2017-2018

YANGON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GRADES 6-8

2

3

Table of Contents

Pg.No. Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Letter from the Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Expected Schoolwide learning results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,7 Administration and Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,9 Student Courses (Grades 6-8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 6th Grade Language Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 6th Grade Maths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 6th Grade Social Studies (Eastern World) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 6th Grade Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 6th Grade PE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 6th Grade Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 6th Grade Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 6th Grade Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6th Grade Myanmar Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 6th Grade Myanmar Music and Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 6th Grade ESL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 7th Grade Language Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 7th Grade Maths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 7th Grade Social Studies (Western World) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 7th Grade Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 7th Grade PE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 7th Grade Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 7th Grade Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 7th Grade Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 7th Grade Myanmar Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 7th Grade Myanmar Music and Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 7th Grade ESL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 8th Grade Language Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 8th Grade Maths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 8th Grade Social Studies (Global Issues) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 8th Grade Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 8th Grade PE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 8th Grade Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 8th Grade Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 8th Grade Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 8th Grade Myanmar Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 8th Grade Myanmar Music and Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 8th Grade ESL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

4

Mission Statement

Yangon International School,

a private Pre-K-12 college preparatory school,

seeks to foster the development of the whole child,

who is a participating global citizen and lifelong learner.

One who is academically well prepared,

socially responsible, culturally sensitive,

and personally fulfilled.

5

Dear YIS Secondary School Students and Parents: Yangon International School offers a wide variety of courses based on American curriculum models, with our educational/instructional materials sourced from the United States and internationally. The high school course of study options reflect a college preparatory school environment, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses as a cornerstone of our program—in a vari-ety of upper level subjects. Yangon International School has a well-qualified faculty with staff from the United States, Canada, and other west-ern countries, in addition to host-country nationals teach-ing in the Myanmar Studies program. Our school’s low student to teacher ratio ensures great relationship building with kids and faculty, promoting a wonderful school atmos-phere. Thank you for taking the time to review our YIS course catalog, and please feel free to discuss this information with our staff, at your convenience. Sincerely,

Jeff Johanson Secondary School Principal Yangon International School

6

Schoolwide Learning Results

When students leave Yangon International School, we expect them to be prepared for their next educational experience by being:

Academically well prepared Students should: Reach their potential in all curricular areas. Be effective problem solvers, and critically analyze

information. Be effective communicators. Demonstrate inquisitiveness and curiosity. Be responsible, independent learners and thinkers.

Socially responsible Students should: Demonstrate honesty and integrity. Demonstrate social and environmental responsibility. Work cooperatively and collaboratively with each other as

a team. Develop habits of punctuality, accountability, and responsibility

7

Culturally sensitive Students should: Understand and respect cultural and individual differences. Develop a global perspective.

Personally fulfilled

Students should: Be self-confident, open-minded, and adaptable. Develop healthy habits and lifestyle. Work toward their development of talents and interests. Value effort as a means to accomplish goals. Gain a better understanding of self. Display attributes of a life-long learner

8

GRADES 6—8

ADMINISTRATION AND TEACHERS

Principal Jeff Johanson Counselor Wendy Krakauer

Middle School:

Language Arts Robert Barnwell, Jimmy Bishop,

Sara Doerfler

Math Matt Bowers, John Doerfler

Social Studies Robert Barnwell, Jimmy Bishop,

Scott Gillette, John Hunsaker

Science Matthew Bowers, Kristin Brodie

9

Special Areas 6 - 8

Art Jason Arsenault

Music and Stefanie Britton, Katherine Lewiston

Performing Arts

Myanmar Studies Tr. Hlaing Hlaing Myint and

Tr. Mya Thida

Physical Education Britney Albert

Technology Jonathan Christensen

Library Haley Kemper

ESL Daniel Prost

10

Student Courses

Grades 6-8

A sixth grader would normally have the following courses: Language Arts Mathematics Social Studies Science Physical Education Information Technology Art Performing Arts Myanmar Studies A seventh grader would normally have the following courses: Language Arts Mathematics Social Studies Science Physical Education Information Technology Art Performing Arts Myanmar Studies An eighth grader would normally have the following courses: Language Arts Mathematics / Algebra Social Studies Science Physical Education Information Technology Art Performing Arts

11

COURSE : LANGUAGE ARTS 6

Objective: To provide all students the ability to grow as readers, speakers, writers, and thinkers while being prepared for high school, college, and beyond. These classes will focus on the mechanics of writing, best practice reading strategies, the ability to make connections between texts and the reader, other texts, and the world, and to understand how history and geography affect the world today.

Reading: Throughout the year students will be reading leveled texts to show quantifiable growth as a reader. Learning happens in small groups; through teacher-led, all class reads, and through daily independent reading.

Writing: All students will be able to complete a 5-paragraph thesis-driven text using appropriate conventions to convey meaning.

Thinking: students make connections between texts and the world around them to understand broader concepts and to see how the world is tied together as a global community.

Speaking: students practice public speaking to convey meaning using author’s purpose and develop leadership skills.

GRADE 6

12

COURSE: MATHEMATICS 6

Textbook: Mathematics: Grade 6, Holt McDougal 2012.

In Grade 6 Math, students will master concepts introduced in elementary grades such as decimals, fractions, data interpreta-tion, geometric and measurement tools, and equations. New concepts are introduced that will aid and deepen the student's overall mathematical understanding. Students will acquire some of the skills they will need to succeed in fields such as algebra and geometry. Students will regularly apply Guided Problem Solving strategies on their daily and weekly assignments such as: drawing pictures, identifying patterns, acting a situation out, making tables and equations and working backward.

Along with problem-solving, this course incorporates reason-ing, communication of mathematical ideas and thinking, connection to other concepts in the field of mathematics and other curricular areas, and representing practical everyday situa-tions through the use of real life, weekly exercises and specific projects.

Resources Used: Math-kit equipment and consumables, videos, internet, and games.

13

COURSE: EASTERN WORLD (Social Studies 6)

Textbook: World Cultures and Geography Eastern Hemi-sphere, Milson, Andrew et. al; National Geographic Learning

Students are introduced to the basics of the Five Themes of Geography: social structures, culture, belief systems, governance, and economics that have shaped the Eastern world. Throughout the course students will look to understand the importance of historical context and the variety of ways humans have interacted with themselves and their environment. Students will utilize content by learning through using sources and evidence, making connections, chronological reasoning, and creating and supporting arguments.

Content focuses on the following regions:

East Asia

Southeast Asia

South Asia

Central Asia & Middle East (Levant)

North Africa/Saharan Africa

14

COURSE: SCIENCE 6

Textbook: Science Fusion Series (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) - Space Science; The Dynamic Earth; Earth’s Water and Atmosphere

Units: The Universe; The Solar System; The Earth-Moon-Sun System; Exploring Space; Earth’s Surface; Earth’s History; Minerals and Rocks; The Restless Earth; Earth’s Water; Ocean-ography; Earth’s Atmosphere; Weather and Climate.

The 6th grade follows the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and incorporates STEM concepts and practices to cover the topics included in the Earth and space sciences. This class is project and lab-based. Students not only learn through reading and writing; they get the opportunity to have hands-on experience. Students are taught higher level thinking skills and scientific method through exploration and experimentation.

Resources: Top-of-the-line Vernier probes and interfaces in the classroom

15

COURSE: PHYSICAL EDUCATION 6

Physical Education is an essential part of the total educational program. Our course will contribute to the total development of every student through the natural medium of physical activity, which will recognize the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of each student.

The physical education program will provide a variety of experiences to help all students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to maintain a lifelong healthy and active lifestyle. Students will be exposed to team building games, net games such as Tchoukball and volleyball. Invasion games such as Endball, that is played through the Sport Ed Model. Racket sports such as badminton and table tennis, and aquatics with a stroke focus on freestyle, mixed in with some fun water games.

16

COURSE:MS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 6

Objective : The objective of the Middle School Information Technology courses is to establish a foundation for understand-ing technology and the role it plays in our lives.

Grades 6-8 technology curriculum has been designed to promote and encourage technological literacy. Each year of the program is a stepping-stone for the next, and students review and build upon the foundation of knowledge developed in previous years to achieve mastery. Students will use various electronic resources while studying each unit. All projects have been designed to promote both independent and collaborative work. Each student will create a digital portfolio beginning in 6th grade which will serve as a database for storing and managing all technology projects. This portfolio will be a living work that it is under constant development. The content of this portfolio is driven by the topics studied in courses both inside and outside of technology class.

Major areas of study:

Basic Operations Word Processing Spreadsheet (tables charts, and graphs) Multimedia and Presentation Tools Acceptable Use, Copyright, and Plagiarism Research (gathering and using information) Communication and Collaboration Intro to Page Design Intro to Coding

17

COURSE: ART 6 (Visual and Performing Arts) In 6th Grade, Visual Art students are exposed to a wide range of media types, art movements and artistic concepts with a particular focus on the elements of art, the principles of design and the creative process.

Students learn to think and act like an artist to generate ideas with intention, plan and refine artwork and thoughtfully present to an audience. Through self-reflection and art, analysis students develop critical thinking skills and make connections between art, core classwork and the world around them.

.

18

COURSE: PERFORMING ARTS 6 (Visual and Performing Arts)

The YIS Music Department encourages the artistic growth of its students through four pillar standards: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. The YIS Music Department courses are aligned to NCAS standards. In the music classroom, students will encounter challenges that will allow them to engage in divergent thinking, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance. On the performance stage, students will demonstrate their musical growth in at least two concerts a year.

In the Grade 6 music classroom, students will participate in the Orff approach to world music. Elementary students will sing, play instruments, and use creative movement to focus on the following skills: Rhythm and form, instrument technique, composition, and improvisation. Grade 6 students learn to create new musical ideas, analyze beat and quarter-, eighth-, half-, and sixteenth-note rhythms, sing, and play pentatonic, hexatonic, and diatonic melodies, develop musical preferences and interests, and explain their thinking behind performances, and analyze the purpose and context of musical performances.

19

COURSE: MYANMAR STUDIES 6

Textbooks: Myanmar Culture, Government, and History Books

Myanmar Studies is a course to help students understand the culture, language, and traditions of Myanmar. Students practice writing, reading and speaking skillfully.

In Grade 6 to Grade 8, students will understand the reading passage and using more vocabulary, grammar, and knowledge about Myanmar History and Culture and the festival in Myanmar. Philosophy of Culture and Language In Myanmar Studies the students learn about their cultural heritage and reading, writing, speaking and listening. The students will demonstrate skills on effort and showing respect toward adults. Students will work on playing collaboratively. Students take responsibility for their actions. Students will show interest and enjoyment in reading. They will demonstrate an understanding of reading assignments. Students will listen attentively and follow directions. Students will participate appropriately in discussions.

20

COURSE: MYANMAR MUSIC AND DANCE 6

Instruments used: See & Warr, Myanmar harp, bamboo xy-lophone, CD & Tape player and other requirements

Philosophy of Myanmar Music and Dance

The purpose of teaching Myanmar music and dance is to understand the basic concepts of Myanmar culture, to love Myanmar traditions and customs and to keep the essence and beauty of Myanmar. We will start from basic theory and practice. Myanmar traditions include singing, dancing and playing the instruments.

In Grade 6 to Grade 10 we do traditional songs with the play (see and warr), Myanmar harp, bamboo xylophone, piano and traditional dance, opera, and Myanmar festival dance.

The students will be tested to see how much they have achieved. Students will receive an explanation on the Myanmar day homage paying ceremony, special activities and performances. Each student will understand the traditional music and culture of their country. Then, they can share this with the world. They will understand the importance of the musical dances and instruments.

21

COURSE: ESL 6 (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) ESL support will be provided in Secondary this year in small groups and individually both inside and outside of the English/Language Arts classroom, depending on the needs of the student. The ESL teacher will work closely with the English and core area teachers to provide supplementary materials to enhance learning and comprehension of the coursework. Students will be expected to work hard in class as well as outside of the classroom. Communication with the ESL teacher is important to success.

22

COURSE: LANGUAGE ARTS 7

Texts Used:

Write Source-Grade 7 Glencoe Literature-The Reader’s Choice Bystander-by James Preller The Breadwinner-by Deborah Ellis Chinese Cinderella-by Adeline Yen Mah Stargirl-by Jerry Spinelli

The 7th grade English Language Arts curriculum is based on the Common Core Plus standards. These standards focus on four main areas of study: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. This course will develop their skills and abilities to be effective readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. Students will be given helpful tools and techniques to advance in such areas and will be required to take responsibility for their learning, development, and success. Throughout the year students will have the opportu-nity to explore several pieces of literature including; a variety of novels, short stories, plays, poems and much more. Students will produce writing pieces such as descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive, research, and creative writing.

*All novels are subject to change and will be provided in class. Students will also be responsible for doing independent reading, selecting books of their choice and interest, these will need to be provided and brought to class by the student.

GRADE 7

23

COURSE: MATHEMATICS 7

Textbook: Mathematics, Grade 7(2012) , Holt McDougal

Math 7 is designed to help students become more confident, fluent, and capable in numerical calculations, theoretical ideas, representations of real numbers, measurement, geometry, and descriptive statistics. Students will also learn to manipulate equations using inverse operations, properties of equality and the distributive property to isolate the variable. A variety of problem-solving techniques will be used throughout the course. Units of study include:

algebraic reasoning integers and rational numbers applying rational numbers (decimals and fractions) proportional relationships percents collecting, displaying, and analyzing data geometric figures measurement and geometry probability multi-step equations and inequalities

24

COURSE: WESTERN WORLD (Social Studies 7)

Textbook: World Cultures and Geography Western Hemi-sphere, Milson, Andrew et. al; National Geographic Learning

Students will be introduced to the basics of the Five Themes of Geography: social structures, culture and belief systems, governance, and economics that have shaped the Western world. Throughout the course, students will look to understand the importance of historical context and the variety of ways humans have interacted with themselves and their environment. Students will utilize content by learning through using sources and evidence, making connections, chronological reasoning, and creating and supporting arguments. Content is focused on the following regions: North America Central America South America Western Europe

25

COURSE: SCIENCE 7

Textbook: Science Fusion Series (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) - The Human Body; Ecology and the Environment; Cells and He-redity

Units: Human Body Systems; Human Health; Interactions of Living Things; Earth’s Biomes and Ecosystems; Earth’s Re-sources; Human Impact on the Environment; Cells; Reproduc-tion and Heredity.

The 7th grade follows the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and incorporates STEM concepts and practices to cover the topics included in the life sciences. Science 7 is a pro-ject and lab-based class. Students not only learn through reading and writing; they get the opportunity to have hands-on experi-ence. Students are taught higher level thinking skills and scien-tific method through exploration and experimentation.

Resources: Top-of-the-line Vernier probes and interfaces in the classroom

26

COURSE: PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7

Physical Education is an essential part of the total educational program. Our course will contribute to the overall development of every student through the natural medium of physical activity, which will recognize the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of each student.

The physical education program will provide a variety of ex-periences to help all students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to maintain a lifelong healthy and active lifestyle. Students will be exposed to team building activities, striking games such as hockey, wiffleball, and spikeball. Invasion games such as ultimate Frisbee and Endball. And aquatics which their stroke focus is on breaststroke, mixed in with some water games. To end the year 7th grade puts on a synchronized swimming competition to get in touch with their creative sides.

27

COURSE:MS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 7

Objective: The objective of the Middle School Information Technology courses is to establish a foundation for understand-ing technology and the role it plays in our lives.

Grades 6-8 technology curriculum has been designed to pro-mote and encourage technological literacy. Each year of the program is a stepping-stone for the next, and students review and build upon the foundation of knowledge developed in previous years until a mastery level has been achieved. Students will use various electronic resources while studying each unit. All projects have been designed to promote both independent and collaborative work. Each student will create a digital portfolio beginning in 6th grade which will serve as a database for storing and managing all technology projects. This portfolio will be a living work that it is under constant development. The content of this portfolio will be driven by the topics studied in courses both inside and outside of technology class.

Major areas of study:

Basic Operations Word Processing Spreadsheet (tables charts, and graphs) Multimedia and Presentation Tools Acceptable Use, Copyright, and Plagiarism Research (gathering and using information) Communication and Collaboration Intro to Page Design Intro to Coding

28

COURSE: ART 7 (Visual and Performing Arts) In 7th Grade, Visual Art students are exposed to a wide range of media types, art movements and artistic concepts with a particular focus on artistic, cultural traditions and art analysis. Students learn to think and act like an artist to generate ideas with intention, plan and refine artwork and thoughtfully present to an audience. Through self-reflection and art, analysis students develop critical thinking skills and make connections between art, core classwork and the world around them.

29

COURSE: PERFORMING ARTS 7 (Visual and Performing Arts) The YIS Music Department encourages the artistic growth of its students through four pillar standards: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. The YIS Music Department courses are aligned to NCAS standards. In the music classroom, students will encounter challenges that will allow them to engage in divergent thinking, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance. On the performance stage, students will demonstrate their musical growth in at least two concerts a year.

In the Grade 7 music classroom, students make music in a foundation of choral repertoire. Using 2- and 3-part music as a vehicle for musical learning, students will learn to read, write, improvise music. They will also practice critical listening and analysis of music and text through choral music. Given that this can be a vocally challenging time for young men, special care is taken to ensure that each student knows where they are in their vocal development throughout the year. There are two mandatory concerts at the end of each quarter, with an option for students to participate in other festivals throughout the year.

30

COURSE: MYANMAR STUDIES 7

Textbooks: Myanmar Culture, Government, and History Books

Myanmar Studies is a course to help students understand the culture, language, and traditions of Myanmar. Students practice writing, reading and speaking skillfully.

In Grade 6 to Grade 8, students will understand the reading passage and using more vocabulary, grammar, and knowledge about Myanmar History and Culture and the festival in Myanmar. Philosophy of Culture and Language In Myanmar Studies the students learn about their cultural heritage and reading, writing, speaking and listening. The students will demonstrate skills on effort and showing respect toward adults. Students will work on playing collaboratively. Students take responsibility for their actions. Students will show interest and enjoyment in reading. They will demonstrate an understanding of reading assignments. Students will listen attentively and follow directions. Students will participate appropriately in discussions.

31

COURSE: MYANMAR MUSIC AND DANCE 7

Instruments used: See & Warr, Myanmar harp, bamboo xylo-phone, CD & Tape player and other requirements

Philosophy of Myanmar Music and Dance

The purpose of teaching Myanmar music and dance is to un-derstand the basic concepts of Myanmar culture, to love Myan-mar traditions and customs and to keep the essence and beauty of Myanmar. We will start from basic theory and practice. Myanmar traditions include singing, dancing and playing the instruments.

In Grade 6 to Grade 10 we do traditional songs with the play (see and warr), Myanmar harp, bamboo xylophone, piano and traditional dance, opera, and Myanmar festival dance.

The students will be tested to see how much they have achieved. Students will receive an explanation on the Myan-mar day homage paying ceremony, special activities and per-formances. Each student will understand the traditional music and culture of their country. Then, they can share this with the world. They will understand the importance of the musical dances and instruments.

32

COURSE: ESL 7 (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE)

ESL support will be provided in Secondary this year in small

groups and individually both inside and outside of the English/

Language Arts classroom, depending on the needs of the

student. The ESL teacher will work closely with the English

and core area teachers to provide supplementary materials to

enhance learning and comprehension of the coursework.

Students will be expected to work hard in class as well as out-

side of the classroom. Communication with the ESL teacher is

important to success.

33

COURSE: LANGUAGE ARTS 8

Textbooks: Glencoe Literature, Course 3 (2009), Write Source, Level 8 (2005)

Grammar for Middle School: A Sentence Composing Approach (2006)

Language Arts 8 focuses on increasing the learner’s proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. To accomplish this goal, students will focus on reading and responding to a variety of texts in diverse genres through whole class texts, literary circles (small groups), or self-selected texts. Students will also be engaged in the writing process as they write in various structures including narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive. In these formats, students will develop critical thinking skills and research skills. Also, students’ skills will be enhanced through a variety of activ ties with vocabulary, grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Students will have exposure to some of the following texts:

Touching Spirit Bear, by Ben Mikaelsen The Pearl, by John Steinbeck Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton Zlata’s Diary, by Zlata Filipovic Short Stories Poetry Other Nonfiction

GRADE 8

34

COURSE: ALGEBRA I (GRADE 8)

In Semester 1, students will be exposed to a variety of algebraic topics to prepare them for subsequent mathematics courses dealing with more complex themes and operations. Students will learn about Equations and formulas, proportion and precision, simple inequalities, multi-step and compound inequalities, function concepts, applying functions, characteris-tics of linear functions, using linear functions, the system of linear equations and finally linear inequalities.

Semester 2 of Algebra I contains very little review. It requires students attention and effort right from the beginning of the semester. In this Semester, we cover the most important unit of study of the Algebra I program. The student will learn about the following topics: exponents, polynomials, factoring methods, applying factoring methods, quadratic functions, solving quadratic equations, exponential functions, functions models and patterns, data analysis, and finally probability.

35

COURSE: GLOBAL ISSUES (Social Studies 8)

Textbook: Exploring Global Issues: Social, Economic and Environ-mental Interconnectedness, Skelton, Jacob, Hendrickson, Shaw; a product of Facing The Future. Seattle, WA: 2013. Print.

If a student can identify China on a world map, that is good. If that student can identify China as the most populous country in the world and home to a fifth of humanity, that is even better. Better yet though is a student who can understand China's demo-graphic trends and the larger global issues their population must confront as this century continues to unfold.

The goal of the Global Issues course is for students to under-stand the problems and possibilities that prevail in the world today. Students will analyze the 21st-century globalization process through the lenses of regional, transregional, and international connections and conflicts.

The goal of the global issues class is for students to understand the problems and possibilities that prevail in the world today.

Major Areas of Study:

Human Needs and Rights Population, Environment, and Energy Quality of Life Governance, Peace, and Conflict Economics, Poverty, Globalization Taking Action

36

COURSE: SCIENCE 8

Textbooks: Science Fusion

The 8th grade follows the Next Generation Science Standards and incorporating STEM concepts to cover the topic of physics.

Units will include Matter and Energy, Motion, Forces, Sound, and Light.

This class is project and lab-based. Students not only learn through reading and writing; they get the opportunity to have hands-on experience. Students are taught higher level thinking skills and scientific method through exploration and experimentation.

and implement a health-enhancing fitness program, participate in a self-selected physical activity, cooperate and encourage classmates, accept individual differences, and engage in physical activity for enjoyment and self-expression.

37

COURSE: PE 8 (Physical Education and Health) The YIS Physical Education program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, individual sports, aquatics, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in rules, skills, and strategies associated with different sports as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning exercises and lifelong physical activities. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition.

By the end of 8th-grade students will be able to apply tactics and strategies to modified game play. The students will demon-strate fundamental motor skills in a variety of contexts, design and implement a health-enhancing fitness program, participate in a self-selected physical activity, cooperate and encourage classmates, accept individual differences, and engage in physical activity for enjoyment and self-expression.

38

COURSE:MS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8 The objective of the Middle School Information Technology courses is to establish a foundation for understanding technol-ogy and the role it plays in our lives. Grades 6-8 technology curriculum has been designed to promote and encourage tech-nological literacy. Each year of the program is a stepping-stone for the next, and students review and build upon the foundation of knowledge developed in previous years until a mastery level has been achieved. Students will use various electronic resources while studying each unit. All projects have been designed to promote both independent and collaborative work. Each student will create a digital portfolio beginning in 6th grade which will serve as a database for storing and managing all technology projects. This portfolio will be a living work that it is under constant development. The content of this portfolio will be driven by the topics studied in courses both inside and outside of technology class.

Major areas of study:

Basic Operations Word Processing Spreadsheet (tables charts, and graphs) Multimedia and Presentation Tools Acceptable Use, Copyright, and Plagiarism Research (gathering and using information) Communication and Collaboration Intro to Page Design Intro to Coding

39

COURSE: ART 8 (Visual and Performing Arts)

In 8th Grade, Visual Art students are exposed to a wide range of

media types, art movements and artistic concepts with a particular

focus on building advanced media skills. Students learn to think and

act like an artist to generate ideas with intention, plan and refine

artwork and thoughtfully present to an audience. Through self,

reflection and art analysis students develop critical thinking skills

and make connections between art, core classwork and the world

around them.

40

COURSE: PERFORMING ARTS 8 (Visual and Performing Arts)

The YIS Music Department encourages the artistic growth of its students through four pillar standards: Creating, Perform-ing, Responding, and Connecting. The YIS Music Department courses are aligned to NCAS standards. In the music classroom, students will encounter challenges that will allow them to engage in divergent thinking, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance. On the performance stage, students will demonstrate their musical growth in at least two concerts a year.

In the Grade 8 music classroom, students make music in a foundation of choral repertoire. Using 3- and 4-part music as a vehicle for musical learning, students will learn to read, write, improvise music. They will also practice critical listening and analysis of music and text through choral music. Given that this can be a vocally challenging time for young men, special care is taken to ensure that each student knows where they are in their vocal development throughout the year. There are two mandatory concerts at the end of each quarter, with an option for students to participate in other festivals throughout the year.

41

COURSE: MYANMAR STUDIES 8

Textbooks: Middle School Myanmar Studies Textbooks, Gov-ernment Myanmar Textbook, Myanmar Culture Books and Myanmar History Books.

Myanmar study is a course to help students understand the cul-ture, language and traditions of Myanmar. Students practice writing, reading and speaking skillfully.

In Grade 6 to Grade 8 students will understand the reading passage and using more vocabulary, grammar, and knowledge about Myanmar History and Culture and the festival in Myan-mar. Philosophy of Culture and Language In Myanmar Studies the students learn about their cultural heritage and reading, writing, speaking and listening. The students will demonstrate skills on effort and showing respect toward adults. Students will work on playing collaboratively. Students take responsibility for their actions. Students will show interest and enjoyment in reading. They will demonstrate an understanding of reading assignments. Students will listen attentively and follow directions. Students will participate appropriately in discussions.

42

COURSE: MYANMAR MUSIC AND DANCE 8

Instruments: See & Warr, Myanmar harp, bamboo xylo-phone, CD & Tape player and other requirements

The purpose of teaching Myanmar music and dance is to understand the basic concepts of Myanmar culture, to love Myanmar traditions and customs and to keep the essence and beauty of Myanmar. We will start from basic theory and practice. Myanmar traditions include singing, dancing and playing the instruments.

In Grade 6 to Grade 10 we do traditional songs with the play (see and warr), Myanmar harp, bamboo xylophone, piano and traditional dance, opera, and Myanmar festival dance. The students will be tested to see how much they have achieved. Students will receive an explanation on the Myanmar day homage paying ceremony, special activities, and perform-ances. Each student will understand the traditional music and culture of their country. Then, they can share this with the world. They will understand the importance of the musical dances and instruments.

43

COURSE: ESL 8 (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) ESL support will be provided in Secondary this year in small

groups and individually both inside and outside of the English/

Language Arts classroom, depending on the needs of the

student. The ESL teacher will work closely with the English

and core area teachers to provide supplementary materials to

enhance learning and comprehension of the coursework.

Students will be expected to work hard in class as well as out-

side of the classroom. Communication with the ESL teacher is

important to success.