Reports, guides, handbooks Middle school registration guide 2020-21 | Page 11

Science Fiction [JMS only] [elective, every other day] Intended Audience: 7th and 8th grade students interested in improving reading/ writing, and/or scientific inquiry Major Outcomes: In this course students will: • Examine the genre of science fiction alongside the non-fiction science that creates worlds and situations that can’t happen yet, and might never happen, but deal with the world we live in today. • Increase knowledge of history and nature of science through scientific inquiry. • Create print and non-print texts for different audiences and purposes. • Write effectively using the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing) Projects/Activities: Students will examine versions of science fiction in print and non- print. Projects include inventing an item to be used in the future, designing a future society, researching a current problem in our world and proposing a solution in a presentation. Students will create their own science fiction writing piece. Discussions and presentations will be used to analyze science fiction. This course is designed for those who are already science fiction fans, as well as, those who want to improve reading and writing skills. There will be opportunities for creative and analytical work. Through reading, writing, and viewing science fiction, students will be prepared to tackle tomorrow’s problems. Instructional Focus: Students will improve reading and writing skills in connection with scientific inquiry. Science fiction writes about tomorrow, but talks about today and this course will equip students with knowl- edge to better understand our world. Middle School Registration Guide Family and Consumer Sciences [FCS] Courses Family and Consumer Sciences 7 [required, every other day] Intended Audience: Grade 7 Major Outcomes: • Demonstrate nutrition, wellness and food preparation practices • Learn textile construction and how to care for clothing • Acquire skills for positive guidance and caregiving of children • Develop basic financial literacy skills • Explore career and education options • Learn to better communicate within personal and professional relationships Projects/Activities: Read and follow recipes, compare food labels, find daily food recom- mendations (USDA), access MNCIS to explore career options, sew a simple project and compare products. Additional hands-on activities are integrated throughout the year. Instructional Focus: Hands-on activities to enhance learning, teamwork and individual skill assessment, with an exploratory and investigative focus. Family and Consumer Sciences 8 [elective, every other day] Intended Audience: Grade 8 Major Outcomes: • Focus on food preparation techniques and kitchen safety. • Explore nutrition and the USDA guidelines • Identify the main nutrients and how they impact health, appearance, and peak performance • Enhance sewing skills • Strengthen teamwork and leadership skills • Develop an understanding of digital etiquette (cell phone, social media, etc.) Projects/Activities: Prepare food using recipes, practice kitchen safety and sanitation, exam- ine nutritional habits that impact health and wellness and complete a sewing project with optional enrichment. Additional hands-on activities are integrated throughout the year. Instructional Focus: Hands-on activities to enhance learning, teamwork and individual skill assessment, with an exploratory and investigative focus. Health Courses Health 6 [every other day] Intended Audience: Grade 6 Major Outcomes: • Develop awareness of basic health concepts including mental health, decision-making and refusal skills. • Investigate body systems, disease, safety/first aid, tobacco, and other drug use. • Understand relationships, qualities of friendships, and adolescent body changes. • To provide curriculum that directly supports the district wellness initiative. • Students will get a basic understanding of CPR. Instructional Focus: Instruction is presented in a variety of ways including individual as- signments, small and large group activities, and discussions. Health/Wellness 8 [elective, every other day] Intended Audience: Grade 8 Major Outcomes: • Exploration of current teen health and social issues that may include diseases, positive self-image, alcohol/ chemical use, exercise and nutrition. • Develop critical decision-making skills and investigate how the consequences of these decisions impact present and future quality of life. • Learn the tools to build and foster healthy relationships. • To prepare students for high school health courses and life beyond school. • To provide curriculum that directly supports the district wellness initiative. • CPR Instruction - Students will have the opportunity to get certified in CPR. Instructional Focus: Instruction is presented in a variety of ways, including individual as- signments, small and large group activities, and discussions; guest speakers may be used to enhance current health topics. 9