Category: Course Catalog

Course Length:

Two semesters

Course Description: 

In the first semester students will learn about the scientific method and hone their understanding of using scientific measurements to Earth and Space Science. Also included are lessons on Earth maps and globes including detailed instruction on how to find specific locations using latitude and longitude. Students will learn about Earth movements, seasons, the Moon, tides, solar and lunar eclipses, the Sun and its role as the main source of light and energy in the solar system. They will learn about planets, asteroids, meteors, comets and their orbits and how force gravity holds it all together.  Careful attention has been given to presenting the most updated information available in areas of discovery such as stars with planets and the latest methods of detecting them as well as a look at NASA’s most recent Curiosity landing on the Martian surface.

In the second semester study zeros in closer to home: Earth science. Yet, the coursework is uniquely integrated and applied to disciplines of study outside of Earth science. Starting with the Earth’s interior students study rocks and minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, undersea ridges, trenches and mountains and how the study of Earth’s geologic history helps explain these phenomena.  Students study weathering, soil and erosion as well as water in all its forms the water cycle, oceans and ocean currents.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Science 7 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the internet is required. 

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A available
Spring: B available

Lead Teacher:

DeLacy Humbert, Helena Public Schools, delacy.humbert@mtda.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

COURSE LENGTH:

two semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Physical Science Grade 8 is an introduction to the Physical Sciences and scientific methodology. The objectives are to impart a basic knowledge of the physical properties and chemistry of matter. Skills are developed in the classroom, and reinforced through homework reading, and interesting labs that relate to everyday life.

PREREQUISITES:

None

COMPREHENSIVE SYLLABUS:  

Science 8 Public Syllabus

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Basic Kitchen Lab Supplies

SPECIFIC TECHNICAL/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

COURSE AVAILABILITY (SUBJECT TO RESOURCE AND TEACHER AVAILABILITY):

Fall: A available
Spring: B available

LEAD TEACHER:

Janet Goodell, Dutton/Brady Public Schools, janet.goodell@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

two semesters

Course Description: 

Life Science is the study of cells, heredity, biological populations and their changes over time. It includes human biology, ecology, diversity of organisms and the history and nature of science. In this course, students will have the opportunity to conduct and design experiments, identify and classify organisms. Students will work on developing skills in data recording, classifying, measuring, observing, hypothesizing, analyzing, evaluation and inferring.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Science 6 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the internet is required. 

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A available
Spring: B available

Lead Teacher:

Jamie Holbert, Columbus School District, jamie.holbert@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

two semesters

Course Description: 

In this first semester of grade 7 math online course, students work with problem-solving skills, beginning algebra skills, geometry, decimals, fractions, data analysis, number theory and patterns, percents, and integer use. Projects measure the student’s ability to integrate and apply the course objectives.

In this continuation of the first semester, students work with fractions; unit conversions; proportions and rates; percents; geometry topics including lines, angles, polygons, polyhedrons, perimeter, area, surface area, volume, and transformations; squares and square roots; permutations and combinations; and probability. Real-life application of concepts is emphasized in all units.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Middle School Math 7 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the Internet is required. 

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A available
Spring: B available

Lead Teacher:

Kami Heinz, Columbia Falls School District, kami.heinz@mtda.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

two semesters

Course Description: 

Students begin the first semester of this course with a review of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers. More complex concepts are built on these basics. Students learn how to add, subtract multiply and divide integers, decimals and fractions. The course also includes lessons on ratios and proportions, ratios and rates, and proportional relationships.

In the second semester of grade 6 Math online course, we introduce students to the order of operations and how to use them in solving application problems. Building on these concepts, students are then introduced to the basics of algebra and algebraic expressions. Students then learn how to apply these problem-solving skills to percents and solving single and multiple-step equations. An exploration of Geometry, probability, and statistics concludes the second semester.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Math 6 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the Internet is required. 

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A available
Spring: B available

Lead Teacher:

Haylea McNeil, Billings Public Schools, haylea.mcneil@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

One-semester

Course Description: 

Middle School Health aids students in creating a foundation of personal health. Beginning with properly defining health, this course then builds upon basic health practices to emphasize the importance of balance. Attention is given to each of the six dimensions of wellness; namely, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental. Students are taught the skills necessary to improve every aspect of health. They are also encouraged to reflect upon their own personal wellness each week.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Middle School Health Public Syllabus

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: available
Spring: available

Lead Teacher:

Public Schools, patr@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

One-semester

Course Description: 

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘music’? Do you think about your favorite band or artist? In this course, you’ll learn about how we hear music; how music affects our lives; essential elements of music like rhythm, pitch, and harmony; different musical genres; singing and your voice; various instruments; music composition; and the history and culture of music over the years.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Middle School Exploring Music Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the internet is required. 
• Video recording device
• Audio recording device

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: available
Spring: available

Lead Teacher:

Gordon Klasna, Public Schools, gordon.klasna@mtda.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

two semesters

Course Description: 

During the first semester of this year-long course, students will read and analyze various kinds of written texts, include novels and short fiction, informational texts representing a wide range of topics and forms, and several one-act plays. Lessons in Semester A will also guide students in writing their own narratives and essays, using the readings in the course as both examples and sources of ideas for reflection, analysis, and argument. Students will learn better ways to discuss their thoughts and perceptions with others—they will practice their skills in collaborative discussions as well as informal journal entries, presentations, and speeches. Writing assignments include personal narratives, analytical and persuasive essays, and an original one-act play. Special emphasis is placed on reading in certain content areas, such as science and history, as well as understanding and thinking critically about news and media sources.

In Semester B of grade 8 English Language Arts online course, students will examine the role of historical autobiographies and diaries in our understanding of history. In the process, they’ll study the impact of point of view on nonfiction texts. Students will be given opportunities to write autobiographical narratives of their own and then asked to connect their experiences to universal themes or philosophical positions, which they explore through writing about them. In the second half of the semester, students will study the relationship between poetic expression and several conventions of language, including syntax, voice, sentence types, and punctuation. Next, they will explore the nature of creativity, the processes that tend to produce good literature, and the features of experimental and multi-genre forms of fiction. Near the end of the semester, students will reflect on their own growth and development throughout the year, compiling a portfolio that illustrates the progress they’ve made. Finally, students will consider what high school will ask of them and how they might fulfill those expectations, having gained a better understanding of their strengths as well as areas ripe for continued learning and progress.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Language Arts 8 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the internet is required. Required Anthology:
  • Poetry Speaks Who I Am
  •      ISBN-10: 1402210744
  •      ISBN-13: 978-1402210747

  Required Novels:

  • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
  • The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition by Anne Frank
  •      ISBN-10 : 0553577123
  •      ISBN-13 : 978-0553577129

  Optional Novels (Choose 2):

  • The Pearl by John Steinbeck
  • My Brother Sam Is Dead by Christopher Collier
  • Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt
  • The Ox-Box Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
  • That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A available
Spring: B available

Lead Teacher:

Tricia Dean, Butte Public Schools, tricia.dean@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

Two semesters

Course Description: 

Through analysis of written, spoken, and multimedia texts, students will become more critical consumers of information and of various forms of media. They will also synthesize and organize ideas to prepare structured essays in several different modes, including narrative, persuasive, and expository. Each lesson will guide students in learning and applying specific strategies for reading and writing different types of texts.  A review of basic English mechanics is included in many of the writing lessons, along with a discussion of levels of formality required for different purposes and audiences. This course provides instruction in many modalities, including audiovisual presentations and videos, interactive activities, projects, and discussions. Opportunities for teacher feedback are frequent, detailed, and varied.

The second semester of Grade 7 English Language Arts online course builds on the skills and concepts introduced in the first semester. Students tackle more difficult texts and themes in Semester B, and the level of analysis demonstrated and required is more in-depth. In this part of the course, students study the English language closely—both its history and evolution and the less obvious ways it can be used to convey meaning.  The reading assignments are selected to guide students in understanding how language can be used to convey broader themes in poetry, drama, and humorous or satirical texts.  Students continue to develop their writing skills through multi-draft assignments and projects. The emphasis in this semester is on recognizing the multiple levels of meaning that any word or phrase might convey, and in writing one’s own texts with these concepts in mind.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Language Arts 7 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the internet is required. 
• Required Anthology:
  • Poetry Speaks Who I Am

  ISBN-10: 1402210744
  ISBN-13: 978-1402210747

  Required Novels:

  • Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (Semester A)
  • The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (Semester B)

  Optional Novels (Choose 2):

  • A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Peck
  • Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
  • Nothing but the Truth by Avi
  • The Cay by Theodore Taylor
  • A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A available
Spring: B available

Lead Teacher:

John Amundson, Billings Public Schools, john.amundson@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Course Length:

Two Semesters

Course Description: 

Through a study of myths, fables, and folk tales from different cultures—as well as novels and other modern forms of narrative, students learn the elements common to all forms of literature and also the elements that are unique to each form. In lessons focused on writing and language study, students craft essays in several different modes and learn how to create the more formal style expected for school writing assignments. Lessons in this semester guide students to recognize and reproduce text structures and organizational patterns that work for different types of essays. The writing lessons also demonstrate the kinds of changes that students should make during the revising and editing stages of the writing process. Opportunities for teacher feedback are frequent, detailed, and varied.

The second semester of grade 6 English Language Arts online course builds on the skills and concepts introduced in the first semester. Students tackle more difficult texts in Semester B and apply more advanced analysis skills to reading and writing tasks. They also study some of the more subtle aspects of language, such as the role of connotation and nuance in an author’s word choices and how those choices affect readers. Reading assignments are selected, in part, to provide models for students’ own writing in specific modes, forms, or genres. Several lessons demonstrate methods of sharing and publishing writing using 21st century technology.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Language Arts 6 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

• A working computer with reliable access to the internet is required. 

Required Books:

• Seedfolks – English 6 A
• The Giver – English 6 A
• Esperanza Rising – English 6 B

Optional Novels (Choose 1 – English 6 B):

• Walk Two Moons
• The Westing Game
• Freak the Mighty
• True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: 6 A available
Spring: 6 B available

Lead Teacher:

Patty Maddock, Bozeman Public Schools, patricia.maddock@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES