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Golden Valley Unified School District > Ranchos Middle School > Student and Parent Information > Curriculum Information
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Curriculum Information


2006-2007 Curriculum Outline

English
The english department seeks to endow the students with mechanical proficiency, critical thinking skills, a strong ethical foundation through literary exploration, and proficient writing and speaking skills. All courses one year long. The curriculum includes:

  • Grammar, vocabulary, create and expository writing.
  • Reading comprehension, composition, and creative writing, based on the study of short stories, novels, and poetry selections.
  • Book reports and literary evaluation.
  • Reports and oral presentations.
  • 7th grade English - will focus on the reading comprehension and understanding of informational materials. There will also be a focus on research writing and learning to develop appropriate responses to literature.
  • 8th grade English - will focus on the reading comprehension and understanding of literature works and novels. There will also be a focus on response to literature via writing and learning to develop career related documents.
  • 7th and 8th Grade Honors - both levels will also be engaged by state approved novels appropriate for the middle school level.

Social Studies
The social studies department seeks to endow students with an appreciation and sensitivity for the diverse nature of the world culture. Research projects and the study of current events enrich the overall learning experience. Students are exposed to the contributions of various ethnic, racial, and religious groups within the following contexts (All courses one year long.):

  • Grade 7: World History and Geography
  • Grade 8: U.S. History through Reconstruction

Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum will build intuitive and applicable mathematical knowledge through emphasis on fundamentials, practice, application to real-life settings, and problem solving. (All courses one year long.)

  • Pre-Algebra - Transition Mathematics - incorporates introductory concepts of algebra, geometry, and applied mathematics through application of fundamentals, problem-solving strategies, and practice.
  • Pre-Algebra IA - Basic Mathematics - review of four basic math skills, introduction of algebraic basic fundamentals. Students who finish the course will be put into Pre-Algebra.
  • Algebra - Concepts of Algrebra I - using the CPM curriculum. Students are moved at an accelerated pace through the concepts of algebra. More time is given to complex concepts.
  • Geometry - Concepts of Geometry - using the foundations of Algebra I.

Science
The middle school science curriculum seeks to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the physical, biological, and earth sciences, while instilling an appreciation of scientific study and the natural world. (All classes one year long.)

  • Grade 7 - Life Sciences: Cell Biology; Genetics and Heredity; Earth History; Comparative Anatomy and Physiology; Physical Science in Living Systems (light and Sound.
  • Grade 8 - Physical Sciences: Energy, force, and motion; Introduction to Chemistry (structure of matter and chemical reactions); Astonomy; Machines and Inventions.

Technology
Technology is a powerful teaching and learning tool. The goal of the school's program is to develop competent and confident technology users. Students are expected to leave middle school computers with a strong foundation on basic computer applications and computer usage. (All classes one semester long.)

  • Computers - Keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Internet search technigues.

Fine Arts
The middle school fine arts curriculum is comprised of music and drama. Students learn to appreciate, celebrate, and accept the value and the uniqueness of their own talent and those of others. Middle school Band is taught through a district music teacher. A variety of musical instruments are taught to the students. Drama puts on two productions a year; one in Fall and one in Spring. Both producations are done with student actors and stage managers.

  • Intermediate Band - one year long - skills and concepts developed through playing this wide range of musical ideas will include its terminology, advanced instrumental techniques, performance practices and styles, and introduction into performing marching and concert bands.
  • Drama - semester or year long - students will be given experiences in speech and volume control, acting, memorization and an opportunity to participate in one production per semester.

General Electives
Courses will provide students with a variety of experiences to help guide their interest in the various elective courses of high school. The middle school elective program is desgined to give students a basic introduction into these areas:

  • AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) - year long - this course provides students with a background of study skills, college prepatory skills, introduction into college going cultures and an introduction into requirements of admission for universities. AVID students will go on college campus tours and hear from guest speakers on behalf of AVID and the CSU/UC system.
  • Leadership - open to all students, teacher approval required, year long - students will be given opportunity to create and maintain student activity schedule. Students will also operate all student body dances and lunch time activities. It will be expected that students will work events outside of the regular school day as part of their participation grade for the class. Students will also be responsible for presenting information to the general student body on upcoming events and issues.
  • Study Skills - open to all students, semester long - students will be given opportunities work on their study skills and organizational skills with an interventions teacher. Students will also work on test taking skills, homework study habits and other essential successful study skills.
  • Yearbook/Journalism - open to all students, teacher approval required, year long - students will produce school yearbook. Students will work on project utilizing internet based design software and work on journalistic style writing. Students will also work on production of monthly student newsletter.

Physical Education
The objectives of the physical education program are to enhance the student's physical fitness and well being and include cardiovascular conditioning, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Curriculum will also include health, nutrition, and family life. State adopted curriculum will supplement the health and nutrition units.