Nipher Middle School

Welcome to Nipher Middle School. We hope that the information provided on these pages will allow you to begin the registration process. Please contact the guidance office at 213 -6100 ext. 8042 for additional information needed to complete the registration process. We know that moving to a new school and a new community can be a stressful time, and we are dedicated to making this process as easy as possible. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the caring community at Nipher Middle School.

Science There are four major topics of study for sixth grade science. They include:

*Astronomy with an emphasis on the structure, composition, and motion of objects in our Solar System as well as the cause of Earth’s seasons.

*Light which includes visible light, the eye, and the electromagnetic spectrum.

• Electricity dealing with static electricity and current electricity.

• Chemistry, emphasizing metric measurements, graphing data, elements, compounds, and the Periodic Table, states of matter, chemical and physical changes and mixtures and solutions.

Social Studies The sixth grade social studies curriculum is best described as cultural geography. Students will explore how geography affects cultures in four different regions of the world: Europe; Asia; Africa; and Latin America. Students will use tools of inquiry such as maps, almanacs, and Internet resources to learn how different cultures have adapted to, and changed, the environments around them throughout history.

Math Students will work together to develop reasoning, problem solving, and communication skills that enable them to apply mathematics to real-life activities. Students will learn to value mathematics and become confident in their ability to use mathematics in their everyday life.

Communication Arts Courses in the Nipher Communication Arts department include all aspects of effective communication. Each grade level emphasizes language skills, vocabulary development, writing process, reading and writing strategies, survey of literary genre, and presentation skills. Students are expected to develop skills and then refine them as they progress through the grade levels. In sixth grade students begin a writing portfolio that they maintain throughout middle school. Students focus on sentences, parts of speech, and mechanics of writing. The writing process is emphasized through journals, literature responses, descriptions, expository writing, narratives, poetry, and letter writing.

7th Grade

Science

During the seventh grade science year, Kirkwood students focus on expanding their basic science skills, i.e. process skills and basic science knowledge. The curriculum continues the spiral of science topics begun in grade three. Seventh grade science covers the following major topic areas: Animal Classifcation and Organization, Cell Structure and Function (Microscope use), Ecological Relationships and Force and Motion (Newton’s Laws of Motion).

Social Studies 7th Grade U.S. History explores America from its roots in democracy and the Revolutionary War, the framing of the Constitution, the early Presidents, the Westward Movement, and the regional conflict which led to the Civil War.

Math In seventh grade math, students will explore, discover, and be exposed to new mathematical tools and procedures for solving problems. An extensive number of topics including, but not limited to, integers, fractions, decimals, algebraic equations, graphing, probability and geometric concepts will be uncovered by students throughout the year.

Communication Arts Courses in the Nipher Communication Arts department include all aspects of effective communication. Each grade level emphasizes language skills, vocabulary development, writing process, reading and writing strategies, survey of literary genre, and presentation skills. Students are expected to develop skills and then refine them as they progress through the grade levels. In sixth grade students begin a writing portfolio that they maintain throughout middle school. Seventh graders focus their energies on the short story, elements of literature, memoirs, grammar, narrative writing, persuasive essays, bias and propaganda, novels, and media literacy.

8th Grade

Science Our goal is to provide apporpirate science and science technology along a developmental continuum so that all middle school studends continue on the path towar becoming scientifically literate citizens.

Throughout the year, students will be engaged in readings, labs, and activities that will help them buid an understanding of the following science concepts and skills:

Composition and structure of the univers and the motion of objects within it: The universe and the solar system. Processes and interactions of the earth's systems: geology, weather, and climate.

Social Studies 8th Grade U.S. History begins with the periods of Reconstruction and Industrialization, the Spanish American War, Immigration’s impact on society, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and the Cold War, and concludes with the impact of the Civil Rights Movement and the conflict in Vietnam on contemporary American society.

Math PreAlgebra The goal of the class is to prepare students with a strong background for the advanced study of mathematics in high school. The class will have an emphasis on algebra and geometry applications during their study of rational numbers and operations, graphs, plane and three-dimentional geometry.

Algebra This class begins the study of algebra at an advanced level. Students will master linear equations and systems, functions, exponential properties, polynomials, quadratic equations, radical expressions and linear and quadratic graphing. Students completing this class with an acceptable level of mastery will be placed into geometry for 9th grade.

Communication Arts Courses in the Nipher Communication Arts department include all aspects of effective communication. Each grade level emphasizes language skills, vocabulary development, writing process, reading and writing strategies, survey of literary genre, and presentation skills. Students are expected to develop skills and then refine them as they progress through the grade levels. In sixth grade students begin a writing portfolio that they maintain throughout middle school. The eighth grade curriculum focuses on suspense stories, vignette and narrative writing, poetry, editorials, analytical essays, and novels. All activities emphasize critical thinking and expanding students' world view.