Tuition-Free Online Middle School Program in Florida

ENGLISH 6

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of informational texts related to historical topics. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 6th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 6 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

MATH 6

In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring geometry through the study of area and surface area of figures. They then move into a study of ratios, unit rates, unit pricing, and percentages. The semester concludes with an in-depth dive into dividing fractions, focusing not only on algorithms, but also conceptualizing and applying this skill. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE 6

In this inquiry-based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

Students begin the semester with a study of light and matter, exploring the phenomenon of one- way mirrors which act as both a window and a mirror. They will investigate how light transmission and reflection impacts how we see an object. Next, they will study thermal energy and learn how containers can keep materials hot or cold. During this study, they will investigate closed and open systems and the movement of particles. Finally, they will learn about cells and systems. Students will explore the systems of the body and investigate how we heal from injuries at a cellular level. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

ENGLISH 7

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student- friendly version of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 7th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 7 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

MATH 7

In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring relationships between figures as they examine scaled copies and scale drawings. This transitions into learning about proportional and nonproportional relationships as well as how to represent proportional relationships with tables, graphs, and equations. Next, students learn about relationships within circles: measuring circles and finding the area and circumference of a circle. Finally, students conclude their study of proportional relationships by studying proportional relationships with fractions, percent increase and decrease, and application of percentages. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE 7

In this inquiry- based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

This semester begins with an investigation of bath bombs and the chemical reactions that happen when they are placed in water. Students will learn how matter can change forms while total mass remains the same. Next, students continue their study of chemical reactions as they learn about chemical reactions and energy. They investigate how to heat up food and how to create a flameless heater. Finally, they will explore ecosystems and how changing an ecosystem impacts living things. They will study the impact of various products on rainforests and on the plant and animal life within them. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

ENGLISH 8

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student- friendly version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 8th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, and reading.

Grade 8 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

MATH 8

In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

This semester begins with an in- depth study of transformations. Students first learn about rigid transformations and congruence of shapes and angles in triangles. They then expand this knowledge to work with dilations and similarity of figures. Next, they begin to explore linear relationships as they find slopes and solve and graph linear equations. Finally, students learn more about linear equations in one variable and are introduced to systems of linear equations. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE 8

In this inquiry- based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

This semester begins with a study of motion and contact forces. Students will investigate how changing the mass or speed of an object can affect forces in a collision, as well as learn ways to protect objects in a collision. Next, students investigate sound and how sounds can make matter move. They study sound waves and frequency and examine the effects of different pitches and volumes of sounds. Finally, students continue their study of forces by investigating magnets and the forces that they can apply on objects. They investigate magnetic fields, energy transfer, and the force pairs in magnetic fields. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

MS CIVICS

From the earliest human societies, principles of civics have influenced the way people live together and interact. Decisions about citizenship, distribution of power, and access to rights helped shape the governments of historical and contemporary societies, including the United States. The middle school civics course recounts important concepts in civics and related events in world and U.S. history, including:

• Citizens have both rights and responsibilities.
• The roots of modern democracy can be traced to the direct democracy of ancient Athens and the republic, or representative democracy, of ancient Rome.
• Medieval European monarchs ruled with absolute authority until the Magna Carta placed the first limits on royal power in England.
• Enlightenment ideas such as natural rights, the social contract, and popular sovereignty influenced events in the centuries that followed and continue to influence events today.
• Governments come in many different forms, but they always serve the same purposes.
• The Articles of Confederation created an ineffective first government of the United States, so they were replaced by the U.S. Constitution.
• The U.S. Constitution built on ideas from American colonial history, British history, and the European Enlightenment.
• The Constitution separated powers among three branches of government and included a system of checks and balances.
• The amendment process has allowed the Constitution to change over time.
• The Bill of Rights explicitly protects individual rights.
• Other amendments expanded the definition of citizenship and the right to vote.
  

Students will engage in learning and applying skills connected to understanding government structures, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the importance of civic participation, how laws are made and changed, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. These skills will help students become informed and active members of their community.

Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills and to create a personal connection between students and content. The projects are designed to foster independent learning and promote students to take action, use their voices, and get involved as a citizen. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

MS ECONOMICS

From the earliest human societies, principles of economics have influenced the way people live together and interact. Decisions about the production of goods and services, money, and trade helped shape the economies of historical and contemporary societies, including the United States. The middle school economics course recounts important concepts in economics and related events in world and U.S. history, including:

• People use natural resources, human resources, and capital resources to produce goods and services.
• Economies are shaped by interactions between consumers and producers.
• Scarcity, opportunity costs, and incentives all influence economic decision- making.
• Prices are largely influenced by the principles of supply and demand.
• A budget can be a helpful decision- making tool.
• Goods and services can be exchanged by barter, money, or credit.
• Anywhere—real or virtual—where people buy, sell, or trade goods and services is a marketplace.
• Economies are shaped by interactions between consumers and producers.
• Scarcity and opportunity cost influence economic decision- making.
• Prices are largely influenced by the principles of supply and demand.
• Anywhere—real or virtual—where people buy, sell, or trade goods and services is a marketplace.
• A society’s standard of living is influenced by factors such as availability of resources, availability of goods and services, and education.
• Examples of these economic principles can be found throughout world history.

Students explore and develop skills in understanding economic principles, analyzing market behaviors, recognizing the roles of consumers and producers, evaluating economic decisions based on resource allocation, and understanding the impact of government policies on the economy. These skills will equip students to better understand the economic world around them.

Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills and to create a personal connection between students and content. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

MS US HISTORY – AFTER CIVIL WAR

The U.S. History 2 course recounts important historical themes and events in modern United States history from the late 1800s to the 2000s. Topics include the following:

• The U.S. became a world power during the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period marked by immigration, industrialization, and urbanization.
• The U.S. experienced economic, technological, scientific, and social changes during the 1900s.
• The U.S. supported the Allies in World War I.
• The U.S. experienced highs and lows during the Roaring Twenties, the stock market crash, and the Great Depression.
• The U.S. entered World War II after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
• The U.S. developed the atomic bomb.
• The U.S. and the Soviet Union competed for global influence during the Cold War.
• The 1960s and 1970s were decades of social change.
• The 1980s and 1990s saw economic growth and involvement in regional conflicts.
• The early 2000s brought economic, environmental, political, and international challenges, including 9/11 and the war in Iraq.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, problem solving, constructing historical arguments using reasoning, evaluating primary sources from multiple perspectives, distinguishing fact from opinion, and developing claims and counterclaims. Additionally, special topics, like analyzing political cartoons, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

MS WORLD HISTORY – ANCIENT

The World History 1 course recounts important historical themes and events in world history from the ancient world to the Medieval era. Topics include the following:

• Complex societies developed independently in different cradles of civilization, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and Mesoamerica.
• Ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundations for Western civilization.
• The modern world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam have their roots in ancient and medieval civilizations.
• China introduced the world to new technologies—for example, silk making, paper, gunpowder, and new philosophies, such as Confucianism and Daoism.
• Mesoamerica and South America were home to developed civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca before the arrival of European conquerors.
• The African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai dominated West Africa during Europe’s medieval period.
  

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, evaluating and using primary and secondary sources, and developing logical arguments. Additionally, special topics, like ecotourism, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

MS WORLD HISTORY – MODERN

The World History 2 course recounts important historical themes and events in world history from the Renaissance to modern day. Topics include the following:

• The Renaissance marked a renewed interest in the past as well as exploration of philosophy and artistic styles.
  
• The Protestant Reformation and the Counter- Reformation transformed European religion and politics.
  
• Interest in Asian trade and the development of new technologies sparked European exploration and colonization.
  
• During the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Western scientists and thinkers applied reason and systematic study to seek to understand the physical world, human nature, and society.
  
• World War I was shaped by new technologies such as tanks, machine guns, and poison gas.
  
• World War II was a global effort to stop German expansionism in Europe and Japanese expansionism in Asia.
  
• After World War II, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union helped shape events in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
  
• The dissolution of colonial empires after World War II included conflicts in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
  
• The early twenty- first century has been shaped by globalization, migration, terrorism, regional conflict, eradication of disease, and climate change.
  

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, analyzing visual sources, and developing logical arguments. Additionally, special topics, like chronological thinking, fact versus opinion, analyzing continuity and change, cultural diffusion and economic specialization, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self- management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

*Offerings may vary each year.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 6

You will explore health and fitness topics with a crew of virtual characters. Among them is Coach Cardio, who will help measure your increasing fitness level as you learn to keep your body physically fit. This course provides middle school elective credit. Please check with your school district regarding middle school physical education requirements.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 7

You will reach new levels of fitness in this course through sports, dance, aquatics, and more. A friendly cast of course characters will guide you through exercising safely, activities that target different areas of your body, and reaching new goals. This course provides middle school elective credit. Please check with your school district regarding middle school physical education requirements.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 8

This course is designed for 7th and 8th grade students and is intended to be 18 weeks in length. The purpose of this course is to build on previously acquired knowledge, skills, and values necessary for the implementation and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle. The course content provides exposure to a variety of movement opportunities and experiences which include, but is not limited to: Outdoor Pursuits/Aquatics, Individual/Dual Sports and Alternative/Extreme Sports. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to student success in this course and in the development of a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

MS BUSINESS KEYBOARDING

Using a special in-house typing software, SimpleType, students will gain typing speed while learning the proper technique to become a keyboarding master. Students will learn introductory word processing and electronic presentation best practices in addition to computer hardware, internet, and business application skills to prepare for their future career.

MS CAREER EXPLORATIONS II

Imagine that it’s 20 years from now. What career do you see yourself in? What do you imagine that you’ll be doing? In this course, you’ll explore more careers and what it takes to succeed in different fields. You’ll learn more about what steps are needed to prepare for your career and how to compare the pros and cons of different career choices to find one that’s best for you.

MS CRITICAL THINKING I

Our brains are incredible tools, and they help us observe, analyze, create, and take action every single day. In this course, you are going to learn to unlock one of your brain’s most stunning powers: critical thinking! Get ready to go on an adventure and solve mysteries by applying your own critical thinking skills as you make your way through your units. Then, you’ll use these specialized skills towards issues in the real-world both inside and outside of the classroom. Tap into your most powerful tool today!

MS CRITICAL THINKING II

You have already learned that critical thinking skills are, well, critical to possess but they’re especially important for you as you are experiencing emotional and physical changes and trying to determine friendships, interests, politics, and more! In this course, you’ll learn more about the foundational skills you need to think logically and critically: observation, evaluation, and analysis. You’ll also learn about things like deductive and inductive reasoning, logical fallacies, verbal and nonverbal communication, components of a debate and debate etiquette, and more. The time has come, let’s get critical!

MS EXPLORING HEALTH SCIENCE

Where do healthcare workers spend their days? What do they really do? From cruise ships to sports arenas, you can find healthcare workers in many places that you might not expect. Explore this field, including what it would be like to work in a medical lab. Learn what it takes to keep you and your patients safe, and begin to learn about the human body and basic first-aid.

MS EXPLORING MUSIC

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘music’? Do you think about your favorite band or artist? In this course, you’ll learn about how we hear music; how music affects our lives; essential elements of music like rhythm, pitch, and harmony; different musical genres; singing and your voice; various instruments; music composition; and the history and culture of music over the years.

MS EXPLORING TWO-DIMENSIONAL ART

Get ready to unleash your creativity in the vibrant world of two-dimensional art. In this course, you’ll tell your own story through art as you develop skills in drawing, painting, and more! Get inspired as you investigate artworks and how to use the elements of art and principles of design as you create and reflect on your own art. There are supplies you’ll need to purchase for this class, but don’t worry. You have choices in what you can use.

MS JOURNALISM

Ready to make the headlines?  Prepare to dive into the exciting world of journalism to develop your reporting skills across various platforms such as print, web, radio, and multimedia. Take a trip through the history of journalism to explore its past, present, and future. Discover different careers in the field and learn how to research and write captivating news stories. Investigate what it means to be an ethical and responsible journalist who creates content that informs and engages an audience.

MS PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographs are all around us, and each helps to tell a story. Now it’s time for you to create your story through photos you learn how to take in this course. Learn the basics of using a camera, lighting, and how to choose great subjects to create magazine-worthy photos and amaze your friends and family with your skills.

MS VISUAL ART

Ever wonder about how you can create art? In this course, you’ll connect with art created by other artists as you learn how to plan, create, and reflect on your own art. you’ll discover tools and techniques artists use as you create your own drawings, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and mixed-media works. you’ll need to purchase supplies for this class. But don’t worry, you have choices in what you can use!