Lovell Middle School Registration Handbook

2017 - 2018

“Home of the Mustangs”

Preface

This registration handbook is designed to help you understand what is

taught in each course at Lovell Middle School. Course descriptions are

given for required classes as well as electives. This handbook can help

you as you make decisions about the electives you would like to take.

All courses are yearlong in duration. Be sure to plan ahead, as there

are some pre-requisite classes offered during 7th grade for classes you

may want to take in 8th grade. You should use this handbook in

preparing a realistic schedule for the coming year, in addition, look to

choose classes that will maximize your goals as you move toward high

school. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call and ask.

Doug Hazen

Lovell Middle School

Principal

548-6553

SCHEDULE CHANGES: Choose your electives carefully. Schedule changes may only be made with approval of the teacher

whose class you are leaving, the teacher whose class you are entering, your parent(s) and the

principal. These requests may only be made within the first week of the semester, all other

schedule changes must be initiated by school personnel.

FLEX Want to be successful at Lovell Middle School? FLEX will help. You will be placed with a great

teacher that will give you the support and the help you need to meet the middle school expectations.

Your FLEX teacher will be there to help you to stay on track with grades, monitor school

appropriate behaviors, and understand how to use your planner. You will have help from your FLEX

teacher or other teachers to complete your school work. This is a common time for all students to

get what they need. Let FLEX help you be the best you can be!

LA READING 6 – Required Grade 6

Welcome to Lovell Middle School, 6th graders! This year in reading, you will focus on improving

literacy through the application of a variety of comprehension strategies before, during, and after

reading. Through reading, writing, and discussion, you will focus on strengthening meta-cognitive

skills to deepen comprehension, strategies for decoding vocabulary, and elements of literature and

informational texts.

LA WRITING 6 – Required Grade 6 In addition to reading and responding to several novels, you will focus on three units of study in

sixth grade writing: personal narratives, literary essays, and research-based informational writing.

Learning to use evidence in a way that supports what you are trying to prove is crucial to success in

6th grade writing. I am beyond excited to get this year underway!

LA READING 7 – Required Grade 7 Through classroom reading, writing and discussions, students will focus on reaching a higher level of

understanding from their reading. Students will be reading a variety of genres which will include

short stories, informative articles and other nonfiction pieces, poems, novels, and autobiographies.

Students will be asked to complete tasks that will require them to dig deeper into their reading.

LA WRITING 7 – Required Grade 7 Students will focus on three units of study in seventh grade writing: realistic fiction, writing about

reading, and argument writing. They will gain more knowledge about grammar and mechanics to help

produce writing that is clear and focused. This year students will continue to increase development

and organization of ideas, improve word choice, and provide specific and accurate details into their

writing pieces.

LANGUAGE ARTS 8 – Required Grade 8 Readers and writers will be exposed to a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and literary nonfiction

materials to deepen their level of understanding literally and figuratively. Students will spend class

time reading, discussing, and writing about books, plays, poems, short stories, and articles besides

other relevant texts. Students will be expected to read personally selected books and write formal

and informal papers throughout the year to expand their abilities as readers and writers.

MATH COURSE 1 – Required Grade 6 Math Course 1 will cover the sixth grade Wyoming Common Core State Standards. Students will

apply and extend their previous understanding of math concepts, learn new grade-level content, and

solve real-world problems. Math Course 1 will be fast-paced and challenging, and will require

students to work hard and persevere.

MATH CLASSES - Placement in Math Course 2 or Math Course 3 may

be determined by test scores, classroom performance, and teacher/team

decisions.

MATH COURSE 2 – Required Math Course 2 is the next step after being successful in Math Course 1. Math Course 2 will be fast

paced and demanding, aligning with the Seventh grade Wyoming Common Core State Standards.

MATH COURSE 3 – Required Math Course 3 is the course you need before beginning Algebra I. Math Course 3 gives you a solid

foundation and sets you on the path to Algebra I. Math Course 3 aligns with the Wyoming Common

Core State Standards of Eighth grade.

ALGEBRA – 7th & 8th Grade Algebra I is for those students who were successful in Math Course 3 as a 6th/7th grader. Algebra I

begins to cover the Wyoming Common Core State Standards for High School. Eighth Grade Common

Core State standards will be reviewed prior to PAWS

SCIENCE 6 - Required Grade 6 Science 6 will explore all three branches of science while working towards the eighth grade

Wyoming Science Content Standards. Students will learn key science vocabulary and become

proficient at using informational text. Science 6 will be rigorous and fast-paced, and will require

students to be active learners.

LIFE SCIENCE – Required Grade 7

Unit 1: Living Systems - Students will spend a great deal of time learning science processing

skills, lab safety, scientific method, and identify variables and where they go on a graph. Students

will write and test a hypothesis, describe types of energy and energy transformation, describe the

levels of organization, and define homeostasis. They will be able to identify characteristics of

organisms in the five kingdoms, describe the importance of scientific names, and use a dichotomous

key.

Unit 2: Physical Science Connection - Students will list the three main elements that

make up a living organism, classify examples as elements or compounds, and explain a chemical

reaction. They will describe the importance of water, the structure and function of carbohydrates,

lipids, proteins, and nucleic acid.

Unit 3: Ecosystems & Biomes - Students will describe the factors of life, explain the

difference between an ecosystem and biome, distinguish among a food web, food chain, and an

energy pyramid. They will describe interactions between species, and explain how weather and

climate affect a biome.

Unit 4: Cell Biology - Students will explain the structure and function of a cell, differences

between plant and animal cells, and the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. In

addition, students will explain the importance of the cell membrane, compare and contrast

osmosis/diffusion, and cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

MATH EXTENSIONS AND LANGUAGE ARTS EXTENSIONS CLASSES- Extension classes will support core instruction from the content areas of Math and

Reading and will align with the Wyoming Common Core State Standards. Students will

work closely with the intervention specialists to strengthen academic skills in individual

areas of need based on student IEP’s and/or ILP’s through pre-teaching, intensive skill-

based instruction, re-teaching, and progress monitoring.

Unit 5: Microscopic World - Students will list the characteristics of protozoans, bacteria

and viruses. They will explain organelles for movement, describe how a virus attacks and harms

cells, and analyze how the immune system will respond.

Unit 6: Genetics & Heredity - Students will describe the function of cell division and

mitosis, identify the stages of the cell cycle, and explain what happens to a chromosome during cell

division. They will explain the difference between cell differentiation and specialized cells, and

explain meiosis. Students will explain the importance of traits, differentiate between phenotype

and genotype, interpret and construct a Punnett Square or pedigree chart. They will compare and

contrast incomplete or codominance, and selective breeding and genetic engineering.

EARTH SCIENCE – Required Grade 8

Unit 1: Studying Earth Science - This unit spends time reviewing science processing skills

from 7th grade. Students go in depth with the scientific method, distinguish among variables, and

compare and contract types of energy. They will discuss the relationship between heat and the

motion of atoms, and compare and contrast the different methods of heat transfer.

Unit 2: Astronomy - Students explain the origin of the Solar System and the Milky Way

Galaxy. Students will distinguish between terrestrial and gas planets and summarize properties of

each planet. In addition, students will examine other features such as the Oort Cloud and Kuiper

Belt. Students will examine the importance of our Sun and features such as sunspots, solar flares,

solar winds, and explain the life cycle of a star.

Unit 3: Introducing Earth - In this unit, students will examine the history of Earth by eras.

Students will examine cross-sections of rocks using relative dating principles. Students will compare

and contrast seismic waves, layers of the Earth, and the importance of convection in the mantle.

Unit 4: The Changing Earth - Students will examine the concept of continental drift, origin

of Pangaea, types of plate boundaries, and the differences between oceanic and continental crust.

They will discover the origins of earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain. They will study anatomy and

types of volcanoes, and compare and contrast extrusive and intrusive rocks. In addition, students

will examine how melting, erosion, and weathering contribute to the rock cycle.

Unit 5: Weather and Climate - Students will describe the factors that affect weather,

the role of convection in the atmosphere, and identify major air masses and fronts. They will

differentiate between tornadoes and hurricanes, and explain how climate determines biomes.

SOCIAL STUDIES 6 – Required Grade 6 This course will be divided into two areas of focus 1) foundations of geography and 2) the study of

Wyoming history and government. Students will engage in understanding their place in the world

while learning about the world’s people, cultures, and events. In addition, they will gain a deeper

understanding about Wyoming’s unique cultural characteristics and how those characteristics

contribute to life in the United States.

UNITED STATES HISTORY 7 – Required Grade 7 This course begins with the exploration and settlement of North America. We will study the

evolution of the United States from these early beginnings through the pre-Civil War era. Included

in this course will be geography, economics, history, and different cultures and values. We will study

early history and events to understand the continuing influence they have on current events. We will

also be studying current events on a weekly basis and honing our map skills with weekly map work.

UNITED STATES HISTORY 8 – Required Grade 8 This course covers our nation’s history prior to the Civil War through present day current events.

These units will be the continuation of geography, economics, different cultures and values,

settlement and colonization, as well as, more attention and emphasis placed on current national and

international affairs. We will also be studying current events on a weekly basis and honing our map

skills with weekly map work.

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

ART 6 – Elective Grade 6 This class offers the beginning art student a variety of projects, methods, and materials in a

studio setting. Sixth graders will investigate the use of the elements and principles of art through

hands on projects and art analysis. Students will produce work using a range of techniques and

mediums, practice analyzing their own work, and view and critique both historical and

contemporary artworks.

ART 7& 8 - Elective Grade 7 and Grade 8 This course is designed to increase the middle school artist's knowledge of visual culture,

abilities in critical thinking, and experience with art production techniques. The course will

integrate the four disciplines of art: Creative Expression, Aesthetic Perception, Historical and

Cultural Context, and Artistic Connections. Students will identify real world connections

between other school disciplines, careers, everyday life and the arts. This course provides an

opportunity for students to refine their skills and increase their creativity through choice-based

projects. While drawing, painting, sculpting, or using iPads to produce work, students will

develop meaningful and high quality artworks.

MUSIC 6 – Elective Grade 6 Sixth grade music is a combination of both beginning band and beginning choir. Students may

participate in band and/or choir. In choir, students learn to read and sing in unison, two-part, and

three-part music. They also sing a variety of music literature selected from a wide range of genres.

Band is a course for students who have never played a band instrument. The class covers the

techniques of playing the instrument, as well as, music notation and concert music. Students are

expected to provide their own flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets, and trombones. Other

instruments may be provided by the school if they are available. Students are also expected to

provide their own methods book.

BAND – Elective Grade 7 & 8 This course is for students who are somewhat proficient on their instruments. Advanced playing

techniques will be covered, mostly through concert music. Evening concerts are required. Grading

will be based on playing ability, rehearsal behavior, concert attendance, and standards. Practice is

required weekly.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE - Elective Grade 7 & 8 Students will use their music, speaking, listening, writing, artistic, and performance skills to produce

a drama performance both semesters.

BOYS CHOIR – Elective Grades 7 & 8 Boys choir is open to all 7th and 8th grade boys who like to sing and want to learn more about using

their changing voices. A wide variety of music is performed, sometimes combined with the other

LMS choirs for concerts.

GIRLS CHOIR – Elective Grades 7 & 8 Girls choir is open to all 7th and 8th grade girls who like to sing. Girls learn to read theory,

technique, and 2, 3, and 4 part music. A wide variety of music is performed, sometimes combined

with the other LMS choirs for performances.

Both courses require two evening concerts. These concerts are not necessarily held on the

same nights, so students who choose to enroll in both band and choir may be required to

participate in four evening concerts. Grading in both courses is based upon musical ability,

rehearsal behavior, concert participation, and state standards. Band grading also requires

practice slips.

PE 6 – Required Grade 6 Students will learn to identify and use PE skills and skill cues (skills broken down into parts) in an

isolated environment and during modified game play. Students will also experience physical activities

which provide opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.

Students will complete cognitive tests to demonstrate their knowledge of skill cues and rules of

modified team activities. Students will develop fitness components in small groups by completing

general fitness and dynamic warm-ups. Students will demonstrate personal and social responsibility,

understand the benefits of physical activity, and respect diversity among people in physical activity

settings.

The health unit focuses on individuals obtaining, interpreting, and understanding basic health

information and services. The goal is to be competent in using information and services in ways to

enhance wellness and reduce health risks.

PE 7 – Required Grade 7 Students will review PE skills from 6th grade, learn basic rules, general history, and background

information for modified team activities. Students will experience physical activities which provide

opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. Students will

apply/demonstrate competency in movement forms and apply movement concepts and principles to

the learning and development of motor skills. Students will complete cognitive tests to demonstrate

their knowledge of skill cues, rules, and the history of modified team activities. Students will

develop fitness components in small groups by completing general fitness and dynamic warm-ups.

Students will demonstrate personal and social responsibility, understand the benefits of physical

activity, and respect diversity among people in physical activity settings.

The health unit covers how to find valid health information to use individually to promote a healthy

life-style, how to set healthy life-style goals for oneself, and to make healthy life-style decisions

PE 8 – Elective Grade 8 Students will continue to develop physical skills, strategies of play, and knowledge of the rules of

games which can be played as lifetime activities. Students will develop sportsmanship, cooperation,

and teamwork in physical activity settings. Students will be involved in a year round fitness program

that will have each student create fitness goals, list and explain personal fitness status. They will

assess their level of fitness in terms of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance,

flexibility, and body composition.

The health unit covers how to find valid health information to use individually to promote a

healthy life-style, how to set healthy life-style goals for oneself, and to make healthy life-style

decisions.

CAREER/VOCATIONAL

LIFE SKILLS – Required Grade 8 The purpose of this course is to develop the subject area content in a way that applies to daily life.

This course will cover how one’s quality of life, now and in the future, is intimately tied to avoiding

major health risks. Necessary life-long skills in communication, decision making, self esteem, and

conflict resolution will be taught. Basic life skills in health, cooking, nutrition, finance, banking,

relationship of family and friends, and the care and interaction with children will be included in the

course.

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INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 1 This is a first year program for any middle school student. Students will explore the four areas of

technology: energy power and transportation, manufacturing, communication, and construction. Each

area will be covered in approximately one nine week period. This is a hands-on course requiring

students to be actively engaged in the technology processes prescribed. Lab and classroom safety

will be of the utmost priority. Students will work with appropriate tools pertaining to the area being

covered. Due to space limitations and shop safety, class sizes are limited. There will be additional

costs for this class for materials. This is a pre-requisite for Technology Education 2.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 2 (Pre Req. – Tech Ed. 1) This is an advanced class for students that completed Tech Ed. 1. Students will build upon previous

knowledge of technology classes and create more complex projects using the tools in the lab area.

Students will be working as a team to manufacture a class project to benefit a charity of school

choice. Students need to be work oriented and show interest in working on projects. Class sizes are

limited. There will be additional costs for this class for materials.

DIGITAL 6 Required Grade 6 This course is designed as an introduction to basic computer programs: Microsoft Word, Microsoft

PowerPoint, and basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Students will be using Office 365 to be able to

access their files from remote sites outside of school, as well as working on iPads with various

programs to familiarize themselves with the digital potential of these tools of technology. Students

will also be honing their keyboarding skills with daily practice using an online keyboarding program.

This program is designed to help them become more proficient keyboarders. The class will be

aligned with the ISTE standards. Students will also be introduced to simple trouble shooting

techniques to go through when encountering computer glitches.

MEDIA 8 Required Grade 8 This class is intended to be the foundation that enables students to be effective digital citizens and

begin an understanding of the role that media plays in both shaping and reflecting their culture

through the 21st century skills of: critical and creative thinking; collaborating and communicating;

media literacy; information literacy; and technology literacy skills.

Students will not only enhance their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills but also add

viewing and creating, using a variety of media forms. Students will brush up on their keyboarding, as

well as, build upon skills gained in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and be introduced to desktop publishing.

This class also prepares students for technology use in the high school.

LMS Course Planning 2017-2018

Grade 6 Requirements Grade 7 Requirements Grade 8 Requirements

1) LA Writing 6 1) LA Writing 7 1) Language Arts 8

2) Math Course 1 2) Math Course 2 2) Math Course 3

3) Science 6 3) Life Science 7 3) Earth Science 8

4) Social Studies 6 4) US History 7 4) U.S. History 8

5) LA Reading 6 5) LA Reading 7 5) Life Skills

6) PE 6) PE 6) Media 8

7) Digital 6

Grade 6 Electives Grade 7 Electives Grade 8 Electives

1) Music 6 1) Band 1) Band

2) Art 2) Boys’ Choir 2) Boys’ Choir

3) Tech Ed 1 3) Girls’ Choir 3) Girls’ Choir

4) Art 7/8 4) Art 7/8

5) Tech Ed 1 5) P.E. 8

6) Music Performance 6) Music Performance

7) Tech Ed 1

8) Tech Ed 2

(Pre-Req. Tech Ed 1)