Middle School 6th - 8th Core Courses

Math
6th Grade Math
Students hone the skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers, fractions and decimals. Additional topics include statistics, measurement and constructions. Enrichment or advanced concept development is available for students who excel.

7th Grade Pre-Algebra
Concepts include working with decimals, negative numbers, unit conversions, introductory geometry, introductory algebra, probability and equation solving. Real life applications are emphasized throughout the course. Ability groupings are available if necessary.

8th Grade Algebra I
Concepts include solving equations with one variable, working with polynomials and fractions, factoring, solving equations with two variables, graphing, working with inequalities, rational and irrational numbers and quadratic equations. Word problems related to real life applications are emphasized throughout the course. Ability groupings are available if necessary.

English
6th Grade
Students are introduced to the widely used six trait model of writing. This model provides a common vocabulary to analyze strengths and weaknesses. The focus is organization. Students learn that all writing, whatever the length, should have a beginning, middle and end. The study of the POWER writing process (Prewriting, Organization, Writing, Editing and Revising) is also included. Bi-weekly quizzes further develop vocabulary and spelling skills.

Students read and discuss short pieces in various genres and at least one novel that ties in with the social studies curriculum.

7th Grade
Refining the six trait model of writing, students focus on peer and self-editing to improve writing skills. They continue the POWER writing process and further their vocabulary and spelling through bi-weekly quizzes. The class reads and discusses short pieces in various genres as well as two or more novels.

8th Grade
Reading and writing skills remain the focus. Students study short pieces in various genres, as well as two novels. Work for English and Book Club is combined when the class is studying a novel. Writing assignments include prose, poetry, fiction and nonfiction, with a continuing emphasis on writing as a process. Instruction in grammar, spelling and mechanical correctness is tailored to the needs of the student writers.

Science
6th grade Life Science
Topics include the importance of diversity and adaptations of organisms; structure and function in living systems (plant and animal cells); set up and experiment with aquatic and land ecosystems and populations; and study of the human body’s circulatory and respiratory systems. Students continue to observe, measure, record and interpret data.

7th grade Earth & Space Science
Students study the major structures of the earth, earth’s history and earth in the solar system. Students examine the water cycle and become more knowledgeable about the weather and astonomy.

8th grade Physical Science
A comprehensive overview of properties, classification and structure of matter; periodic law and elements; atoms and bonding; basic chemistry; motion, force and energy; electricity and magnetism; and sound and light. New concepts are studied through student investigation of real world problems within the discipline. Concept understanding and mastery is evaluated through student driven projects, labs, tests, quizzes and participation in discussion. Laboratory safety and skills are assessed through periodic laboratory practical exams.

Book Club
Meeting twice a week, Book Club emphasizes Riverfield’s committment to reading and individualized learning. Students read books of their choice and participate in written dialogue with the Book Club teacher about their reading.

Social Studies
Social Studies is a project-based multiage course which teaches the skills of an historian on a three-year rotation. The first year covers the birth and growth of human societies with ancient and medieval history. The second year encompasses the birth and growth of our nation through the Civil War, including civics. The third year completes the rotation with modern cultural geography, an exploration of our physical, social and political world today.

Foreign Language
6th Grade
Students take German and Spanish to become familiar with both languages.

7th and 8th Grade
Students choose either German or Spanish and take only that language for two years. The combination of the 7th and 8th grade years equate to taking Spanish I or German I at the high school level.