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Subjects and Specials

Subjects and Departments

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    The World Language Team works closely to provide students with a positive and rewarding learning experience. Ultimately, the aim of the team is to leave students with a genuine interest in world languages and cultures, where they will be energized to continue their studies and ready to take on language requirements in high school and beyond.

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    The goal of the middle school science program is to develop students to be observers, information-seekers and problem-solvers who are equipped to cope in an increasingly complex scientific world. Students are actively engaged in thinking processes, which include: observation, communication, comparison, organization, relationships, inferences, and application. Students participate in differentiated science inquiries with a variety of hands-on project-based activities. Additionally, meeting the diversity of all student needs by adapting curricula is an important instructional process with student choice and interest paramount in the process. The overarching objective is for all students to participate in an authentic, STEAM learning experience.

    Grade 6 Curriculum
    Structure and Function: The integration of Earth and space, life, and physical sciences with technology/engineering gives 6th grade students relevant and engaging opportunities with natural phenomena and design problems that highlight the relationship of structure and function in the world around them. Students relate structure and function through analyzing the macro- and microscopic world, such as Earth features and processes, the role of cells and anatomy in supporting living organisms, and properties of materials and waves. Students use models and provide evidence to make claims and explanations about structure-function relationships in different STE domains.

    Grade 7 Curriculum
    Systems and Cycles: Students in grade 7 focus on systems and cycles using their understanding of structures and functions, connections and relationships in systems, and the flow of matter and energy developed in earlier grades. A focus on systems requires students to apply concepts and skills across disciplines, since most natural and designed systems and cycles are complex and interactive. They gain experience with plate tectonics, interactions of humans and Earth processes, organism systems to support and propagate life, ecosystem dynamics, motion and energy systems, and key technological systems used by society. Through grade 7, students begin a process of moving from a more concrete to an abstract perspective, since many of the systems and cycles studied are not directly observable or experienced. This also creates a foundation for exploring cause and effect relationships in more depth in grade 8.

    Grade 8 Curriculum
    Cause and Effect: Grade 8 students use more robust abstract thinking skills to explain causes of complex phenomena and systems. Many causes are not immediately or physically visible to students. An understanding of the cause and effect of key natural phenomena and designed processes allows students to explain patterns and make predictions about future events. In grade 8, these include, for example, causes of seasons and tides; causes of plate tectonics and weather or climate; the role of genetics in reproduction, heredity, and artificial selection; and how atoms and molecules interact to explain the substances that make up the world and how materials change. Being able to analyze phenomena for evidence of causes and processes that often cannot be seen, and being able to conceptualize and describe those, is a significant outcome for grade 8 students.

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    All Social Studies classes study people and places on the earth’s surface and how they relate to each other. In addition, each grade studies the events of history by investigating the past through primary and secondary sources. Social Studies students learn to read, think, and write like historians and geographers. This means students learn to evaluate, analyze, and think critically about evidence, they ask thoughtful questions, and they interpret and explain what has been discovered through meaningful discussions and comprehensive writing.

    CURRICULUM

    6th grade

    • Foundations of Geography
    • Geography of South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Oceania
    • Economics
    • World Religions

    7th grade

    • Early Humans (Paleolithic Age)
    • Neolithic Revolution
    • Ancient Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Phoenicia, Greece, and Rome (Fall of Rome, Encounters between Christianity and Islam, and Medieval Europe)

    8th grade

    • Early Colonies
    • The French & Indian War
    • Causes of the American Revolution
    • Declaration of Independence
    • American Revolution
    • Formation of the United States Government
    • America’s Fundamental Documents
    • Nation Building/Westward Expansion (Causes/Civil War, Reconstruction/Legacy of War, Immigration/Industrialization/Progressivism, WWI, Roaring 20s/Great Depression, Causes of WWII)
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    Art

    The art room is a place where every student can be successful and every student is an artist.

    Students will be completing numerous projects in class. Projects are assessed using a self-grading rubric that will be given out before projects begin. All projects need to be complete before the term ends. Students may come into art class during lunch, after school, or bring materials home. Projects are worth 80% of the total grade.

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    Drama

    Drama Classes focus on participation, engagement and effort.  We seek to inspire and encourage willing students to try something new.

    • Drama allows students to communicate with and understand others in new ways.  
    • Drama classes provide the practical aspects of communication so necessary in today's increasingly information-centered and technology-centered world.
    • Students in Drama are required to have self-control and follow the rules.
    • Students will learn to work together, and find the best way for each member of a group to contribute and to listen to and accept the viewpoints and contributions of others.
    • Drama is an important tool for preparing students to live and work in a 21st Century World where businesses are increasingly looking for staff who are team-oriented.

    By studying how the world looks through another person's eyes, drama classes help students develop tolerance and empathy.  This does not mean a student must agree with another perspective, but that they may better understand or acknowledge the beauty in diverse perspectives found in our community. Drama classes can help build responsible global citizens.

    6th Grade: A 10 session, one trimester, course to introduce students to Drama.  Lessons may include: Theater Etiquette; The Stage and Theater; Masks; Puppetry; and Observation & Listening.

    7th Grade: A trimester-long course designed to build ensemble within a class and encourage students to take risks and step outside their comfort zone, while always reinforcing that the lessons can be used in other aspects of their life. Lessons may include: Intro to Drama; Non-Verbal Communication; Finding Your Voice; Dramatic Structure Improvisation; and Musical Theater.

    8th Grade: There are multiple facets to the 8th Grade Drama curriculum and they are all interconnected and build upon each other.  There is a heavy emphasis on presentations, which are part of each assignment. Lessons may include: Theater Etiquette; Musical Theater; Monologue Writing and Performance; Theatrical Design-Logo, Set, Costumes, Lights, Make-up and Sound; Vocal Variety; Public Speaking; and Shakespeare.

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    Health Education Curriculum offers a variety of content related to the physical and mental health of our students and community.  The academic content and materials used throughout each health unit are based on up-to-date research and/or evidence-based curricula following the National Health Education Standards.

    Middle school students in today’s world face a wide variety of issues that are health-related.  Health classes promote good decision-making skills that empower students to navigate these often confusing and challenging years. Parents and guardians are also an integral part of their child’s health and wellness. The Framingham Middle School Health Education Program welcomes your participation as an essential part of the learning process. We encourage parents and students to engage in health-related discussions.

    6TH GRADE HEALTH TOPICS

    • Wellness (Nutrition, Sun safety, Stress Management)
    • Growth and Development - PUBERTY (Hygiene, Hormonal Changes, Anatomy and Physiology)
    • Drug Education Awareness and Decision Making (Marijuana focus - Laws, Effects on body and mind, Peer pressure, Refusal)

    7TH GRADE HEALTH TOPICS

    • Mental Health (Self Esteem, Body Image, Gender Roles and Identity, Depression/Suicide Prevention and Resources)
    • Relationships (Healthy Relationships, Orientation, Consent)
    • Pregnancy and Parenting (Anatomy, Fetal development, Birth, and Parenting strategies)

    8TH GRADE HEALTH TOPICS

    • Drug Awareness Education (Decision Making, Impact on Physical and Emotional Health, Refusing)
    • Reproduction (Anatomy and Physiology)
    • Consent (Defining, analyzing and laws/regulations)
    • Sexually Transmitted Infections (Transmission, Signs and Symptoms and Community Resources)
    • Abstinence and Contraception (Methods and function, Community Resources)
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    Library Webpages

    The Walsh library is open to students! They can stop in to return or check out books before homeroom in the morning or during the school day with permission from a teacher. Students are also welcome to return school library books from ANY Framingham Public School. They will get to the right place. Students can also access Ebooks through the Sora App or by accessing the Commonwealth EBook Collection. Checking out EBooks from the Commonwealth EBook Collection is an instructional video if students need help logging in. 

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    Music

    Students take Music and SEL (Social and Emotional Learning)! In this class, music is the tool that helps students learn how to manage emotions, have empathy, solve problems, make responsible decisions, and build healthy relationships all through the power of music. Beyond learning through Music in class, students have options for additional music experiences.

    More information coming soon!

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    As we start another year of Physical Education, we refresh ourselves with the standards that drive our curriculum.  We aim to educate our students by teaching the National Standards of Physical Education to produce physically educated and active students.

    A physically educated student:

    • demonstrates competency in many forms and proficiency in a few movement forms
    • applies movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills
    • exhibits a physically active lifestyle
    • achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
    • demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings
    • demonstrates understanding and respect for differences among people in physical activity settings
    • understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction

    Our physical education (PE) program is a full year course for all students, though the number of class meetings varies from either one class per six-day cycle to two classes per six-day cycle. This allows students either thirty or sixty PE classes per year. This supports our focus of educating students to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle outside of school in their day-to-day lives. Examples of the units presented throughout our yearlong program are soccer, flag football, floor hockey, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, team building activities, badminton, table tennis, ultimate frisbee, adventure games, fitness, etc. The assessment tool called the FITNESSGRAM is used throughout the year as a guideline for fitness improvement.  In each grade, skill development is addressed through instruction, practice, activities, and mini-games.  Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate understanding and respect for differences among people in the physical activity settings. Students are exposed to both large group and small group activities. The PE program challenges each student to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. 

    We encourage each student to be prepared for class with his/her activewear clothing and a readiness to participate.   

    We pride ourselves on providing learning opportunities as well as physical activity.  We encourage you to try to make exercise a part of you and your child’s daily schedule. 

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    Technology Education

    Tech Ed. has a fun-filled curriculum which gives students the opportunity to develop essential technology and engineering skills that will empower them with self-learning skills. Our projects are mostly hands-on learning experiences.

    Tech. Education course-work at glance:

    Grade 6 themes:

    • Intro to Digital Tools - Communication, Collaboration, Coding and 3D Printing
    • Intro to Engineering Design Process and Modeling
    • WeVideo: Introduction to video editing and themes

    Grade 7 themes:

    • Intro to Structures
    • Applying the Engineering Design process
    • Robotics/micro bits

    Grade 8 themes:

    • Applying the EDP in a major capstone design thinking project.
    • Significant Technology Trends