Vista Verde Middle School Course Descriptions (Gate Brochure)

MATH: Using the California Mathematics Framework, the State Board of Education Mathematics Standards, and the Irvine School District Math Standards as our guide, our program offers students opportunities to learn large mathematical ideas and their interconnections, to communicate their mathematical thinking in a variety of ways, to develop thinking and problem solving skills, to maintain basic computational skills through the introduction of new topics, and to use technology as a tool in problem calculation and presentation.  Typical topics include fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, percents, statistics and data collection, introduction to integers, basic geometry, introduction to equations and functions.  Opportunities exist for students to take courses in Pre-Algebra or Algebra.

Social Studies: Using the California Social Studies Framework, the Irvine School District History/Social Science Content Standards, we offer students the chance to begin to expand their understanding of history by studying the birth of the major western and non-western ancient civilizations.  Continued emphasis is placed on the environmental and human circumstances that influenced events, on the unique cultures, viewpoints, and achievements of ancient civilizations, and on the development of the social, economic, and political structures and ideas that transformed the ancient world.  Students are led to develop higher levels of thinking by viewing almost everything through the lens of the 8 cultural universals, by understanding why civilizations developed and declined, and by recognizing the enduring contributions of the past to the present.  Videos, art, symbolism, language, ethnicity, performance and dance are incorporated at every turn to involve students more fully.  Assignments are tailored to encourage the development of note-taking, organization, thinking skills and expression and are designed to prepare the students for success in the next level of classes.

GATE/Challenge: Imbedded into the above curriculum are constant opportunities for motivated students to extend, deepen and connect their understandings through open ended assignments present in every unit, such as internet searches, logically structured paragraph writing, authentic assessment, and student-determined alternative or extra credit projects.  This opportunity enables a gifted student to experience open-ended learning, to share out in individualistic ways, and to explore areas of piqued interest.

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING: Classes are literature based and thematically organized.  The program incorporates significant literary works and emphasizes not only the integration of thinking, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills but also a multidisciplinary integration of the total sixth grade curriculum.  Students encounter literature from many genres and receive a mixture of culturally diverse works.  Reading instruction includes novel studies, anthologies, and expository texts.  Writing instruction will follow the writing process and will take students from pre-writing through revision and ultimate publications.  Spelling and language mechanics are taught through direct instruction.  Students are accountable for spelling and mechanics in all written assignments.  Student assessment will include written assignments, research-based projects, comprehension questions, and open-ended projects.  Students will be provided opportunities to integrate technology through word-processing and use of the Internet.

GATE/Challenge: GATE identified student curriculum is differentiated and accelerated though a variety of practices.  Students work inside and outside the classroom on enrichment projects using cluster grouping, individual research, and a pull-out program.  Most assignments require investigation, project creation, and presentation components and are loosely based on the current literary or cultural topic of the classroom curriculum.  Some projects include web-building, artistic exploration, creative writing using cultural mythological heroes, writing competitions, and reading advanced works related to topics. Although most teaching is done in a heterogeneous environment, GATE instruction is individualized based on the skills and abilities presented by each child.

SCIENCE: The sixth grade science program is a year of science process skills, earth science, ecology, ocean ecosystem and science fair.  The curriculum is aligned with the state's science framework. Emphasis is on making the connections and seeing the relationships between concepts and ideas. The interdisciplinary thematic teaching approach helps students investigate high interest problems that show students how scientific principles are applied. The science specialist will stress scientific thinking processes and strive to help students develop critical thinking skills with problem solving, decision-making, and research and inquiry. As students move through the program, they tackle more sophisticated thinking processes using experimental manipulative and other laboratory oriented projects that are related to current scientific issues. Computer technology is used as a tool to support student projects. Sixth graders are required by the district to complete a science fair project.

MUSIC APPRECIATION/EXPLORING ART: The first two trimesters are designed to introduce the student to a variety of musical styles and composers through listening, singing, and discussion.  Related activities which may be included are keyboarding, guitar, and vocal performance.  The third trimester allows students to explore art through color and design.  Related activities may include 3-D art projects, water colors, and line art.

*All 6th grade students are required to enroll in music. Choices are Band, Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble or Music Appreciation/Exploring Art. Instructor approval is required for Vocal Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Orchestra.

7th Grade Course Descriptions of Required Classes

INTRO TO PRE-ALGEBRA: Using the California Mathematics Framework, the State Board of Education Mathematics Standards, and the Irvine School District Math Standards as our guides, our program offers students opportunities to consolidate their skills in mathematical calculations and problem solving, to communicate their mathematical thinking in a variety of ways such as written work and verbalizations, and to develop their thinking, organizational, and abstraction skills.  Typical topics include fractions, decimals, percents, integers, basic geometry, beginning equations, statistics and graphing.  This course is specifically for students who are not yet ready for Pre-Algebra in their 7th grade, but opportunities exist for them to explore topics in Pre-Algebra or to transition into Pre-Algebra if warranted by testing and individual performance.

PRE-ALGEBRA: Using the California Mathematics Framework, the State Board of Education Mathematics Standards, and the Irvine School District Math Standards as our guide, our program offers students opportunities to learn large mathematical ideas and their interconnections, to communicate their mathematical thinking in a variety of ways, to develop thinking and problem solving skills, and to use technology as a tool in problem calculation and presentation.  Emphasis is on justification of answers with supporting evidence.  Typical topics include equations, percent applications, data analysis, functions, and advanced geometric topics.  This course is specifically designed for students who have demonstrated proficiency in basic calculations and problem solving, but opportunities exist for them to explore topics in Algebra or to transition into Algebra if warranted by testing or performance.

HONORS ALGEBRA: Using the California Mathematics Framework, the State Board of Education Mathematics Standards, and the Irvine School District Math Standards as our guide, our program offers students opportunities to learn large algebraic ideas and their interconnections to mathematical operations, to communicate their mathematical thinking in a variety of ways, to develop thinking and critical thinking skills, to maintain basic computational skills, and to use technology as a tool in problem calculation and presentation.  Typical topics include symbolic language, functions, multiple representations (diagrams, models, tables, graphs, and symbols) which allow students to understand and solve problems in a variety of ways, first and second degree equations and their graphs, rational numbers, exponents, and radical expressions.  Opportunities exist for students to take courses in Geometry at the high school.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Using the California Social Studies Framework and the Irvine School District History/Social Science Content Standards, our program offers students opportunities to expand their understanding of history by studying the cultural universals that ushered in the dawn of the major western and non-western ancient civilizations.  Continued emphasis is placed on the circumstances that influenced events, on the problems and achievements of people, on the development of social, economic, and political structures, and on the spreading ideas that transformed the world.  Students develop higher levels of thinking by considering why civilizations developed and declined, by analyzing the interactions between peoples and cultures, and by recognizing the enduring contributions of the past to the present.

GATE/Challenge: In addition to the above curriculum optional   "Challenge" assignments are offered to all students.  "Challenge" assignments  consists of opportunities for students to learn at an accelerated pace, work on advanced curriculum and explore the curriculum in a manner that supports abstract thinking, problem-solving, use of higher order thinking skills such as synthesis, analysis and evaluation, and  critical thinking. This opportunity enables a gifted student to experience open-ended learning and to explore areas of passionate interest. Examples of “Challenge” assignments during our African unit would be for students to investigate: the diamond/tanzanite trade, exotic diseases of the Sudan, and royal gold of the Asante.

 

SCIENCE: The seventh grade science program consists of two trimesters of an integrated life science curriculum that is aligned with the state’s framework and standards and one trimester of a district-approved health and family-life curriculum.  The scientific method and scientific thinking processes are used to help students develop logical thinking skills.  Projects in which students apply the scientific principles learned in class are intended to develop critical thinking skills.  Many strategies are used to enhance the curriculum such as science labs, computer technology, reports, oral presentations, cooperative learning activities, and optional science projects.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The seventh grade language arts curriculum prepares students to master the California reading standards by building skills in reading comprehension, literary response and analysis, and vocabulary development. Etymology is an important component of vocabulary instruction. Students grow to understand how different structures are used to communicate meaning through the reading of culturally and historically significant literary works. Students read novels, short stories, essays, and poetry. Reading skills, literary analysis and higher-level comprehension work is incorporated, using the California State Standards as a guide. 

The writing component of the language arts curriculum focuses on different kinds of writing, such as narration, exposition, persuasion, research, and response to literature. Students choose the form of writing best suited to the purpose, develop strategies for organizing support for their main ideas or theses, and learn strategies for evaluating and revising and for using word-processing programs to refine and publish their work. Spelling and language mechanics are taught through direct instruction.

GATE/Challenge: Challenge opportunities are provided through enrichment projects for each unit of study. Novels such as John Steinbeck’s The Pearl and plays such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet are assigned. Students are encouraged to do extensive free choice reading in addition to the assigned reading and extra credit is given for classics.  

8th grade course descriptions of required classes

INTRO TO ALGEBRA: Using the California Mathematics Framework, the State Board of Education Mathematics Standards, the Irvine School District Math Standards, and the Irvine School District Grade Level Transition Timeline as our guide, our program offers students opportunities to learn large mathematical ideas and their interconnections, to communicate their mathematical thinking in a variety of ways, to develop thinking and problem solving skills, and to use technology as a tool in problem calculation and presentation.  Emphasis is on justification of answers with supporting evidence.  Typical topics include equations, percent applications, data analysis, functions, and advanced geometric topics.  This course is specifically designed for students who have demonstrated proficiency in basic calculations and problem solving, but opportunities exist for them to explore topics in Algebra or to transition into Algebra if warranted by testing or performance.

ALGEBRA: Using the California Mathematics Framework, the State Board of Education Mathematics Standards, and the Irvine School District Math Standards as our guide, our program offers students opportunities to learn large algebraic ideas and their interconnections to mathematical operations, to communicate their mathematical thinking in a variety of ways, to develop thinking and critical thinking skills, to maintain basic computational skills, and to use technology as a tool in problem calculation and presentation.  Typical topics include symbolic language, functions, multiple representations (diagrams, models, tables, graphs, and symbols) which allow students to understand and solve problems in a variety of ways, first and second degree equations and their graphs, rational numbers, exponents, and radical expressions.  Opportunities exist for students to take courses in Honors Geometry at the high school.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Using the California Social Studies Framework and the Irvine School District History/Social Science Content Standards, our program offers students opportunities to expand their understanding of American history with emphasis on the development of America's social, economic, and political structures.   Continued emphasis is placed on the circumstances that influenced events, the problems and achievements of people, and   the spreading of humanist’s ideas that transformed the United States and the World. 

GATE/Challenge: In addition to the above curriculum optional   "Challenge" assignments are offered to all students.  “Challenge” assignments enable students to experience open-ended learning and to explore areas of passionate interest. An example of a “Challenge” assignment during the Constitution unit:  Rewrite the Constitution - From your documented research you may be able to design a more effective and efficient government.  In order to do this you need to write amendments to the constitution.  All changes must be explained to the class.  Include, from your research, what government system/laws you found that supports your change.  Students must have a list of amendments, they will vote after your presentation for ratification.  Be sure your changes/amendments create a functional government.  Remember, changes will affect the entire population of the United States.

SCIENCE: Eighth grade science consists of the study of Physical Science and Chemistry.  Students develop the logical reasoning and critical thinking skills of the scientific method while learning a variety of laboratory procedures and techniques.  Some of the units of study include: motion, forces and matter, acids, bases, the periodic table and astronomy.  Students wishing to be placed into Honors Science at the high school level need to complete a science fair project as well as maintain an A average throughout the year.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The eighth grade language arts program is organized so that students build the skills needed to master the content required by the California standards. Reading instruction covers standards in vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and literary analysis and response. Students read a variety of genres including short stories, essays, novels, and poetry. Direct instruction is provided for spelling and language mechanics. Etymology is an important component of the program. 

The writing curriculum covers instruction in strategies and applications. Instruction focuses on different kinds of writing such as narration, exposition, persuasion, research, and response to literature. Students choose the form of writing best suited to the purpose, develop strategies for organizing support for their main ideas or theses, and learn strategies for evaluating and revising and for using word-processing programs to refine and publish their work.

GATE/Challenge: Challenge opportunities are provided through enrichment projects for each unit of study. Novels such as Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Ray Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles, Howard Fast’s April Morning, and Michael Shaara’s Killer Angels are assigned. Students work independently in a high school literature book that corresponds to the social studies curriculum. Advanced work in etymology is provided.

6th – 8th Grade Physical Education: The Physical Education Department at Vista Verde has developed a co-educational based instructional program designed to encourage lifetime involvement in physical activity called “Fit for Life”.  Students participate in a two (2) year curriculum which includes a variety of individual and team sports. The curriculum may include: basketball, flag football, soccer, volleyball, softball, floor hockey, pickle-ball, team handball, lacrosse, frisbee, dance, bocce ball, cooperative games, and cardiovascular and resistance training activities.  Students also receive instruction in a variety of health and fitness related concepts: Red Cross training, asthma and allergies, nutrition, and kinesiology.

Sixth - Eighth Grade Course Descriptions of core electives

These classes provide students with an opportunity to participate in a variety of enjoyable and challenging activities in a structured and positive environment.  Students experience a variety of intellectual, creative, artistic, and physical forms.  An attempt is made to offer different electives each trimester. Priority is given to students in the higher grades.

YEAR-LONG ELECTIVES:

Concert Band: (6-8) The Concert Band class is a one-year course of study that offers instruction on flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone and percussion. This class is designed for sixth-grade students who have received at least one year of instruction, for seventh or eighth grade students who want to better their skills, or for any student who would like to begin a new instrument. A limited number of school owned instruments are available but most students will need to obtain their own. The class includes at least three evening performances.

 

 

year experience where students learn about leadership, community service, and effective public speaking.  Students in this class meet during an exploratory/elective period, before/after school (periodically), and during lunch periods to plan and organize student activities for the school year such as assemblies, spirit activities, and dances.

Spanish I: is a full year course open to eighth grade students who have a B or better in Language Arts.  This is a comprehensive basic course in which the student achieves facility in all aspects of listening, understanding, speaking, writing, and reading of the first-year lessons. Idiomatic expressions and verb conjugations are stressed in addition to other grammatical concepts. Hispanic history and civilization are introduced in conjunction with customs as a supplement to the text.  This class will be offered within the regular elective period and will meet 4 times per week.

TRIMESTER ELECTIVES:

OTHER STUDENT PROGRAMS:

to a particular group, and also serve as a source of intra-school spirit competitions.  The advisor’s goal is to maintain strong communication between home and school regarding all aspects of the child’s experience at school.


9th

Placement into the proper math class is determined by meeting the course grade requirement and by passing:

 

We invite you to learn more about Vista Verde Middle School!