Middle School

Art: Students will use their knowledge of the art elements (line, form, color, texture, value and space) as they work on different styles of art in relationship to history, literature, and cultures of the world.  Students will also continue to strengthen their art techniques and their confidence in their own creativity.

Music: This class is designed to give students a greater understanding and appreciation of music. The different eras of music are studied and analyzed with emphasis on musical styles and forms. Students study styles of music from other cultures and from the U.S.

Computers: Keyboarding skills will be reviewed regularly to gain proficiency in accuracy and speed. Student projects will reinforce the skills learned while using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PhotoShop, iMovie, InDesign, and multiple internet-based programs.

Included skills:

• MLA paper formatting
• Spreadsheet creation and manipulation
• Video production; script writing, audio/video editing, and greenscreen
• PhotoShop advanced features; using layer adjustments, blending modes, masking, filtering, and clone stamp
• Business Project, from logo design to website creation with video content, from business plan including a break-even analysis to advertisement tools including business cards

The English, Language Arts (ELA) program utilizes an expanded class time to synthesize the disciplines of writing, grammar, and literature. Students will explore classic novels, short stories, and a variety of poetry throughout the year. 

Students analyze the interaction of story elements, including figurative language. They learn to utilize textual evidence to support analysis of the explicit language of the text as well as to understand and draw inferences. Students also learn to identify themes, comprehend an authors’ development of character and the narrator’s point of view, as well as analyzing the historical and social context of literature. Students utilize Harkness and Socratic discussion methods to express ideas and opinions. 

Students publish various written assignments, where they will master the writing process--Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Proofreading, Publishing and Presenting. The majority of their writing is workshopped in class, where they benefit from the teacher and peer editing and collaboration. Through reading and writing, they will refine the skills of grammar usage and mechanics with a focus on the application of the parts of speech, phrases, and clauses.

Students will practice creative and expository writing styles including autobiography, biography, short story, poetry, newspaper articles, and descriptive writing. They will also write essays in multiple formats including persuasive, comparison-and-contrast, cause-and-effect, how-to, and research paper writing.

The American Government curriculum is designed to promote an understanding of the United States government, human interaction, cultural diversity and heritage, civic duty, and to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the past; which is essential for coping with the present and planning for the future.

Carden Arbor View’s middle school history and social studies curriculum begins with examining ancient civilizations, then explores through medieval times and travels the globe with early explorers. People, events, and geography are all examined during this process.

U.S. History is studied from the Revolutionary War to the present day and examines the formation of the United States through the exploration of the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation.  Topics such as natural rights, civil rights, cultural diversity, technological advancements, values, beliefs, and potential bias are conduits through which the course is taught. Lastly, our Constitution is studied in-depth to help students understand its nuances and application to current times.

Class discussions, group projects, and learning to analyze statements critically and understand complex decision-making processes fosters student communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

The purpose of the Life Skills class is to provide students the opportunity to explore and develop successful communication skills, positive decision-making skills, media literacy, and a positive self-concept. We believe that assisting students in developing strong communication skills is supportive of the Carden philosophy of respecting others and ourselves. The ability to recognize and avoid the pressure of peers and media are crucial in making positive decisions.

We will provide a comfortable and supportive atmosphere for discussion groups and activities. We will use videos, role-playing, and guest speakers as a part of our presentations. We encourage parental support by asking parents to be available to their children to discuss topics that concern them.

Students ranging from fifth grade through eighth grade participate in a math program that is designed to build confidence and mathematical strength. Each student is individually evaluated so they will be placed into the course level that most closely matches their ability, regardless of grade level.

Special emphasis is placed on logic, mathematical vocabulary, interpretation of the written word, the importance of patterns, and the communication of ideas that lead to computational accuracy and conceptual development. Students will move forward to high school with confidence, competence, and comprehension. There is opportunity for eighth grade students to complete Algebra 1 or Geometry. 

Algebra topics for the year include linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomials, factoring, and quadratic and exponential functions. Our Algebra curriculum is equivalent to the rigors of a high school level Algebra course.

Geometry topics for the year include learning how to determine supplementary and complementary angles; identifying the relationships formed by adjacent angles, alternate interior angles, and vertical angles; classification of triangles and quadrilaterals; and writing geometric proofs and proving basic theorems. Ultimately, students will experience three-dimensional objects and learn how to classify them, figure their volumes, and determine their surface areas. Our Geometry curriculum is equivalent to the rigors of a high school level Geometry course.

Students begin their public speaking practice in kindergarten when they first stand in front of the classroom to share about themselves. Each year students lead their class and the entire school in the morning assembly presentation, along with oral reports in class. By the time they reach their Public Speaking class in the last trimester of 8th grade, standing in front of people to speak isn’t a daunting task. Here they learn to compose their own speeches and the students practice before their classmates. Finally, the students each compose a two-minute speech in honor of their parents and deliver it at Carden graduation ceremonies in June.

Through the three years of middle school students study Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science in alignment with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Science is taught utilizing a dynamic, hands-on approach that allows students to gain experience in using the scientific process to generate questions, design investigations, collect data, and analyze results. Additionally, research, class discussions, and online activities complement lab experimentation.

Earth Science topics include mapping, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, weather, atmosphere, the solar system, and oceanography. 

Life Science topics include bacteria, viruses, cells, plants and animals, heredity, human biology, health, and biodiversity. 

Physical Science topics include the chemistry of matter, energy, pressure, simple machines, electricity and magnetism, and sound and light. 

The World Languages program provides our students with an opportunity to broaden their communication skills to meet the diversity of today’s population.

Students in middle school may choose to learn French or Spanish.

French
This course has an emphasis on fluency in listening, understanding, speaking, practicing, reading, and writing. In addition, students will deepen their appreciation for French culture by exploring French customs.  

Spanish
In this course, students will build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed to communicate in Spanish. In addition, students will develop an appreciation for Spanish speaking cultures around the world by exploring art, music, and customs.

The physical education program exists as a vital and integral part of every student’s program because we understand that physical activity contributes to the development of the individual.

This includes the development of a positive self-image through physical fitness and health education. Emphasis is placed on physical fitness activities, recognizing major muscle groups and their relationship with various physical activities, individual skill development, and participation in team games.

The middle school student body has their first experience with running for elected offices by appointing officers to their Student Council. These officers, along with representatives from each advisory group, meet weekly to make plans for special activities. 

Activities planned by the Student Council range from fun events, such as school dances and movie nights, to assisting with community charity events, including diaper drives, Thanksgiving baskets, and toy drives. Mrs. Denise Whelchel is the Student Council advisor.