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What We Learned

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FMS Middle School students had a busy year, learning everything from electromagnetism to etymology.

From building (and then knocking down) a periodic table of elements, to re-enacting the WWII D-Day Normandy Invasion, to dissecting cow eyeballs, to traveling the Oregon Trail, to discussing Lord of the Flies and 1984 … the list goes on.

 

Here is a partial list of the 2012-13 Middle School curriculum and activities:

History

  • Colonization
  • Road to Independence
  • American Revolution
  • Current events
  • War of 1812
  • Westward Expansion
  • U.S. Geography

Physical Science

  • Matter
  • Periodic Table of Elements
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Acids, Bases & Solutions
  • Motion & Forces
  • Work & Machines
  • Energy
  • Electromagnetism

Math

  • Algebra/Pre-Algebra

Languages

  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Farsi

Language Arts

  • grammar, etymology, vocabulary, spelling
  • reading comprehension/critical thinking
  • 1984, Lord of the Flies, The Pigman, Fahrenheit 451, and more

Music

  • Rhythm: composing and notating complimentary rhythms, utilizing rhythmic improvisation as the melody over ostinato accompaniments, swing feel vs. straight classical feel
  • Melody: explore Renaissance music via Alto recorder, improvisation over modal music with shifting cords
  • Form: ABA, rondo, canon
  • Rhythm: poly-rhythms, poly-meter, compound meters 5/4, 7/8, 12/8
  • Melody:  from improvisation to composition – creating melodies
  • Form: 4 part canons, theme, & variation Rondo, ABA, ABAC

Physical Education

  • Kicking Skills/Throwing Skills
  • Cooperative Games/Team Building
  • Net Ball
  • Lacrosse
  • Softball
  • Yoga & Aerobics
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Track & Field

Art

  • Self-Portrait and Environmental Studies
  • Techniques used by artists: Euclide, Nicholls, Millet, Duchamp, Calder , Rickey, Escher, Termes, Rembrandt, Dolci
  • Develop skills using: Ink, Pastel, Acrylic Paint, Sculpture, Metal, Pencil
  • Identify elements of art: Radial Balance, Symmetry, Texture, Positive/Negative Space
  • Literature, Social Concerns, Visual Culture Studies
  • Techniques used by artists: Escobar, Dr. Seuss, Judi Chicago, Britto, Johns, Warhol, Picasso, Shulte, Ocampo
  • Develop skills using: Mixed Media and Found Materials
  • Identify elements of art: Perspective, Dimension, Space, Texture, Value

Partial List of Field Trips

  • Techatticup Mines (history and chemistry)
  • Mt. Charleston Rope Course (community building)
  • New York New York roller coaster (physics)
  • PALI (adventures and skill-building in California)
  • Opportunity Village (community service tradition)

[button url=”http://elementary1.fmsparents.com/2013/06/01/our-most-memorable-middle-school-lessons-2011-2013/” target=”_blank” size=”small” style=”coolblue” ]Our Favorite Lessons[/button]

[button url=”https://foothillsmontessori.com/congratulations-class-of-2013/” target=”_blank” size=”small” style=”coolblue” ]List of 2013 Graduates[/button]

[button url=”https://foothillsmontessori.com/middle-school-memories/” target=”_blank” size=”small” style=”coolblue” ]Middle School Memories[/button]

Foothills Montessori School is a private Montessori school serving families in Henderson, Las Vegas and Southern Nevada.