Academics
Below you will find a course description for each class that is offered at Clay County Middle School. Information provided by the Kentucky Academic Standards.
Mathematics - Core - 8th Grade
This yearlong course is based upon the 8th grade Kentucky Academic Standards to prepare students for future algebra-based understandings. The course begins by reviewing the real number system by analyzing and classifying numbers. Students will e explore the following five categories throughout the course of the year: The Number System (NS), Expressions and Equations (EE), Functions (F), Geometry (G), and Statistics and Probability (SP).
Mathematics - Core - 7th Grade
In 7th grade math, students will further develop their abilities to problem solve while deepening their overall number sense. This course is designed to prepare students for success in all future math classes and life. Students will be guided to develop an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts while forming real-world connections. Ratio and Proportional Relationships • Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems. The Number System • Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers. Expressions and Equations • Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions. • Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. Geometry • Draw, construct, and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them. • Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area and volume. Statistics and Probability • Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population. • Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations. • Investigate chance processes and develop, use and evaluate
Social Studies - Core - 7th Grade
Seventh graders work toward examining how movement and migration impacted the interactions between expanding civilizations through conquest and trade in Afro-Eurasia (North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Europe) and the Americas from 600-1600. They compare political institutions and their impacts on people in empires. Students will compare how different economic systems choose to allocate the production, distribution and consumption of resources. Students will examine ways in which one culture can both positively and negatively influence another through cultural diffusion, trade relationships, expansion and exploration. Students will evaluate the political, geographic, economic and social impact of the expansion of empires during this period. Students will see how the accomplishments, developments, conflicts, migrations and interactions of the early modern world establish the foundations of modern society.
Social Studies - Core - 8th Grade
The focus of grade 8 is the investigation of how conflict and compromise impacted the founding and development of the United States. By considering multiple perspectives, students will recognize the impact of diversity in the United States, forging a deep understanding of the Founding Generation, the independent American spirit and uniquely American traditions. Students explore the interconnections of politics, geography and economics in the United States from the Colonial Era, Revolutionary Period, Early Republic, Westward Expansion, Civil War and Reconstruction. Students evaluate how individuals and groups addressed local, regional and global problems concerning the development of the United States.
Language Arts - Core - 7th & 8th Grade
Our Language Arts Department embraces your child's eagerness for learning by exposing their growing minds to a multitude of texts. Throughout the year, your child is introduced to a diverse range of characters from numerous backgrounds and ethnicities. We cover a collection of texts and writings including, but not limited to, the following selections: fiction; short stories and novels; nonfiction and informational; poetry and poetic devices, including figurative language and a broad aspect of writings (i.e. personal responses, argumentative, etc.) Various language mechanics and grammar skills are integrated throughout the year, as well (e.g., vocabulary, word skills, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, literature, writing skills, research/information skills, reading comprehension, and writing tasks).
Science - Core - 7th Grade
This class is divided into two main parts – physical science and life science. During the physical science portion of learning, we dissect the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, forces and interactions, energy, and waves and electromagnetic radiation. The second portion, life science, focuses heavily on structure, function, and information processing, the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationship in those ecosystems, and natural selection and adaptation. This course not only helps students understand how the world functions around them, but it encourages critical thinking and engagement with their environment. This is accomplished by performing lab experiments, manipulating real-world objects, making observations, and relating these findings to our personal experiences and environments.
Science - Core - 8th Grade
Eighth grade science standards include both earth and life science content. Students learn about the formation and history of the earth. They learn the mechanisms that create landforms and how to analyze rock strata. Students also study relative and absolute dating techniques to determine the age of rocks and fossils in order to understand geologic time. Next, students learn the impacts humans have on earth and methods to minimize their impact. Life science includes learning about the growth, development and reproduction of organisms, and interdependent relationships in ecosystems. Students then identify and study causes and effects of changes in populations on earth.
STEM - Elective - 7th & 8th Grade
S.T.E.A.M. uses science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to encourage student critical thinking, inquiry, and problem solving. This class follows the middle school Kentucky Academic Standards by supplementing curriculum students are learning with a more hands-on approach.
Art - Elective - 7th & 8th Grade
Visual Art is a 9-week elective class at CCMS. Throughout the 9 weeks, students will learn how art fulfills a variety of purposes (ceremonial, artistic expression, narrative, functional, and persuasive). Students will use the elements of art and principals of design to compose visually effective artworks. Students will use a variety of media and processes to create art. Students will learn to effectively respond to and critique periods, and how art is important to everyone, even if they are not artist (art appreciation).
Physical Education - Elective - 7th & 8th Grade
Physical Education classes will help students practice and develop skills that allow you to stay healthy and maintain fitness throughout your life. During the school year each student will set goals for themselves to create a personal fitness plan. We will have monthly visits from our local hospital and will have conversations about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At the end of the school year we hope each student has met specific goals that will help them throughout their life.
JAG - Elective - 7th & 8th Grade
Jag stands for “ Jobs for America’s Graduates”. In Jag, students learn financial skills as well as options for careers/jobs after high school. Students learn important interview skills and how to present themselves to a future employer. Students may visit college campuses alongside possible places of future employment. We also do many community service projects throughout the year. Lifelong friendships are made in the Jag program, and each students well-being is a huge focus.
Music - Elective - 7th & 8th Grade
Music class is a 18-week class that allows students to be exposed to various genres/styles of music. Students learn about various artists and how they influenced different styles of music. Students learn about the Elements of Music and how each one is important to not only writing a piece of music but performing it. Students will learn about how music is written and all the steps that are used to do so. Also, students will be able to connect with and appreciate the reasons behind the composition of a piece of music such as inspiration or life experiences. Students will learn about the 4 families of instruments and all of the characteristics that each family has. Students will also learn about various cultures of music such as Dia De los Muertos the Day of the Dead. Music is a fun and forever evolving class as new music is created daily and our students are able to listen to and critique the new styles of music.