Silver Lakes Middle A STEM Magnet School · 2016. 2. 5. · 2 Silver Lakes Middle STEM Magnet A Preparatory Academy for College and Career Silver Lakes Middle School STEM Magnet Dear

Silver Lakes Middle

A STEM Magnet School

2015 - 2016

Course Offerings Guide

Grades 6 - 8

Alison Trautmann-Lopez

Principal

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Silver Lakes Middle STEM Magnet A Preparatory Academy for College and Career

Silver Lakes Middle School

STEM Magnet

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to our 2015-2016 Curriculum Guide. This guide will assist you in

selecting your courses for the upcoming school year.

We are very proud of our curriculum program and will continue to have high

expectations while fostering a warm and caring environment to enhance learning

for all. We challenge you to set high expectations for yourself and follow it

through with hard work and dedication. In doing this, you will ensure a bright

future ahead.

Please review the enclosed information together as a family and consult with your

guidance counselor, teachers and/or administrators. We are here to help you in

your journey of learning.

Have a fun and successful 2015-2016 school year!

Sincerely,

Alison Trautmann-Lopez

Principal

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Table of Contents

Leadership Team…………………………………………………………………………….….5

Silver Lakes Middle School Registration Information …………………………….................6

Course Requirements..…………...……………..……………………………………………….7

STEMology ….....……………………………………………………………………………..….8

Enrichment Courses …………………………………………………..……………………………...……….11

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Leadership Team

ADMINISTRATION

Jeff Williams, Assistant Principal

Clarissa Coddington, Assistant Principal

Masharie Powell, Assistant Principal

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

Jillian Mostal, Guidance Director

Tamela Starks, Guidance Counselor

Teresa Haupert, ESE Specialist

DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSONS

Akeesha Rawls, Reading Chairperson

D’Andrea Brown, Math Chairperson

Michele Lewis, Language Arts Chairperson

Joshua Jamieson, Social Studies Chairperson

Ernst Alexis, Science Chairperson

Timothy Gore, Unified Arts Chairperson

SUPPORT STAFF

Leslyn Poitier, Reading Coach

D’Andrea Brown, Math Coach

STEM MAGNET SUPPORT STAFF

Timothy Gore, Magnet Coordinator

Renette Hawthorne, Science Theme Teacher

Jonathan Pace, Math Theme Teacher

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MISSION STATEMENT

Silver Lakes Middle magnet school will ensure that all students, achieve success while preparing them for

college, to meet tomorrow’s global challenges in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)

within a safe and civil environment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

This curriculum guide has been prepared to assist Silver Lakes Middle School students and their parents

with course selections for the 2015-2016 school year. Please carefully read the information contained in

this guide.

We believe that the students’ years at Silver Lakes Middle School will provide them with successful and

positive experiences. Students will encounter many opportunities for academic, physical, social, and

emotional growth. They will not only enhance their present skills and abilities, but also be better

prepared for success in the next grade as well as future endeavors.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

1. A guidance counselor and/or teacher will provide instructions and a course selection sheet to students.

2. The teachers will initial the appropriate courses.

3. The parent must sign the course selection sheet.

4. The student must sign the course selection sheet.

5. ALL course selections are subject to change based upon availability.

NOTE: All information in this booklet is subject to change based upon The Florida Department of

Education and The School Board of Broward County directives.

SILVER LAKES COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Silver Lakes Middle School is on a 4-by-4 block schedule. All students are registered for a total of eight classes.

Four classes meet each day for a 90 minute block of time. Classes alternate daily based upon an even/odd schedule.

All students will take language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and reading.

Students who score Level 3, 4, or 5 in both reading and math will have three enrichment classes.

Students who score Level 3 or higher in reading and Level 1 or 2 in math will take 90 minutes of math

daily and will have two enrichment classes.

Students who score Level 3 or higher in math and Level 1 or 2 in reading will take 90 minutes of reading

daily and will have two enrichment classes.

Students who score Level 1 or 2 in both reading and math will take 90 minutes of reading and math daily

and will have one enrichment class.

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ADVANCED ACADEMIC PLACEMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS Students scoring Level 4 or higher on the FCAT are recommended for advanced classes.

If a parent wishes to choose a more rigorous academic path for their child, a parent

may waive the school’s recommendation by completing the necessary paperwork PRIOR to scheduling.

Students on waivers WILL remain in the class until the

end of the first semester (18 weeks).

SILVER LAKES ACADEMIC COURSE OFFERINGS

The following courses are available to Silver Lakes Middle School students:

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Language Arts Language Arts Language Arts LA 6 Regular LA 7 Regular LA 8 Regular

LA 6 Advanced LA 7 Advanced LA 8 Advanced

LA 6 Gifted LA 7 Gifted LA 8 Gifted

LA 6 ESOL LA 7 ESOL LA 8 ESOL

Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Math 6 Intensive Math 7 Intensive Math 8 Intensive

Math 6 Regular Math 7 Regular Math 8 Regular

Math 6 Advanced Math 7 Advanced Math 8 Advanced

GEM 6 GEM 7 Algebra Honors I

GEM 8

Science Science Science Science 6 Regular Science 7 Regular Science 8 Regular

Science 6 Advanced Science 7 Advanced Science 8 Advanced

Science 6 Gifted Science 7 Gifted Science 8 Gifted

Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies (World History) (Civics) (U.S. History)

SS 6 Regular SS 7 Regular SS 8 Regular

SS 6 Advanced SS 7 Advanced SS 8 Advanced

SS 6 Gifted SS 7 Gifted SS 8 Gifted

Reading Reading Reading Rdg. 6 Intensive Rdg. 7 Intensive Rdg. 8 Intensive

Rdg. 6 Regular Rdg. 7 Regular Rdg. 8 Regular

Rdg. 6 Advanced Rdg. 7 Advanced Rdg. 8 Advanced

Rdg. 6 ESOL Rdg. 7 ESOL Rdg. 8 ESOL

*Note: Students in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) will have classes designated in accordance with their Individual

Education Plan (IEP).

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Science Academy

6th Grade: STEMology I

Robotics & Solar Engineering This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of engineering and simple machines. Students will work

with the LEGO Mindstorms to learn how to build robots, program them using the latest programming software, and

complete challenges to apply real world applications to the use of robots. Students will also be exposed to IMACS Robotics, a new online robotics curriculum. Students that participate in this elective will also be involved in the

Florida Lego League (FLL) Robotics Competition.

Environmental Engineering: Go Green! The objective of Environmental Engineering is to learn about stewardship in a global society working on recycling

and waste management, the fundamentals of solar and other alternative energies, and how to apply them to the real

world. Vernier Probeware will be used in this course to teach students data collection and graphing. The students in this elective will be working on maintaining the school’s recycling program, the butterfly/bird garden and start a

vegetable and hydroponic garden in the upcoming year.

7th Grade: STEMology II

FORENSICS: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS The objective of this elective class is to experiment with the fundamentals of forensic science. Students will have the opportunity to do real crime scene investigations with blood splatter patterns, DNA and collect evidence and analyze

data to draw conclusions based on credible evidence. The course will include the latest advances in Biomedical

Engineering and prepare students for the next unit of Cells Alive.

CELLS ALIVE: GENETIC ENGINEERING

This course will work with the basics of Genetic Engineering including biology, and the understanding

of nature. Topics covered will include cloning, the latest research on how environmental factors can

affect your genes as well as looking at cures, vaccinations, and preventing pandemics in a global society.

8th Grade: STEMology III

Natural Disasters

Civil Engineering The objective of this course to expose students to the fundamentals of Civil Engineering. The course

will offer students an opportunity to learn about natural disasters and their impact on society. Students

will be building sustainable model infrastructures such as highways, bridges, dams, buildings, etc. to

sustain the forces of Mother Nature. Students will also compete to develop green civil engineering

innovation in their collaborative project.

Phun Physics

Electrical and Mechanical Engineering This course teaches various concepts of mechanical engineering to support the 8th grade curriculum.

Students will work with force, mass and acceleration and how they play a role in potential and kinetic

energy. Students will have the opportunity to learn about roller coasters, circuits and common modes of

transportation such as trains, planes and automobiles. The course will also touch upon creating and

converting renewable energy. Students will participate in their year three internship project based on

the fundamentals they have learned in their three years as STEM students.

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Engineering Academy

6th Grade

MISSION POSSIBLE The objective of this course is to explore the categories of work performed

today and in future technological worlds. Laboratory experiences revolve

around electronics, computers, the technology system of communication, and

aerospace engineering. Students will explore the prerequisites and special

careers in our technological environment. The content may include, but not be

limited to, the organization and functions of a technological world,

occupations, problem solving, leadership and evolving technologies.

7th Grade

EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to explore the area

of production technology and its associated careers. Students will be given the

opportunity to solve technological problems using a variety of tools, materials,

processes and systems while gaining an understanding of the effects of

production technology on our everyday lives.

8th Grade

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (H.S. CREDIT) This course provides students with a foundation of knowledge and technically

oriented experiences in the study of the applications of technology and its

effects upon our lives and the choosing of an occupation. Students will use

teaming concepts to study various engineering technologies. This course

satisfies the computer requirement needed for graduation.

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Computer Applications Academy

6th Grade

ICOMPUTE

The objective of this course is to teach students the fundamentals of technology

and 21st century skills to be to compete in a global society. Students are

surrounded by technology and are expected to know how to use upon entering

high school such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and iMovie, Garage

Band, Google Sketch Up, podcasting, etc. This course is designed to teach

students technology operations and concepts, constructing and demonstrating

knowledge using the technology, communication and collaboration along with

the fundamentals of digital citizenship through exciting project-based learning.

7th Grade

ICOMPUTE II This course is designed to provide instruction in advanced keyboarding,

advanced word processing, advanced hardware, advanced Internet, intermediate

spreadsheet, introductory digital design, and soft skills for business

applications. These competencies provide the skills necessary to ensure

increased productivity and efficient utilization of equipment.

8th Grade

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (H.S.

CREDIT & MICROSOFT INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION) This course provides an introduction to information technology concepts and

careers as well as the impact information technology has on the world, people,

and industry and basic web design concepts. The content includes information

technology career research; operating systems and software application;

electronic communication including email and Internet services; basic HTML,

DHMTL, and XML commands; emerging technologies; and web page design.

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Additional Enrichment Course Offerings

HABLA ESPANOL INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH

This course is intended for non-Spanish speaking students. The objective of this

course is to introduce students to the Spanish language and culture and prepare them

for success in Spanish I.

SPANISH I High school level course for credit

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the Spanish language. The

emphasis is on oral communication and everyday expressions. The content may

include, but not be limited to, beginning skills in listening and speaking, introduction

to reading, writing, fundamentals of grammar and culture. Placement

recommendation: “B” average in reading and language arts, Level 4 or higher on the

FCAT Reading SSS. Instructor’s approval required.

SPANISH II High school level course for credit

The objective of this course is to reinforce and enhance previously acquired skills in

Spanish. The content may include, but not be limited to, further development of

listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, grammatical concepts and a broader

understanding of the Spanish culture. Prerequisite: Spanish I credit and

instructor’s approval required.

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Additional Enrichment Course Offering

BEGINNING BAND BAND The objective of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental skills on

wind or percussion instruments through the refinement and performance of middle

school band literature.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION TELEVISION PRODUCTION

The objective of this course is to provide the opportunity to develop the necessary

skills to create both live television productions and professional video edited features.

Content may include public speaking, writing and critical thinking skills through

investigative journalism techniques, and the use and care of media-related technology,

including, but not limited to, computer video-editing software, audio mixing devices,

and live video editing techniques. Application process and instructor’s approval

required.

BOOKWORMS LIBRARY/MEDIA

The objective of this course is to provide instruction in the production of nonprint

media. Content includes, but is not limited to techniques and skills for production of

nonprint media for academic and creative expression and production activities in

various media.

GLEE Do you like to sing and dance? Are you a Gleek? If so, this course is for you. Learn

the basics of singing and dancing, Broadway style, in this fun-filled enrichment

course.

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS: PHYSICAL EDUCATION The objective of this course is to develop competence and understanding of strategies

in games/sports, gymnastics, dance, individual and developmental activities, develop

critical thinking skills, develop group leadership and group membership, develop

competitive and cooperative skills and improve and/or maintain health-related fitness.

The content may include, but not be limited to, safety practices, assessment of health

related fitness, knowledge and application of offensive and defensive strategies in

activities which include throwing and catching, body management, striking with the

body and striking objects, development and application of competitive and cooperative

skills and fitness activities.

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The School Board of Broward County, Florida

Patricia Good, Chair

Donna Korn, Vice Chair Robin Bartleman

Laurie Rich Levinson Ann Murray

Abby M. Freedman Dr. Rosalind Osgood

Nora Rupert

Robert W. Runcie Superintendent of Schools

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure, which results in

discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, marital status, race, religion

or sexual orientation. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may

call the Executive Director, Benefits & EEO Compliance at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY)

754-321-2158.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY)

754-321-2158.

www.browardschools.com

Documents

Silver Lakes Middle A STEM Magnet School · 2016. 2. 5. · 2 Silver Lakes Middle STEM Magnet A Preparatory Academy for College and Career Silver Lakes Middle School STEM Magnet Dear