Category: Middle School

Middle School Exploring Health Science

Course Length:

One-semester

Course Description:

Where do healthcare workers spend their days? What do they really do? From cruise ships to sports arenas, you can find healthcare workers in many places that you might not expect. Explore this field, including what it would be like to work in a medical lab. Learn what it takes to keep you and your patients safe, and begin to learn about the human body and basic first-aid.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Middle School Exploring Health Science

Required Materials:

  • Students will need a computer or laptop for this course; tablets are not sufficient.
  • Video recording device
  • Various household items like cloth masks, cotton gloves, cleaners or antibacterial wipes
  • Rubber band, belt or fabric
  • Small square of paper or cotton ball
  • Mechanical pencil
  • Graph paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Chair with armrests
  • Additional chair

Software

  • Slide presentation software
  • Word processing software

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:

Amanda Ferderer, CTE Licensed Teacher-Great Falls Public Schools, amanda.ferderer@mtda.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER

Middle School Social Studies Grade 6 Ancient World

Course Length:

two semesters

Course Description: 

The first semester of Social Studies 6 introduces students to the beginnings of ancient civilization. We will trace the path of human origins in Africa and follow the path of migration around the Earth. This course will help students understand why we study history and the process in which we form conclusions about events in the past. Students will begin to learn about the major ancient civilization around the world and their cultures. Modern civilizations can trace their foundations to these ancient civilizations, and their cultures and histories teach us much about ourselves and the modern world in which we live.

In the second semester of Social Studies 6, students will continue to examine ancient civilizations and their cultures. In this semester we will continue to trace the path of human civilization from the Mediterranean through the Eastern world. An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and connecting themes in history to our modern world.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Social Studies 6 Public Syllabus

ware 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:

Norma Oberweiser, Billings Public Schools, norma.oberweiser@montanadgitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Middle School Social Studies Grade 7 US History

Course Length:

two semesters

Course Description: 

This study of the history of the United States emphasizes how ideas, events, and philosophies have shaped the nation. Students will learn about America’s past while mastering the skills of historical interpretation. Study begins with the earliest arrivals of people and ends with the conclusion of the Civil War.

This course is a continuation of the first semester with an emphasis on how historical ideas, events, and philosophies have shaped the United States. Beginning with Reconstruction, this course uses the same skill development approach to guide students through U.S. history to the present.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Social Studies 7 Public Syllabus

ware 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:

Ted Miller, ted.miller@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Middle School Social Studies Grade 8 Government and Civics

Course Length:

Two semesters

Course Description: 

In this course, students will understand the significance of government, law, and politics.  They will examine the United States foundational documents and how they shaped the United States government.  Students will examine the purposes and functions of federal and state government, law, and political systems.  Learners will evaluate their role and civic responsibility to their families, communities, and country including voting and being a productive member of society.   Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes textbook reading, interactive activities, supplemental reading, lecture, video clips, and PowerPoint presentations to enhance and reinforce learning.

This course takes a more individualistic approach as students closely examine topics such as the justice system, local government, the environment, and the economy.  Learners will understand the role that they play in each of these topics and the differences that they can make.  Students will get to know leaders and influential people that have championed many causes including civil rights and the environment.  Learners will also learn proper ways to interact in society including interpersonal skills and respecting differences in others including disabilities.  By the end of semester B students will have a deeper understanding of their civic responsibilities as well as the difference one individual can make in society.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Social Studies 8 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:

Bob Schalk, Powell County High School, bob.schalk@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Middle School Indigenous Studies

Course Length:

One-semester course

Course Description: 

In this course, students will learn about the 12 tribes of Montana. Each unit includes a little history, culture and contemporary information about tribes, and some units have a taste of Indigenous language. It’s a great way to learn about the first people of our state!

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Middle School Indigenous Studies 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:

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

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Middle School Math Grade 8

Course Length:

two semesters

Course Description: 

The first semester of grade 8 Math online course will help students move from the world of simple mathematics to the exciting world of Algebra and Geometry and will provide them with a concrete understanding of the basics for algebraic thinking. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the math concepts they have already learned and will stretch their thinking by solving real-world problems.

The second semester of Math 8 builds on the concepts learned in the first semester and prepares students with the building blocks needed to dive deeper into the exciting world of Algebra and Geometry.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Math 8 Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

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

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:

Barbi Foster, Great Falls Public Schools, barbi.foster@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Middle School Science Grade 7 Earth Science

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

Middle School Science Grade 8 Physical Science

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

Middle School Science Grade 6 Life Science

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

Middle School Math Grade 7

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:

TBD

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

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Montana Digital Academy
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education
The University of Montana
32 Campus Drive – Room 365
Missoula, Montana 59812
Phone: 406-203-1812
Fax: 406-203-1815