Dunn Middle School Core Classes

About teaching...
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." - Mark Twain

SCIENCE

"What you have been obliged to discover by yourself leaves a path in your mind which you can use again when the need arises." - G.C. Lichtenberg

Over a three year course of study, students learn the methods of science, with the freedom to follow topics where they lead. We value questions above answers, and methods above results. Always the emphasis is on first-hand observation, asking open questions, doing independent experiments, careful record keeping, and writing proper lab reports. Success may require careful use of equipment and numbers, computer spreadsheets for graphing and analysis, and using the global computer Internet as a two-way information resource. Self-reliance and ingenuity are encouraged. The middle school science lab is also the school workshop, and the students are often called upon to improvise and build their own lab equipment for experiments. Graduates of our science program are regular winners in local science fairs, and a significant number pursue their studies in college and beyond.

SOCIAL STUDIES

"The business of the American teacher is to liberate American citizens to think apart and act together." - Stephen Wise

Social studies is an amazing and grand feast. It includes the place of humans in history, politics, geography, culture, and religion. Our students are encouraged to think independently, but to work cooperatively. The small class size at DMS allows for vigorous exploration and examination. We emphasize first person perspectives with primary historical documents, moral dilemmas, simulations, journals, dramatizations, speechmaking, and letter writing. Students develop formal skills in reading, writing, and discussion using primary and secondary sources. Twice a year students undertake month-long research projects: prospectus, research and note cards, outline, multiple drafts and revisions, and then finally, polished papers. Spring research culminates in our Spring Festival with costumes, presentations, food, and fun.

MATH

"Numbers constitute the only universal language. - Nathaniel West

Questions - Connections - Experience
Questions - Connections - Experience. Questions are at the heart of the Dunn Middle School mathematics program. What is mathematics? Why do we study it? How do we use it? How did early people and ancient civilizations influence and advance our present day understanding of mathematics? The middle school years are very important years for asking questions that awaken students to the wonders of mathematics. Over three years of sequenced study students explore numbers, computation, measurement, geometry, pattern and function, statistics and probability, logical reasoning, algebra, and discrete math. Both the class work and homework support a balanced mathematics program in which students receive instruction in, and become proficient with, basic skills, conceptual understanding, and hands-on problem solving.

LANGUAGE ARTS

"I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book. - Groucho Marx

The language arts curriculum involves a three-year program integrating thinking, listening, speaking, language, reading, and writing skills. This is coordinated with the social studies themes of ancient civilizations, American studies, and world history. Student writing is collected in portfolios so that progress can be evaluated and celebrated. Teacher, peer, and self-evaluations are continual; some pieces have several revisions while others are thinking exercises or journal entries. Students write weekly letters to communicate progress, thoughts, problems, and feelings. Reading journals, writing groups, acting, group projects, and discussions encourage individual reactions, comparison, cooperation, modeling, and opportunities. Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage skills are daily concerns. Some work is publicly performed, displayed, and published in the Meridian, our school's art and literary magazine.

MUSIC

"Music hath charms..." - William Congreve

Sixth grade DMS students participate in a year-long study of music performance and appreciation. Every student will learn to read music notation and perform on their instrument of choice. Elective choices include guitar, brass, woodwinds, percussion, broadway dance, and vocal instruction. Courses are taught by DMS staff, Arts Outreach, and local musicians such as Cyrus Clarke.

SPANISH

"¡Si, se puede!" (Yes, you can do it!) - Traditional

DMS students in grades 7/8 participate in a two-year Spanish program that surveys the basic skills learned in a Spanish I course at the high school level. The goal is to expose Middle School students to fundamental grammar and vocabulary through creative activities and exercises. Hands-on projects such as the annual "El Mercado" (marketplace) entail exploration of Latin American and Hispanic cultures. Our Spanish students gain an appreciation for this language, culture, and people, and the necessary foundation for successful acquisition of a foreign language.

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