North Bethesda Middle School Course & Registration Information 2015 — 2016

General Music 6 (semester course)

Students who take this course will learn to read, write, and perform music of foreign countries. The curriculum includes keyboard playing, singing, and world percussion playing. Students will learn how various countries’ culture, religion, and region influence their music.

Imagineering Technology 6 (Flight Technology) (semester course)

Grade 6 students will examine and study the principles of flight by developing structures and devices. They will use thinking, imagining and inventing skills, and students experience ways to solve practical problems that involve flight. Projects will include airplane models, cargo delivery systems, various rockets and helicopter design. Activities involve working individually and in teams, using technology resources and the use of computer based applications. Additionally, students will use word processing, desktop presentation and internet research skills to complete meaningful and authentic projects.

Intermediate Orchestra – Grade 6 (full year course)

Intermediate Orchestra provides an exciting large group experience and a seamless continuation for students with elementary orchestra experience. Students who also have no prior orchestra 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 orchestra works to the latest popular selections. Musicians will explore additional instrument choices like the viola and bass. Electric bass, guitar, and piano students are encouraged to learn string bass. No experience is required.

Seventh Grade Courses

Advanced Orchestra - Grades 7 and 8 (full year course)

Students develop and refine their technical skills in order to per­form music at the highest level.  The members of this ensemble will represent the school in regional and state music festivals, events, and other trips. Emphasis is placed on developing rehearsal teamwork, following a conductor, and developing their tone, intonation, rhythmic security, balance, and phrasing within the traditional band or orchestra ensemble. Students learn the social, cultural, and intellectual influences reflected in the musical works they are studying and discuss performance styles and musical forms of corresponding historical periods. The study of music theory includes performance and recognition of the major, minor, and chromatic scales. The critical listening skills that are developed as a result of preparation for instrumental performance are used to help the student formulate criteria for effectively evaluating his/her own performance as well. Members of these ensembles audition and are selected for the county and state honors programs, as well as the local youth orchestras.

Art 7 (semester course)

Seventh grade artists will add to their understanding of the elements of art (line, color, shape, texture, form, value, and space) by learning about the Principles of Design: balance, contrast, variety, pattern, rhythm, unity, and emphasis. More technical and analytical skills will be used in the projects in this course than in earlier courses. Going beyond exploration, course projects require students to problem-solve, meet objectives, and follow sets of directions while increasing their technical and fine motor skills. Students will also become more aware of their individual artistic skills and styles and use critical thinking and analysis to observe and appreciate the artwork of others. Students will explore a wide variety of art such as: drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and more.

Computer Applications 7 (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 uses 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.
General Chorus (full year course) - Grades 7 and 8

This course is recommended for students who enjoy singing and are interested in improving their vocal talent and abilities. Students will sing a variety of repertoires ranging from classical to modern and pop. Members of the 7^th and 8^th chorus will learn to look at a piece of music for the first time, and sing without hearing a reference pitch. Seventh and 8^th grade choirs travel and compete against the area's top choruses. Attendance at the Winter and Spring Concerts is mandatory. Membership in 7^th and 8^th grade chorus is required in order to audition for MCPS Honors and All-state Choruses.

Intermediate Band Grade 7 (full year course)

Intermediate Band is designed as a seamless continuation for students entering grade 7. No audition necessary.  Students refine skills learned in grade 6 and develop more advanced performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing strong rehearsal teamwork, fol­lowing a conductor, and developing pitch and rhythmic security in preparation for performing an independent part in the traditional band or orchestra ensemble. Students also learn melodic form and construction as they examine and perform more complex folk melodies and melodies from master composers. Students discuss the social and intellectual influences that affected the creation of the music they are studying. They begin to develop aesthetic crite­ria for measuring the quality of instrumental performance.

Living with Technology 7 (pre-engineering) (semester course)

Grade 7 students will focus on the design process in order to solve practical problems. They will breakdown the design process into its basic components and implement each one when designing the various projects throughout the course. Projects covered are orthographic designing, catapults, safety restraint systems and bridges. Activities involve working individually and in teams, using technology resources and the use of computer based applications.

TV Studio (full year course)

This course introduces the basic fundamentals of photography and television. The students will learn how to use the camera as a tool of art by learning about camera angles and shots. The students will also learn how to use still photography and video clips to create videos. Students will study the process of video production and the steps involved in creating a movie such as uploading, shooting techniques, lighting, special effects and editing through the movie maker application. Activities include stop motion animation, commercials, public service announcements and interviews. Most projects include collaboration and peer evaluation.

Eighth Grade Courses

Advanced Band Grade 8 (full year course)

Students develop and refine their technical skills in order to per­form music at the highest level.  The members of this ensemble will represent the school in regional and state music festivals, events, and other trips. Emphasis is placed on developing rehearsal teamwork, following a conductor, and developing their tone, intonation, rhythmic security, balance, and phrasing within the traditional band or orchestra ensemble. Students learn the social, cultural, and intellectual influences reflected in the musical works they are studying and discuss performance styles and musical forms of corresponding historical periods. The study of music theory includes performance and recognition of the major, minor, and chromatic scales. The critical listening skills that are developed as a result of preparation for instrumental performance are used to help the student formulate criteria for effectively evaluating his/her own performance as well. Members of these ensembles audition and are selected for the county and state honors programs, as well as the local youth orchestras.

Advanced Orchestra - Grades 7 and 8 (full year course)

Students develop and refine their technical skills in order to per­form music at the highest level.  The members of this ensemble will represent the school in regional and state music festivals, events, and other trips. Emphasis is placed on developing rehearsal teamwork, following a conductor, and developing their tone, intonation, rhythmic security, balance, and phrasing within the traditional band or orchestra ensemble. Students learn the social, cultural, and intellectual influences reflected in the musical works they are studying and discuss performance styles and musical forms of corresponding historical periods. The study of music theory includes performance and recognition of the major, minor, and chromatic scales. The critical listening skills that are developed as a result of preparation for instrumental performance are used to help the student formulate criteria for effectively evaluating his/her own performance as well. Members of these ensembles audition and are selected for the county and state honors programs, as well as the local youth orchestras.

Art 8 (full year course)

This course is intended for students who have a high interest in art and who are interested in continuing their art education in high school. This class will focus on preparing students for art courses in high school with an emphasis on 2-dimensional art forms such as observational drawing, design, painting and collage. We will also explore ceramics, sculpture and public art/community art. Students will keep an ongoing visual journal (sketchbook) to record techniques, ideas and project evaluations. There is an emphasis on personal artistic growth and creative problem solving skills.

Earth and Space Technology 8 & Robotics (full year course)

In this one semester course, 8^th grade students explore the applications of technology in the environment and the universe. They learn ways to improve the environment and the universe. Students explore strategies that help to improve the environment and the universe by using varied technological tools and machines. Multi-sensory activities emphasize the team approach to problem solving, creativity and ingenuity. Students will use spreadsheet software to design and manipulate text and numerical data. Additionally, students will use graphics, multimedia, hypermedia, Web editors and telecommunication tools to organize and present information.

In the second semester, Grade 8 students will focus on LEGO Robotics, and age appropriate technology and curricula that progress with students’ skill level and learning objectives that help build career-ready skills. This will provide the framework for learning how to systematically and creatively solve problems. Students will learn to understand key science, technology, engineering, and math concepts – not just on paper but in practice. The students will channel the power of robotics to create learning opportunities that will help them develop the skills needed for a lifetime of creating, solving and contributing to a global society.
General Chorus (full year course) - Grades 7 and 8

This course is recommended for students who enjoy singing and are interested in improving their vocal talent and abilities. Students will sing a variety of repertoires ranging from classical to modern and pop. Members of the 7^th and 8^th chorus will learn to look at a piece of music for the first time, and sing without hearing a reference pitch. Seventh and 8^th grade choirs travel and compete against the area's top choruses. Attendance at the Winter and Spring Concerts is mandatory. Membership in 7^th and 8^th grade chorus is required in order to audition for MCPS Honors and All-state Choruses.

TV Studio (full year course)

This course introduces the basic fundamentals of photography and television. The students will learn how to use the camera as a tool of art by learning about camera angles and shots. The students will also learn how to use still photography and video clips to create videos. Students will study the process of video production and the steps involved in creating a movie such as uploading, shooting techniques, lighting, special effects and editing through the movie maker application. Activities include stop motion animation, commercials, public service announcements and interviews. Most projects include collaboration and peer evaluation. In 8^th grade, select students will be responsible for the daily news for North Bethesda by working in the control room or as anchors. Eighth grade students will focus on activities that are school related.

World Languages

Spanish 1 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)

French 1 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)

Italian 1 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)

Chinese 1 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)

Latin 1 A/B* (1.0 high school credit course)

* Latin is for 8^th grade students only. The course is offered at Walter Johnson High School.

Students begin to learn to communicate orally and in written form about daily life. Emphasis is on vocabulary development, simple grammatical structures and the basic culture of the people. Students are encouraged to use the foreign language beyond the school setting and keep informed of current events in the countries where the target language is spoken. A countywide final exam is administered at the end of each semester. MCPS final exams are both oral and written. The student’s grade in this high school course becomes a permanent part of his/her record appearing on the high school transcript. Students must pass the first semester, second semester and the second semester high school level final exam in order to receive course credit. Half credits are not awarded in middle school.
Spanish 2 A/B(1.0 high school credit course)

French 2 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)

Italian 2 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)

Chinese 2 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)
Students expand vocabulary and learn increasingly complex expressions and structures for written and oral communication. The culture of the people is examined in greater depth. Students continue to make comparisons with the language and culture studied. They are encouraged to use the language beyond the school setting and keep informed of current events in countries where the target language is spoken. A county-wide final exam is administered at the end of each semester. Students’ grades in these high school courses becomes a permanent part of their records, appearing on the high school transcript. Students must pass Semester 1, second Semester 2 and the Semester 2 high school level final exam in order to receive course credit. Half credits are not awarded in middle school.
Honors Spanish 3 A/B (1.0 high school credit course)

Honors French 3 A/B * (1.0 high school credit course)

Honors Italian 3 A/B* (1.0 high school credit course)

Honors Chinese 3/ A/B* (1.0 high school credit course)

* These courses are offered at Walter Johnson High School.

Students continue to build on previously developed skills while expanding their ability to communicate on a variety of topics. Increased grammatical accuracy is stressed. Students continue to make comparisons with the language and culture being studied, and keep informed of current events in countries where the target language is spoken. The curriculum is designed for non-native speakers. Therefore native speakers of Spanish, French, Chinese, or Italian are encouraged to select a new language to study. A county-wide final exam is administered at the end of each semester. Students’ grades in these high school courses becomes a permanent part of their records, appearing on the high school transcript. Students must pass Semester 1, second Semester 2 and the Semester 2 high school level final exam in order to receive course credit. Half credits are not awarded in middle school.
Courses by Recommendation Only
Developmental Reading (6, 7, 8)

Developmental Reading is a remedial reading class designed for struggling readers who do not read fluently or who confuse similar words. The emphasis is on decoding skills and the direct instruction approach to teaching phonics and word analysis. The purpose is to improve the students’ decoding and comprehension skills by increasing reading accuracy and fluency. The instructional program includes work at the individual word and sentence level, gradually building to connected sentences with more complex vocabulary and text structure. Students are assigned to Developmental Reading based on

MAP-R scores, teacher recommendations, and individual placement tests.
READ 180 (Grades 6, 7 and 8)

READ 180 is an intensive reading intervention program designed to help students make measurable gains in reading achievement by building fluency and comprehension skills. Students are assigned to the course based on a variety of assessments, including MSA, MAP-R and teachers’ recommendations. Within the instructional block, students participate in whole and small group teacher-led instruction; work independently on individualized reading skills with READ 180 computer software, and listen to or silently read self-selected books. READ 180 infuses differentiated instruction, adaptive software, background knowledge-building videos, instructional and assessment software, high-interest literature, and direct instruction in reading, writing and vocabulary skills to provide a rigorous, engaging, motivating learning experience. Daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly progress monitoring is embedded in the program via the software and the students’ workbooks.

Alternative Program

The Alternative I Program is a student support class at North Bethesda Middle School. Students are selected based on their academic needs. Students complete missing assignments, make-up homework, and complete projects. They work on social skills, organization and goal-setting in order to improve grades. The Alternative Program teacher also supports the students by communicating with counselors, administrators and classroom teachers in order to find ways best suited to meeting their needs. Students enrolled in the support class will experience increased success in school, and take more responsibility for their learning. The structure of the program is fluid. When academic and social successes are met, students may return to their regular schedule. Students will receive a grade based on rubrics for study skills, organizational skills and participation in social skills circles. They will be assessed through binder organization, agenda book completion and daily academic activities.

Special Education Resource Class

The purpose of our Resource class is to teach students learning strategies and skills that will be needed to be a successful learner. Direct instruction will be provided via mini-lessons that focus on helping students gain an understanding of their own learning style, develop their self-regulatory skills and become proficient in the use of learning strategies and skills that can be applied to challenging academic content. Topics may include reading skill development, writing, organization, time management, test taking and self-advocacy. Assignments from the students’ core curriculum classes may be used to form the basis for teaching the students the necessary strategies and skills that will assist them in attaining their IEP goals. The ultimate goal of the Resource class is for students to function effectively in the general education environment, access the general education curriculum and master their IEP goals.
High School Credit in Middle School
MCPS Students may earn credit for high school courses taken in middle school. In order for students to earn high school credit in middle school, the middle school must provide the same course as in high school, including the use of the same curriculum and high school instructional resources, and use the same high school exam. The courses must be taught by a highly qualified teacher. Parents who are considering enrolling their child in high school courses while in middle school should be aware of the following information that may affect the child’s high school transcript. No opportunity to remove the credit or grade from the credit history will be provided.
Credit and grades for middle school students taking a high school course are awarded based on the following:

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  Students must pass the course each semester.
  
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  Students must pass the final examination at the end of the second semester.
  
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  Students who take high school courses requiring a High School Assessment (HSA) must take the HSA at the completion of that course.
  

Students who meet these criteria, by earning an A, B, C or D, will receive high school credit and will have these grades count toward their MCPS high school grade point average (GPA). The credit and grade are recorded on a student’s transcript during the first year of high school under the transcript heading “high school credit completed before entering high school.”

High school credit is awarded on the first day the student attends classes in an MCPS high school. Your child may retake the course in Grade 7 or Grade 8 if it is available, or they may retake the course in high school. Students may retake a high school course taken in middle school and receive the higher grade. The course will appear only once on the transcript. Once a course is successfully retaken for a higher grade in high school, it will be reported and treated as a course taken in high school. Students in Grades 6 – 8 who wish to retake a high school course must complete MCPS Form 560-55: Request to Retake High School Course Taken in Middle School. No opportunity to remove the credit or grade from the credit history will be provided.