Middle School Curriculum for Grades 6–8


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iQ Academy Minnesota provides a core 6–8 grade curriculum based on Minnesota's state-approved academic standards. In addition, a variety of elective courses are available in world languages, physical education, art, and music.

Students in grades 6–8 must take all core courses, plus their choice of electives, for a minimum of five credits and a maximum of six credits per year.

  • All core courses are two semesters long and receive 1 credit
  • Elective courses may be one or two semesters long, receiving .5 and 1 credit respectively
Click on the icon or course title to expand the course description.

7th Grade Core Courses

7

Math 7

Students will learn 7th grade math topics outlined in this course drawing from a variety of sources, including hands on activities, interactive lessons, and practical math applications. After completing the course, students will be able to: Use number sense to problem solve, compute using rational & irrational numbers, and order of operations, measure and estimate using basic formulas, measurements, distance, rate, perimeter, area, volume, weight, mass and Angles, use mathematical reasoning to make conjectures and test them through counterexamples, use if/then statements to construct simple, valid arguments, perform mathematical problem solving, analyze and display data, present & analyze results of an experiment, make valid inferences, predictions and arguments based on probability, discover algebraic patterns and model algebraic concepts, and construct and use geometric figures.
7

Science 7

This course will provide students with enlightenment and instruction on the nature of science, using a discovery process to teach the scientific method, and the use of metric measurements in scientific investigations. It covers the study of the Universe, stars, constellations, and objects in the Solar System. Movement and pathways of the Earth and Moon are investigated, with natural paths uncovered as students discover just how large the universe really is. Next, students will discover how Earth materials are formed and what they can teach us about Mother Earth's past as they investigate the natural processes that shape its ecosystem, the landscape and the creation of different environments on Earth. The course then covers basic concepts of force, motion and equilibrium. Concepts of human biology are also uncovered, with emphasis on body systems and those amazing functions that contribute to our wellness. Agricultural science and its impact on biotechnology are introduced, along with its affect on human interaction with the earth. Finally, the basics of environmental science are covered, and through the use of stunning photography and lively animation, students will interact with endangered species, learn about natural resource use, environmental health, pollution, and biodiversity.
7

Social Studies 7

Students will be taken through the disciplines of word history, landform and geography, money and economics, the powers and parallels of political science, sociology, and anthropology. Through hands-on tutorials and interaction with animation that brings this history to life, students will acquire the skills necessary to study and understand world cultures, while examining their unique physical features using state-of-the-art electronic geographic tools. Beginning with the mysteries of the ancient empires of the Americas, students will discover and understand the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of the Franks in Europe, and uncover the enchanting Kingdom of Ghana. Students will be taken through Revolutionary Europe, then to the Industrial Revolution, Nationalism and Imperialism, and on to World Wars I and II. They'll discover the wonders of Colonial India, become informed about the United Nations as a peacekeeping and political force, the politics of the war in Vietnam, and past and current issues in the Middle East. Finally, they'll discover modern Africa and understand its history, to end with a broad but compelling introduction to the Information and Space Ages.
7

Language Arts 7

Through this exciting course students will engage in an interactive, hands-on array of reading and writing activities designed to enhance and integrate literacy across all content areas, social studies, math, art and more. Students will develop effective communication skills through listening, speaking and writing via activities designed to strengthen vocabulary, improve grammar, and reinforce reading comprehension through strategy instruction. Students will gain a greater appreciation for literature while recognizing the application of new life-skills through reading and writing activities designed to teach and incorporate fun at the same time. Colorful and interactive activities will motivate and facilitate better reading and writing skills to keep students constantly engaged. Teacher-to-student, student-to-self, and peer-to-peer assessments will serve as constant benchmarks that facilitate the higher-order, problem solving and collaborative skills required to meet academic and career expectations for years to come.

8th Grade Core Courses

8

Math 8

Students will learn 8th grade math topics outlined in this course drawing from a variety of sources, including hands on activities, interactive lessons, and practical math applications. After completing the course, students will be able to, apply algebraic concepts to linear functions and graphing, apply geometric concepts to figures and geometric movement, apply the concepts of measurement to algebra and geometry, interpret data and analyze displays of data from graphs, apply the concepts of basic trigonometric functions, and use the concept of probability to interpret data and generate various graphs.
8

Science 8

This course provides a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for the 8th-grade student about to enter high school science. It covers the relevant topics in all the major scientific disciplines, building on prior knowledge and expanding on subjects introduced earlier in middle school. Students begin with a review of the scientific process and get more into depth with the idea of critical analysis of theories and experimental research. They will move on to discuss principles of physical science and energy. In the life science portion of the course, students will cover structure and function of organisms, genetics and evolution, and tenets of ecology. This will flow into the environmental science topics including earth's cycles and environmental problems. A brief discussion of the solar system will also be covered. Students will learn about the assigned topics through interactive activities, experimentation, discussion, and engaging text and animations. Graded assignments will be stimulating and thought-provoking, hopefully paving the way for future interest in the scientific disciplines.
8

Social Studies 8

Eighth grade students will build on their concepts of geography, civics, and political societies beginning with the world as it was in the 1500??s followed by the natural unfolding of events from the explorations, the establishment the colonies, the colonial era leading up to the causes of and including the French and Indian War and The Revolutionary War. The development of American government from a confederation to a constitutional one, the launching of the Republic, through the War of 1812, the growth and development of the nation through the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark exploration on through Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War will follow. Students will explore the changes in the nation from immigration and abolition issues to the Civil War and Reconstruction, westward expansion, to the development of the U.S. as a world power and into World War One. They will explore the 1920's, the Great Depression and World War Two.
8

Language Arts 8

Students will learn to read critically with full comprehension across genres and be able to communicate through effective writing. As students develop critical reading and writing skills, they will make important life connections through the variety of material they study. Additionally, students will practice vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills with each weekly lesson. All material will be connected to a universal theme for each unit: Tolerance; Determination; Social Justice; Times of War; Search for Self; and Cultural Traditions. As students encounter a variety of text structures and multi-media, they will be able to see how these different things connect to one large idea and see how these large ideas connect across other content areas being studied. Each student will be required to engage in activities and assessments that require critical thinking skills and that meet rigorous academic expectations. As students complete this course, hopefully they will see the relevance that this course has in their daily life and future academic and career goals.

6th Grade Core Courses

6

Language Arts 6

The 6th Grade Language Arts Curriculum integrates literature, vocabulary, writing and grammar together in a 21st Century setting. The students will be given the opportunity to create blogs (on-line journals) where they can log and reflect upon their independent reading. They will be asked to engage in discussion forums where they will post their writing for the teacher and other students enrolled in the course to view and respond. They will be presented with the possibility of creating a multimedia report rather than a traditional research paper. This course will empower life-long learners- who are actively engaged in their own learning and take ownership of their scholastic endeavors.
6

Math 6

Students will learn 6th grade math topics outlined in this course drawing from a variety of sources, including hands on activities, interactive lessons, and practical math applications. After completing the course, students will be able to: Apply the concepts of fractions, decimals and percents, including ratios, and proportions in real world situations, apply the concepts of geometry and algebra, apply the concepts of units of measurement, interpret data and analyze displays of data from graphs, apply the concepts of integers and use the concept of probability and number theory to make predictions of real world situations.
6

Science 6

The 6th grade science course will introduce students to a variety of science topics, skills and ideas. Students will have the opportunity to explore several different scientific fields through research, experimentation, and interactive activities. Throughout the course, students will use the scientific method and understand that the scientific method applies to all scientific disciplines and endeavors.
6

Social Studies 6

Students in grade six expand their understanding of History, Civics and Government, Geography, Economics, and Individuals, Society, and Culture by studying the people and events that ushered in the dawn of the major Western and non-Western ancient civilizations. Geography is of special significance in the development of the human story. Students will have the opportunity to explore civilizations by learning about the history, culture, citizenship, economy, religions, and, government of the different cultures present at that time. In so doing, the students will learn utilize math, science, technology, and critical thinking skills in daily learning. Students analyze the interactions among the various cultures, emphasizing their enduring contributions and the link between or World today and these ancient worlds.

6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives

6

Art 6*

Journey through time and place while examining some of the greatest masterpieces created. In this course, students will explore world regions and study the unique artifacts and works of architecture that define ancient civilizations. From Mesopotamia, the world’s first civilization, to the Roman streets of Pompeii, participants will learn the fundamental concepts of art, how to look at and evaluate art, and the intended function of natural history museums through hands-on activities, discussions, written assignments, and objective assessments.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
7

Art 7*

Journey through time and place while examining some of the greatest masterpieces created. In this course, students will explore world regions and study the unique art and architecture that defines the Medieval and Renaissance periods. From Leonardo da Vinci to the Taj Mahal, participants will learn the fundamental concepts of art, how to look at and evaluate art, and the intended function of art museums through hands-on activities, discussions, written assignments, and objective assessments.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
8

Art 8*

Journey through time and place while examining some of the greatest masterpieces created. In this course, students will explore world regions and study the unique art and architecture that defines modern-day civilizations. From Picasso to Hiroshige, participants will learn the fundamental concepts of art, how to look at and evaluate art, and where to find educational resources for the study of art history and applied arts through hands-on activities, discussions, written assignments, and objective assessments.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6, 7, 8

Career Explorations*

In this middle school course, students will learn about various careers that are available today. The students will complete self-evaluations to determine which careers are of most interest to them. Assignments, including research and interviews, will help give the student a hands-on approach to creating a plan for the future.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6, 7, 8

Computer Fundamentals

In this introductory course, students learn how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2000 to create, analyze, edit, share and publish information for a variety of audiences and purposes. Through step-by-step tutorials and a project-based approach to learning, student will become familiar with the key concepts and basic skills of today’s information technology sector.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6

Health 6*

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy choices throughout one’s lifetime. Students will gain valuable health information and learn healthy, proactive practices. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in healthy decision-making, problem solving, goal setting, and effective communication and refusal negotiation. Students will acquire the skills necessary to recognize unhealthy and risky behaviors, manage peer pressure, and develop strategies for improving personal and community health. Students will gain an understanding of the many different influences on one’s health and the interrelationships that occur between mental, physical, social, spiritual and environmental health. The course will consist of vocabulary quizzes, discussion sessions amongst peers, multimedia interactive tutorials, lab activities and teacher interactions. Students will be assessed weekly to determine content understanding. After completion of this course, students will understand and be able to begin implementing positive, lifelong, health skills for optimum health and wellness.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
7

Health 7*

This course is designed to teach lifetime health and wellness knowledge in order to prevent various psychological and physical disorders. Students will learn health information and practices, as well as experience implementing their newfound skills and knowledge. They will acquire the skills necessary to handle peer pressure, recognize unhealthy and risky behaviors and how to prevent and avoid them, and develop strategies for improving personal and community health. Students will gain an understanding of the relationships that influence one’s health, as well as refusal and coping skills that play a major parting personal health, as well. Quizzes, discussion sessions among peers, projects, and interactions will be assessed weekly to gauge content understanding. After completion of this course, the student will understand and have experience practicing lifelong skills for lifelong health and wellness.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
8

Health 8*

This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills that will enable him or her to achieve and maintain a healthful lifestyle. The student will learn health information and practices necessary to understand and manage many aspects of their physical, social, intellectual, spiritual and emotional health throughout adolescence into adulthood.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6, 7, 8

MS French I Part 1/Part 2**

French I have been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme. Upon completing MS French I Part 1 and Part 2 the student will have earned 1.0 HS French credits.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6, 7, 8

MS German I Part 1**

German I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6, 7, 8

MS Spanish I Part 1/Part 2**

Spanish I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme. Upon completing MS Spanish I Part 1 and Part 2 the student will have earned 1.0 HS Spanish credits.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6

Music 6*

Through this online Music Appreciation course students will be exposed to many diverse activities and will learn a wide variety of musical concepts they will be able to use in their everyday lives for the rest of their lives. Students will learn foundational skills such as performing, listening, analyzing and responding to music. Students will develop a sense of self-esteem by accomplishing activities that require higher critical thinking skills especially developed for their grade level. Integrated assignments incorporate other content areas of study such as: science, social studies and math. The content studied will directly apply to other areas of study providing students with an additional enrichment experience they’ll be able to take with them for a lifetime. Quizzes, discussion boards, projects, and performance activities will be assessed weekly to gauge content understanding. After completion of this course, students will be able to describe and analyze musical sound, demonstrate musical artistry, perform a varied repertoire of music, read and write music notation, create and
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
7

Music 7*

Through this online Music Appreciation course students will be exposed to many diverse activities and will learn a wide variety of musical concepts they will be able to use in their everyday lives for the rest of their lives. Students will learn foundational skills such as performing, listening, analyzing and responding to music. Students will develop a sense of self-esteem by accomplishing activities that require higher critical thinking skills especially developed for their grade level. Integrated assignments incorporate other content areas of study such as: science, social studies and math. The content studied will directly apply to other areas of study providing students with an additional enrichment experience they’ll be able to take with them for a lifetime. Quizzes, discussion boards, projects, and performance activities will be assessed weekly to gauge content understanding. After completion of this course, students will have the knowledge to reflect on musical periods and styles, understand music’s role in history, analyze and evaluate music, develop criteria necessary for making critical judgments and informed musical choices as well as enhance their overall musicianship.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
8

Music 8*

Through this online Music Appreciation course students will be exposed to many diverse activities and will learn a wide variety of musical concepts they will be able to use in their everyday lives for the rest of their lives. Students will learn foundational skills such as performing, listening, analyzing and responding to music. Students will develop a sense of self-esteem by accomplishing activities that require higher critical thinking skills especially developed for their grade level. Integrated assignments incorporate other content areas of study such as: science, social studies and math. The content studied will directly apply to other areas of study providing students with an additional enrichment experience they’ll be able to take with them for a lifetime. Quizzes, discussion boards, projects, and performance activities will be assessed weekly to gauge content understanding. After completion of this course, students will have the knowledge to critically analyze music, use proper music terminology to describe musical concepts, create music of their own and enhance their musicianship.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6

Physical Education 6*

The 6th grade physical education course will introduce students to health related fitness components, dance, team sports, healthy choices and lifetimes activities. Through these units students will learn the essential principles to live a healthy active lifestyle. The lessons will give the student exposure to many of the activities that can be incorporated into their daily lives today, tomorrow and in their future.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
7

Physical Education 7*

Through this online Physical Education course students will be exposed to many diverse activities and will learn a wide variety of fitness concepts that they will be able to use in their everyday lives. Students will learn lifelong skills such as rock climbing, orienteering, and ping-pong along with stress management concepts through Yoga and Pilates. Students will develop a sense of self-esteem and accomplishment through completion of fitness tests, attaining personal goals set, and learning to care for their body. Integrated assignments will show students that content areas of science, social studies, math, and English are littered throughout physical education and apply in our everyday activities. Quizzes, discussion boards, projects, and physical activity will be assessed weekly to gauge content understanding. After completion of this course students will have the knowledge to stay fit and stay active well beyond middle school.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
8

Physical Education 8*

Scientific evidence has shown that regular physical activity is essential to our health and wellness. The American Heart Association has indicated that the primary cause for the number one killer in the United States, heart disease, can be treated with daily participation in physical activity. This course will teach students to make informed decisions that will assist them both now and in the future. Students in 8th grade physical education will be exposed to a variety of lifetime physical activities such as, canoeing, cycling and kickboxing. Every student is different; therefore every student will design and participate in a fitness program that meets their individual fitness needs and interests.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives
6, 7, 8

World Language & Culture*

In this World Languages course students will be introduced to 6 different languages within 18 weeks. The languages in this course include Spanish, French, German, Latin, Chinese and Japanese. Each language will be taught in a period of 3 weeks. This multilingual course is designed to give students an opportunity to gain understanding of a language that they might want to further study in the future. Each language is equally represented, thus allowing the student to conceptualize and practice the language one at a time. The course takes a multi-perspective approach for teaching the culture of the people that speak the language along with fundamental communication skills in the target language. Activities that engage students and make language learning exciting and fun will be incorporated to build acquisition. The languages will be taught using the communicative method which combines listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language with the use of multimedia resources.
Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Electives

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