Middle School Academic Hub

6th Grade Language Arts -

• Sixth Grade English Language Arts focuses on the four academic standards: speaking and listening, reading for all purposes, writing and composition, and research and reasoning. This course builds upon elementary level instruction and demands increased application of skills and intellectual reasoning while reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Focus studies include: analyzing literary components, examining text structures, developing vocabulary knowledge through context, organizing and structuring writing for intended audiences and purposes, informative/expository and persuasive writing, and grammar and mechanics of English language.

6th Grade Math -

• In Grade 6, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking.

6th Grade Social Studies -

• Sixth graders will analyze historical sources and eras through the study of the Western Hemisphere, focusing on the components of civilizations both ancient and modern, analyzing patterns in history, and looking at how the past influences the present.  Emphasis is placed on resource distribution, competition, cooperation and conflict and human-environment interaction. Students will use geographic tools to analyze information and data pertaining to Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Canada.  Civic and global awareness is highlighted, as is the role of the U.S. in the Western Hemisphere. Multiple perspectives and appreciation of diverse backgrounds will also be explored. Students will also study how savings and investing can contribute to financial well-being.

6th Grade Science -

• In middle level physical science, students will be designing and conducting scientific investigations and constructing scientific explanations based on evidence. Students will make measurements using metric units and will organize their data using bar and line graphs. Students will learn about fundamental concepts in physical science such as the particulate nature of matter, basic atomic structure, forms and sources of energy, energy transfer and transformations, the conservation of matter and energy, and force and motion. Students will also learn about the nature of science as a human endeavor.

7th Grade Language Arts -

• 7th Grade English Language Arts focuses on the four academic standards: speaking and listening, reading for all purposes, writing and composition, and research and reasoning. This course demands increased application of developing literacy skills and intellectual reasoning.  Focus studies include: analyzing literary components, examining text structures, developing vocabulary knowledge through context, organizing and structuring writing for intended audiences and purposes, informative/expository and persuasive writing, grammar and mechanics of English language

7th Grade Math -

• 7th grade mathematics focuses on 4 areas, (1) understanding and applying proportional relationships; (2) operations with rational numbers including variable expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings, informal geometric constructions, and area of 2-dimensional figures, surface area and volume of 3-dimensional shapes; (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

7th Grade Science -

• In middle level life science, students will be designing and conducting scientific investigations and constructing scientific explanations based on evidence. Students will make measurements using metric units and will organize their data using bar and line graphs. Students will learn about fundamental concepts in life science such as cells, ecology, genetics, evolution, and human anatomy.

7th Grade Social Studies -

• 7th graders will study the Eastern Hemisphere and focus on developing the skills necessary to analyze and interpret this area of the world from a geographic, historical and cultural perspective.  Students will develop an understanding of the physical and cultural processes that shape regions and people and an appreciation for our roles and responsibilities as world citizens. Students will also study the emergence of major religions.  In addition, principles of financial literacy will be addressed.

8th Grade Language Arts -

• 8th Grade English Language Arts focuses on the four academic standards: speaking and listening, reading for all purposes, writing and composition, and research and reasoning. This course is designed to prepare students for success in all high school course work requiring proficiency in the standards listed above. Focus studies include: reading interpretation and analysis of literary, informational, and persuasive texts through self- monitoring and peer/teacher dialogue; identify and use stylistic devices, such as sensory details, figurative language and tone; identify and organize ideas, supporting details, and transitional phrases within informational and persuasive texts written for a variety of audiences and purposes; employ correct grammar, usage, and mechanics in writing; and the independently navigate the research process.

8th Grade Math -

• 8th Grade Mathematics, focuses on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations including solving linear equations and system of equations; (2) understanding the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

8th Grade Science -

• In middle level earth and space science, students will be designing and conducting scientific investigations and constructing scientific explanations based on evidence. Students will make measurements using metric units and will organize their data using bar and line graphs. Students will learn about fundamental concepts in earth and space science such as the rock cycle, processes that shape Earth’s surface, fossils, natural resources, atmospheric  circulation, weather and climate, the water cycle, oceans and other water bodies, and the Earth in space. Students will also learn about the nature of science as a human endeavor.

8th Grade Social Studies -

• The course presents the social impacts and multiple perspectives of people associated with significant events in pre-1890 American history. Students will learn about contributions made by many groups who shaped and continue to influence the American experience. Students will engage in historical inquiry as they analyze multiple sources, perspectives and geographical tools. Students will consider how resources impact human settlement and interaction. Students will learn about personal credit and debt. Students also will examine the role of the Constitution in our government and our societal values. This course is also available to be taken in an online format. 

• Algebra 1 -
  Algebra 1 is an introduction to abstract reasoning and algebraic symbolism. Students will solve equations and systems of equations, and they will use functions to represent patterns and make predictions. The focus is on linear, exponential, and quadratic functions. Students will also employ algebraic methods to summarize data and to compare data sets.
• Adv Algebra 1 -
  Advanced Algebra 1 is an in-depth study of algebraic symbolism, systems of equations, graphing, problem-solving, and probability and statistics. The students will build upon their previous knowledge to further understand the characteristics and representations of various functions, and relations including: linear, exponential, and quadratic equations, inequalities, complex numbers, and rational algebraic expressions. This course is designed for highly motivated  students. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of a standard course. 
• Geometry -
  Geometry presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulational system and development of formal synthetic proof. It considers the topics of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines, and planes with respect to space as well as the plane. Basic principles of probability will be introduced. The maintenance of algebraic skills will be emphasized. 
• Adv Geometry -
  Advanced Geometry presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulate system and development of formal two-column proof. It considers the topics of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines, and planes with respect to space as well as the plane. Basic principles of probability will be introduced. Use of algebraic skills is expected. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of a standard course.

Elective courses are offered on a rotating basis. See your counselor with any questions.

Art 1 (6th Grade) - Building on Exploratory Art learning experiences, students study and apply the elements of art and principles of design in compositions. Inspired by artists and art history, students learn about various materials, tools, techniques, processes and technology in both two and three-dimensional art. Students build and refine motor skills throughout this course. Personal expression is nurtured through an exploration of the creative process. Students understand the role of visual art in shaping historical and cultural traditions. 

Family and Consumer Science (6th Grade) - This course is an introduction course designed to acquaint students with Consumer and Family Studies. Topics introduced include health, nutrition, food preparation, sewing, decision-making and organizational skills. Cooperative learning groups and integration of all academic areas will be emphasized through practical experiences. In all topic areas, students will learn skills to promote life-long health and well-being

Exploratory Design Tech (6th Grade) - This course prepares middle school students for the changing demands and professions of the 21st century. This program combines the best of design-build learning with modern tools of technology, an awareness of interest-based preparation, and an exposure to the workforce skills required to give all Boulder Valley students a competitive advantage in their educational and workforce pursuits.

Art 2 (7th Grade) - Building on Exploratory Art learning experiences, students study and apply the elements of art and principles of design in compositions. Inspired by artists and art history, students learn about various materials, tools, techniques, processes and technology in both two and three-dimensional art. Students build and refine motor skills throughout this course. Personal expression is nurtured through an exploration of the creative process. Students understand the role of visual art in shaping historical and cultural traditions. Art history and cultural studies focus on regions within the seventh and eighth grade social studies curriculum. Additional artists and cultures that are not addressed in other middle level art courses may also be included.

Computer Power (7th Grade) - This course is designed to support students in deepening their understanding and application of tech tools in their school work and in their lives. Students will learn to use Google tools, photo tools, website design tools, presentations, spreadsheets, social media and more to help them succeed in all of their classes! They will also learn to effectively use digital communication to share their creations. 

Health (7th Grade) - Health Education in seventh grade is based on developing skills in relation to age appropriate health topics. By developing skills related to effectively accessing health resources, communicating, analyzing peer and media influences, goal setting, decision making, and health advocacy, students in BVSD will be able to achieve and maintain optimal wellness.

Photography (8th Grade) - "A picture is worth a thousand words.” Photographs play an important role in our world today. We photograph to preserve memories, document events, and create artistic works. This course introduces students to the basics of photography, including camera functions and photo composition. Students will learn what it takes to create a good photograph and how to improve photographs of animals, people, and vacations. They will also begin working with their photographs using photo-editing software. Through a variety of assigned projects, students will engage their creativity by photographing a range of subjects and learning to see the world through the lens of their cameras.

Middle School Design Tech (8th Grade) - This course prepares middle school students for the changing demands and professions of the 21st century. This program combines the best of design-build learning with modern tools of technology, an awareness of interest-based preparation, and an exposure to the workforce skills required to give all Boulder Valley students a competitive advantage in their educational and workforce pursuits.

Health (8th Grade) - Health education in eighth grade is based on developing skills in relation to age appropriate health topics. By developing skills related to effectively accessing health resources, communicating, analyzing peer and media influences, goal setting, decision making, and health advocacy, students in BVSD will be able to achieve and maintain optimal wellness.

Middle School P.E. - 

• Physical Education at the 6th grade middle level offers students a variety of physical activities through which they will develop positive attitudes toward group interaction, sportsmanship, the joy of effort, fair play, cooperation, initiative and an appreciation for the abilities and limitations of self and others. The program is designed to continue development of physical fitness, motor, perception, rhythm, and movement skills.
• Physical Education at the 7th grade emphasizes physical fitness and development of basic movement skills through team, individual, and dual sports and rhythmic activities. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of basic fundamentals of sports; developing the knowledge of rules, building personal responsibility, good sportsmanship, and leadership.
• Physical Education at the 8th grade level emphasizes refinement of skills learned in the 7th grade, developing a greater understanding of game strategies. Continued emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, good sportsmanship, and attaining a higher level of personal fitness.
  

Spanish 1 - Level 1 introduces students to target foreign cultures and to the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Students acquire skills through oral repetition, dialogues, short compositions, dictations, reading, and written exercises. For the Novice-Low Range Level, students learn to communicate, comprehend, and present on very familiar topics using isolated words and high frequency phrases in the context of Culture, Connections and Comparisons. 

Spanish 2- Level 2 furthers the study of grammar, vocabulary and an understanding of the culture. Students improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students improve language skills through oral repetition, dialogues, short compositions, dictations, reading, and written exercises. For the Novice-Mid Range Level, students learn to communicate, comprehend, and present in oral and written form on a variety of familiar and predictable topics using isolated words, learned phrases, and learned grammatical structures in the context of Culture, Connections, and Comparisons.