Curriculum

At the middle school level, Countryside offers the following courses: Middle School Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Advanced Math (Geometry or Algebra II in alternating years). Middle School Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra utilize textbooks from the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project, which is a continuation of the Everyday Math program.

Introduction to Middle School Math is designed as a bridge between elementary math and more advanced middle school math courses. The course focuses on developing fluency with key topics in arithmetic, basic pre-algebra, and proportional reasoning, among others. As part of their study of scale and proportions, students design a house floor plan to meet the requirements of their assigned client.

Pre-Algebra is designed to prepare students for an algebra course through the development of key algebraic and logical reasoning skills. Students will explore connections between algebra, geometry, and probability using multiple representations and applied problems. Emphasis is placed on helping students transition from arithmetic reasoning to algebraic reasoning. As part of their study of probability, students design and build a carnival game in which the player has at least a 30% chance of winning.

Algebra introduces functions and explores the properties of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Strong emphasis is placed on understanding and using multiple representations of these functions in problem-solving and real-world applications. Another area of focus is the development of fluency with algebraic techniques related to expressions and solving equations. As part of their study of quadratic functions, students will build small catapults and describe the path of the projectile using mathematical language.

Advanced Math A (Algebra II) is designed to follow an introductory Algebra I course without requiring a course in Geometry. The course covers general properties of functions, with emphasis on polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Through hands-on activities and mathematical investigations, students will develop a deeper understanding of how these functions are used to describe and model real-world phenomena.

Advanced Math B (Geometry) formalizes and extends geometric concepts introduced in elementary and middle school courses. The course covers two-and three-dimensional geometry with emphasis on creating traditional constructions, representing situations using geometric models, and justifying arguments using deductive reasoning. Students will develop and deepen their understanding of geometric relationships, explore more complex geometric situations, and learn how to construct formal mathematical arguments.

Our students develop an in-depth understanding of science content and develop key skills like communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem-solving, and flexibility. They learn to understand and value the pursuit of science and work it into their world views.

Our curriculum includes a 6th grade year and a 2-year rotating 7th/8th grade year. Students will have a trimester of Physical Science, Earth Science, and Life Sciences each year. Areas of study include:

Life Science

• Microscopy
• Cells and microorganisms
• Vertebrate biology
• Invertebrate biology
• Plants
• Genetics
• Skeletal-muscular, lymphatic, and immune system
• Vision and hearing
• Adolescent development
• Reproduction and sex education

Earth Science

• Astronomy
• Plate tectonics
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes
• History of the Earth

Physical Science

• Light and sound energy
• Electromagnetic spectrum
• Chemistry
• Electronics
• Applications of 3 Laws of Motion

Our students explore their own science interests through Science Bump Blogs. These blog posts involve students with the science around them - the everyday science they "bump" into all of the time. This work is student-designed and student-driven. On a rotating basis, each student publishes their Science Bump Blog on our safe KidBlog platform. Their peers read, learn from, and comment on each other's work.

Chinese

We offer two levels of Chinese in middle school. The novice level is equivalent to the first semester of high school Chinese I, and the intermediate level is equivalent to the second semester.

Students learn to speak, read, write, and listen in Chinese while learning about the Chinese culture. Students learn appropriate grammar, sentence structure, and various vocabulary words related to multiple events and experiences.

There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Both Chinese characters and pinyin are presented together, and students interact in a 90 percent Chinese-language environment. In addition, students in our upper level Chinese work toward mastering their goals to meet the national standards of ACTFL.

Students are enriched by the Chinese culture through various celebrations and projects including performing at the local library for Chinese New Year.

Spanish

Spanish classes at Countryside are not your traditional world language classes. We use a method called “Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling” (TPRS®). It is basically story-based immersion presented with compelling comprehensive input focusing the instruction on the student’s acquisition of language. Acquisition is an effortless, involuntary process, which results in long-term memory. With this approach, the students are listening before speaking and learning vocabulary and grammar in context by example and usage. It is an exciting way to help students develop true proficiency.

We offer two levels of Spanish in middle school. White level covers topics including: our class and ourselves, our likes and dislikes, our families, our days and our lives, and our schedules and plans. In addition to present tense, Green level utilizes actions in the past. Whereas White level may cover our families or activities, Green level discusses our families or activities – then and now.

The goal for every student is, that by the time they leave middle school, they will have reached a proficiency level that allows them to continue taking in input from the outside world and continue building their own language proficiency to the level they desire.

Latin

The middle school Latin classes deepen the focus on Latin grammar concepts and expand their vocabulary. They learn the six cases of nouns and the groups to which nouns belong. They learn the forms of the nouns belonging to each group, and how each form has a specific function in a Latin sentence. They learn the six tenses of verbs in the active and passive voice. They are introduced to many different types of grammar structures, such as relative clauses and dum clauses.

The students also study Roman culture, including history, mythology, and the daily life of the Romans. The students discuss the founding of Rome, the famous heroes and their stories, as well as some of the prominent figures in Roman history, such as Caesar and Augustus. The middle school students also learn Latin and Greek roots, suffixes, and prefixes to help develop vocabulary building strategies. There are two levels of Latin in the Middle School.

Projects range from simple black and white to multi-style art projects. Students begin by creating their own coloring page (and the students combine them to make a coloring book.) The class moves on to a multi-style art project where they first learn and practice three styles - realistic art, non-objective art, and abstract art. Then the students choose a subject/object that they draw or paint in those three styles.

In a book making project, the class discusses different style artists' books and students choose one to create themselves. They have the choice of flip books, pop-up books, flap books, 3D books, tunnel books, or exquisite corpse books. The class then moves on to work in stop-motion.

Our “Arts Rotation” consists of music, performing arts, fine arts, and wood shop/travel cultures. In wood shop students learn how to (safely) use basic hand tools and power tools to create simple projects. They build confidence in working with their hands.

In travel cultures, students are introduced to multiple languages and customs around the world. Because what it means to be polite varies around the world, they learn about the cultural etiquette of several countries. In addition, they learn common phrases everyone should know when traveling or meeting people who speak other languages.

Our PE class emphasizes both personal fitness and team sports. The goal is to keep students active and engaged each period as they use different skills to participate in a wide variety of activities.

We want every student to discover activities they enjoy and can continue to do for the rest of their lives. The class also covers soft skills including cooperation, perseverance, sportsmanship, hard work, and goal setting.

The principles instilled during childhood influence the type of citizen, parent or leader a student will become. Our Character Building program helps model appropriate behavior. We strive to nurture the growth of these ideals in our students' social and emotional development.

These qualities include:

• Respect
• Gratitude
• Cooperation
• Honesty
• Resourcefulness
• Reliability
• Self-Control
• Good Judgment
• Perseverance