Programs\Middle School
As part of
Trinity's goal to integrate subjects whenever possible, the disciplines of
language arts and social studies unite to form our humanities classes for
students in grades 6 - 8. This forms a natural union and a practical
opportunity for students to develop skills and concepts to give and gain
meaning from both written and oral language while also developing
understanding of geography, history, cultures, and contributions of various
ancient and current communities of people. Art, music, science and math are
also integrated into the humanities classes to form very integrated units of
study; projects for art, religion, media and technology, and science often
directly relate to the time periods and cultures being studies.
Middle School Humanities Overview
Sixth and seventh grade students focus on ancient studies in their
humanities classes. The sixth grade begins their year with a study of
the native tribes of the Americas from prehistoric times through the 15th
century. Then they study the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome and
follow the history of Europe from the fall of the roman Empire to the
beginnings of the Renaissance. The coursework incorporates the study of
world geography, political structures, economic activities, religious
customs, art, architecture, incorporated in all aspects of the learning
process.
Language arts studies for sixth grade students is designed to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their writing skills, develop proper grammar and mechanics use in written communication and help them expand their ideas in their writing. Research, creative writing, literature responses, poetry, and essay writing are developed through the course of the year. The literature selections include a variety of novels, poems, plays, primary documents and biographies. Students are expected to read a variety of novels such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George, The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau, and Crispin: The Cross of Lead, by Avi.
The seventh grade year examines the rise of Sumeria and Mesopotamia in the near East, followed by a study of ancient Egypt and Africa, ancient China, and India. Particular attention is given to helping students understand and show respect for the various cultural, religious, and social customs of the modern people from these regions. Field trips, dining experiences, hands-on activities, and student-centered performances are incorporated to immerse the students in the cultures about which they are learning. Even the literature for language arts classes in this year of study are directly tied to the cultures and time periods.
Language arts skills for seventh grade students focus on creating strong essays and research papers, becoming accomplished editors of their own work and others, writing for a variety of audiences, and expanding and improving their vocabulary and grammar skills. The novels students read relate directly to their social studies topics include The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare, A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park, and The Giver, by Lois Lowery.
Students in both sixth and
seventh grades use a variety of primary and secondary documents,
non-fiction text, biographies, and autobiographies, cultural and historical
fiction, newspapers, and periodicals. In addition to print materials,
student use video and film interviews to gain their knowledge about the
social studies topics covered. They learn to focus on discerning
editorialized accounts from facts in an attempt to encourage an
understanding of "perspective". Students examine the differences and the
commonalities of opposing factions within both ancient and contemporary
cultures in order to develop broader understandings of current problems and
future solutions.
The eighth grade
humanities curriculum focuses on students understanding American government,
its founding documents, and how those initial ideals and rights have been
upheld and challenged throughout American history. Students will examine the
Civil War and reconstruction, both World Wars, Korea, Communism, Vietnam,
and into the 20th century.
Once there is a solid
understanding of our government and its structure, eighth grade
students will compare and contrast our government to other forms of
government around the world. Investigating the democratic process and
responsibilities and rights of citizens within that process is a major focus
of study.
All of this knowledge will allow
students to be poised to be responsible, contributing citizens of the United
States. To accomplish these goals, student will read historical fiction and
textbooks, travel to museums and historical sites, visit government
facilities, participate in cultural arts activities, and view videos and
interactive websites.
Students develop skills and
concepts of both written and oral language as they pose questions, find
answers, master new vocabulary and effectively interpret and relate
information in a meaningful way to themselves and others. The eighth
grade language arts skills are developed in the form of written and oral
presentations that may include the integration of technology but also
include poems, plays, and short stories that interpret and relate students'
findings. Literature selections include novels that probe the students'
understanding of government such as Animal Farm, by George Orwell,
historical fiction such as My Brother Sam is Dead, by Christopher
Collier, or Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, fantasy and
science fiction texts such as The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian
Selznik, as well as a variety of poetry, short stories, plays and
informational texts.
Middle School Math and Science Overview
This year the sixth grade
students will be working on a rigorous, general mathematics course. This
will give the students a good foundation for their future studies of algebra
and geometry. Some of the topics that will be covered are number patterns,
decimals, fractions, beginning algebra, and geometry. The text used is
Mathematics Applications and Concepts Course 2 by Glencoe Mathematics.
Program pace and focus will be determined by individual learning needs.
In science the students will be
covering three units of study - biology, astronomy and physics. All three
units have laboratory or experimental components. Technology will also be a
part of the labs.
The eighth graders will
be taking a high school level algebra course. The text is Pre-Algebra
by Glencoe Mathematics. At the end of the year, if students successfully
complete and test out of the requirements, they will earn a high school math
credit and have the choice of selecting the next available course at their
selected high school. Some of the concepts covered are linear equations,
polynomials, factoring and quadratic and exponential functions.
At times the seventh and
eighth grades will be working together on pre-algebra and algebra skills
allowing for differential learning.
This year seventh and eighth
grade students will be covering three units of study - chemistry
studying the periodic table, atoms and chemical reactions, mammal biology
studying anatomy and biology, and heredity and genetics. All three units
have laboratory or experimental components to them as well as technology
research.
This year seventh grade student will be working on a rigorous
pre-algebra course. The text is Pre-Algebra 2 by Glencoe Mathematics.
This will give the students a good foundation for their future studies of
algebra and geometry. Some of the topics covered are integers, factors,
rational numbers, ratio, percent, statistics, and polynomials.