Mathematics: Pre-Algebra
Designed for strong students, sixth-grade pre-algebra covers a wide range of topics. Emphasis is placed on solidifying skills in arithmetic and visual shapes while developing an understanding of abstract algebraic and geometric concepts, which continues into Grade 7. There are regular and advanced levels for this course.
Mathematics: Honors Pre-Algebra
Designed for outstanding students who are very strong mathematicians, honors pre-algebra covers a wide range of advanced topics. With skills in arithmetic and visual shapes largely mastered, emphasis is placed on developing a strong understanding of abstract algebraic and geometric concepts, which continues into Grade 7.
Mathematics: Honors-accelerated Pre-Algebra
The honors-accelerated pre-algebra course, designed for highly able students, covers advanced pre-algebra topics and completes the pre-algebra course begun in Grade 5. Emphasizing concepts and reasoning skills, the course integrates a wide range of topics including linear topics in Algebra 1.
Mathematics: Independent Study
Designed for extraordinary young mathematicians, Meadowbrook's Independent Study option enables students to learn math topics well above grade level quickly and efficiently. Tailored to individual needs, courses may include Intermediate Algebra, Number Theory, Precalculus, and Calculus.
Life Science
This curriculum introduces the complexity of life on Earth, focusing on survival, reproduction, scientific processes, and critical thinking. Students engage in labs, projects, and traditional assessments, learning skills like note-taking and effective collaboration.
English
Students explore diverse texts, integrating reading, writing, and discussion. They develop active reading skills, practice analytical writing, and engage in class discussions. Activities include creative writing in various genres and the development of a full-length, thesis-driven essay.
History
This course explores geography and the relationships between people, places, and things. Students learn about maps, geographic features, and the power of perspective. They examine cultures, governments, historical events, and social phenomena like stereotypes and ethnocentrism.
Spanish
Starting from scratch, this course covers the Spanish alphabet, basic vocabulary, verbs, and simple communication skills. Activities include listening to songs, watching movies, and reading about Spanish-speaking cultures. Students practice speaking, with the main goal being comfortable conversing in Spanish. They also prepare essays, oral projects, and take the National Spanish Exam.
Latin
Covering half a year of high school Latin, this course includes present and imperfect tenses, infinitives, declensions, noun cases, and more. Cultural discussion explores topics from Mt. Vesuvius to daily life in the Roman Empire. Students work to improve reading and translating increasingly complex passages.
French
This course builds on French language skills, covering verb conjugations, tenses, pronouns, and grammatical structures. Multimedia resources, interactive games, and written projects aid in learning, with an expectation of increased speaking in French.
Mandarin
The Mandarin course offers an engaging environment for sixth graders to learn Pinyin, Chinese characters, and sentence structure. It covers basic communication, cultural understanding, and daily language materials. The class uses student activities, games, and technology to foster comprehension and communication skills.
SEL: Human Growth and Development
This course covers mental and physical health and wellness, relationships, and addiction in the teenage brain. Methods include videos, guest speakers, and mindfulness practices, with a focus on problem-solving and decision-making skills.
SEL: Aware
AWARE supports Meadowbrook's commitment to inclusivity, embracing diverse identities like race, gender, age, and religion. The program encourages self-exploration relating to racial, social, and cultural identity. AWARE fosters both full group and small “home group” discussions to ensure all voices are heard. It aims to deepen awareness and understanding while upholding Meadowbrook's principles of multiculturalism and diversity.
SEL: Project Challenge
Project Challenge employs adventure activities, simulations, and discussions to teach autonomous prosocial behavior and teamwork. Focusing on skills like communication, leadership, and understanding human needs, it culminates in a high ropes course assembly, demonstrating sixth graders' teamwork.
Pottery
This middle school pottery course emphasizes basic skills in clay handling and construction. Students have varied assignment options catering to different skill levels. The course emphasizes creativity and personal expression, providing students opportunities to create meaningful work and learn new techniques each year. It meets three times a week for one quarter.
Drawing and Painting
This course builds confidence in creating two-dimensional art. Students learn techniques like shading, composition, and color mixing. Meeting three times a week, students apply techniques from lower school classes and expand upon them. The culminating project is a large acrylic landscape painting.
Film & Broadcast Media
Students learn basics of filmmaking, including planning, filming, and editing. They explore storyboards, scripting, camera operation, and editing software. Projects include PSAs, conversations, and how-to videos. Classes meet three times a week.
Chamber Ensemble
Performance-focused, this class explores Western Music history and instrument practice. Students select instruments, engage in performance assessments, analyze music, and participate in selections. Music theory is also discussed.
Theater
This theater production class divides students into small troupes rehearsing and performing short plays. All students participate in acting and set design. The focus is on positive and accessible theater production experiences.
Songwriting and Production
This course introduces students to audio production and songwriting using Garageband and DAW’s in a recording studio. They explore podcasting, live recording, mixing, and mastering their projects using professional techniques. Focus includes song forms, melodic ideas, and creating original material using subjects discussed in class.
Rock Band
The Rock Band Program focuses on Rock music history and performance, offering choices among traditional rock instruments. It emphasizes creativity, stage presence, and technique. Students analyze the evolution of rock music, create professional recordings, and are critiqued by instructors and peers.
Music: Meadowbrook Voice
In this singing class, sixth graders practice pitch matching, phrasing, and breath control. They develop sight-singing and harmony skills, performing songs for classes and community. Highlighted performances include “Let it Be” at the Winter Concert.
Woodworking
Woodworking class lets sixth graders learn design, construction, and safe tool use. They create a wooden lift chair, learning new skills and adding personal touches. Each student is responsible for the project's completion and safety within the classroom.
ArtTech
ArtTech explores the intersection of art and technology, allowing students to use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Tinkercad. They create objects using laser cutters and 3D Printers, working self-paced with faculty guidance. Projects blend creativity and innovation, meeting three times a week.
Mathematics: Pre-Algebra and Algebra
Designed for strong students, seventh-grade math courses complete the pre-algebra learning begun in Grade 6 and begin studying linear topics in Algebra 1. Emphasis is placed on skill development and real-world applications, leading to lasting success. There are regular and advanced levels for this course.
Mathematics: Honors Pre-Algebra and Honors Algebra
Designed for outstanding students who are very strong mathematicians, seventh-grade honors math covers advanced pre-algebra topics, completing the course begun in Grade 6. Emphasizing concepts and reasoning skills, the course integrates a wide range of topics including linear topics in Algebra 1.
Mathematics: Honors-accelerated Algebra
The honors-accelerated algebra course, designed for highly able students, covers a full year of honors Algebra 1, includes computer programming concepts, and begins honors Geometry. Emphasizing algebraic reasoning skills and the development of concepts, the course prepares students for success in honors-level mathematics at any high school.
Mathematics: Independent Study
Designed for extraordinary young mathematicians, Meadowbrook's Independent Study option enables students to learn math topics well above grade level quickly and efficiently. Tailored to individual needs, courses may include Intermediate Algebra, Number Theory, Precalculus, and Calculus.
Applied Physical Science
Centered around "Energy is Everywhere," the course explores physics and chemistry aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Students engage in complex labs, exploring kinetic and potential energy, states of matter, and more. A culminating project involves student-designed labs to demonstrate mastery of chemistry or physics concepts.
English
Exploring texts like "The House on Mango Street" and "Macbeth," students in this course practice active reading strategies, discussion, textual analysis, and various writing genres. The course promotes critical thinking and collaboration, with additional depth and supplemental material in the Honors section.
United States History
This course nurtures historical consciousness, focusing on themes of belonging, freedom, and resistance. Students explore the Constitution and key moments throughout American history from multiple perspectives. Skills such as analysis, research, public speaking, and written argumentation are emphasized, treating historical events as unexplored territories for investigation.
Spanish
This course continues the exploration of Spanish with a focus on real-life situations. Starting with a review of past material, it introduces new vocabulary and tenses, enabling students to discuss various topics. Students will engage in essays, oral projects, listen to songs, watch movies, and learn about Spanish-speaking cultures. The ultimate goal is to build comfort in speaking Spanish.
Mandarin
Seventh-grade Mandarin emphasizes pronunciation, vocabulary related to daily life, and various grammatical structures. Students are guided in their learning methods and engaged in cultural comparisons.
Latin
The seventh-grade Latin course covers verb tenses, declensions, pronouns, adjectives, and more, using the Ecce Romani IB textbook. Cultural discussions highlight Roman engineering and entertainment, such as chariot races. Students will improve vocabulary, reading speed, and translation skills, moving closer to reading original Latin texts.
French
Seventh-grade French emphasizes grammatical proficiency and conversational skills in a largely French-speaking environment. Students learn through multimedia resources, interactive activities, and are evaluated based on participation, assessments, and homework.
SEL: AWARE
AWARE focuses on racial, social, and cultural identity, fostering Meadowbrook's commitment to multiculturalism and diversity. Through group discussions, students deepen their understanding of self and community.
SEL: Project Challenge
Project Challenge emphasizes human relationships, teaching prosocial behavior through adventure-based activities, simulations, and discussions. Students are challenged to create supportive environments in various tasks, culminating in a field trip to a rock climbing gym to apply these skills in an authentic context.
SEL: Human Growth and Development
Meadowbrook's HGD course educates middle school students on mental and physical health and wellness, self-relationships, and addiction cycles in the teenage brain. The curriculum promotes problem-solving and decision-making skills through videos, guest speakers, current events, and interactive discussions. Mindfulness practices are also integrated to help center students before exploring sensitive topics.
Pottery
Middle school pottery students refine basic skills such as pinch, coil, and slab methods. Through a series of assignments that vary by grade level, students can customize projects to suit their interests and skills. The course encourages creativity and problem-solving, allowing repeated enrollment to continuously learn new techniques.
Rock Band
This performance-based course focuses on the history and origins of Rock music. Students choose instruments, learn stage presence, blocking, and technique, and explore rock music's evolution. Activities include listening and analysis, and the final project is a professional recording made in class, mixed and mastered by the instructor.
Drawing and Painting
Aiming to instill confidence in two-dimensional art creation, this course emphasizes fundamental techniques and builds on prior knowledge. Students learn shading, composition, color mixing, and more, culminating in a large acrylic landscape painting that incorporates the skills developed throughout the course.
Film & Broadcast Media
Building on prior filmmaking skills, students produce content for live Meadowbrook Minute+ broadcasts, working collaboratively in various roles. The class meets thrice weekly, and content is broadcasted live to the community, cultivating skills in scripting, directing, editing, and live news broadcasting.
Chamber Ensemble
Focused on the history of early Western Music, students select instruments and are assessed on performance, style, and technique. The course explores the evolution of Western Music and includes music theory and analysis, fostering creativity and individual expression.
Music: Meadowbrook Voice
Seventh and eighth graders practice singing skills three days a week, including pitch matching, breath control, and harmony. Students prepare group and individual songs, culminating in performances for the school community.
Woodworking
The woodworking class meets thrice a week, teaching design, construction, and tool usage. Students work on independent projects and are encouraged to focus on planning, preparation, and attention to finishing details, all under safe supervision.
Theater
Seventh-grade theater production at Meadowbrook includes acting, costume/set design, stage management, and other aspects. Students create a play adapted from a well-known movie and engage in all facets of theater production.
Art & Technology
Students explore the intersection of art and technology through hands-on projects using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Tinkercad, and Fusion360. They create objects with various cutting and printing tools, combining creativity and innovation in self-paced projects.
Mathematics: Algebra
Designed for strong students, Algebra 1 courses thoroughly cover algebraic concepts including quadratics at all levels, as well as an introduction to computer programming concepts. Emphasis is placed on skill development and real-world applications leading to lasting success in high school math courses. There are regular and advanced levels for this course.
Mathematics: Honors Algebra
Designed for outstanding students who are very strong mathematicians, honors Algebra 1 covers algebraic concepts, including quadratics, and includes a detailed analysis of various equations, functions, computer programming and application tasks. Students graduate well prepared for lasting success in honors-level high school math courses.
Mathematics: Honors-accelerated Geometry
The honors-accelerated geometry course, designed for highly able students, covers a full year of honors high school geometry. Emphasizing geometric proofs, the course integrates algebra within the curriculum and fosters independent learning skills. It prepares students for success in honors-level mathematics at any high school.
Mathematics: Independent Study
Designed for extraordinary young mathematicians, Meadowbrook's Independent Study option enables students to learn math topics well above grade level quickly and efficiently. Tailored to individual needs, courses may include Intermediate Algebra, Number Theory, Precalculus, and Calculus.
Environmental Science Investigations
This course prototypes community problem solutions through design thinking, considering various aspects of power, including political, structural, energy, and carbon usage. Students explore biomimicry, human history, and innovations, digging into how community problems relate to broader global issues.
English
Eighth grade English explores diverse texts including novels, plays, poetry, and more. Emphasizing critical thinking, discussions, literary analysis, and creative response, students write essays and conduct a capstone project called "The Story Experiment." The course also offers an Honors section with additional depth and material.
Spanish
This course deepens vocabulary and grammar to enable conversations on topics like theater, environment, and food. Students will learn direct and indirect object pronouns and subjunctive tenses to express wishes, desires, and commands. The course includes essays, oral projects, cultural explorations, and preparation for the National Spanish Exam, emphasizing increased comfort in speaking Spanish.
Latin
Covering Latin II topics, the eighth grade course includes six tenses, subjunctive mood, infinitives, participles, gerunds, and adjectives/adverbs. Students memorize vocabulary, translate passages, and engage with Roman culture. The year concludes with a comprehensive project translating literature and researching a Roman monument.
Mandarin
Eighth graders in this course will enhance communication fluency, learning exposition, narration, and description in daily life scenarios. Students will explore Chinese culture, compare linguistic thinking, and master common Mandarin structures and sentences. Emphasis is given to comprehension and language application.
French
Eighth-grade French class offers complete immersion, honing grammar, language, and vocabulary. Students explore advanced rules, various tenses, and engage in reading and writing projects, such as "L'oeil du Loup" by Daniel Pennac. Building on previous learning, they delve into future and conditional tenses, emphasizing precise and eloquent expression.
Quest for Cultures
This course enhances understanding and appreciation of world cultures through creative projects, multimedia, and varied resources. Students explore historical and modern concepts such as cultural diffusion, globalization, isolationism, and personal responsibility in history, like the Holocaust.The year culminates in a historical mock trial simulation.
SEL: AWARE
AWARE aims to deepen students' understanding of racial, social, and cultural identity. It fosters Meadowbrook's commitment to multiculturalism and diversity through group discussions and "home group" dialogues. By exploring individual strengths, weaknesses, voices, and backgrounds, the community grows, and individuality is cherished.
SEL: Project Challenge
Designed for personal growth and understanding, Project Challenge uses adventure activities, readings, simulations, and discussions to teach prosocial behavior. Students explore values, participate in cultural exchange trips, and practice leadership. Living a value-centered life is emphasized, using accumulated skills to meet personal and class goals.
SEL: Human Growth and Development
Meadowbrook middle school's Human Growth and Development (HGD) course is taught once a week for a trimester, focusing on mental and physical wellness, relationships, and addiction cycles in the teenage brain. Lessons utilize videos, guest speakers, and student-generated questions. Mindfulness practices at the beginning of each class promote wellness and self-regulation, and center students for learning about sensitive topics.
Chamber Ensemble
Focusing on early Western Music's history and origins, students choose from various instruments and participate in performance assessments. They explore the evolution of Western Music, its Eastern influences, and engage in music theory and analysis. Emphasis is on creativity, individual expression, and live experience, meeting three days a week each trimester.
Film & Broadcast Media
The 8th Grade Film & Broadcast Media class builds on previous filmmaking skills, including scripting and editing. Students create short films, movie posters, and participate in live broadcasts. Content includes news features, interviews, and more. The class meets three times a week for a trimester.
Theater
Meadowbrook's 8th Grade theater includes full class participation in an annual junior musical. The course extends beyond acting to include aspects of theater production like costume design and stage management. Rehearsals occur during regular arts class, with extended rehearsals leading up to live performances.
Songwriting and Production
Students in this class explore audio production and songwriting, using tools like Garageband, Logic ProX, and ProTools. They are introduced to podcasting, live recording, mixing, and mastering, and work on original material related to subjects discussed in class. Classes are 50 minutes, meeting three times a week.
Rock Band
The Eighth Grade Rock Band Program focuses on rock music history and performance. Students can choose from traditional rock instruments and are assessed on stage presence, blocking, and technique. Historical analysis of rock music is also included, and the class concludes with a professional recording, mixed and mastered by the instructor.
Woodworking
In this eighth grade class, students meet thrice weekly to learn design principles and construction, utilizing various hand and power tools safely. They pursue independent projects of interest, following careful planning and supervision. Focus is given to preparation, tool positioning, and finishing details, with safety being paramount.
Pottery
This course allows middle school students to refine their clay construction skills through assignments tailored to their interests and skill levels. Offering a structured yet flexible curriculum, students may explore and problem-solve creatively. The course, meeting three times a week for a trimester, fosters engagement and imagination expansion.
Drawing and Painting
Aiming to build confidence, this course emphasizes fundamentals in shading, composition, and color mixing. Catering to individual skill levels, the course meets thrice a week and culminates in a large acrylic landscape painting that encapsulates all learned techniques.
Music: Meadowbrook Voice
For 7th & 8th graders, this trimester course meets three times a week, focusing on singing skills such as pitch matching, phrasing, breath control, sight-singing, and harmony. Students practice and perform group and individual songs, enhancing their vocal abilities and confidence.
Seventh and Eighth Grade - Art & Technology
Students explore intersections between art and technology through hands-on projects involving Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Tinkercad, and Fusion360, and creating objects with various cutting and 3D printing technologies. Working self-paced, they engage in faculty-guided skill development, progressing at individualized paces. Projects emphasize creativity and innovation, with three 50-minute classes weekly over a semester.
