Course Selection
SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES SPECIAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Instructional Focus: This course emphasizes
high levels of academic rigor and computer
literacy. Homework is an integral part of this
course and students must be independently
motivated to complete it in a timely man-
ner. This class is a part of a nationally
recognized pre-engineering program called
Project Lead the Way Gateway. The pro-
gram, whose goal is to develop more Amer-
ican engineers, includes modules in Design
and Modeling, Science of Technology, and
Flight and Space. Authentic, real-world
problem solving skills are emphasized
throughout the class. This is an academi-
cally challenging course and is best suited
for a motivated, collaborative learner.
PLTW Gateway [ACG]
[elective, every other day]
Prerequisite/Selection Process: PLTW
Gateway DSF strongly encouraged
Intended Audience: Grade 8
Major Outcomes:
• Experience a scientific environment
involving design, creativity, and team
problem solving.
• Learn about mechanical systems,
energy transfer, machine automation,
and computer control systems.
• Students learn the basics of program-
ming in Intro to Computer Science 1.
• Investigate architectural plans, construc-
tion styles, alternative materials and
processes, dimensioning, measuring
and architectural sustainability.
Projects/Activities: Students are introduced
to the influence of automation and robotics
in our world and use a robust robotics plat-
form to design, build and program a solu-
tion to solve an existing problem.Additional
hands-on student experiences are inte-
grated throughout the semester including
MIT App Inventor where students create
variations of an app and use another 3D
architectural software program to create
an environmentally friendly home using
shipping containers.
Instructional Focus: This course emphasizes
high levels of academic rigor and computer
literacy. Homework is an integral part of this
course and students must be independently
motivated to complete it in a timely manner.
14
This class combines key pre-engineering
content areas through a nationally recog-
nized program called Project Lead the Way:
Gateway. The program, whose goal is to
develop more American engineers, includes
modules in Automation and Robotics, Intro-
duction to Computer Science, and Green
Architecture. Authentic, real-world problem
solving-skills are emphasized throughout
the class. This is an academically challeng-
ing pre-engineering course and is best
suited for a motivated, collaborative
learner.
Astronomy
[JMS only]
[elective, every other day]
Intended Audience: Grade 8
Major Outcomes:
• Learn about the properties of stars and
the constellations they belong to.
• Explore our Solar System with an
emphasis on the terrestrial planets and
the larger moons of the Solar System.
• Develop an appreciation of the history
of the American space program and the
impact that NASA has made.
• Explore current events in space.
Projects/Activities: Construct a star
wheel, utilize the Jackson Middle School
Observatory [JMO], analyze light using
a spectroscope, engineering projects
to explore space travel concepts,
investigating geologic features of our
terrestrial planets and moons of the solar
system.
Instructional Focus: Students will work
individually and collaboratively on assign-
ments. Students will utilize math, science,
and research skills throughout the year.
Evening “public viewing” sessions will be
available at the JMO throughout the year.
Environmental Science
[JMS only]
[elective, every other day]
Intended Audience: Grade 8
Major Outcomes:
• Characterize the biomes found in MN
and around the world by the interactions
of biotic and abiotic factors.
• Understand how the Earth works as
a system by the interaction of the
biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere,
and atmosphere staying in balance.
• Understand the tools used by the
environmental scientist to investigate
our world.
• Learn about global and local environ-
mental issues such as global climate
change, water pollution, air pollution,
and invasive species.
Projects/Activities: Field skills will be put
into practice in the prairies, wetlands and
forests around JMS. Webquests will guide
student research on the Earth’s biomes and
spheres. Remote sensing tools will allow
students to study human impact on ecosys-
tems. Field studies will be done at Cedar
Creek Ecosystem Reserve. Classes will
design, and carry out a service learning
project on an environmental issue of their
choice.
Instructional Focus: Students will work on
problem analysis and research; field skills
will be developed with outdoor/hands-on
class activities.
Social Studies Courses
Minnesota Studies 6
[full year]
Intended Audience: Grade 6
Major Outcomes:
• Students study Minnesota history
and its government, placing the state
and its people within context of the
national story.
• Engage in historical inquiry and study
events, issues and individuals significant
to Minnesota history.
• Analyze the state’s physical features and
how the location of resources affected
settlement patterns and the growth of
cities.
• Learn about economics.
• Learn about the unique role Minnesota
played, and continues to play, in
regional, national and global events.
• Study current events and analyze their
global impact.
Instructional Focus: Instruction is presented
in a variety of way such as: class discussion,
small and large group activities, simulations,
and the use of technologies.
Middle School Registration Guide