Core Programming

Math

The Mathematics curriculum covers these core concepts in grade 7,8, and 9.

In grade 7 the students learn -

• Knowing the difference between integers, decimals, whole numbers and fractions.
• Applying (+, -, x, ÷) on decimals, integers and (+, -) on fractions. Using percents to solve problems.
• Problem solving involving properties of circles, transformations in the Cartesian Plane and geometric construction.
• Demonstrate an understanding of probability, graph data and analyze the graph to solve problems
• Analyze and graph linear relations, evaluate expressions, and solve one step linear equations

In grade 8 the students learn -

• Multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers, understanding perfect squares and square roots, and understanding rate and ratio. Learn the Pythagorean Theorem, use formulas for finding volume, draw and construct nets for 3D objects. Critique ways of graphing data, solving problems of independent events
• Graph and analyze two variable linear relations, model and solve problems using linear equations

In grade 9 the students learn -

• Understanding operations with exponents, and rational numbers. Explaining and applying order of operations
• Problem solving with circle properties, understand similarity between polygons, understand line and rotational symmetry. Plan for a project to collect, display and analyze data, and understand the role of probability in society
• Graph linear relation, then interpolate or extrapolate to solve problems.
• Model and solve problems using linear equations, and explain and solve problems using polynomials

Language Arts

kisêwâtisiwin Language Arts students will use the 6 strands of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing.

General Outcomes:

1. Explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences

• Discover and explore
• Clarify and extend

2. Comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts

• Use strategies and cues
• Respond to texts
• Understand forms elements and techniques
• Create original texts

3. Manage ideas and information

• Plan and focus
• Select and process
• Organize, record and evaluate
• Share and review

4. Enhance the clarity and artistry of communication

• Enhance and improve
• Attend to conventions
• Present and share

5. Respect, support and collaborate with others

• Respect others and strengthen community
• Work within a group

These five general outcomes are based solidly on the Program of Studies put forth by Alberta Learning. General outcomes are broad statements identifying the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students are expected to demonstrate with increasing competence and confidence from Grade 7 to Grade 9.

Social Studies

The foundation of the Social Studies curriculum for students in grades seven through nine is citizenship and identity. Knowledge and skill outcomes in this curriculum are directed toward inquiry models which ask students to examine issues and events from the viewpoint of the multiple perspectives in the Canadian population, through a wide variety of sources to develop well informed opinions/positions on these topics.

In grade seven, students focus on understanding and appreciating the distinct roles and relationships among Aboriginals, French and British peoples in forging the foundations of Canadian Confederation in the first part of the year while demonstrating an understanding and appreciation of how political, demographic, economic and social changes that occurred since Confederation have presented challenges and opportunities for individuals and communities in the latter part of the school year. While kisêwâtisiwin School offers grade seven curriculum to many different learning groups, research and inquiry is key in all classrooms with students challenging similar assignments across the subject areas. 

The focus of our grade eight Social Studies curriculum is “Historical World Views Examined.” In this year, student examine three topics which include an examination of the development of the western world view through a study of Renaissance Europe; worldviews in conflict with a study of the meeting of the Aztecs and Imperialist Spain in the sixteenth century, and finally, an examination of the implications of an isolated culture adapting to the culture of the western world in a study into Japan in the sixteenth to the twentieth century.

The Social Studies grade nine curriculum is entitled “Canada: Opportunities and Challenges”. It focuses on issues of governance and rights in the first part of the year and economic systems in Canada and the United States in the second half. Grade nine students are directed to examine issues from many different perspectives and from a number of different sources before formulating their own informed position on the issues identified in the Program of Studies. In preparation for the PATS, students in the grade nine year continue to hone their writing and multiple choice exam writing skills in order to successfully challenge the resource based provincial exam they face at the end of the year.

Science

kisêwâtisiwin’s Science program encourages independent and collaborative investigations through hands-on activities and demonstrations. In the classroom students will be exposed to real life situations to help build curricular connections. The science program balances the outcomes for science, technology and society and knowledge. In all units the skill outcomes focus on the use of research and inquiry skills to inform the decision-making process. There is a strong emphasis on using technology and best practices in the classroom to better engage our students and provide a quality science program. Our goal in the science classroom is to provide a safe learning environment where as to have students feel they can question and maximize their abilities. Finally as we believe all students learn differently our classrooms provide a differentiated instruction approach to help all learners.

The following is a brief outline of the units covered in Grade 7 Science.

• Interactions and Ecosystems
• Plants for Food and Fiber
• Heat and Temperature
• Structures and Forces
• Planet Earth

The following is a brief outline of the units covered in Grade 8 Science.

• Mix and Flow of Matter
• Cells and Systems
• Light and Optics
• Mechanical Systems
• Fresh and Saltwater Systems

The following is a brief outline of the units covered in Grade 9 Science.

• Biological Diversity
• Matter and Chemical Change
• Environmental Chemistry
• Electrical Principles and Technologies
• Space Exploration