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gale ranch middle school iron horse middle school stone valley middle school charlotte wood middle school windemere ranch middle school los cerros midle school san ramon valley unified school district middle school course catalog 6 -8 grade 2009-2010 th th pine valley middle school diablo vista middle school

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san ramon valley unified school district 699 old orchard drive danville california 94526 educational services 925 552-5500 fax 925 743-3902 dear students and parents welcome to the san ramon valley unified school district we have been very pleased with the academic success of our students as well as with the development of a positive school culture district staff and teachers have worked diligently and creatively in order to provide what we feel is an outstanding middle school academic program some of the teachers may request that extra fees be donated to help defray the cost of some consumable materials or materials taken home these materials provide benefits or experiences to the student above and beyond the regular curriculum please see your student s site donation list this course catalog contains information regarding course requirements and a brief description of each class by department we are confident that your child s middle school experience will be a successful one at the san ramon valley unified school district.

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6th grade core english language arts reading history-social science the 6th grade core curriculum is standards based and taught in a three period time block that blends the content of english language arts and history-social science the courses are taught by one teacher and provide a transition from elementary to middle school through the writing process students learn explicit strategies to help them find meaningful subjects to write about in addition they learn ways to structure their writing revise edit and publish they also learn spelling strategies and proper conventions students discover meaning in literature and history by connecting their reading to personal experiences and prior knowledge the english language arts program includes comprehension strategies in fiction and non-fiction and an exploration of genres the integrated activity-based historysocial science curriculum begins with the study of early humans and focuses on ancient civilizations through the rise of the roman empire schools all 7th grade core english language arts/history-social science the 7th grade core curriculum is standards based and taught in a two period time block which blends the content of english and history-social science reinforcing the reading writing and analyticalcognitive skills necessary for both skills in reading writing speaking and listening are taught in the context of literature and medieval history studies the english curriculum includes reading comprehension literary analysis and instruction in several standards-based writing types including summary persuasive narrative and response to literature spelling vocabulary and grammar are also included in the course of instruction the history-social science curriculum focuses on history from the fall of the roman empire to the age of reason in the beginning of the 18th century and includes instruction on the roman empire medieval europe the rise of islam medieval africa japan and china mesoamerica europe during the renaissance the reformation and scientific revolution the age of exploration and the age of reason schools all 8th grade core english language arts/history-social science the 8th grade core curriculum is standards based and taught in a two period time block which blends the content of english and history-social science reinforcing the reading writing and analytical-cognitive skills necessary to both course content includes a study of novels poetry and state writing types integrated with the study and research skills necessary for analysis while studying historical events from the founding of the nation to world war i students will analyze the development of constitutional democracy with an emphasis on individual rights an understanding of the political system and ways in which citizens can participate in and influence government students examine the gradual expansion of the us and its subsequent shaping and influence on foreign policy emphasis is on cause and effect chronology and an appreciation for how the past influences current events schools gr ih pv sv wr core middle school course catalog page 1

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english english grade 8 the eighth grade english course emphasizes reading writing speaking and analytical-cognitive skills course content includes a study of novels poetry creative writing and expository writing integrated with the study and research skills necessary for analysis the curriculum and presentation methods support district standards and state benchmarks schools cw dv lc history us history grade 8 while studying the periods preceding from the founding of the nation to world war i students will analyze the development of constitutional democracy with emphasis on the importance of securing individual rights and an understanding of the political system and ways in which citizens can participate in and influence government students will examine the elements that led to the expansion of the existing borders of the united states and how this affected our relationship with other countries emphasis will be placed on cause and effect chronology and an appreciation for how the past influences current events schools cw dv lc math middle school math grade 6 prerequisite placement by district assessment a grade level course designed to provide students with sufficient mathematical foundation to meet 6th grade state and district standards schools all advanced middle school math grade 6 prerequisite placement by district assessment designed for students who have demonstrated an exceptionally high level of understanding and proficiency of 5th grade standards this course covers the same concepts as the grade level class but with greater depth complexity and pace schools all pre-algebra grade 7 prerequisite completion of middle school math a grade level course designed to provide students with sufficient mathematical foundation to meet 7th grade state and district standards successful completion of this course adequately prepares students for algebra 1 schools all middle school course catalog page 2

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advanced pre-algebra grade 7 prerequisite b or higher in advanced middle school math and or teacher recommendation designed for students who have demonstrated an exceptionally high level of understanding and proficiency of 6th grade standards this course covers the same concepts as the grade level class but with greater depth complexity and pace successful completion of this course adequately prepares students for algebra i and advanced algebra 1 schools all transition to algebra grade 8 prerequisite in addition to completion of pre-algebra prerequisites may include district placement test state test results semester grades and teacher recommendation a course designed to review and refine pre-algebra skills and introduce students to algebraic thinking successful completion will result in placement in algebra 1 schools all algebra 1 grade 8 prerequisite in addition to completion of pre-algebra prerequisites may include district placement test state test results semester grades and teacher recommendation a grade level course designed to provide students with sufficient mathematical foundation to meet algebra 1 standards this course meets the uc/csu criteria for first year algebra successful completion will result in placement in geometry schools all advanced algebra 1 grade 8 prerequisite b or higher in advanced pre-algebra and or teacher recommendation a rigorous algebra 1 course designed to meet and exceed algebra 1 standards this course meets uc/csu criteria for first year algebra successful completion will result in placement in geometry schools dv gr ih lc pv sv wr math support grades 6-8 varies depending on site prerequisite teacher recommendation only a course designed as an intervention to provide support and remediation of math concepts and skills this course is taken in place of an elective course students enrolled in math support are concurrently enrolled in a grade level math course schools cw yearlong dv ih pv 7/8th grades wr semester middle school course catalog page 3

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physical education the middle school physical education program is a comprehensive inclusive and sequential physical education system that will prepare every student for a lifelong commitment to physical activity health and well-being it will promote an active lifestyle improved motor skills development and better cognitive performance physical education is an integral part of the overall education program for every student and provides one of the few opportunities for every student to develop the skills knowledge and confidence necessary to lead a physically active lifestyle pe grade 6 the emphasis at grade 6 is on the application of movement and motor skills in lead-up or modified games along with folk and line dancing stunts and tumbling and fitness the critical elements for each motor skill as well as concepts and principles related to biomechanics motor development motor learning and game tactics are taught cognitive knowledge that supports each area will also be taught schools all pe grade 7 the emphasis at grade 7 is on multicultural dancing individual and dual physical activities track and field combatives and adventure/outdoor activities and fitness the critical elements for each motor skill as well as concepts and principles related to biomechanics motor development motor learning and game tactics are taught cognitive knowledge that supports each area will also be taught schools all pe grade 8 the emphasis at grade 8 is on team activities square dancing and gymnastics/tumbling and fitness the critical elements for each motor skill as well as concepts and principles related to biomechanics motor development motor learning and game tactics are taught cognitive knowledge that supports each area will also be taught schools all science science 6 the focus of sixth grade science is earth science in accordance with california science content standards included in this curriculum are the earth s structures plate tectonics the shaping of the earth s surface and energy in the earth s system in the study of plate tectonics and earth structure students learn that plate tectonics accounts for important features of the earth s surface and major geologic events student study many phenomena on the earth s surface and in the atmosphere that are affected by the transfer of energy through radiation and convection currents physical science is integrated through the study of the flow of heat energy life science is integrated through the study of ecosystems schools all science 7 the focus of seventh grade science is life science in accordance with california science content standards included in this curriculum are cell biology genetics evolution and structure and function of living things also included are earth and life history and physical principles of living systems in their study of cell biology students will learn cell structure and function schools all middle school course catalog page 4

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science 8 the focus of eighth grade science is physical science in accordance with california science content standards this course covers units including chemistry physics astronomy and individual investigation and experimentation basic problem solving skills scientific inquiry and the use of general laboratory equipment will be emphasized schools all environmental/marine studies grades 7-8 this course offers students an opportunity to go deeper into science topics related to the environment ecology resource conservation interdependence of organisms recycling alternative energy and the importance of biodiversity are emphasized with hands on activities global challenges like population growth climate change and extinction are among the timely topics discussed students will look for solutions to problems as they find out that i can make a difference the study of marine habitats conservation and adaptations is a favorite in the class students also enjoy planting maintaining and experimenting in our outdoor classroom which includes a greenhouse composting and hydroponics digital labs speakers games and field trips add to the variety of learning experiences offered in this class school dv yearlong ih semester forensic science-semester grades 7-8 prerequisite students must have completed 1st semester of pre-algebra with a b or better in this class emphasis is on understanding the underlying scientific theories of forensic science with special emphasis on investigating skills such as hair analysis dna fingerprinting and the casting of bite tire and shoe prints the course will also feature guest speakers and the use of biotechnology equipment such as electrophoresis chambers school pv eld english language development eld grades 6-8 this course is for students who have been identified as english learners based on the california english language development test celdt it is designed to develop skills in listening speaking reading and writing for everyday and academic purposes instruction focuses on communicative and academic skills based on the california eld standards schools all special education resource programs grades 6-8 resource classes are offered to students identified as needing special education services through pushin also referred to as co-support taught classes when a resource specialist attends general education classes as support to resource students or pull-out a separate class used as a tutorial period support a student s special education iep individual education plan team determines placement in either or both resource models for each student s program schools all middle school course catalog page 5

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special day class grades 6-8 special day classes offer small group instruction of course content in the four basic academic areas english social studies math and science and incorporate study and basic skills using general education curriculum standards as well as objectives and goals outlined in a student s iep the iep team will recommend the number of academic content courses for each individual student special day class placement in either a non-severely handicapped or a severely handicapped setting is determined by assessed need and driven by goals developed through the iep process schools all art art 3 grades 7-8 this three-dimensional art class focuses on the application of the elements of art and the principles of design expressed in a wide variety of sculptural media students work with varied techniques to create original works of art cultivating an appreciation for good design craftsmanship and creative problem solving skills this course is aligned with the california visual art standards schools cw yearlong dv gr sv wr semester advanced art grade 8 prerequisite successful completion of one year of art students demonstrate a mature understanding of the elements of art and the principles of design in a rigorous series of lessons students increasingly incorporate their own perspectives and style as they explore creative expression art history and culture and aesthetic valuing form a significant part of the course students demonstrate an advanced level of artistic skill a variety of 2d and 3d media will be introduced assignments are based on the california visual art standards schools cw sv yearlong wr semester art 1 grades 7-8 art 1 is an exploratory skills-based visual art course that introduces students to a variety of media skills and tools students will also learn about art history and the value of art in various cultures students will gain skills in understanding and valuing their own art and the art of others class assignments are based on the california visual art standards and introduce students to the elements of art and the principles of design schools cw sv yearlong dv gr ih lc pv,wr semester art 2-semester grades 7-8 prerequisite successful completion of art 1 or by teacher recommendation students apply artistic processes and skills at a more sophisticated level using a wide variety of media to communicate meaning and intent to works of art based on the elements of art and the principles of design students continue to develop more advanced skills and compositional strategies based on the foundation of art 1 to create more individualized works of art with more advanced applications assignments are based on the california visual arts standards schools dv gr pv sv middle school course catalog page 6

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art 2d-semester grades 7-8 this two-dimensional art class explores the elements of art and principles of design with a wide variety of media and tools artists and cultures will be incorporated as students experiment with their own creativity in different forms and styles assignments are based on the california visual arts standards schools sv crafts 1-semester grades 7-8 crafts is a hand-on class in which students use a wide variety of materials and develop skills to produce creative projects students will also learn about the importance of crafting in many cultures as they explore areas such as mask making weaving paper sculpture metal repousse and book-making schools lc pv crafts 2-semester grades 7-8 explore art and create new and more in-depth two and three-dimensional projects work with a variety of materials and techniques individually and collaboratively this is an advanced class that allows students to further their artistic skills learned in crafts 1 projects may vary according to the season schools pv drawing and painting-yearlong grades 7-8 students will develop drawing and painting skills applying the elements of art and principles of design using a wide variety of media students will study various art styles through the ages and develop skills in evaluating their own art and the art of others assignments are based on the california visual art standards school cw computers computer applications-semester grades 7-8 students who enroll in this class may explore in-depth digital drawing databases spreadsheets desktop publishing word processing and multimedia software in the yearlong course students may be exposed to web design animation sound and music schools dv ih pv wr computer projects/multimedia development and design may include · game development · movies · animation · robotics · 3d graphic design grades 7-8 students who enroll in this class may explore state of the art software available today schools cw pv wr yearlong ih semester middle school course catalog page 7

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computer technology i-semester grades 7-8 students will become proficient in basic/advanced word processing digital imaging digital editing and multimedia authoring internet and research skills and information and literacy theories computer programs used by the students may include appleworks 6 microsoft office safari hyperstudio alice comiclife netscape browser and composer students will learn how to use these applications to create high quality projects and presentations schools dv ih computer technology ii-semester grades 7-8 students will explore different ways of creating multimedia projects using various forms of technology including digital images music and video using the ilife applications as well as other software students will learn how to use these multimedia tools to create quality projects that can be used in other classes robotics lessons and challenges are a major component of this class where students will program and problem solve basic nxt robot control and data collection school dv home page/web design-semester grades 7-8 learn html the language of the internet and use dreamweaver the leading web development tool to create your own web pages students will use a variety of software to make graphics animated images sound and video for their web sites this class will give students the opportunity to design manage and maintain web sites learning to create a website can help students communicate ideas about their activities such as school hobbies and sports designing a web site is an important skill for the future in business or for personal use schools ih lc pv media and graphic design grades 7-8 the class is a hands-on introduction to the principals and techniques of graphic design for print and digital media school cw yearlong ih lc semester drama advanced drama-semester grades 7-8 this performance based class leads students through the collective process of playmaking and advanced character development students learn to interpret scripts dramatically to analyze plot genre and themes of dramatic literature this course helps students form solid acting technique fosters creative collaboration with fellow actors and gives performers the unforgettable experience of an encountering an audience this class will require some after school rehearsals and will have mandatory performances for all class members schools dv ih pv middle school course catalog page 8

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drama grades 7-8 students work together collectively to create complex characters develop well-structured storylines augment acting skills and give dramatic expression to their original ideas the course focuses on structured group work improvisation character development voice and speech training analysis and interpretation of dramatic literature and individual growth as a performer in addition students will explore past and present dramatic traditions and practices in various cultures and become familiar with stage terminology and acting conventions this class may require after school rehearsals and performances schools cw yearlong dv ih pv sv wr semester stagecraft visual and performing arts semester grades 7-8 students will learn the principles of set construction and design lighting sound costumes make-up publicity and stage management using the latest technology particular to theater arts students will learn how to produce a clear unified aesthetic that combines personal style and practicality for stage as a technical theatre team students will be entrusted with the real responsibility of planning a cohesive design for a school production students will work within a budget and against time constraints to realize their vision onstage during performances students will serve as run crew operating the lighting and sound systems taking charge backstage with scene changes and prop organization as well as cuing actors this class will require after school time the week before the show at dress rehearsals and attendance at all performances to run the show school ih exploratory wheel exploratory wheel-yearlong grade 6 sixth grade exploratory wheel is a yearlong course made up of introductions to different elective options open to students when they become 7th and 8th graders the wheel spokes are designed to expose students to a wide-range of learning opportunities to develop their practical hands-on skills and to teach them to work cooperatively with others each exploratory wheel rotates in a pre-set schedule with the number and type of wheel spokes varying at each site wheel spokes may include but are not limited to living skills computers music art drama speech world languages technology and video production the curriculum is based on california standards wherever applicable schools all middle school course catalog page 9

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leadership leadership grades 7-8 leadership engages in specific school and community activities related to spirit and service these activities offer opportunities for the student to display and exercise skills of leadership teamwork networking self-evaluation responsibility and accountability in addition leadership students learn the basic concepts of accounting and presentation skills emphasis is placed on fostering ethics and selfesteem within the class as well as the school and community leadership is responsible for student body funds dances spirit days and community public relations activities leadership representatives sit on various groups and councils schools all living skills clothing 1-semester grades 7-8 this is a hands-on sewing class for students with no experience or developed sewing skills students will learn how to operate a sewing machine and develop basic sewing techniques used in the construction of a garment quilt and/or craft project creativity is encouraged students will select their own projects work on community service projects is also an option students are responsible for furnishing their own supplies school sv wr foods a techniques and methods-yearlong grades 7-8 this program is designed for students to acquire the basic knowledge and technique to prepare healthy wholesome meals for a lifetime students begin basic stovetop techniques and develop into preparing complex menus including a weekly fabulous friday feast a wide range of kitchen equipment will be used to develop these skills school cw foods b baking-yearlong grades 7-8 designed for all beginning bakers students will learn all aspects of bakery from sweet desserts to yeast bread dough they will practice cake decorating skills and dessert presentation and get to eat what they bake school cw foods c breakfast-yearlong grades 7-8 tired of starting the day without breakfast students of any cooking experience level will learn and practice cooking dishes that are typically served in the early part of the day we will explore recipes and menus from around the world school cw living skills 1 foods semester grades 7-8 this is an introductory course to food preparation and nutrition students will study the basic food middle school course catalog page 10

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groups terminology nutritional choices sanitation kitchen safety etiquette budgeting care and use of kitchen equipment and laundry this program encourages team work and self-evaluation as kitchen teams are involved in practical cooking lab experiences schools dv gr ih lc pv sv wr living skills 2 foods semester grades 7-8 this is a hands-on food preparation course that builds on skills learned in foods 1 students will study nutrition meal planning etiquette consumer economics and advanced cooking techniques students will also have the opportunity to plan and prepare individual courses as well as meals schools dv ih pv sv wr music advanced orchestra-yearlong grades 7-8 prerequisite successful completion of audition process this class is open to 7th and 8th grade students who play violin viola cello or string bass we play a variety of music with an emphasis on classical literature audition may be required participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances in mandatory and formal performance attire is required school wr beginning band-yearlong grades 6-8 beginning band is for students who missed the opportunity to start an instrument in elementary school the class will provide an opportunity to learn all band and string instruments no previous experience is required students will be encouraged to rent their own instrument participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required school cw cadet band-yearlong grade 6 cadet band is our beginning-level woodwind brass and percussion ensemble most students will begin the class on basic instruments such as the flute clarinet alto saxophone trumpet trombone and percussion in an effort to expand our instrumentation students will have the opportunity to begin oboe bassoon bass clarinet tenor/baritone saxophone baritone/euphonium and tuba this course will review the basics of musicianship including rhythm and note reading that were learned in elementary school then progress to include the more advanced concepts of dynamics tempo articulation blend balance and intonation students will learn music in a variety of genres participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools all middle school course catalog page 11

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concert band-yearlong grades 7-8 concert band is our intermediate-level woodwind brass and percussion ensemble students will perform music of all styles and will continue to hone fundamental skills while continuing to grow into more advanced players participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools cw dv gr ih pv sv wr full orchestra-yearlong grades 7-8 full orchestra is open to 7th and 8th grade students by teacher selection it is restricted to traditional orchestral instrumentation which includes strings specific woodwinds brass and percussion with one piano position students will perform primarily classical literature mixed with some popular styles emphasis is on technique and performance in preparation for the high school program participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required school pv guitar-yearlong grades 6-8 this class is open to all students who would like to learn the basics of guitar note reading chords and fundamentals of music students will be responsible for individual practice and performance during class in addition to group instruction students must provide their own acoustic guitar we will perform evening recitals in december and may school cw jazz band-yearlong grades 7-8 jazz band is open to 7th and 8th grade musicians who have prior playing experience and who play saxophone trumpet trombone guitar piano bass or drums students will learn about different styles of jazz and jazz history improvisation is another key component to the jazz experience participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools cw dv gr ih lc sv wr orchestra-yearlong grades 6-8 string orchestra is open to all 6th 7th and 8th grade students who play violin viola cello or string bass we play a variety of music with an emphasis on classical literature beginners are welcome and there is no audition required participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools cw dv gr ih wr symphonic band-yearlong grades 7-8 symphonic band is our advanced wind band students will perform advanced literature of all styles emphasis will focus on technique and performance in order to prepare students for the high school ensemble participation in regularly scheduled co-curricular performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools cw dv gr ih lc sv wr middle school course catalog page 12

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boys chorus-yearlong grades 6-8 open to all boys who are interested in learning how to sing auditions are not required and no prior experience is necessary boys will learn basic techniques to improve their voices note and rhythm reading performance skills and self-confidence a wide variety of music based on the changing voice will be performed participation in regularly scheduled performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools cw dv lc 7th/8th grade only chorus 6-yearlong grade 6 this class is primarily for incoming 6th grade girls auditions are not required and no prior experience is necessary students will learn basic techniques to improve their voices note and rhythm reading performance skills and self-confidence a wide variety of music will be performed participation in regularly scheduled performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools cw girls chorus-yearlong grades 7-8 open to all 7th/8th grade girls who are interested in learning how to sing auditions are not required and no prior experience is necessary students will learn basic techniques to improve their voices note and rhythm reading performance skills and self-confidence a wide variety of music will be performed participation in regularly scheduled performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required school cw dv lc mixed chorus grades 7-8 also available to 6th graders at ih and wr this class is open to all students who are interested in learning how to sing auditions are not required and no prior experience is necessary students will learn basic techniques to improve their voices note and rhythm reading performance skills and self-confidence a wide variety of music will be performed participation in regularly scheduled performances is mandatory and formal performance attire is required schools ih semester pv sv wr yearlong publications publications/yearbook-yearlong by application only grades 7-8 the focus of this year long elective course is the production of the school yearbook the class is open to students who complete an application process the student staff is responsible for all aspects of the yearbook including writing photography layouts production and distribution producing the yearbook involves careful planning teamwork writing digital photography and use of advanced technology when the yearbook is completed spring publications projects may include school calendar photography techniques movies and various projects extending publication expertise homework is not regularly assigned although students work under pressure of deadlines and must be able to work independently and as a team schools all middle school course catalog page 13

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