Cedar Creek Middle School Courses & Descriptions

English • Mathematics • Social Studies • Science • Computer Applications • Art • Physical Education

English

English/Reading 6
This course consists of an intensive study of grammar, literature, and writing. The goal is to improve each student's communication skills through an integrated study of grammar, literature, vocabulary, spelling, and writing skills. Students review kinds of sentences, subjects and predicates, the eight parts of speech, complements, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and correct use of pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Students are required to read various types of literary works, including one novel, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, plays, myths, and folk tales. Through literature the students also develop other reading skills, such as identifying the main idea, predicting outcomes, making inferences, identifying facts, and identifying character traits. The development of writing includes a major emphasis on the topic sentence and paragraph development. Students demonstrate basic skills by combining sentences and developing sentence variety. Students also write and edit short compositions and reports. In addition, students increase vocabulary skills throughout the year.

Main Texts:

• Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, Glencoe, 1996
• Introduction to Literature, 1991.

Challenge English/Reading 6
In this course students of demonstrated exceptional intellectual ability have the opportunity to study both composition and literature using more complex texts and in greater depth than would be appropriate in regular courses. Students study works of poetry and prose from both historical and contemporary periods. Extensive practice in composition is combined with the study of grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Cedar Creek School follows state guidelines set forth in Bulletin 1508 regarding the identification of students for gifted programs. Classroom teachers recommend students on the basis of achievement scores and performance. With parental permission, students are tested by an independent testing agency, whose recommendation is followed by the school. Admission to the first three grades is by meeting requirements of Bulletin 1508.

English/Reading 7
This course consists of an intense study of grammar, literature, and writing. The goal is to improve each student's communication skills through an integrated study of grammar, literature, vocabulary, spelling, and writing skills. Students review sentence structure, the eight parts of speech, complements, phrases, clauses, subject/verb agreement, and correct use of pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Mechanics (punctuation and capitalization rules) are also reviewed and emphasized in writing assignments. Students are required to read various types of literary works including two novels, short stories, poetry, plays, non-fiction, and mythology. The development of basic writing skills includes emphasis on choosing precise, vivid words (particularly those that appeal to the five senses), combining details for lengthier sentences, and varying sentence beginnings for sentence variety. Students are taught basic paragraph structure, the writing process, and the various types of paragraph development. Students will demonstrate these skills through journal entries, short compositions, and reports. In addition, students work on vocabulary and spelling skills throughout the year.

Main Texts:

• Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, Glencoe, 1996
• Adventures for Readers, HBJ, 1989.

Challenge English/Reading 7
In this course students of demonstrated exceptional intellectual ability have the opportunity to study both composition and literature using more complex texts and in greater depth than would be appropriate in basic or honors level courses. Extensive practice in writing in the major rhetorical modes, reading of works of poetry and prose from many historical periods, and in critical analysis of literature is offered. The course will include formal study of grammar and vocabulary and will require students to read and write about classic texts, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, David Copperfield, Huck Finn, Jane Eyre, and works of similar complexity. Students are required to read two to three books from a supplementary reading list each quarter. The course involves a two-year rotation of texts and problems. Cedar Creek School follows state guidelines set forth in Bulletin 1508 regarding the identification of students for gifted programs. Classroom teachers recommend students on the basis of achievement scores and performance. With parental permission, students are tested by an independent testing agency, whose recommendation is followed by the school. Admission to the first three levels is by meeting requirements of Bulletin 1508. Admission to grade 9 requires superior achievement test scores and teacher recommendation.

English/Reading 8
This course consists of an intensive study of grammar, literature, and writing. The goal is to continue to improve each student's communication skills through an integrated study of grammar, literature, vocabulary, spelling, and writing skills. Students review kinds of sentences structure, the eight parts of speech, complements, phrases, clauses, subject/verb agreement, and the correct use of verbs, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Students are required to read various types of literary works including two novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and folk tales. Mechanics (punctuation and capitalization rules) are also reviewed through writing assignments. The development of writing skills includes a review of work choice, sentence combining, and sentence variety. Students review paragraph structure, the writing process, and the various types of paragraph development. Students demonstrate these skills through journal entries, essays, and reports. In addition, students work on improving vocabulary and spelling skills throughout the year.

Main Texts:

• Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, Glencoe, 1996
• Adventures for Readers, HBJ, 1989.

Challenge English/Reading 8
In this course students of demonstrated exceptional intellectual ability have the opportunity to study both composition and literature using more complex texts and in greater depth than would be appropriate in basic or honors level courses. Extensive practice in writing in the major rhetorical modes, reading of works of poetry and prose from many historical periods, and in critical analysis of literature is offered. The course will include formal study of grammar and vocabulary and will require students to read and write about classic texts, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, David Copperfield, Huck Finn, Jane Eyre, and works of similar complexity. Students are required to read two to three books from a supplementary reading list each quarter. The course involves a two-year rotation of texts and problems. Cedar Creek School follows state guidelines set forth in Bulletin 1508 regarding the identification of students for gifted programs. Classroom teachers recommend students on the basis of achievement scores and performance. With parental permission, students are tested by an independent testing agency, whose recommendation is followed by the school. Admission to the first three levels is by meeting requirements of Bulletin 1508. Admission to grade 9 requires superior achievement test scores and teacher recommendation.

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Mathematics

Subject Mission
Students successfully completing the mathematics curriculum at Cedar Creek School will apply mathematical concepts and computational skills in reasoning, communicating, and problem solving through the use of appropriate resources. In sixth and seventh grade, students take Mathematics, Course 1 and Course 2, respectively. Students study Pre Algebra in eighth grade. Student performance in these classes and on standardized tests will determine high school math placement in college-preparatory mathematics or in honors mathematics. (See High School Math table for course listings for each mathematics program of study at the high school level.)

Accelerated Math
Beginning in 7th grade, Cedar Creek offers the accelerated mathematics program, an enriched course of study to students who have demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability and achievement. A student in this mathematics program bypasses regular 7th grade math and takes Honors 8th grade Pre Algebra in 7th grade instead. This allows the student to enroll in high school Algebra I in 8th grade, thus providing room in the student’s schedule to complete a Calculus AP course as a senior in high school. (See High School Math table.) According to the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), “There is little or no reason to accelerate a student into Algebra I (in middle school) unless the student intends to continue mathematics study through a fifth year of secondary study in an academically appropriate course such as calculus” and demonstrates the mathematical ability to do so.

Placement in 7th grade Accelerated Challenge Math is made by the curriculum coordinator or the guidance counselor. The main factor used for placement in this program is a minimum score of 85 on the Orleans Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test.

A student must also meet three of the following criteria:

1. Minimum final grade of 95 in 6th grade mathematics.
2. Minimum score of 90th percentile on achievement test (SAT) Math Concepts and Applications section. (6th grade)
3. A ranking of “8th grade math readiness” on the Math Readiness/Diagnostic Test.
4. Recommendation of 6th grade mathematics teacher.

Placement in the 8th grade Honors Algebra I course is made by the curriculum coordinator or the guidance counselor. A student must have a minimum score of 93 in a complete Pre Algebra (regular 8th-grade math) course. A student is not allowed to bypass Pre Algebra because the skills learned from this course are essential for the proper mathematical development of the student. Furthermore, approximately one-third of the math portion of the ACT is Pre Algebra, and successful completion of a Pre Algebra course will enhance student performance on this college entrance exam.

A student must also meet two of the following three criteria:

1. Minimum score of 90th percentile on achievement test (SAT) Math Concepts and Applications section. (7th grade)
2. A ranking of “Algebra readiness” on the Math Readiness/Diagnostic Test.
3. Recommendation of Pre Algebra teacher.

These criteria were established in the best interest of the student to enhance his or her mathematical development and to ensure success in the mathematics program at Cedar Creek throughout middle and high school.

Math 6
This program is designed to build computational competency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of integers, common fractions, and decimal fractions. It enhances the ability to use mental math, estimation skills, and various techniques for problem solving. The program includes the topics of geometry, measurements, ratios and proportions, probability, data analysis, and an introduction to algebra.

Main Text:  Mathematics, Course 1, Prentice Hall, 2006.

Math 7
The seventh grade program provides the student with the time and opportunity in foundational mathematics skills. This course takes the student from arithmetic to the threshold of the wide world of mathematics. Its goal for students is mastery of computational skills with rational numbers. It also emphasizes an understanding of ratios, proportions, and percents. It goes beyond the topics of arithmetic to include foundation topics of geometry, measurement, algebra, number theory, and data analysis. Problem solving, mental math and estimation skills are included throughout the year. Word problems include applications from various areas, including history and science.

Main Text:  Mathematics Course 2, Prentice Hall, 2006.

Pre Algebra Honors (Accelerated 7th grade math)
The 7th grade Pre Algebra Honors class is an accelerated and enriched mathematics course of study for highly motivated and self-disciplined students with a high level of curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and maturity. The class is designed only for those students who have demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability and achievement and who plan to continue in the Pre AP/AP mathematics program at high school, taking AP Calculus as a senior.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the connections between the various branches of mathematics by applying computational skills, mathematical reasoning, and introductory algebraic and geometric principles to model and solve real-life problems. Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the real number system, equations and inequalities, geometry, measurement, data analysis, probability, functions, proportional reasoning, and applications of percents.

Main Text:  Mathematics, Course 3, Prentice Hall, 2006

Math 8 (Pre Algebra)
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the connections between the various branches of mathematics by applying computational skills, mathematical reasoning, and introductory algebraic and geometric principles to model and solve real life problems. Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the real number system, equations and inequalities, geometry, measurement, data analysis, probability, functions, proportional reasoning, and applications of percents.

Main Text:  Mathematics, Course 3, Prentice Hall, 2006

Algebra I Honors (Accelerated 8th grade math)
The 8th grade Honors Algebra I class is a continuation of the accelerated and enriched mathematics course of study for highly motivated and self-disciplined students with a high level of curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and maturity. The class is designed only for those students who have demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability and achievement and who plan to continue in the Pre AP/AP mathematics program at high school, taking AP Calculus as a senior. Students who successfully complete this course with teacher recommendation receive high school credit for Algebra I, and the grade will be included in the student’s high school GPA.
The student will solve linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and systems by applying the properties of equality, by graphing, and by factoring.

Main Text:  Algebra I, Prentice Hall, 2001

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Social Studies

World History 6
World history in the sixth grade is a study of the world, past and present. Students will be challenged to learn about people and places here and abroad. Goals for our students include not only learning about the differences in other lands but also the similarities. The class will be supplemented with filmstrips, videotapes, and outside speakers. Participation in the Cedar Creek Social Studies Fair is optional.

Main Text: The World - Harcourt Brace 2000.

American History 7
American history on the 7th grade level is a survey course of American history from the Indians of pre-Columbus times through the Civil War. The class is supplemented with filmstrips, videotapes, outside speakers, and field trips. Participation in the Cedar Creek Social Studies Fair is optional.

Main Text: America The People and the Dream , Scott Foresman 1991.

Louisiana History 8
Louisiana history is a study of Louisiana and the other states included in the Louisiana Purchase. During the year Louisiana Day celebrates Louisiana's unique culture by focusing on South Louisiana customs, traditions, and foods. Field trips are scheduled each year to places such as the Tensas National Wildlife Refuge or Poverty Point. This course covers everything from the Indians who lived in the state between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago to the modern day politics of Louisiana. Students are required to participate in the school Social Studies Fair.

Main Text: Louisiana: A Study in Diversity, Steck Vaughn, 1992

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 Science

Science 6
The sixth grade science program provides a transition from elementary science to the more formal and specialized programs offered in the seventh and eighth grades.  Students learn through a variety of instructional methods including note taking and hands-on investigations in cooperative groups.  The major topics include environmental science, forces, motion, energy, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, planets, and writing a research paper. 

Main Text: Science Explorers, Prentice Hall 2000.

Science 7
Science in the seventh grade is more specialized than in previous grades. Students take life science in the seventh grade. Besides gaining knowledge in this branch of science, the students are shown how scientists obtain and organize this knowledge. Life science covers such topics as animals, plants, protist, human body systems, heredity, nutrition, and ecology. Science fair projects are required. They provide young people with a chance to be creative and to apply concepts to fields that interest them. They work individually or as a group to perform an investigation. Working on a science project helps them gain an idea of what scientific research involves.

Main Text: Science Explorer Life Science, Prentice Hall, 2005.

Science 8
Students take earth science in the eighth grade. Besides gaining knowledge in this branch of science, the students are shown how scientists obtain and organize this knowledge. Atomic structure, minerals, rocks, air, climate, oceanography, erosion, glaciers, earthquakes, environment, universe, space exploration, and earth's history are areas discussed in eighth grade science.
Science projects are required. They provide young people with a chance to be creative and to apply concepts to fields that interest them. They work individually or as a group to perform an investigation. Working on a science project helps them gain an idea of what scientific research involves.

Main Text: Science Explorer Earth Science, Prentice Hall, 2005.

Science 8 (Biology I Honors)
This course is offered to students enrolled in 8th grade Algebra I. Students who successfully complete this course with teacher recommendation receive high school credit for biology, and the grade will be included in the high school GPA.
Biology is the science of life, of ourselves, and of the living world around us. It includes the study of the smallest virus, the function and structure of the human body as well as the interaction of all organisms in the world. Several topics in Earth Science are also covered in this course. This lecture-style course will include chapter reading, laboratory experiments, written laboratory reports, frequent quizzes, written homework, as well as a research project. Laboratory skills with an emphasis in the scientific method will be stressed throughout this course.

Main Text: Biology: Visualizing life. Holt, 1994

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Computer Applications

Keyboarding, Word Processing, Spreadsheet & Database Applications
The Middle School computer program is divided into the three courses for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades respectively. With the acquired basic skills, students are able to use Microsoft Office Suite to enhance their studies in secondary and post-secondary education and to incorporate the computer as a basic communication tool into their various academic activities. The instructional delivery system for these courses is the laboratory approach emphasizing computer skills, note taking skills, presentation skills, and written communication skills.

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Art

Level 1
An introduction to art. Basic drawing (with charcoal, pastels, pencil), basic design, introduction to the elements and principles of design, study of the color wheel, and introduction to color combination form the basis of the class. Tempera painting, wood burning, leather works, and other simple crafts are correlated with the basic drawing and design to form a well-rounded program. Some art history is also included in the introductory course.

Level 2
An advanced application of the principles mastered in Level 1. Students also learn some of the following: calligraphy, perspective drawing, advanced drawing, printing (vegetable, Styrofoam, and calligraphy), some stitchery on burlap and quilting, and acrylic painting on paper and canvas board. More in-depth art history lessons are also included.

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Physical Education

Physical Education 6
Grade 6 physical education allows for rapid and diverse physical, social, and emotional change. The program is vigorous to enhance physical development. Emphasis is placed on correct form in skills. Rules and game strategy are taught in a wide variety of games, relays, and competitive activities. A variety games that lead up to organized sports are offered.
Health units include:

• "You and Your Personality"
• "Why You Act the Way You Do"
• "Taking Charge."

Physical Education 7 & 8
Activities are taught in units. Methods of teaching include direct instruction, demonstration, drills, and participation in the sport. Students select the units they wish to take in addition to the required conditioning class, health class, and physical fitness testing program. Instructor team teaching allows maximum benefit of instructor interest, knowledge, and skill.

The following teams represent Cedar Creek Middle School: Football, Boys & Girls Basketball and Track. Practice sessions for these sports occur during the regular Physical Education class.

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