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Curriculum

globe

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 .


hmwk

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.



science

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.

 


math

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.


languages

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:

  • Communicate comprehensibly in the world language

  • Interpret a variety of authentic media

  • Listen and respond to diverse audiences in a world language


Responsible citizens who:

  • Demonstrate acceptance, respect, and empathy for other cultures

  • Work cooperatively

  • Respect the rights of others

  • Take responsibility for their actions and decisions

  • Produce quality work


Creative problem solvers who:

  • Incorporate problem-solving and critical thinking skills into the real world situations using the world language


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. 



paint

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. 


tool box

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.

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.