MS 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 often performing at the local library for Chinese New Year.

Spanish

At Countryside, Spanish classes use the “Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling” (TPRS) method, a story-based immersion approach that provides compelling comprehensible input. This method focuses on facilitating the natural acquisition of language, an effortless and involuntary process that leads to long-term retention. Through this approach, students primarily listen before speaking, learning vocabulary and grammar in context through examples and usage. This engaging method helps students develop true language proficiency.

To enhance students’ appreciation of the cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries, various celebrations and customs are thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum.

The goal is that by the time students graduate from middle school, they will have reached a proficiency level that enables them to begin at least at Spanish 2 in high school. Additionally, students will have the tools to continue engaging with authentic Spanish input in the outside world, further building their proficiency to their desired level.

Each year, students participate in the National Spanish Examination (NSE). Most eighth graders take the Spanish 2 test, which often qualifies them to begin Spanish 3 in high school.

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.

The projects are designed in a way that students explore different forms of art and concepts. Students are given a rubric to refer to for each project where they graded on five major criteria: completeness, effort, craftsmanship, following directions and planning.

In addition to projects, students are also required to do a written reflection for their projects and a weekly sketchbook assignment. When a project is introduced, the students are given a brief art history lesson and then a demonstration of techniques. Students begin all projects by first planning out their ideas, looking up references and brainstorming.

They are encouraged to choose subjects reflecting themselves and their interests. Examples of projects done in middle school include, acrylic landscape paintings, cardboard creations, tunnel books, collage, automata and mixed media projects. In eighth grade, students paint a brick in the hallway and create a painted backdrop with their classmates for graduation. 

Our Arts Rotation consists of music, performing arts, fine arts, and wood shop. 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.

Sample Projects:

• Nail Art
• Portable GaGa Ball Pit
• "9 Square in the Air" game
• Bird houses
• Logos

Our PE class emphasizes both personal fitness and group activities. 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