, relationships, and faith in daily life to develop a deep and loving relationship with God while pondering how that impacts their human relationships. Class discussions include character, social skills, moral and ethical decision-making, and modern moral issues. The class learns the seven principles of Catholic social teaching and studies the theology of human sexuality and marriage. Newly confirmed Catholic students may become extraordinary Eucharist ministers. Students participate in liturgies and lead the Lenten prayer services and May crowning.

Science Students explore science using the scientific method, critical-thinking skills, and hands-on inquiry. They investigate Earth’s geological and biological history and observe relationships between Earth and other celestial bodies. Students make correlations to human body systems by studying the systems of other animals. Examining the science of genetics and heredity helps students understand how they have acquired some of the traits they possess. The chemistry of matter helps students recognize there is order and predictable behaviors from atoms, elements, and their reactions. Students design and construct a catapult to compete in a target accuracy challenge.

Social Studies Students learn about American history dating from the colonial period through the Civil War. Units of study include European explorers, the original 13 colonies, the American Revolution, the Constitution, the War of 1812, westward expansion, slavery, and the Civil War. Prior to the fall trip to Washington, D.C., students learn about the monuments and museums they will encounter. This course prepares students for the ninth grade modern U.S. history course.

STEM Students apply the engineering design process in this hands-on lab course taken in both seventh and eighth grade. Challenges alternate each year. Short challenges include extrapolating data to optimize a bungee jump. Longer projects include designing an acrobatic glider with the longest time aloft. Students experience the importance of failure by analyzing what didn’t work and demonstrate resilience by trying again.

World Language The eighth grade world language classes cover the second-half equivalent of the Upper School’s first-year language course. As a result, the students have the potential to place in advanced language classes in high school.

Chinese II Utilizing the QTalk program and TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methods, students learn the basic skills necessary for meaningful communication in Chinese. With strong emphasis on speaking and comprehension, students explore the Chinese language through rhymes, poems, movements, role-playing, and hands-on activities. Learning is enhanced with cultural references to Chinese geography, customs, traditional games, and Chinese paper-cut art. By the end of the year, students master 100 new words and can discuss animals, nationalities and languages,

food and drinks, colors, and body parts in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes.

French I (Part 2) This course reinforces basic communicative tasks and functions, giving students intensive practice in all four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) while acquainting them with French culture and geography.

Latin (Part 2) This course continues the focus on Latin grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and reading comprehension. It also includes the study of classical civilizations, mythology, culture, history, derivations, and classical literacy in general.

Spanish I (Part 2) This course reinforces basic communicative tasks and functions, giving students intensive practice in all four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) while acquainting them with Hispanic culture and geography.