Middle Division

The 5th Grade course surveys early American history from pre-Columbian Native culture and society up to the Sectional Crisis of the mid 19^th century. The course explores interactions among Europeans, Indians, and Africans on the North American continent, the growth and development of European colonies, and the ultimate creation of the United States of America. Topics and themes include government, revolution, westward expansion, and competing ideologies.

The 6th Grade course surveys the beginning of early civilizations through the fall of the Roman Empire, and the beginnings of the medieval world to the early modern era. Students will study the geographical, social, economic, and political foundations for early civilizations. They will analyze the shift from nomadic societies to agricultural societies. Students will study the development of civilizations, including the areas of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Ancient Israel, Greece, and Rome. The geographic focus will include the study of physical and political features, economic development and resources, and migration patterns.

The 7th Grade course surveys early American history from early European exploration up to the Civil War and its aftermath. It considers the tragic interactions among Europeans, Indians, and Africans on the North American continent, the growth and development of English colonies, and the revolt against the Empire that culminated in the creation of the United States of America. Topics include the ratification of the Constitution, the rise of American democracy, the emergence of middle-class culture, and the forces that pulled the union apart.

The 8th Grade course surveys American history from the Civil War years up to the world-wide struggle against terrorism. It considers the challenges and difficulties that faced the once divided nation, the growth of the settlement in the West and industry in the North, the political upheavals of the Progressive Era, and the impact of two World Wars. Topics include the inclusion of African and Women’s rights, the rise of America as a world power, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Era, and the challenges facing the nation.

The 5th Grade science students will complete three FOSS modules. The Energy and Electromagnetism Module is designed to introduce or reinforce concepts in physical science dealing with energy and change. The Environments Module focuses on the concepts that organisms need energy and matter to live and grow, and living organisms depend on one another and on their environment for their survival and the survival of populations. The Earth and Sun Module provides students with experiences to explore the properties of the atmosphere, energy transfer from the Sun to Earth, and the dynamics of weather and water cycling in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The 6th Grade students complete two FOSS earth science modules.The Earth History Course emphasizes the use of knowledge and evidence to construct explanations about the processes and systems that have operated over geological time. Students investigate sedimentary rocks and fossils from the Grand Canyon to discover clues that reveal Earth’s history. They study the processes that create sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and organize their observations and inferences into the rock cycle.

The revised FOSS Planetary Science course draws from the original course’s rich, active-learning investigations to develop a historical sense of humankind’s exploration of the cosmos, then delves in far greater depth into the modern questions surrounding space exploration.

7th Grade life science is an exploration of all living things, from cells to systems, with an emphasis on scientific inquiry. Students start the year learning what makes something living and explore the intricacies of cells, their structures and functions. Cell reproduction and genetics allow students to understand evolution on both a small and large scale as they transition to learn about classification and the kingdoms of life on earth. Starting with the smallest of organisms, their understanding of increasing levels of organization and complexity grows as they work their way to the animal kingdom, concluding with a thorough examination of human systems with an emphasis on reproductive health and systems. This course is heavily lab based with many dissections both virtual and real in the spring semester.

8th Grade physical science is divided into two separate but interconnected semesters of study, with an emphasis on physics in the fall and on chemistry in the spring. In the first term, students study the physical world around them and explore the motion of objects, the forces acting on an object, and further quantify motion and energy using formulas and graphs. In the second semester, the approach switches to describing matter on a small scale. Students start with exploring properties of matter and the history of atomic theory. Students gain a thorough knowledge of the atom, its parts and how/why it reacts and bonds. Students learn the different types of chemical reactions and are able to both balance and identify reaction type along with prediction of products. An emphasis on “real world” chemistry and uses is utilized in projects and readings.

All 5th Grade students follow a 6th Grade curriculum to develop a students’ foundation of core content areas and prepare them for success in their subsequent math courses. The year begins with students applying concepts for identifying and performing operations with whole numbers and patterns. In the next unit, students explore introductory algebra skills involving variables, expressions, and equations.

The students enrolled in advanced 6th Grade math use a 7th Grade math textbook. Students begin the school year applying concepts for identifying and performing operations, number patterns, and exponents, and order of operations. This is followed by an exploration of algebraic expressions and equations. Within this unit, students also demonstrate the ability to solve equations containing integers and rational numbers. Next, they are required to apply rational number operations to decimals and fractions.

7th Grade students will take either Pre-Algebra or Algebra I Honors.

7th Grade students enrolled in Pre-Algebra students learn the language of algebra and begin using a TI-80 Plus calculator to progress the learning experience and prepare students for high school mathematics courses. Students begin the year applying concepts and performing basic operations using real numbers in real-world contexts. The focus then shifts to applying properties to simplify algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, and applying principles of graphing. Next, students learn to Identify and apply geometric principles to polygons, angles, and two- and three-dimensional figures. They build geometric concepts by understanding measurable attributes of objects and apply various formulas in problem-solving situations. Students end the year by Interpreting, organizing, and making predictions about a variety of data using concepts of probability.

7th Grade students enrolled in Algebra I Honors will receive high school credit. Topics covered in this course include expressions, equations and functions, linear equations, equations of linear function, solving inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, quadratic expressions and equations, quadratic functions and equations, radical functions and geometry, and rational functions and equations.

8th Grade students enrolled in Algebra I Honors will receive high school credit. Topics covered in this course include expressions, equations and functions, linear equations, equations of linear function, solving inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, quadratic expressions and equations, quadratic functions and equations, radical functions and geometry, and rational functions and equations.

The Honors Geometry curriculum includes the following topics: formal logic, coordinate geometry, concepts of parallelism and perpendicularity, congruent triangles, applications of congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, polygons, surface area, and volume. The last quarter focuses on a review of algebraic topics in preparation for Algebra II. In each unit, students will be engaged in proving theorems. The development of problem-solving strategies, effective math study skills, and good reasoning habits will be emphasized throughout the course.

Students in 5th Grade read D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths and challenging high interest novels such as Sophia’s War and The Long Walk to Water. Students practice reading informational text which allows them to develop sophisticated comprehension skills, build critical content knowledge and vocabulary, and apply higher-order thinking skills. Fifth graders begin the year focusing on writing well developed paragraphs. By second quarter, they are learning how to write multi-paragraph pieces. Writing assignments include the personal narrative, descriptive writing, and summarizing. Grammar focuses for this year include the parts of speech, sentence parts, phrases, and clauses. Students hone usage skills through the study of agreement, common errors, and sentence structure. Fifth graders complete a unit on mechanics and practice proofreading their own works, as well as peers’ work to reinforce the concepts. Vocabulary units include words from the literature students are reading, SAT vocabulary, as well as words they choose to add to their individual learning programs. All St. John’s students compete in the WordMasters Analogy Competition and the National Mythology Exam.

Students in 6th Grade read challenging, high interest novels such as Milkweed and The Breadwinner. Students continue to practice reading informational text, which allows students to develop sophisticated comprehension skills, build critical content knowledge and vocabulary, and apply higher-order thinking skills. Sixth Graders strengthen writing skills through journal entries, well-developed literature essays, and a research paper. Writing assignments include the personal narrative, a comparison/contrast essay, and a literary analysis. Grammar focuses for this year include the parts of speech, phrases, and clauses. Students hone usage skills through their study of agreement, common errors, and misplaced modifiers. Sixth graders complete a unit on mechanics and practice proofreading their own works, as well as peers’ work to reinforce the concepts. Vocabulary units include words from the literature students are reading, SAT vocabulary, as well as words they choose to add to their individual learning programs. All St. John’s students compete in the WordMasters Analogy Competition and the National Mythology Exam.

Students in 7th Grade read challenging classics such as The Odyssey and A Raisin in the Sun, as well as high interest short stories and poetry. Students continue to practice reading informational text, which allows students to develop sophisticated comprehension skills, build critical content knowledge and vocabulary, and apply higher-order thinking skills.  Seventh graders strengthen writing skills by completing timed writings, journal entries, well-developed literature essays, and a research paper. Writing assignments include personal narratives, persuasive pieces, and creative writing. Grammar focuses for this year include the parts of speech, phrases, clauses, and verbals. Students hone usage skills through their study of agreement, parallelism, common errors, and misplaced modifiers. Seventh graders complete a unit on mechanics and practice proofreading their own works, as well as peers’ work to reinforce the concepts. Vocabulary units include words from the literature students are reading, SAT vocabulary, as well as words they choose to add to their individual learning programs. All St. John’s students compete in the WordMasters Analogy Competition and the National Mythology Exam.

Students in 8th Grade read classics of literature such as Beowulf and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as high interest novels. Students continue to practice reading informational text which allows students to develop sophisticated comprehension skills, build critical content knowledge and vocabulary, and apply higher-order thinking skills. The 8th Grade English curriculum emphasizes mature, rich writing by applying the grammar, mechanics, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills learned in the past several years. Students write for a variety of audiences and purposes, exploring timed expository writing, personal narratives, literary analysis, creative responses, and a major research paper. The year deepens students’ understanding of sentence parts while introducing more advanced grammatical concepts and encouraging a greater variety of sentence structures. The vocabulary program prepares students for success in their reading and concentrates on elevating their diction in all writing situations. A signature component of the course is the Declamations project, which guides students through the process of drafting, editing, preparing, and delivering a formal oration in front of the entire division. All St. John’s students compete in the WordMasters Analogy Competition and the National Mythology Exam.

Spanish

The Spanish course at the fifth grade level consists of one semester in which the students are introduced to basic greetings/farewells, colors, numbers, days, months, seasons and weather expressions. In addition, students will be introduced to the basic study of Hispanic customs and culture that include the key Spanish-speaking countries celebrations and the meaning behind them.

Latin

The Latin course at the fifth grade level consists of one semester in which the students are introduced to basic vocabulary and grammar concepts. In addition, students will be introduced to Latin culture, history, and Roman mythology. 

Spanish

The 6th grade Spanish course is the first part of a two-part program focusing on beginner/mid level phrases and expressions geared towards the use of real life conversations.  The four language skills will be targeted: listening, speaking, reading and writing.   Concepts will include: the Spanish alphabet, the use of cognates, numbers, colors, greetings and farewells among others.  In addition, this course will present the elements necessary to develop a better understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and their customs.

Latin

Grade 6 Latin teaches students to comprehend the Latin language through practice in reading Latin stories. Through this reading, they develop an understanding of the social and political history of the Romans, especially during the 1st century A.D. Through vocabulary study, students are able to learn relationships between words in both English and Latin. Grammar concepts used in both languages are also reinforced. 

Spanish

The 7th grade course is the continuation of the concepts covered at the sixth grade level. The course will lay the foundation for the Spanish I high school credit course taught at the 8th grade level.  The course will focus on the use of grammar and its application to conversation and writing.  Emphasis will also be given to studying the geography of Spanish-speaking countries and their customs.

Latin

Grade 7  Latin teaches students to comprehend the Latin language through practice in reading Latin stories. Through this reading, they develop an understanding of the social and political history of the Romans, especially during the transitional period between the Republic and the Empire. Students are able to learn relationships between words in both English and Latin through vocabulary study. Grammar concepts used in both languages are also reinforced. Grammar will be treated quite substantially in order to ensure that students will be well prepared for intermediate and advanced Latin courses or those of other romance languages in preparatory or high school. Students earn high school credit for Latin I.

Spanish

Grade 8 students will receive high school credit for Spanish I. Spanish I gives students the tools to begin to explore and share knowledge of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages proficiency target for this course is Novice High. Novice High users of the language can express themselves on familiar topics using primarily memorized words, phrases, simple sentences, and questions that have been highly practiced and memorized. Novice High students can occasionally build more complex sentences using connectors, use basic transitions, and are beginning to create language in the present tense. 

Latin

Grade 8 Latin teaches students to comprehend the Latin language through practice in reading Latin stories. Through this reading, they develop an understanding of the social and political history of the Romans, especially during the transitional period between the Republic and the Empire. Students are able to learn relationships between words in both English and Latin through vocabulary study. Grammar concepts used in both languages are also reinforced. Grammar will be treated quite substantially in order to ensure that students will be well prepared for intermediate and advanced Latin courses or those of other romance languages in preparatory or high school. Students earn high school credit for Latin I.