Middle School Course Descriptions

E100 Language Arts: Grade 6 - Year
Students will actively engage in literary discussion and oral presentations. Students will read independently and develop vocabulary, comprehension, and literary skills. In addition, they will use the writing process, concentrating on composing, written expression, and usage/mechanics. Students will continue the study of media literacy introduced in earlier grades and use technology as a tool for research.

E105 Language Arts: Grade 7 - Year
This course is designed to strengthen and improve vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing, reading, and oral communication skills. Students will continue to enhance their independent reading skills by developing more advanced vocabulary, additional comprehension skills, and literary skills. In addition, they will concentrate on the areas of composing, written expression, and usage/mechanics in developing narrative, expository and persuasive writings. Students will study media message techniques and apply research techniques to gather, organize and communicate information.

E110 Language Arts: Grade 8 - Year
Students will learn to apply knowledge of the characteristics and elements of literary forms. They will apply knowledge of word origins, analogies, metaphors, and similes to extend their vocabulary development. In addition, students will write in a variety of formats with an emphasis on persuasive writing, continuing to concentrate on the areas of composing, written expression, and usage/mechanics. Analyzing mass media messages and using interviewing techniques to gain information are additional areas of study.

E116 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Grade 6 - Year
See course description below.

E117 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Grade 7 - Year
See course description below.

E118 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Grade 8 - Year
ESOL instruction is intensive teaching in English especially designed for English Learner (EL) students, where English may be a second language. In order to assist pupils with the English language acquisition process, teachers bring ELs of diverse languages and cultures together in a classroom setting for whole-group instruction; in some instances the ESOL teacher may pull students out of their classrooms individually for a certain period of time for one-on-one work in English language instruction. A primary goal of ESOL is to help students understand, read, write, and speak English in order to communicate in social settings, to achieve academically in all subject areas, and to behave in socially and culturally appropriate ways. In order to realize these goals, EL students require meaningful oral language practice. In addition, regular reinforcement of English skills in the home can be instrumental in helping students become proficient in their new language. Unless already identified with an IEP or 504 plan, English Language Learners should not generally be placed in collaborative classes.

EL01 Exploratory: Grade 6 - Year
A combination of “courses” listed below may be offered based on enrollment in a rotational sequence at each middle school as part of the exploratory program: 
Newspaper Exploratory Class: Students will study the production of a newspaper, and they will distinguish hard news stories from feature articles and editorials. By regularly reading and discussing newspaper articles, students will be able to identify effective strategies and issues regarding the reporting of the news. Students will then create, publish, and market their own school newspaper.
Cultural Studies: Students will be actively involved in exploring cultures other than their own through language, food, the arts and other cultural aspects.
Living Schools: Students will learn to become more responsible and independent citizens, will explore ways to look and act their best, and will complete a hand sewing project. Snack foods for good health, safety, and home responsibilities will also be introduced.
Study Skills: This course is designed to help the student become a more independent learner and to develop effective study skills. Students will learn improved organizational and time management skills, increased orientation to available resources, school facilities, procedures, problem-solving, and communication skills to include listening and following directions.
Technology Education: Using modeling and simulations, students will experience and apply selected basic elements of technology. Techniques of problem solving will be introduced.
Agriculture: The use and principles of simple machines and tools will be taught through hands-on activities. Students will be introduced to plant science and horticulture concepts.
Career Exploration: Students will have opportunities to learn about career clusters through a variety of instructional resources including guest speakers and field trips.

EL02 Teen Living: Grades 7 and 8 - Semester
Teen Living students will prepare to be life-ready as they manage individual, family, career, and community roles and responsibilities. One emphasis of this course is wise decision-making. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL03 Life Management Skills: Grade 8 - Year
Students will learn to lead better lives, be career-ready, build strong families, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and learn the fundamentals of clothing management and the development of good personal grooming habits. Units designed to develop skills in family living, food and nutrition, and childcare are integral parts of this course. Students will use the kitchens and the sewing equipment. 

EL04 Agriscience Exploration: Grades 7 and 8 - Semester
Students explore science as it relates to agriculture and develop an understanding of human relations, communication, the importance of agriculture to the economy, and key scientific terms related to the field of agriculture. NOTE: Student should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL05 Pre-Engineering 7 & 8: Grades 7 and 8 - Semester
Students combine resources and techniques to create systems, attaining comprehension of how technological and engineering systems work. Students will explore, design, redesign, analyze, and evaluate technological and engineering systems. By simulating systems and assessing their impacts, students gain insight into how to approach the problems and opportunities of a technological and engineering world. Students apply the engineering design process through participation in hands-on engineering projects. They also explore technology and engineering careers. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course. 

EL06 Pre-Engineering 8: Grade 8 - Year
Students combine resources and techniques to create systems, attaining comprehension of how technological and engineering systems work. Students will explore, design, redesign, analyze, and evaluate technological and engineering systems. By simulating systems and assessing their impacts, students gain insight into how to approach the problems and opportunities of a technological and engineering world. Students apply the engineering design process through participation in hands-on engineering projects. They also explore technology and engineering oriented careers.

EL07 Agriscience and Technology: Grade 8 - Year
Through classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory activities, students will explore the fields of agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR), to include: global agriculture; new and emerging technologies; agricultural mechanics; and careers in agribusiness; animal systems; environmental services; food products and processing; natural resources systems; plant systems; and power, structural, and technical systems.

EL08 Gifted Seminar: Grade 6, 7 and 8 - Year
This course is open to students identified as gifted. The course is designed to help students develop learning skills in areas such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity through high interest, problem-based units. Units alternate from year to year. 

EL09 Gifted Seminar: Grade 6, 7, and 8 - Semester
This course is open to students identified as gifted. The course is designed to help students develop learning skills in areas such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity through high interest, problem-based units. Units alternate from year to year. NOTE: Student should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL12 Theater Arts: Grade 6 - Semester
In this beginning course of theater, students are introduced to an overview of drama. Basic acting and stage terms are incorporated through a series of activities and simple presentations. The student will identify responsibilities involved in a variety of dramatic presentations. In addition, the student will learn basic evaluative techniques of dramatic productions. NOTE: Student should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL13 Keyboarding: Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Semester
The basic keyboarding skills which one uses in personal life and work are emphasized in this course. Students will develop proper computer keyboarding skills by practicing keying on a computer keyboard and numeric keypad. Emphasis is on the development of proper keyboarding skills, building speed and accuracy. Students will explore the use of a variety of software including word processing. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course. 

EL14 Digital Applications: Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Semester
This course is designed for secondary school students to develop real-life, outcomedriven approach skills for digital citizenship, basic computer operations, keyboarding, application software (word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia applications, databases), and career exploration. This course promoted skills that can be applied across the curriculum and offers preparation relevant to 21st century skills and postsecondary education. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course. 

EL15 Art 7/8: Grades 7 and 8 - Semester
Students explore, analyze, and investigate the creative process. Students apply elements of art and principles of design to solve visual problems. They develop critical inquiry skills and expand vocabulary as they explore the meaning of works of art. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course. 

EL16 Art 8: Grade 8 - Year
Highly motivated students are eligible to take a full year of art at the eighth grade level. Students strengthen skills in media, techniques and processes, and dig deeper into concepts and communication strategies through the development of complex compositions using two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes.

EL17 Theater Arts: Grades 7 and 8 - Semester
In this beginning course of theater, students are introduced to an overview of drama. Basic acting and stage terms are incorporated through a series of activities and simple presentations. The student will identify responsibilities involved in a variety of dramatic presentations. In addition, the student will learn basic evaluative techniques of dramatic productions. NOTE: Student should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL18 Theater Arts: Grade 8 - Year
Students who are highly motivated are eligible to take a full year of Theater Arts at the eighth grade level. This course emphasizes the development of acting skills, play analysis, play production, historical and social impact of theater as an art form, and theater as a profession. This course will provide a natural progression into further studies in drama at the high school level.

EL20 Beginning Band: Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Year
Students must furnish instrument although limited school owned instruments are available. This class is for students who wish to learn to play a band instrument. No experience is necessary for the class. Students will receive assistance from the instructor in order to make an appropriate choice of instruments. The emphasis of the class will be on skill development. Students must acquire a band instrument after approval by the teacher.

EL21 Band 2: Grades 7 and 8 - Year
Prerequisite: Beginning Band 
Students must furnish instrument although limited school owned instruments are available. Emphasis will be placed on musical notation, sight reading, interpretation, extended range, and continued technical skill development. This is a class designed to emphasize ensemble playing. Some public performances are scheduled throughout the year.

EL22 Band 3: Grades 7 and 8 - Year
Prerequisite: Beginning Band
Students must furnish instrument although limited school owned instruments are available. Emphasis is on advanced technique and music reading skills throughout performance in a large ensemble. Public performances are scheduled throughout the year.

EL23 Beginning Chorus: Grades 6, 7, and 8 - Year
This course is offered to any student who is interested in choral music. No experience necessary. Proper vocal techniques and fundamentals of reading music will be taught. Public performances may be included.

EL24 Chorus 2: Grades 7 and 8 - Year
Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus
Emphasis will be placed on fundamentals of vocal technique, music notation, sight singing, and ensemble singing. Students will study a variety of musical styles. Public performances are scheduled throughout the year.

EL25 Chorus 3: Grades 7 and 8 - Year
Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus
Emphasis will be placed on vocal technique, music notation, sight singing, and ensemble singing. Students will study a variety of musical styles. Public performances are scheduled throughout the year. One section of this course will emphasize mixed voice singing. The other section/sectors will emphasize two or three part singing. 

EL26 Beginning Strings
Grade 6, 7, and 8 - Year
This class is for students who wish to learn to play a stringed instrument. No experience is necessary for the class. Students will receive assistance from the instructor in order to make an appropriate choice of instruments. The emphasis of the class will be on skill development. Students must acquire a string instrument after approval by the teacher. Students must furnish instrument although school-owned instruments are available. 

EL28 String Ensemble
Grades 7 and 8 - Year
Prerequisite: Beginning Strings
Students must furnish instrument although limited school owned instruments are available. This class is available to students who have had prior string experience on the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The emphasis is on basic fundamentals of music and advanced string techniques. Several public appearances will be scheduled throughout the school year. 

EL29 Forensics
Grade 6 - Semester
Students learn and practice basic techniques of formal speaking. Informal competitions in speech-making are included and are designed to build student confidence. Previous experience is not required. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL31 Computer Solutions
Grades 7 and 8 - Semester
Students are introduced to the world of business using the computer as a problem solving tool. Emphasis is placed on using basic touch keyboarding skills to complete a variety of projects incorporating word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software. Basic internet safety and computer maintenance issues are important components of this course. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL32 Make It Your Business
Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Semester
Students design, establish, and operate a small-group or class business, producing a service or product that meets an identified school or community need. Emphasis is placed on the introduction and application of business terminology, basic entrepreneurship concepts, and fundamental business principles. Basic academic skills (mathematics, science, English, and history/social science) are integrated into this course. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL33 Art With Computer
Grades 7 and 8 - Semester
Throughout this course students will develop creative solutions to visual art problems both on the computer and with traditional art processes such as painting, drawing, and printmaking. Concepts emphasized over the semester include the production of expressive images, an expanding knowledge of the elements and principles of design, and learning appropriate computer applications. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL40 Art 6
Grade 6 - Semester
Students explore two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques and processes, analyze art, and investigate a variety of ideas when making art. The elements of art and principles of design provide a framework for the development of personal artwork. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course.

EL45 Applied STEM Investigations
Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Semester
$5 Course Fee
Calling all innovators! Are you a good problem solver? Are you a team player? Do you like designing, developing, and creating solutions? The goal of the Applied STEM Investigations class is to foster a learning environment in which students are challenged to produce original ideas, objects and structures using concepts and skills from math, science and technology. Students will actively engage in critical thinking, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The focus will be on STEM topics relevant to Virginia, investigating careers, researching current topics, and explore engineering solutions. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course. 

F100 World Language Exploration
Grade 6 - Year
This year-long course designed for 6th grade students will offer an introduction to each of the four World Language courses currently offered through Hanover Schools- French, German, Latin, and Spanish. One language will be introduced each marking period where students will explore the culture(s) related to each language including food, music, and holidays. Students will also learn basic vocabulary such as greetings and salutations, numbers, colors, months, seasons, and days of the week.

F550 French I
Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
In this beginning level course, students begin their acquisition of the French language. Emphasis is given to the development of basic skills in listening and speaking, with a focus on interpretive communication and speaking performance at a novice level. Students will have additional practice with reading and writing French in controlled situations as they explore geography, culture, and customs of the Francophone countries.

F551 French II
Grades 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French I
This course continues to build on the communication skills established in French I. Focus is given to developing reading and writing in French, along with continued use of the language in class. The grammar in context is expanded, and increased communication in French is required in the classroom. Goal of Novice High proficiency by the end of the course.

F552 French III
Grade 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French II
Students continue to refine the skills learned in the first two years. More complex aspects of communication, grammar, and syntax are introduced. Discussions of supplementary materials facilitate use of the language. Increased emphasis will be placed on interpersonal communication skills. French is predominantly used in class discussions, activities, daily participation, etc. throughout the year and used exclusively by the end of the year. Goal of Intermediate Low proficiency by the end of the course.

F560 German I
Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
This is an introductory course into the German language and culture. Emphasis is given to development of basic skills in listening and speaking, with a focus on interpretive communication. Students are given reading, speaking, and writing practice in controlled situations. 

F561 German II
Grades 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of German I
This course continues to build on the communication skills established in German I. Focus is given to developing reading and writing in German, along with continued use of the language in class. The grammar in context is expanded, and increased communication in German is required in the classroom. Goal of Novice High proficiency by the end of the course. 

F562 German III
Grade 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of German II
Students continue to refine the skills learned in the first two years. More complex aspects of communication, grammar, and syntax are introduced. Discussions of supplementary materials facilitate use of the language. Increased emphasis will be placed on interpersonal communication skills. German is predominantly used in class discussions, activities, daily participation, etc. throughout the year and used exclusively by the end of the year. Goal of Intermediate Low proficiency by the end of the course.

F570 Latin I
Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
This is an introductory course into the Latin language. Primary emphasis is given to grammar, vocabulary, derivative study, reading, culture, and mythology. The overall objectives address the development of a working knowledge of the language and an appreciation for the influence of Roman culture upon the modern world. The legendary history and monarchy of Rome are historical periods studied at this level.

F571 Latin II
Grades 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin I
This course continues to build on the skills that students developed in Latin I. More emphasis is given to reading and comprehension of the written language than in the first year. The study of grammar is expanded, and Republican history is covered. 

F572 Latin III
Grade 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin II
Students begin the course with an intensive review of grammar studied during the first two years. Most of the remaining grammatical syntactical topics are introduced throughout the year, as are vocabulary, derivative studies, and cultural topics associated with the readings used at this level. The period of the empire is emphasized as the study of Roman history continues.

F590 Spanish I
Grades 6, 7, and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
This is an introductory course into the Spanish language and culture. Emphasis is given to the development of basic skills in listening and speaking with a focus on interpretive communication. Students are given reading, speaking, and writing practice in controlled situations.

F591 Spanish II
Grades 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I
This course continues to build on the communication skills that students developed in Spanish I. Focus is given to developing reading and writing in Spanish along with continued use of the language in class. The study of grammar in context is expanded, and increased communication in Spanish is required in the classroom. Goal of Novice High proficiency by the end of the course. 

F592 Spanish III
Grade 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II
Students continue to refine the skills learned in the first two years. More complex aspects of communication, grammar, and syntax are introduced. Discussions of supplementary materials facilitate use of the language. Increased emphasis will be placed on interpersonal communication skills. Spanish is predominantly used in class discussions, activities, daily participation, etc. throughout the year and used exclusively by the end of the year. Goal of Intermediate Low proficiency by the end of the course.

H400 U.S. History I
Grade 6 - Year
United States history from Pre-Columbian times to the end of the Civil War (1865). Through the context of history, concepts in civics, economics, and geography are continued. Students strengthen their skills in using maps and globes, interpreting and using information, and historical thinking. 

H401 U.S. History II
Grade 7 - Year
United States history from the end of the Civil War (1865) through the present day. Through the context of history, concepts in civics, economics, and geography are continued. Students strengthen their skills in using maps and globes, interpreting and using information, and historical thinking.

H402 Civics and Economics
Grade 8 - Year
The role of the citizen in American society is the basis for this civics and economics course. Students will gain knowledge of national, state, and local government institutions, and the structure, principles, and operations of the American economy. Skills in data analysis and decision making are continued.

M200 Mathematics 6
Grade 6 - Year
Mathematics 6 is the first of three courses in middle school preparing students for the study of high school algebra, geometry, and statistics. Throughout the course, students focus on rational numbers and operations involving rational numbers. Students will use ratios to compare data sets; recognize decimals, fractions, and percents as ratios; solve singe-step and multistep problems; and gain a foundation in the understanding of and operations with integers. Students will solve problems involving area and perimeter, and begin to graph in a coordinate plane. In addition, students will build on the concept of graphical representation of data developed in the elementary grades and develop concepts regarding measures of center. Students will solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, and use algebraic terminology. Students will represent proportional relationships using two variables as a precursor to the development of the concept of linear functions. 

M203 Mathematics 7
Grades 6 and 7 - Year
Prerequisite: Mathematics 6
Mathematics 7 is the second of three courses in middle school preparing students for the study of high school algebra, geometry, and statistics. The seventh grade curriculum continues to emphasize the foundations of algebra. Students will build on the concept of ratios developed in grade 6 to solve problems involving proportional reasoning. Students will solve problems involving volume and surface area and focus on the relationships among the properties of quadrilaterals. Probability is investigated through comparing experimental results to theoretical expectations. Students continue to develop their understanding of solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable by applying the properties of real numbers. Students discern between proportional and non-proportional relationships and begin to develop a concept of slope as rate of change.  

M208 Mathematics 8
Grades 7 and 8 - Year
Prerequisite: Mathematics 7
Mathematics 8 is the third of three courses in middle school preparing students for the study of high school algebra, geometry and statistics. The eighth-grade curriculum expounds upon proportional reasoning as students solve a variety of problems. Students find the volume and surface area of more complex three-dimensional figures and apply transformations to geometric shapes in the coordinate plane. Students will verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem creating a foundation for further study of triangular relationships in geometry. Students will represent data, both univariate and bivariate data, and make predictions by observing data patterns. Students build upon the algebraic concepts developed in Mathematics 6 and 7, which include simplifying algebraic expressions, solving multistep equations and inequalities, and graphing linear functions. The grade eight standards are vital for success in Algebra I. 

M260E Algebra I Extended
Grades 7 and 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Mathematics 7
Students in Algebra 1 Extended build on the mathematical skills learned in Mathematics 6 and 7 to formalize and generalize algebraic concepts. These algebraic concepts include multi-step linear equations, systems of equations, quadratic expressions and equations, and linear and quadratic functions. Concepts are developed through contextual situations, including those that arise from data collection and analysis, geometry, and finance. Through investigation, students make sense of the mathematics in context, allowing them to better apply their learning to more abstract situations. Algebra 1 Extended also includes additional study of the real number system, proportional reasoning, geometry, and probability.  
Algebra 1 Extended consists of all of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Algebra 1 and Mathematics Grade 8. At the end of the year, students will take the Algebra 1 Standards of Learning assessment. Students who pass both the course and the SOL test will earn one high school verified credit. Successful completion of Algebra 1 Extended will meet the prerequisite needed to take Geometry.

M263 Geometry
Grade 8 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course emphasizes coordinates, transformational geometry and measurement, theorems, and formal definitions of geometric terms. Students will work with proofs requiring applications of logic. Students will also solve numerical and algebraic problems which apply geometric concepts. Calculators, computers and graphing utilities are used. 

MC02 Math PLUS
Grade 6 - Semester

MC04 Math PLUS
Grade 7 - Semester

MC06 Math PLUS
Grade 8 - Semester
Math PLUS (Personalized Learning for Understanding and Success) is designed for students who need support in mathematics for learning and understanding. Students are recommended for this course based upon multiple criteria including grade level standardized assessments and teacher recommendation. The course focuses on number sense, problem solving, mathematical connections, and representations. Multiple strategies, manipulative materials, and technology will be utilized to support student learning. The course will include work with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, geometry, measurement, probability, and statistics. Results from assessments at the end of each semester will be used to determine whether students will exit or continue this course. This course can be a semester or a full year. 

MC08 -Math PLUS
Grade 6 - Year

MC10 Math PLUS
Grade 7 - Year

MC12 Math PLUS
Grade 8 - Year
Math PLUS (Personalized Learning for Understanding and Success) is designed for students who need support in mathematics for learning and understanding. Students are recommended for this course based upon multiple criteria including grade level standardized assessments and teacher recommendation. The course focuses on number sense, problem solving, mathematical connections, and representations. Multiple strategies, manipulative materials, and technology will be utilized to support student learning. The course will include work with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, geometry, measurement, probability, and statistics. Results from assessments at the end of each semester will be used to determine whether students will exit or continue this course. This course can be a semester or a full year. 

MC01 (Level 1) Project Literacy
Grade 6 - Semester

MC03 (Level 2) Project Literacy
Grade 7 - Semester

MC05 (Level 3) Project Literacy
Grade 8 - Semester
This course is designed for students who need support in reading for learning and understanding. Students are recommended for this course based upon multiple criteria including grade level standardized assessments, a comprehensive reading inventory, and teacher recommendation. The course will focus on phonological awareness, vocabulary development, reading fluency, strategic reading skills, and writing. Results from assessments at the end of each semester will be used to determine whether students will exit or continue this course. This course can be a semester or full-year course. 

MC07 (Level 1) Project Literacy
Grade 6 - Year

MC09 (Level 2) Project Literacy
Grade 7 - Year

MC11 (Level 3) Project Literacy
Grade 8 - Year
This course is designed for students who need support in reading for learning and understanding. Students are recommended for this course based upon multiple criteria including grade level standardized assessments, a comprehensive reading inventory, and teacher recommendation. The course will focus on phonological awareness, vocabulary development, reading fluency, strategic reading skills, and writing. Results from assessments at the end of each semester will be used to determine whether students will exit or continue this course. This course can be a semester or full-year course. 

P600 Health and Physical Education
Grade 6 - Year
Students will combine fundamental skills into more complex movement forms in units such as physical fitness and conditioning, rhythmic activities, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Students will begin to experience recreational activities such as skating and bowling. Students will assess their health-related fitness status and set reasonable and appropriate goals for development and improvement. Students will understand health issues and the relationship between choices and consequences. Health learning outcomes include topics on body systems, nutrition, physical health, disease prevention, substance misuse prevention, safety and injury prevention, mental wellness, violence prevention, community and environmental health, and family life.

P601 Health and Physical Education
Grade 7 - Year
Students will continue to develop competence in modified versions of game/sport, dance, and recreational activities. Instruction will include physical fitness, flag football, bowling, soccer, rhythms, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, weight training, softball, and recreational pursuits. The student will analyze skill performance and set reasonable and appropriate goals for improvement and maintenance of health-related fitness. Health learning outcomes include topics on body systems, nutrition, physical health, disease prevention, substance misuse prevention, safety and injury prevention, mental wellness, violence prevention, community and environmental health, and family life.

P602 Health and Physical Education
Grade 8 - Year
Students will begin to demonstrate competence in skillful movement in modified, dynamic game/sport activities and in a variety of rhythmic and recreational activities. Instruction in physical education includes physical fitness, soccer, basketball, tennis, bowling, volleyball, weight training, softball, and recreational pursuits. Recreational pursuits may include skating, orienteering, cycling, ropes courses, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, and/or rock climbing. Students will set goals, track progress, and participate in activities to improve lifetime health-related fitness. Health learning outcomes include topics on body systems, nutrition, physical health, disease prevention, substance misuse prevention, safety and injury prevention, mental wellness, violence prevention, community and environmental health, and family life.

S301 Life Science
Grade 7 - Year
The Life Science course emphasizes a more complex understanding of change, cycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world. Students build on basic principles related to these concepts by exploring the cellular organization and the classification of organisms; the dynamic relationships among organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems; and change as a result of the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation. Inquiry skills at this level include organization and mathematical analysis of data, manipulating variables in experimentation, and identifying sources of experimental error. Science process skills and experimentation are emphasized. 

S302 Science
Grade 6 - Year
The 6th grade science standards continue to emphasize investigations. The concepts of change are explored through the study of transformations of energy, matter, and basic chemistry concepts. The standards present an integrated focus on the role of the sun’s energy in the solar system as well as Earth’s systems; the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Natural resource management and participation in a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) are part of this year-long curriculum. 

S303 Physical Science
Grade 8 - Year
The Physical Science course stresses a more in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Major areas covered include: the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; nuclear reactions; temperature and heat; sound; light; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion. The Physical Science course continues to build on skills of systematic investigation with a clear focus on variables and repeated trials. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and research methods and skills. Students will share their work using written reports, core labs and other presentations. 

S305 Environmental Science
Grades 6, 7 and 8 - Semester
Like other sciences, environmental science is a process of studying why things are the way they are and how things happen the way they do. In this course you might find the answer to such questions as: How can frogs give us clues about the quality of our environment? How can recycling help us save fossil fuels? How can the extinction of an insect cause severe damage to the rain forest? How can watering the lawn affect the water quality of a nearby stream? If you are interested in the environment in which you live and how you can help protect it, then this is the course for you. NOTE: Students should pair this course with another middle school semester course.