Middle School Curriculum

Mathematics I (5th Grade)

Number Sense: Place value, rounding, estimating, comparing, and ordering
Addition: Whole numbers 1 – 3 digits, decimals, fractions
Subtraction: Whole numbers 1 – 3 digits, decimals, fractions
Multiplication: Whole numbers 1 – 3 digits, decimals, fractions, percents
Division: Whole numbers 1 – 2 digits, decimals, fractions, percents, ratios
Measurements: Graphs, scales, formulas, standard units, metrics
Geometry: Shapes, polygons, graphs, tables, angles, volume, area, perimeter
Logic: Problem solving, word problems, probability, statistics
Hands-on projects: Use of manipulatives, board games, model building

Mathematics II: Transitional Math (6th – 8th Grade)

Collection, display, and interpretation of data

· Rational number uses and operations
· Scientific notation
· Variables, formulas, and graphs
· Geometry: congruencies, constructions, and parallel lines
· Rates and ratios
· Probability and discrete math
· Number systems and algebra concepts
· Decimal notation
· Measurements: standard and metric
· Order of operations
· Use of variables
· Patterns leading to addition and subtraction
· Problem solving strategies
· Displays
· Patterns leading to multiplication and division
· Combining operations
· Measurement formulas and real numbers
· Logical reasoning

Mathematics III: Algebra (7th – 8th Grade)
Basic concepts of Algebra
· Addition and subtraction in Algebra
· Multiplication and division in Algebra
· Linear sentences
· Lines and distance
· Slopes and lines
· Exponents and powers
· Polynomials
· Systems
· Parabolas and quadratic equations
· Functions

Mathematics IV: Geometry (8th Grade)
Points and lines
· Geometric language and logic
· Angles and lines
· Reflections
· Congruence and symmetry
· Proofs
· Perimeter, area and volume
· Similarity
· Trigonometry

Language Arts (5th-8th Grade) Students extend their knowledge of:

Grammar, Mechanics Usage: Parts of speech, sentence structure and expansion, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary development

Reading: Word recognition and decoding strategies, comprehension strategies, exposure to a variety of genre and cultures through independent and whole class novels, non-fiction, content area, technical writing, short stories, plays, Junior Great Books series, fairy tales and mythology, folklore, poetry, biographies, autobiographies, analogies, idioms journal writing, recognition of author’s point of view and purpose, making predictions, drawing conclusions

Writing: Utilizing writing process, editing skills, story elements, character development, creative writing, essay, letter writing (business and friendly), research papers, reports with greater details and supporting material, biographies, autobiographies, interviews, news articles, journal writing, and paragraph development, word processing /computer skills, use of organizational features of written texts and electronic information

Expression and Communication: Public speaking, presentations, creative expression, critical thinking, group discussions

Social Studies

Level I: (5th Grade) American History (Pre-colonial times through the American Civil War)

Geography: Continents and regions, maps, globes, tables, charts, economic and social relationships,research and technology

· Social Interaction: Family traditions, team building, community service and projects, DARE, and skills for adolescence
· Hands-on Projects: Historical simulations and fairs, presentations
· History: Major events including colonization, the Revolutionary War,
building a new government, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, advancement of technology, economic and social factors, political systems, customs and holidays, classic historical literature, the Civil War of the United States of America

Upper Level II: World History (6th –8th Grade) Eastern Hemisphere

Geography: Continents and regions, landforms, map skills, using globes and atlases, compare and contrast places, importance of movement, transportation and human interactions.

History: Ancient cultures; politics and economics of Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania

Social Interaction: Family traditions, cultural diversity, tolerance and the Civil Rights Movement

Hands-On Projects: Dioramas, historical simulations, cultural arts and crafts, presentations

Level III: American Government

History: Political institutions; the Constitution, Bill of Rights and other documents; chronological events beginning with US expansion, the Industrial Revolution, inventors, World War I, the Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam Conflict, United Nations, monuments and memorials
· Social Interaction: Cultural diversity, tolerance and the Civil Rights Movement, landmark court cases
· Hands-On Projects: Historical re-enactments, debates, simulations, famous speeches, presentations

Upper Level IV: World History (6th –8th Grade) Western Hemisphere

· Geography: Continents and regions, landforms, map skills, using globes and atlases, compare and contrast places, important movements, transportation and human interactions.
· History: Ancient cultures, politics and economics of North and South America, exploration of Arctic Circle and Antarctica
· Social Interaction: Family traditions, cultural diversity, tolerance and the Civil Rights Movement
Hands-On Projects: Models, historical simulations, cultural arts and crafts, presentations

Science I (5th Grade) Introduction to the Microscopic World

· Using magnification scale, parts and use of compound microscopes
· Structure of matter: Parts of the atoms, molecules, and compounds
· Introduction to elements and the Periodic Table
· Types of chemical reactions
· Comparing plant and animal cells
· Simple, compound and complex machines
· Work, force and motion
· Newton’s 3 Laws: Acceleration, speed, velocity
· Understanding energy: Solar, electromagnetic spectrum, waves
· Plant kingdom: Parts of plants and functions, introduction to the chemistry of photosynthesis
· What is ecology? Food chains, food webs, habitats of Colorado
· Electricity and magnetism: Conductors and insulators, circuits, and magnetic fields

Science II Earth Science

Emphasis on discovery activities, group labs inside and outside the classroom, field collection trips, textbook readings, and developing experimental skills, building models of landforms and non-living structures, and using the scientific method.

· Introduction to Earth Science: geology, meteorology, and earth history
· Earth dynamic forces such as volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains and erosion
· Theories of earth formation and age, extinctions, ice ages
· Climate and environment: Seasons, atmosphere and latitudes/longitudes/altitudes
· Causes of Weather Phenomena and Weather Mapping
· Oceanography
· Solar system, stars and universe: Moon phases, asteroids, meteors and comets, in depth study of our sun, distances and characteristics of stars and constellations

Science III Physics

A basic understanding of physical science concepts and processes is essential for all students, not only those interested in a lab career. This level emphasizes formulas and using them in real life situations, application of the metric system and units, and introduction to chemistry.

Knowledge and demonstration of Newton’s Laws of Motion

· Building of “contraptions” such as catapults, mousetrap cars, solar cell vehicles, model planes and rockets
· Density and buoyancy of liquids, solids and gases
· Electricity, magnetism, sound, light, heat
· Chemistry: Mixtures, compounds, exothermic vs. endothermic reactions, periodic table
· Acids, bases and salts
· Awareness of careers in physics, research, explorations of space

Science IV Biology

This is a full or half year program in a life science curriculum for high school preparation. Included are advanced textbook reading and written reviews, involved labs including animal and plant dissections, use of the computer for some simulations and Internet research.

Basis of Life: Introductions to chemistry of living things

· Cell structures and function
· Photosynthesis, respiration and cell division
· Change and diversity: Theory of evolution, history of life
· Classification of animal and plant kingdoms
· Minerals, protests, and fungi
· Plant response and reproduction
· Invertebrates and vertebrates
· Human biology: The body systems, homeostasis, genetics
· Organisms and the environments: Biosphere, population dynamics, ecosystems

Experience Projects (5th – 8th Grade, multi-aged) This is a four-year rotation of interdisciplinary blocks of study. Topics may include:


World Fair (“Around the World”) Ecology Invention Convention

United Nations Space Colony Community Service

Immigrants Rocks and Minerals Winter/Spring Musical

Mock Elections Flight Carnival

Mini-Society Conservation Fund-Raising efforts

Holiday Service Projects Aquademics Scale Model Building

Public Speaking National Parks

Outdoor Education

Locations: Activities:

Arkansas River Trail/Greenway and Nature Center Biking, water study

San Isabel National Forest Hiking, skiing

Pueblo Mountain Park and Environmental Center Journaling, hiking, bird watching

Lake Pueblo State Park Boating, fishing, geology, photography

Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area Whitewater rafting

Capulin Volcano National Monument Geology and cultural history study

Overnight Experiences in Colorado at various locations in the state.

Enrichment Classes
Students regularly attend classes taught by specialists. Music, Art, Spanish, and Physical Education are an integral part of the McClelland experience.

Music
Singing songs and playing instruments, creating music; listening to and describing music, relating music to various historical and cultural traditions; drama, including a musical production; opportunity to participate in band

Art
Learn and apply elements, techniques, and processes of art, principles of design and sensory and expressive features of visual arts; relate the visual arts to various historical and cultural traditions

Spanish
Development and exposure to listening, speaking, reading, and writing; exposure to another culture

PE
Learn and develop fundamental movement skills through developmentally appropriate activities; learn to appreciate the value of physical activity and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle