Middle School : Curriculum
Keystone National Middle School's courses are delivered online and can be accessed any time from a computer with an internet connection. All core courses and many electives come with a printed workbook meant to provide extra practice activities and allow students to vary their learning activities throughout the day.
For more specific information on middle school course content, please browse the course catalog:
| Core Courses by Grade: |
Core Courses by Subject: |
Electives: | Advanced: |
|
6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade |
Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies |
Physical Education Health Art Music Career Explorations World Languages and Cultures |
Algebra 1 Spanish 1 French 1 German 1 |
6th Grade
6th Grade Language Arts
This course includes literature, vocabulary, writing, and grammar. It builds on reading as an activity and expands the student's exposure to a variety of genres through characteristic analysis. Through this course, students establish the purpose for reading and apply new strategies to gain meaning from what they read.
6th Grade Math
This course covers whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percents. Student will apply the elements of Geometry through a study of shapes, measurement and ratios. They will use the concepts of probability and number theory to make predictions of real world situations.
6th Grade Science
This science course will introduce students to a variety of science topics, skills and ideas. Students will 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.
6th Grade Social Studies
Students expand their understanding of History, Civics and Government, Geography, Economics, Individuals, Society, and Culture by studying the people and events that occurred in the dawn of Western and non-Western ancient civilizations.
7th Grade
7th Grade Language Arts
Students will develop effective communication skills 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 fun and engaging reading and writing activities.
7th Grade Math
This course covers numbers, operations and measurement. Students will discover algebraic patterns and model algebraic concepts. They will use their foundation in Geometry to construct and use geometric figures.
7th Grade Science
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 topics from the study of the Universe, to Earth Science, to basic concepts of Physics, Biology, and Environmental Science.
7th Grade Social Studies
Students will be introduced to the disciplines of World History, Landform and Geography, Money and Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology.
8th Grade
8th Grade Language Arts
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. 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.
8th Grade Math
This course covers algebraic concepts with a focus on linear functions and graphing. Students will apply Geometry concepts to a study of geometric figures and movement. They will extend their algebraic and geometric understanding by applying concepts of measurement. The course integrates a foundation of Probability and Statistics through lessons on interpreting data and graphs.
8th Grade Science
This course provides a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for the eighth grade student about to enter high school science. It covers the relevant topics in all the major scientific disciplines including Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Environmental Science. The course builds on prior knowledge and expands on subjects introduced earlier in middle school, paving the way for future interest in the scientific disciplines.
8th Grade Social Studies
Students will build on their concepts of Geography, Civics, and Political Societies from the 1500's up through contemporary American History.
Language Arts
6th Grade Language Arts
This course includes literature, vocabulary, writing, and grammar. It builds on reading as an activity and expands the student's exposure to a variety of genres through characteristic analysis. Through this course, students establish the purpose for reading and apply new strategies to gain meaning from what they read.
7th Grade Language Arts
Students will develop effective communication skills 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 fun and engaging reading and writing activities.
8th Grade Language Arts
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. 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.
Mathematics
6th Grade Math
This course covers whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percents. Student will apply the elements of Geometry through a study of shapes, measurement and ratios. They will use the concepts of probability and number theory to make predictions of real world situations.
7th Grade Math
This course covers numbers, operations and measurement. Students will discover algebraic patterns and model algebraic concepts. They will use their foundation in Geometry to construct and use geometric figures.
8th Grade Math
This course covers algebraic concepts with a focus on linear functions and graphing. Students will apply Geometry concepts to a study of geometric figures and movement. They will extend their algebraic and geometric understanding by applying concepts of measurement. The course integrates a foundation of Probability and Statistics through lessons on interpreting data and graphs.
Algebra 1*
Students learn fundamental concepts such as integers; linear equations; how to add, subtract, multiply and divide monomials and polynomials; factoring of polynomials and solving of quadratic equations. This course also includes radicals and exponents.
*This course is available only to advanced students at the 8th grade level.
Science
6th Grade Science
This science course will introduce students to a variety of science topics, skills and ideas. Students will 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.
7th Grade Science
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 topics from the study of the Universe, to Earth Science, to basic concepts of Physics, Biology, and Environmental Science.
8th Grade Science
This course provides a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for the eighth grade student about to enter high school science. It covers the relevant topics in all the major scientific disciplines including Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Environmental Science. The course builds on prior knowledge and expands on subjects introduced earlier in middle school, paving the way for future interest in the scientific disciplines.
Social Studies
6th Grade Social Studies
Students expand their understanding of History, Civics and Government, Geography, Economics, Individuals, Society, and Culture by studying the people and events that occurred in the dawn of Western and non-Western ancient civilizations.
7th Grade Social Studies
Students will be introduced to the disciplines of World History, Landform and Geography, Money and Economics, Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology.
8th Grade Social Studies
Students will build on their concepts of Geography, Civics, and Political Societies from the 1500's up through contemporary American History.
Electives
Physical Education
This course covers the essential principles for students to live a healthy, active lifestyle, and expose them to many activities they can incorporate into their daily lives now and in the future. Students will test their own physical abilities, learn how to measure their performance, set goals and make performance improvements. Activities that will be explored include general health activities, dance, team sports, and safe exercise with additional exposure to lifelong activities.
Health
This course is designed to teach students about human growth from childhood to adolescence. They will be exposed to how education and socioeconomics influence their growth. Students will learn the systems of the body, discuss how nutrition impacts on their health, and learn how adolescent drug use can affect their well being. Throughout the course, students will be made aware of how the choices they make influence their health, alter the risk of disease and how being an informed consumer can assist them in the life long efforts to remain active, safe, and healthy.
Art
This course highlights how the creativeness of our early childhood grows into a powerful communication tool. Students will cover the elements of art through analysis of various art styles and media. Through hands on activities, student will apply their understanding and knowledge of art through projects. Students will be exposed to the world of art including drawing, prints, painting, photography, architecture, crafts, and graphic design, so that they may discover how art can fit into their personal lives or future professions.
Music
This course introduces the students to the elements of music through a study of the cultural and historical influence on musical history. Additionally, students will build a foundation for becoming a consumer of music through a broad overview of musical styles, compositional techniques and exposure to the many moods music can evoke. The course prepares students to become life long musical explorers through an introduction to musical creation opportunities such as singing, playing musical instruments or composition.
Career Explorations
Students will analyze their skills, abilities and aptitudes to help them research and identify possible careers. They will look at both traditional and non-traditional opportunities, learning the advantages, disadvantages and risks associated with various opportunities. In addition to exploring possible careers, students will learn techniques for securing the job of their choice, keeping that job and becoming a valued asset to their employer.
World Languages and Cultures
World Language and Cultures introduces students to a variety of spoken languages and cultures. Students will be presented with day to day conversational language including greetings, counting, telling time, discussing their friends and family, talking about their school and the sports they play. Throughout the course, activities will present an opportunity for students to learn of the lives of the people from various countries, the jobs they perform and how their country landscape, economy and social standards influence them and their language.
Advanced Courses
Algebra 1*
Students learn fundamental concepts such as integers; linear equations; how to add, subtract, multiply and divide monomials and polynomials; factoring of polynomials and solving of quadratic equations. This course also includes radicals and exponents.
Foreign Languages*
Languages Available: Spanish 1, French 1, German 1
Keystone's Foreign Language courses 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. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. The Foreign Language courses cover greetings, introductions, good-byes and the alphabet. Students will learn day to day conversational topics such as weather, telling time, describing food and colors. Additionally, students will learn to describe their families, pastimes, school and their daily routines.
*This course is available only to advanced students at the 8th grade level.