The Blake Middle School Curriculum
Grades Six - Eight

ENGLISH
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Reading, Literature,
Composition, Grammar,
Vocabulary, Spelling,
Portfolios, Short Stories,
Assorted Novels

Reading, Literature,
Expository Writing,
Grammar, Vocabulary,
Writer in Residence,
Character Sketches,
Poetry,
Descriptive Writing

Reading, Literature,
Argumentative Writing,
Research Paper, Grammar,
Vocabulary, Spelling,
Portfolios, Short Narratives

MATHMATICS
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Formalization of
  Computation Skills in
  Fractions, Decimals and
  Percents
Integers
Ratio and Proportion
Applications in
  Geometry, Pre-Algebra,
  Statistics, Graphing,
  Measurement
  & Problem Solving

Pre-Algebra Program
  Stressing Reading,
  Vocabulary & the
  Understanding of
  Interconnections of
  Four Arithmetic
  Processes with Solving
  Equations;
  Applications in
  Geometry; Proportion,
  Ratios, Percents and
  Probability;
  Integers and Graphing
Accelerated Algebra I

Algebra I
  Concentrating on Skill
  and Some Applications
Accelerated Algebra I
  Concentrating on
  Abstract, Analytical
  Approach and
  Applications
Accelerated Algebra II

SCIENCE
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Astronomy
Astrobiology
Human Biology


Physics-Energy
Science Fair
Earth Science

Chemistry
Life Science
Environment

SOCIAL STUDIES
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
American History
  through WWI

World History
Ancient Civilizations
Medieval History

Economics, Business Day
Project, American History:
  WWI to Present

MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
French
Spanish
Latin
Mandarin

French
Spanish
Latin
Mandarin

French
Spanish
Latin
Mandarin

INFORMATION SERVICES
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Continued integration of technology and information literacy skills throughout disciplines. Curriculum emphasizes research strategies, evaluation of print and non-print sources, use of primary sources, copyright issues, academic integrity, critical thinking and communication, media production and creation of multimedia presentations.

STUDIO ARTS
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Organizational Principles I
Contour Drawing
Portrait/Figure Drawing
Watercolor Painting
Art History
Woodblock Printing
Hand & Power Tools
Safety Practices
Book Construction

Ceramics
Advanced Drawing
Organizational Principles II
Art History/Art Criticism
Fundamentals of Drafting
Individual Projects
Design: History
  and Elements

Beginning Composition
Interpreting Themes in Art
Advanced Drawing
Color Theory
Acrylic Painting
Pottery–Raku
Sculpture
Individual Projects
Integrated Arts*
  Team Taught by Visual Arts,
  Drama and Music Faculty

MUSIC
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Band
Chorus

Concert Band
Wind Ensemble
Middle School Choristers
Treble Choir
Boys’ Choir

Concert Band
Wind Ensemble
Middle School Choristers
Treble Choir
Boys’ Choir
Integrated Arts*
  Team Taught by Visual Arts,
  Drama and Music Faculty

DRAMA SPEECH
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Role Playing
Improvisation
Pantomime and Movement
  Using Native American
  Legends, International
  Folk Tales, Poetry and
  Creative Drama Activities

Improvisation
Playwriting
Write, Produce, Perform
  and Film a Dramatic
  or Comic Scene

Speech
Acting
Storytelling
Integrated Arts*
  Team Taught by Visual Arts,
  Drama and Music Faculty

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
GRADE SIX GRADE SEVEN GRADE EIGHT
Basic Skills

Basic to Advanced
  Skills and Strategies

General Physical
  Education

Competitive Athletics: Boys & Girls – Cross Country Running, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming & Diving, Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Hockey, Fencing, Nordic Skiing, Track & Field, Golf, Lacrosse, Boys – Football, Baseball; Girls – Softball, Volleyball.