United Friends School Middle School Curriculum
Language Arts Grades 6 to 8
Reading/Literature: Read independently to expand reading vocabulary; demonstrate understanding and
interpretation of fiction and nonfiction; read recommended 25 books per year in a variety of genre and
types of text, and respond through discussion and written response; establish reading goals and maintain
reading log. Understand essential content of informational texts and documents in all academic areas; use
and understand a variety of media. Read, analyze and interpret literature including poetry and drama.
Whole group reading and discussion of, for example, Romeo and Juliet, Old Man and the Sea, Of Mice
and Men, Pioneers, The House on Mango Street, And Then There Were None, Fahrenheit 451, The
Messenger.
Writing: Following the writing process and the Six Traits of Writing (ideas-content, voice, word choice,
organization, sentence fluency and conventions) students write with a sharp, distinct focus in which they
clearly identify their topic and audience and establish a single point of view. Apply organizational
methods; use relevant illustrations and graphics; utilize dialogue; apply literary conflict and include
literary elements and literary devices in their short stories, plays, and poetry. Additional types of writing
include letters, descriptions, reports, instructions, narrative and persuasive essays, articles, and interviews.
Students maintain a portfolio of their work.
Vocabulary: etymology (origins) of words; definitions of common, learned and foreign words used
frequently in the English language (e.g. carte blanche, faux pas).
Speaking: Children are given many opportunities to express themselves verbally and to gain in
confidence and clarity in speaking to individuals and large and small groups. Children throughout the
grades are involved in play performances, class discussions, readers’ theater, debates, role plays, and
formal presentations of their research projects. Teachers work with students in developing skills of
projecting their voices, enunciating their words, making eye contact with their audience, and organizing
their presentations so that they are cohesive, logical and interesting.
Listening: Children learn how to listen by practicing listening. During Meeting for Worship, which lies
at the heart of United Friends School, every child is encouraged to listen to their still, small, inner voice, a
task which requires lots of practice and preparation. Children gather for Meeting in their classes where
they practice the skills of listening to the voices of others as well as their inner voices. In conflict
resolution exercises, children learn how to listen to those with who they are in conflict. In classroom
activities, children learn to listen for directions, instructions, and important messages. Children are
encouraged to listen for comprehension of general ideas and specific details.
Library: Independent research projects to develop mastery in the research process using the Big6
information problem solving model; critical analysis of sources including text, internet, and periodical
databases; proficiency in note taking; exploration of test taking strategies; exploration of media
technology including Word, Excel spreadsheets, Power Point, Inspiration, and web page design.
Math Grades 6 to 8
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The Sixth Grade Everyday Mathematics Program emphasizes the following program goals:
Number and Numeration: Read and write whole numbers and decimals: identify places in such
numbers and the values of the digits in those places: use expanded notation, number and word notation,
exponential notation, and scientific notation to represent whole numbers and decimals: solve problems
involving percents and discounts: explain strategies used: identify the unit whole in situations involving
fractions, decimals, and percents: use GCF’s, LCM’s and divisibility rules to manipulate fractions; apply
the order of operations to numerical expressions to give equivalent names for rational numbers; find
equivalent fraction and fractions in simplest form; convert between fractions, mixed numbers, decimals,
and percents; choose and apply strategies for comparing and ordering rational numbers; explain those
choices and strategies.
Operations and Computation: Use multiple strategies to solve problems involving addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, mixed numbers and signed numbers;
describe the strategies used and explain how they work; make reasonable estimates and explain how the
estimates were obtained; use ratios and scaling to model size changes and to solve size change problems;
represent ratios as fractions, percents, and decimals and using a colon; model and solve problems
involving part to whole and part to part ratios; model rate and ratio number stories with proportions; use
and explain cross multiplication and other strategies to solve proportions.
Data and Chance: Collect and organize data or use given data to create bar, line, circle, and stem-andleaf graphs with reasonable titles, labels, keys, and intervals; use the minimum, range, median, mode, and
means and graphs to ask and answer questions, draw conclusions, and make predictions; compare and
contrast the median and mean of a data set; use various strategies to identify all possible outcomes for a
situation; predict results of experiments, test the pre
Geometry: Compare and contrast properties of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional figures; understand
congruence and similarity; visualize, describe, and use translations, reflections, rotations, and size-change
transformations; classify angles; identify angle relationships in triangles and quadrilaterals, in parallel
lines cut by a transversal, and in intersecting and perpendicular lines; understand and apply basic concepts
in topology; classify tessellations.
Measurement and Reference Frames: Measure and estimate length, area, volume, weight, and capacity;
use formulas to compute areas, volumes, perimeters, circumferences, and surface areas; create scale
drawings; measure length to 1/16 inch and 1 mm; measure and draw angles.
Patterns, Functions, and Algebra: Recognize, continue, and describe complex patterns; find the nth
term in a sequence; use variables and open number sentences to represent problem situations; write
equations to fit given tables of numbers; evaluate algebraic expressions; solve linear equations with one
and two unknowns by performing the same operation to both sides of the equation; understand and apply
the order of operations and the distributive property.
Pre-Algebra: Algebraic expressions and integers; solving one-step equations and inequalities; decimals
and equations; factors, fractions and exponents; operations with fractions; ratios, proportions and
percents; solving equations and inequalities; linear functions and graphing; spatial thinking; area and
volume; right triangles in algebra; data analysis and probability.
Algebra: Tools of Algebra; functions and their graphs; algebraic concepts and simple equations;
equations and inequalities; graphing and writing linear equations; systems of equations and inequalities;
quadratic equations and functions; exponents and exponential functions; polynomials.
Science Grades 6 to 8
In the study of science, we provide opportunities for our students to learn that “people can figure out how
the world works, that the universe is a unified system, that knowledge gained from studying one part of it
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can often be applied to other parts, and that knowledge is both stable and subject to change.”
Benchmarks for Science Literacy
We do this by providing a science program that enables students to be independent learners and thinkers
who are engaged in the scientific process of discovery. Students learn to observe, question, organize,
research, and connect information as they construct meaning. For example, some topics may include:
Micro and macro organisms; ecology of woodlands and streams; astrobiology; scientific methods, lab
safety and procedures, SI (metric) units of measure, independent and dependent variables, collecting and
graphing data, the procedures and equipment for measuring mass, volume, and density; properties of
matter; local geology; catastrophic events; Delaware Bay ecosystems.
Science is taught in 3-year rotational cycles, as follows:
Yr 1: Earth and Space Science
Yr 2: Life Science
Yr 3: Physical Science
Motion and Forces: Newtonian Laws of Forces and Motion: An objects motion is the result
of all forces acting on it. Two of the fundamental forces that exist in the universe are gravity
and electromagnetism. Simple machines either change the direction of motion or increase
mechanical advantage. Moving electrical charges produce magnetic force. Explorations
include: Forces and Motion, Simple machines, Design Technology projects with gear boxes,
cams, and pulleys, Amusement Park Physics, Ramps and Marbles, Rube Goldberg machines,
Inventions
Properties and changes of properties in matter: Atomic Molecular Theory of Matter:
Matter has observable physical properties and the potential to mix and form new
materials. Explorations include: Physical Properties including mass, density, viscosity,
absorption, Chemical and Physical Changes and Reactions, Compounds, Mixtures, Phase
Changes, Dry Ice, Elements Research, Periodic Table, Atoms, Abington Wastewater Treatment
Plant, Oil Spill Remediation
Transfer of Energy: Light, Heat, Electricity, Magnetism, Solar, Nuclear and ChemicalForms, Sources, Conversions, and Transformation of Energy. Energy is neither created
nor destroyed. Energy can be transformed from one form to another, but transformation
between forms often results in the use of useable energy through the production of heat.
Explorations include: Light Refraction, Components of Fire, Electricity, Motors and Magnets
textbook and kit, Solar Cars, Hydrogen Fuel Cell cars, During Earth Science year: Storm and
Wind Formation, Heat transfer in water vs soil, Space travel, During life science year: cellular
respiration, photosynthesis, burning calories. Franklin Institute,
Earth Systems Theory: The Earth system changes constantly as air, water, soil, and rock
interact, and the Earth is part of a larger sun, earth, moon system. Solid, liquid, and
gaseous earth materials all circulate in large scale systems at a variety of time scales, giving
rise to landscapes, the rock cycle, ocean currents, and weather and climate. The earth and
the solar system are closely interacting systems. Energy from the sun warms air and water, which
creates wind patterns and moving currents within them. The water cycle plays an important role
in climatic patterns. Earth rotates on its axis giving it days and nights. The tilt of the axis
produces seasons. The earth has a water cycle. Most ground water eventually returns to the
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ocean. Weather variables can be observed and measured and weather patterns predicted. Heat
flow from the Earth and motion within the Earth lead the outer shell of Earth to move around in
large rigid plates and leads to continuous changes to the Earth. Explorations include:
Catastrophic Events textbook and kit, Exploring Space textbook, Exploring the Earth’s surface
textbook, Jason Project Mysteries of Earth and Mars, The Reasons for the Seasons Gems book,
Quaketown Swamp, Delaware River Watergap, Licking Creek Study
Properties of Earth materials: Earth materials (rocks and soils) are composed of different
combinations of minerals that can be classified. Soil is formed from the breakdown of rocks and
organic material. Earth is mostly rock, with a metallic core, a thin layer of water covering ¾ of
the earth’s surface, and surrounded by a thin blanket of air. Sedimentary rock layers confirm the
long history of Earth changes, Human activities have caused far-reaching effects among Earth
systems. Explorations include: Exploring the Earth’s surface textbook, Geology studies,
Beltzville Fossil hunt, Boulder Run boulder field,
Objects in the sky: Objects in the sky have patterns of movement that can be observed. The sun
provides the light and heat necessary for life on Earth. The moon’s revolution around the Earth is
visible as moon phases. Anything near Earth is pulled toward it by gravity. Explorations
include: Exploring Space textbook, Jason Project Mysteries of Earth and Mars, NASA Moon
rocks, Apollo video series, NASA Design a Planet Project, Boyertown Planetarium
Cell Theory and Organisms: The cell is the basic unit of structure and function for all
living things. All living things are made up of smaller units called cells. Cells carry out the many
functions needed to sustain life, such as taking in nutrients needed to provide necessary energy to
carry out their life functions. There are defining structure of cells for both plants and animals.
There are structural and functional similarities and differences that characterize diverse living
things. Specialized cells provide specialized functions in multicellular organisms by acting
together as a system that enables the organism to function as a whole. Some organisms are made
of a single cell. Explorations include: Human Body Unit from STC/MS, Organisms Unit from
STC/MS (including blackworms, cabbage butterflies, Wisconsin Fast Plants, protozoa,
Wowbugs, cell Model Contructions, photosynthesis, microscopy studies of plants and animals)
Reproduction and heredity: Plants and animals have life cycles that are different for different
organisms. Every organism has a set of genetic instructions that determines its inherited traits.
The gene is the basic unit of inheritance. Organisms reproduce and pass their genes to the next
generation. Cells grow and divide thereby producing more cells. Genes can randomly change or
mutate. Explorations include: Human Body Unit from STC/MS, Organisms Unit from
STC/MS, Plant reproduction-ferns, flowers, trees, Insect metamorphosis
Regulation and behavior: All organisms must be able to obtain and use resources, grow,
reproduce, and maintain stable internal conditions while living in a constantly changing external
environment. Regulation of an organism’s internal environment involves sensing the internal
environment and changing physiological activities to keep conditions within the range required
to survive. Disease affects the structures and/or functions of an organism. Explorations include:
Human Body Unit from STC/MS, Organisms Unit from STC/MS, Shad in Schools,
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Populations and ecosytems: A population consists of all individuals of a species that occur
together at a give place and time. All populations living together and the physical factors with
which they interact compose an ecosystem. Populations can be described by the function they
serve in an ecosystem. The number of organisms an ecosystem can support depends on the biotic
and abiotic resources available. All animals depend on plants. An organism’s patterns of
behavior are influenced by its environment. All organisms cause changes in the environment
where they live. Changes in environmental conditions can affect the survival of populations and
entire species. Explorations include: Human Body Unit from STC/MS, Organisms Unit from
STC/MS, Salt marsh adaptations, Red Knots, Horseshoe Crabs, Local Ecology, Plant
Identification, Edible plants, Macroinvertebrates for stream health
Diversity and adaptations of organisms: Evolution of Life Over Time: Populations of
organisms evolve by natural selection. Individual organisms with certain traits are more like
than others to survive and have offspring. Biological evolution accounts for the diversity of
species developed through gradual processes over many generations. Species acquire many
unique characteristics and structural changes through biological adaptation. By comparing the
anatomical features of fossils, we know that some kinds of organisms that once lived on Earth
have completely disappeared, although they are something like other that are alive today.
Extinction of a species occurs when the environmental conditions and changes and adaptive
characteristics of a species are insufficient to allow its survival. Explorations include: Salt
marsh adaptations, Red Knots, Horseshoe Crabs, Project Feederwatch and Project Nestwatch,
Prehistoric Life unit.
Social Studies Grades 6 to 8
Our primary goals in teaching social studies include: to develop cultural awareness, to improve the ability
of students to think critically and analytically about social issues and to empower our students to think
from multiple perspectives, especially while developing their own.
We do this by providing many opportunities to explore and understand topics drawing upon such
disciplines as history, geography, economics, anthropology, archaeology, sociology, political science, and
religion. We seek to integrate the study of the social sciences with the humanities so that students begin
to see these topics as complex, interrelated ones. For example, some topics may include: elements of a
culture; Thailand and Central Asia; comparative religions; role of religion in politics and culture;
comparative political structures; the US constitution; history of slavery; race, culture, and class.
Social Studies is taught in 3-year rotational cycles, as follow:
Yr 1: one or more topics related to:
• Europe (e.g. mapping, culture, country-studies, etc.)
• Asia (e.g. country study including religion, culture, art, historical period, etc)
• United States (e.g. civil rights, judicial system, government, Quaker history)
Yr 2: one or more topics related to:
• North America (e.g. Canada, Mexico, Native Americans, etc.)
• South America (e.g. Incas, Patagonia, etc.)
• United States (e.g. polar expeditions, geography, slavery)
Yr 3: one or more topics related to:
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Africa (e.g. Egypt, culture studies, rites of passage, etc.)
Oceania (e.g. native cultures, art, etc.)
United States (e.g. the Gilded Age, mapping, states and capitals, the constitution, formation of the
colonies; colonial Philadelphia etc.)
Art: 2 classes per week, focusing on
introducing levels of meaning into their work; developing more sophisticated use of symbolism and
voice; working with ideas and emotions that cross over into other academic areas; continue refining how
they view and respond to the works of others; long-term projects.
Music: 1 class per week focusing on:
Singing: songs with expanded ranges; simple harmonies; harmony by ear; chords; sing in appropriate
style.
Listening: identify finer dynamic changes, specific forms, and musical styles; identify meters and tempo;
recognize select genres.
Creating: songs and lyrics; notate songs; invent musical games; notate compositions.
PE, Health, Safety and Human Development: 1 class per week; walks to the park; after school
athletics program. Cooperation in competitive and non-competitive games; developing defensive and
offensive strategies in games, fitness sessions at the YMCA. Nutrition; personal health, development, and
sexuality; personal safety, hygiene, peer pressure, nutrition, diet and exercise.
Spirituality: Meeting for Worship; Decision Making in the Manner of Friends; “Food for Friends”
service project; world religions.
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