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Social Studies
In
grade 7 social studies class, students study history, geography,
economics and civics from the origin of civilization through the fall of
the Roman empire. Areas of study include Mesopotamia, Egypt, Phoenicia,
Ancient Israel, Greece and Rome. A chronological approach using the History Alive program as a basis is used. The main text is A Message of Ancient Days. The entire grade 7 social studies curriculum can be found at http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/hss/final.doc
In
grade 8, the primary focus on student learning is American government
and civics. Key units include the rights and responsibilities of
citizens, the U.S. Constitution, the Election Process, and the
Foundation of American Government. Students begin the year with
the study of the concept of identity which leads into learning about
their participation as citizens, and how our government works. The
textbook is Civics Today by Glencoe and primary source documents are
also extensively used. Eighth grade social studies addresses the
standards of geography, economics, civics and history as included in the Massachusetts Frameworks. These can be found at http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/hss/final.doc .
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English
The curriculum for grade seven focuses on the steps of the writing process, with an emphasis on essay writing form. Students study novels, short stories, grammar, and vocabulary.In addition, some research and note taking skills are integrated into the curriculum.English classes in grade seven are heterogeneously grouped.
The curriculum for grade eight continues the study of writing process, grammar, vocabulary, and various literary genres including poetry.
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Science
The Gibbons Middle School science teachers have been making strides towards implementing the new Massachusetts Science Standards. By the end of the 2017-2018 school year, the new standards will be fully implemented.
The overarching theme for grade 7 science is Systems and Cycles. The students will gain experience with plate tectonics, interactions of humans and Earth processes, organism systems, to support and propagate life, and ecosystems dynamics. There will be three major units: Earth and Human Activity, Environmental Issues, and Genetics. Science skills such as the application of the scientific method and the design process, the use of lab equipment, and graphing will be addressed at the start of the year and continue throughout.
The theme for the 8th grade science program is Cause and Effect with an even greater emphasis on using abstract thinking skills to explain complex phenomena. Math skills will be integrated throughout the year as a method of supporting and providing evidence for hypotheses.The students will be making predictions concerning weather and climate, how atoms and molecules interact, and how energy and forces affect the motion of objects on Earth as well as the planets. The units covered by the 8th grade will include: Properties of Matter, Matter and Its Interactions, Earth’s Systems, Motion and Stability, Energy, and Astronomy.
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Mathematics
The mathematics department utilizes the Impact
math program (a standards based curriculum) in grades 7 and 8. The
program helps set a rigorous course for the students at Gibbons to move
beyond arithmetic and have more exposure to algebraic topics through
grade 8. A major goal of the program is to enable and ensure that more
students will have access to a curriculum that rich in content while
stressing real world application and problem solving. The curriculum at
Gibbons also allows for more students to take algebra 1 in grade 8,
thus enabling for more advanced opportunities in high school in
accordance with the Massachusetts State Frameworks.
Students in 7th grade are
recommended for Pre-Algebra or Introduction to Pre-Algebra in accordance
with their mastery level of concepts taught in grade 6. Students in
both classes study topics in geometry, algebraic patterns, number
theory, data analysis and measurement. Students will learn to write and
work on strategies to solve multi-step equations involving, percents,
decimals, fractions, and signed numbers. Another major focus in grade 7
is the study of ratio, proportion, similarity, congruence and
probability. Students are often flexibly grouped within their classes
to allow for additional support and/or more challenging assignments
given specific topics.
The 8th grade consists of 3
levels of classes: Algebra 1, Introduction to Algebra, and
Pre-Algebra. Topics of study are as follows for the given classes:
Algebra 1: follows curriculum as outlined in Massachusetts State standards (gr. 9-12)
Topics include, linear
relationships, systems of equations, algebraic equations, exponential
growth and decay, solving quadratics by factoring, completing the
square, and the quadratic formula, functions, polynomials, and algebraic
fractions.
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World Language
Our curriculum is aligned with the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and the Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework. We track student progress using the national proficiency guidelines developed by ACTFL (the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages).
Learning Expectations
Effective communicators who:
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Communicate comprehensibly in the world language
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Interpret a variety of authentic media
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Listen and respond to diverse audiences in a world language
Responsible citizens who:
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Demonstrate acceptance, respect, and empathy for other cultures
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Work cooperatively
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Respect the rights of others
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Take responsibility for their actions and decisions
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Produce quality work
Creative problem solvers who:
The Middle School program is spread over 2 years and upon successful completion of the work, a student is able to go into the second year at the High School.
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Fine Arts
The Gibbons Middle School has fine arts offerings that include visual arts, general music, and ensemble offerings for band, orchestra, and choral students. In addition, there are numerous after school activities for students including jazz ensemble, string chamber ensembles, school musicals, chamber choirs, and a visual arts club. Click here to visit the district’s web site for schedules and more information.
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Industrial Technology
The Westborough Industrial Technology Department centers on the Massachusetts Department of Education Frameworks for Technology/Engineering. The activities based curriculum has been developed to allow students to gain knowledge in the following areas: design process, tool use, material use, technical concepts and safety principles. The curriculum is based on the student’s successful completion of the grade-appropriate projects. In each class a safety overview is given and is emphasized on a daily basis.
The seventh grade wood class curriculum emphasizes the technology domain of manufacturing. The class is introduced to the development of a manufactured product with the design of a toy car. Creative thinking is encouraged in the design, however, the car needs to be able to compete on a gravity track at the conclusion of the activity. Next the class engage in the actual manufacture of a product. Students collaborate to choose a product, construct a prototype, fabricate components, and assemble the parts. Each student takes home a finished product.
The eighth grade wood class curriculum emphasizes the technology domain of construction. The class is introduced to the basic principles of construction, such as forces, loads, solar orientation and materials. Students use these principles to design a vacation house to certain parameters. Design is communicated into actual construction to a scale of 1” to 1’. Math and geometry skills come into play as well as manipulation of objects in three dimensions, as they construct a model to national building codes. Additional units deal with power & energy (basic electrical principles), communication (fabrication and use of the telegraph), and transportation.
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The Gibbons Middle School science teachers have been making strides towards implementing the new Massachusetts Science Standards. By the end of the 2017-2018 school year, the new standards will be fully implemented.
The overarching theme for grade 7 science is Systems and Cycles. The students will gain experience with plate tectonics, interactions of humans and Earth processes, organism systems, to support and propagate life, and ecosystems dynamics. There will be three major units: Earth and Human Activity, Environmental Issues, and Genetics. Science skills such as the application of the scientific method and the design process, the use of lab equipment, and graphing will be addressed at the start of the year and continue throughout.
The theme for the 8th grade science program is Cause and Effect with an even greater emphasis on using abstract thinking skills to explain complex phenomena. Math skills will be integrated throughout the year as a method of supporting and providing evidence for hypotheses.The students will be making predictions concerning weather and climate, how atoms and molecules interact, and how energy and forces affect the motion of objects on Earth as well as the planets. The units covered by the 8th grade will include: Properties of Matter, Matter and Its Interactions, Earth’s Systems, Motion and Stability, Energy, and Astronomy.
The Gibbons Middle School science teachers have been making strides towards implementing the new Massachusetts Science Standards. By the end of the 2017-2018 school year, the new standards will be fully implemented.
The overarching theme for grade 7 science is Systems and Cycles. The students will gain experience with plate tectonics, interactions of humans and Earth processes, organism systems, to support and propagate life, and ecosystems dynamics. There will be three major units: Earth and Human Activity, Environmental Issues, and Genetics. Science skills such as the application of the scientific method and the design process, the use of lab equipment, and graphing will be addressed at the start of the year and continue throughout.
The theme for the 8th grade science program is Cause and Effect with an even greater emphasis on using abstract thinking skills to explain complex phenomena. Math skills will be integrated throughout the year as a method of supporting and providing evidence for hypotheses.The students will be making predictions concerning weather and climate, how atoms and molecules interact, and how energy and forces affect the motion of objects on Earth as well as the planets. The units covered by the 8th grade will include: Properties of Matter, Matter and Its Interactions, Earth’s Systems, Motion and Stability, Energy, and Astronomy.
The Gibbons Middle School science teachers have been making strides towards implementing the new Massachusetts Science Standards. By the end of the 2017-2018 school year, the new standards will be fully implemented.
The overarching theme for grade 7 science is Systems and Cycles. The students will gain experience with plate tectonics, interactions of humans and Earth processes, organism systems, to support and propagate life, and ecosystems dynamics. There will be three major units: Earth and Human Activity, Environmental Issues, and Genetics. Science skills such as the application of the scientific method and the design process, the use of lab equipment, and graphing will be addressed at the start of the year and continue throughout.
The theme for the 8th grade science program is Cause and Effect with an even greater emphasis on using abstract thinking skills to explain complex phenomena. Math skills will be integrated throughout the year as a method of supporting and providing evidence for hypotheses.The students will be making predictions concerning weather and climate, how atoms and molecules interact, and how energy and forces affect the motion of objects on Earth as well as the planets. The units covered by the 8th grade will include: Properties of Matter, Matter and Its Interactions, Earth’s Systems, Motion and Stability, Energy, and Astronomy.