Departments & Courses

MacArthur Middle School is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) school. As an MYP school we teach the various content areas a little differently than you would find at other AACPS middle schools. The teachers at MacArthur still teach the state approved courses, but we teach them using a global lens in order to help the students develop into well-rounded, well-informed global citizens. The MYP structure the students are a part of at MacArthur is similar to the learn style experienced in other IB/MYP schools around the world. You can find out more about the IB program here. On this page you will find a brief description of the MYP content along with the AACPS broken out by grade level.

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

6th Grade

Sciences

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) sciences framework encourages students to investigate issues through research, observation and experimentation, working independently and collaboratively.

As they investigate real examples of science application, students will discover the tensions and dependencies between science and morality, ethics, culture, economics, politics, and the environment.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

 

C06033/6/7 | Science 6.Y 53236/1604 

During the first year of middle school, students do science experiments
and projects to understand and solve real problems such as whether
buildings will fall down during earthquakes. They study the environment,
electricity, matter, and space. Students use computers to run science
experiments. Students graph and analyze data from experiments to
come to conclusions about their experiments. Students read articles
from the science press to keep up with important happenings in our
world.

Individuals & Societies

Individuals and societies incorporates disciplines traditionally studied in the humanities, as well as disciplines in the social sciences.

In this subject group, students collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of societies, test hypotheses, and learn how to interpret complex information, including original source material. This focus on real-world examples, research and analysis is an essential aspect of the subject group.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

 

B06033/6/7 | Social Studies 6 54436/1706 

In this course, students investigate world regions in order to answer
the question, “How did geography and history shape the modern
world?” Students will examine the rise of civilizations in the River Valleys,
the European classical past (Greece and Rome), and the geography,
history, and selected current events of the different regions of Africa
and the Americas. Students will also read and analyze content specific
materials: maps, charts, tables, graphs, primary sources and political
cartoons. Service Learning opportunities and real world connections
are integrated throughout the year.

Mathematics

In the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), mathematics promotes both inquiry and application, helping students to develop problem solving techniques that transcend the discipline and that are useful in the world beyond school.

The MYP mathematics framework encompasses number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability. Students in the MYP learn how to represent information, to explore and model situations, and to find solutions to familiar and unfamiliar problems. These are skills that are useful in a wide range of arenas, including social sciences and the arts.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

D06033/6/7 | Math 6 Common Core~Y 52036/1200

Mathematics 6 Common Core is the standard level course in the middle
school mathematics sequence. Students will actively engage in the
five mathematics content and process standards that are outlined by
the National Common Core and the MD State Frameworks. They will
explore and develop an understanding of the following mathematics
concepts and their application: integers, proportional reasoning,
algebraic reasoning, properties of two- and three-dimensional figures,
and probability and statistics. Students will approach the learning
of mathematics through problem-solving. Students will refine their
understanding and fluency with operations with fractions and decimals
through the five content standards. If a student is successful in Math
6 Common Core, students may participate in a summer bridge to
be scheduled into STEMathematics 7/8. If the student passes the
bridge assessment with a “C” or better, the student will qualify for
STEMathematics 7/8.

D06034 | STEMathematics 6/7 52037/1200

STEMathematics 6/7 is the course designed for the advanced learner.
Students will actively engage in the five mathematics content and
process standards that are outlined by the National Common Core
and the MD state frameworks. The course alignment extends beyond
grade six to include content from grade seven. They will explore and
develop an understanding of the following mathematics concepts
and their application: integers, proportional reasoning, algebraic
reasoning, properties of two- and three-dimensional figures, and
probability and statistics. Students will approach the learning of
mathematics through authentic problem-solving and project based
learning. Students will actively engage in explorations to develop
fluency in fractions, decimals and the real number system while
developing the foundational skills for Algebra 1 Common Core in the
eighth grade. Students completing STEMathematics 6/7 with a C or
better will enroll in STEMathematics 7/8. Fifth Grade students should
average 80% on topic tests to be prepared for this course

Language & Literature

Middle Years Programme (MYP) language and literature courses develop skills in six areas:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Viewing
• Presenting

Inquiry is at the heart of MYP language learning, and aims to support students’ understanding by providing them with opportunities to independently and collaboratively investigate, take action and reflect on their learning.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

A06033/6/7 | English/Language Arts 6.Y 51034/0801

English/Language Arts 6 is designed to accelerate student achievement
in reading, writing, language, listening, and speaking. The course
includes blocks of time devoted to teacher-directed lessons on reading
and writing, monitored reading, vocabulary development, grammar
and usage, and speaking.

A06034 | English/Language Arts 6(Y) (Advanced) 51034/0801

English/Language Arts 6 is designed to accelerate student achievement
in reading, writing, language, listening, and speaking. The course
includes blocks of time devoted to teacher-directed lessons on reading
and writing, monitored reading, vocabulary development, grammar and
usage, and speaking. Students enrolled in Advanced English/Language
Arts extend their learning with greater depth at an accelerated pace.

7th Grade

Sciences

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) sciences framework encourages students to investigate issues through research, observation and experimentation, working independently and collaboratively.

As they investigate real examples of science application, students will discover the tensions and dependencies between science and morality, ethics, culture, economics, politics, and the environment.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

C07033/6/7 | Science 7.Y 53237/1604

In Science 7, students focus on life science topics—cells, health, and
the environment. They continue their study of matter by learning about
atoms. Students plan and carry out experiments, do projects such as
Health Fair, Save Our Species, and School Flu Plan. Use of computers
and collection and analysis of data are part of each of the topics that
are studied. Students read articles that help them keep current with the
topics they study.

Individuals & Societies

Individuals and societies incorporates disciplines traditionally studied in the humanities, as well as disciplines in the social sciences.

In this subject group, students collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of societies, test hypotheses, and learn how to interpret complex information, including original source material. This focus on real-world examples, research and analysis is an essential aspect of the subject group.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

B07033/6/7 | Social Studies 7 54437/1706

In this course, students continue their study of world regions in order
to answer the question, “How did geography and history shape the
modern world?” Students begin by studying medieval and modern
Europe and Russia, then they study the geography, history, and selected
current events in Southwest Asia (Middle East), South Asia, Southeast
Asia, and East Asia. They will also read and analyze content specific
materials: maps, charts, tables, graphs, primary sources and political
cartoons. Service Learning opportunities and real world connections
are integrated throughout the year.

Mathematics

In the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), mathematics promotes both inquiry and application, helping students to develop problem solving techniques that transcend the discipline and that are useful in the world beyond school.

The MYP mathematics framework encompasses number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability. Students in the MYP learn how to represent information, to explore and model situations, and to find solutions to familiar and unfamiliar problems. These are skills that are useful in a wide range of arenas, including social sciences and the arts.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

D07033/6/7 | Math 7 Common Core 7.Y 52051/1200

Mathematics 7 Common Core is the standard level course in the middle
school mathematics sequence. Students will actively engage in the
five mathematics content and process standards that are outlined by
the National Common Core and the MD State Frameworks. They will
explore and develop an understanding of the following mathematics
concepts and their application: analyze proportional relationships and
apply to rates of change, extend and apply operations of fractions,
discover and understand the properties with rational numbers, solve
real life problems using numerical and algebraic expressions, construct
and describe relationships between geometric figures, and using and
analyzing data about different populations. Students will approach the
learning of mathematics through problem-solving. Students will refine
their understanding and fluency with operations with fractions and
decimals through the five content standards.

D07034 | STEMathematics 7/8 52038/1200

STEMathematics 7/8 is the completion of the sequence for students to
enter Algebra 1 in an accelerated pathway. STEMathematics 7/8 is the
course designed for the advanced learner. Students will actively engage
in the five mathematics content and process standards that are outlined
by the National Common Core and the MD State Frameworks. The course
alignment completes the seventh grade standards and the entire set of
eighth grade standards. They will explore and develop an understanding
of the following mathematics concepts and their application: rational and
irrational numbers, radicals and exponents, linear relationships, systems
of equations, function development and relationships, congruency and
similarity, and bivariate data analysis. Students will approach the learning
of mathematics through authentic problem-solving and project based
learning. Students will actively engage in explorations to develop fluency
in the real number system while developing the foundational skills for
Algebra 1 in the eighth grade. Students completing STEMathematics 7/8
with a C or better will enroll in Algebra 1.

Language & Literature

Middle Years Programme (MYP) language and literature courses develop skills in six areas:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Viewing
• Presenting

Inquiry is at the heart of MYP language learning, and aims to support students’ understanding by providing them with opportunities to independently and collaboratively investigate, take action and reflect on their learning.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

A07033/6/7 | English/Language Arts 7.Y 51035/0801

English/Language Arts 7 is designed to continue to accelerate student
achievement in reading, writing, language, listening, and speaking. The
course includes blocks of time devoted to teacher-directed lessons
on reading and writing, monitored reading, vocabulary development,
grammar and usage, and speaking.

A07034 | English/Language Arts 7(Y) (Advanced) 51035/0801

English/Language Arts 7 is designed to continue to accelerate student
achievement in reading, writing, language, listening, and speaking. The
course includes blocks of time devoted to teacher-directed lessons
on reading and writing, monitored reading, vocabulary development,
grammar and usage, and speaking. Students enrolled in Advanced
English/Language Arts extend their learning with greater depth at an
accelerated pace.

8th Grade

Sciences

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) sciences framework encourages students to investigate issues through research, observation and experimentation, working independently and collaboratively.

As they investigate real examples of science application, students will discover the tensions and dependencies between science and morality, ethics, culture, economics, politics, and the environment.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

C08033/6/7 | Science 8.Y 53238/1604

During 8th grade, students study chemistry and test their design skills to
create a container to keep ice cream cold. Students investigate chemical
reactions and check out the safety of household products. Students
learn the physics of motion, why we need seatbelts, and create an
amusement park ride. Students investigate weather events, climate, and
Earth history. Throughout, students experiment, read current science,
use computers to run simulations, and practice the skills of science.

Individuals & Societies

Individuals and societies incorporates disciplines traditionally studied in the humanities, as well as disciplines in the social sciences.

In this subject group, students collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of societies, test hypotheses, and learn how to interpret complex information, including original source material. This focus on real-world examples, research and analysis is an essential aspect of the subject group.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

B08033/6/7 | Social Studies 8 54438/1706

Students investigate the history of the United States from 1763-1877 in
order to answer the question, “How has the American identity evolved?”
Through reading and analysis of selected primary and secondary
sources, they will draw conclusions about the causes and consequences
of important events. Students will take a comprehensive examination at
the end of this course. Service Learning opportunities and real world
connections are integrated throughout the year.

Mathematics

In the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), mathematics promotes both inquiry and application, helping students to develop problem solving techniques that transcend the discipline and that are useful in the world beyond school.

The MYP mathematics framework encompasses number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability. Students in the MYP learn how to represent information, to explore and model situations, and to find solutions to familiar and unfamiliar problems. These are skills that are useful in a wide range of arenas, including social sciences and the arts.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

D08033 | STEMathematics 8.Y 52051/1200

STEMathematics 8 is the standard level course in the middle school
mathematics sequence. Students will actively engage in the five
mathematics content and process standards that are outlined by
the National Common Core and the MD State Frameworks. They will
explore and develop an understanding of the following mathematics
concepts and their application: rational and irrational numbers,
radicals and exponents, linear relationships, systems of equations,
function development and relationships, congruency and similarity,
and bivariate data analysis. Students will approach the learning of
mathematics through authentic problem-solving and project based
learning. Students will actively engage in explorations to develop
fluency in the real number system while developing the foundational
skills for Algebra 1 in the ninth grade. Students will enroll in Algebra 1
upon the completion of this course.

D27030 | Algebra 1 (1.0 Credit) 02052/1200

This high school graduation requirement course serves as the
gateway for advanced mathematical courses by providing a complete
foundation of the topics in exponential equations, data analysis and
modeling, quadratic functions and equations, and critical analysis
and understanding of functions in comparison to linear functions.
Instructional emphasis is placed on connecting the multiple
representations of functions and interpreting the representations
through applications. Students are required to pass the Maryland High
School Assessment for Algebra/Data Analysis at the completion of this
course. Graphing calculator is required. Students will actively engage in
hands-on project based learning experiences throughout the course.

Language & Literature

Middle Years Programme (MYP) language and literature courses develop skills in six areas:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Viewing
• Presenting

Inquiry is at the heart of MYP language learning, and aims to support students’ understanding by providing them with opportunities to independently and collaboratively investigate, take action and reflect on their learning.

Below are the course descriptions taken from the AACPS Middle School’s Program Guide.

A08033/6/7 | English/Language Arts 8.Y 51036/0801

English/Language Arts 8 is centered on high-quality contemporary and
classic literature, supported by skills instruction and practice in critical
reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar and usage, and speaking.

A08034 | English/Language Arts 8(Y) (Advanced) 51036/0801

English/Language Arts 8 is centered on high-quality contemporary
and classic literature, supported by skills instruction and practice in
critical reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar and usage, and speaking.
Students enrolled in Advanced English/Language Arts extend their
learning with greater depth at an accelerated pace.