Sheridan Middle School
Course Descriptions

Honors Program
Sheridan Middle School strives to meet the academic needs of all of our students our Honors program is no exception.  It is designed for those students who want and need additional academic challenge and rigor in Mathematics and Language Arts. The Honors classes are an intensive learning program where students will be expected to master the regular grade level curriculum at an accelerated pace and in greater depth.  Critical thinking and the development of research and study skills will be emphasized and will be integrated in all subject areas. 

Grade 6 Mathematics - Honors
The sixth-grade mathematics honors program consists of instruction in number sense, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability.  There are increased expectations of students’ independence in the application of skills, strategies, and concepts.  An accelerated pace of instruction allows for a more in-depth study of various topics and the use of additional challenging materials.  Honor students will be expected to reason and communicate in mathematics at grade level or above. Student knowledge and skill in vocabulary, forms of representation, materials, tools, techniques, and intellectual methods of the discipline of mathematics will be expanded and measured through the use of challenging and complex problems.  Class work (group and individual), class participation, homework, quizzes, projects, and organization are all factors incorporated into student letter grades.

Grade 6 Language Arts - Honors  
The sixth grade language arts honors program consists of instruction in spelling, grammar, reading and writing. There are increased expectations of students’ independence in the application of skills, strategies, and concepts.  Expanded vocabulary work includes explicit instruction in the understanding of word origins and word relationships as well as interpreting figurative language and shades of meaning.  This course focuses on active engagement with the text and outside reading including a firm understanding of the author’s purpose. Students will analyze literature using such comprehension strategies as context clues, inferences, the making of appropriate generalizations, and determining important and unimportant information.  Grammar and writing skills are taught in the context of developing clear, coherent and focused five- paragraph essays which address specific audiences.  Students will read and speak with a command of Standard English conventions appropriate to their grade level. 

Grade 7 Mathematics - Honors
The seventh-grade mathematics honors program consists of instruction in number sense, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. There are increased expectations of students’ independence in the application of skills, strategies, and concepts.  An accelerated pace of instruction allows for a more in-depth study of various topics and the use of additional challenging materials.  Students work to recognize reasoning and proof as fundamental aspects of mathematics.  Specific instruction around mathematical communication allows students to explain their thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others.  Statistics, algebraic concepts, and geometry consume more time. Class work (group and individual), class participation, homework, quizzes, projects, and organization are all factors incorporated into student letter grades.

Grade 7 Language Arts - Honors
The seventh grade language arts honors program consists of instruction in reading, writing, listening, speaking, language, and literature.  There are increased expectations of students’ independence in the application of skills, strategies, and concepts as well as an increase in the requirements of interpretation related to reading material. Students describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and outside reading by using their knowledge of text structure, organization, and purpose.  Instructed comprehension strategies include an emphasis on figurative language, activating prior knowledge, and evaluating text for a variety of purposes.   Students use knowledge of word origins and word relationships to extend their understanding of text.  Writing exhibits awareness of audience and purpose and reflects clear, focused construction. Five-paragraph essays are the expected means of addressing formal assignments.  Students will read and speak with a command of Standard English conventions appropriate to their grade level. 

Grade 8 Mathematics - Honors
The eighth-grade mathematics honors program consists of instruction in number sense, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability.  The program is designed to prepare students with skills and strategies that will allow them to be successful in honors and/or advanced placement classes. There are increased expectations of students’ independence in the application of skills, strategies, and concepts. An accelerated pace of instruction allows for a more in-depth study of various topics and the use of additional challenging materials.   Algebra and geometry are crucial to success in the later study of mathematics. As a part of their study, students use symbolic algebra to represent situations and to solve problems, especially those that involve linear relationships.  They create and critique inductive and deductive arguments concerning geometric ideas and relationships, such as congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean relationship.  Students use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely.  Class work (group and individual), class participation, homework, quizzes, projects, and organization are all factors incorporated into student letter grades.

Grade 8 Language Arts - Honors
The eighth grade language arts honors program is designed to prepare students with skills and strategies that will allow them to be successful in honors and/or advanced placement classes. There are increased expectations of students’ independence in the application of skills, strategies, and concepts.  Literature comprehension is assessed through verbal and written activities.  Students are accelerated to explore standards for subsequent grade levels.  They are given opportunities to delve more deeply into literature, searching for complex themes and relationships. Students are required to analyze, identify, define, explain, and critique fictional and non-fictional text, and to support their assertions in well-organized written and oral presentations.  Word study is complex and provides students with a more extensive understanding of the structure of the English language.  All five-paragraph and additional formal writing assignments reflect a thorough knowledge of the writing process.  Students will read and speak with a command of Standard English conventions appropriate to their grade level. 

Academic Traditional Structure

Social Studies

6th Grade Social Studies
6th grade students will begin the historical study of the people, land and history of the Western Hemisphere (North, South and Central America) beginning from the early migration across Asian Ice Bridge up until modern day.  Classes will be concentrating on physical, political and cultural geography, as well as the history and migration of a variety of Western peoples and cultures.  Projects, class work, homework and participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.   

7th Grade Social Studies
7th grade students will begin the historical study of the people, land, and history of the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia).  Classes will be concentrating on physical, political and cultural geography of the region as well as the history and rise and fall of a variety of Eastern peoples and cultures.  Class work, homework, projects and presentation as well as participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.   

8th Grade Social Studies
8th grade students will begin their historical study of American History beginning with the age of European exploration and will examine the pre and post colonial era, the pre and post civil war period and continue through Reconstruction and the creation of the modern day United States.  Cultural, political and geographical components will exist throughout each semester. 

Mathematics

Grade 6 Mathematics
The sixth-grade mathematics program, divided into seven units, consists of instruction in number sense, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Students work to increase their skills and understanding in finding and imposing structure, questioning and verifying, thinking hypothetically, and comprehending cause and effect. They will define and solve problems with reason, insight, creativity, and technical proficiency.  Class work (group and individual), class participation, homework, quizzes, projects, and organization are all factors incorporated into student letter grades.

 Grade 7 Mathematics
The seventh-grade mathematics program, divided into eight units, consists of instruction in number sense, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability.  Student work is more complex and varied than in 6th grade.  Students learn to deal with quantitative situations in life outside of school.  For example, when using data from sources such as polls of favorite foods, automobiles, etc., students need to determine which data are appropriate for their needs, to understand how the data were gathered at the source, and to consider limitations that could affect interpretation.  Statistics, algebraic concepts, and geometry consume more time. Class work (group and individual), class participation, homework, quizzes, projects, and organization are all factors incorporated into student letter grades.

Grade 8 Mathematics
The eighth-grade mathematics program consists of instruction in number sense, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability.  By the end of eighth grade, students should have a solid background in algebraic concepts and other areas that will prepare them to enter substantive high school courses.  Instruction includes work with patterns using specifically defined functions, identifying functions as linear or nonlinear, and contrasting their properties from tables, graphs, or equations.   Students will recognize and generate equivalent forms for simple algebraic expressions and solve linear equations.  Students will apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.  Class work (group and individual), class participation, homework, quizzes, projects, and organization are all factors incorporated into student letter grades.

Science

6th Grade Earth Science
Students will be learning about the earth that we live on.  Starting the year out first with the scientific method and heading into directly into rocks and minerals.  There will many hands-on labs with opportunities to examine and handle the different rocks and minerals that are found throughout the world.  While finishing up with minerals we will delve into energy and the resources that are used for energy.  Plate tectonics is the next subject which will cover earthquakes, volcanoes, the idea of continental drift etc.  Weathering, erosion and soil will be introduced to students.  The students will have an idea of what the factors of weathering are, and how they affect us.  Next geologic time will be introduced to give students a general idea of how young humans really are.  We will look at clues to earth's past, fossils etc.  The last subject to be approached is the last frontier…space.  The Sun-Earth-Moon system will explain seasons, day/night, year, solstices and eclipses.  The planets will be studied and compared to Earth.  Space exploration will also be addressed. 

7th Grade Life Science
The purpose of this class is to introduce the students to real science, how it affects them and the world around them.  In this course key concepts and unifying themes work together to help students develop a coherent view of life. The course is divided into six units: Unit one, Applying scientific methods to problem solving; Unit two, The cell which builds on the correlation between structure and function, this includes tracing the history of genetics from Mendel to DNA; Unit three, Mechanisms of evolution and biodiversity; Unit four, Plant form and function;Unit five, Animal form and function; and Unit six, Ecology.  Along with that we work on study skills, responsibility, technical reading, group work, true to life science labs and a science fair project.  All of the topics will be easily understood with the use of technology as well as hands-on-labs.  Intertwined with the curriculum will be the fourth annual science fair, where the students will do research and conduct an experiment on their own, ensuring a firm grasp on the scientific method.

8th Grade Physical Science
Students will explore both chemistry and physics.  During the first semester, classes will be concentrating on chemistry.  This will include the study of the atom, matter, compounds and mixtures, states of matter, physical and chemical changes of matter, and chemical reactions.  The second semester will focus on physics.  Physics will include investigating motion, momentum, Newton’s Laws, energy, and environmental issues.  In addition, students will participate in a Science Fair, held during 3rd quarter.  Homework will be given twice a week which will help students prepare for this year’s science CSAP testing.  Projects, class work, lab investigations, homework and participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.   

Language Arts

Grade 6 Language Arts
The sixth grade language arts program consists of instruction in spelling, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.  Students read various genres at grade level to include short stories, poetry, and nonfiction.  Instruction and guided practice using various comprehension strategies such as analysis of text structure, organization, and author’s purpose will be provided. Using the grade level anthology students will analyze literature to determine the relationships between setting, plot, and character.  Independent reading relates to the comprehension theme of each unit of study.  Grammar and writing skills are taught with concentration on developing clear, coherent, and focused paragraphs and three-paragraph essays.  Application of correct written conventions and usage will be assessed. 

Grade 7 Language Arts
The seventh grade language arts program consists of instruction in reading, writing, listening, speaking, language, and literature.  The content for this course comes from grade-level anthology, grammar, and vocabulary sources.  Students use a process of reader-response activities to construct meaning from a range of different genres of literature to include short stories, poetry, and non-fiction.  Plot structure, character analysis, cause/effect, and use of figurative language are comprehension analysis strategies taught at this level.  Students use the writing process to communicate ideas. Specific instruction in the areas of grammar and writing skills are taught in the context of developing clear, coherent and focused paragraphs and five-paragraph essays.  Assignments provide students the opportunity to read more critically, write with more creativity, and express themselves with greater clarity.

Grade 8 Language Arts
The eighth grade language arts program reflects deeper appreciation and comprehension of a variety of genres at grade level including short stories, poetry, and non-fiction.  Text is studied using character analysis, plot development, figurative language, language choice and identification of theme, style and structure.  All aspects of grammar: parts of speech, mechanics, usage, capitalization, and punctuation are taught and reviewed.  Vocabulary instruction is presented through a variety of techniques and skills. Interpretive and essay writing as well as speaking and listening activities are used to extend student understanding of text.  Students are expected to use the writing process to develop clear, focused, and engaging paragraphs and five-paragraph essays.  Students write original pieces, which represent a variety of genres and demonstrate thorough understanding of the writing process.  

ELL Opportunities

ELA-Language Arts

Newcomer Language Arts
The Newcomer Center is designed for language minority students who are new (within one year) to the country, have limited schooling, and are found to be true beginners in learning English. Their language arts program will include skill development with focus on all aspects of communication – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – as well as sentence structure and vocabulary. Texts, lesson delivery, assessment tools, and curriculum design have been chosen to best meet the needs of individual students and provide the language and academic background necessary for school success.

ELA Level - 2
This class is designed for ELA students (6, 7, & 8 grades) with beginning to low-intermediate English language skills. The class concentrates on developing beginning English literacy skills needed for academic success. The emphasis is on reading and writing, but will also assist in furthering the development of listening and speaking skills. Coursework will include two novels and daily reading from an anthology containing various genres. Class work, participation, homework, presentations, writing, and unit assessments will be included in each student’s semester grade.

ELA Level – 3
This class is designed for ELA students (6, 7, & 8 grades) with intermediate to high-intermediate English language skills. The class will emphasize more independent work leading to mainstream language arts classes. The main focus is on reading and writing with the students working on longer reading passages and writing multi-paragraph essays. Coursework will include reading two novels and daily reading from an anthology containing various genres. Class work, participation, homework, presentations, writing, and unit assessments will be included in each student’s semester grade.

Electives

In an attempt to increase student participation and availability of elective offerings many elective classes at Sheridan Middle School are now cross grade level.  This allows us the flexibility to address the needs of a greater portion of our student body.

Media Literacy/Keyboarding
This course is designed to prepare all students to be successful keyboarders.  Instruction will focus on using the home row, looking up rather than at the keyboard, and improving keyboarding speed and accuracy.  Students will improve through repetition, practice, and assessment.  Students will also apply their newly mastered keyboarding skills to higher order thinking tasks that evaluate the power of media in life.  Themes will include media and wellness, media and consumerism, and media and democracy.  Media Literacy provides students with opportunities to think critically, communicate clearly, and form ideas, opinions, and beliefs about media and consumer culture. 

Art
The Art program at Sheridan Middle School consists two one-semester courses. Coursework will consist of projects designed to address, at some point, each of the five Art Standards:  Using Art to Communicate, Elements and Principals of Design, Know and Use Art Materials and Processes, Relate Art to History and Culture, Know About and Understand Art.
Classes will study the artistic elements of line, shape, texture and value, form, space, color, balance, rhythm and movement, proportion, variety, emphasis,  unity and art history using a variety of media and techniques.  The course will also include a Character Education component, using Art to address various examples of positive character traits through the study of works of art and by completing a project on the topics of Friendship and Respect for Authority.

Instrumental Music

Beginning Band
Beginning Band, we will explore the joy of making music with instruments.  Students will be exposed to and have the opportunity to play a variety of instruments throughout the year. There will be two concerts given by the Sheridan Middle School Bands.  One concert in December as a Holiday Celebration, and one concert in May, to showcase what the bands have achieved throughout the year. 

Intermediate/Advanced
The goal for this class is to provide a foundation of musical techniques that enable students to take music to a higher level.  The Intermediate/Advanced band will be a stepping stone to give the students the skills they need to succeed in the High School band program.  There will be two concerts given by the Sheridan Bands.  One concert in December as a Holiday Celebration, and one concert in May, to showcase what the bands have achieved throughout the year.   Attendance at all concerts is mandatory.   Along with these two concerts, the Intermediate/Advanced Band may also be going to a band festival (or contest) during semester two. 

Introduction to Music
Introduction to music students will explore musical styles, rhythms, melody and vocabulary related to these.  Students will study 96 pieces of music from a variety of styles and cultures.  They will learn about the importance of characteristics of music, regardless of style or culture.  The class is taught in 9 different units.

Vocal Music

Beginning Choir
The students will study basic music theory (notes, rhythms, terminology, symbols, etc) and learn the fundamentals of proper vocal technique.  The students will sing a variety of choral literature in 2 part harmony.  The choir will also give two concerts (one per semester).  Attendance at these concerts is mandatory.  In addition, the students will concentrate on modeling appropriate behavior as both performer and audience member.

Intermediate/Advanced Choir
The students will be provided with a foundation of musical and vocal techniques that will enable them to take music to a higher level.  This choir will be a stepping stone to give the students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the High School Vocal Music program. The students will sing a variety of choral literature in 3 part harmony.  In addition, the choir will give two concerts (one per semester).  Attendance at these concerts is mandatory.  In addition, the students will concentrate on modeling appropriate behavior as both performer and audience member.

Business Computer Applications

6th Grade
Introduction to Computers
Students will learn proper keyboarding techniques using both software and in-class exercises.  After learning these techniques, the students then will concentrate on increasing their speed and accuracy.  We also will work on improving study tips and tricks and create a class cookbook of student favorite recipes to share.  Projects, class work, homework, and participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.

7th Grade
Excel & Money Management
Students will learn how current choices can affect your life in the future, as well as budgeting, check writing, balancing a checkbook, and have a discussion about credit cards.  Students also will use Microsoft Excel in this class to create spreadsheets and graphs.  Projects, class work, homework, and participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.                                 

Publisher & Internet Research
Students will create some of the various publications available in Microsoft Publisher as well as learn how to use the Internet effectively.  Students also will discuss copyright law and discover how to correctly cite sources used from the Internet. Projects, class work, homework, and participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.

8th Grade
Career & College Preparation
Students will learn how current choices can affect your life in the future as well as learn their personality types and what jobs is the “best fit” for them.  Students will research careers and colleges in addition to signing up for scholarships to help pay for additional education beyond high school.  We also will work on determining what employers look for in an employee and fill out a sample job application.  Projects, class work, homework, and participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.

PowerPoint & Public Speaking
Student will learn how to create slides shows using Microsoft PowerPoint and how to “jazz up” the presentations using some of the features of PowerPoint.  Students will also begin to give presentations to the class to start the public speaking portion of the class and learn that an important part of public speaking is listening.  Projects, class work, homework, and participation will all be significant parts of each student’s semester grade.

Physical Education (PE)

Physical Education – 6th-8th Grade
Sheridan Middle School will offer a well-rounded physical education program rich in content with an emphasis on sport-specific skill development, fitness concepts, teamwork, cooperation, positive communication, leadership and responsibility.  During the first 9 weeks of the semester, students will explore outdoor sports activities, including soccer, football, baseball, and lacrosse.  During the second 9 weeks of the semester, students will engage in indoor sports activities, including basketball, volleyball, hockey, and badminton.  Students will also participate in a formal fitness assessment to test both muscular and cardiovascular strength and endurance.  Activities contained within this assessment include a 1-mile run, push-ups, pull-ups, flexed arm hang, vertical leap, shuttle run test, and flexibility test.  Students will be tested at the beginning of the semester to determine initial levels of fitness, then again at the conclusion of the semester to determine fitness gains. 

CSAP Preparation

CSAP Reading Fluency
This course is designed to meet the needs of students who have gaps in their reading abilities that hinder them when trying to read grade level materials.  Instruction will focus on the areas of sound-letter awareness (phoneme-grapheme awareness), multi-syllable words, and fluency.  Students will increase the pace and accuracy of their reading through phonics, word studies, reading practice and assessment.

CSAP Reading Comprehension
This course is designed to meet the needs of students who have gaps in their comprehension abilities that hinder them when trying to understand grade level materials.  Instruction will focus on active reading strategies, language arts skill sets, and higher order thinking skills.  Students will increase the accuracy and comprehension of their reading by improving skills emphasized by CSAP.

CSAP Mathematics
The CSAP Mathematics Preparation course is designed to provide additional instructional time and support in a small group setting for students who are working below grade level for reasons other than language acquisition or learning disability.  Students should gain knowledge of and skill in the use of the vocabulary forms of representation, materials, tools, techniques, and intellectual methods of the discipline of mathematics. This knowledge should include the ability to define and solve problems with reason, insight, inventiveness, and technical proficiency.            

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