Middle School Course Outlines
World Languages
Fine and Performing Arts
Math 6 reinforces students' basic math skills as they venture into higher levels of mathematical concepts and problem solving. The emphasis is on process rather than result. Students who understand what they are doing and why they are doing it will be more successful in the long term than those who attempt to memorize. There will also be three varied groupings of students based on a variety of criteria to allow for the wide range of levels within the same grade. This will be made possible by having three teachers teaching 6th grade math concurrently.
Math 7 reinforces students' basic math skills as they begin to develop the foundation for algebra. The focus is on expressions, equations and problem solving involving the use of one or more variables. The emphasis is, as in 6th grade, on process rather than result. Active participation in class is vital to the success of a math student.
There will also be two varied groupings of students based on a variety of criteria to allow for the wide range of levels within the same grade. This will be made possible by having two teachers teaching 7th grade math concurrently.
NOTE: A scientific calculator is recommended.
Algebra
Algebra IA and IB: In this course students will learn the normal Algebra 1 curriculum in a period of two years. This extended time frame will allow students more time to spend on each topic. Students will be asked to solve the same types of problems as one-year Algebra students, including the study of first and second degree equations, algebraic fractions, radicals, factoring, and graphing functions.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or equivalent.
NOTE: A scientific calculator is required.
Our Middle School (6-8) Language Arts program offers a progressive curriculum in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students read and respond to a variety of diverse texts promoting global understanding to include poetry, myths, short stories, plays, contemporary and historical fiction, and expository (informational) selections. Learning comprehension strategies, their understanding goes from literal to inferential, basic to insightful.
Students learn strategies such as summarizing, paraphrasing, identifying main ideas, and outlining to not only comprehends informational text but to use it effectively in written and oral presentations. Writing instruction focuses on six traits (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions) as students are guided through the writing process. Beginning with the development of a strong paragraph with a clear controlling idea, supporting details, and an effective conclusion, students progress to the construction of well organized essays.
Students also write poetry and narrative selections where they apply what they have learned about those genres' features during reading instruction to their own writing.
The middle school language arts experience culminates in eighth grade with a semester-long, multi-genre research project, Graduation by Demonstration. Students must research, write about, give a speech on, and try to make a difference in a self-selected area of injustice in the world.
Middle School Science To help prepare our students for life in the 21st century, students completing the ACS middle school science program will be:
-Knowledgeable about the important concepts and theories of the three major branches of scientific study: earth, life, and physical sciences:
-Able to think scientifically and use scientific knowledge to make decisions about real-world problems;
-Familiar with the natural world, and respectful of its unity, diversity, and fragility;
-Able to make informed judgments on statements and debates claiming to have a scientific basis. Adapted from AERO Science Performance Standards 2010.
Grade Level Topics
Sixth grade: students will study matter and its structure, energy, characteristics and classification of life, cellular organization and body systems, and weather and climate.
Seventh grade: students will study the Earth’s changing surface, structure and function of cells, heredity and evolution, astronomy, and forces and motion.
Eighth grade: students will study chemical changes, sound and light, plate tectonics and geology, environmental science and electricity and conservation.
Sixth Grade Social Studies : The sixth grade social studies curriculum introduces students to cultures of the Western World. Emphasis is placed on the geography of North America, South America, Europe and Russia. Students study the geography of each of these world regions, explore cultural and natural features that characterize each region, and trace the movement of people, ideas, and products within the regions. Historical background is provided to enable students to understand how these regions developed from the past to the present. Differences in governments and economies are examined. Throughout the course, students study public issues of global significance in the Western World.
Seventh Grade Social Studies : The seventh grade social studies curriculum introduces students to cultures of the Eastern World. Emphasis is placed on the geography of Africa, Asia and the Austro-Pacific. Through the study of geography, students learn the locations of significant places in each of these world regions, explore cultural and natural features that characterize each region, and trace movement of people, ideas, and products within the regions. Historical background is provided to enable students to understand how a region developed from the past to the present. Differences in governments and economies are examined. Throughout the course, students study public issues of global significance in the East. Through analysis, discussion, and writing, students consider what actions, if any, a country might pursue with respect to these regions.
Eighth Grade Social Studies : Comparative United States History: This course takes a global and current-events focus in examining early America. The goal of the class is to demonstrate the relevance of early American history in understanding the world. Students will study how six themes in American history are reflected globally and in current events. First, in the theme of Colonialism, students will learn about causes and effects of the colonization of North America and compare these with other countries. Second, in the study of Revolution, students will compare and contrast varying revolutions in the world- democratic, non-violent, and non-democratic. Third, following the study of revolutions comes the struggles of creating a new nation in, The Birth of a Nation. After studying the American Constitution students will investigate and again compare and contrast constitutions of local and self-selected countries. Fourth, students will examine the key issues of the United States growth and expansion. These issues are compared with similar happenings around the world. Fifth, students will examine what makes people in a country fight each other in Conflict and Civil War. Sadly, regional current events provide opportunities for comparison. Finally, in Reconciliation and Reconstruction, students will explore the attempts to heal the scars and damage of the American Civil War and similar wars.
In Middle School PE we promote three main areas for health and nutrition, strength and conditioning, and skill development. While several team and individual sports will be introduced, students will be educated on how to achieve life long health and fitness. All areas will include day to day displays of integrity and fair play. PE should be an enjoyable activity for everyone.
World Languages
AFL A : Students are introduced to the basic structure of the Arabic language within cultural contexts. They begin to read and write Arabic (simple texts), understand and speak Arabic through guided practice in dynamic, real-world situations, and discover connections with other subjects (geography/,fine arts, and math/science). They will also explore the unique and interesting perspectives, practices, and products of the culture and develop language-learning strategies to maintain a life-long interest in world languages and multiple cultures at home.
AFL B : This course develops the use of Arabic effectively for purposes of practical communication. Emphasis is on developing oral and written skills. Students improve their oral expression by participating daily in class. Communicative activities are utilized to develop their comprehension skills. They will review and reinforce sentence structures from Arabic A and as well as learn more new structures.
AFL C : This course is designed for students who have completed two years of Middle School Arabic. Students will be trained in the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will be able to communicate with their peers using the vocabulary, grammar, structures and verb forms learned in class in real life situations. Emphasis on speaking will be mainly on using the’ Amman Dialect’. Reading and writing incorporates the Modern Standard Arabic.
Modern Standard Arabic -MSA : A In middle school develops an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. This course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. MSA A will develop the students’ ability to write short paragraphs about familiar topics, and recognize the main and secondary ideas of a text. They will also be able to use standard Arabic for different functions with guidance. These language skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts.
MSA B : In middle school develops an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. This course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. MSA B will also develop the students’ ability to write texts with guidance and use standard Arabic for different purposes and functions. It will also enable students to analyze various types of texts with guidance. These language skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts.
MSA C : In middle school develops an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. This course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. MSA C will also develop the students’ ability to write variety of genres and forms with guidance and speak using Standard Arabic confidently. It will also enable students to analyze various literary texts.
Spanish A :This introductory course develops the students’ ability to use Spanish effectively for purposes of practical communication. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of listening and speaking skills through situations requiring simple grammar and vocabulary. Students improve their oral expression by participating daily in class. Daily use of communicative activities on CDs, DVDs, and the internet develop their comprehension skills.
Spanish B : The emphasis in Spanish B is on further development of oral and written skills. Students participate daily in communicative activities and listen routinely to CDs or the internet to improve their comprehension skills. As they master more complex structures, greater emphasis is placed on written expression.
Spanish C: Students continue to reinforce and build conversational, reading, and writing skills in Spanish C. They will review and reinforce sentence structures from Spanish A and B as well as learn more complex structures. They continue to strengthen their communication skills by conversing daily in Spanish. They also listen to the CDs and watch the DVDs that accompany the program.
French A : This introductory course of French develops the students' ability to use French effectively for purposes of practical communication. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of listening and speaking skills through situations requiring simple grammar and vocabulary. Students improve their oral expression by participating daily in class. Daily use of CDs, DVDs, and communicative activities develop their comprehension skills.
French B :The emphasis in French B is on further practice in developing oral and written skills. Students are involved daily in communication activities. They listen to CDs daily to improve their comprehension skills. The study of more complex structures is accompanied by more emphasis on written expression.
French C : The emphasis in French C is to continue to reinforce and build the student's conversational, reading and writing competency. They will review and reinforce sentence structures from French A and B as well as learn more complex structures. They continue to strengthen their communication skills by conversing daily in French. They also listen to the CDs and watch the DVDs which accompany the program.
Computers : The middle school computer literacy elective builds upon concepts and skills that were introduced in the elementary school. The use of productivity software is emphasized as preparation for its integration in middle school and later in high school courses. Cyber safety is an important concern at ACS. Regular lessons throughout the semester focus on safety and security practices in cyberspace. Other Internet practices that are emphasized include searching techniques, manners, cyberbullying, and ethics. Students taking this class will be introduced to blogging and will maintain a personal blog to reflect on their learning experiences at ACS; the goal of this is to allow students to create an ongoing online portfolio of their work.
Digital Media
Students taking this elective will be introduced to various basic digital media skills. They will learn basic computer related terms, identify digital media equipment and engage in basic digital media production. Students will learn how to become efficient Internet users with special attention to research techniques and basic web publishing. Basics of digital imaging will be covered which include digital photography techniques and fundamentals of Adobe PhotoShop. In addition, the course will briefly cover basics of audiovisual production using Apple GarageBand and Apple iMovie. Correct terminology related to hardware, software and applications will be introduced and reinforced throughout the semester. They will understand the legal, social and ethical issues related to the use of digital media in our daily life. This course will prepare students for future technology courses in high school.
Fine and Performing Arts
Art : Art Utilizes an approach for learning that makes use of the four foundational art disciplines: art production, art history, aesthetics, and art criticism. Students learn art concepts and skills through instruction that is sequential and cumulative. Students learn to react effectively to analyze, talk about, and write about art, as well as create it. Numerous visuals and fine art reproductions are utilized in the form of slides, prints, and books to help students become immersed in the world of art. Drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics are some of the media applications for different strategies. For those students electing to take a second course in art, in-depth applications of art elements and principles provide a sound base for cultural works, self-expression, representational, and imaginative works of art. More challenging assignments introduce new media and applications. Lessons, with an emphasis on critical thinking, generally focus around a style, culture, and/or work of a well-known art figure.
Choir : Unison, two and three and four parts (SATB) Choral music of all periods: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary: A Cappella and with piano accompaniment; Difference styles: Christmas and Holiday Sacred, Pop, Broadway, Spirituals, Gospel, Multicultural, World music, Patriotic, Brotherhood, Folksongs, Show Tunes, Vocal Jazz and General school choirs' repertoire will be studied and performed. Emphasis s placed upon Vocal and Choral technique, Ear training, sight singing, and basics of Music Theory. MS Choir has two performances a year; one in the Fall and one in the Summer. MS Choir perform at (Marriott) for Christmas Bazaar.
Concert Band : Concert Band Offered to 6-12 Grade students. Students will learn how to play and care for their instrument, how to read music and translate that music into performance on their instrument. Historical musical periods and an understanding of stylistic differences in music for concert band will be explored. Though the band program will attempt to teach a student with no prior experience on an instrument, most students will have at least one year of experience playing their chosen band Instrument. Previous experience in playing a band instrument is encouraged but NOT required. Students playing an instrument for the first time will very likely need to utilize after and before school tutoring to adjust to the repertoire demands. Members of this band have the opportunity to attend the EMAC Junior Varsity and Varsity Fine Arts Festivals.
Prerequisite: None
Symphonic Band : Primarily an intermediate to advanced band, this group of 6-12 Graders perform music of all style periods from the Early Baroque up to the present day modern concert and popular styles. Members of this band have the opportunity to attend the EMAC Junior Varsity and Varsity Fine Arts Festivals. They may also audition for the International Honors Band Festival held annually in Europe. Admission to this band is by audition and conference with the band director. Previous experience in playing a band instrument at a high school level is essential.
Prerequisite: Concert Band or Beginning Band or audition
Academic Support is a class intended to assist students in the development of academic skills, including time management, note taking, reading textbooks, study skills, preparing for and taking examinations, and help make the transition to ACS a smooth one. Students in Academic Support will receive accommodations in all core classes as warranted such as: extended time for testing, testing in small settings, preferential seating, and assentive technology.
MS Course Selection Forms
Quick Links
- Contact Us
- Employment
- Alumni
- ACS Board
- Calendar
- Photo Galleries
- PTG
- Athletics
- Community Portal
- Faculty Email