Middle School Grades 6-8
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
RELIGION
6th grade – Be My Disciples Edition 6, publisher RCL Benziger
The 6th grade is offered a balanced approach with an innovative religion curriculum that empowers children and their families to answer Jesus’ call to “Be My Disciples”. This class will invite children to be disciples, teach students about Scripture, Doctrine and Celebrations, as well as challenge students to integrate faith into their everyday life. It explores our Catholic identity by providing prayer formulas, key terms, and clear statements of Catholic teaching.
Topics of discussion are faith, the mystery of God and the Church, God, the Father and Creator, Jesus and Mary, the Holy Spirit, and the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
Students will also attend Mass on a weekly basis with their classmates and teachers. They will be offered Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross, Adoration, and other celebrations throughout the school year.
7th Grade - Be My Disciples Edition 6, publisher RCL Benziger
Students begin the year exploring the mystery of God as revealed by Jesus. We discover this revelation with a focus placed on Sacred Scripture, with regular studies of Old and New Testament themes, and examining how our own creation in God’s image reveals much about God’s plan for us. An annual field trip to Sacred Heart Major Seminary is the basis for a focus on discerning vocations as the students mature and look forward to confirming their faith in 8th grade, discovering who they are as a Catholic and disciple of Jesus. We continue the year examining Christ’s presence in our lives through the Liturgy and our encounters with Him in the Seven Sacraments.
8th grade – Be My Disciples – Christ in the New Testament, Confirmation, and Life in Christ Jesus, publisher RCL Benziger
The 8th grade is offered a unique balanced approach to catechesis. It invites, teaches, and challenges young people to discipleship. It invites young people in a way that touches the heart, head, and hands of all. The curriculum challenges students to connect faith and life by making weekly faith choices. It explores our Catholic identity by providing prayer formulas, key terms, and clear statements of Catholic teaching.
Topics of discussion are Sacred Scripture, Proclaiming Boldly, in depth look at the Gospels, Sacrament of Confirmation, Morality, Human Dignity and Evangelizing.
Students will also attend Mass on a weekly basis with their classmates and teachers. They will be offered Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross, Adoration, and other celebrations throughout the school year.
SCIENCE
6th Grade - Earth Science
Earth Science is a two part course integrating traditional classroom teaching and laboratory exercises, along with applications of science using technology. Topics covered include the components and structure of the Earth, natural disasters, the water and rock cycles, weather, climate, and the atmosphere. Students have five class periods in the classroom and science lab, and a further two periods in the computer lab each week. Google Suite apps will be used extensively to input, analyze, and present data collected through experiments in a number of formats common in the world of science today. Furthermore, additional PC and iPad apps in the ever-dynamic world of technology will be used to enhance and expand on every lesson.
7th Grade - Life Science
Students explore a variety of life science topics starting with what makes biotic components of the Earth different from abiotic components. Students discover the importance of cells in living things and how their parts influence heredity and evolution. Students also investigate classification of organisms by their similarities and differences, and how they interact in a number of dynamic ecosystems. A substantial amount of lab work consists of dissections of a number of specimens from varying taxa using proper techniques. Finally students begin learning about the organization of the systems of the body, reproduction, and how the body grows.
8th Grade - Science Physical
Students explore a variety of topics in physical science. The first half of the course investigates basics in chemistry, including the structure of atoms, chemical and physical properties of compounds, organization of the periodic table, and interactions and reactions between atoms and chemical compounds. The second half the year explores the nature of motion, forces, power, work, waves, electricity, and magnetism. There is a significant amount of lab work throughout each lesson, and one lab report will be written during each marking period. A final lab report will be from a science fair project of the student’s choosing.
Texts are from Pearson’s Interactive Science series. Content covered in these courses is aligned with the standards of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
MATHEMATICS
6th Grade
The Sixth Grade curriculum is based on making solid mathematical foundations in which success can be built in Seventh and Eighth Grade. There is also sufficient review and practice of basic skills from elementary mathematics. The Sixth Graders begin the year working with algebraic equations. They then develop decimal, ratio and fraction skills, followed by graphs and data displays, ending the school year with geometry.
7th Grade
The Seventh Grade curriculum builds upon the skills learned in Sixth Grade. The students continue with the same mathematical concepts, but explore them in a more in depth fashion. Equations are covered in multiple chapters. An extended time is spent with integers, as well as fractions and decimals. To end the year, students will work on geometry and upper level algebra. The ultimate goal is to be prepared to work at an accelerated pace through the Eighth Grade curriculum. An additional goal is to increase the knowledge base so that each student will be prepared for the High School Placement Test.
8th Grade
The Eighth Grade curriculum will fully immerse students in algebra. The students will work with complex algebraic equations. The Eighth Graders will work with linear functions and graphing functions on a coordinate plane. The year will conclude with polynomials and quadratic functions. Throughout the school year the students will use graphing calculators together as a class to explore the many features available. This will give all the students a technological advantage for high school mathematics. The complexity of material covered in Eighth Grade will allow many students to proceed to honors or advanced tracks in high school math. The Eighth Grade is prepared in taking the High School Placement Test and also for the Math Placement Exam.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (Literature, Grammar, Writing and Vocabulary)
Middle school English Language Arts is divided into four sections: literature, grammar, writing, and vocabulary. Components are taught as separate classes. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at OLQM have ELA class twice daily, Monday through Friday. Students write in pencil, are asked to come to class with their dictionary, and are scaffolded into accountability for spelling, grammar, and cursive (or printing) on all assignments. Mastery of English lends itself to strength in all other subjects. Having a strong background in language, word usage, parts of speech, and enriched vocabulary allows students to excel in other disciplines. Students will be immersed in a rich culture of words, therein laying a strong foundation for future learning. Assignments will utilize Google Classroom, MLA formatted papers, as well as hand-written work. Students often share their work aloud so they can be comfortable in academic situations that require good grammar, voice projection, eye contact, and practice with the art of oration. Literature utilizes an anthology for short stories, in addition to books. Students in each grade read one novel per quarter. Whether it diagramming sentences, learning the importance of etymology, or getting lost in a good book, OLQM has a strong commitment to challenging students and fostering the importance of English Language Arts.
6th Grade - Grammar
Voyage in English Grammar & Writing Level 6: Textbook & Workbook.
Loyola Press, 2018.
CONTENT: Grammar: Students will have an overview of the following types of grammar & parts of speech: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives, Verbs, Adverbs, Types of sentences, Conjunctions, Interjections, Punctuation, and Capitalization, Sentence Diagramming
CONTENT: Written & Oral Communication: The following topics may be covered in Writing.
Expectations:
7th Grade - Grammar
Voyage in English Grammar & Writing. Level 7: Textbook & Workbook
Loyola Press, 2018.
Grammar:
Written & Oral Communication: The following topics may be covered in Writing.
Expectations:
8th Grade - Grammar
6th, 7th & 8th - Vocabulary
"Vocabulary Workshop has for more than five decades been the leading program for systematic vocabulary development for grades 6-12. It has been proven a highly successful tool in helping students expand their vocabularies, improve their vocabulary skills, and prepare for the vocabulary for standardized tests". (Shostak, p. T12)
Middle school ELA meets twice daily, five days a week. All grades will rotate weekly (or biweekly depending on the topic) between Vocabulary Workshop, or Voyages in Grammar. Assignments are always posted on School Speak so students are aware of what we are working on for any given day.
We start Vocabulary on a Monday and finish it on Friday with a Unit quiz. Please make sure your Vocabulary Workshop book always goes home and comes back to school when we are in a Vocabulary (non-Voyages in Grammar) week.
Components:
Expectations:
Text:
SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM
6th grade – National Geographic World Cultures and Geography – Western Hemisphere, publisher Cengage Learning
The 6th grade is offered a chance to meet explorers, investigate geography and connect with other cultures’ history and future. The students will learn about geography, maps, landforms, weather, religions, culture, and economies of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. This textbook offers a digital library, interactive whiteboard geoactivies, as well as interactive maps and graphs.
Students also explore current events on a weekly basis.
7th grade – National Geographic World Cultures and Geography – Eastern Hemisphere, publisher Cengage Learning
The 7th grade is offered a chance to meet explorers, investigate geography and connect with other cultures’ history and future. The students will learn about geography, maps, landforms, weather, religions, culture, and economies of Russia and the Eurasian Republics, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southwest Asia and North Africa, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. This textbook offers a digital library, interactive whiteboard geoactivies, as well as interactive maps and graphs.
Students also explore current events on a weekly basis.
8th grade – United States History, publisher Holt, Rinehart and Winston
The 8th grade is offered a chance to study US history using paintings, primary sources, and secondary sources along with many other tools to help understand the past. Topics of discussion are Colonial Heritage, American Revolution, Constitution, Citizenship, Manifest Destiny, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students explore how to link people and events from the past to the world we live in today.
Students also explore current events on a weekly basis.
RELIGION
6th grade – Be My Disciples Edition 6, publisher RCL Benziger
The 6th grade is offered a balanced approach with an innovative religion curriculum that empowers children and their families to answer Jesus’ call to “Be My Disciples”. This class will invite children to be disciples, teach students about Scripture, Doctrine and Celebrations, as well as challenge students to integrate faith into their everyday life. It explores our Catholic identity by providing prayer formulas, key terms, and clear statements of Catholic teaching.
Topics of discussion are faith, the mystery of God and the Church, God, the Father and Creator, Jesus and Mary, the Holy Spirit, and the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
Students will also attend Mass on a weekly basis with their classmates and teachers. They will be offered Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross, Adoration, and other celebrations throughout the school year.
7th Grade - Be My Disciples Edition 6, publisher RCL Benziger
Students begin the year exploring the mystery of God as revealed by Jesus. We discover this revelation with a focus placed on Sacred Scripture, with regular studies of Old and New Testament themes, and examining how our own creation in God’s image reveals much about God’s plan for us. An annual field trip to Sacred Heart Major Seminary is the basis for a focus on discerning vocations as the students mature and look forward to confirming their faith in 8th grade, discovering who they are as a Catholic and disciple of Jesus. We continue the year examining Christ’s presence in our lives through the Liturgy and our encounters with Him in the Seven Sacraments.
8th grade – Be My Disciples – Christ in the New Testament, Confirmation, and Life in Christ Jesus, publisher RCL Benziger
The 8th grade is offered a unique balanced approach to catechesis. It invites, teaches, and challenges young people to discipleship. It invites young people in a way that touches the heart, head, and hands of all. The curriculum challenges students to connect faith and life by making weekly faith choices. It explores our Catholic identity by providing prayer formulas, key terms, and clear statements of Catholic teaching.
Topics of discussion are Sacred Scripture, Proclaiming Boldly, in depth look at the Gospels, Sacrament of Confirmation, Morality, Human Dignity and Evangelizing.
Students will also attend Mass on a weekly basis with their classmates and teachers. They will be offered Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross, Adoration, and other celebrations throughout the school year.
SCIENCE
6th Grade - Earth Science
Earth Science is a two part course integrating traditional classroom teaching and laboratory exercises, along with applications of science using technology. Topics covered include the components and structure of the Earth, natural disasters, the water and rock cycles, weather, climate, and the atmosphere. Students have five class periods in the classroom and science lab, and a further two periods in the computer lab each week. Google Suite apps will be used extensively to input, analyze, and present data collected through experiments in a number of formats common in the world of science today. Furthermore, additional PC and iPad apps in the ever-dynamic world of technology will be used to enhance and expand on every lesson.
7th Grade - Life Science
Students explore a variety of life science topics starting with what makes biotic components of the Earth different from abiotic components. Students discover the importance of cells in living things and how their parts influence heredity and evolution. Students also investigate classification of organisms by their similarities and differences, and how they interact in a number of dynamic ecosystems. A substantial amount of lab work consists of dissections of a number of specimens from varying taxa using proper techniques. Finally students begin learning about the organization of the systems of the body, reproduction, and how the body grows.
8th Grade - Science Physical
Students explore a variety of topics in physical science. The first half of the course investigates basics in chemistry, including the structure of atoms, chemical and physical properties of compounds, organization of the periodic table, and interactions and reactions between atoms and chemical compounds. The second half the year explores the nature of motion, forces, power, work, waves, electricity, and magnetism. There is a significant amount of lab work throughout each lesson, and one lab report will be written during each marking period. A final lab report will be from a science fair project of the student’s choosing.
Texts are from Pearson’s Interactive Science series. Content covered in these courses is aligned with the standards of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
MATHEMATICS
6th Grade
The Sixth Grade curriculum is based on making solid mathematical foundations in which success can be built in Seventh and Eighth Grade. There is also sufficient review and practice of basic skills from elementary mathematics. The Sixth Graders begin the year working with algebraic equations. They then develop decimal, ratio and fraction skills, followed by graphs and data displays, ending the school year with geometry.
7th Grade
The Seventh Grade curriculum builds upon the skills learned in Sixth Grade. The students continue with the same mathematical concepts, but explore them in a more in depth fashion. Equations are covered in multiple chapters. An extended time is spent with integers, as well as fractions and decimals. To end the year, students will work on geometry and upper level algebra. The ultimate goal is to be prepared to work at an accelerated pace through the Eighth Grade curriculum. An additional goal is to increase the knowledge base so that each student will be prepared for the High School Placement Test.
8th Grade
The Eighth Grade curriculum will fully immerse students in algebra. The students will work with complex algebraic equations. The Eighth Graders will work with linear functions and graphing functions on a coordinate plane. The year will conclude with polynomials and quadratic functions. Throughout the school year the students will use graphing calculators together as a class to explore the many features available. This will give all the students a technological advantage for high school mathematics. The complexity of material covered in Eighth Grade will allow many students to proceed to honors or advanced tracks in high school math. The Eighth Grade is prepared in taking the High School Placement Test and also for the Math Placement Exam.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (Literature, Grammar, Writing and Vocabulary)
Middle school English Language Arts is divided into four sections: literature, grammar, writing, and vocabulary. Components are taught as separate classes. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at OLQM have ELA class twice daily, Monday through Friday. Students write in pencil, are asked to come to class with their dictionary, and are scaffolded into accountability for spelling, grammar, and cursive (or printing) on all assignments. Mastery of English lends itself to strength in all other subjects. Having a strong background in language, word usage, parts of speech, and enriched vocabulary allows students to excel in other disciplines. Students will be immersed in a rich culture of words, therein laying a strong foundation for future learning. Assignments will utilize Google Classroom, MLA formatted papers, as well as hand-written work. Students often share their work aloud so they can be comfortable in academic situations that require good grammar, voice projection, eye contact, and practice with the art of oration. Literature utilizes an anthology for short stories, in addition to books. Students in each grade read one novel per quarter. Whether it diagramming sentences, learning the importance of etymology, or getting lost in a good book, OLQM has a strong commitment to challenging students and fostering the importance of English Language Arts.
6th Grade - Grammar
Voyage in English Grammar & Writing Level 6: Textbook & Workbook.
Loyola Press, 2018.
CONTENT: Grammar: Students will have an overview of the following types of grammar & parts of speech: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives, Verbs, Adverbs, Types of sentences, Conjunctions, Interjections, Punctuation, and Capitalization, Sentence Diagramming
CONTENT: Written & Oral Communication: The following topics may be covered in Writing.
- Personal Narratives
- How-to Articles
- Descriptions
- Persuasive Writing
- Expository Writing
- Business Letters
- Creative Writing: Trickster Tales
Expectations:
- Come to class on time and prepared with all the materials needed to learn.
- You should always bring: sharpened pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser, a red correcting pen, ELA spiral notebook, ELA folder, dictionary, homework/assignment/planner, always bring a book to read in case you finish early.
- We only use pencil in English class. No exceptions.
- Check School Speak a few times a week. Announcements, important dates, homework assignments, and missing work are all posted there. I update School Speak daily. Checking School Speak allows you to be on top of your work.
- Each student is in charging of his/her own work. If student is absent, he/she must check School Speak and turn all assignments in one day after returning to school. One day grace is allowed for each day absent. Work not turned in on time will result in the grade of 0.
7th Grade - Grammar
Voyage in English Grammar & Writing. Level 7: Textbook & Workbook
Loyola Press, 2018.
Grammar:
- Students will study, in depth the following types of grammar & parts of speech: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives, Verbs, Verbals, Adverbs, Prepositions, Types of Sentences, Conjunctions & Interjections, Punctuation & Capitalization.
- Sentence Diagramming
Written & Oral Communication: The following topics may be covered in Writing.
- Personal Narratives
- How-to Articles
- Descriptions
- Book Reviews
- Expository Writing
- Business Letters
- Creative Writing: Fantasy Fiction
Expectations:
- Come to class on time and prepared with all the materials needed to learn.
- You should always bring: sharpened pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser, a red correcting pen, ELA spiral notebook, ELA folder, dictionary, homework/assignment/planner, always bring a book to read in case you finish early.
- We only use pencil in English class. No exceptions.
- Check School Speak a few times a week. Announcements, important dates, homework assignments, and missing work are all posted there. I update School Speak daily. Checking School Speak allows you to be on top of your work.
- Each student is in charging of his/her own work. If student is absent, he/she must check School Speak and turn all assignments in one day after returning to school. One day grace is allowed for each day absent. Work not turned in on time will result in the grade of 0.
8th Grade - Grammar
6th, 7th & 8th - Vocabulary
"Vocabulary Workshop has for more than five decades been the leading program for systematic vocabulary development for grades 6-12. It has been proven a highly successful tool in helping students expand their vocabularies, improve their vocabulary skills, and prepare for the vocabulary for standardized tests". (Shostak, p. T12)
Middle school ELA meets twice daily, five days a week. All grades will rotate weekly (or biweekly depending on the topic) between Vocabulary Workshop, or Voyages in Grammar. Assignments are always posted on School Speak so students are aware of what we are working on for any given day.
We start Vocabulary on a Monday and finish it on Friday with a Unit quiz. Please make sure your Vocabulary Workshop book always goes home and comes back to school when we are in a Vocabulary (non-Voyages in Grammar) week.
Components:
- Reading Passages: Non-fiction Reading Passages open each Unit. At least 15 of the 20 vocabulary words are used, providing an authentic use of language. Passages provide use of figurative language (idioms, adages, proverbs). Students read words in context to activate prior knowledge and apply what they learned as they move through the activities in the Unit.
- Definitions: The definitions provided are a clear, useful, and informal way to understand each new word. Students are responsible for the following components for each word: Spelling, Meaning, Parts of Speech, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Pronunciation.
- Notecards: 6th and 7th graders will be asked to make notecards for all 20 Unit words. Notecards are done on Mondays and turned in for credit on Tuesdays. I have found that the use of notecards greatly increases student success on Unit quizzes. Notecards have the vocabulary word on front and on the back lists: definitions, part(s) of speech, synonyms, and antonyms. Notecards should be turned in on index cards, rubber banded together, and with the students name clearly visible. Students are encouraged to study the notecards daily for homework, preparing them for the Friday Unit quiz.
Expectations:
- Come to class on time and prepared with all the materials needed to learn.
- You should always bring: sharpened pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser, a red correcting pen, ELA spiral notebook, ELA folder, dictionary, homework/assignment/planner, Vocabulary Workshop book, notecards, and always bring a book to read in case you finish early.
- We only use pencil in English class. Pencils make fixing mistakes a breeze!
- Check School Speak a few times a week. Announcements, important dates, homework assignments, and missing work are all posted there. I update School Speak daily. Checking School Speak allows you to be on top of your work.
- Unit Quizzes are generally on Friday, in case of absence, you'll be asked to take the quiz one day following your return. Please make sure you turn in completed work (including notecards).
- Each student is in charging of his/her own work. If student is absent, he/she must check School Speak and turn all assignments in one day after returning to school. One day grace is allowed for each day absent. Work not turned in on time will result in the grade of 0.
Text:
- Vocabulary Workshop: Common Core Enriched Edition Jerome Shostak-Sadlier-2013
- Level A= Grade 6, Level B= Grade 7, Level C= Grade 8
- For pronunciation and online resources, quizzes, and guidance please go to: https://www.sadlierconnect.com/vw
SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM
6th grade – National Geographic World Cultures and Geography – Western Hemisphere, publisher Cengage Learning
The 6th grade is offered a chance to meet explorers, investigate geography and connect with other cultures’ history and future. The students will learn about geography, maps, landforms, weather, religions, culture, and economies of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. This textbook offers a digital library, interactive whiteboard geoactivies, as well as interactive maps and graphs.
Students also explore current events on a weekly basis.
7th grade – National Geographic World Cultures and Geography – Eastern Hemisphere, publisher Cengage Learning
The 7th grade is offered a chance to meet explorers, investigate geography and connect with other cultures’ history and future. The students will learn about geography, maps, landforms, weather, religions, culture, and economies of Russia and the Eurasian Republics, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southwest Asia and North Africa, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. This textbook offers a digital library, interactive whiteboard geoactivies, as well as interactive maps and graphs.
Students also explore current events on a weekly basis.
8th grade – United States History, publisher Holt, Rinehart and Winston
The 8th grade is offered a chance to study US history using paintings, primary sources, and secondary sources along with many other tools to help understand the past. Topics of discussion are Colonial Heritage, American Revolution, Constitution, Citizenship, Manifest Destiny, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students explore how to link people and events from the past to the world we live in today.
Students also explore current events on a weekly basis.