Perry Innovation Center Upper School Curriculum

Bus Transportation Available for In-District Residents




​6th-8th

​Grade

Courses

The course blocks include 6th-8th grade ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, and Physical Education standards

Semester 1 and 2 Foundation Courses

Principles of Design (Geometry, Engineering, & Design) “How does design thinking help solve complex problems and advance innovation?”

Nature’s Fury (Earth Science, Geography) “How do Earth’s physical systems affect the human condition?”
Hydrodynamics (Biodiversity & Ecosystems Management) “What role do communities take in the issues created by the interaction of organisms across ecosystems?”

Hydrodynamics (Biodiversity & Ecosystems Management) “What role do communities take in the issues created by the interaction of organisms across ecosystems?”
 
The Sky is Not the Limit (Space, Civics/Government, Economics) “How are limited resources and desire for more, pushing the boundaries of space?”

Exploring Anthropology (History of Earth) “How do historical artifacts tell the story of Earth’s timeline?”

Art of me 3 (Habits for Success, Mindset, Citizenship) “How can I become an expert about me?”
 
Mathematics
     All students will take a mathematics course in addition to the integrated Foundation courses.  Math course options depend on each student’s aptitude and interest. Options include: Level A, B, and C math courses which align with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math standards, Advanced 6th, 7th, or 8th grade math, Algebra, and Geometry.  NOTE: 6th and 7th grade high math classes are online courses for which students need to exhibit independent and self-directed learning.   Algebra and Geometry are courses taken at the high school requiring students to walk to the nearby high school campus.
 
Practicum Experiences (Full Year):
  • Communications and PIC Storytelling (English Language Arts) - “How do we use communication and storytelling to tell our  story and make a positive impact?”
  • Research and Development Lab (Design Thinking, Engineering, Statistics,  Programming, Robotics) - “How do we use research and data along with design thinking to solve problems?”
 

Courses and Curriculum

6th - 8th Grades
Grade levels may be combined and/or co-taught

  • Grades 6-8th subjects are taught and learned with an integrated approach with methodologies and instructional practices such as lab experiments, research, interviews, modeling, Socratic questioning, and project based learning. 
  • Authentic assessments are utilized to monitor student learning with a variety of representations (projects, presentations, public outreach initiatives, written work, etc.). 
  • Focus is placed on developing critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, independence and collaboration skills and preparing students to be self-directed learners. 
  • Technology is infused with learning as a natural and essential tool.




​Optional
Elective Courses
Reset, Accelerate, Explore Options - (Individual selected learning options) - “What would I like to learn about more deeply, discover, or advance in?”

Select two choices:
6th grade Band - 55 min. every other day (6th grade)
World Language - 55 min. every other day (6th, 7th, & 8th grades)
Reading & Math Foundations - 55 min. every other day (6th, 7th, & 8th grades)
Exploratory Rotation - 55 min. every other day  (6th & 7th grades)
Business - 55 min. every other day (7th & 8th grades)
Art - 55 min. every other day (7th & 8th grades)
7th/8th grade Band - 55 min. daily  (7th & 8th grades)*

*Students selecting 7th/8th grade band will only need to select one choice as the class meets daily.

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.  Students will identify an outside mentor to interact with and collaborate with other students outside of the classroom and/or other interested adults.  Students will develop a plan of action to execute, record their journey, and reflect on their learning. Students will 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
***Activities will vary depending on sponsor interest and availability.
  • Robotics
  • Odyssey of the Mind
  • Chess Club
  • ​Running Club
  • Gardening Club
  • Team America Rocket Challenge (TARC)
  • Book Bowl
  • HOPE Mentoring
  • Future Health Professionals (Formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America or HOSA)
      Athletics
***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.
  • 6th grade:  Cross-country, wrestling, and track
  • 7-8th grade:  Football, Girl's basketball, cross-country, wrestling, swimming, volleyball, boy's basketball, track, baseball and softball.  All sports except cross-country, wrestling, and track have try-outs.  ​