Curriculum: Grade 6 - Grade 8

The middle school experience at Santa Catalina offers a rigorous and academically comprehensive curriculum for students in sixth through eighth grades. We provide an environment that balances the academic, artistic, and athletic skills and talents of each of our students. Our goal is for graduates to become successful students in secondary schools and responsible, thoughtful citizens of the world.

Curriculum

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Art

Introduction
The art program K-8 is designed so that the lessons lay groundwork for those that follow and reinforce those that have come before. Perceptual skills and media skills are repeated within grade levels and from one level to the next. Art techniques are developed in sequences to build students' confidence with materials and equipment. New and challenging applications follow the acquisition of basic skills. The art curriculum at each grade level is organized around three interrelated themes: Creating Art, Looking at Art, Living with Art. Aspects of these themes are developed within each year and across all nine years of the program. Within each year, students create in two-and three-dimensions and study drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphics, design, architecture, textiles, collage, ceramics, and crafts. Students explore the artistic traditions of Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Artistic achievements of women and ethnic groups, past and present, are represented.

Art 6-8
Grades 6-8 make up a study of World Art and include several cross-cultural lessons from the non-Western world. Art 6 emphasizes a study of art of the ancient world and provides a survey of Western art. Art 7 and Art 8 are designed in a unit format for students and reflect students' changing interests, attitudes, and capabilities. Examples of art have been gathered from all over the world. There is a special emphasis on European Art in grade seven and American art in grade eight.

Computer Science

Computer Studies 6-8
The middle school student uses basic word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics programs, integrating technology with course curriculum. Students are introduced to programming with HTML, JavaScript, and Microsoft Excel. They use library links, web based search engines, and web sites to conduct more discerning research than earlier years. Graphics productions include web pages, videos, animations, 3D movies, and multi-media productions.

English

English 6
The sixth grade English curriculum is designed to prepare students for the demands of middle school academics. It serves as a transition year for both the continuing Santa Catalina students and the many new students who come from a variety of both private and public schools. The emphasis is on study skills, reading, writing, vocabulary building, and research. Students are actively involved in shared inquiry discussions led by the teacher or students as they examine literature such as Adventures of Ulysses, Malcolm X-By Any Means, Phantom Tollbooth, and I Remember Mama. Literature circles invite the student to participate in discussion while developing analytical and interpretive skills; learning to support opinions by citing specific references in the text and learning to analyze reading material for deeper meaning all the while developing confidence and enjoyment by working collaboratively with their peers. The writing process, as taught in all three grades of middle school, teaches the student to write with purpose, clear organization, adequate and relevant development, to use an original voice, applying effective sentence structure while following the conventions of mechanics and formatting. In the sixth grade program, students learn to write critically about literature, to connect literary selections to common themes in literature, and to apply the skills developed in literature circles to the written composition. During this important transition year, students learn how to efficiently use research tools and methods. A review of the dictionary and the thesaurus as well as developing a familiarity with the writing handbook, which accompanies each student throughout the middle school experience, is presented at the beginning of the year. Understanding how to access information from reference books, magazines, online sources, and the use of the Dewey Decimal call numbers are included in library skills taught to the sixth grade.

English 7
The English course in the seventh grade focuses on the study of literature and the written word. This course continues to focus upon and reinforce grammar and vocabulary studies that are integral to the Language Arts Program of the Lower School in grades one through eight. English 7 emphasizes the use of the writing process in responding to literary analysis. The writing process, as taught in all three grades of middle school, teaches the student to write with purpose, clear organization, adequate and relevant development, to use an original voice, applying effective sentence structure while following the conventions of mechanics and formatting. This course further develops the literary analysis skills introduced in English 6 as students continue to practice writing critically about literature, connecting literary selections to common themes in literature, and to applying the skills developed in literature circles to the written composition. Literature circles invite the student to participate in discussion while developing analytical and interpretive skills; learning to support opinions by citing specific references in the text and learning to analyze reading material for deeper meaning all the while developing confidence and enjoyment by working collaboratively with their peers. Students study the short story, the elements of plot, and develop a working knowledge of literary terms as these skills are applied in discussion and in written work. Short story titles include "The Most Dangerous Game," "The Interlopers," "The Scarlet Ibis," "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," and "The Gift of the Magi." Three novels are read as a class: The Outsiders, The Pearl, and The Giver; and each one is studied in depth. Outside reading requires the students to read novels in five different genres and to write a literary analysis of each. The essay format is introduced, and practice in narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing is given throughout the year as all compositions are related to the literature being studied. Grammar, punctuation, syntax, and vocabulary studies, although taught as separate units, are involved in the writing process and are included in the assessment of all written work.

English 8
This course is a culminating review of the Lower School's Language Arts Program as well as a preparation for the rigors of high school. Six major components are interwoven throughout the year: Composition, Literature, Vocabulary, Grammar, Speech/Drama, and Information Literacy. In addition, interdisciplinary projects are sometimes planned with art or social studies. Composition is linked to vocabulary studies. Students, exploring the etymology of words and becoming familiar with their meanings, gain an appreciation of the influence of foreign languages on the English vocabulary. With this greater understanding and capacity of their vocabulary skills, students incorporate these words into their compositions. English 8 offers a unit of study in poetry and in nonfiction. The students study the autobiography by reading American Childhood together and discussing it. A second autobiography of the student's choice is required reading. These books are discussed and compared culminating in a comparative essay assignment. As elements of nonfiction are explored, students write their own autobiography following the theme "coming of age" in different historical periods and cultures. This same theme is again noted when students read To Kill a Mockingbird. A unit of poetry emphasizes various poetic devices including figures of speech, sound effects, rhythm patterns, and types of poetry. Poetry is analyzed for these components. Students compose poetry which is assembled into individual poetry books. Persuasive speech and writing are addressed in this course as students choose an important world issue to research. From this research, the students choose a focus and write a persuasive speech. The written speech is graded as is the public delivery. Students keep all work related to this project in a separate binder that is turned in for a major grade in this course.

History

History 6
Ancient history encompasses the early history of Mesopotamia and Egypt through the rise of the Roman Empire. This class begins with a study of how archaeologists work and introduces basic history vocabulary. Throughout the year, the question, "What can we learn from these ancient cultures?" is asked of the students. Greek and Roman cultural roots are emphasized. Greek mythology is explored. Students are given many opportunities to use a hands-on approach in every unit in order to better illustrate the relevancy of history today. Students are encouraged to question and use critical thinking.

History 7
History 7 studies European medieval history through the Renaissance into the rise of the modern nation-states of Europe. We review the decline of imperial Rome and study the Germanic invasions of the empire. What life was like during the Middle Ages is a central theme. Concepts include the strength of the Christian church and feudalism. Further units are taught according to region. Other Middle Ages units include the study of the Irish, Franks, and Russians. The impact of the Islamic world and the rise of the Mongols on the Middle Ages are studied.

History 8
History 8 begins with the early settlement of the New World and concludes with the growth of modern America through the two World Wars and Vietnam conflict. Discovery and first settlements are given a cursory review while the class investigates The Age of Sail, the only available intercontinental transportation means of the time. Students end the first unit by participating in an economic activity entitled "All That Glitters Is Not Gold," wherein they apply economic concepts that influenced the settlers. Economics and its relationship to American history is a recurring topic throughout the year. How Americans earn a living and why they respond to circumstances are discussed. Interdisciplinary activities are used. Poetry, art, music, dance, and technology are discussed, debated, and applied when appropriate. Vocabulary and writing skills are developed in collaboration with the English department.

LAN

Introduction
Upon entrance into the middle school's foreign language program in the sixth grade, students are given the opportunity of taking one semester each of Spanish and Latin. At the end of the sixth grade year, students are asked to commit to either Spanish or Latin for the last two years of their middle school experience. The primary focus of Latin 6 is to enable the students to translate, generate, and analyze basic Latin sentences and structures. Latin 6 introduces students to communication in Latin with emphasis on understanding grammatical function. As an exploratory class, Latin 6 will give all students the ability to begin Latin 7 with some familiarity of the Latin language. The primary focus of Latin 7 is to enable the students to translate, generate, and analyze basic Latin sentences and structures. To this end, accuracy in the generation and identification of grammatical forms is heavily emphasized. The course also examines the influence of Latin on the vocabulary and sentence structure of the English language. Students use the text Jenny's First Year Latin and its accompanying workbook.

Latin 6
The primary focus of Latin 6 is to enable the students to translate, generate, and analyze basic Latin sentences and structures. Latin 6 introduces students to communication in Latin with emphasis on understanding grammatical function. As an exploratory class, Latin 6 will give all students the ability to begin Latin 7 with some familiarity of the Latin language.

Latin 7
The primary focus of Latin 7 is to enable the students to translate, generate, and analyze basic Latin sentences and structures. To this end, accuracy in the generation and identification of grammatical forms is heavily emphasized. The course also examines the influence of Latin on the vocabulary and sentence structure of the English language. Students use the text Jenny's First Year Latin and its accompanying workbook.

Latin 8
Latin 8 continues with the same focus as Latin 7 while completing the second half of Jenny's First Year Latin. Specific to both courses, students discuss the impact of Latin speakers and writers on life and practices in the modern world. Students are given opportunities to demonstrate knowledge of the history of Latin and of Roman cultural and societal practices and traditions, and to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and openness to the views of other societies.

Spanish 6
The Spanish 6 exploratory course is designed to teach students practical language skills, while at the same time laying down a foundation of basic elements of pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The students are introduced to useful idioms of everyday life and basic geography of the Spanish-speaking world. Class time is centered on conversation, and written homework is assigned to reinforce vocabulary and grammar structures presented in class. Along with developing oral and written self-expression, students are introduced to a program that makes language acquisition a natural, personalized, enjoyable, and rewarding cultural experience.

Spanish 7
Spanish 7 is the first half of a middle school program that is the equivalent of high school level Spanish I. This course reviews much of the Spanish 6 exploratory course and then moves to the more complex content materials presented in the textbook, Buen viaje! Students also practice skills in a student workbook of the same title. A student's communicative competency, both in written and oral expression, is regularly assessed through testing, homework, class work, and quarter projects.

Spanish 8
Spanish 8 is the second half of a middle school program begun in the seventh grade. It completes the course study of the textbook, Buen viaje!. With successful completion of the course, students should be eligible for Spanish II or higher in high school. As the study of vocabulary and grammar progresses, a more sophisticated level of speaking, writing, and overall communication is expected from the students. While there is a focus on developing more solid writing skills, the emphasis during class continues to be on oral expression. Students also continue to study the cultures, history, and present day happenings in the Spanish-speaking world.

Mathematics

Introduction
The Middle School Math Department The math courses in the middle school are based on the standards for the "Principals and Standards for School Mathematics" published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. As set forth, the goals are that the student will learn to value and enjoy the process of learning mathematics, will become a mathematical problem solver, will learn to reason mathematically, will become confident in one's own ability, and will learn to communicate mathematically. There is a focus on the content standards for number and operations and for geometry and measurement.

Algebra
This is a one-year high school level Algebra course. It is taught to eighth grade students capable of successfully completing the course. The course is based on the McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin textbook, ALGEBRA, Structure and Method, Book 1. All chapters of the text are covered. The course teaches solving linear and quadratic equations and problems.

Math 6
Math 6 is a comprehensive program which emphasizes thinking skills, problem-solving strategies, real applications, mental arithmetic, estimation, approximation, measurement, organizing data, geometry, probability, statistics, and algebra. Sixth grade level computational skills are drilled and reviewed daily. Math 6 is presented in a variety of ways. The program allows for the integration and thorough study of grade appropriate math concepts. Skills and concepts are taught and retaught in different contexts, never in isolation. Exploration, practice, problem solving, and projects address a variety of learning styles. Once a skill has been introduced, it is integrated, practiced, and reviewed in mixed practice and in context. Throughout the course, games are used which provide extensive practice and extend the student's knowledge to real-world situations.

Math 7
This course includes all standard topics of junior high school mathematics. It enables the most capable students to make the transition from elementary school mathematics to algebra in one year. It emphasizes pre-algebra skills and concepts, such as variables, equation solving, and problem solving. The full range of topics needed for the successful study of algebra is presented.

Math 8
Glencoe Mathematics: Application and Connections is a comprehensive, well-balanced program that prepares seventh grade students for success in algebra and geometry. Through a variety of mathematical topics, students encounter, practice, and extend their knowledge of mathematics to promote confidence and mastery. Math is presented in a variety of ways. Real-world applications as well as connections to other subjects are found throughout the course. Each new concept is introduced with an interesting application or connection followed by clear explanations and examples. The curriculum includes Chapter Projects, Hands-On Labs, and interdisciplinary investigations. Test Practice, Test-Taking Tips, and Reading Math Study Hints help to improve test-taking skills.

Music

Middle School Music, Grades 6-8
The middle school music program is the final stage of a student's music education at Santa Catalina Lower School. Students in grades 6-8 experience more complex music studies. Students, having had exposure and practice in theory and site singing in the keys of C, F, and G and having played and sung polyphonic lines of music, are now ready to "spread their wings." Using the Orff instruments or their own instrument, students are taught how to improvise and how to solo. Developing a "musical ear" allows the student to know what is appropriate to play and when to play. Students are also given the opportunity to explore songs in other keys including minor and some jazz scales. Vocal instruction emphasizes proper vocal production and singing technique. Students are given the opportunity to perform in a choral setting as well as in solo performances. Opportunities to share their talents are also given to those students who study music privately. The Lower School presents two concerts each year, a Christmas Concert and a Spring Concert. Students in grades one through eight demonstrate their musical skills in choral, instrumental, and solo performances to a full house in the beautiful Sister Carlotta Performing Arts Center.

Physical Education

Physical Education 6-8
As students progress to the middle school, a variety of team sports are offered within the context of a school day. Students are introduced to a wide range of sports skills and are encouraged to develop skill in all sports rather than specialize in one. All students are taught to participate regularly and to value the role of physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. In addition to physical education instruction, middle school students may participate in after school interscholastic competition. The interscholastic experience broadens a child's physical education to include cross-school competition. The athletic program is based on three seasons: fall, winter, and spring. All interscholastic offerings are governed by the rules of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). Physical Education in grades 6-8 offers our students field sports such as flag football, soccer, softball, field hockey, and Lacrosse. The field sports class emphasizes basic techniques and strategies for various game play. Also essential to instruction is the element of conditioning students in endurance, strength, and flexibility for optimum performance. Other sports included in the middle school program are tennis, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and water polo. Students are introduced to the game of tennis and are taught the basic skills and rules enabling them to play games and abbreviated sets. Volleyball instruction is aimed at familiarizing students with the game and its rules and techniques and to provide the students with careful instruction in order for them to progress in sequential skills to be able to play a regulation game. The swimming course aims to develop students who are first and foremost water safe, to then employ basic fundamental swim strokes, and finally to understand the basic skills of water polo.

Religion

Introduction
In the middle school program for religious studies as in the primary and intermediate programs, all students participate. Catholic students are instructed in Catholic beliefs while students who are non-Catholic are instructed in Interfaith classes. Both classes meet together during the month of their sponsored mass to plan with their teachers. Catechesis is liturgical in focus. The Church calendar, lives of the saints, and Para liturgical celebrations are offered according to the proper liturgical seasons and the grade level of the class.

Catholic Religious Studies 6
As a supplement to the text, Walking by Faith, students study the Old Testament and relate it to the New Contemporary English Version of the Bible. The sixth grade students are the hosts of the Advent Mass in December.

Catholic Religious Studies 7
Students in the seventh grade study the person of Jesus and an overview of the New Testament. As a supplement to the text, Walking by Faith, students refer to the Contemporary English Version of the Bible. The seventh grade students host the Stations of the Cross during Lent.

Catholic Religious Studies 8
Students in the eighth grade study Church history, morality, and Christian sexuality. Both sections of the eighth grade meet together for the final unit. As is the case in grades six and seven, the Contemporary English Version of the Bible is used as a supplement to the textbook, Walking by Faith. The eighth grade class hosts the opening school year and the graduation masses.

Interfaith Religious Studies 6
The primary focus of Interfaith 6 is to enable students to gain a better understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. Students learn precepts of human virtues-what they look like, what they are in practice, how to recognize them, and how they work. To this end, students study Biblical and other literary sources, media influences, journaling, and participate in small group and class discussion.

Interfaith Religious Studies 7
The primary focus of Interfaith 7 is to enable students to gain a better understanding of faith and spirituality, their own as well as the traditions of others. The students study the basic beliefs and practices of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, and Sikhism. Emphasis is given to the unique and positive aspects of these wisdom traditions, highlighting the components of faith and prayer that these religions have in common. They begin to understand the influence religions have had in the world, why people seek out these traditions, and the benefits they offer.

Interfaith Religious Studies 8
The primary focus of Interfaith 8 is to enable students to gain a better understanding of personal beliefs and values as well as the study of ethics and moral dilemmas. Bringing together their study of faith and religion, students examine who they are, their moral codes, and how their actions and decisions affect others. Students practice communication and decision making skills, with an emphasis on developing healthy relationships, and moral maturity-knowing right, desiring right, and doing right.

Science

Introduction
Much of the middle school science program uses constructivist theory and tools. Students generate much of their scientific knowledge and understanding through labs and research. Labs, projects, and quests comprise much of the class time with the remaining class time used for lecture, homework, evaluations, and discussion. One of the major goals of the middle school science program in grades six and seven is to force students to have confidence in their own observations and to rely on themselves and their peers for answers to confusing or difficult questions. Students are compelled to use evidence to support their conclusions and to always ask the question "WHY?"

Science 6: Astronomy, Weather, and Adolescent Development
The subjects covered during the academic year in Science 6 include astronomy, weather, and adolescent development (health). While the topics covered are important, they are primarily used as backdrop for integrating the instruction of the science method, theory, and philosophy to students. The unit on astronomy addresses electromagnetic waves, the universe, stars, galaxies and other objects in the universe. It also examines extraterrestrial life, the solar system, Earth, Moon and Sun relationships, and the history and physics behind space exploration. The weather and climate unit introduces and examines the composition of the atmosphere, thunderstorms, weather patterns, climate, and climatic changes. Finally, adolescent development focuses on nutrition, drugs and alcohol, sexual development and puberty, and peer related issues.

Science 7: Biology and Life Science
During the academic year, the subjects covered in the Science 7 course are botany, science methods, science fair project, cancer and cell biology, fresh and salt water ecology, agriculture and composting. While the topics covered are important, they are primarily used as backdrop for integrating the instruction of the science method, theory and philosophy to students. One of the major projects of the course is for students to undertake a long-term research experiment for inclusion at the Monterey County Science Fair. This project can be in any subject area related to science. The assignment allows students to model science as is practiced in the real world. Methods used to mimic real world settings are peer review, data collection and interpretation, and presentation and ambiguity in results. Students do all of their own work with guidance from a mentor and their teacher. Students are also exposed to a great deal of fieldwork through an extended unit on fresh and salt-water ecology. They take part in field trips to collect and interpret real data in an aquatic setting.

Science 8: Physical Science-Chemistry
This course is an introduction to Chemistry. In addition, it emphasizes knowledge of chemistry lab procedures and equipment and mathematical problem solving relating to chemistry. Specific areas covered include the International Systems of Units (SI), The Periodic table, density computation, atomic structure, chemical bonding, writing chemical formulas for compounds, balancing chemical equations, and basic lab procedures.