The Humanities and Communication Magnet ProgramEastern Middle School

Montgomery County Public Schools

Scope and Sequence

Matt Johnson, CoordinatorStacey Vactor, Admissions Secretary

(301) 650-6654 • Magnet Office

Eastern Middle School300 University Blvd., East

Silver Spring, Maryland 20901 Casey Crouse, Principal

(301) 650-6650 • Main Office

The Humanities and Communication Magnet ProgramMontgomery County Public Schools • Montgomery County, Maryland

InTroduCTIon and overvIewIntroduction to the Program.........................................................A View of Excellence..................................................................

desCrIPTIon by Grade LeveLsIXTH GradeCurriculum Summary..................................................................Scope and Sequence....................................................................

sevenTH GradeCurriculum Summary..................................................................Scope and Sequence....................................................................

eIGHTH GradeCurriculum Summary..................................................................Scope and Sequence....................................................................

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The Humanities and Communication Magnet Program is one of the centers of innovation in the highly regarded

Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland. The 2013-2014 academic year marks the twenty-seventh successful year of the magnet program. This highly creative and effective program for gifted children provides challenging learning opportunities in a three year program for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students within Eastern Middle School.

THE PROGRAMDesigned around a strong interdisciplinary humanities program, this magnet focuses on developing students’ ability to use language and media effectively to present results of their academic inquiry within the MCPS Program of Studies. Students work in a creatively charged, technology-rich environment in three areas of concentration: writing/litera-ture, media production, and world studies.

2 Introduction

The Humanities and Communication Magnet Program An Introduction to the Program

“The program gave me the sense that I could do anything I set my mind to.” Laila Aridi, Humanities Class of 1990 Eastern Middle School, “at the reunion” July 5, 1998

“In middle school the Magnet Program gave me the time to explore, challenged me to dream my own dreams, and provided me with the education to make those dreams come true.” Joel Neubauer, Humanities Class of 1995 Eastern Middle School, an interview conducted for Magnetic Attractions when he was a senior in high school (1998)

THE STAFFTeachers in the magnet program are selected for their strong academic backgrounds, outstanding teaching skills, and enthusiastic commitment to the concept of a humani-ties and communication magnet program. Their expertise is augmented by distinguished speakers, guest lecturers, local educational field trips, and the opportunity for na-tional and international travel.

THE CURRICULUM: SCOPE AND SEQUENCE This booklet illustrates a year of “scope and sequence” of the Humanities and Communication curriculum. Although this version of the current curriculum was compiled at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic year, it is a living document. Based on the MSDE and MCPS curriculum, the Humanities program extends and expands the general education program.

The sixth, seventh, and eighth grade magnet teachers are constantly seeking to enrich and refine the curriculum, develop original instructional units, create unique experi-ential projects, and incorporate into the program new and effective technology-based learning methods, teaching techniques, and instructional materials. All students in the magnet program enroll in a math and a science class appropriate to their academic ability, and all take a grade level physical education class.

Additionally, throughout their three years at Eastern, students have the opportunity to take foreign language classes, to enroll in a variety of arts or music courses, and to take other electives.

THE VISIONMastery of challenging information, exposure to new ideas, delight in learning, and the satisfaction of “I get it!” are integral to the instructional program. So too is sharing that knowledge with an audience in many different genres

and forms--publication, presentation, dramatizations, prose, poetry, fiction, exposition, seminars and debate to name representative samples. As teachers apply rigor-ous standards to student work, students develop their own high expectations for their academic achievement and learning standards which serve them in high school and in subsequent academic experiences. As part of the policy on gifted and talented education in the Montgomery County Public Schools, magnet programs create not only innovative curricula for highly able and motivated students but also provide opportu-nities for staff throughout the county and state to take advantage of program developments.

The Humanities and Communication Magnet staff pro-vide training locally and nationally, and they welcome visitors into their classrooms to discuss curriculum and the latest discoveries of “what works and how to make it happen.”

From its early days in the 1980’s, the Humanities and Communication Magnet Program led the way in Mont-gomery County with interdisciplinary team models, block schedules, interdisciplinary curriculum, and the use of technology as a tool for research and presentation. Today the program continues by developing, refining, and sharing with other educators, locally and nationally, techniques for creating strong integrated curriculum, outstanding educational field experiences, and product-centered instruction which extends beyond the walls of the classroom and into the community.

Teachers and students are a community of learners, and pride in excellence imbues the magnet program; excel-lence is a value students carry with them beyond their three years at Eastern Middle School.

Scope and Sequence 3

The Humanities and Communication Program is experiential and results-based. Real-world, hands-on projects use com-puter and media technology, which act as tutor and vehicle to enrich learning and to present the results of academic inquiry.

The program is filled with first-hand experiences: media production, field trips, expert guest speakers, theatre perfor-mances, museum visits, outdoor education, environmental treks, and a week-long learning experience in an East Coast city.

Following are a few pages from the Humanities and Communication Program’s scrapbook.

Students have an opportunity to learn and perform all of the skills involved in TV/vid-eo production--scripting, directing, sound engineering, mixing and editing, floor/stu-dio managing, lighting, camera operation, as well as on-camera hosting, reporting, and acting in and out of the studio.

A View of Excellence Scenes from the scrapbook

4 Scrapbook

The students of the Humanities and Communication Magnet learn professional techniques and processes in fully equipped TV/media studios. They have won prestigious national awards for socially aware documentaries; their productions appear regularly on local cable television.

If you ever despair of the quality of public education, ...stand at a lectern and field ques-tions from roughly 100 kids in the [sixth grade] Humanities and Com-munication Magnet program. Now that’s a pack of bright young people.”

Steve Twomey,columnistThe Washington Post

the medium is the message...

Scope and Sequence 5

8th grade students interviewing NBC host, Al Roker (September 2005)

6 Scrapbook

Magnet students go to the source. They meet distinguished people, conduct research, and apply and test theories learned in the class-room. Interviews with such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Stevie Wonder, John Glenn, Bob Dole, Bill Clinton, Tom Clancey, Vernon Jordan, Stone Phillips and Al Roker exemplify the rich experiences students glean in the extensions of the classroom instruction.

Appreciating the concept that students actually learn the complex and the living more easily than the simple and the general, the faculty provides students with a wealth of opportuni-ties to bring their studies to life.

unique opportunities...

Scope and Sequence 7

Students create products that reach beyond the walls of Eastern Middle School. They report, write, edit, and publish contributions to MCPS Cable, locally-and nationally-distributed print publications, and Eastern’s student-produced newspaper, and the Eastern web site and Ed-line.

...and reaching beyond the walls

8 Scrapbook

Eastern Students have won awardafter award in media production and writing.

Among them:

One of ten Presidential Environmental Youth Awards for documentaries on the Chesapeake Bay and “Trash, What a Waste,” on Mont-gomery County’s waste problem.

A coveted CINE award for the documentary, “If You Change Your Mind”-produced for and with a grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse--used for drug awareness education.

Recognition by the American Film Institute for 6th grade animation projects.

Numerous winners in the National History Day contest.

Annual winners in the Arena Stage’s Student Playwrights Project competition.

“She [my daughter]has learned muchfrom you. She has learned about writing and literature, of course, but, just as important, she has learned about integrity and perseverance and dig-nity... you have made a real difference in our lives.”

Ruth Powers,a magnet parent,in an end of the year note to her daughter’s Humanities English teacher

Scope and Sequence 9

6Sixth Grade

The sixth grade year in the Humanities and Communication Magnet Program consists of

four subjects: reading, writing, media, and world studies. The use of technology in research, writ-ing, and presentation is integrated into the curricu-lum using computers, the media/television studio, and the Global Access research hub in the media center, as well as many off-site field experiences.

READINGThe 6th grade reading class strives to build a community that learns together. Students read both assigned and self-selected texts purposefully and critically across many genres. The assigned texts have interdisciplinary ties to the world stud-ies curriculum including the elements of civilization and the Utopian ideal, the mythologies and histories of Ancient Greece and Rome, and an examination of ancient Chinese culture and the more recent Cultural Revolution. Students work on reading strategies to better understand what ques-tions a text is asking of them as well as what questions to ask of a text. Students develop their vocabulary through use of a text and in the context of the reading material. ENGLISH

The English class emphasizes writing in support of the study of literature and critical thinking. Hallmarks of the integrated workshop model include self-assessment and individual goal-setting, and opportunities for frequent response from teach-ers, parents, and peers. Students conduct research, and write creative, narrative, and expository pieces. Specific instruction in group dynamics, roles within a group, and appropriate group problem-solving occurs in English class and is practiced in all magnet classes. Group leadership is shared among several students since they have many small group events and assignments in their magnet middle school experience. In accordance with the MCPS policy on grading and reporting, students within groups are individually as-sessed.

Introduction & Overview

The creativity, scope, depth, and rigor of this

10 Sixth Grade

curriculum reflect the 6th grade teachers’ commitment to enlighten, challenge, and nurture.MEDIA

Media classes are hands-on, process-oriented, and product-based. Students explore a variety of media-related topics including creative dramatics, radio, film and animation, advertising, TV/video production, the history of communica-tion technology, and media literacy. One highlight of the year is the creation of student-produced episodes of an educational TV game show, the best of which air annually on the MCPS cable station. Experiences in media literacy are paramount as we challenge students to become savvy consumers of media and reflective communicators in a technology-rich, global society.

WORLD STUDIES

The Humanities program infuses the MCPS world studies curriculum with additional depth and rigor. Students engage in reflective thinking and decision-making as they participate in experiential activities such as historical simulations and de-bates. These activities and the research required of students in their preparation provide a rich foundation for further study in the social sciences and the humanities.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS/EVENTS

While studying these individual disciplines, the students examine several thematic strands that run through all their courses: the history of communication, the communication of history, and the role of the storyteller/historian. Major interdisciplinary units focus on in-depth studies of the his-torical, literary, and cultural heritage of Greece, Rome, and Asia, as well as utopian literature and societies. The Utopian unit examines works such as The Giver, by Lois Lowry, and a comparison of leadership roles in various societies in Water-ship Down.

“We can’t say enough about the benefits of the Humanities program for our son...He was challenged and motivated in all academic areas. He was nurtured and men-tored by a few special teachers...He formed an incredibly close-knit peer group comprised of a diverse group of grounded, talented, and very special kids.

It’s not clear which is stronger, the innova-tive curriculum or the fantastic faculty who deliver it...Eastern represents the best in public education in a democratic society...it represents the future of America.

former magnet program parent

A fully integrated interdisciplinary unit on Ancient Greece and Rome culminates in a Greco-Roman festival. Students dress in Greek or Roman costumes and portray historical and mythological characters.

A unit on Asia includes an exploration of Asian civilizations. A literary analysis of The Good Earth and Red Scarf Girl offer contrasting views of China. The first is a fictional account of China during the 1920’s; the second is an autobiogra-phy of a young girl who recounts her experience during the Cultural Revolution.

Numerous other connections among subjects are made dur-ing the year. Only a few highlights are presented here.

THE CURRICULUM: SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

The scope and sequence presented here was developed by the sixth-grade Humanities teachers prior to the 20 -201 school year and is intended as a work in progress. The topics, concepts, skills, and activities listed are neither fully definitive nor exhaustive. Research and development of the sixth-grade curriculum are ongoing as teachers take advan-tage of the availability of speakers, field trips, and other unique opportunities for enrichment with new technolo-gies, techniques, and materials.

Scope and Sequence 11

READING ENGLISH WORLD STUDIES

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS/CONCEPTS

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Gathering Blue

Examining Literary Genres

The Giver

Science Fiction/Utopia novels

Messenger

Fahrenheit 451

Reading log

Cultural Elements in literature

Research/writing on names

Significance of names in literature

Grammar, mechanics, usage

Genre study:Science fiction

Compare/contrast

Ambiguous endings

Critical analysis Allusions and Symolism Analysis of literary elements: theme & descriptive language

Vocabulary in context

Watership Down

Building a community of learners

Journal writing

Essay formats

Utopian conceptsHistorical utopiasCompare and contrastHero’s journeyPropagandaShort Stories “Harrison Bergeron” “The Veldt”Utopia & technologyAnimal FarmSuspension of disbelief

Utopian case study

Character speech

Writing process

Six traits of writing

Summarizing

Collaboration

Categorization

Elements of litera-ture

Similarities and differences

Writing to persuade

Informative writingorganization, support, connotation, denota-tion

Revision, editing, im-age analysis, research skills

Oral presentation

Elements of reasoning Satire

World Geography

Ancient patterns of settlement

Elements of culture

Elements of civilization

Sumer, Egypt, Indus River Valley

Economic, social, and political systems

Utopian concepts

Elements of ancient Egyptian civilization

12 Sixth Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Collaboration skills

Presentation skills

Paragraph writing

Grammar skills

Goal setting

Time management

Group dynamics

Peer-reviewNote-takingOutliningECR writingResearch skillsSocratic seminarVocabulary buildingGrammar

Peer reviewEditingRevisionVocabulary buildingGrammar

WORLD STUDIES (Cont’d) MEDIA

TOPICSSKILLS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

PRODUCTS & EVENTS

* SUBjECT AREA Of PRODUCT, EVENT, OR fIELD TRIP: ID=Interdisciplinary, R=Reading, E=English, WS=World Studies, M=Media

Construct and interpret graphs, charts, databases, and thematic maps using map elements

Analyze geographic charac-teristics that influence location of human activities

Analyze population growth and settlement patterns

Research

Identifying sources

Crediting sources

Note-taking

Organizing notes

Oral Presentation- volume- eye contact

ID rights andresponsibilities

Me & Media

The Media Time line

History of Communication

The Printing Press

The Newspaper

Animation

Team building

Brainstorming

Problem-solving

Creativity and imagery

Listening

Storytelling

Historical perspective of the impact of media on society/in-dividuals

How newspapers operate

Pre-production(Scripting, storyboardingart development)

Journal entries *(ID)Learning modalities (M)Me and Media CD case (M)Model Classroom (E)Personal flag (WS)Personal stories (M)Naming ceremony (ID/R)Analytical essay (WS)Sumer simulation (WS)Code of Hammurabi (WS)simulation

Team Building at Smith Center (ID)

Naming Ceremony (R)Egypt research project (WS)Journal entries (ID)Print Ad (M)Perfect Classroom (E)Reading Reflections (R)Short Story (R)Utopia Conference (ID)

Russian Research (E)Journal entries (R)Writing pieces (R/E)Zoetrope, flip book, (M)film and computer animationAnimation Design (M)

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 13

ALL SUBJECTS

fIELD TRIPS

READING ENGLISH WORLD STUDIES

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS/CONCEPTS

DECEMBER

jANUARY

fEBRUARY Relationship between the Han Dynasty and the Silk Road

Exchange of goods be-tween China, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe

Fahrenheit 451 cont. Sitcoms as reflection of a changing society in America

Red Scarf Girl

Read to understand culture

Greek mythology

Writing for entertain-ment

Children’s Homer

Modern interpretations of Greek mythology

Greek mythology

Symbolic representations of characters

Expository writing

Comparative short story analysis

Narrative structures

Elements of reasoning

Oratory

Research skills

Characteristics of the epic

Hero archetypes

Language of literary analysis

Annotation

The impact of econom-ics: Change and continu-ity in China

Fundamentals of eco-nomic principals

Geographic characteris-tics of China

Regional differences and geographic impact on culture

Shang an Zhou dynas-ties, concept of the Mandate of Heaven, dynastic cycle

Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism

Chinese philosophies and their relationship to political systems

The Silk Road expands China’s economy

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

14 Sixth Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Research/organization skills

Collaboration skills

Vocabulary building

Grammar

Vocabulary building

Grammar

Vocabulary building

Grammar

WORLD STUDIES (Cont’d) MEDIA

TOPICSSKILLS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

Examine: scarcity, organi-zation for production and distribution, interdepen-dence, and role of resource allocation

Map reading

Comparison/contrast

Citation of research sources

Animation (cont’d)

Advertising

Advertising (cont’d)

Production/post production: visual editing, sound editing

Types of advertising

Creating an ad

“3 minute Myths” (R/E)

Journal entries (R)

Writing pieces (R/E)

Book review (R)

Advertisements (M)

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 15

ALL SUBJECTS

READING ENGLISH WORLD STUDIES

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS/CONCEPTS

MARCH

Our Town

Inherit the Wind

APRIL

MAY/jUNEEnd of year reflec-tion

Acting, casting, directing, staging

Rehearsal process,performance skills,teamwork

Asian short stories

Greek mythology

Greek mythology (cont’d)

Greek theater

Play Structure

Greek Myths

Twelfth Night

Literary discussion skills

Novel to film

Cultural comparisons

Elements of Ancient Greek culture

Exposition - mythology

Summarizing

Note-taking

Character developmentElements of Ancient Greek culture (cont’d)Presentation skillsCollaboration Internet researchNewspaper creation

Analysis and RecitationVocabulary DevelopmentShakespeare's Life and TimesDrama SkillsDifferent ways to set the same play

Chinese poetry

Compare and contrast

Discussion formats

Red Scarf Girl

Chinese philosophers

Narrative writing

Poetry

Playwriting conventions

Socratic seminar

Using literature tounderstand culture

Performance skills

Close reading

Diction analysis

Geographic characteriza-tions of Greece: Athens and Sparta

Citizenship in Athens and Sparta

Describe the decline of prosperity and governance of Athens and Sparta

Disunity with and among city-states

Rise of the Roman Re-public

Describe how geographic features of Italy led to expansion of trade routes and rise of RomeUnifying the expanding Roman Empire

Concept of citizenshipin the Roman Empire

Public services (roads, aqueducts, etc.)

How Rome Evolved from Republic to Empire

Decline of the Roman Empire

Cultural systems past and present

Cultural synthesis of the world today

Cultures in the first mil-lennium

Cultures in 2000 CE

Cultural conflicts in mod-ern society

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

16 Sixth Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Vocabulary building

Grammar

Vocabulary building

Grammar

Vocabulary building

Grammar

Collaboration

WORLD STUDIES (Cont’d) MEDIA

TOPICSSKILLS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

Examine the relationship between culture and social and economic systems Define and identify seen and unseen aspects of culture

Apply the essential question--

“How do political, economic, and social systems continuously influence the culture of a region?”

Map reading

Comparison/contrast

Citation of research sources

Radio

Television

TV Game Show

Historical perspective

Audio production

Identification/use of audio production equipment

Create a class radio showIntroduction to radio

Vocal qualities

ConceptTreatmentFormatCharacterizationScriptingVoice and movementShot compositionCamera movementsStoryboardingCooperative learningComputer graphics

Application of production-process skills

Creation of educational TV show

Roles and responsibilities

Creativity

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Philosopher letter (WS)

Book review (E)Class radio show (M)Radio ad and segment (M)

Socratic seminar (WS)

Greek and Roman (ID)Wax Museum

Dynasty research (ID)project

Costume design (M)

Sackler Freer/Chinatown

Game shows (M)

One act play festival (R/E)

Culture research (WS)project

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 17

ALL SUBJECTS

7The seventh grade year in the Humanities and

Communication Magnet consists of three subjects: English, world studies, and media. Sci-ence and mathematics also are represented on and integrated with the seventh grade Humanities team. The use of technology in research, multimedia pre-sentation, and television production is integrated into the curriculum using the computer lab, the media/television studio, and classroom computers.

ENGLISH

Seventh Grade English class provides students with a deepening understanding of literary themes, genre, and styles. We begin the year with literature which supports the interdisciplinary study of Europe at the time of World War I and World War II. A study All Quiet on the Western Front in English and World Stud-ies exemplifies the nature of the seventh grade magnet program. Such interdisciplinary instruction is the cornerstone of our program. As the year progresses, literature study spans many years and several cultures, focusing on major literary texts and authors, poets, and playwrights.

Seventh grade English also affords students the unique oppor-tunity to conduct an in-depth study of a self selected topic that they research at the University of Maryland’s McKeldin Library. The interdisciplinary research paper (IDRP) is a signature proj-ect in seventh grade. The process allows students to develop research skills that are imperative for scholarly level research. At the end of this project, all seventh grade students will have the tools needed to conduct original research in support of a well defined thesis statement.

MEDIA

Media class uses a hands-on approach to further the develop-ment of skills introduced in the 6th grade such as script writing, media literacy, and television production.

Media class includes the production of a half-hour interview show, Personal Profiles, in which students interview a guest of their choice and practice each of the production positions such as director, audio engineer, and technical director.

Seventh Grade

Introduction & Overview

Understanding that students learn the complex

18 Seventh Grade

“Three things are be-ing asked of [magnet] students. One, greater responsibility for their own learning. Two, more time analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating. And three, to understand that the skills they learn in writing also apply in science or art, for example, and con-tribute to a mutually satisfying learning experience.”

Virginia Tucker,former Humanities Program Coordinator in an interview with the Gazette newspapers

WORLD STUDIESThe Humanities Program infuses the MCPS world stud-ies curriculum with additional depth and rigor. Students study the geography and history of Europe, Africa, and the Americas focusing on the philosophical/religious founda-tions of these cultures, using primary sources wherever possible. Parallel, literature-based units in English and world studies focus on World War I, World War II, Latin America, Africa, and the Medieval and Renaissance Eu-rope. Field trips to museums and culturally rich areas of the city add to the world studies experience.

SCIENCEThe goals of the science program are to create scientifically literate students, make connections between science and real life, foster an interest in science, and teach students the skills to teach themselves. The seventh grade curricu-lum examines the scientific principles which serve as the basis for the study of life. Lively and demanding projects enhance students’ enjoyment and knowledge of science.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS/EVENTS

The seventh grade team offers students opportunities to bring their studies to life. Throughout the year, students often work on projects which join two or more disciplines. One of the most anticipated is the Shakespeare production in which students study Renaissance history in world stud-ies, television production in media, and a Shakespearean play in English.

Another opportunity to understand complex ideas in the context of historical time periods occurs in the Living History unit. Here, English and world studies combine for several weeks to bring to life a selected episode in history e.g. World War I, the Middle Ages, or Russia: 1917.

Africafest is the project which brings cultures of Africa to life in the classroom. Students choose or are assigned roles in these dramas, and then determine from research what their characters cared about and believed in, what they did in response to economic or political pressure, even what they wore, and how they lived. They then transform the class-rooms into their time periods by creating sets and costumes. In the final presentation, they express their characters’ ideas through position papers, time lines, persuasive speeches, and narrative episodes. The Interdisciplinary Research Paper gives students an op-portunity to choose a topic to research in depth, learn to write clearly and appealingly, and then to collaborate with others as they develop research papers into projects presented at local, state, and national competition for National History Day.

and the living more easily than the simple and general, the 7th grade team brings curricula to life.

Scope and Sequence 19

ENGLISH

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

MEDIA WORLD STUDIES

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

All Quiet On the Western Front

WWI Poetry

Introduction to Inter-disciplinary Research Paper (IDRP)

Portfolios and Journals

Six traits of writing

IDRPResearch cardsExpository writing HolocaustAll But My Life and “All My Sons”

IDRP rough draft and outlines

African folklore storytelling, poetry, art, and music

Cry, the Beloved Country

Editing and Revising

IDRP final draft

Latin American literature

Expository and Literary Analysis essay

Write an expository essay effectively using the six traits of writing

Write about All Quiet on the Western Front and WWI poetry

Research IDRP topic and create bibliography and resource cards

Organize research

Write IDRP rough draft and outline

Africa perfor-mances and persuasive essay

Write final draft of IDRP

Portfolio

Conference/Evaluation

Aesthetics of presentation

Communication model

Film Analysis

Architecture

Speech

Portrayal of minorities in the media

Students design a hand-out that complements their presentation of an assigned, research topic Group constructed communication model that shows the elements of communication and how they relate Dialectical Montage exerciseCompare and contrast work that is expressed in both literature and films

Propose memorial designs to the Mary-land-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Write an original suspenseful tale that is presented in class

Students create a multime-dia presentation that details their findings

WWI: nationalism, industrialism, colonialism

All Quiet on the Western Front

Five themes of geography

Cultural identity, historical and contempo-rary perspectives

WWII - key events and turning point, propaganda, anti-Semitism, abuse of power, and techno-logical advances

The Moon is Down

Cultural diffusion in Africa: politi-cal systems, tribal traditions, and oral history

Things Fall Apart

Anti-apartheid movement

Case studies from Latin America National History Day preparation

Latin America: land, labor, and exploitation

IDRP thesis

Socratic Seminar

Graphic layout of political structure and global pow-ers in 1939

Africafest

IDRP completed

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

20 Seventh Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Develop research and note-taking strategies

Implement time and calendar management strategies

Practice critical thinking and reading by analyzing text for multiple perspectives

Self and peer evaluation

Define and develop personal and social role in group projects: responsibility and respect

Research, categorize, and evalu-ate evidence for understanding of history, culture, and relationships

Role playProblem SolvingCritical thinking

Read, respond to, and write about culture that is reflected in literature/short stories

Develop diplomatic perspective and negotiation strategies through evaluation of evidence

Use public speaking

Apply abstract thinking

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

IM ALGEBRA I TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS ALL SUBJECTS

MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

Statistical Applications: SamplingData AnalysisStatistical MeasuresSurvey Project

Set Theory:Intro to set theory & venn diagramsNumber lines & rostersProbability using venn diagramsVenn diagrams and number systems Real Number Systems: Mathematical propertiesRational numbersPowers and exponents

Real Number Systems: Powers of tenRoots and powersRatios and proportional reasoning

One variable equations and inequalities Solve open sentences

Recognize, formulate and solve open sentences modeling real world situations

Linear functions Construct scatter plots & best fit lines Write linear equations Relate slope and intercept with transformations Use graphing calculators and computers

Linear equations and inequalities in two variables

Systems of equations and inequalities

Observations

Scientific method

Metrics

Light and sound

Seasons--

Sun EarthSolar system

Cells/organelles

Microscopes

Details, application and design

Convert SI units

Waves

Energy

Transference

Earth - space relationships

Cellular structure and analogies

Operate microscope

Metrics mania (S)

Spreadsheets, graphs (X)

Choose IDRP Topic (ID)

Chaucerfeast (E)

IDRP Research Cards (ID)

Socratic Seminar: (WS)All Quiet on the Western Front

Create musical (S)instruments

Socratic Seminar: (WS)Things Fall Apart

“Eggsperiment” (S)

Microscope labs (S)

Africafest (ID)

Newseum

McKeldin Library

Holocaust Museum

National Gallery of Art (East Gallery)

African Art Museum

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 21* SUBjECT AREA Of PRODUCT, EVENT, OR fIELD TRIP: ID=Interdisciplinary, E=English, M=Media, WS=World Studies, X=Mathematics, S=Science

ENGLISH

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

MEDIA WORLD STUDIES

jANUARY

fEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

Latin American short stories

Magic Realism

Analysis of Latin American authors

Middle AgesThe Canterbury Tales

Intro to Drama, play-writing, dramatic structure, and acting terminology

Shakespeare

Introduction, history, of Globe Theatre and world impact

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Creative writing: short story

One Act Play Festival

Art and culture

Animation

Television Production

Students tell a story through shape and shading

Students will examine the problem of bullying through research, class readings, discussions, play acting, and journal reflections.

Students will work in groups as a production team to produce cel animated public service announcements

Continuation of animation production

Profiles storyboard, research and confirmation of a guest

Middle Ages

Feudalism: control of land and power

Development of nationalism throughout the Middle Ages

Economics: introduction to key terms and vocabu-lary

Renaissance and the Age of Exploration

A symposium on the impact of explora-tion, colonialism and imperialism on indigenous people of the Americas The Motorcycle Diaries

Milagro Bean Field War

Latin America historical outline

Icons Economics Simulation(cont’d)

Eastern’s National History Day competition

Demonstrate ex-pertise of research topic through display, documen-tary, performance, or web site

Research paper on “Age of Enlighten-ment and Reason”

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

22 Seventh Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Students weigh benefits and drawbacks of group projects

Research and expository writing

Public speaking Analyze multiple sources and explore historical interpreta-tion and multiple perspectives

Teamwork and leadership skills

Community Outreach

Public speaking

Integrate technology in research: overcome technol-ogy fears

Technology and media skills

Performance presentation

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

IM ALGEBRA I TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS ALL SUBJECTS

MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

Geometry: Congruency v. similarityConstructionsAnglesPythagorean theoremVolumeSurface area

Patterns, Relations, and Functions: Patterns and sequenceRelationsFunctionsApplications

The Language of Algebra: Combine like termsLinear functionsRate of changeDirect and inverse variation

Lines of Fit: EquationsInequalitiesLiteral equations

Review

Semester Exam 1A

Data analysis and probability

Exponents and polynomials

Quadratic functions:Identify zeros from a graph; Solve the cor-responding equation; Identify transformations of quad. functions;Connect real world & quad. equations

Mitosis

Meiosis

Hereditary material

Genetics/Pedigrees

Disease

Viruses

Bacteria

Differentiate mitosis and meiosis

DNA/RNAMetacognitionGenes (dominance/recessiveness)

Survey distinguishing characteristics

Formulate theories for adaptations

Relate structure, func-tion, habitat

Fuse science concepts into a written and illustrated piece

Pedigrees, punnett squares, karyotype

Replication/mutations

Benefits vs. harmful effects (bacteria)

Ubiquity of bacteria

Defend position (viruses living?)

Microorganism cartoon (S)

Animal cube (ID)

Biography of (WS)Renaissance characters

Human Genomics Van (S) DNA model (S)

One Act Play (E)Festival

Eastern National (WS)History Day

Travel Writing (E)

Regional (WS)History Day

One Act Plays (E)

Paper pet project (S)

Disease project (S)

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 23

American Indian Museum

National Cathedral

MAY

jUNE

ENGLISH

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

MEDIA WORLD STUDIES

Student-selected Shakespeare performance

Multicultural literature - Immigration and family relationships

Multicultural literature (cont’d)

Poetry and creative writing

Portfolios

Shakespeare performance

Portfolio exhibition and final evaluation

“Personal Profiles” production

Students will rotate through each of the production positions to produce a thirty minute live-to-tape interview show that each student has an opportunity to host with the guest of their choice.

Continuation of television production

Continue study of European transition from Renaissance to 1900

Revisit Globaliza-tion and U.S. influ-ence

Middle Ages and Renaissance fair

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

24 Seventh Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Interpersonal skills developed, speaking with adults

Class diplomacy

Group work

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

IM ALGEBRA I TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS ALL SUBJECTS

MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

Other OperationalSystems:

Modular arithmeticBases

Other functions:Become familiar with dif-ferent formats for functions- graph, a written rule or f(x) notation

Different functions in real world problems; including exponential, absolute value and rational HSA - High School Assessment

Food energy pyramids

Probability:

OutcomesPermutation v. combinationOddsSimulations

Review for semester exam

Final Semester 1B Exam

Biogeochemical cycles

Biomes

Shakespeare plays (ID)

Computer (W/S)Simulation: Latin America

Living History (ID)presentation

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 25

AFI - Final Conference

National Monuments

8 US HISTORYStudents explore early US History from the development of America as a nation of immigrants through the various eras to the American Civil War and Reconstruction. They go beyond studying our history – they experience it and then develop ways to apply those experiences to past and more recent historical events. For example, students re-create the Constitutional Convention of 1787 taking on the roles of the participating characters following the standards of parliamentary procedure. As they develop their powers of observation, research, description, and analysis, students learn to empathize with different people in different situa-tions. In culminating activities, they then must substanti-ate their conclusions or solutions through written or oral presentations. AMERICAN LITERATURE IThe study of American Literature at the 8th grade level melds writing with the intensive, analytical study of litera-ture. Texts cover a broad scope of topics. America’s finest writings are a reflection of Western European culture, val-ues, and style. The study continues with an examination of primary source documents to introduce our political writ-ing. The literature of the 19th century establishes Ameri-ca’s literary independence with the birth of the Romantics and the struggles faced by freed blacks after the American Civil War. Teachers encourage students to focus on per-ceiving, understanding, synthesizing, and interpreting. Throughout the year, students work to further master skills related to research writing, reflective journaling, persuasive writing, expressive writing, poetry writing, analytical/inter-pretive writing, and writing for publication.

The eighth grade year includes a core of United States History, American Literature, and

media courses with study in integrated math and science classes, creating a fully interdisciplinary ap-proach. Elective opportunities are available, includ-ing foreign language and music classes. Courses implement current technology by utilizing resources in computer labs, the media/television studio, and the Global Access research hub in the

media center and the classroom.

Building upon skills developed in 6th and 7th grades,

26 Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade

Introduction & Overview

8th grade students examine the human experience firsthand from multiple perspectives.

MEDIAStudents launch the eighth grade year with an intense field production unit. These teams gather video footage at a va-riety of key locations. Student teams hone production and editing skills throughout the year as they work together to create an informative video and “The Great Debate” televi-sion show. In addition, students address a variety of topics throughout the year, including performance and presenta-tion and creating multimedia. Students address issues of graphic design, communication of message, technical production, as well as media and visual literacy. INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS/EVENTSStudents examine perspectives of the human experience throughout history as they delve into the individual dis-ciplines as writers, researchers, and communicators. The year begins with a fully integrated field study of an East Coast city. An interdisciplinary analysis immerses students in the process of interpreting characterization and historical events. Throughout the learning experience, the city comes alive as students analyze the urban metropolis through personal, historical, and literary experience. Students learn that the city has always been and continues to be a cultural and historical center of the United States.An in-depth analysis of antebellum America becomes a learning experience designed to encourage students to wres-tle with the implications of the time immediately preceding the Civil War. To prepare for this event, students read and evaluate the texts Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and various primary source ma-terials. Their analysis provides an opportunity for students to further develop skills of logic and reason in relation to historical and literary perspectives throughout time.

FINAL CONFERENCEThe final interdisciplinary highlight of the year is a stu-dent-developed conference: Final Conference. Students work intensively in their history, literature, math, sci-ence, and media classes to prepare for this event. In all classes, students pose questions, develop theses, conduct research, analyze data, and create original presentations that revolve around the intricacies of a contemporary issue in a historical and modern-day context. Guided by their teachers, a student leadership group is respon-sible for planning, organizing, and promoting the all-day conference.Interdisciplinary units that take place throughout the year include the Great Debate, the Constitutional Convention, and the creation of original storybooks. THE CURRICULUM: SCOPE AND SEQUENCEThe scope and sequence presented here was developed by the eighth-grade Humanities teachers prior to the 2013-2014 school year and is intended as a work in prog-ress. The topics, concepts, skills, and activities listed are neither fully definitive nor exhaustive.While the eighth grade year is built upon the academic themes that thread throughout the program, we also work to lead and challenge the students in terms of their academic skills in preparation for high school and in their leadership and collaboration skills. The full scope and sequence of the year reflects the teachers’ dedication to the academic development, stimulation, and foster-ing of the students’ abilities and potential. We work as an instructional team guiding students to see their ac-complishments not as conclusions but as building blocks from which to seek higher challenges.

Scope and Sequence 27

“A significant rea-son I love my job is that the teach-ers, students, and larger community of Eastern Middle School share an underlying belief that drives our work: that high academic achieve-ment is a worthy goal, that it is not, nor should be easy, and that the delight that true accomplishment brings serves the individual and the larger academic community. Yes, this is hard work, but it is great fun as well! And once accomplished, the student may look back and say, ‘Yes, I did earn that achievement!’ Teachers and students bring this belief to life.”

-- Brigid Hagarty, former Humanities and Communication Magnet Program Coordinator

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

AMERICAN LITERATURE

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

MEDIA US HISTORY

Poetry

Preparation for the interdisciplinary urban study trip

Poetry continued

The Crucible

Puritan writing

Constitutional Convention(w/ History)

Common SenseThomas Paine

Descriptive writing

Narrative writing and text

Figurative language, format, imagery, novel conventions, and poetic devices

Critical interpretation

Vocabulary, etymology, grammar,

Writing as a mode to convey experience

Historical fiction as a reflection of society

Interdisciplinary unit with Media

Writing and speaking to persuade

Examination of change as exemplified by 19th century es-sayists, novelists, and activities

Research using pri-mary sources

ID unit with US History: Role play, character devel-opment

Media perspec-tives

The art of interview for storytelling

Field production

The art of the pitch

Post-production

Editing

Studio production

Editing

Post-production

Television Pre-production

Performance techniques

Expectations, brain-storming, interviewing techniques, research skills

Camcorder skills, shot composition, teamwork

Leadership, letter-writing,

ENG production

Working as a produc-tion team, ENG production, critiquing footage

Edit techniques, dubbing, logging, transcribing

Reviewing studio jobs,writing a resume/cover letter, debate topic selection

Script-writing, rehearsal process, studio production roles and skills, set design

Voice quality, gesture, script analysis, speaking to an audience, persuasive speech

Historiography

A Nation of Immigrants - Annapolis Field Trip

Early Urban America (Cul-minating with educational field trip)

Colonization

The Age of Revolutions

Distinguish between immigration and emigration causes

Identify family history and the various nationalities that settled America

Examine America’s immigrant tradition

Determine how urban areas continually change

Assess European exploration and colonization of Americas and effect on native peoples Evaluate long-term and short-term causes of the American Revolution Consider historical events from various perspectives Assess how America’s revolutionary ideas were implemented in France and Latin America

1787 Constitutional Convention simulation--ID unit with English(research, debate, collaborate, and compro-mise pursuant to parliamen-tary procedures)

Washington’s presidency

Other early U.S. leaders

Political precedents

Forming the United States Government

Solidifying the New Republic

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

28 Eighth Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Critical reading and interpretation

Research

Informal presentation

Time management

Collaboration with peers

Identifying and creating goals

Expressive writing

Critical reading and interpretation

Time management

Organization

Persuasion

Reflective journaling

Research

Note-taking

Time management

Public speaking

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

HONORS GEOMETRY ALGEBRA TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS ALL SUBJECTS

MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

Foundations of Geometry

Points, lines & planes

Construct/draw geometric figures using various tools

Construct transforma-tions using compass and straight edge

Reasoning in Geometry

Use inductive/deductive reasoning in flow charts, two column and paragraph proofs

Polygons

Analyze properties of polygons

Identify/verify properties using slope, distance, and midpoint formulas

Write transformations in algebraic form

Equations and Inequalities in a Single Variable

Solve linear equations/inequalities (including absolute value problems)

Describe solutions using numbers, symbols, graphs

Real World contexts (throughout year)

Introduction to Functions

Write/graph linear equations

Relate slope and intercept with transformations

Use graphing calculators and computers

Linear Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables

Direct variation

Write and apply the Line and Curve of Best Fit

Weather Unit Cloud Identification

Journal during trip

Meteorology:Natural disasters

Analysis and interpretation of data

Meteorology (cont’d)

Use of models to predict weather

Solutions/mixtures Gather, analyze, and interpret data

ENG shoot (M)

Constitutional (E/H)Convention

Interdisciplinary Urban Field Trip (ID)

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 29* SUBjECT AREA Of PRODUCT, EVENT, OR fIELD TRIP: ID=Interdisciplinary, E=English, M=Media, H=History, X=Mathematics, S=Science

DECEMBER

jANUARY

fEBRUARY

MARCH

AMERICAN LITERATURE

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

MEDIA US HISTORY

The Great Debate Enlightenment(w/ US History)

ID Unit w/ Media

Analyzing great speeches in history

Interpreting classic elements of argument

(pathos, logos, and ethos)

William and Mary“Threads of Change”

Literary Thesis paper

Begin Final Conference projects

Examination of yearly themes as exemplified by 19th century essayists, novelists, and activists

History as an influence on literature

Use of literary elements

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Evaluating elements of historical fiction

Determine historical fiction’s validity and social impact

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Style and voice

Realism

Interview skills

Intro to television production

The Great Debate

Intro to Individual Media Project

Print Media Storytelling

IMP: Review by self and peer

Studio production (cont’d)

Print Media (cont’d)

IMP: Creating Media for Exhibition

Set design/ construction, studio production

Television production

Creating personally significant work, writing

Bookmaking, illustration, layout

Assessment and meeting time frame

Roll-in concepts, timing, teamwork

Plan for IMP exhibition

Developing into a Nation (early 1800’s)

War of 1812

A Rapidly Changing Cul-tural Landscape

Westward expansion

Culminating ID Unit: Final Conference preparation(History/Media/ Literature)

Causes of the Civil War

Civil War

Contrast Jefferson’s and Hamilton’s competing philosophies

Explain the emergence of American national-ism

Compose a research paper on a chosen Jacksonian era topic about a paradoxical aspect of America’s growth

Determine historical causes and effects; Compare & contrast historical eras

Collaborate with peers to create an interdisciplinary analysis of yearly themes (Final Conference)

Reconstruct moral, economic and political ten-sions that led to Civil War

Examine motivations for and consequences of individual actions

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

30 Eighth Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Critical reading and interpretation skills

Presentation

Public speaking

Research

Analytical thinking skills

Critical interpretation skills

Time management

Research

Note-taking

Critical reading and writing

Presentation

Collaboration with peersIdentifying and creating goalsTime managementOrganizationResearchAnalytical writing

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

HONORS GEOMETRY ALGEBRA TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS ALL SUBJECTS

MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

Congruence

Continue analysis of polygons

Use transformations to demonstrate properties involving congruence, similarity and symmetry

Identify congruent and similar figures and verify using deduc-tive reasoning

Review for Exam

Indirect Measurement

Apply right-triangle to trigonometry; special right triangles; Geometric mean Use measurement to calculate and compare two and three dimensional figures and their parts

Systems of Equations and Inequalities

Describe the solutions to equations and inequalities

Describe the graph of a system of linear relationships

Review for Exam

Data Analysis and Probability Matrices

Design an investigation describing the method of data collection and justifying Bias, simple random sampling, central tendency, variability; Communication about use/misuse of Statistics

Continuation of Data Analysis and ProbabilityBegin exponents & polynomials;

Operations on algebraic expressions; Simplification using the laws of exponents; Polynomials, +, -, x, and divi-sion of polynomial factoring

Continue exponents and polynomials

Three Dimensional Geometry and Measurement

Represent and analyze geometric solids and spheres

Description of solids rotated about a line

Similarity applied to area/volume

Similarity

Reflections, rotations, translations and dilations

Similarity applied to parts, area, volume and indirect measurements

Chemical + physical reactions

Law of Conservation of Matter

The Great Debate (E/M)

Chemistry (cont’d)

Chemistry

Earth’s history

Geology

Design of scientific experiment

Analyze, interpret, communicate data

Individual Media Project (IMP) (M)

Storybook project (M)

IMP (cont’d) (M)

IMP (cont’d) (M)

2009 - 2010 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Scope and Sequence 31

APRIL

MAY

jUNE

AMERICAN LITERATURE

TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS

MEDIA US HISTORY

Civil War Era documents

The Secret Life of Bees

Final Conference

Analysis of his-torical fiction and primary source documents

Voice and perspec-tive

Elements of historical fiction

Civil Rights stories

Oral presentation and written and media supportiing exhibits

Documentary Studies: Remembering History Through Media

Documentary Studies(cont’d)

IMP: sharing work

Arts Alive

Analysis of historical films/photos

Locating and using primary source materials to create media

Synthesis/summary of year’s themes

Civil War(cont’d)

(includes the Civil War field trip)

Reconstruction

Reconstruction(cont’d)

Explain what enabled the north to win the war

Determine how the pur-pose of the war changed over time

Explain Reconstruction policies, reasons and effects

Present a Final Conference to peers, teachers, MCPS staff, parents and fam-ily, and community guests.

HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION MAGNET PROGRAM

32 Eighth Grade

INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC SKILLS

Analytical thinking skills

Research organization

Collaboration with peers

Leadership skills

Critical reading and

Personal reflection

Organization of notes

Studying skills

Leadership skills

Collaboration with peers

Compromise

Time management

Analysis and synthesis of research

Public speaking

PRODUCTS & EVENTS fIELD TRIPS

HONORS GEOMETRY ALGEBRA TOPICS SKILLS/CONCEPTS ALL SUBJECTS

MATHEMATICS SCIENCE

CirclesAnalyze parts of circles including radius, diameter, chord, tangent, secant, central/inscribed angle, inscribed and circumscribed; Locus of points in two and three dimensions; Arc length and areas of segment and sectors

Trigonometry

Law of Sines & Law of Cosines

Sine, cosine and tangent for a rotational angle on the unit circle

Vector addition

Review for exam

Begin Quadratic & Exponential FunctionsProperties of quadratic and exponential functionsDescribe graphs of non-lin-ear functions and discuss appearanceCompare and contrast the properties of functions

Continuation of quadratic and exponential functions

Algebra HSA

Review for exam

Rock cycle

Geology

Minerals/rocks, soil, weathering & erosion

Geology (cont’d)

earthquakes and volcanoes

Plate tectonics/earthquakes

Use of scientific method and testing to identify and classify rocks and minerals

Analysis and interpre-tation of scientific data

Design of scientific experiments

Conducting scientific research

Synthesis of experimental data

Use of models to communicate information

Print media presentation at Oakview ES (M)

IMP Exhibit (M)

ID Culminating (ID)Conference

Civil War (E/H)field trip

View the movie "Glory"

Scope and Sequence 33