MID-GRADES CORE COURSES

ENGLISH

English Language Arts 6
This course is closely tied to grade 6 Social Studies.  The following skills are focused upon: writing - letters, narratives, newspaper reports and poetry; reading – research skills, comprehension and literature; and oral language – delivering partner, group and whole language presentations, applying conventions such as clarity of speech, eye contact and alike, and use of expression, gesture, and movement to enhance presentations. 

English Language Arts 7
This course enhances students’ ability to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences through responding constructively to alternative ideas and opinions.  Students analyze plot, sub-plot, and examine the interrelation between character, plot, and setting.  Through critical reading, students summarize the main idea in their own words and create biographies and autobiographies.  Students work on different strategies to clarify their writing and ideas during class discussions.  Group work is integrated and personal reflections are done on a continuous basis.

English Language Arts 8
This course is a continuation from grade 7 and it designed to further develop the student’s skills, knowledge and attributes regarding the English language.  The course will incorporate the Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory; differentiated instruction; mastery learning and integrated curriculum.   Students will use novel studies, plays, poetry, short stories, non-fiction and other writings to help them advance their skills in thinking and presenting, as well as further development of their reading, writing, and presentation abilities.  Units of study include: exploration of thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences; comprehension and responding personally and critically; managing ideas & information; enhancing the clarity and artistry of communication; and respect, support and collaboration with others.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

Alberta Education is in the process of implementing a revised social studies program for K–12 in Alberta.  The aim of the new social studies program is to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance in students as they engage in active and responsible citizenship. At the heart of Alberta’s new social studies program are the concepts of citizenship and identity in the Canadian context. It also includes multiple perspectives, including Aboriginal and Francophone, which contribute to Canada’s identity. The new program also has a greater focus on Canadian and Alberta history.

Social Studies 6
Grade 6 students will broaden their understanding of democracy in the Canadian experience and develop an awareness of the active role that engaged citizens can play within the democratic process. Grade 6 students will examine how participation in the democratic process is a means for governments and citizens to effect change in their communities. They will explore how democratic principles and ideals are reflected in the structure and functions of their local and provincial governments. Students will examine how ancient Athens and the Iroquois Confederacy have influenced Canada’s democratic processes. Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the dynamic relationship between governments and citizens as they engage in the democratic process.
As well, students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the democratic principles exemplified by ancient Athens and the Iroquois Confederacy.

Social Studies 7
Through an examination of events proceeding and following Confederation, Grade 7 students will acquire an understanding of how Canada has evolved into a multicultural, bilingual, pluralistic and diverse society; and they will appreciate how these dimensions of Canada have affected citizenship and identity over time. Grade 7 students will explore the origins, histories and movement of peoples who forged the foundations of Canadian Confederation. They will examine how the political, demographic, economic and social changes that have occurred since Confederation have influenced ways in which contemporary Canada has evolved.

Social Studies 8
This course will use thematic project and problem based learning activities.  The course will incorporate the following:  Multiple Intelligence (MI) Theory; Experiential Education; Differentiated Curriculum; Mastery Learning: Integrated Curriculum.  Units of study include:  Japan - from isolation to adaptation; Origins of Western Worldview - renaissance Europe and Worldviews in conflict - The Spanish and the Aztecs.

 

MATHEMATICS

Alberta Education is implementing a re-organization of the mathematics curriculum in stages over the next few years.  With this re-organization, the number of outcomes for each grade level has been reduced so that each topic can be explored in greater depth. Learning situations are created which allow the student to discover the concepts on their own. Logic and reasoning are encouraged through problem solving situations. With problems, students are required to document and to explain the procedures used to solve the problem.

Mathematics 6
This course builds on the knowledge, skills, and attributes acquired in grade 5.  Units of study include:  number concepts and operations; patterns and relationships; shape and space; as well as statistics and probability.  Students are also introduced to basic algebraic equations and increasingly complex problem solving models in preparation for Math 7.

Mathematics 7
This course builds knowledge, skills and attributes acquired in grade 6. Units of study include: number theory -  divisibility, relationships between fractions, decimals and percentages, computations using decimals, introduction to integers; patterns and relations - beginner algebra, and graphing and interpreting relations; shape and space - radius, diameter and circumference of a circle, problem solving situations involving the use of circles, translations, rotations and reflections; and statistics and probability - formulating questions, designing experiments, collecting, describing and interpreting data, creating and solving problems dealing with probability.

Mathematics 8
This course continues to develop the fundamental skills gained in earlier years such as problem solving through estimation, reasoning, and visualization.  The course emphasizes communication and the use of technology through exploration of number theory, statistics, probability, algebra, and geometry.  The grade 8 course sets the stage for entrance into the more complex mathematical ideas introduced in Grade 9 and beyond.

 

SCIENCE

Science 6
This course will introduce students to a more rigorous application of the scientific method and are encouraged to develop their curiosity about the world around them.  The units of study include: trees and forests, air and aerodynamics, flight, sky science, and evidence and investigation.  Students will be provided opportunities for further investigation of the world around them and to acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to understand their role as responsible citizens in science.

Science 7
This course is the 2nd of the core science courses covered in middle school. The units of study include:  interactions and ecosystems, heat and temperature, planet earth, structures and forces, and plants for food and fiber.  Students will be encouraged to continue to develop a healthy curiosity about the world around them and to further acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to understand their role as responsible citizens in science.

Science 8
This course is the last of the core science courses covered in middle school.  The units of study include: mix and matter of flow, cells and systems, light and optical systems, mechanical systems, and fresh and saltwater systems.  Students will be encouraged to further develop a healthy curiosity about the world around them and to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to understand their role as responsible citizens in science.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education 6
This course will have students select, perform and refine more challenging basic skills in a variety of environments and using various equipment, e.g. downhill skiing, hiking.  They will learn to demonstrate a creative process to develop dance sequences alone and with others; demonstrate sport specific skills to create competitive and cooperative modified games that involve everyone; and demonstrate activity-specific skills in a variety of individual activities, e.g. track and field/athletics.

Physical Education 7
This course will have students learn to demonstrate locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative skills, by using elements of body and space awareness, effort and relationships to improve personal performance.  Students will demonstrate activity-specific basic skills in a variety of games.  They will learn more challenging strategies and tactics that coordinate effort with others, e.g. team/fair play, in order to achieve a common goal.  Activities will include dance, games, gymnastics, aquatics and outdoor pursuits.

Physical Education 8
This course will have students select, combine and perform activity-specific skills in a variety of games.  They will be able to identify and evaluate specific strategies and tactics that coordinate effort with others, e.g. team/fair play, in order to achieve a common goal.  Students will learn to improve their personal performance by using elements of body and space awareness, effort and relationships.  Activities will include dance, games, gymnastics, aquatics and outdoor pursuits.