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ALGEBRA 1
This course is designed to prepare
a student for high level mathematics. It contains a review of the
real number systems by units on solving linear equations in one
variable, operations with polynomials, exponential properties, factoring
and solving second degree equations, and rational equations. The
student will also be expected to solve linear equation variables, graph
linear equations, and work with operations dealing with square
roots. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking in the
classroom. |
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ALGEBRA PART A
This course is the first half of
Algebra 1. It is designed for the student who needs more time to
develop and master the concepts of Algebra. All of the topics are
the same as those in the first semester of Algebra 1; therefore, the
student has twice the time to reinforce and master his/her skills. |
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AMERICAN HISTORY
The eighth grade American History
curriculum concentrates on early American history beginning with the Age
of Exploration. The course moves through the period of colonization,
fighting the war for independence, Westward expansion, the foundations
of government, and concluding with an introduction to the outbreak of
the Civil War. |
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ART
Students receive a 45-day cycle of
art that focuses on fundamental concepts as well as exposure to a
variety of artistic styles. All art students create projects that
are prominently displayed throughout the school. Within each
cycle, students are encouraged to use their creativity while using a
large variety of supplies. |
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BAND
The band students receive
individual lessons and collective practice throughout the year.
The practice culminates in two yearly productions that display student
progress. The band works in conjunction with the high school band
to ensure a smooth transition and maintain a seamless curriculum. |
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CAREER EDUCATION
Career Education is taught by a
certified guidance counselor and helps students enhance strategies that
will assist their personal, social, and academic development. The
course helps to identify a variety of careers and how education provides
the basis for success in any career field chosen. This course
enables students to make a knowledgeable decision about what their
education will focus on at the high school level. |
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CHORUS
Students that participate in the
seventh and eighth grade chorus study various artists and their styles
and incorporate them into their performances. As with band and
orchestra, there are individual, as well as, collective practices that
culminate in two yearly performances. |
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COMPUTER SCIENCE
The seventh grade computer science
students begin with a quick refresher course on keyboarding and then
progress through the Microsoft Office 2000 package. The first
program students will display proficiency on will be Microsoft Word, a
program that allows them to use word processing in detail and understand
what it can do for them. The class will then proceed to PowerPoint,
where they can learn how to organize their material into slides and
prepare presentations. Following proficiency in PowerPoint, the
class will then move on to Excel, the program that gives students the
capability to use and develop their own spreadsheets. |
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CONSUMER SCIENCE
This course is designed on a
45-day cycle and provides students with hands-on knowledge of activities
that can enhance their daily lives. The students work together,
cook, bake, sew, and understand basics of daily life. Students are
given the opportunity to sample their products and adjust them
accordingly to advance their skills. |
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CORD 1 MATH
This course is taught with
"hands on" activities and a problem solving approach based on
the Center for Occupational Development's recommended Program of
Instruction. The content is related to the world of work and
presents principles with activities designed to be completed by groups
of students. Basic math skills that everyone needs, including,
measurements in English and Metric units, using graphs, charts, and
tables, dealing with data, estimating answers, and using calculators for
fractions, percents, and decimals. In addition, basic skills in
algebra and geometry are introduced. This course requires a
scientific calculator. |
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ENGLISH AS A SECOND
LANGUAGE
(click here for
information) |
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LANGUAGE ARTS - 7th
Grade
The seventh grade Language Arts
classes combine traditional English with a focus on both reading and
writing. Students are taught according to state standards and
grading includes a mixture of authentic assessments, oral presentations,
and rubric based writing assignments. |
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LANGUAGE ARTS - 8th
Grade
The eighth grade Language Arts
classes expose students to various styles of writing that include both
creative and formal. By the end of the eighth grade, students will
be familiar with the writing process including prewriting, drafting,
revising, proofreading, and publishing. Emphasis is placed on
writing with a sharp, distinct focus and using well-developed content
appropriate for the context. This course is designed to teach
students how to bring tone and voice into their writing through rigorous
writing and grammar exercises. |
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MUSIC
Music appreciation is based on a
45-day cycle that exposes students to various musical artists and their
impact on modern society. Students are given the opportunity to
study several cultures and the music that bonds their societies.
The importance of music as both a leisure activity and cultural
recognition are emphasized through this course. |
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ORCHESTRA
The students receive lessons in
violin, viola, cello, and bass throughout the course of the year.
The individual and collective practice culminates in two yearly productions
that display student progress. |
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PRE-ALGEBRA
Students in Pre-Algebra will study
integers and their applications through word problems, equations,
graphing, and functional analysis. |
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education at North Hall
is taken by both seventh and eighth grade students for one whole semester.
The classes are opposite Computer Science in grade seven and Technology Education
in grade eight. The curriculum is comprised of athletic,
recreation, and lifetime activities. Students will work to improve
their own physical conditioning, fitness, and self-esteem. Also
emphasized through the physical education department are the ideals of
discipline, teamwork, and a positive attitude. |
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READING - 7th Grade
Reading at the seventh grade level
focuses on the exploration of various literary genres while fostering an
environment that necessitates personal reflection and critical
thinking. Supplementary activities include spelling, vocabulary,
the development of personal journals, and team learning. |
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READING - 8th Grade
The eighth grade Reading classes
continue the exploration begun in the seventh grade Reading
classes. The two levels work closely together to complement one
another as the students continue through the middle school years.
Exposure to a variety of literary genres that enrich student
appreciation for literature and cultures is impressed upon as well as
providing supplementary activities, such as, spelling, vocabulary,
personal development journals, and team learning. |
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SCIENCE
The Science curriculum at Founders'
Hall is rather unique compared to other local districts. In order to
meet upcoming state standards in science and technology, staff members
have rewritten the science curriculum to offer a wider range of topics to
both the seventh and eighth grade students. Students have three
different twelve week courses with three different teachers throughout the
school year.
The seventh grade students have Introduction to Biology, Introduction to
Geology, and Introduction to Ecology. In Biology, students learn
about the basics of all living organisms from the cell and its parts to
the five kingdoms of living things. In Geology students are
introduced to the composition of the earth and its atmosphere. In
Ecology, students are shown how living things respond and survive in the
environment.
The eighth grade students also have a rotating science schedule. The
courses in eighth grade are Introduction to Anatomy, Introduction to
Astronomy, and Introduction to Physical Science. In Anatomy,
students learn about the parts and functions of human anatomy and some of
the disorders that are associated with it. The Astronomy course
teaches students about the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies and
how they relate to humans on Earth. Lastly, the Physical Science
class teaches students the basic concepts of chemistry, forms of energy,
and other properties of physics.
Incoming seventh graders will have a total of six different science
classes over the course of their two year stay at Founders' Hall.
Our unique curriculum will give students one of the most well rounded,
integrated science education in the Mon Valley Area. |
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SPANISH
The purpose of this nine week
class is to introduce students to basic Spanish words and phrases.
Topics include: Spanish-speaking countries, basic conversation,
alphabet, numbers 0-100, colors, adjectives, clothing, as well as
holidays and culture. Students conclude the course with a famous
Hispanic-American project. |
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TECHNOLOGY
The eighth grade students at North
Hall are exposed to a Technology Lab that educates students on a variety
of physics-based activities. The program, Lab Volt, is designed as
14 pods that promote interaction and practical usage within each
lesson. Students can use their creativity and imagination and test
their engineering skills as they progress through the various programs. |
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WORLD HISTORY
The seventh grade world history
curriculum encompasses basic geography skills, the study of ancient
civilizations, and the development of various cultures around the
world. Following a geographical introduction on the physical
conditions of the earth, the course begins with "the cradle of
civilization" in Mesopotamia and continues through the development
of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and into Feudal society. |
