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Friday, November 21, 2008
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| Lower Elementary School (K-2)
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Kindergarten Curriculum
The Sonoran Science Academy Kindergarten curriculum has a few main objectives: to develop a positive attitude about school and learning, to develop pre-reading skills and sound out simple words; to organize thought into logical patterns; to develop motor coordination; and to foster growth of the student's self-esteem. Each child deserves a good beginning, and that is what our Kindergarten program is designed to provide. We use the Saxon Phonics, Spelling and Mathematics program in our Kindergarten class.
The Saxon Phonics and Spelling program incorporates the major language skills of print awareness, phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, spelling, comprehension, vocabulary development, handwriting, and oral communication/listening/speaking. Students are given the opportunity to learn by participating in hands-on activities. The students are instructed in a variety of different methods designed to appeal to their individual learning style. There is whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction for all students. The Language Arts curriculum is integrated with all areas of academic study.
The Saxon Mathematics program focuses on number skills, geometry skills, and other skills. Creative toys, games, and manipulative are used to teach measuring, counting, sorting, beginning addition and subtraction, time, and money.
The Social Studies and Science programs are integrated with Language Arts through thematic units. The animal kingdom, universe, fossils, the body, and dinosaurs are among the topics explored. Hands-on experiments and discovery help students explore natural and physical science. Field trips, computer programs, and videos enrich the program.
Art, Music, and Drama: The children's experiences in art, music, and drama are integrated with Social Studies and Language Arts. Rhymes, singing, games, song recognition, and listening to short musical masterpieces are part of the Kindergartener’s musical experience. They are introduced to Sign language through games and songs. Children have the opportunity to express themselves through dramatic play in the classroom. Learning centers are used to strengthen math, science, social studies, and language skills. The children are given unstructured playtime to develop their imagination as well as their social skills. Students also enjoy one period a week with our school Art teacher, Mrs. O’hair. In music, students will learn simple music concepts, such as how to keep a beat, high and low sounds, etc. Concepts will be conveyed with singing, dancing, and playing simple percussion instruments.
In order to promote strength, endurance and flexibility, Physical Education will be integrated into the school day. Focus will be placed on skills, games and sportsmanship
Computer Skills: Basic computer skills are taught; including an introduction to the internet, parts of the computer operating system, and parts/functions of the computer. Computer skills are reinforced through a variety of Math, Science, and Phonics programs.
The Kindergarten children will come once a week to hear stories. Most of the stories will be stories that used to be read to children at home and form part of the cultural and literature knowledge of the United States. Some of the stories will deal with holidays or theme days like Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day.
Children will learn the parts of a book. They will learn the rules of a library and the care of books they borrow. They will learn to turn pages in such a way that they do not tear or wrinkle the pages.
They will learn to be a good listener and be able to answer questions about the story After story time, the children will choose a book to take back to class for a weeks time. They will learn to be responsible to return the book to the library.
First Grade Curriculum
First Grade curriculum is based on the Arizona State Curriculum Guidelines for First Grade Students. All materials presented can be referenced within the state standards. Students are given the opportunity to learn by participating in a wide variety of activities that are ageappropriate and academically challenging. Instruction draws upon individual learning styles through regular use of “Total Physical Response” routines of multi-sensory participation. There is whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction for all students. Instruction is individualized for students with different levels in both Language Arts and Mathematics, although all students should have a working Sight Word reading vocabulary and be able to perform at least Level 1 in Mathematics. First grade students are given the opportunity to be challenged as scholars and leaders within the classroom community.
The Language Arts Program equips students to communicate effectively in their schools and in the community. Students are instructed in Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking, and Viewing & Presenting. The Language Arts curriculum is integrated with all areas of academic study. Students are expected to read, write, and present material in Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Fine Arts. The curriculum combines components of Saxon Phonics and Whole Language Instruction. Students learn basic sound combinations & word families, syllabication techniques, and language structure. Emphasis is placed on comprehension and fluency once students have become proficient Level 1 Readers and students enjoy a library science program once a week.
The Saxon Mathematics and Technology Program not only meets but exceeds the
Arizona State curriculum guidelines for Grade 1. The curriculum includes data analysis,
graphing, logic, patterns, algebra, geometry, measurement, number sense, and operations.
Students are offered an interactive experience with mathematics materials that include
manipulative and computer-based instruction. Instruction is individualized with students
being assessed every 5-10 lessons. Students who prove they are ready may move through the Saxon program at their own pace, receiving individual and/or small group instruction.
Students are instructed in technology skills weekly and apply those skills to a variety of
assignments.
The Social Studies Curriculum involves the integration of History, Civics, Geography,
Culture, and Economics with Language Arts, Science, and Technology. Thematic units of
study are rooted in the Arizona State Curriculum Guidelines for First Grade: Depending on
Others, Knowing Your Family, Living in Our Country, & People Who Have Made a
Difference. Social Studies concepts are additionally defined through exposure to topical and
excellent children’s literature and on-line material. Specially-designed hands-on activities
enable students to process and internalize key concepts.
The Science Curriculum is integrated with Mathematics, Language Arts, and Social
Studies. Within the Saxon math framework, students gain hands-on experience with types of
measurement including length, weight, density, volume, and temperature. Students study
Earth Science, Weather, and Insects in depth and explore a variety of additional topics
through direct instruction, lab work, field trips, web sites, and other explorations. The class
participates in the annual Science Fair, an elaborate sequence of preparatory skill-building
and detailed team science towards a significant goal.
Art, Music, Physical Education, and Drama: Specific skills and content from art, music,
physical education, and drama are integrated across the entire curriculum. Use of
perspective, line, color, and shape are practiced often as students complete projects for
academic assignments. Much content is communicated through songs written to accompany
lessons in every subject. Physical education games and team challenges help students gain
strength, co-ordination, and leadership skills. Students experience dramatic envisionment,
script writing, stage work, and acting for a variety of performances throughout the year.
Each student meets weekly with Sonoran Science Academy Art, Music, and Physical
Education teachers, gaining skills and experiencing the talents those instructors contribute to
the school’s identity. With the Music teacher,1st graders continue to learn musical concepts
through singing, dancing and use of simple percussion instruments.
Children will come to the library once a week to check out books to read for one week. These books may be taken home. Students will be taught to be responsible for their books and to return them on time.
During the first part of library period students may hear a story, be introduced to authors and illustrators, learn the care and parts of books. They will begin to understand the difference between fiction and non-fiction. They will learn where these different books are placed in the library.
The stories will continue the Kindergarten plan to give the literature/cultural background all students of the United States is expected to have. Fairy Tales, Holiday Stories, and Patriotic Stories will be read. Chapters from books encourage the reading of chapter books.
Children will be introduced to different series at their reading levels and encouraged to find books to read rather than just look at pictures.
Discussion of the books they have read will encourage others to try books in that series. The goal is to promote reading for pleasure,
In order to promote strength, endurance and flexibility, Physical Education will be integrated
Second Grade Curriculum
Our Second Grade curriculum has strong foundations in the Arizona State Curriculum guidelines. At Sonoran Science Academy, students are challenged at an individual level to
achieve in all areas of the curriculum. Second grade objectives include; but are not limited to: nurturing an increased desire for knowledge, fostering self-esteem, and developing a wellrounded student across the areas of the curriculum.
The Language Arts program teaches students to learn and effectively apply a variety of reading strategies for comprehending, interpreting and evaluating a wide range of texts including fiction, nonfiction, and classic and contemporary works. Students will effectively use written language for a variety of purposes and with a variety of audiences. (For example: Students will work together to write and illustrate their own books and newspapers.) Students will effectively listen and speak in situations that serve different purposes and involve a variety of audiences. Students will use a variety of visual media and resources to gather, evaluate and synthesize information and to communicate with others. Students will learn the reading process. The reading process consists of the five critical components of reading, which are Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension of connected text. These elements support each other and are woven together to build a solid foundation of linguistic understanding for the reader.
The Saxon Mathematics program guides students to understand and apply numbers, ways of representing numbers, the relationships among numbers and different number systems. Students will understand and apply numerical operations and their relationship to one another. Students will use estimation strategies reasonably and fluently. Students will understand and apply data collection, organization and representation to analyze and sort data. Students will understand and apply the basic concepts of probability. Students will understand and demonstrate the systematic listing and counting of possible outcomes. Students will understand and apply vertex-edge graphs. Students will evaluate situations, select problem-solving strategies, draw logical conclusions, develop and describe solutions and recognize their applications. Students will use reasoning to solve mathematical problems in contextual situations. Students will understand and apply appropriate units of measure, measurement techniques, and formulas to determine measurements. Students will apply spatial reasoning to create transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations. Students will analyze the attributes and properties of 2- and 3- dimensional shapes and develop mathematical arguments about their relationships. Students will describe and model functions and their relationships. Students will identify patterns and apply pattern recognition to reason mathematically.
The Science Curriculum develops the Inquiry Process to establish the basis for students’ learning in science. Students use scientific processes: questioning, planning and conducting investigations, using appropriate tools and techniques to gather data, thinking critically and logically about relationships between evidence and explanations, and communicating results. Students will focus on the human aspects of science and the role that scientists play in the development of various cultures. Students understand the impact of science and technology on human activity and the environment. In life science students will expand biological understanding of life by focusing on the characteristics of living things, the diversity of life, and how organisms and populations change over time in terms of biological adaptation and genetics. This understanding includes the relationship of structures to their functions and life cycles, interrelationships of matter and energy in living organisms, and the interactions of living organisms with their environment. Earth and Space Science provides the foundation for students to develop an understanding of the Earth, its history, composition, and formative processes, and an understanding of the solar system and the universe. Students study the regularities of the interrelated systems of the natural world. In doing so, they develop understandings of the basic laws, theories, and models that explain the world. By studying the Earth from both a historical and current time frame, students can make informed decisions about issues affecting the planet on which they live.
The Social Studies curriculum encourages students to analyze the human experience through time, recognize the relationships of events and people, and interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs and turning points in Arizona, American and world history. Students will understand the ideals, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship. Students will identify the seven continents. Students will identify how the government functions at the local and national levels. Students will analyze locations regions and spatial connections, recognizing the natural and cultural processes the impact the way in which people and societies live and interact with each other and their environment.
Fine arts curriculum includes one period a week with the Art teacher and the Music teacher. In Music class, students begin to learn more complex music concepts than in 1st Grade, including simple music theory. Emphasis is on melody and rhythm, learned through clapping, singing, dancing, use of small percussion instruments, and some writing and reading of music.
Library for Second Grade:
Children will come to the library once a week to check out books to read for one week. These books may be taken home. Students will be taught to be responsible for their books and to return them on time.
During the first part of library period students may hear a story, be introduced to authors and illustrators, learn the care and parts of books. They will begin to understand the difference between fiction and non-fiction. They will learn where these different books are placed in the library.
The stories will continue the Kindergarten plan to give the literature/cultural background all students of the United States is expected to have. Fairy Tales, Holiday Stories, and Patriotic Stories will be read. Chapters from books encourage the reading of chapter books. Children will be introduced to different series at their reading levels and encouraged to find books to read rather than just look at pictures. Discussion of the books they have read will encourage others to try books in that series. The goal is to promote reading for pleasure,
In order to promote strength, endurance and flexibility, Physical Education will be integrated into the school day. Focus will be placed on skills, games and sportsmanship.
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| Upper Elementary School (3-5)
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LANGUAGE ARTS
3rd Grade Regular and Above Grade Advanced Level
All aspects of language arts will be covered, to include reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization are taught. Creative writing projects will include short stories, poems, newspapers, plays, instructional manuals, and fantasies. Reading, evaluating texts and making oral presentations comprise the literature course.
4th Grade Regular and Above Grade Advanced Level
All aspects of language arts will be covered, to include reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Spelling, grammar, punctuation are emphasized more rigorously. Creative writing projects will include short stories, poems, newspapers, plays, instructional manuals, and fantasies. Reading, evaluating texts and making oral presentations comprise the literature course.
5th Grade Regular and Above Grade Advanced Level
All aspects of language arts will be covered, which include the broader subjects of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Spelling, grammar and sentence structure, composition, creative writing, research skills, writing for purpose, literary forms, comprehension and oral presentation will also be included. Performance of classic literature will be incorporated into program.
The three main areas of science that will be covered are Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. Gathering and evaluating information, looking for patterns, devising and testing possible explanations and conducting scientific inquiries will be included. The scientific method will be incorporated throughout the program. A strong focus on hands-on science and experimentation will be utilized, including developing and implementing independent investigations. Grade specific standards will be fully integrated into the program. Areas of study will include, but are not limited to, scientific classification, an overview of major animal groups, ecology and environment, earth science, electricity, magnetism, and weather and climate
4th Grade
The three main areas of science that will be covered are Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. Gathering and evaluating information, looking for patterns, devising and testing possible explanations and conducting scientific inquiries will be included. The scientific method will be incorporated throughout the program. A strong focus on hands-on science and experimentation will be utilized, including developing and implementing independent investigations. Grade specificstandards will be fully integrated into the program.
5th Grade
The three main areas of science that will be covered are Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. Gathering and evaluating information, looking for patterns, devising and testing possible explanations and conducting scientific inquiries will be included. The scientific method will be incorporated throughout the program A strong focus on hands-on science and experimentation will be utilized, including developing and implementing independent investigations. Grade specific standards will be fully integrated into the program
3rd Grade
The aspects of Social Studies to be incorporated into the program include the broader subjects of History, Geography, Civics and Government. The course will include a study of families, past and present, family history, and world culture. Focus areas will also include citizenship and government, geography, and map skills, and an overview of state history
4th Grade
Aspects of Social Studies will include the broader subjects of History, Geography, Civics and Government. Focus will be placed on ancient civilizations, including native tribes of Arizona, Arizona history and geography, government, and responsibilities of citizenship
5th Grade Level
Aspects of Social Studies will include the broader subjects of History, Geography, Civics and Government. Focus will be placed on the United States, beginning with American History from discovery through the Civil War.
3rd Grade Math 54 Level or Above
Various principles and skills of mathematics will be taught. Number Sense, Data Analysis and Probability, Patterns, Algebra and Functions, Geometry, Measurement, Mathematical Structure and Logic will be included.
4th Grade Math 65 Level or Above
Various principles and skills of mathematics will be taught. Number Sense, Data Analysis and Probability, Patterns, Algebra and Functions, Geometry, Measurement, Mathematical Structure and Logic will be included.
5th Grade Math 76 or Pre-algebra Level
Various principles and skills of mathematics will be taught. Number Sense, Data Analysis and Probability, Patterns, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Measurement, Graphs, Mathematical Structure and Logic will be included. Students are working at the 6th grade level and above, through pre-algebra
Library for Third Grade
Students will come once a week to the Library. During the first twenty minutes they may hear stories or chapters in books. Books dealing with Holidays, theme days like St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween will be read. Stress will also be placed on learning about authors and illustrators. The major authors for elementary students will be discussed as well as genre of books.
The Dewey Decimal system will be taught. However, books from that area may only be checked out if they have a report on a subject and need information. There is a section of non-fiction for the first four grades in the elementary side of the library for them to use otherwise.
Students may check out books for a week and they will be responsible to return it on time. By this time it should be a habit to remember books on library day.
Visual Art Class
Throughout the year, the students will be learning about many different types of Art as well as methods for creating Art. They will learn about 2-Dimensional as well as 3-Dimensional Art. They will acquire a mixture of drawing and shading skills as well as a knowledge of different painting techniques. The students will create 3-Dimensional objects including Polyhedrons and Pentagon Lanterns. They will express their creativity through Self-Portrait Books and learn many Visual Art Terms throughout the year.
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Library for Fourth and Fifth Grades
These students come to the Library on their own time. Arrangements may be made to bring class to library on a regular or occasional basis. Student may use the elementary side for fiction and the non-fiction section. One book limit is placed on all elementary grades,
Books may be returned as soon as they are finished and new ones checked out. No books may be checked out unless all others have been returned.
MUSIC & FOREIGN LANGUAGE
MUSIC
Elementary students will get a wide overview of subjects such as music theory, music history, sight-singing and will gain first-hand knowledge of music concepts through playing a simple instrument. In 3rd Grade, students will begin to learn the recorder (a flute-like instrument). In 4th Grade, students will continue the recorder on an intermediate level. Learning an instrument allows students to understand and apply many music concepts. 5th Graders spend most days singing or learning piano. Dance may also be occasionally included for rhythm-training and cultural purposes
SPANISH FOR 3rd 4th & 5TH GRADES
This course will teach students how to understand, pronounce, speak and read Spanish. They will learn to recognize letters in the Spanish alphabet, count to 100, recognize the days of the week and the months of the year, offer greetings and responses in complete sentences. Topics of study will include: La Casa, La Comida, La Familia, and La Ropa.
3rd Grade
In order to promote strength, endurance and flexibility, Physical Education will be integrated into the school day. Focus will be placed on skills, games and sportsmanship.
4th Grade
In order to promote strength, endurance and flexibility, Physical Education will be integrated into the school day. Focus will be placed on skills, games and sportsmanship
5th Grade
In order to promote strength, endurance and flexibility, Physical Education will be integrated into the school day. Focus will be placed on skills, games and sportsmanship
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6th GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS
LANGUAGE ARTS
Students will expand their listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking skills. The writing process, grammar, spelling, reading and comprehension of all genres, vocabulary in context, oral presentation, collaborative work, and group presentation are included. Reading for pleasure is reinforced.
LITERACY WORKSHOP
Literacy Workshop will meet four times each week for literacy support. This will include all four elements of the language arts – reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
WORLD HISTORY and GEOGRAPHY
World History and Geography I focuses on significant historical cultures, regions, people, events and achievements from Paleolithic times until the Age of Discovery.
With an eye towards the increasing amount of interaction between all cultures and countries of the world, significant time is spent investigating cultures, regions and countries whose direct influence on Western Culture, and therefore the United States, has until recently, been considered minimal. Increased exposure to the history of these regions (Africa, Southwest Asia, India, China, Mongolia, Japan and Russia) will facilitate a more productive understanding of and interaction with the World we live in.
The remainder of this course is devoted to the cultures, regions, and countries (Israel, Greece, Rome and Western Europe etc.) that have a greater perceived influence on Western Civilization and the history of the United States.
Students will recognize the relationships of events and people and interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in world history. Students will analyze locations, regions, and spatial connections, recognizing the natural and cultural processes that have impacted the way in which people and societies have lived and interacted with each other and their environments.
EARTH SCIENCE
Students will study how the Earth functions as a function of scale: from the subatomic particle to the universe as a whole. Studies will include basic chemistry, geology, ecology, plate tectonics, and astronomy. Labs include making limestone stalactites, crystal creation and examination, minerals identification, and topography.
Students will be introduced to the Spanish language as well as Latin American cultures. Students will be learning useful vocabulary phrases in Spanish. Emphasis in this course will be placed on the students listening and speaking abilities. Students will be learning: greetings, classroom objects, family members, professions, and days of the week, months, seasons, colors, numbers, animals, foods, countries, nationalities and languages. This course is one semester.
This course is designed to introduce the Turkish language at the very elementary level. Course is geared towards developing oral and written skills for both comprehension and expression. Language skills to be emphasized include: alphabet, general speaking skills, culture. This course is one semester.
Sonoran Science Academy students have the opportunity to progress at an accelerated pace in their math studies. Upon enrollment, all students take a math assessment test to establish the placement in the correct math class. Placement is based on the results of the test as well as the student’s previous math coursework, success in previous math classes, standardized test results, and the student’s motivation for progress in mathematics.
SSA students attend teacher directed instructional math classes, based on the student’s placement. Exceptions can be granted to advanced students in certain situations, where students will work on a self-paced basis upon recommendation of SSA math teachers and parental approval.
Mathematics placement for SSA students:
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Average Student
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High Skills
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Accelerated
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Sixth Grade
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Math 76
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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Seventh Grade
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Eighth Grade
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Adv. Math
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MATH 76
Prerequisites: Math 65 and Math 54 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
In this course, students will learn; simplifying expressions containing parentheses, operations with signed numbers, graphing functions, word-problems, powers and roots, ratios and proportions, percents, fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers, divisibility concepts, prime factorization, estimation, real-world connections, integers, functions, unit multipliers, statistics and probability, frequency tables, data collection, display and analysis, formulas, geometric constructions, scale factor, capacity and volume, complementary and supplementary angles.
MATH 87
Prerequisites: Math 76 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
This is a pre – algebra course to prepare students for high – level math courses. They will review previous courses (such as word problems, powers and roots, ratios and percents, prime factorizations, unit multipliers, data collection and analysis). Students will also learn measurements, scientific notation, graphing functions, quantitative comparisons, balancing equations, transformation of formulas, literal equations, algebraic terms, irrational numbers, factoring algebraic expressions, substitution graphing linear equations and inequalities, probability and statistics in that course. The geometrical section of the course consists of geometric proofs, geometric construction, scale factor and indirect measure, similar and congruent figures.
ALGEBRA 1
Prerequisites: Algebra 1/2 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
This is a two –semester course covering topics typically treated in a first-year algebra course. The students use algebraic methods to explore, model and describe the patterns, relationships and functions. These relationships and functions involve numbers (arithmetic and evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and root; properties of real numbers, absolute value, equations and inequalities involving absolute value, scientific notation, unit conversions), figures/solids (computation of the perimeter and area of two-dimensional regions, computation of the surface area and volume of a wide variety of geometric solids, Pythagorean theorem), data and graphs (graphical solution of simultaneous equations, graphs of a variety of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, square root, absolute value, etc, translations and reflections of graphs). Students will also gain the ability to form and solve equations/inequalities (word problems requiring algebra for the solution such as uniform motion and coin problems, solution of equations in one unknown, solution of simultaneous equations, direct and inverse variation, exponential growth, solution of quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and quadratic formula), using algebraic proofs, statistics, and probability.
MATHCOUNTS
This course covers most of the middle school math curriculum at an advanced level. So it is very important being good at math skills for this course. In this course, we will prepare our students to all math competitions (local or nationwide) such as MathCounts, AMC 8, Math League, and AATM 6th Grade Challenge throughout the year.
MATH WIZARD
This course is designed for students with weak math skills and will focus on strengthening skills. These students will use grade level activities, internet sources and hands-on activities to achieve this.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
All students are required to take a Computer Science course each year of Middle School. Technology is considered a crucial component of today’s society and workplace, particularly in math and science fields. Students will learn how to apply their computer skills to organize their files, make classroom presentations, do research on the Internet, find software for particular needs, and communicate with others. With the completion of SSA Middle School Computer Science, students qualify to receive Microsoft Office Certification.
Course Content (three year program): Keyboarding with accuracy and speed, computer basics, word processing, desktop publishing, presentations, spreadsheets, database, Microsoft Word 2003, Microsoft Excel 2003.
Computer Basics: Software basics, hardware basics, manage files, editing basics, internet basics, data collection.
Word Processing: Create, edit, format documents, format a personal letter, format a business letter with envelope, format a one-page report, and format a report with footnotes or endnotes. Desktop Publishing: Design pages with pictures and objects, design pages with drawing tools, create newsletters, create a web page. Presentations: Presentation basics edit slides; add clip art and animations to slides.
Spreadsheet: Spreadsheet basics, create and edit spreadsheet, use simple formulas, enter functions, create charts.
Database: Create database tables and enter data, sort and queries.
This course focuses on the development of life-long skills that are necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. This Physical Education class meets and exceeds the objectives outlined in the Arizona State Standards. Students will meet specific goals by keeping health, fitness and nutrition journals. Rules, strategies, and basic skills for several sports will be covered. The curriculum will include the following: cooperative activities, fitness, softball, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and field hockey.
ARTS
This course teaches students to create and evaluate their artwork with the most appropriate techniques to express their ideas and experiences. Basic physical and scientific properties of the technical aspects of visual arts will be identified by comparing different arts media and techniques. They will be trained at identifying artistic problems and discovering solutions to the problems. Students will become familiar with symbolism in art and evaluation of communicating their intended meaning. Art careers will be explored in relationship to their own strengths and weaknesses. Categorizing art based on culture in relationship to social, economic, political and/or geographical purposes will be covered. Characteristics of realistic, abstract and non-objective artworks will be explored within a cultural and or ethnic context. Critiquing their artwork, as well as other artist’s work and relating art to other disciplines in the curriculum will complete the course.
CHARACTER EDUCATION
What is Character Education? Character education is about celebrating what's right with young people while enabling them to develop knowledge and life skills for enhancing ethical and responsible behavior. The United States Congress, recognizing the importance of this concept, authorized the Partnerships in Character Education Program in 1994. This class will put into practice a well-structured character education plan by means of the Character Education Class (one period a week for middle-school students only), homeroom announcements, quotes displayed on the board, special events and activities, and curriculum integration. Common universal values such as honesty, integrity, self-discipline etc. will be incorporated. The rationale of the Character Education program is to encourage students to take responsibility for their actions, to familiarize them with good character traits, to place role models before them and to help develop good citizens with high moral values.
7th GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS
Language Arts – 2 semesters
Mathematics - 2 semesters
(Course level determined by placement)
U.S. / AZ History - 2 semesters
(Pre History to Civil War and Arizona History)
Biology – 2 semesters
Computer Science – 2 semesters
Physical Education – 2 semesters
Music – 2 semesters
Foreign Language – (Spanish or Turkish)- 2 semester
Character Education – 2 semesters
Academic Electives – 2 semesters
(Literacy, Math Counts, Math Wizard)
The four-core language arts subjects emphasized are reading, writing, listening and speaking. Writing for purpose, creative writing, and research skills will be taught using the Writing Process. Spelling, grammar and sentence structure, composition, literary forms, and oral presentation are included. The students will experience many genres of literature while they learn to write for a multitude of audiences, with an emphasis on poetry, mythology, folktales, and legends.
LITERACY WORKSHOP
Literacy Workshop will meet four times each week for literacy support. This will include all four elements of the language arts – reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
U.S. HISTORY
(Pre-History to Civil War and Arizona History)
This course begins with the populating of the continent, early social organization, and Prehistoric cultures. This section will pay special attention to the pre-history of the Southwest, including the cultures of the Anasazi, Hohokam and Mogollon.
The study will include the investigation of the European contact, early settlement, and conflict between the indigenous and European people in the Americas. The course continues with the conflict of the European nations over the “New World” and the emergence of the English as the dominant culture. Special emphasis of study will concern the Thirteen Colonies, French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, Articles of Confederation and the formation of the Constitution, political differences (Federalists Vs States Rights), the War 0f 1812, the War with Mexico, and an intense study of the War of the Rebellion. A multicultural and perspective will be used to emphasis the contributions of the individual cultures that made The United States.
GENERAL BIOLOGY
During this course students study humans and how they interact with their environment. Students will master the basics of Life Science and understand how humans interact with the natural environment. They will also discover what makes up the environment and the different animals, plants, and vertebrates and invertebrates that make up this world. The topics covered include: the nature of living things, the chemistry of life, cell structures and functions, classification of living things, human biology, ecology and evolution.
MATHEMATICS
Sonoran Science Academy students have the opportunity to progress at an accelerated pace in their math studies. Upon enrollment, all students take a math assessment test to establish the placement in the correct math class. Placement is based on the results of the test as well as the student’s previous math coursework, success in previous math classes, standardized test results, and the student’s motivation for progress in mathematics.
SSA students attend teacher directed instructional math classes, based on the student’s placement. Exceptions can be granted to advanced students in certain situations, where students will work on a self-paced basis upon recommendation of SSA math teachers and parental approval.
Mathematics placement for SSA students:
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Average Student
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High Skills
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Accelerated
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Sixth Grade
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Math 76
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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Seventh Grade
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Eighth Grade
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Adv. Math
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MATH 87
Prerequisites: Math 76 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
This is a pre – algebra course to prepare students for high – level math courses. They will review previous courses (such as word problems, powers and roots, ratios and percents, prime factorizations, unit multipliers, data collection and analysis). Students will also learn measurements, scientific notation, graphing functions, quantitative comparisons, balancing equations, transformation of formulas, literal equations, algebraic terms, irrational numbers, factoring algebraic expressions, substitution graphing linear equations and inequalities, probability and statistics in that course. The geometrical section of the course consists of geometric proofs, geometric construction, scale factor and indirect measure, similar and congruent figures.
ALGEBRA 1
Prerequisites: Algebra 1/2 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
This is a two –semester course covering topics typically treated in a first-year algebra course. The students use algebraic methods to explore, model and describe the patterns, relationships and functions. These relationships and functions involve numbers (arithmetic and evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and root; properties of real numbers, absolute value, equations and inequalities involving absolute value, scientific notation, unit conversions), figures/solids (computation of the perimeter and area of two-dimensional regions, computation of the surface area and volume of a wide variety of geometric solids, Pythagorean theorem), data and graphs (graphical solution of simultaneous equations, graphs of a variety of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, square root, absolute value, etc, translations and reflections of graphs). Students will also gain the ability to form and solve equations/inequalities (word problems requiring algebra for the solution such as uniform motion and coin problems, solution of equations in one unknown, solution of simultaneous equations, direct and inverse variation, exponential growth, solution of quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and quadratic formula), using algebraic proofs, statistics, and probability.
ALGEBRA 2
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
Algebra 2 treats topics that are traditionally covered in second-year algebra, and also covers a considerable amount of geometry. Time is spent developing geometric concepts and writing proof outlines. Students completing this course will have studied the equivalent of one semester of informal geometry. Applications to subjects such as physics and chemistry, as well as real-world problems, are also covered. In this course, students will learn; graphical solution of simultaneous equations, basic trigonometric functions, scientific notation, radicals, conic sections, roots of quadratic equations, including complex roots, properties of real numbers, geometric proofs, factoring, inequalities and systems of inequalities, logarithms and antilogarithms, exponential equations, algebra of polynomials, vectors, algebraic word problems, gas law, set theory, probability.
MATHCOUNTS
This course covers most of the middle school math curriculum at an advanced level. So it is very important being good at math skills for this course. In this course, we will prepare our students to all math competitions (local or nationwide) such as MathCounts, AMC 8, and Math League throughout the year.
MATH WIZARD
This course is designed for students with weak math skills and will focus on strengthening skills. These students will use grade level activities, internet sources and hands-on activities to achieve this.
All students are required to take a Computer Science course each year of Middle School. Technology is considered a crucial component of today’s society and workplace, particularly in math and science fields. Students will learn how to apply their computer skills to organize their files, make classroom presentations, do research on the Internet, find software for particular needs, and communicate with others. With the completion of SSA Middle School Computer Science, students qualify to receive Microsoft Office Certification.
Microsoft Word 2003: Microsoft Office Specialist Certification program: The Word 2003 Specialist program is a complete instruction in all skill sets and activities for the appropriate Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS) Exams.
Microsoft Office Specialist certifications for Microsoft Office 2000 and Microsoft Office 2002 have been recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for one semester hour of college credit in lower division “computer applications" or “information technology."
Interested students must pass a Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam for one or more Microsoft Office programs and have their certification listed on an ACE transcript. Ultimately, the college or university you attend (or plan to attend) will independently decide whether to grant credit and waive associated tuition requirements.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This course focuses on the development of life-long skills that are necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. This Physical Education class meets and exceeds the objectives outlined in the Arizona State Standards. Students will meet specific goals by keeping health, fitness and nutrition journals. Rules, strategies, and basic skills for several sports will be covered. The curriculum will include the following: cooperative activities, fitness, softball, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and field hockey.
This course will teach students an overall appreciation for Western Music, encompassing the subjects of music theory, music history, and practical applications/practice of these. Music theory instruction will include the reading and writing of notation, such as treble and bass clefs, key signatures and time signatures. Students will learn the basis of rhythm through instruments or clapping, with counting technique. Ear training will also be initiated. In Music History, students will understand the foundations for today’s music by tracing the steps of pre-Bach and beyond. Special days will also be designated to touch on exploration of non-Western music.
Students will review and build upon the Spanish language and Latin American cultures which were learned in 6th Grade. Emphasis will be placed on the students listening and speaking abilities. Students will be learning: greetings (formal and informal), classroom objects, numbers, cultural differences, express likes and dislikes, give and ask directions, describe your house, talk about your family, days of the week, months, birthdays, seasons, weather conditions, meals, foods, etc.
This course is a continuation of elementary Turkish. It is designed to improve different aspects of language and writing skills. Objectives are: to improve students' conversational skills, start developing a good grammar background; to improve listening skills; to introduce students to some examples of Turkish culture.
What is Character Education? Character education is about celebrating what's right with young people while enabling them to develop knowledge and life skills for enhancing ethical and responsible behavior. The United States Congress, recognizing the importance of this concept, authorized the Partnerships in Character Education Program in 1994. This class will put into practice a well-structured character education plan by means of the Character Education Class (one period a week for middle-school students only), homeroom announcements, quotes displayed on the board, special events and activities, and curriculum integration. Common universal values such as honesty, integrity, self-discipline etc. will be incorporated. The rationale of the Character Education program is to encourage students to take responsibility for their actions, to familiarize them with good character traits, to place role models before them and to help develop good citizens with high moral values
8th GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS
Mathematics - 2 semesters
(Course level determined by placement)
U.S. / AZ History - 2 semesters
(Reconstruction to the Present)
Physical Science – 2 semesters
Foreign Language (Spanish I or Turkish I) – 2 semesters
Computer Science – 2 semesters
Drama – 2 semesters
Physical Education – 2 semesters
Academic Electives – 2 semesters
(Literacy, Math Counts, Math Wizard)
Language Arts – 2 semesters
Mathematics - 2 semesters
(Course level determined by placement)
World History – 2 semesters
Earth Science – 2 semesters
Computer Science – 2 semesters
Arts – 2 semesters
Spanish – 1 semester
Turkish – 1 semester
Physical Education – 2 semesters
Character Education – 2 semesters
Academic Electives – 2 semesters
(Literacy, Math Counts, Math Wizard)
Language Arts – 2 semesters
LANGUAGE ARTS
Students will analyze various forms of literature including novels of many genres, poetry, short stories and plays. Through the writing process, students will develop expository, persuasive, and narrative writing skills. Also included will be oral presentations and the study of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Reading as a lifelong skill will be reinforced.
LITERACY WORKSHOP
Literacy Workshop will meet four times each week for literacy support. This will include all four elements of the language arts – reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
U.S. / AZ History
(Reconstruction to the Present)
This course begins with the Reconstruction Period directly after the War of the Rebellion (Civil War). Emphasis is placed on the Federal attempts to protect the freed slaves including the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution. The reaction and Southern point of view are also presented along with the development of “Jim Crow” laws and segregation.
The course continues with discussions concerning the expanding influence of the United States in the late 1800’s, Imperialism and the Spanish-American War. Economics of the period, the industrial revolution, big business and corruption, and the Reform Movement are also discussed in detail.
Special emphasis is placed on the events that surround WWI and WWII and the impact on the life ways of the United States. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression are also investigated.
Students will study the Cold War and the resulting military conflicts that follow. This will include the presidencies of Truman to G. W. Bush. The Civil Rights Movement is also discussed in detail.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Physical Science is designed to serve as a foundation for other science courses that the student will have in high school. This course emphasizes inquire-based learning, group skills, and critical thinking skills. It is a laboratory course with a minimum of 20% hands-on investigation. Physics units cover motion and forces, energy, fluids, electricity and magnetism, and waves. Chemistry units include composition and classification of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical reactions, and organic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on giving the students a wide base of knowledge in all sub fields of physical science.
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MATHEMATICS
Sonoran Science Academy students have the opportunity to progress at an accelerated pace in their math studies. Upon enrollment, all students take a math assessment test to establish the placement in the correct math class. Placement is based on the results of the test as well as the student’s previous math coursework, success in previous math classes, standardized test results, and the student’s motivation for progress in mathematics.
SSA students attend teacher directed instructional math classes, based on the student’s placement. Exceptions can be granted to advanced students in certain situations, where students will work on a self-paced basis upon recommendation of SSA math teachers and parental approval.
Mathematics placement for SSA students:
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Average Student
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High Skills
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Accelerated
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Sixth Grade
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Math 76
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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Seventh Grade
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Math 87
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Eighth Grade
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Algebra 1
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Algebra 2
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Adv. Math
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ALGEBRA 1
Prerequisites: Algebra 1/2 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
This is a two –semester course covering topics typically treated in a first-year algebra course. The students use algebraic methods to explore, model and describe the patterns, relationships and functions. These relationships and functions involve numbers (arithmetic and evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and root; properties of real numbers, absolute value, equations and inequalities involving absolute value, scientific notation, unit conversions), figures/solids (computation of the perimeter and area of two-dimensional regions, computation of the surface area and volume of a wide variety of geometric solids, Pythagorean theorem), data and graphs (graphical solution of simultaneous equations, graphs of a variety of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, square root, absolute value, etc, translations and reflections of graphs). Students will also gain the ability to form and solve equations/inequalities (word problems requiring algebra for the solution such as uniform motion and coin problems, solution of equations in one unknown, solution of simultaneous equations, direct and inverse variation, exponential growth, solution of quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and quadratic formula), using algebraic proofs, statistics, and probability.
ALGEBRA 2
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
Algebra 2 treats topics that are traditionally covered in second-year algebra, and also covers a considerable amount of geometry. Time is spent developing geometric concepts and writing proof outlines. Students completing this course will have studied the equivalent of one semester of informal geometry. Applications to subjects such as physics and chemistry, as well as real-world problems, are also covered. In this course, students will learn; graphical solution of simultaneous equations, basic trigonometric functions, scientific notation, radicals, conic sections, roots of quadratic equations, including complex roots, properties of real numbers, geometric proofs, factoring, inequalities and systems of inequalities, logarithms and antilogarithms, exponential equations, algebra of polynomials, vectors, algebraic word problems, gas law, set theory, probability.
ADVANCED MATH
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or Saxon Math Placement Test result.
This course is designed to rigorously strengthen and continue the study of Algebra at an advanced level with a greater emphasis on theory. Topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and mathematical analysis are interwoven to form a fully integrated course. A rigorous treatment of Euclidean geometry is also covered. Students will be able to solve challenging problems such as word problems, rate problems and work problems involving abstract quantities. Permutations and combinations, inverse trigonometric functions, conic sections, rectangular and polar representation of complex numbers are also studied in this course. The graphing calculator is used to graph functions and perform data analysis. Conceptually oriented problems that prepare students for college entrance exams (such as the ACT and SAT) are covered in this course.
MATHCOUNTS
This course covers most of the middle school math curriculum at an advanced level. So it is very important being good at math skills for this course. In this course, we will prepare our students to all math competitions (local or nationwide) such as MathCounts, AMC 8, and Math League throughout the year.
MATH WIZARD
This course is designed for students with weak math skills and will focus on strengthening skills. These students will use grade level activities, internet sources and hands-on activities to achieve this.
All students are required to take a Computer Science course each year of Middle School. Technology is considered a crucial component of today’s society and workplace, particularly in math and science fields. Students will learn how to apply their computer skills to organize their files, make classroom presentations, do research on the Internet, find software for particular needs, and communicate with others. With the completion of SSA Middle School Computer Science, students will qualify to receive Microsoft Office Certification.
Microsoft Excel 2003: Microsoft Office Specialist Certification program: The Excel 2003 Specialist program is a complete instruction in all skill sets and activities for the appropriate Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (MOS) Exams.
Microsoft Office Specialist certifications for Microsoft Office 2000 and Microsoft Office 2002 have been recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for one semester hour of college credit in lower division “computer applications" or “information technology."
Interested students must pass a Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam for one or more Microsoft Office programs and have their certification listed on an ACE transcript. Ultimately, the college or university you attend (or plan to attend) will independently decide whether to grant credit and waive associated tuition requirements.
SPANISH:
The study of the course is designed to facilitate communication in the language: therefore stress will be upon the acquisition of the language through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be learning: greetings, classroom objects, numbers, noun-article / noun-adjective agreement, clothing, colors, subject/object/possessive pronouns, present tense of AR, ER, IR verbs, irregular verbs, stem-changing verbs, reflexive verbs, telling time, weather expressions, giving directions, food, restaurant conversation, an overview of Latin American countries and their geographic locations, interrogative words, etc.
This is an introductory course into the world of stage performance. This course is specially designed to ensure students develop a deeper understanding of social awareness and how we relate to one another as human beings. Students play theater games to help develop focus, awareness, and trust. Students engage in multiple improvisational exercises that challenge them to act in the moment using their wit, creativity, and imagination. Students also perform scripted, memorized pieces including monologues, scenes, one-act plays and/or full-length plays.
This course focuses on the development of life-long skills that are necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. This Physical Education class meets and exceeds the objectives outlined in the Arizona State Standards. Students will meet specific goals by keeping health, fitness and nutrition journals. Rules, strategies, and basic skills for several sports will be covered. The curriculum will include the following: cooperative activities, fitness, softball, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and field hockey.
This course is a continuation of 7th grade Turkish class. It is designed to improve different aspects of language and writing skills. Objectives are: to improve students' conversational skills, continuation of building a good grammar background; to improve listening skills; to introduce students to some examples of Turkish culture. By the end of this course, students will be ready to start Turkish II at high school.
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