Middle School Curriculum Guide 20162017 · Chinese Spanish Test Preparation ... Ancient Greeks, Modern Drama, and World Theatre. ... “ Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should

Middle School Curriculum Guide

20162017

Table of Contents

Middle School Curriculum Guide 20162017 Mission Honor Code

The Five I’s of IDEAL The Arts

Dance Dance Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade Music Music Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade Theatre Theatre Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade Visual Art Visual Art Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade

STEAM English Department History Department The Learning Center Mathematics Department Physical Education Science Department Global Language Department

American Sign Language Chinese Spanish

Test Preparation Leadership, Service Learning, and Social Justice

The IDEAL School of Manhattan Middle School Curriculum Guide 201617 1

Mission The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.

Honor Code This Honor Code summarizes but does not replace the community standards and rules for students set forth in The IDEAL School Family Handbook. It is comprised of five essential rules and responsibilities to guide each community member to serve the school’s mission and to participate in the creation of an inclusive and respectful community, in and out of the classroom, where all members have the opportunity to strive for excellence, demonstrate creative leadership, and work together to build a more just and equitable world.

The Five I’s of IDEAL

1. I will be respectful of the learning process, strive for excellence in and out of the classroom, and engage respectfully in all school classes, programs, and activities.

2. I will act with integrity and represent myself and my work honestly.

3. I will ensure that my words and actions demonstrate respect for all and acceptance of

the full identity of all individuals that make up our diverse community.

4. I will strive to ensure that my actions, my work, and my words help to create a more inclusive community and a more just and equitable world.

5. I will be a creative and compassionate leader by modeling IDEAL’s core values both in

and out of school. Failure to adhere to these five essential school rules may result in an appearance before The Honor Council. The Honor Council is charged with the enforcement of this Honor Code and is comprised of faculty, staff, and elected members of the student body.


The Arts

Through the robust arts curriculum of The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students develop creativity, critical thinking skills, and confidence, and they learn to take healthy risks as they explore multiple perspectives and strengthen their own thinking. The skills students acquire in the Arts strengthen their learning in all academic areas. Partnerships with New York City outreach programs and cultural institutions extend classroom experiences and create a vibrant curriculum that is integrated throughout all disciplines. Sixth grade students are required to take Visual Art and Choral Music throughout the year and study Drama and Dance for a semester each. In seventh and eighth grade, students select one arts elective a semester.

Dance Foundations of Dance: Sixth Grade In this introductory course, students will be introduced to the many aspects of dance and dance history, while developing their technique, ensemble practices, and stamina. Units of study include ballet, modern dance, and HipHop. Students will also study yoga and mindfulness and Latin dance. Finally, students will explore Fosse Jazz and Theater Dance and learn about improvisation and the elements of dance composition. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their work in studio performances as well as assemblies.

Dance Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade HipHop: Bronx to the Globe This elective explores how HipHop has revolutionized dance from ballet to Broadway. Students will study elements of popping, locking, and breaking and learn choreography from international hip hop artists, as the dance style has moved from the Bronx to around the globe. Approaches to Modern and Contemporary Dance This elective provides an introduction to modern and contemporary dance drawn from Graham and Horton techniques. The class includes an emphasis on ensemble work and focuses on developing alignment and spatial awareness, while augmenting the rhythmic sensitivity of students. Students also refine their interpretive abilities and observe dance videos and live performances. Multicultural Dance Traditions 1: AfroSalsa Students learn West African dance traditions, and their role in the development of jazz, modern, and hiphop. They combine this with salsa footwork, principles of timing, and turning techniques


to produce a crosscultural dance form which develops rhythmic awareness and cardiovascular health. Multicultural Dance Traditions 2: Moving East Bhangra to Bollywood This elective incorporates the beauty and architecture of classical Indian dance elements with exuberant Bollywood choreography and introduces mudras (hand gestures), as well as contemporary pop dance styles. Yoga This elective is a moving meditation class that develops the dancer’s or athlete’s strength and flexibility through breath awareness. The class also includes alternative strengthening and stretching techniques to support balance and range of motion. Mindfulness exercises are woven into the lesson and designed to improve focus and selfregulation and to relieve stress. Choreography Technique This elective begins with a study of Steve Paxton’s contact improvisation techniques, in which bodies move while connected through a point of contact. Student dancers explore gravity, momentum, and inertia, while supporting one another or giving weight. This will follow into a study of composition techniques developed for the choreographer. Students will learn how to design and create dances, time music, and teach their created pieces to others. Each class will begin with a warmup and end with observation and discussion of each other’s work. Video Dance Students explore the differences between dancing for a live audience versus the camera while developing a dance video. In addition to dancing, students have the opportunity to explore all aspects of the creative process, including storyboarding, operating the camera, choreographing, and musical scoring. Jazz and Theater Dance Middle School Musical Students begin with a study of jazz and theater dance vocabulary, with a focus on Fosse style, which emphasizes syncopation, expression, and isolation. Students will then join with theater students and learn, as well as create and rehearse choreography for the Middle and High School Musical.

Music Foundations of Music This introductory course serves as a transition from general music into music performance ensembles and larger groups. Students learn procedures in areas of the performing arts that ready them to adapt to performance ensembles in grades seven and eight. Students study proper vocal production, incorporating proper breathing, vocal warmups, singing in tune and


pitch matching through the Kodály Method, sight reading music with emphasis on musical literacy, and beginner Music Theory. This course is a prerequisite to subsequent music courses in Middle School.

Music Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade Developmental Vocal Techniques This elective offers experienced and aspiring singers opportunities to perform with vocal ensembles and some solo performing opportunities, as well. Students learn about different vocal techniques and make informed decisions about what technique is appropriate for any particular style of music. They also continue learning music through sightreading and sightsinging sheet music. Essential concepts include chest voice, head voice, belting, mixing vocal techniques, stylistic vocal patterns in different genres of music, proper performance ensemble expectations and etiquette, and choosing appropriate vocal timbres. Intermediate Vocal Techniques This course allows students who have mastered basic music theory and singing to explore singing trends in a variety of genres and to learn how artists develop their sound and style. Students are expected to perform solo pieces as well as participate in small ensemble pieces with other singers. Chorus Chorus offers students the opportunity to join a singing group and to learn music from around the world. Members of the school chorus perform seasonally for school and community events and also record pieces for the Annual IDEAL Anthology Album. Basics of Piano/Keyboard This class breaks down the mystery of piano using traditional and contemporary number systems to understand how sets of tone clusters known as chords function within the framework of parts of songs or movements and within larger pieces of music. One of the primary goals of this class is to give students enough basic knowledge at a rapid and rigorous pace, so that they may be able to play through songs using chord charts with the chord number system. Recording Technology and Tools This class teaches students to use GarageBand to create and record music. Students learn and apply the basic functions of GarageBand to create layered and textured works of music to be used in various mediums. Students in this class create instrumental tracks for vocal performances, films, and a diverse set of media platforms.


Theatre 6th Grade Theatre Foundations I and II Explore the many facets of theatre in this foundations class! During this semester, students build ensemble skills, develop their craft as actors, and learn the basic principles of improvisation. Students also delve into different styles and genres of theatre, travelling through history and meeting characters and artists from various plays and countries including the Ancient Greeks, Modern Drama, and World Theatre. Students collaborate to devise original scenes to share at an end of course theatre festival.

Theatre Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade Theatre for Social Change “Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it.” Augusto Boal Theatre can create social and personal change, and it can be innovative and can contribute to learning. In this semester, students uncover the radical roots of the theatre in education, and they utilize the tools and techniques of Augusto Boal’s interactive and participatory “Theatre of the Oppressed” and Brecht’s Epic Theatre to research, create, and present a piece of Theatre to present at a Lower School TeachIn. Playmaking “How many plays have been written in France?' Candide asked the abbe. “Five or six thousand.” “That's a lot,” said Candide. “How many of them are good?” “Fifteen or sixteen,” replied the abbe. “That's a lot,” said Martin. Voltaire, Candide What is the recipe for a good play? Ingredients include conflict, character, and dramatic structure. In this semester, students explore the craft of playmaking through character and play analysis, monologues, and two and threeperson scenes, culminating in a oneact festival. Musical Theatre Middle School students explore theatre history and the development of musicals through scene study. Students also learn the various roles and processes it takes to produce a musical. The semester culminates with an original musical performance.


Visual Art Foundations of Visual Art: Sixth Grade This course offers sixth grade artists a year long foundation in Visual Arts and cultivates specific habits of mind important to the discipline of visual art including reflection, engagement, persistence, selfexpression, observation, exploration,, and understanding. Artists will survey a range of media, with exposure to traditional and contemporary applications. By the end of the year, students will be able to identify and apply the elements and principles of design to visual artwork. Artists will acquire techniques for a range of media. Artists will demonstrate proper care, storage, and use of high quality tools and materials. This course develops artists’ visual fluency, ability to communicate meaning through materials, narrative works, mark making, hue, value, body language, and principles of design. The course culminates in the annual ArtBeat body of work show.

Visual Art Electives: Seventh and Eighth Grade Printmaking In this semesterlong course, artists will examine how art can create social change. Students survey wood, stamps, styrofoam, and linoleum printing. Students experiment with drawing, light, and in relief printing. Students also explore monoprinting, stenciling, and screen printing. This course incorporates the study of modern social justice poster movement, street art, and textile design. The course culminates in the annual ArtBeat body of work show. Painting In this semester long course, artists explore painting bases, media, and a variety of painting tools. The goal of this course is to review the foundational techniques and processes for a survey of painting media. The media exploration begins with watercolor, gouache, and acrylic. Artists mix paints through traditional and contemporary methodologies and create work from nontraditional media such as espresso and fruit dyes. Students are also introduced to color theory, compositional principles, and several genres of painting. The course culminates in the annual ArtBeat body of work show. Figure Drawing In this semester long course, artists capture the clothed figure through a range of traditional and experimental media. Students familiarize themselves with human proportions and how foreshortening allows artists to capture dynamic poses. Students also develop their observation skills and explore several traditional methods for maintaining correct proportions. Students maintain a sketchbook, regularly exercising their observations through gesture drawings and extended portraits. Additionally, students learn to communicate mood and meaning through value, hue, pose, and mark making. Throughout this elective, students survey a range of figure drawing media such as pastels, sepia chalk, charcoal, pencil, india ink, pen and ink.


Sequence it! In this elective, artists study sequential art. In unit one, artists explore how storytelling unfolds through a series of thoughtful photographs. In unit two, artists create graphic novels, studying how stories develop both because of what is captured in the frames and what the viewer dreams up in the white spaces between. In unit three, artists create a flipbook after learning about the art of cinematography. The culminating project focuses on the creation of a stopmotion animation film that incorporates elements from the first three units. All projects cultivate a sense of storytelling through a series of images and are be inspired by the personal memories, improvisational storytelling, and invention of the students. This is a prerequisite course for film studies.

Sculpture In this introduction to sculpture techniques and practices, students survey reductive, additive, and kinesthetic sculptures. Students explore contemporary sculpture practices including site specific art interventions and earthworks. Students also work in relief with traditional materials like soapstone and wood. Additionally, students will explore and blur the lines between when forms are works of art and when they have function in our society. This is the prerequisite course for further exploration in sculptural studies.

STEAM STEAM classes offer students opportunities to draw interdisciplinary connections, to create original work, and to explore new forms of selfexpression, communication, and problemsolving. Middle School students may take two STEAM electives in the place of or in addition to their arts electives in seventh and eighth grade. Digital Photography In this STEAM elective, students are introduced to basic terms and procedures in producing digital photographs. Students study image composition, telephoto, wide angle, macro lens usage, and basic image manipulation techniques in a photo editing application. Themes may include portraiture, still life, and documentary photography with an introduction to current photographers. Note: Additional STEAM electives will be added to the curriculum by June 1 for the 201617 school year.

English Department


The English Department cultivates voice, develops analytical reading skills, and encourages students to work towards comfort and proficiency in writing in a variety of genres. The department emphasizes process as well as product, making drafting and revision a routine part of our students’ experience at IDEAL. Grammar, vocabulary, and spelling are grounded in and reinforced by the study of literature and writing assignments. By seventh grade, students compose and workshop rough drafts of essays or personal or creative writing writing assignments on a biweekly basis, and students strengthen their editing skills through a guided peer review process. Classes attend plays or other cultural events in conjunction with their study of literature and explore connections between literature and life throughout their studies. English Six In this transitional year, students study spelling, vocabulary, paragraph structure, punctuation, and grammar, all of which are often integrated into writing and reading activities. Students will solidify their knowledge of parts of speech and review how to construct grammatically correct sentences. Also, students will practice punctuating sentences, constructing paragraphs, and learning more about language usage. In composition, students will learn to craft personal, creative, persuasive, and comparative writing pieces. Students are introduced to the formal writing process including brainstorming, planning, drafting, editing, and sharing. Texts may include The Giver, Tuck Everlasting, The Lightning Thief, and a selection of Greek myths. Through reading, students will learn to identify literary elements such as plot, setting, conflict, theme, character development, and tone. Historical fiction and traditional literature receive particular focus. Assessments will derive from students’ reading, writing, and class discussion. English Seven In seventhgrade English, reading, writing, and language skills continue to be the major areas of concentration for students, focusing on foundational critical and inferential thinking skills. Through the reading of various texts, students focus on themes of morality and tolerance and apply their skills by evaluating various points of view. Texts may include Hatchet, Holes, Crash, Treasure Island, True Diary of a Part Time Indian, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Walk Two Moons. In their writing, students work on developing familiarity with the formal stages of writing. Emphasis will be placed on editing and peer review. Students will compose personal, creative, persuasive, and comparative pieces. Grammar and usage instruction is embedded within writing units. There will be a focus on subjectverb agreement as well as pronounantecedent agreement. Assessments will derive from students’ reading, writing, and class discussion. English Eight English 8 continues to develop students’ reading, writing, and language skills. Eighthgrade students develop their analytical skills by reading a variety of texts and plays. Works may include The Outsiders, Of Mice and Men, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Misfits, and Bomb. Students study how to evaluate literary criticism and how to incorporate secondary source material . As a part of the research process, students will utilize MLA guidelines, proper format, and appropriate citations. Through their reading, students will learn to identify themes of injustice, integrity, prejudice, and


selfassertion. When writing, students manipulate their phrasing and sentence structure to convey precise ideas fluidly, applying transitional devices and cohesive organization. By the end of year, students will have developed their voice and craft as writers by composing personal narratives, poetry, argumentative essays, and a research paper. Assessments will derive from students’ reading, writing, and class discussion. Creative Writing Open to students in grades seven and eight, this elective meets twice a week for one period. Students study short stories and poetry and model their own work on that of the authors they study. Students meet around a seminarstyle table to critique one another’s work and to analyze the techniques of the authors they study. At the end of the semester, the Creative Writing class publishes a book of their work. + Shakespeare Elective

History Department The History Department at IDEAL emphasizes historical thinking, research, and writing skills as students study World and American history through a variety of contrasting lenses. Debate and discussion are featured heavily in classes that cultivate student voice and opinion through examination of various viewpoints, even as students develop their foundational knowledge of the subject matter. History Six: Ancient Civilizations This course covers the time period beginning with the end of the last Ice Age and the Neolithic/Agricultural Revolution to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The sixth grade explores how the Agricultural Revolution leads to the rise of more complex societies with developed economies, social hierarchies, and political institutions and examines the benefits and problems associated with maintaining such institutions. Students also learn to annotate and analyze primary and secondary sources and to compare and contrast opposing belief systems, perspectives, legal and social policies, and political systems. History Seven and Eight: US History and Geography 1 and 2 This course spans the early European settlement of the New World and the founding of Jamestown to presentday conflicts including the war on terror and the ensuing refugee crisis. Seventh grade students study the various colonial settlements in America and the eventual conflict between the colonists and Great Britain to the settling of the western frontier. In year two of this course, eighth graders discuss the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution and the rise of America as an economic world power to the Persian Gulf War and the crisis in the Middle East. Upon completion of this course, students understand the struggles America has endured as a nation and recognize America’s opportunity to be a beacon of hope for justice, peace, and


prosperity in the world. As they investigate historical themes and topics, students explore the array of views from a myriad of different voices and perspectives.

The Learning Center The Learning Center is the hub of academic life at IDEAL. It provides a comfortable space for onetoone and small group work where experienced faculty and learning specialists expand upon typical classroom instruction by providing additional support, enrichment, and resources such as book clubs and study skill classes. Each student’s individual schedule provides time throughout the school day, one to three times per week, to visit the Learning Center in order to address specific academic needs. Students are also encouraged to visit the Learning Center or to schedule an appointment to explore resources or clarify work they are currently studying. The work of The Learning Center is overseen by an experienced Speech Pathologist and supported by a variety of faculty members who are available to work one on one and in small groups with students. The Learning Center Coordinator also serves as a resource to faculty members, meeting with teachers to gather resources for projects, to support differentiation, and to develop studentcentered or technologybased learning activities. Interview Skills An interview skills class is offered to assist students in developing strong interviewing and interpersonal skills. It is taught in The Learning Center by a licensed SpeechLanguage Pathologist. The class is designed to address, review, and practice the rules and usage of language; staying on topic, interpretation, asking and responding to questions, processing of information, practicing of nonverbal communication, use of appropriate language, etc. Class size ranges from four to six students who are in good academic standing in the High School and are strong candidates to represent The IDEAL School of Manhattan and its mission. The class is held during the fall, one time per week for six weeks. Study Skills A study skills class is offered to assist students in developing strategies and test taking skills. It is taught in The Learning Center by a licensed SpeechLanguage Pathologist. The class is designed to support all sixth grade students in cultivating organizational skills, good study habits, reading skills appropriate to each discipline, and basic writing skills. Public Speaking Students in this elective for eighth graders learn how to craft and deliver persuasive speeches, howto speeches, and personal narratives. They practice performing published monologues and speaking with and without a script. In addition, students create original IDEALTalks and learn through critique how to strengthen their presentations. Students practice their skills and perform their work in assemblies, class meetings, and a poetry recitation contest and will work together as a group to workshop the IDEALTalks of eighth graders.


Mathematics Department The Mathematics Department strives to foster in all students an understanding of foundational and algebraic mathematical functions that order our world. Math classes encourage critical thinking, creative and collaborative problem solving, and authentic connections between the curriculum and our world. Students are assessed annually to be sure they are progressing at an appropriately challenging and supportive pace. Students begin the curriculum as appropriate for their readiness level and progress at their own pace, regardless of grade level. Foundational Math 1 Foundational Math 1 is designed to enhance students’ basic math skills. Students gain an understanding of the number system, place value, and operation of numbers that do not involve regrouping. Students learn how to measure and compare, an important life skill that encompasses the concepts of length, weight, temperature, time, and money. Students also begin to classify shapes based on their properties. Throughout the year, they complete projects to apply math concepts to reallife applications. Foundational Math 2 Foundational Math 2 reinforces and builds upon skills mastered in Foundational Math 1. Students expand their knowledge of the number system and operational skills, and they begin to solve addition and subtraction problems that require regrouping. They are also introduced to multiplication and division. Students use their skills to plan a dream vacation, calculate budget, and create an itinerary. Students also expand their knowledge of fractions and learn to add and subtract fractions with common denominators. Throughout the year, they complete projects to apply math concepts to reallife applications. Foundational Math 3 Foundational Math 3 reinforces and builds upon skills mastered in Foundational Math 2. Students expand their knowledge of the number systems and operational skills. They begin to solve multidigit multiplication and learn the steps in long division and ultimately work on a movie project that incorporates their long division skills. Students also build upon their knowledge of fractions by adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions with different denominators. Finally, students are introduced to decimals and perform calculations with decimals. Throughout the year, they complete projects to apply math concepts to reallife applications. Math Topics 1 Students continue to increase efficiency in math fact skills, and they are introduced to basic concepts of algebra and geometry. Among the topics that students cover are operations with integers, ratios, percents, fractions, variable expressions and simple equations, area, surface area, and volume. Students also study data analysis and probability. Proper mathematical form


and structure are emphasized to aid abstract thinking, and students further develop knowledge and skills by applying what they learn to realworld problems. Math Topics 2 This math course extends the student’s work with integers, functions, rational numbers, and solving linear equations. Emphasis is placed on but not limited to the following areas: number patterns; properties of groups; ratios, proportion, and rates; percent; relations and functions; and algebraic notation. The student develops an understanding and application of formulas for area and volume of threedimensional figures as well as other geometric topics. Students study data analysis and probability. Problemsolving is emphasized throughout and students use technology in a variety of ways. Introduction to Algebra The goal of this course is to introduce basic algebraic concepts at a pace that prepares them for a formal algebra class. Students develop algebraic concepts and skills through exploration, rigorous analysis, and problem solving. Prealgebra includes computation with whole numbers, decimals, integers and rational numbers, solving equations, ratio and proportion, and working with percents and square roots. The course progresses to working with variables, solving equations with one and two variables, working with polynomials,converting algebraic expressions into equivalent expressions, factoring, graphing, and solving basic quadratic equations. Solving and graphing absolute value and inequalities and employing rules governing exponential expressions are also be covered. Additionally, students are introduced to informal geometry, probability, statistics, and problem solving. Algebra 1 This course involves combining systematic, stepbystep computations with logical thinking. Students study operations involving integers, rational numbers, real numbers, monomials, polynomials, rational expressions, fractional and negative exponents, absolute value, irrational numbers, and radical expressions. Techniques for solving and graphing linear equations/inequalities, absolute value inequalities, systems of equations/inequalities and quadratic equations are studied extensively. Word problems and general problem solving are stressed in units involving equations. Students are also given an indepth introduction to functions and if time permits to the basics of right triangle and circle geometry. Students are taught to become proficient with graphing utilities such as TI83/TI84 calculators and graphing software). Geometry This course covers standard Euclidean Geometry with emphasis on plane geometry, measurement geometry, and analytic geometry. Logical analytical methods of thinking are taught by deductive proofs. Emphasis is placed on the need for precision and clarity in the writing of formal proofs. Specific topics in geometry include line segments, lines, rays, planes, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, similarity, congruence, inequalities, perpendicular and parallel lines, and circles, area, volume, tangent and secant lines, chords,


constructions, and tessellations in the plane. Right triangle trigonometry is introduced with emphasis on application. The course includes a careful review of many Algebra 1 concepts. Geometry Intensive This course involves an accelerated study of the basic properties of Euclidean Geometry. Various problemsolving techniques, inductive and deductive reasoning, logical analysis, and geometric proof are employed. More advanced work on the Pythagorean Theorem and geometric probability are expected. Basic constructions are introduced and right triangle trigonometry including the derivation of trigonometric identities is covered. Relevant Algebra 2 topics are studied, including imaginary and irrational numbers, simultaneous equations, linear and quadratic functions. Algebra 1/2 This course is designed for those that have some familiarity with Algebra 1 topics but are not fully prepared for Algebra 2. Topics in the Algebra 1 course will be covered as well as relevant Algebra 2 topics, including imaginary and irrational numbers, simultaneous equations, linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Students solve realworld problems by developing and applying linear and quadratic models. Creating and interpreting the graphs of relations are major aspects of the course. Students are taught to become proficient with graphing utilities (e.g., TI83/TI84 calculators and graphing software). Algebra 2 This course is designed to extend on topics learned in Algebra I as well as to introduce new topics such as direct and inverse variation, higher degree polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions and inverse functions. Patterns in the transformation of functions are examined in depth. Irrational and complex numbers, conic sections, sequences and series, permutations, combinations, and probability will also be explored. Trigonometric functions, including their graphs and identities, are also covered, starting with the Unit Circle. Elective: Introduction to Financial Literacy This class meets twice weekly and introduces students to financial literacy with a projectbased curriculum which creates an understanding of money management. This course provides a look into decision making, earnings, budgeting, independent living, credit, saving and investing. The structure of the class allow students to explore real world situations and how they influence their everyday lives. Upon completion, students should be able to make appropriate financial decisions and consequences.

Physical Education and Health

IDEAL’s Health and Physical Education programs are integral aspects of our curriculum as we recognize and honor the connection between healthy bodies and minds. Because research supports the connection among physical activity, learning, and concentration, physical


education classes meet four days a week at IDEAL. IDEAL’s Physical Education Department emphasizes collaboration, team spirit, and effort, in addition to encouraging a lifelong appreciation for physical fitness. Health classes are taught each year in order to present students with a forum for discussion and to tailor conversations to developmental needs. Physical Education The PE curriculum serves to hone students’ fundamental skills in team sports while still recognizing the need for physical activity with regard to healthy living. Units are focused on not only learning how to play sports but also learning about how to be part of a team. Interfaced through all units are various fitness days and activities so the students will remain active. Students will learn why it is important to stay active and the positive effects it has in the present and future. Health IDEAL’s schoolwide health curriculum is based largely on the guidelines of The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS). Key concepts of the curriculum include human development, relationships, personal skills (decision making, communication, negotiation), and sexuality (behavior, health, society, and culture). Lessons, discussions, and readings are undertaken in developmentally appropriate ways. Some lessons will occur in smaller groups. The curriculum also delves into the world of health and the importance of practicing good health both in and outside of school. We look at the importance of practicing good nutrition, the world of mental health, peer relationships and much more.

Science Department

IDEAL’s Science Department is dedicated to creating an inquirybased and balanced curriculum that develops students’ foundational knowledge of environmental, life, chemical, and physical science while also fostering students’ understanding of experimental design and developing the critical and scientific thinking skills that students need to understand the world around them and to be lifelong learners and leaders. Science Six Through handson, inquirybased learning, sixth grade scientists begin with an exploration of the scientific method where they learn how to make observations, create hypotheses, create valid methodologies, interpret and record results and draw valid conclusions. Students begin to formulate ideas and projects for Science Share. Classwork covers topics such as an introduction to the scientific method (experimental design), the metric system, and chemistry. Topics in chemical science include: matter, inorganic chemistry (study of substances without carbon), introduction to the periodic table of elements, acids, bases, and salts. All classwork is paired with laboratory work such that students understand and apply the scientific method.

Science Seven


Through handson, inquirybased learning, seventh grade scientists begin a review of the scientific method (experimental design) and formulate ideas and projects for Science Share. Classwork covers an in depth study of the Life Sciences (Biology) with topics including cell biology, genetics and heredity, human body systems, and ecology and evolution. Classwork emphasizes experimentation and laboratory activities, including the fundamentals of DNA and cellular replication (mitosis and meiosis), genetics (transcription and translation), heredity (traits) and its application to the formation of proteins which build life. A study of ecology and evolution will complete the course curriculum work for Life Sciences.

Science Eight Through handson, inquirybased learning, eighth grade scientists expand upon the scientific method by developing their ability to draw conclusions in both abstract and concrete critical thinking skills. Students delve further into experimental design as they formulate ideas and projects for Science Share. Class work covers topics in physical chemistry. Chemistry topics include matter, atoms, periodic table of elements, isotopes, principles of chemical science, elements, compounds and mixtures, ionic and covalent bonding, balancing equations, and organic chemistry (study of carbon containing elements). Physics topics include motion, forces, energy, work, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s Laws, mechanical energy (kinetic and potential), waves, sound and wavelengths, period, frequency and pitch. Topics also include optics, lenses, and magnification.

Global Language Department

Through the study of global languages at IDEAL, students gain confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the target language, and they develop an appreciation for the diverse cultures and communities of native speakers. The arts and experiential learning infuse the curriculum as students explore the rich history of the culture they are studying within New York City and across the globe and apply their knowledge in creative ways. All IDEAL students are required to study one global language during their middle school years, unless the family, student, learning specialist, and school agree that additional support in foundational literacy skills or therapies would be beneficial.

American Sign Language

American Sign Language: MS Level 1 This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of ASL. Readiness for learning is approached via visualgestural communication techniques, visual discrimination, and visual memory exercises. ASL questions, commands, and other simple sentence structures are introduced to develop rudimentary conversational skills in ASL. Students learn about the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture through a variety of activities and experiences.


American Sign Language: MS Level 2 This course is designed to continue development of American Sign Language (ASL) skills with primary focus on refining the use of basic ASL sentence types. Pronominalization, classifiers, spatial referencing, pluralization, and temporal and distributional aspects are introduced. Students learn routine communicative functions of the language: asking, requesting, providing clarification, giving and asking for directions. American Sign Language: MS Level 3 This course builds on skills learned in American Sign Language (ASL) II, adding more complex ASL grammatical features and vocabulary, short stories, narratives, and dialogues. The course includes description of general surroundings, appropriate sequencing, temporal aspects and conditionals. Information about the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture will be included.

Chinese

Mandarin Chinese: MS Level 1 In this course, students will be introduced to Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Students learn basic Mandarin pronunciation, tones, and grammatical structures to establish fundamental skills of listening, reading,speaking, and writing. Discussion of Chinese culture is woven into each unit. Students visit Chinatown in Queens to apply their vocabulary and experience Chinese culture and traditions first hand. Chinese: MS Level 2 In this course, students build upon their introductory knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Students practice their listening, reading, speaking, and writing through daily dialogue and games, and they strengthen their vocabulary related to activities of daily life, such as family structure, travel, counting, school, and holidays. Discussion of Chinese culture is woven into each unit. Chinese: MS Level 3 In eighth grade Chinese, students learn calligraphy and strengthen their knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Successful completion of eighth grade Chinese often results in placement in level 2 of High School Chinese. Eighth grade students engage in discussions of civil rights issues in China in conjunction with their preparation for their Civil Rights Trip.

Spanish Spanish: MS Level 1


In this course, students are immersed in the language and culture of Spanishspeaking people around the world. Vocabulary and grammar are presented in authentic contexts to help students make comparisons and connections and learn to communicate in all modes of expression. Students complete various projects throughout the school year which include oral presentations on famous Hispanic people, brochures and guided expeditions, and expositions of native art and culture. Sixth graders will also practice basic conversation, as well as describe people, places, and events. Spanish: MS Level 2 Seventh grade Spanish builds on the previous year’s foundation. Students learn about different cultures and add to their vocabulary and grammatical structures. Seventh graders work on researching restaurants, Hispanic cuisine in their community, and famous HispanicAmerican people; they also create presentations on general hygiene. Students have multiple opportunities to use the language in very structured and highly contextualized situations. Spanish: MS Level 3 In eighth grade Spanish, students continue strengthening and expanding their vocabulary. They continue to develop skills toward proficiency in written and oral communication. Technology and authentic resources from a number of Spanishspeaking countries are used to develop listening and reading skills. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop conversational skills in natural settings. They study aspects of the Hispanic culture, such as art, music, and daily life, and they learn to compare their native culture with the culture of the target language. Projects for the eighth grade include creating travelogues and posters of endangered species.

Test Preparation IDEAL includes an afterschool test prep class taught by an experienced tutor for all seventh and eighth grade students in its program at no additional charge. The test prep program grows students’ confidence and skill in taking standardized tests, well in advance of their application to postsecondary programs. This course focuses on developing math skills to prepare Middle School students for the ISEE, the SSAT, and the SHSAT. Students cover the fundamentals of the math skills on these tests including solving problems with fractions, decimals, and negative numbers; calculating percent and percent change; exponents; math vocabulary; and basic algebra. Students also review the more complex algebra they need to know for the tests, which also reinforces their algebraic thinking skills for eighth grade and high school. As students prepare for the verbal and reading sections, they cover synonyms and sentence completions and work on the methodology of answering multiple choice questions.


Leadership, Service Learning, and Social Justice

Working in concert with the pedagogy and the academic curriculum, the leadership, service learning, and social justice programs at IDEAL foster the social and emotional development of confident and compassionate young people who are able to advocate for themselves and others; possess the selfawareness to take healthy risks that lead to growth; and are prepared to contribute their voice and talents to a more just and equitable society. Advisory Every Middle School student is a member of an advisory group, and every advisory group is led by a faculty member who looks after the academic, social, and emotional growth of the individuals and the group as a whole. Advisory groups gather briefly in scheduled times at the beginning and end of each day to touch base and to strengthen the sense of community before delving into academic classes. Advisory groups also meet at least once and often twice over the course of each week for guided discussions on topics related to friendship, advocacy, and growth mindset. It is the role of the advisor to know each student as an individual and as a learner and to support the academic and personal growth of each student on a daily basis and in more strategic ways over the course of the year. The advisor serves as the first point of contact and as a partner for parents so that the school and families act in concert to support each child in achieving his or her full potential. Service Learning Each Middle School grade discusses and chooses one issue impacting individuals in New York City to focus on throughout the year. Through facilitated discussions, guest speakers on the topic, and partnership with a nonprofit organization, students are provided with opportunities to learn more about the issue and those it impacts through direct civic engagement. Service learning experiences are carefully scaffolded with intentional preparation and reflection, encouraging students to strengthen their understanding of their role in creating a more just and equitable community. Social Justice Curriculum IDEAL’s antibias and multicultural values are woven into the fabric of our curriculum and school. We support each student’s positive identity and attitude development by directly addressing the impact of stereotyping, bias, and discriminatory behavior, encouraging cooperative learning, and teaching conflict resolution. Students compare multiple perspectives in all of their classes as they develop empathy, voice, and selfadvocacy skills. Social justice topics are also woven into the fabric of the advisory program. An inclusive education provides students with an excellent academic foundation and empowers them to succeed in a truly diverse society with selfconfidence, acceptance, and compassion.


Eighth Grade* Civil Rights Journey and Capstone Project Students engage in this Civil Rights Journey to the South in the spring of their eighth grade year as a capstone to their study of civil rights issues and activists throughout their Middle School years. To prepare for the trip, each student selects an area of interest to research, which students will then document and blog about when they visit related sites. Over the course of this multiday trip, students travel to places such as Alabama, Georgia, and/or Atlanta, where they will have opportunities to stand in the places where history happened, walk in the shoes of America's civil rights leaders, and speak to those who were involved. Doing so will strengthen students' experience and understanding of our country's history, as well as what it means to be powerful agents of social change, to a higher level. Finally, upon returning, students work in groups to create documentary films synthesizing themes from their experiences. These films are shown in a final teachin before the students complete their Middle School experience at IDEAL. *For the 201617 year, students in grades 811 will participate in this trip.


Documents

Middle School Curriculum Guide 20162017 · Chinese Spanish Test Preparation ... Ancient Greeks, Modern Drama, and World Theatre. ... “ Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should