• Home
• About WFHA
  • Greetings
  • Mission Statement
  • History
  • WFHA In Brief
  • Educational Philosophy
  • Faculty/Staff Directory
  • Board
  • Directions and Location
  • Contact us
• Admissions
  • Introduction
  • Information
• Academics
  • Curriculum Overview
  • General Studies
  • Judaic Studies
  • P.A.L.S.
  • Enrichment
  • Faculty Credentials
• News
  • WFHA News
  • WFHA Newsletters
• Parent Resources
  • Forms
  • School Calendar
  • Lunch Menu
  • Afterschool Programs
  • Spring Sports Schedule
• Supporting WFHA
  • Erev Tov
  • Contact

General Studies

Middle School General Studies Course Descriptions

World Jewish History

The goal of the WFHA middle school World Jewish History sequence is to focus students historical thinking on such fundamental questions as: Who are we as Jews and what was our role as Jews in the developing world history and then in 20th century American history? What makes a leader great? In what ways does your understanding of historical events affect your identity as an American, a Jew and a Zionist? How and when do singular events change the course of history?

Throughout the three-year social studies sequence, students build their skill knowledge in the following areas:
•Analyze how events in history are related over time
•Apply critical thinking skills to interpret historical events, recognize bias, point of view and context
•Assess the reliability, validity and objectivity of primary and secondary sources both print and internet
•Analyze data in order to see individual persons and large-scale events in historical context
•Formulate research questions
•Determine effective strategies for locating information
•Summarize and analyze research findings
•Draw conclusions form data
•Compare and contrast divergent views and interpretations of historical and current issues
•Examine current issues as they affect their current world and as they relate to past events
•Interpret events in light of: continuity and change in society, the role of chance, oversight and error, changing interpretations by historians
•Summarize information in written, graphic and oral forms

In 6th grade, students integrate their study of world history with the narrative of the Jewish people, from the period of the destruction of the 2nd Temple (during the Roman Empire) through the beginning of the migration to America in the 17th Century. Students explore the relationships between historical events and how geography, religion, technology and economics impact history. Students learn and practice non-fiction research, writing and presentation skills.

In 7th and 8th grade, students take a two-year in depth exploration of American history from the establishment of the colonies through the 20th century and current issues today.

Language Arts

The middle school language arts sequence is designed to build each student's writers voice in multiple writing forms, develop solid non-research and writing skills and develop active reading skills in order to be critical, active readers of any text. Through an alignment of these skills across the curriculum, students are encouraged to apply their reading and writing skills in science, history and mathematics study as appropriate and relevant to that area of study by using oral language, written language, media and technology for narrative, informational, argumentative and critical writing pieces across the curriculum.

6th grade course:
In the sixth grade language arts course, students begin to take the skills of elementary school and apply them towards developing an appreciation of written and spoken language through studies of memoire, historical fiction, realistic fiction and non-fiction works. As readers, sixth graders begin to experience more sophisticated pieces of literature for study and analysis, which leads them to choose more complex literature to read for enjoyment. By the end of their sixth grade ELA experience, students analyze and edit their own writing to include acceptable use of basic conventions and to develop their individual voices and styles. Throughout sixth grade, students develop the ability to critique constructively their own and others' work.

7th grade course:
The focus of the seventh grade language arts course is for students to continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language through the study of realistic fiction, authors and their works, poetry, non-fiction pieces and short story. The seventh graders continue to broaden their reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature. During seventh grade, students expand their uses of descriptive words and complex sentences, through memoire, poetry, non-fiction and essay writing. Students continue to develop the ability to critique constructively their own and others' work as they study texts, and talk about their own writing in depth in small groups, as a whole class and one on one with peers as they refine their reader and writer's voice.

8th grade course:
The focus of the Eighth grade language arts course is to broaden students' reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature. Throughout the eighth grade, students continue to refine their skills in the production of quality essays and narratives. Students continue to develop their own writing styles, and they use strong verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Students begin to embrace causes, and their writing reflects their developing social consciences.

Math

The WFHA middle school mathematics sequence is a standards based curriculum that focuses on problem solving and critical thinking skills.

In sixth grade math, the students review and refine their skills involving fractions, decimals and percents. They study the order of operations, evaluating expressions with and without exponents. They begin to develop algebraic thinking by using variables, evaluating algebraic expressions, and solving simple equations. The students study geometric properties by examining angles, lines, polygons and circles. They calculate area and perimeter of geometric figures. The sixth graders study conversions of measures of length, volume, mass, and time. We end the year with probability - predicting and calculating experimental and theoretical probabilities. Throughout the year, students then apply these skills to real world situations building their problem solving skills through each of the units of study.

In seventh grade, students complete Pre-Algebra, focusing on developing abstract thinking and number sense. The students learn to solve one and two-step equations and inequalities, using problem solving skills while practicing their math facts involving integers, fractions and decimals. The students use graphs and numeric analysis to examine and organize data. Using traditional methods as well as Geometer's Sketchpad, students explore polygons, examining the relationships of angles and sides. The students study two and three-dimensional geometry - calculating the area of polygons and circles and the surface area and volume of rectangular prisms, cubes and cylinders. Throughout the year, students then apply these skills to real world situations building their problem solving skills through each of the units of study.

In eighth grade, students complete the Algebra I course. We begin by studying multi-step equations and inequalities, building on the foundation of equation solving skills from Pre-Algebra. We then study quadratic equations, using factoring and the quadratic equation to find the solutions/roots of the problem. We pursue an in-depth study of lines - their graphs, equations, slopes, intercepts, and where or if they intercept other lines. Using the graphing calculator and other technology, we are able to model and explore real-life situations with polynomial equations. We finish the year with a study of probability and statistics, analyzing graphs and calculating experimental and theoretical probabilities. Throughout the year, students then apply these skills to real world situations building their problem solving skills through each of the units of study.

Science

The middle school science sequence at WFHA is a hands-on laboratory course that provides a content rich, exploratory environment that enables the students to discover the scientific elements of their world. Through the scientific process, students question, observe, explore, experiment and draw conclusions about diverse areas of science. Sixth and seventh graders survey major topics in science while eighth graders then take this foundation and delve into a year long biology course. Each year all middle school research and create a project of their choice for the annual school science fair.

Throughout the middle school science experience, students build process skills that include:
•Evaluating the strength and weakness of data, claims and arguments
•Identifying questions
•Making predictions/hypotheses
•Designing and conducting experiments to test hypotheses
•Collecting, organizing and interpreting experimental data
•Using graphs, and tables to record and represent data
•Use equipment appropriately and measuring tools accurately
•Design and construct accurate models
•Communicate information orally and in writing using proper laboratory format
•Consider current scientific issues in light of classroom science learning

The 6th grade science survey course explores:
Life Science: Students investigate: What does it mean to be alive? What are the common characteristics of all living organisms? What factors have contributed to the vast diversity of species and enabled some species over others, to survive? Through microscope investigations, students investigate one-celled microscopic organisms and selected multi-cellular species, including plants, insects, and animals.
Physical Science: Students investigate: How can we use tools to make our lives easier? What is the relationship between work and the concept of force? Students construct and deconstruct simple machines, levers, pulleys, and various tools as they explore these questions.
Earth Science: Students explore the phenomenon of Solar Energy - What is it? How can we capitalize on its potential as an alternative to fossil fuels? And what are the advantages of a renewable energy source over a nonrenewable fossil fuel?

The 7th grade survey course explores:
Chemistry: Students investigate matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, elements and the Periodic Table, energy, atoms, and molecules.
Physics: Students explore the forces that keep us on the Earth.
Earth science: A study of Astronomy in which students explore space and the space shuttle program. In addition, each year in Astronomy, we research and debate a topic of interest that is currently in the news
Earth science: The study of Oceanography and Meteorology during which time students consider: How does water affect life on Earth? What are the conditions that give us certain weather patterns? And what we can do to improve the long term stability of our planet?

The 8th grade biology course studies in depth the major subdivisions of Life Sciences, including units on:
Ecology: What it means that all life is interrelated and human relationships to other life on Earth.
Cells, genetics and evolution: How cells function and reproduce; how information is passed from one generation to the next; and how the theory of evolution affects our lives.
Microorganisms and fungi: Why microorganisms are important to life on Earth and how they have survived for so long and with such diversity.
Plants: What accounts for the vast diversity in plants and how all life depends on plants?
Invertebrates: What traits enabled invertebrates to survive and prosper while becoming the most numerous and diverse animals on Earth?
Chordates: How do chordates, which include humans, survive and prosper on Earth with such diversity? What affects do chordates have on each other and the rest of life on Earth?
The human body: How do our body systems work together to keep us alive and capable of so many varied functions?
During the course of study, students utilize the scientific method, inquiry skills, and writing skills to perform labs and activities and to study and discuss scientific issues of concern to teenagers.

Technology

The middle school technology sequence provides students with the knowledge and skills in order to safely, appropriately, and efficiently use computers as a means to further their knowledge of, and functioning in, this ever changing world. Topics include: basic computer operations, social and ethical issues related to computer and on line usage, effectively and appropriately using the computer as a means of communication and technology as research, problem solving and decision making tool.

In the 6th grade course, students focus on the fundamentals of technology. Students will review technology ethics, trouble shooting, word processing, spreadsheets, key boarding, e-mail, Internet, scanning, basic Web design and presentation software.

In the 7th grade course, students think critically about the role of technology in media and how media impacts our lives. Digital video and multi-media products are used for collaborative and individual projects. Throughout the course, students review and incorporate technology tools and resources learned in the sixth grade.

In 8th grade, students apply their technology skills across the curriculum as they use the computer to research, organize and present information in a variety of forms across the content areas. 

Art

The middle school art program focuses on taking the fundamentals learned in elementary school -- art concepts, skills and techniques - and applying them towards each student developing self-expression and the expression of school wide themes such as tikun olam, chesed, identity, relationships, and our connection to Israel. Students study both western and non-western art, and practice the use of objective and subjective analysis of visual images. Throughout the year, art projects are integrated with the academic learning in other subject areas, there by further developing each students' understanding and self expression of the concepts taught.

6th grade units include: murals, landscape study, still life and observation, book making and printmaking.

7th grade units include: Still life and the effect of light in drawings through multiple medium - pencil, pastels, acrylics; patterning and shading through a study of Hebrew names; transformation and the imagination; and finally, exploring black and white through "doodle-design" and 3-dimensional sculptures.

The first half of the 8th grade art course consists of: one-point perspective, geometry and surrealism. The second half of the course uses the techniques and styles that the students have studied throughout middle school art experience and applies their knowledge and creativity to self-portraits and thematic units around the land of Israel.

Physical Education

The Physical Education curriculum at Westchester Fairfield Hebrew Academy is a sequential program based on activities undertaken in an active, caring, supportive and non-threatening atmosphere in which every student is challenged and able to have success. Activities are age and skill appropriate beginning with movement and fitness based activities, then working through the four stages of game play; 1) Control of objects 2) combination of skills 3) strategy and tactical play 4) game play- both modified and advanced.

Students are assessed and graded through a variety of measures that include self-assessment, peer assessment, participation, effort, cooperation and behavior through teacher observations and formal evaluations. Students in grades two through eight take part in the Presidential Physical Fitness test, in both October and May. Kindergarteners and first graders perform a gross motor abilities test in May.
All Physical education classes are designed to teach to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of learning. Lessons are designed to use both integration and differentiated learning techniques. The content standards are set by NASPE (National Association for Sport and Physical Education.)