explores a computer simulation relating to each of the subject areas
uses appropriate software to reinforce subject areas, and develop basic, problem-exploration and critical-thinking skills
uses multimedia technologies to support learning in all subject areas
Library Skills
uses bibliographies, illustrations, and the front and back matter of a book to evaluate the usefulness of a specific source of information on a particular topic
organizes ideas and information in an outline form
expresses opinions about what he or she has read
Art
designs in 2 dimensions, emphasizing craft skills such as weaving and knotting
makes 3-dimensional designs using paper
understands costuming with an emphasis on the effect of color
Communication Arts and Reading
uses appropriate gestures, body language, voice quality, and language in oral presentation
uses formal and informal language appropriately in impromptu talks, class discussions, oral reports, debates
reads short stories, novels, poems, essays, biographies, newspapers
evaluates fiction by examining the characters, plot, conflict, author's message and style; evaluate non-fiction by examining clarity of material, accuracy of information, freedom from bias author's message and style
uses language structure, vocabulary, and clues from the reading material to find the message of new words in literature and textbooks in all subject areas
Health and Physical Education
designs an individual plan to incorporate good nutrition and non-addictive habits into a healthy lifestyle
leads and follows in small group activities
relates learning to other subject areas and daily family life
understands that human growth and development occurs at different rates
Mathematics
uses percentages in problems, circle graphs, and probability investigations
uses formulas
creates and solves problems involving ratio and proportion
develops formulas for area of polygons
discusses the meaning of permutations and combinations, and describes real-life situations in which these concepts are important
Science
applies mathematical formulas to science
identifies differences between physical and chemical changes
investigates energy use in complex system
demonstrates how levers, pulleys, and other simple machines work
Second/Foreign Languages
(Second language study usually begins at the sixth or seventh grade and continues into high school through various
checkpoints in the way to fluency)
Checkpoint One
understands simple statements and questions
holds a conversation using questions and answers
understands simple short, general messages
writes a paragraph or short composition about himself or herself
becomes aware of and better understands other cultures
Checkpoint Two
understands short conversation about everyday situations
begins to carry out a conversation using limited vocabulary
reads and understands simple stories
writes simple notes, letters, and short reports
continues to increase awareness of, begins to appreciate, and develops greater understanding of other cultures
Checkpoint Three
understands the important points of discussion of familiar topics
initiates and holds a conversation in which more complex ideas are expresses
reads and understands more sophisticated stories
writes short letters and notes that native speakers of the second language are able to understand
respects, appreciates, and becomes more knowledgeable about other cultures
Social Studies
explores diverse regions of the Eastern Hemisphere including Europe, the Mediterranean lands, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, with emphasis on economic and geographic perspectives
understands that nations join together to promote economic development and growth
understands that the environment is affected by the people of a region as they interact with it
understands and uses various grids, symbols, and notations for identifying geographical and political regions on all maps