MATH
Per grade level at Oasis Middle School, our math curriculum is based on the Core Knowledge Sequence and meeting the Florida Sunshine State Standards for mathematics assessment. They are as follows:
In 6th grade we cover number patterns, statistics and graphs, adding and subtracting decimals, multiplying and dividing decimals, fractions and decimals, adding and subtracting fractions, multiplying and dividing fractions, algebra-integers and solving equations, ratio, proportion, and percent, probability, measurement, and basic geometry.
In 7th grade we cover decimal patterns and algebra, analyzing data with statistics, algebra involving integers, linear equations and functions, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, applying percent and fractions, probability, geometry using two and three dimensional figures.
In 8th grade we cover using the tools of algebra, integers, equations, factors and fractions, rational numbers, ratio, proportion, and percent, equations and inequalities, functions and graphing, real numbers and right triangles, geometry using two and three dimensional figures, statistics and probability, polynomials and nonlinear functions.
SCIENCE
6th grade covers the Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge, the Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models, Earth Structures including Plate Tectonics, Earth Systems and Patterns, Energy Transfer and Transformations, Motion of Objects, Forces and Changes in Motion, Organization and Development of Living Organisms including all parts of the Human Body.
7th grade covers the Practice of Science, the Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models, Earth Structures including the History of the Earth and Life Forms, Forms of Energy including Electricity and Magnetism, Energy Transfer and Transformations, Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms, Heredity and Reproduction, and Interdependence.
8th grade covers the Nature of Science and Inquiry, the Periodic Table, Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonds, Density and Buoyancy, Oceans, Electromagnetic Radiation and Sound Waves, The Stars, Galaxies, Planets, and Our Solar System, and Newton's Laws.
Because the Sunshine State Standards are changing we have to adjust our Core Knowledge Sequence to include the sequence and more. Science classes also participate in the Science Fair and students who place in the school fair move on to the Regional Edison Science Fair of the School District of Lee County.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The Social Studies curriculum is part of the Core Knowledge Curriculum in accordance with the Sunshine State Standards here at Oasis Middle School.
6th grade begins with a review of Latitude and Longitude for about a week. Their next subject area is the Beginning's of Florida from early inhabitants to the Civil War. This unit includes Florida's geography and physical features. Following Florida is a lesson in Deserts. They then begin learning Ancient Civilizations from Early Societal Development through the Roman Empire which includes Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Kingdom of Kush, Greece, Rome, and ending with a look at the Muslim society and Islam.
Our 7th graders begin their year with U.S. Geography and the Enlightenment Period. Utilizing the Enlightenment Period's ideas and thinkers, the students continue with the American and French Revolutions including lessons on Napoleon and European Revolutions. The students will continue with Florida's history with its acquisition and statehood through Florida's role in the Civil War. Following Florida's civil war history, the 7th grade curriculum includes the Industrial Revolution, Latin American independence movements, America becomes a world power, Japan's ascension, World War I, The Russian Revolution, the inter-war years, and finishing the year with World War II.
The 8th grade curriculum begins with the Geography of Canada and Mexico. The students will then begin Civics with a focus on the Constitution and Principles of American Democracy. Following this is a focus in the Decline of European Colonialism, The Cold War, The Civil Rights Movement, The Vietnam War, The Middle East and Oil Politics, Florida in the 20th Century, The End of the Cold War, and lastly, Post-Cold War challenges including the emergence of China, and the War on Terror.
READING
The Reading Department Curriculum at Oasis Middle School was written in accordance with the Sunshine State Standards and is focused on helping students become life-long readers for knowledge and pleasure.
6th, 7th and 8th grade students participate in the Core Knowledge Program where Greek and Latin root words are taught in a comprehensive, grade-level aligned, method of vocabulary instruction that helps to prepare our students for the rigors of high school and college. At each grade level students work on building non-fiction reading skills including, but not limited to summarization, using context clues, recognizing propaganda, recognizing important details, and setting a purpose for reading.
Students at each grade level are encouraged to read for pleasure and have ample opportunity to visit the media center and make use of classroom libraries. Along with instruction in reading non-fiction materials, classroom activities also include reading classic and contemporary novels of literary merit. 6th grade students are presented with award winning novels like
The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963,
A Wrinkle in Time,
Caddy Woodlawn,
The Westing Game, and many other titles for whole group instruction. 7th Grade students enjoy novels including
The Outsiders,
Out of the Dust,
Witness, and
The Call of the Wild to name a few. The 8th graders read from a novel selection that includes
To Kill a Mockingbird,
The Shakespeare Stealer, and
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Here at Oasis Middle School our Language Arts department is based on the Core Knowledge Sequence meeting the Florida Sunshine State Standards for the writing assessment. We have a well balanced curriculum incorporating literature, poetry, and writing.
Our sixth graders read classic works such as: The Iliad, The Odyssey, Julius Caesar and The Prince and the Pauper. Our students learn to create, write, and research various topics throughout the year. They also work on developing strategies for writing persuasive and expository essays with focus on grammar and organization skills.
Our seventh grade Language Arts classes cover a variety of poems and analyze short stories by O. Henry, Edgar Allan Poe and James Thurber. The students also read popular novels such as: The Call of the Wild, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and the Diary of a Young Girl. Expository and persuasive essays are constructed, focusing on making better vocabulary and grammar choices. Learning the meaning of Latin phrases commonly used in English speech and writing, helps the children to understand the origin of our language.
Our eighth grade concentration lies in literature, writing and poetry. Classics such as Animal Farm and The Good Earth are read throughout the year, in addition to short stories, essays and speeches ("I have a Dream" and "The Marginal World"). Students in grade eight continually examine their writing for coherence, emphasis and elaboration in preparation for future writing endeavors.
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