Middle School

Biology focuses on the research of living organisms and the natural environment: animals, plants, bacteria and humans. Biology also includes a responsible relationship with nature and its conservation. Students use a variety of scientific methods and materials to explore this subject.

A full fledged art program is essential for a well-rounded student and at GIS middle schoolers participate in art, choir, and theater. Art, choir, and theater rotate throughout the year in trimesters with emphasis on the fundamentals of choral music, exploration of the theatrical arts, and learning to express themselves through the visual arts. Each trimester ends in a culminating presentation.

This class integrates both history and geography. Students will develop an understanding of history that encourages inquiry into the events and happenings of people around the world and from different time periods, and how that history shapes the modern world. Geography includes knowledge about the earth in general, its origin and structure, and how people interact with it. Through a study of history and geography, students are encouraged to think critically about issues in the past, present and future, and how to address those issues in an informed way.

This class is designed to focus on grammar, syntax, and writing conventions in the target language. Students engage in lessons that focus on improving their understanding of the target language grammar and applying that understanding to their writing.

This class emphasizes the English language skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, viewing, and presenting. Studies of various literary genres include short stories, poetry, literature, and non-fiction.

Designed to focus on grammar, syntax, and writing conventions in English. Students learn how to adapt their writing to various audiences, how to present their learning through presentations and reports and how to determine appropriateness of tone and voice.

This class focuses on the basics of math. Elements from the German curriculum or national Chinese standards and the Oregon Common Core will be integrated. Included among the many topics taught in math class are: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, measurements, proportion, decimals, geometry and algebra. This class is taught in German or Mandarin, but equivalent English expressions are included in order to prepare students for the more advanced concepts in the following school years. In Advanced Math class, students who need a more challenging experience in mathematics are instructed in more advanced mathematical concepts. Along with the content presented in the regular math class, more challenging concepts are added including pre-algebra and basic geometry.

All 6th grade students will chose a beginning language. Students will have a choice of German, Mandarin, French, or Spanish. They will study this language through 8th grade. Students will complete a language-level test in 8th grade.  

With a focus on physical exercise, the goal of this class is to help students learn to maintain fitness throughout their lives. Health class allows students to learn about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In this class students learn skills that are essential for everyday life such as using tools, public speaking, financial planning,  and pitching a tent. Environmental awareness and community service are integrated.

6th graders work with their 5th grade peers to research an issue of interest, develop a plan to address the topic or problem at hand, and present their solution.

In small group settings with a teacher students develop study skills and engage in socio-emotional learning, character development, and goal setting.

Students are introduced to coding, utilizing various online platforms. Along with learning programming, other skills include game design, the basics of computer sciences, and keyboarding.

Students will choose a Woodwind, Brass, or Percussion instrument to learn in this class. Concepts will include posture, tone production, note/rhythm reading and articulations. The band will periodically perform throughout the year.