North Bethesda Middle School Course & Registration Information 2015 — 2016

Social Studies

The social studies program in middle school builds chronological and thematic understanding of both world and United States history, while also developing the Social Studies themes of geography, economics, political systems and culture. Each social studies unit is organized around a historical era and at least one social studies theme. A mix of modern content and the lessons of history provide the background knowledge and historical thinking skills that prepare students for high school instruction and their responsibilities as citizens. In grades 6 and 7 the focus of study is on Ancient World History and cultures from Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. In grade 8 students learn about the founding and early development of the United States from the Colonial Era and the Revolution through Reconstruction. At all grade levels, students build understanding of the modern world by applying concepts of geography, economics, political systems and culture to present-day scenarios.

At North Bethesda Middle School, we have decided that in order to align with the new Common Core Standards of literacy, all students will be taught the historical thinking skills of Advanced Social Studies courses. The grade six to eight continuum of the Advanced Social Studies courses develop skills that are directly related to the new Common Core Standards and the new state assessments that will measure student performance on these standards. Critical Thinking skills at all grade levels are built through the use of Document Based Inquiry (DBI) tasks, which require students to analyze historical thinking. In grade seven, these skills become the foundation for more complex skills of analysis and historical inquiry. Students in grade eight hone the skills developed in earlier years as they learn how to respond to complex writing tasks known as Document Based Questions (DBQs), a central element of social studies Advanced Placement courses taken in high school.

Advanced World Studies - Grade 6

This course provides enriched opportunities for learning about ancient world history. In the four units of grade 6 world studies, students will deepen their understanding of the rich cultures and history from the earliest human settlements to great civilizations of the year 1000 CE. Students are challenged to analyze archaeological evidence, primary source documents and ask questions to further their knowledge and understanding history as an on-going investigation.

Unit 1: Patterns of Settlement in the Ancient and Modern Worlds (Mesopotamia,Egypt)

Unit 2: Citizenship and Governance in Classical and Modern Time (Greece and Rome)

Unit 3: The Impact of Economics in Ancient and Modern China

Unit 4: Cultural Systems: The First Millennium and Today

Advanced World Studies - Grade 7

In the four units of Grade 7 World Studies, students study world civilizations and global interactions from 1000 CE to 1450 CE and learn about the connections to political, economic and social systems today. Analysis of primary source texts and visuals is a central method for learning about the past, challenging students to develop their own historical interpretations of past events.

Unit 1: The Foundation of Modern Political Systems in Europe (Middle Ages)

Unit 2: The influence of Culture in Africa

Unit 3: Geography Shapes Latin America Past and Present (Aztec, Inca Empires)

Unit 4: The Impact of Economics: One World Past and Present (Renaissance)

Advanced U.S. History - Grade 8

The four Grade 8 U.S. History units deal with the development of the United States from its origins as colonies of European nations through Revolution, the Constitution, Westward Expansion, Early Industrialization and the Civil War and Reconstruction Eras. Students will learn about the key historical turning points, figures and documents of early U.S. History. Students also develop skills that would enable them to be better prepared for high school Advanced Placement courses in history. Students deepen their understanding of key concepts and events through reading, writing, document analysis and historical thinking. These skills will be applied in each unit and students will be expected to show progress in skill development and historical knowledge in exams and responses to document-based questions (DBQs).
Unit 1: Democracy: Political System of the People 1763 – 1783

Unit 2: Creating a National Political System and Culture 1783 – 1815

Unit 3: Geographic and Economic Change Shape the Nation 1815 – 1850

Unit 4: A Nation Divided and Rebuilt 1840 – 1877

Electives

When choosing an elective class, please be aware that it is essential that students and parents read the descriptions carefully and make choices that reflect final decisions. Every effort will be made to schedule students for electives based on their choices but elective choices are not guaranteed due to staffing, class sizes and availability.
Sixth Grade Courses

Art 6 (semester course)

Sixth grade artists will learn about the basic elements of art (line, color, shape, texture, form, value, and space). Students will have an opportunity to increase their skills in handling art materials explored in elementary grades. Going beyond exploration, course projects require students to problem-solve, meet objectives, and follow sets of directions. Students will also become more aware of their individual artistic skills and styles. Drawing and observation skills will be enhanced through the use of a sketchbook kept throughout the duration of the rotation. In addition, many projects have either a multi-cultural or an interdisciplinary component. All projects involve the four disciplines of art: criticism, art history, aesthetics, and production.

Beginning Band Grade 6 (full year course)

Beginning Band provides an exciting large group experience and a seamless continuation for students with elementary band experience. Students who also have no prior band experience are encouraged to choose this course. Through daily instruction, students make incredible progress and are able to perform a variety of musical styles ranging from traditional band works to the latest popular selections. Musicians will explore additional instrument choices such as percussion, tuba, oboe, bassoon, and French horn. Students with no prior band experience are welcome in this class.

Chorus 6 (full year course)

This course is recommended for students who enjoy singing and are interested in improving their vocal talent and abilities. Students will sing a wide variety of songs, which will culminate in two public performances. This class uses singing games, rounds and vocalizes, to improve singing in a fun way, working to help singers find their voice. Members of the 6^th grade chorus will learn both vocal and choral techniques, which will prepare them for membership in the 7^th and 8^th grade choir, which travels and competes against other choirs. Membership in the 6^th grade chorus is required in order to audition for MCPS Honors chorus.

Computer Applications 6 (semester course)

In this class, students acquire the skills needed for the twenty-first century workplace – not just technology skills but content knowledge, problem-solving acumen, communication and collaboration skills and the ability to assess their work.

Educational use of technology require students to develop higher-order thinking skills by authoring multimedia projects, designing simulations, or using visualization tools to master difficult concepts. Students will learn the basics of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) to develop their individual web pages. Students will develop critical thinking skills while using their imaginations and creativity.