MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES - A.S. 2020-2021 - Smiling ...
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
CURRICULUM
OBJECTIVES
A.S. 2020-2021
S.r.l. Impresa Sociale Scuola dell’infanzia, primaria, secondaria di I° e II° paritarie
Via Roversella, 2 44121 Ferrara tel./fax 0532 209 416
www.smilingservice.itOVERVIEW
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle school is part of the first cycle of education, divided into two consecutive and
compulsory schooling cycles: primary school (lasting five years), and middle school
(lasting three years).
Through the subjects studied, middle school stimulates the growth of autonomous study
and social interaction skills, deepens student knowledge and understanding of the world
around them, and examines cultural traditions and the social, cultural and scientific
evolution of contemporary reality.
During these three years, students progressively develops skills corresponding to their
attitudes and vocations. They are also provided with adequate tools for continuing
education and training activities. The introduction of a second language of the European
Union helps to orientate students for the subsequent choice of education and training.
TEACHING METHODS
Student independence is encouraged through the various teaching strategies used. A
student centred approach, making use of cooperative learning and flipped classroom
strategies, is the focus of our teaching method in order to encourage student
participation and involvement. Frontal-style lessons may also be used depending on the
subject matter and lesson content in order to prepare students for higher-level learning.
STUDENT EVALUATION
Student evaluations take place throughout the school year on a formative and summative
basis. Students are encouraged to demonstrate their learning in various ways including,
but not limited to, written essays and tests, oral presentations and tests, projects and
group work, homework completion and overall class participation. Using a variety of
evaluation methods ensures that each student has the opportunity to benefit from their
strengths while working to improve their overall learning skills.
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 2ART
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• create personal and imaginative works based on original concepts and
design, applying knowledge and rules of visual language, choosing functionally
different techniques and materials, and integrating multiple media and
expressive codes
• master the main elements of visual language, interpret meanings of static and
moving images, audio-visual films and multimedia products
• be familiar with significant works produced in ancient, medieval, modern and
contemporary times, knowing how to place them in their respective historical
and cultural contexts
• recognize the cultural value of artisanal images, works and objects produced
in other countries
• recognize the main elements of the cultural, artistic and environmental
heritage of Italy and understand the importance of protecting and conserving
them
• analyse and describes cultural heritage, static images, and multimedia images
using the appropriate language
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
COMMUNICATION & SELF-EXPRESSION
• conceive and design artwork searching for original, inspired creative solutions from the study of
art and visual communication.
• conscientiously use tools, figurative techniques (graphics, paintings, and plastics) and the rules
of visual representation when producing a creative piece of work that reflects personal
preferences and expressive style.
• rework commonly used materials, photographic images, writings, and iconic and visual
elements to produce new images.
• choose the most appropriate techniques and language to make visual products following a
specific operational or communicative purpose, including integrating multiple codes and
referring to other disciplines.
IMAGE OBSERVATION & INTERPRETATION
• use different observational techniques to describe, with appropriate verbal language, the
formal and aesthetic elements of an artwork
• read and interpret an image or a work of art using progressive degrees of in-depth analysis of
the text to understand its meaning and grasp the author's creative and stylistic choices
• recognize the codes and compositional rules present in works of art and in images of
multimedia communication to identify its function (symbolic, expressive, communicative) in the
different areas (art, advertising, information, entertainment)
UNDERSTANDING & APPRECIATING WORKS OF ART
• Read and critically comment on a work of art by relating it to the essential elements of the
historical and cultural context to which it belongs.
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 3• know the fundamental lines of artistic production from the main historical periods of the past
and of modern and contemporary art from various cultural contexts
• recognize the types of environmental, historical-artistic and museum heritage of the territory
• hypothesize intervention strategies for the protection, conservation, and enhancement of
cultural heritage
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 4BUSINESS
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• know the main processes of transformation of resources or production of
goods and recognizes the different forms of energy involved.
• hypothesize the possible consequences of a technological decision or choice,
recognizing the opportunities and risks in every innovation
• be familiar with commonly used objects, tools and machines and classifies
them according to their function, form, structure, and material
• use appropriate resources when designing and realizing simple products
including digital ones
• derive information on the goods or services available on the market to evaluate
different types of criteria
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
SEE, OBSERVE & EXPERIMENT
• perform measurement/graphic/photographic surveys about the school or home environment
• carry out tests and simple investigations on the physical, chemical, mechanical, and
technological properties of various materials
PREDICT, IMAGINE & PLAN
• make estimates of physical quantities referring to materials and objects found in the school
environment
• assess the consequences of choices and decisions relating to problematic situations
• invent modifications for everyday objects and products in relation to new needs
• plan the different phases for the realization of an object using everyday objects and materials
INTERVENE, TRANSFORM & PRODUCE
• use simple procedures to perform experimental tests in the various sectors of technology (for
example: food preparation and cooking)
• build objects with readily available materials starting from a concrete need
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 5CHINESE
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• understand short oral and written messages about familiar topics
• orally communicate in situations that require simple exchanges of information
about familiar habits and topics
• read simple texts using the techniques studied in class
• ask for explanations and perform tasks according to the indications given by
the teacher in the foreign language
• establish relationships between simple linguistic-communicative and cultural
elements relating to the languages of study
• compare the results achieved from learning other languages and reflect on
useful strategies for language learning
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
LISTENING
• understand everyday instructions, expressions and phrases and identify the general topic of
short oral messages about known topics
• understand the general sense of short oral texts about familiar topics, identifying key words
SPEAKING
• describe familiar people, places and objects using words and phrases learned by reading and
listening
• report simple personal information, integrating the meaning of what is said with mimicry and
gestures
• interact in an understandable way with a familiar partner or an adult using expressions and
phrases suited to the situation
READING
• understand concrete, simple texts about familiar topics
WRITING
• write simple, short texts about familiar topics
REFLECTING ON THE LANGUAGE
• observe words in their context of use and detect any changes in meaning
• observe the structure of sentences and relate this to the communication goal of the sentence
• recognize mistakes and ways of learning languages
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 6ENGLISH
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• comprehend the essential points from a range of language texts about familiar
and academic topics orally and in writing
• describe situations, recount personal events and experiences, and present
topics of study orally and in writing
• interact with one or more speakers in academic and familiar contexts using
appropriate language
• read a range of texts using different strategies for comprehension
• read informative texts and listen to explanations related to the study content of
other disciplines
• write reports, essays, stories, and letters or messages for a range of
audiences (teachers, peers, family members, etc.)
• identify cultural similarities and differences between the English speaking
countries and the home country
• use learned linguistic repertoire to manage new or unexpected situations
appropriately
• master English terminology in topics from different disciplinary fields and
actively collaborate with peers in the realization of activities and projects
• develop self-assessment skills and apply these to one’s own learning style
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
LISTENING
• understand the essential points of spoken English from a variety of contexts (recounts, lectures,
instructions, dialogues, etc.)
• listen to texts produced by others, and transmitted by various media, recognizing their source,
and identifying the issuer's purpose, topic, main information, and point of view
• use their knowledge of the types of text to adopt functional strategies to understand while
listening
• listen to texts by applying techniques to support understanding both when listening and after
listening
SPEAKING
• intervene in a class or group conversation or discussion with relevance and consistency,
respecting speaking times and providing a positive personal contribution
• narrate experiences, events, and plots by selecting meaningful information, organizing it in a
logical-chronological order, and exposing it clearly and comprehensively, using an appropriate
register for the topic and situation
• describe objects, places, people, and characters by selecting significant information based on
the purpose, using appropriate vocabulary for the topic and the situation
• describe procedures clearly and cohesively, using appropriate specific terminology
• orally report on a topic of study explaining the purpose and presenting it in a clear and
consistent way, using an appropriate register and specific lexicon
• argue their thesis on an assigned topic with data relevant and valid reasons
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 7READING
• read texts aloud with expression, respecting pauses and using correct intonation correct
• read texts of various kinds applying study techniques (underlining, side notes, notes)
• obtain explicit and implicit information from texts to find out about a specific topic
• understand descriptive texts, identifying the essential elements of the description and the point
of view of the observer
• read and understand simple argumentative texts, identifying the central thesis and the
supporting arguments and assessing their relevance and validity
• read narrative texts belonging to different literary genres, identifying their elements essential
constituents, the main topic, and the communicative intentions of the author
• formulate, independently or in collaboration with classmates, interpretative hypotheses based
on the texts read
WRITING
• know and apply the procedures for brainstorming, outlining, planning, drafting, and revising a
text and use guide-tools for the organization of ideas
• write different types of texts (narrative, descriptive, expositive, regulatory, argumentative)
following the standards of correct writing (spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.)
• write texts of different forms based on models analyzed in the classroom, adapting them to
the situation, topic, purpose, recipient, and selecting the most appropriate register
• use in the form of an explicit citation and/or paraphrase, parts of texts produced
from others and drawn from different sources
• write summaries, also in the form of schemes, of texts listened to or read in view of specific
purposes.
• write various types of digital texts, also for use as an oral exposure support
• create different forms of creative writing, in prose and in verse
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 8GEOGRAPHY
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• orientate him/herself in space and on maps of different scales referencing
compass points and geographical coordinates
• orient him/herself on a large-scale map using fixed reference points
• appropriately use geographical maps, current and vintage photographs,
remote sensing images, digital processing, graphics, statistical data,
and geographic information systems to effectively communicate spatial
information
• recognizes European and world landscapes and significant physical and
historical elements, comparing them to ones in Italy
• observe, read and analyze territorial systems, in space and time and
assess the effects of human actions on the territorial systems on the
various geographic scales
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
ORIENTATION
• orient him/herself on maps and large-scale maps based on the cardinal points (also
with the use of the compass) and fixed reference points.
• orient him/herself in distant territorial realities, using multimedia viewing programs
from above (google earth)
LANGUAGE OF GEOGRAPHY
• read and interpret various types of geographical maps (from topographical to
planisphere), use reduction scales, geographic coordinates, and symbols appropriately
• use traditional (maps, charts, statistical data, images, etc.) and innovative (remote
sensing and computerized cartography) tools to understand and communicate
territorial facts and phenomena
LANDSCAPES
• interpret and compare some characteristics of Italian, European and world landscapes,
and in relation to their evolution over time
• understand issues and problems of landscape protection as a natural and cultural
heritage and plan valorization actions
REGIONS AND TERRITORIAL SYSTEMS
• consolidate the concept of geographical regions (physical, climatic, historical,
economic) by applying it to Italy, Europe and other continents
• analyze the interrelationships between facts and demographic (social and economic)
phenomena on a national, European and global scale
• use interpretative models of territorial structures of the main European countries and
other continents, in relation to their historical-political-economic evolution
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 9HISTORY
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• independently find historical facts and produce historical information
from digital and non-digital sources in written and oral form, making
connections and expressing one’s own personal reflections
• understand historical texts and elaborate on the information
using a personal study method
• be familiar with the fundamental aspects, processes, and events of
Italian history from the forms of medieval settlements and power to the
formation of the unified state and the birth of the Republic
• know fundamental aspects and processes of medieval, modern and
contemporary European and world history, from the Neolithic civilization
to the industrial revolution, to globalization
• identify aspects of Italian cultural heritage and humanity and know how
to contextualize them in relation to the historical phenomena studied
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
USING SOURCES
• use different types of sources (documentary, iconographic, narrative, material, oral,
digital, etc.) to produce knowledge on defined topics.
ORGANIZING INFORMATION
• select and organize information with maps, schemes, tables, graphs, and digital assets
• make graphs and space-time maps to organize knowledge studied
• place local history in relation to Italian, European, and world history
• formulate and verify hypotheses based on information studied
CONCEPTUAL INSTRUMENTS
• elaborate on concepts learned in class, expressing one’s own opinion
• understand aspects and structures of Italian, European and world historical processes
• know the cultural heritage connected with the topics addressed
ORAL AND WIRTTEN PRODUCTION
• produce texts, using knowledge selected from different information sources different,
both manual and non-paper and digital.
• explain knowledge and concepts learned using subject-specific language
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 10ICT
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• recognize the main technological systems in the surrounding environment and
the multiple relationships they establish with living beings and other natural
elements
• know the properties and characteristics of various media and use them
effectively and responsibly in various situations (study, socialization,
communication, etc.)
• use procedural communication and technical instructions to perform complex
operational tasks in methodical and rational way, individually and in a group
• design and create graphic or infographic representations relating to the
structure and function of tangible or intangible systems, using elements from
technical drawing or other multimedia and programming languages
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
SEE, OBSERVE & EXPERIMENT
• read and interpret simple technical drawings to obtain qualitative and quantitative information
• use the tools and rules of technical drawing in the representation of objects or processes
• approach new IT applications by exploring their functions and potential
PREDICT, IMAGINE & PLAN
• plan an educational trip or visit to an exhibition using the internet to find and select useful information
INTERVENE, TRANSFORM & PRODUCE
• disassemble and reassemble simple objects, electronic equipment, or others common devices
• design their own home or other place, also using specific software
• program computer environments and develop simple instructions to control the behaviour of a robot
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 11ITALIANO
TRAGUARDI PER LO SVILUPPO DELLE COMPETENZE
Al termine della scuola secondaria di primo grado, l’alunno è in grado di:
• interagire in modo efficace in diverse situazioni comunicative, attraverso
modalità dialogiche sempre rispettose delle idee degli altri
• usare la comunicazione orale per collaborare con gli altri, ad esempio nella
realizzazione di giochi o prodotti, nell’elaborazione di progetti e nella
formulazione di giudizi su problemi riguardanti vari ambiti culturali e sociali
• ascoltare e comprendere testi di vario tipo "diretti" e "trasmessi" dai media,
riconoscendone la fonte, il tema, le informazioni e la loro gerarchia,
l’intenzione dell’emittente
• esporre oralmente all’insegnante e ai compagni argomenti di studio e di
ricerca, anche avvalendosi di supporti specifici (schemi, mappe, presentazioni
al computer, ecc.)
• usare manuali delle discipline o testi divulgativi (continui, non continui e misti)
nelle attività di studio personali e collaborative, per ricercare, raccogliere e
rielaborare dati, informazioni e concetti
• leggere testi letterari di vario tipo (narrativi, poetici, teatrali) e cominciare a
costruirne un’interpretazione, collaborando con compagni e insegnanti
• scrivere correttamente testi di tipo diverso (narrativo, descrittivo, espositivo,
regolativo, argomentativo) adeguati rispetto al tipo di situazione comunicativa
• produrre testi multimediali, utilizzando in modo efficace il linguaggio
verbale,iconico e sonoro
• comprendere e usare in modo appropriato le parole del vocabolario di base
• riconoscere e usare termini specialistici in base agli argomenti trattati
• adattare opportunamente il proprio registro linguistico in base alla situazione
comunicativa e agli interlocutori, operando scelte lessicali adeguate
• riconoscere il rapporto tra varietà linguistiche/lingue diverse (plurilinguismo) e
il loro uso nello spazio geografico, sociale e comunicativo
• padroneggiare e applicare in situazioni diverse le conoscenze fondamentali
relative al lessico, alla morfologia, all’organizzazione logico-sintattica della
frase semplice e complessa, ai connettivi testuali
• utilizzare le conoscenze metalinguistiche per comprendere con maggior
precisione i significati dei testi e per correggere i propri scritti
OBIETTIVI DI APPRENDIMENTO
ASCOLTO E PARLATO
•ascoltare testi prodotti da altri, anche trasmessi dai media, riconoscendone la fonte e
individuando scopo, argomento, informazioni principali e punto di vista dell’emittente
• intervenire in una conversazione o in una discussione, di classe o di gruppo, con pertinenza e
coerenza, rispettando tempi e turni di parola e fornendo un positivo contributo personale
• utilizzare le proprie conoscenze sui tipi di testo per adottare strategie funzionali a comprendere
durante l’ascolto
• ascoltare testi applicando tecniche di supporto alla comprensione sia durante l’ascolto che
dopo l’ascolto
• riconoscere, all’ascolto, gli elementi ritmici e sonori fondamentali del testo poetico
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 12• narrare esperienze, eventi, trame selezionando le informazioni significative, ordinandole in base
a un criterio logico-cronologico, esponendole in modo chiaro ed esauriente e utilizzando un
registro adeguato all’argomento e alla situazione
• descrivere oggetti, luoghi, persone e personaggi selezionando le informazioni significative in
base allo scopo e usando un lessico adeguato all’argomento e alla situazione
• descrivere procedure in maniera chiara e coesa, utilizzando la terminologia specifica adeguata
• riferire oralmente un argomento di studio esplicitando lo scopo e presentandolo in modo
chiaro e coerente, usando un registro adeguato e il lessico specifico appropriato
• argomentare la propria tesi su un tema affrontato nello studio e nel dialogo in classe con dati
pertinenti e motivazioni valide
LETTURA
• leggere testi ad alta voce in modo espressivo, rispettando le pause e usando l’intonazione
corretta
• leggere in modalità silenziosa testi di varia natura, applicando tecniche di supporto alla
comprensione (sottolineature, note a margine, appunti)
• utilizzare testi funzionali di vario tipo per affrontare le situazioni comunicativa della vita
quotidiana
• ricavare informazioni esplicite e implicite da testi espositivi, per documentarsi su un argomento
specifico
• ricavare informazioni sfruttando le varie parti di un manuale di studio: indice, capitoli, titoli,
sommari, testi, riquadri, immagini, didascalie, apparati grafici
• confrontare, su uno stesso argomento, informazioni ricavabili da più fonti, selezionando quelle
ritenute più significative e affidabili. Riformulare in modo sintetico le informazioni selezionate e
riorganizzarle in modo personale mediante riassunti schematici, mappe o tabelle
• comprendere testi descrittivi, individuando gli elementi essenziali della descrizione e il punto di
vista dell’osservatore
• leggere e comprendere semplici testi argomentativi, individuandone la tesi centrale e gli
argomenti a sostegno e valutandone la pertinenza e la validità
• leggere testi narrativi appartenenti a generi letterari diversi, individuandone gli elementi
costitutivi essenziali, l’argomento principale e le intenzioni comunicative dell’autore
• formulare, in autonomia o in collaborazione con i compagni, ipotesi interpretative fondate sul
testo
SCRITTURA
• conoscere e applicare le procedure di ideazione, pianificazione, stesura e revisione del testo a
partire dall’analisi del compito di scrittura; servirsi di strumenti-guida per l’organizzazione delle
idee
• utilizzare strategie adeguate per la revisione del testo in vista della stesura definitiva; rispettare
le convenzioni grafiche
• scrivere testi di tipo diverso (narrativo, descrittivo, espositivo, regolativo, argomentativo)
corretti dal punto di vista morfosintattico, lessicale, ortografico, oltre che coerenti,coesi e
adeguati allo scopo e al destinatario
• scrivere testi di forma diversa sulla base di modelli analizzati in classe, adeguandoli a situazione,
argomento, scopo, destinatario, e selezionando il registro più adeguato
• utilizzare nei propri testi, sotto forma di citazione esplicita e/o di parafrasi, parti di testi prodotti
da altri e tratti da fonti diverse
• scrivere sintesi, anche sotto forma di schemi, di testi ascoltati o letti in vista di scopi specifici.
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 13• scrivere testi digitali di vario tipo, anche come supporto all’esposizione orale
• realizzare forme diverse di scrittura creativa, in prosa e in versi
ACQUISIZIONE ED ESPANSIONE DEL LESSICO RICETTIVO E PRODUTTIVO
• ampliare il proprio patrimonio lessicale attraverso la lettura e le esperienze scolastiche ed
extrascolastiche
• comprendere e usare parole in senso sia letterale che figurato
• comprendere e usare in modo appropriato i termini specialistici di base afferenti alle diverse
discipline e anche ad ambiti di interesse personale
• realizzare scelte lessicali adeguate in base alla situazione comunicativa, agli interlocutori e al
tipo di testo
• utilizzare la propria conoscenza delle relazioni di significato fra le parole e dei meccanismi di
formazione delle parole per comprendere parole non note all’interno di un testo
• utilizzare dizionari di vario tipo
ELEMENTI DI GRAMMATICA ESPLICITA E RIFLESSIONE SUGLI USI DELLA LINGUA
• riconoscere ed esemplificare casi di variabilità della lingua
• stabilire relazioni tra situazioni di comunicazione, interlocutori e registri linguistici
•riconoscere le caratteristiche e le strutture dei principali tipi testuali (narrativi, descrittivi,
regolativi, espositivi, argomentativi)
• riconoscere le principali relazioni fra significati delle parole; conoscere l’organizzazione del
lessico in campi semantici e famiglie lessicali
• conoscere i principali meccanismi di formazione delle parole
• riconoscere l’organizzazione logico-sintattica della frase semplice
• riconoscere la struttura e la gerarchia logico-sintattica della frase complessa almeno a un primo
grado di subordinazione
• riconoscere in un testo le parti del discorso, o categorie lessicali, e i loro tratti grammaticali
• riconoscere i connettivi sintattici e testuali, i segni interpuntivi e la loro funzione specifica
• riflettere sui propri errori tipici, segnalati dall’insegnante, allo scopo di imparare ad
autocorreggersi nella produzione scritta
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 14MATHEMATICS
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• confidently complete calculations with rational numbers, master
different representations of numbers, estimate the size of a number and
the results of operations
• recognize and name shapes on a plane and in space, identify their
representations, understand the relationships between the elements
• analyse and interpret data representations to derive variability
measures and make decisions
• recognize and solve problems in different contexts by evaluating
information and its consistency
• explain the procedure followed, orally and in written form, while
maintaining control over both the resolution process and the results
• compare different processes and produce formalizations which allow
for moving from a specific problem to a general class of problems
• produce arguments based on theoretical knowledge
• support beliefs, using appropriate examples and counterexamples
including proofs; change opinions by recognizing logical consequences
of a sound argument
• use and interpret mathematical language (Cartesian plane, formulas,
equations, etc.)
• carry our probability assessments in situations of uncertainty (daily life,
games, etc.)
• understand how the mathematical tools learned are useful in many
real-world situations
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
NUMBER
• perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, number ordering and
comparisons between known numbers (natural numbers, integers, fractions and
decimal numbers) mentally or using written algorithms/calculators/spreadsheets,
evaluating which tool may be more appropriate
• give approximate estimates for the result of an operation and check the plausibility of a
calculation
• represent the known numbers on a number line
• use graduated scales in contexts significant for science and technology
• use the concept of relationship between numbers or measures and express it both in decimal
and fraction form
• use equivalent fractions and decimal numbers to denote the same rational number in
different ways, being aware of the advantages/disadvantages of each representation
• understand the meaning of percentages and be able to calculate them using different
strategies and interpret a percentage of a given quantity as a multiplication by a
decimal number
• find multiples and divisors of a natural number and common to multiple numbers.
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 15• understand the meaning and usefulness of the smaller common multiple and the
largest common divisor
• decompose natural numbers into prime factors and know the usefulness of this
decomposition for different purposes
• use the usual notation for powers with positive integer exponent, aware of the
meaning, and the properties of the powers to simplify calculations and notations
• know the square root as the inverse operator of the square elevation
• give estimates of the square root only using multiplication
• know that you cannot find a fraction or a decimal number that squared gives 2, or
other integers.
• use the associative and distributive property to group and simplify operations
• describe with a numerical expression the sequence of operations that provides the
solution to a problem
• calculate expressions with known numbers, understanding the meaning of the
parentheses and the order of operations
• express measurements using the powers of 10
SPACE AND SHAPE
• reproduce geometric figures and drawings with appropriate tools (ruler, square,
compass, protractor, geometry software).
• represent points, segments, and figures on the Cartesian plane.
• know definitions and properties (angles, axes of symmetry, diagonals, etc.) of the main
plane figures (triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, circle).
• describe complex figures and geometric constructions to explain them to others
• reproduce geometric figures and drawings based on a description and codification
made by others
• recognize similar plane figures in various contexts and scale an assigned figure
• know the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications in math and in concrete situations
• determine the area of simple shapes by breaking them down into elementary figures,
ex. triangles, or by using the most common formulae
• estimate by default and excess the area of a shape, including those with curves
• know the number π and some ways to approximate it
• calculate the area of a circle and length of the circumference from the radius, and vice versa
• know and use the main geometric transformations and their invariants
• representing three-dimensional objects and figures in various ways through drawings
on the plane
• display three-dimensional objects starting from two-dimensional representations
• calculate the area and volume of the most common solid figures and give estimates of
the area and volume of everyday objects
• Solve problems using the geometric properties of the figures
MATHEMATICAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FUNCTIONS
• interpret, construct, and transform formulae that contain letters to express relationships and
properties in general
• express the proportionality relationship with an equality of fractions and vice versa
• use the Cartesian plane to represent empirical relationships and functions obtained from tables
• know the functions y = a; y = a / x; y = ax2; y = 2n and their graphs, connecting them to
the concept of proportionality
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 16• explore and solve problems using first degree equations
DATA AND FORECASTING
• represent datasets, including using a spreadsheet
• compare data to make decisions, using the distribution of frequencies and relative
frequencies
• choose and use appropriate average values (mode, mean, arithmetic average) for the
type and characteristics of the data available.
• know how to evaluate the variability of a data set, ex. determining the field of variation
• in simple random situations, identify the elementary events, assign them a probability, •
calculate the probability of an event, breaking it down into simple disjointed events
• recognize pairs of complementary, incompatible, and independent events
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 17MUSIC
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• actively participate in the realization of musical experiences through the
execution and interpretation of instrumental and vocal passages belonging to
different genres and cultures
• use different notation systems for reading, analyzing, and producing music
• conceive and implement musical and multimedia messages, comparing them
with models belonging to the musical heritage
• create music through improvisation, by participating in collective elaboration
processes, and by using computer systems
• understands and evaluate events, materials, and musical works, recognizing
their meanings in relation to their own musical experience as well as different
historical and cultural contexts
• integrate musical experiences with other knowledge and other artistic
practices, using appropriate codes and coding systems
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
• perform vocal and instrumental passages of different genres and styles, individually and in
groups
• improvise, rework, and compose vocal and instrumental musical pieces, using both open
structures and simple rhythmic-melodic patterns
• recognize and stylistically classify the most important building blocks of musical language
• know, describe, and critically interpret musical works of art and design
• create sound events that integrate other artistic forms, such as dance, theatre, visual and
multimedia arts
• decode and use traditional notation and other writing systems
• guide the construction of one's musical identity by enhancing one's experiences
• access music resources on the network and use specific software for sound and music
processing
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 18SCIENCE
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• explore and experience common phenomena, hypothesizing and verifying their
causes, research solutions to problems, using the knowledge acquired
• develop simple schemes and models for recording facts and phenomena
using appropriate measures and simple formalizations when necessary
• recognize structures and functions at macroscopic and microscopic levels in
one's body and be aware of its potential and its limits.
• have a vision of the complexity of living systems and their evolution in time,
• recognize the basic needs of animals and plants, and ways to satisfy them in
specific environmental contexts
• be aware of the role of the human community on Earth, of the finite character
of resources, as well as the inequality of access to them, and adopt ways of
ecologically responsible life
• connect the development of science to the development of human history
• show understanding of the main problems related to the use of science in the
field of scientific and technological development
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
• apply basic physical concepts such as: pressure, volume, speed, weight, specific gravity,
strength, temperature, heat, electric charge, etc., to various situations, collecting data on
relevant variables of different phenomena, finding quantitative relationships and expressing
them with formal representations
• experiment with inclined planes, floating, communicating vessels, water heating, melting ice,
building a battery-switch-light bulb circuit.
• construct and correctly use the concept of energy as a quantity which is preserved and identify
its dependence on other variables
• recognize the inevitable heat production in real energy chains to achieve experiences such as:
water mill, dynamo, rotating propeller on the radiator, heating the water with the blender.
• master concepts of chemical transformation and experiment with safe chemical reactions using
household chemicals and interpret them based on simple models of the structure of matter
• observe and describe the chemical reaction process and the products obtained, ex. solutions in
water, burning of a candle, baking soda + vinegar
ASTRONOMY AND EARTH SCIENCE
• observe and interpret the most evident celestial phenomena in the day and night sky, making
models and using planetary or computer simulations
• reconstruct the movements of the Earth by day and by night according to the changing seasons
• build 3D models in connection with the historical evolution of astronomy
• explain the mechanisms of solar and lunar eclipses by means of simulations/models
• experiment with building a sundial, and recording the trajectory of the sun and its height at
noon during the year
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 19• recognize the main types of rocks and the geological processes from which they originated
using field research and concrete experiences
• know and explain the structure of the Earth and its internal movements (plate tectonics),
identify the seismic, volcanic, and hydrogeological risks of the region in which they live and plan
prevention measures
• collect and test different rocks to identify their composition and characteristics
BIOLOGY
• recognize the similarities and differences in the functions of different living species
• understanding the meaning of the great classifications, recognizing clues in fossils to
reconstruct the transformations of the physical environment, and the succession and evolution of
species over time
• observe variability in individuals of the same species, ex. crops and livestock
• explain the macroscopic functions of living things with a cellular model (ex. connecting
respiration with cellular respiration, nutrition with cell metabolism, growth and development
with cell duplication, growth of plants with photosynthesis, etc.)
• dissect a plant, observe cells under a microscope, make a model of a cell, cultivate molds and
microorganisms
• know the biological basis for the transmission of hereditary traits by acquiring elementary
notions of genetics
• acquire correct information on sexuality and development during puberty
• develop care for and control of one's own health through proper nutrition, exercise, and
hygiene, understanding the harm produced by unhealthy habits: smoking, drugs, junk food, lack
of exercise, etc.
• develop awareness of ecologically sustainable personal behaviors and choices
•demonstrate respect for biodiversity in environmental systems through personal experiences
ex. construction of nests for wild birds, adoption of a pond or a forest, etc.
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 20SPANISH
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of middle school, students should:
• understand short oral and written messages about familiar topics
• orally communicate in situations that require a simple and direct exchange of
information on familiar and usual topics
• describe aspects of one’s own experiences and environment orally and in
writing
• ask for explanations and perform tasks according to the indications given by
the teacher in the foreign language
• establish relationships between simple linguistic-communicative and cultural
elements relating to the languages of study
• compare the results achieved from learning other languages and reflect on
useful strategies for language learning
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
LISTENING
• understand everyday instructions, expressions and phrases and identify the general topic of
short oral messages about known topics
• understand short multimedia texts, identifying keywords and the overall meaning
SPEAKING
• describe familiar people, places and objects using words and phrases learned by reading and
listening
• report simple personal information, integrating the meaning of what is said with mimicry and
gestures
• interact in an understandable way with a familiar partner or an adult using expressions and
phrases suited to the situation
READING
• understand simple texts with familiar and concrete content and find specific information in
commonly used resources
WRITING
• write short and simple texts to tell about experiences, send greetings, thank or invite someone
to something with errors that do not compromise the comprehensibility of the message
REFLECTING ON THE LANGUAGE
• observe words in their context of use and detect any changes in meaning
• observe the structure of sentences and relate this to the communication goal of the sentence
• compare words and structures related to different verbal codes
• recognize mistakes and ways of learning languages
Smiling International School Middle School Curriculum Objectives 21You can also read
