Upper School Curriculum: Grades 6-8

Upper School Core Subjects

Semester 1 and 2 Foundation Courses

  • Nature's Fury "How do the Earth's physical systems affect the human condition?" BIG Ideas: Natural disasters & Causes; Weather; Civic Engagement - economics of natural disasters; Geography
  • Hydrodynamics "What role do communities take in the issues created by the interaction of organisms across ecosystems?" BIG Ideas: Water quality; Human Impact - individual choice impact on larger community
  • The Sky is Not the Limit "How are limited resources and the desire for more pushing the boundaries of space?" BIG Ideas: Scarcity of resources; Role of Governments; Space Exploration
  • Exploring Anthropology "How do historical artifacts tell the story of the Earth's timeline?" BIG Ideas: Geographic patterns & resource impact on the development of human civilization; Patterns in economic development, technology, conflict, & government; Roles in civilization
  • Mathematics: All students will take a mathematics course in addition to Foundation courses. Options depend on aptitude and interest.
Options include:
  • Level A, B, and C math courses which align with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math standards
  • Advanced math courses
  • Algebra
  • Geometry​

Practicum Experiences  (Full Year Courses)

  • Research and Development Lab: (Design Thinking, Engineering, Statistics, Programming, Robotics) “How do we use research and data along with design thinking to solve problems?”
  • Reset/Accelerate/Explore Options: (Individual selected learning options) “What would I like to learn about more deeply, discover, or advance in?”  Choose from the elective options listed above, or if you are an online learner, choose from a wide array of online course options.

Elective Choices (Up to 2)

  • Chinese Culture 55 minutes every day (6th & 7th grades)
  • Band (Year 1) 55 minutes every day
  • World Language 55 minutes every day (7th, & 8th grades)
  • Reading & Math Foundations 55 minutes every day (6th, 7th, & 8th grades)
  • Exploratory Rotation 55 minutes every day (6th & 7th grades)
  • Business - 55 minutes every day (7th & 8th grades)
  • Art 55 minutes every day (7th & 8th grades)
  • Band (Year 2/3) 55 minutes every day (7th & 8th grades)
 Students selecting 7th/8th grade band will only need to select one choice.​
  • 8th grade Capstone (2nd Semester Project) “What issue are you passionate about that you want to research and act in a way that improves the lives of others?” ​ ​Students will focus on an area of interest to research and meaningfully act upon to improve the lives of others as well as begin to explore career and high school pathways. They will identify an outside mentor to interact with and collaborate with other students outside of the classroom and/or other interested adults. They’ll also develop a plan of action to execute, record their journey, and reflect on their learning. They will then showcase their capstone project at the end of the school year and include a reference in their digital portfolio.
Other options available upon request.

Extracurricular Activities

  • Robotics
  • Odyssey of the Mind
  • Chess Club
  • ​Running Club
  • Gardening Club​
  • Book Bowl​
  • HOPE Mentoring
  • Future Health Professionals 
    (Formerly known as Health Occupations
    ​Students of America or HOSA)
  • Yearbook Club
  • Art & Coding Club
  • Social Club

Sports

6-8th grade students may participate in athletics with East or West Middle Schools.* The middle school that PIC students participate with depends on the sport. Transportation is available to one of the middle schools after school for practices and games when applicable.
​6th Grade:  cross-country, wrestling, and track
7-8th Grade: gootball, girls' basketball, cross-country, wrestling, swimming, volleyball, boys' basketball, track, baseball and softball. 
*All sports except cross-country, wrestling, and track have try-outs.
11920 South Saginaw  • Grand Blanc, MI  48439 • 810-591-6078