Middle School - Grades 7 - 8
Mathematics
Students in 7th and 8th grade are placed into Pre-Algebra or Algebra I. In Pre-Algebra, students transition from the concrete concepts of arithmetic to the abstract concepts of algebra. Students perform operations with rational numbers, ratios/proportions, roots, signed numbers, statistics, systems of equations, and graphing among others. Students in Algebra I improve their problem-solving skills and abilities to work on more complex, abstract problems.
The Language Arts
and Reading Program for Middle School follows the Diocese of Phoenix Language Arts standards and guidelines. The ultimate purpose of the language arts standards is to ensure that all students be offered the opportunities, the encouragement and the vision to develop the language skills they need to pursue lifelong goals, including finding personal enrichment and participating as informed members of society. Saint Daniel the Prophet also offers additional classes for Middle School students in Journalism and Speech.
The Language Arts and Reading Program focuses on vocabulary enrichment, elements of literature, historical fiction, poetry, and the writing process.
Science
Students are engaged in an inquiry-based, hands-on middle school science program. Seventh and eighth graders conduct an in-depth exploration of God’s creation through the study of physical science. This includes the study of air and humidity, the atmosphere, water, the hydrosphere, earth and lithosphere, weather, physics of motion, Newton’s laws, waves and sound, light, and an introduction to astrophysics.
Social Studies
The Social Studies program follows the standards and guidelines set by the Diocese of Phoenix. The program aims:
- to nurture well-developed values based on Catholic teachers and democratic principles.
- to develop an awareness of the ways people throughout history have found answers to problems.
- to help form articulate, socially-conscious citizens who will work for peace and justice in the world community to produce moral Catholic/Christian leaders well versed in current issues.
7th and 8th Grade Social Studies classes are covering American History standards.