Academics By Grade Level

Transitional Kindergarten is a year of exploring. Children learn to live, play and cooperate with others their own age in a happy and secure environment. Field trips are incorporated throughout the year to broaden the learning experience and provide for hands on fun. Children also discover the stories and meaning for our love of Christ.

The foundation for all the academic subjects is presented givingTransitional Kindergartners a true head start for school in the years to come.

Subjects covered inTransitional Kindergarten include, but are not limited to:

LANGUAGE ARTS – OPEN COURT

Children will be introduced to the alphabet as a whole and with a letter of the week. They will sharpen their skills through phonics-based activities and track words through beginning reading. They will learn how to write and recognize their full name, as well as the names of their classmates.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Math is taught using Saxon based material, covering numbers 0 through 25. Counting, sorting, sequencing, number sets, and matching are practiced. Basic addition and subtraction are introduced.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students will learn about the world, current events, people, cultures, and history through monthly themes, activities, and field trips.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Children will observe God’s creations through themed units: the ocean, desert, plants, animals, insects, the solar system, and so much more. Each student participates in our annual Science Fair field trips.

MUSIC

A variety of songs are introduced throughout the year as well as rhythm and rhyme.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Junior Kindergarteners attend P.E. class in the gym three times a week. Fitness, health, and sportsmanship are taught through games, sports and exercise.

SPANISH

Children are exposed to introductory Spanish twice a week through songs, flash cards and stories. They will learn colors, greetings, and words for objects.

ART

Directed art is used on a daily basis. Children will use a lot of different tools to express their creativity and expand upon themed units covered in Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Religion.

RELIGION – SCRIPTURE BITES

Classroom religious studies are taught using Scripture Bites, early childhood units of biblically integrated materials. Through songs, stories, discussions and activities children learn about Jesus and his blessings as they pertain to self, seasons, family, animals, the community and holidays.

All students (Transitional Kindergarten through sixth grade) attend chapel services each Wednesday at 8:45. Children have the opportunity to sing, worship, pray and read scripture. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel.

Kindergarten is a year of confidence building. Children will sharpen their listening and speaking skills and learn to read and write. They will be encouraged to share information, formulate opinions, and ask questions.
Through artistic expression and song, they will have a broad learning experience and hands-on fun. Children also discover the stories and meaning for our love of Christ.

The confidence and academic foundation they build in Kindergarten will prepare them for first grade and beyond.

Subjects covered in Kindergarten include, but are not limited to:

LANGUAGE ARTS – OPEN COURT

Children will learn concepts about print and identify parts of a book. They will track words from left to right and top to bottom, count syllables in words, match oral words to written words and blend vowel-consonant sounds orally to make words. They will distinguish between upper and lowercase letters, and develop phonemic awareness.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Kindergarteners will count orally by 1’s, 5’s and 10’s, recognize and sequence numbers, sort, identify patterns, graph objects and pictures, identify fractions, measure, tell time to the hour, use a calendar, and write numbers to 50 or beyond. Basic addition and subtraction are reviewed, and children will learn to estimate, problem solve, and compare. Students will develop a strong understanding about the relationship of numbers and quantities.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Children will learn about their responsibility to be a good citizen and learn more about the world around them. They will recognize and respect national and state flags. They will gain an understanding that history relates to events, people and places of other times.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Students will learn that properties of material can be observed, measured and predicted. They will communicate, compare and sort objects based on physical attributes orally and in drawings. They will learn about the earth and God’s creations, as well as the five senses. The class will also do a group project for Salem’s annual Science Fair.

MUSIC

Kindergartners will develop skills in singing and movement. In addition to learning how to listen to the specific qualities of music, they will use music as a celebration of God’s love. Music will play a role in special occasions and holidays.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Kindergartners attend P.E. class in the gym three times a week. Fitness, health, and sportsmanship are taught through games, sports and exercise.

SPANISH

Children are exposed to introductory Spanish twice a week through songs, flash cards and stories. They learn colors, locations, numbers, and simple sentences.

RELIGION – BIBLICAL CHOICES

Bible stories from the Old and New Testament and how they relate to today are taught. Children will learn of God’s unconditional love, and plan of salvation in Jesus Christ.

First Grade is a year of expanded awareness. Children will broaden their listening, reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills.

Subjects covered in first grade include, but are not limited to:

LANGUAGE ARTS – OPEN COURT

Children will decode the written word using both phonetic and visual techniques for the interpretation of the text. Students will progress in both oral and silent reading for both enjoyment and content.

Students will strengthen their comprehension by visualizing, summarizing, predicting, asking questions and answering questions, monitoring and clarifying, and making connections. They will also learn about cause and effect, reality and fantasy, comparing and contrasting, classifying and categorizing, making inferences and drawing conclusions.

First graders learn to collaborate with their peers, brainstorm, draft, proofread, and revise.

Spelling, sentence structure and punctuation are introduced and expanded upon. The parts of speech including nouns, verbs, and adjectives round out the student’s grasp and knowledge of grammar.

MATH – SAXON MATH

First graders will build on their knowledge of numbers and gain confidence with addition and subtraction. They will count by twos, fives, and tens, compare and order, count money, identify and draw polygons, tally, and identify geometric solids. Students will also learn about real graphs, pictographs and bar graphs.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MCGRAW HILL TIME LINKS

Students will explore 5 areas of Social Studies.

  1. Culture: we are part of a family, a school, and a neighborhood.
  2. Geography: people live in cities, suburbs, towns, or farms. Our cities are in states, our states makeup our country and our country is on our continent.
  3. History: long ago life was different for people in our country. Many people worked hard to create our country.
  4. Economics: People have needs & wants. People work at different kinds of jobs to provide for people’s needs & wants.
  5. Citizenship: America became a country in order to provide freedom for people. Our plan for our country is called government. Our government is based on our constitution. Our government makes laws for our country. We are citizens of our country. Citizens vote for their leaders. The President is the leader of our country, the Governor is the leader of our state, the Mayor is the leader of our city. Good citizens follow laws & work together.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

In Life Science, students will learn about living and non-living things, animal and plant needs, habitats, life cycles and food chains. In Earth Science, they will learn about the continents, basic land forms, and weather. In Physical Science, students will learn the 3 states of matter and how they change. Our text is Scott Foresman Science 1.

MUSIC

Children in grades first through sixth will develop skills in singing, playing instruments and movement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

First graders attend P.E. class in the gym three times a week. Fitness, health, and sportsmanship are taught through games, sports, and exercise.

SPANISH

Children are exposed to Spanish twice a week through vocabulary, songs, flashcards, worksheets and stories.

RELIGION – BIBLICAL CHOICES

Classroom religious studies focus on the Bible in accordance with God’s will for God’s people, using the examples of biblical characters and the teachings, miracles, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

All students (Junior Kindergarten through sixth grade) attend chapel services each Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel.

ART

Salem art classes are relevant, fun and challenging. Students will develop artistic awareness and hands-on skills by using a variety of tools and mediums. Students in grades first through sixth will study well-known artists and works of art, as well as create age appropriate art projects.

COMPUTERS

Classroom religious studies focus on the Bible in accordance with God’s will for God’s people, using the examples of biblical characters and the teachings, miracles, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

All students (Junior Kindergarten through sixth grade) attend chapel services each Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel.

Second Grade is a year of grasping new concepts. Children will confidently build upon what they learned in first grade as they improve their reading and comprehension skills.

Students will explore literature and poetry, and understand an author’s point of view. They will use a dictionary and glossary, be introduced to multiplication, and learn how to write in cursive.

Subjects covered in second grade include, but are not limited to:

LANGUAGE ARTS – OPEN COURT

Phonics and phonemic awareness build upon the student’s mastery by reviewing vowel sounds, vowel-consonant blends, suffixes, prefixes, compound words and contractions. Second graders will improve upon their reading skills by learning to summarize, preview and predict, identify problems and solutions, recognize humor, cause and effect, feelings and reactions, and by grasping the concept of a writer’s craft. Children will read for facts, read out loud with expression, and identify types of literature.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Second graders will expand their knowledge of numbers, identify operations and procedures of story problems, learn about money values, measurements, fractions, time, multiplication facts to 5, and basic geometry. They will also use manipulative to recognize numerical relationships, patterns and equivalents.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MCGRAW HILL TIME LINKS

Second graders will learn to use maps and globes and strengthen their knowledge of geography. They will learn about neighborhoods, regions in the United States and national holidays. Children will gain an understanding for historical timelines, and learn about early American history such as colonial life, the Revolutionary War and American heroes.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Students will learn about scientific methods through a series of classroom experiments. Units will cover sound, light, botany, zoology, ecosystems, and weather patterns.

MUSIC

Children in grades first through sixth will develop skills in singing, playing instruments and movement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Second graders attend P.E. class in the gym three times a week. Fitness, health, and sportsmanship are taught through games, sports and exercise.

SPANISH

Children are exposed to Spanish twice a week through vocabulary, songs, flashcards, worksheets and stories.

RELIGION – ONE IN CHRIST

The focus is on creation, Moses & the people of Egypt, 10 Commandments, the life of Jesus and acts of the disciples, emphasizing prayer by example, memory verse and observation of the church calendar.

ART

Salem is blessed to have two very creative art teachers who make the art classes relevant, fun and challenging. Students will develop artistic awareness and hands-on skills by using a variety of tools and mediums. Students in grades first through sixth will study well-known artists and works of art, as well as create age appropriate art projects.

COMPUTERS

Second graders expand on computer usage in Salem’s computer lab once a week. They learn to use Save As, and Save in a different location, and how to make a New Folder. Through basic word processing, students will produce three or four sentence paragraphs and format the text for Bold and Underline. They will also create a simple animation slide show, and access the Internet using hyperlinks.

HANDWRITING

We begin the school year reviewing handwriting learned in 1st Grade. Second semester, we will be introduced to cursive handwriting.

Third Grade is a year of increased responsibility and learning to make intelligent choices. Students learn this by understanding that our God is a God of choices as they study in-depth the Old Testament’s stories and focus on the choices that Jesus offers. Third grade focuses on vocabulary development, determining main ideas, understanding cause and effect, and managing their time. Children will write reports incorporating good grammar, punctuation, and subject / verb agreement to make intelligent sentences.

Subjects covered in third grade include, but are not limited to:

LANGUAGE ARTS – OPEN COURT

Reading is taught using the Open Court Curriculum, Houghton Mifflin & Loyola Press. Third graders will refine their comprehension skills of sequencing, making comparisons, determining the main idea and drawing conclusions. Students will read and write more complex stories with plot and character development. Spelling, cursive handwriting, and good grammar usage are a main focus, as well as the parts of speech and the rules for punctuation.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Using Saxon based material, third graders will expand their knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and be introduced to division. They’ll tackle math problems with multi digits and deal with positive and negative numbers, as well as fractions and measurements. Students will identify angles and lines of symmetry, graph ordered pairs, and create their own story problems.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MCGRAW HILL TIME LINKS

Students will fine-tune their map and globe skills, and be introduced to the study of more intricate geography. They will learn about different cultures and communities and observe how people impact their environment. Students will engage in a variety of groups activities and projects that will enhance the understanding of how a community can work together to accomplish goals. Presidents’ Day will be observed and each student will create a special report and presentation about a United States President. Students also learn about our national and local governments.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Students will investigate Life Sciences such as how plants live and grow, how animals grow and change, and how living things change and adapt to their environment. They will learn more about the human body and the body’s systems. Children will participate in activities of Physical Science by observing matter and how it changes depending upon energy and forces. They’ll also learn about the Earth’s surface, natural resources, the sun, planets and the moon. Hands on activities and experiments are conducted weekly.

MUSIC

Children in grades first through sixth will develop skills in singing, playing instruments and movement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Third graders attend P.E. class in the gym three times a week. Fitness, health, and sportsmanship are taught through games, sports and exercise.

SPANISH

Children are exposed to Spanish twice a week through vocabulary, songs, flashcards, worksheets and stories.

RELIGION – STANDARD BIBLE CURRICULUM

Classroom religious studies focus on the choices Jesus offers. Memory verses accompany the lessons. All students attend chapel services each Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel.

ART

Once a week, students will develop artistic awareness and hands-on skills by using a variety of tools and mediums. Students in grades first through sixth will study well-known artists and works of art, as well as create age appropriate art projects.

COMPUTERS

Third graders expand on computer usage in Salem’s computer lab once a week. Through word processing they will learn how to Spell Check, Tab, Set Margins, and Center text. They will complete their first research project using the Internet by retrieving information and images. Students will learn to use the URL entry line to go to specific sites, and learn to work with two applications at a time.

Fourth Grade is a year of logical reasoning and critical thinking. Students will develop these skills by using context clues, identifying cause and effect, and understanding the purpose and tone of written and numerical data. Technology-based research and presentation of information reinforces these skills to promote middle school readiness and instill a confidence that fosters the ability to collaborate with others in a meaningful way.

Subjects covered in third grade include, but are not limited to:

LANGUAGE ARTS – OPEN COURT

Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are deepened as students compare, analyze and draw conclusions by using inferential text. By reading novels, students will learn to make connections and to cite details when describing a character’s motivation and point of view. They will craft clear and cohesive written work in the form of research based essays, persuasive arguments and narratives, and will learn the important components of letter composition. Writing to entertain, explain and inform will be developed, and students will utilize quotations, facts and examples to support their ideas. Students will understand chronological order, and study parts of speech, characterization, figurative language, and mood. Students will collaborate with others by following agreed-upon rules for discussion so that they may effectively report on topics and tell stories using relevant details and supporting information in a clear and logical fashion. Students will learn how to effectively communicate with others so that they are prepared for the 21st Century.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Fourth grade math deepens the student’s ability to problem solve and to use technological tools to analyze, share and compare data. There are three critical areas of fourth grade math. The first focuses on developing fluency with multi-digit numbers, including finding quotients involving multi-digit dividends. The second furthers their understanding of fraction equivalence, enabling them to add and subtract fractions with like denominators, and multiply fractions by a whole number. The third teaches them to identify and classify geometric shapes, identify congruent and similar figures, and understand perimeter, area and volume. Additionally, decimals are introduced, place value is developed through estimation and rounding, and measurement and data is explored.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MCGRAW HILL TIME LINKS

Students focus on the great state of California diving into its rich history and learning about the infrastructure of today. Each year, students participate in two interactive units: California Missions-A simulation of trading with missions in early California and Gold Rush-a simulation of life in a frontier mining camp. The contribution and evolution of native people and the development of a more just and tolerant society is examined through poetry, dramatic play and song. The class goes on interactive field trips throughout the year, and analyzes primary documents to better understand our rich history.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Students deepen their understanding of the scientific method by conducting various experiments and activities. They gain first-hand knowledge of scientific disciplines including life science, physical science, earth science and biology. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities encourage team building, critical thinking and problem solving development. A respect for the environment and being good stewards of the earth is an underlying theme.

MUSIC

Children in grades first through sixth will develop skills in singing, playing instruments and movement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Fourth graders attend P.E. class in the gym three times a week. Fitness, health, and sportsmanship are taught through games, sports, and exercise.

SPANISH

Children are exposed to Spanish twice a week through vocabulary, songs, flashcards, worksheets and stories.

RELIGION – THE OLD TESTAMENT FOR US

Classroom religious studies cover the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi. The class has daily devotions, and a different Bible memory assignment each week. The students will use Bible passages to understand the importance of tolerance and acceptance of other people so that they may become skilled at solving problems and working well with others.

CLASS THEMES

In Addition Fourth graders will cover six different themes throughout the year:

  1. Risks and Consequences: highlights the risks people take to achieve their goals and the consequences of their actions.
  2. Dollars and Sense: uses a variety of genre to convey famous business people and how they started a business or venture.
  3. From Mystery to Medicine: explores pioneers in the medical fields and scientific community
  4. Survival: stories about people and things they’ve had to endure and/or overcome such as Anne Frank, Arctic Explorer, etc.
  5. Communication: the invention of the printing press, Louis Braille, how whales communicate and the like.
  6. A Changing America: the history of America, going West, the Transcontinental Railroad, and much more.

COMPUTERS

Fourth graders attend computer class once per week in Salem’s computer lab. They will learn to set up Columns, Headers, Footers, Text Justification, and Page Orientation. Students will use PowerPoint and Keynote, bar graphs and tables to present information from Internet-based research. They will learn to animate presentations, insert video into slideshows and collaborate through interactive tools such as Google Classroom.

ART

Salem art classes are relevant, fun and challenging. Students will develop artistic awareness and hands-on skills by using a variety of tools and mediums. They will also learn about well-known artists and works of art, as well as create age appropriate art projects.

Fifth Grade is a year of new discoveries and responsibilities. Through the course of the curriculum, students will grow in responsibility. Students will learn how to create award-winning projects and how to prioritize their time management. Students will produce creative reports, projects and deliver oral presentations across the curriculum. Technology will be incorporated as a learning tool daily with the use of iPads, Doceri, Google Classroom and more!

Subjects covered in third grade include, but are not limited to:

LANGUAGE ARTS – OPEN COURT

Students will refine their grammar, spelling, and vocabulary skills by identifying and correctly using the various parts of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions. Fifth graders will practice the writing process through drafting, revising, proofreading and publishing. They will write in various styles: description, persuasion, personal narration, summary and story. Students will apply their creative talents and author fictional stories!

MATH – SAXON MATH

Using Saxon based material; fifth graders will expand their knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Skills will extend to include fractions and mixed numbers and math problems with multi digits, decimals, and percentages. Fifth graders will solve a variety of real world problems and demonstrate their knowledge through fun presentations, homework, and tests.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MCGRAW HILL TIME LINKS

American History from 1500-2016 is taught during Fifth Grade. Students will not only learn the “how”, but also the “why” and be able to connect historical topics and events together. Students will present on Presidents, states and historical events. This will be done through a variety of activities. Students will also learn about the U.S. Government through the award winning “We the People” curriculum.

We the People – The Citizen and the Constitution
The fifth grade students study the Constitution and the foundation of our democracy using a government-funded program entitled, “We the People.” As a culminating activity to this course of study, students conduct a simulated congressional hearing. Guests from our community are invited to serve on the panel that will ask students a number of questions concerning the ideas and principles that are fundamental to our democratic government. The program is an extraordinary learning experience that provides important information about the government in the United States, the chance for students to work together as a team, and to share ideas in both written and oral form.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Students will investigate through in-depth reading, hands-on activities and projects a variety of scientific material. They will learn how plants live, grow and react to their environment. They also study the systems of the human body, space and the solar system, energy, work and machines.

MUSIC

Children in grades first through sixth will develop skills in singing, playing instruments and movement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Fifth graders attend P.E. class in the gym three times a week.Fitness, health, and sportsmanship are taught through games, sports and exercise.

SPANISH

Children are exposed to Spanish twice a week through vocabulary, songs, flashcards, worksheets and stories.

RELIGION – THE NEW TESTAMENT FOR US

Classroom religious studies focus on the study of the New Testament and applying Christ’s teachings to everyday life experiences.

COMPUTERS

Students will participate in an immersive computer class which includes top of the line computer technology and programs.

ART

Salem art classes are relevant, fun and challenging. Students will develop artistic awareness and hands-on skills by using a variety of tools and mediums. They will also learn about well-known artists and works of art, as well as create age appropriate art projects.

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Writer’s  Choice:  Zaner-Bloser,  Vocabulary  Power  Plus  Book  F: Prestwick  House,  and  Write  for  Power:  J.E.  Sparks

Various  graphic  organizers,  outline  formats,  and  rubrics  for  every  genre  of  writing  will  be  utilized to  assist  with  the  writing  process.  They  will  experiment  with different  types  of  poetry  and  write  a variety  of  essays  including  a  research  paper.  The  Write  for  Power  program  will  be  introduced  to help  students  keep  their writing  concise  and  coherent.  They  will  learn  different  sentence patterns  that  will  help  enhance  their  writing  as  well  as  practice  basic  grammar  skills.  Students will  read  a  variety  of  novels,  short  stories  and  create  book  reports.  Through  expanded vocabulary,  spelling,  drills  on  the  parts  of  speech,  and  improving punctuation  usage,  students will  improve  their  writing  in  all  areas.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Sixth  graders  will  improve  on  multiplication  and  division  and  will  work  extensively  with  fractions, decimals,  and  percents.  They  will  be  introduced  to  integers, solving  equations,  square  roots, and  exponents.  Geometry  with  one,  two  and  three-dimensional  shapes  will  be  introduced. Students  will  work  both individually  and  collaboratively  on  a  variety  of  assignments  and  projects. Students  will  supplement  the  Saxon  Math  curriculum  with  the  IXL  math  computer program.

HISTORY

Holt McDougal World History

Sixth graders will learn about ancient civilizations, world geography, reading maps and diagrams, and economics. They will conduct research on country and present the material. In the spring, students will participate in the Civics Project, where they will identify a problem in the community, conduct research, and give a formal presentation about their solution.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Science Fusion by Holt McDougal

In this highly collaborative sixth grade class, students learn about Earth Science in exciting and engaging ways! Students are encouraged to be inquisitive and innovative. Diorama projects and exciting labs (some edible) help students understand the features of this ever changing planet. In this class, we learn about rivers, lakes and oceans that cover the earth, sea caves to glaciers, rocks & minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes and much more! We have projects that also relate to real live scenarios. Opportunities like skits, group presentations and board game creations allow students to process the information in a way that fosters understanding and interest. Students also explore many different careers in earth science. This class follows the NGSS standards.

 

COMPUTERS

Sixth  graders  expand  computer  skills  in  Salem’s  computer  lab  three  times  a  week.  Students  will be  proficient  in  all  aspects  of  the  Microsoft  Office  Suite,including  word  processing,  PowerPoint presentations,  and  Excel  spreadsheets.  Students  will  understand  spreadsheets  by  entering data,  making  charts  and using  formulas.  Students  will  also  learn  how  to  confidently  use  the internet  as  a  research  tool  by  using  various  strategies  to  find  relevant  and  accurate information.

PROJECT CITIZEN

Each year, “Project Citizen” introduces and educates the 6th grade students to the methods and procedures used in our governmental processes. This program, sponsored by the Center for Civic Education aims to encourage students to become active citizens and responsible leaders. The students learn about public policy and the process by which new policies are implemented. Students then research and identify a problem or challenge on campus at Salem, come up with points related to the problem, solutions for the problem, proposed policy, and an action plan for change. Once they have chosen a policy they would like to see implemented at Salem, the students work together to present it to the Project Citizen panel, school leadership, parents and students.

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language  Arts Writer’s  Choice:  Zaner-Bloser,  Vocabulary  Power  Plus  Book  G:
Prestwick  House,  and  Write  for  Power:  J.E.  Sparks
s

With  the  use  of  the  Writers  textbook,  various  graphic  organizers,  outline  formats,  and  rubrics  for every  genre  of  writing  will  be  utilized  to  assist  with  the  writing process.  They  will  experiment with  different  types  of  poetry  and  write  a  variety  of  essays  including  a  research  paper.  The Write  for  Power  program  will continue  to  enhance  their  writing  skills  by  expanding  on  sentence patterns  learned  in  sixth  grade.  Seventh  graders  will  read  a  variety  of  novels  and  create book reports.  Through  expanded  vocabulary,  spelling,  drills  on  the  parts  of  speech,  and  improving punctuation  usage,  students  will  improve  their  writing  in  all areas.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Seventh graders will continue to practice the four operations, working extensively on fractions, decimals and percents.  They will begin working with integers, solving equations, calculating with square roots and exponents.  Geometry concepts will include analyzing one, two and three dimensional shapes.  Students will enhance their critical thinking skills by completing multi-step word problems, brain teasers, reading/writing about their understanding of topics learned. Computer-based common core standard programs and other math-related literature are used for review, discovery and to permit students to make mathematical connections to life outside of the classroom. Collaborative groups are formed for students to meet for the purpose of reviewing and discussing their understanding of the material and modeling leadership by acting as facilitators.

HISTORY

Eastern World by Holt McDougal

This exciting history class studies the Eastern World! Here students collaborate with one another as they learn about geography, pop culture, and cultures from different countries of the eastern world. They gain an insight into this class as they compare and contrast cultures of the Eastern world to American Culture. This class incorporates cross-curricular instruction though Art, Science and Literature. We practically travel around the globe to Japan, China, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and much more as we learn about the different customs, religions and history. We also assess the issues that are currently happening in the region. Some fun activities we will be working on is: creating origami cranes, making Chinese lanterns, and perhaps a delicious history dinner, among other activities!

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Science Fusion by Holt McDougal

In this class, students learn Life Science by having open discussions, hands-on activities, relations to real-life scenarios, and utilizing their own observations and critical thinking skills to answer: (CER) Claim Evidence Reasoning. Additionally, there are frequent discussions which foster critical thinking and activities that allow students to learn in an innovative way, by solving problems. Students will become familiar with using the microscope to view different specimens, and utilizing technology to further their understanding through research and investigation of the subject as well as, develop a love for life sciences. Furthermore, this class is heavily geared towards anatomy and physiology as well as a thorough understanding of cells. Additionally, students utilize the internet for research, to facilitate classroom discussions and turn in assignments.

Students attend Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) where outdoor activities include: hiking, kayaking, exposure to the island’s flora and fauna and hands on learning labs in the field of Marine Biology. This solidified their understanding of certain concepts learned in class. Students will be participants at the annual Salem Science Fair. This class follows the NGSS Standards.

COMPUTERS

Seventh  graders  expand  their  computer  skills  in  Salem’s  computer  lab  twice  a  week.  Students will  be  proficient  in  all  aspects  of  the  Microsoft  Office  Suite, including  word  processing, PowerPoint  presentations,  and  Excel  spreadsheets.  Students  will  understand  spreadsheets  by entering  data,  making  charts  and using  formulas.  Students  will  also  learn  how  to  confidently use  the  internet  as  a  research  tool  by  using  various  strategies  to  find  relevant  and  accurate information.

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language  Arts Writer’s  Choice:  Zaner-Bloser,  Vocabulary  Power  Plus  Book  H:
Prestwick  House,  and  Write  for  Power:  J.E.  Sparks

With  the  use  of  the  Writers  textbook,  various  graphic  organizers,  outline  formats,  and  rubrics  for every  genre  of  writing  will  be  utilized  to  assist  with  the  writing process.  They  will  experiment with  different  types  of  poetry  and  write  a  variety  of  essays  including  a  research  paper.  The Write  for  Power  program  will continue  to  enhance  their  writing  skills  by  expanding  on  sentence patterns  learned  in  seventh  grade.  Eighth  graders  will  read  a  variety  of  novels  and  create book reports.  Through  expanded  vocabulary,  spelling,  drills  on  the  parts  of  speech,  and  improving punctuation  usage,  students  will  improve  their  writing  in  all areas.

MATH – SAXON MATH

Eighth graders study Algebra 1.  They will deepen their understanding of the Real Number System, creating and solving unit rate problems using dimensional analysis, learn to see and interpret structure in expression. Also, each student will perform arithmetic with polynomials and rational expressions, create equations that describe number relationships, solve multi-variable equations and inequalities, solve systems of equations, interpret functions, construct interpret and compare linear, quadratic and exponential models. Students will enhance their critical thinking skills by completing multi-step word problems, brain teasers, reading/writing about their understanding of topics learned. Computer-based common core standard programs and other math-related literature are used for review, discovery and to permit students to make mathematical connections to life outside of the classroom. Collaborative groups are formed for students to meet for the purpose of reviewing and discussing their understanding of the material and modeling leadership by acting as facilitators.

HISTORY

United  States  History:  Beginnings  to  1877;  Holt  McDougal 

Students  will  learn  about  United  States  history  and  geography,  the  American  political system, the  Civil  War,  Manifest  Destiny,  the  abolition  of  slavery,  the  Industrial  Revolution  as  well  as reading  maps  and  diagrams.  Eighth  graders  will  do research  projects  on  historical  events  and people  in  U.S.  history.  Assessments  and  various  projects  may  integrate  technology  such  as Google  Slides  and videos.  During  the  second  semester,  students  will  be  given  unit  tests  to assess  their  knowledge  and  understanding  of  the  information  covered  in  those  units and  to better  prepare  them  for  cumulative  assessments  they  will  encounter  in  high  school.

SCIENCE – SCOTT FORESMAN

Science Fusion by Holt McDougal

In this Physical Science class, students learn the basics of physics while in an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration and creativity. Students are familiar with different types of energy, the periodic table and compounds, ionic and covalent bonding, among other engaging physics and chemistry topics. There are numerous hands on labs like creating motors, creating Rube Goldberg machines, and creating different types of circuits as well as, creating 3D models of molecular structures. Also, students come up with solutions to real life scenarios. Additionally, this class incorporates the use of multi-media as students use film and editing to reinforce keywords and concepts learned in class, using Google Classrooms, Google Docs and Google Slides to work on their assignments. Furthermore, this class explores and exposes students to different physical science careers so that the students may develop a love of the physical sciences. This class follows the NGSS Standards.

COMPUTERS

Eighth graders  expand  their  computer  skills  in  Salem’s  computer  lab  twice  a  week.  Students will  be  proficient  in  all  aspects  of  the  Microsoft  Office  Suite, including  word  processing, PowerPoint  presentations,  and  Excel  spreadsheets.  Students  will  understand  spreadsheets  by entering  data,  making  charts  and using  formulas.  Students  will  also  learn  how  to  confidently use  the  internet  as  a  research  tool  by  using  various  strategies  to  find  relevant  and  accurate information.