Middle Grades Advanced Studies Infographic

MSGA Advanced Studies Course Overview

MSGA On-Level and Advanced Course Comparisons

Math

Category	On-Level	Honors	Accelerated (Grades 6/7)
Experience	Students formalize and extend mathematics learned in previous grades through three big ideas of content: numerical reasoning, patterning and algebraic reasoning, and geometric and spatial reasoning Students engage in learning tasks that develop and apply their understanding of concepts	On-Level plus: Learning tasks involve a greater degree of abstract reasoning and complexity Students learn and apply skills almost entirely within real-world contexts Students will use a high level of reasoning when applying skills and strategies	On-Level and Honors plus: Standards are addressed at an increased pace Learning tasks may include seventh-grade standards and/or greater complexity
Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Recall and apply information such as facts, definitions, terms, and simple procedures Perform simple algorithms and apply formulas Classify and identify information Interpret information from graphs and tables Use models to represent math concepts Solve routine problems involving multiple steps or multiple concepts Make decisions regarding the process of solving problems	On-Level plus: Use strategic thinking that involves a higher level of reasoning Explain the thinking processes involved in solving a problem Interpret information from a complex graph Solve problems involving multiple steps and concepts Relate math concepts to real-world applications in new situations	On-Level and Honors plus: Generalize skills in one area (positive numbers) and apply them to new skills (negative numbers) Skills and concepts are applied to seventh-grade standards
Standards	Sixth-Grade Georgia Mathematics Standards Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice	Sixth-Grade Georgia Mathematics Standards Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice	Sixth-Grade Georgia Mathematics Standards Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice MCS Gifted Standards

Science

Category	On-Level	Honors
Experience	Students engage in sixth-grade three-dimensional science curriculum through science and engineering practices Students identify crosscutting concepts in science Students are introduced to Phenomenon based on the sixth-grade curriculum utilizing current events	On-Level plus: Complete year-long capstone project Utilize Lab Aids – Science and Engineering Projects designed at UC Berkeley
Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Recall scientific knowledge Conduct scientific experiments Ask questions and make inferences about Phenomenon Construct explanations about routine scientific problems Identify patterns in current events Develop and use models Construct arguments about Phenomenon Analyze and interpret data about Phenomenon	On-Level plus: Apply scientific knowledge Conduct and design scientific experiments and investigations Construct explanations about complex scientific problems Identify multiple patterns in current events Develop and use complex models Construct elaborate arguments about Phenomenon
Standards	Sixth-Grade Science Georgia Standards of Excellence	Sixth-Grade Science Georgia Standards of Excellence MCS Gifted Standards

English Language Arts

Category	On-Level	Honors
Experience	Structured literacy approach Guided reading and test analysis Structured writing process Collaborative discussions Explicit skill development Scaffolded critical thinking Support for diverse learners Independent reading and writing opportunities	Anchored in William and Mary Gifted Unit of Instruction Rigorous text analysis – students read and interpret texts, including classical literature, contemporary works, and primary source documents Exploration of themes, author’s craft, and multiple perspectives Socratic and collaborative discussions – students participate in rich, student-led discussions where they analyze, debate, and support their ideas with text-based evidence Advanced writing and composition – students craft sophisticated analytical essays and arguments, create narratives, and complete research-based projects Integration of multimodal texts and media – students analyze and synthesize information from diverse sources, including film, podcast, infographics, and digital media Independent and self-directed learning – students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through independent reading, self-selected projects, and differentiated assignments that cater to their interests and strengths
Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Encourage text-based evidence Use open-ended, higher-order questions Incorporated complex, multimodal texts Facilitate inquiry and discussion Require authentic application of learning	Read and comprehend informational texts and literature of high complexity and meet and often exceed the demands of grade-level texts Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis and inferences Analyze the theme and central idea Analyze the responses and changes of complex characters contributing to the episodes in the plot Analyze and evaluate how an author develops the narrator or speaker’s point of view, purpose, and craft Compare, contrast, and analyze texts in different forms and genres Trace and evaluate specific claims Write highly effective, compelling pieces to support claims Use critical thinking skills to gather, interpret, organize, and synthesize information
Standards	Pending implementation – Georgia’s Sixth-Grade Standards of English Language Arts	Pending implementation – Georgia’s Sixth-Grade Standards of English Language Arts MCS Gifted Standards

Social Studies

Category	On-Level	Honors
Experience	Students will focus on World Studies Students will study Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Australia, concentrating on history, geography, government/civics, culture, and economics Science of Reading vocabulary strategies are the focus for vocabulary Students complete learning activities, mini-projects, and map and geography skills	On-Level plus: All of seventh-grade social studies standards which include Africa, Southwest Asia, and Southern & Eastern Asia Students complete a unit on personal financial literacy
Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Recall prior Social Studies knowledge Focus on specific facts and definitions Focus on applying skills, concepts, and relationships (cause and effect comparisons) Real-world applications and connections to content	On-Level plus: Complex and abstract thinking Reasoning and inquiry-based learning
Standards	Sixth-Grade Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence	Sixth-Grade Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence Seventh-Grade Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence MCS Gifted Standards

MMS Advanced Studies Course Overview

Honors ELA 7

Honors ELA 7 anchors instruction in a curriculum model that integrates multiple texts and genres specifically for high achieving learners. Literature units, developed by William & Mary Center for Gifted Education, organized around the topic of courage is evident in a multitude of texts and learning experiences. Literature selections allow students to explore social and historical issues by studying people, historical time periods, events, and their own lives. Novels, short stories, poetry, art, and music will be the avenues for addressing unit goals. Literary analysis, research, and language study are included throughout the course.

Accelerated Math 7/8

Accelerated Math 7/8 is an accelerated course in which students learn and apply three units of instruction for Math 7, as well as all of the concepts for Math 8 in preparation for the Carnegie Honors Algebra I, or Carnegie Accelerated Algebra I/Geometry A course offerings in grade 8. This acceleration of content prepares students to reach the highest level of IB mathematics during their high school career. Instructional time moves at an accelerated pace with a focus on five critical areas: problem-solving, inferencing, reasoning, concepts, and analyzing. Students will demonstrate understanding and mastery of key math concepts through individual and collaborative group projects while beginning to make connections to higher level mathematics.

Honors Math 7

Honors Math 7 combines the foundational support of the guaranteed viable curriculum, Savvas, with enhanced common learning experiences including robust tasks carefully selected to ensure students extend and refine their knowledge as well as think in complex ways to apply their knowledge and skills. Additional instructional resources and strategies use relevant inquiry to engage students in critical and creative thinking, along with problem-solving strategies to support authentic advanced learning.

Honors Science 7

Honors Science 7 offers a unique opportunity to carry out an experimental or engineering design research Capstone Project to devise an innovative solution for real-world problems. Problem-solving is anchored in a sustainability theme with local and global impacts. Students experience learning using the IB MYP Design Cycle to connect real life opportunities through phenomena-based, 3D science. Learning opportunities include experiences and collaboration with expert partners. Discovery Education high school level resources are used to prepare students for high school Honors Biology coursework in 9th grade.

Carnegie Honors World Geography

Carnegie Honors World Geography prepares and previews high school level coursework by earning Carnegie credit for the Honors World Geography elective course. The course extends student learning from Honors Social Studies 6 with emphasis on human activities in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Canada. Instruction will provide opportunities for students to explore their prior learning to maximize and expand their knowledge through the use of inquiry, cooperative learning, large and small group discussions, hands-on activities, and technology integration.

Enhanced Literature and Composition I

Enhanced Literature and Composition I is a blend of Grade 8 ELA content standards with Literature and Composition I standards. This course awards high school credit to 8th grade students. Students engage in the interpretation, evaluation, construction, and design of texts across genres and modes in a variety of real-world, academic, and disciplinary contexts while sustaining and building mastery of language applications and discipline-specific practices.

Honors ELA 8

Honors ELA 8 anchors instruction in a curriculum model that integrates multiple texts and genres specifically for high achieving learners. Literature units, developed by William & Mary Center for Gifted Education, organized around the topic of threads of change is evident in a multitude of texts and learning experiences. Students will investigate and understand how the movements were change agents in American life through the study of key writings of the period. Literary analysis, research, and language study are included throughout the course.

Honors Georgia Studies Grade 8

Honors Georgia Studies Grade 8 focuses on Georgia's' geographical, historical, governmental, and economical systems. While the four strands are interwoven, ample opportunity is provided for in-depth study of each system to assure understanding of Georgia’s role in the United States. These experiences are rooted in inquiry and include individual and cooperative projects, reading and writing across the curriculum, vocabulary studies, and integration of technology. Students continue to apply geographic and information processing skills following the inquiry-based model of instruction. Learning experiences follow the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies.

Carnegie Physical Science Advanced

Carnegie Physical Science Advanced offers a unique opportunity for 8th grade students to earn a high school Science Carnegie credit. Concepts such as the conceptualization of the structure of atoms, motion and forces, the conservation of energy and matter, wave behavior, electricity, and the relationship between electricity and magnetism are studies of focus. Students will investigate physical science concepts through embedded learning experiences using the IB MYP Design Cycle to connect real life opportunities through phenomena-based, 3D science. Learning opportunities will include experiences and collaboration with expert partners. Discovery Education high school level resources will be folded into the course to prepare students for high school Physics and Chemistry.

Honors Science 8

Honors Science 8 offers a unique opportunity to carry out an experimental or engineering design research Capstone Project in order to devise innovate solution for real-world problems. Problem-solving is anchored in an Aviation theme having global and local impacts. Students experience learning using the IB MYP Design Cycle to connect real life opportunities through phenomena-based, 3D science. Learning opportunities include experiences and collaboration with expert partners. Discovery Education high school level resources are used in the course to prepare students for high school Physical Science, Physics, and Chemistry courses.

Carnegie Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections

Carnegie Enhanced Algebra: Concepts & Connections is a blend of Grade 8 content standards with Algebra: Concepts and Connections standards. This course awards high school credit to 8th grade students. Teaching components for the course include the 8 Mathematical Practices, the Framework for Statistical Reasoning, and the Mathematical Modeling Framework. Foundational support of the guaranteed viable curriculum, Savvas, with enhanced learning experiences ensure students extend and refine their knowledge as well as think in complex ways to apply their knowledge and skills. Additional instructional resources and strategies for the course promote relevant inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving strategies to support authentic advanced learning.

Carnegie Honors Algebra Concepts & Connections

Carnegie Honors Algebra Concepts & Connections awards high school credit to 8th grade students and is the first course in a sequence of three high school courses. Students will apply their algebraic and geometric reasoning skills to make sense of problems involving algebra, geometry, bivariate data, and statistics. Foundational support of the guaranteed viable curriculum, Savvas, with enhanced learning experiences ensure students extend and refine their knowledge as well as think in complex ways to apply their knowledge and skills. Additional instructional resources and strategies for the course promote relevant inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving strategies to support authentic advanced learning.

Honors Math 8

Honors Math 8 combines the foundational support of the guaranteed viable curriculum, Savvas, with enhanced common learning experiences including robust tasks carefully selected to ensure students extend and refine their knowledge as well as think in complex ways to apply their knowledge and skills. Additional instructional resources and strategies use relevant inquiry to engage students in critical and creative thinking, along with problem-solving strategies to support authentic advanced learning.

Carnegie French I

Carnegie French I focuses on the development of communicative competence in the target language and understanding of the culture(s) of the people who speak the language. It assumes that the students have minimal or no prior knowledge of the language and culture. The major means of communication between students and instructors will be in French. Students learn basic vocabulary and conversational phrases, and they study conjugation of verbs, construction of basic sentences, and syntax of French grammar. This course is a Carnegie-level class that strictly adheres to the content and pacing of the French class at Marietta High School. At the end of this course, students have earned high school-level credit.

Carnegie French II

Carnegie French II builds on fundamental building blocks in four key areas of language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students master common vocabulary terms and phrases; comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns; instigate and continue simple conversations, and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts; generate language incorporating basic vocabulary and a limited range of grammar patterns; analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries; and regularly assess progress in proficiency through quizzes, tests, and speaking/writing submissions. This course strictly adheres to the content and pacing of the French 2 class at Marietta High School. At the end of this course, students have earned high school-level credit.

Carnegie Spanish I

Carnegie Spanish I provides students with attaining fundamental proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension skills in Spanish. Vocabulary and concepts include all topics listed in the course description for Spanish – Grade 6, as well as regular and irregular verb conjugation and sentence construction. Additionally, students will learn about the traditions, geography and customs of Spanish-speaking countries. This course strictly adheres to the content and pacing of the Spanish I class at Marietta High School. Successful completion of this course earns High School/Carnegie credit.

Advanced Studio Visual Arts 7

Advanced Studio Visual Arts 7 encompass the following topics: art awareness, art criticism, art history, ceramics, drawing, painting, multi-media and sculpture. This course is a yearlong course for art students with further opportunities to grow their talents through individualized study.

Carnegie Spanish II

Carnegie Spanish II continues to build on fundamental building blocks in four key areas of language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students master common vocabulary terms and phrases; comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns; instigate and continue simple conversations, and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts; generate language incorporating basic vocabulary and a limited range of grammar patterns; analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries; and regularly assess progress in proficiency through quizzes, tests, and speaking/writing submissions. This course strictly adheres to the content and pacing of the Spanish 2 class at Marietta High School. At the end of this course, students have earned high school-level credit.

Advanced Band Grades 7 & 8

Advanced Band Grades 7 & 8 is the middle school’s most advanced performing ensembles for wind and percussion instrumentalists. This year-long course introduces “comprehensive musicianship” through music performance of challenging and varied literature. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills. Students are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble festivals, district honor bands, and private lessons. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze and evaluate music, and use critical thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Individual and ensemble performance skills will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. Students are expected to practice daily, attend after school rehearsals, and participate in other co-curricular events. Students will have at least one major performance each semester that will occur outside the school day; performances are required.

Carnegie Visual Arts/Comprehensive I

Carnegie Visual Arts/Comprehensive I provides eighth grade students the opportunity to earn a Fine Arts Carnegie credit. Students must be enrolled in the course for the full year and complete all requirements for the course in order to receive High School credit. This course is a prerequisite for upper-level art courses at Marietta High School. Placement in course is based on a portfolio submission.

Advanced Theatre Arts 7

Advanced Theatre Arts 7 incorporates sensory and emotional experiences and observation techniques into presentational theatre activities. They apply vocal and movement techniques appropriate to their theatre activities and presentations. The students learn beginning technical theatre skills, such as lighting and staging design. Students study the art of improvisation, monologues and dialogues, storytelling, fairy tales, and fables; as well as script writing and how to be a reflective yet respectful audience member. Students may perform in local district-wide school productions and participate in outside activities and workshops to enhance theatre attributes needed for the next level. Students in this group will represent MMS at local, state, and national events throughout the school year.

Advanced Theatre Arts 8

Advanced Theatre Arts 8 continues to apply ensemble skills through pantomime, improvisation, and acting. They design and create simple scenery, costumes, props, lighting, sound, music and/or makeup for theatrical presentation. Students also use research skills (or Ethnography) as needed to gather resources for a final presentation. Students begin to create original scripts and adapt appropriate literature into scripted material for presentation. Students in this group will represent MMS at local, state, and national events throughout the school year.

Carnegie Theater Arts/Acting I

Carnegie Theater Arts/Acting I provides eighth grade students the opportunity to earn a Fine Arts Carnegie credit. Students must be enrolled in the course for the full year and complete all requirements for the course to receive High School credit. Entry into this performance-based course is by audition-only and allows students hands-on practical application of the Acting I curriculum. This course is a prerequisite for upper-level theater courses at Marietta High School.

Advanced Chorus 7 & 8

Advanced Chorus 7 & 8 is a seventh and eighth grade enhanced chorus for students who show a proficiency in the area of choral music. Students are admitted to the class based on an audition. This class will focus on developing ensemble skills at an advanced level, singing a repertoire of increased difficulty and challenging students to become independent musicians. Students in this class are encouraged to audition for district and state honor chorus. Students will participate in a minimum of 4 performances outside of the regular school day, and LGPE adjudication, holiday/spring tour and community events.

MMS Grade 7 On-Level and Advanced Course Comparisons

Math 7

Math

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students formalize and extend the mathematics learned in previous grades through four big ideas of content: numerical reasoning, probability, patterning and algebraic reasoning, and geometric and spatial reasoning. Students engage in learning tasks that develop and apply their understanding.	Seventh grade standards use algebra to deepen and extend understanding of geometric knowledge from prior grades. Calculate, compare, and describe information such as fact, definition, term, or simple procedure, as well as performing algorithms and applying a formula. Problems involve students making decisions on how to solve problems. Classifying and identifying information. Interpret information from graphs and tables, Use models to represent concepts. Solve routine problems involving multiple steps or multiple concepts. Relate math concepts to real-world applications in new situations.	7th Grade Georgia Mathematical Standards Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice
Honors	All the above and... Learning tasks involve a greater degree of abstract reasoning and complexity. Students learn and apply skills within a real world context. Interpret information from a complex graph. Students use a high level of reasoning when applying skills and strategies.	Use strategic thinking that involves a higher level of reasoning. Explain the thinking processes involved in solving a problem. Interpret information from a complex graph. Solve problems involving multiple steps and concepts. Relate math concepts to real-world applications in new situations. Analyze and interpret data.	7th Grade Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice MCS Gifted Standards
Accelerated 7/8	All of the above and... Standards are addressed at an increased pace. Learning tasks may include 8th grade standards and/or greater complexity.	All the above and... Solve complex, multi-step contextual problems. Analyze and interpret data to solve complex, relevant problems.	7th Grade Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence 8th Grade Georgia Mathematical Standards Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice MCS Gifted Standards

Science 7

Science

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students engage in the exploration and investigation of Life Science concepts encompassing anatomy (student of human body systems and the interactions between them), cell biology (study of cell structures and functions), ecology (study of the relationship between/among organisms and their environments), evolution (study of the process of natural selection), genetics (study of genes and the inheritance of traits), and zoology (study of the diversity and classification of living organisms into six kingdoms). Instruction includes inquiry-based learning, demonstrations, hands-on investigations, small group instruction, scenario- and project-based learning, and engineering design challenges.	Develop, use, defend, and evaluate models. Construct explanations/arguments. Ask questions, analyze and interpret data. Use mathematical representations to evaluate explanations. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information.	7th grade Science Georgia Standards of Excellence
Honors	All the above and... Field trips to Georgia Aquarium and Good Kitchen + Market. Real world application demonstrated through a year-long Capstone project connected to the United Nations’ Global Goals.	All the above and...Compare, evaluate, refine, and justify models. Evaluate and refine explanations/arguments from evidence. Evaluate questions used to develop explanations. Evaluate, make inferences, and/or predictions based on data.	7th grade Science Georgia Standards of Excellence Selected High School Biology Georgia Standards of Excellence MCS Gifted Standards

English Language Arts 7

English

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students follow a modified Engage NY curriculum. Students read three novels throughout the school year. Students complete different essays throughout the year. Students explore global contexts and solve real-world problems. Small group instruction twice a week.	Comprehension of fiction and nonfiction texts. Cite text evidence to support analysis of text. Determine the theme and central idea. Identify episodes in plot and how they interact with each other. Identify and interpret the author’s point of view, purpose, and craft. Compare and contrast different forms of text. Trace and analyze specific claims. Write and support claims. Produce coherent writing.	7th grade English Language Arts Georgia Standards of Excellence
Honors	Students follow a modified William and Mary curriculum. Students read twelve novels throughout the school year. Exposure to Project-Based Learning. Students complete different essays throughout the year. Students explore global contexts and solve real-world problems. Student-based learning opportunities. Student-led research. Small group instruction as needed.	All the above and... Comprehension of informational texts and literature of high complexity, meeting and exceeding the demands of level texts.	7th Grade Georgia Standards of Excellence William and Mary Goals MCS Gifted Standards

Social Studies 7

Social Studies

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students study Africa and Asia. Students explore each area through the domains of geography, government/civics, economics, and history. Students gain an understanding of personal money management. Instruction includes inquiry learning, small group instruction, project-based learning, and other hands-on experiences.	Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary for 7th Grade Social Studies. Analyze primary and secondary sources to support reasoning on topics covered during this course. Explain and describe historical events, economic concepts, government functions, and geographic understandings related to Africa and Asia.	7th Grade Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence
Honors	Students examine physical and cultural geographic factors within the major world regions. Students examine the impact political, environmental, and economic factors have in a region’s development. Instruction includes inquiry learning, project-based learning, field trips, and other forms of experiential learning. Students earn Carnegie high school credit for successful completion of this course.	Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary for World Geography. Analyze and evaluate physical characteristics, human characteristics, cooperation and conflict, human populations, human/environment interaction, and economic development around the world. Analyze primary and secondary sources to support reasoning on topics covered during this course.	World Geography Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence MCS Gifted Standards

MMS Grade 8 On-Level and Advanced Course Comparisons

Math 8

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students formalize and extend the mathematics learned in the previous grades through four big ideas of content: numerical reasoning, functional and graphical reasoning, patterning and algebraic reasoning, and geometric and spatial reasoning. Students engage in learning tasks that develop and apply their understanding. Curriculum focuses on functions and linear relationships as building blocks to algebra and geometry.	Students create, interpret, solve, and graph linear equations and inequalities in one variable. Analyze connections between proportional and non-proportional lines and equations. Extend knowledge of numerical reasoning and real numbers to include irrational numbers. Understand the properties of exponents. Perform operations with numbers expressed in scientific notation. Apply geometric and spatial reasoning to interpret and solve problems involving the Pythagorean Theorem.	8th Grade Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice
Honors	All of the above and... Learning tasks involve a greater degree of abstract reasoning and complexity. Students learn and apply skills within real world context. Students use high level reasoning when applying skills and strategies.	All the above and... Strategic thinking involving high level of reasoning. Explain the thinking processes involved in solving a problem. Interpret information from a complex graph. All the above and... Solve problems involving multiple steps and concepts. Relate math concepts to real-world applications in new situations.	8th Grade Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence Algebra Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice MCS Gifted Standards
Enhanced Algebra Concepts and Connections	All of the Honors and... Standards addressed at an increased pace. Blend of Grade 8 standards with Algebra standards at a greater complexity. Concepts include Mathematical Practices, the Framework for Statistical Reasoning, and the Mathematical Modeling Framework. Students earn Carnegie high school credit for successful completion.	All the above and... Solve real life complex problems that involve Inequalities, Geometric figures, Function notation, Quadratic functions and equations, Exponential functions and equations, Comparing multiple data sets.	8th Grade Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence Algebra Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice MCS Gifted Standards
Honors Algebra Concepts and Connections	All of the Honors and... All the above and... Standards are addressed at an increased pace. Students apply algebraic and geometric reasoning skills. Exposure to algebra, geometry, bivariate data, and statistics. Learning tasks greater depth of complexity. Students earn Carnegie high school credit for successful completion.	Enhanced Algebra and Honors Algebra have the same depth of knowledge.	Algebra Georgia Mathematical Standards of Excellence Georgia Standards for Mathematical Practice MCS Gifted Standards

Science 8

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students engage in exploration and investigation of Physical Science concepts.Topics include the nature and conservation of matter; conservation of energy and energy transformations; characteristics of motion (velocity and acceleration); the impact of forces on motion; electromagnetic and mechanical waves; and gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields. Instruction includes inquiry-based learning, demonstrations, hands-on investigations, simulations, small group instruction, project-based learning, and engineering design challenges.	Develop and use models. Plan and carry out investigations. Construct explanations/arguments from evidence. Analyze and interpret data to create graphical displays. Ask questions to develop explanations. Design devices.	8th Science Georgia Standards of Excellence
Honors	All the above and... Use of mathematical representations (equations/formulas) to support conceptual thinking. Field trips to Marietta Aviation History and Technology Center and Delta Flight Museum. Real-world application demonstrated through a year-long Capstone project in partnership with Marietta Aviation History and Technology Center.	All the above and... Compare, evaluate, refine, and justify models. Evaluate and refine investigations. Evaluate and refine explanations/arguments from evidence. Evaluate, make inferences, and/or predictions based on graphical displays. Evaluate questions used to develop explanations. Refine the design of devices. Compare and evaluate examples.	8th Science Georgia Standards of Excellence MCS Gifted Standards
Advanced Content Physical Science	Students engage in the exploration and investigation of abstract concepts. Students conceptualize the structure of atoms and their role in determining the properties of materials; motion and forces; conservation of energy and matter; wave behavior, electricity; the relationship between electricity and magnetism; and radioactive decay. Students engage in the science and engineering practices and make content connections through overarching crosscutting concepts. Instruction includes inquiry-based learning, demonstrations, hands-on investigations, simulations, small group instruction, project-based learning, and engineering design challenges. Students take the High School Physical Science Milestones Assessment. Students earn Carnegie high school credit for successful completion.	Develop, use, compare, justify, and refine models. Use models to predict, analyze, and compare properties. Analyze and interpret simple and complex data. Make inferences and/or predictions based on data analysis. Use data to construct graphs. Determine, compare, and predict data trends. Use and apply mathematical and computational thinking. Construct, analyze, defend, and refine arguments/explanations based on evidence. Plan, carry out, and refine investigations. Ask and refine questions to compare, contrast, and analyze models. Obtain, evaluate, analyze, and communicate information.	High School Physical Science Georgia Standards of Excellence MCS Gifted Standards

English Language Arts 8

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students follow a standards-based curriculum approach. Students interpret texts in a variety of modes and genres through reading, listening, and viewing. Students construct texts in a variety of modes and genres through writing, speaking, and creating. Students interpret and apply narrative, argument, expository, and poetic techniques in writing. Students explore global contexts and solve real-world problems. Students conduct research and analysis with support.	Analyze the impact of purpose and audience on a wide variety of texts. Analyze how authors’ and/or speakers’ perspectives influence texts and how circumstances shape their creation. Analyze and use organizational structures to craft meaning. Interpret and use language to craft engaging texts. Analyze and apply various craft techniques to writing. Conduct research, generating questions to guide investigations of complex topics of interest and using credible resources to support analyses. Utilize multiple print and digital texts to address a specific topic or question, assessing source credibility and relevance and integrating evidence properly to avoid plagiarism. Demonstrate knowledge of dominant themes, genres, and verbal styles of literature from a particular time period.	NEW Georgia K-12 ELA Standards and Grade 8 Expectations
Honors	All the above and... All the above and... Students interpret a wider range of texts in a variety of modes and genres. Students construct multiple texts in a variety of modes and genres. Exposure to Project-Based Learning. Students explore global contexts and solve real-world problems. Student-based learning opportunities. Student-led research. Small group instruction as needed.	Comprehension and analysis of texts with higher complexity that meets and exceeds the demands of grade-level texts. Construction of texts with higher complexity and advanced application of craft techniques (narrative, expository, argument, and poetic).	NEW Georgia K-12 ELA Standards and Grade 8 Expectations MCS Gifted Standards
Enhanced Literature and Composition I	HS Credit Course designed for students who have mastered the Grade 7 English language arts standards. Advanced option that blends the expectations addressed in 8th-grade English language arts and those addressed in Literature and Composition I. Students engage in the interpretation, evaluation, construction, and design of texts across a wide range of genres and modes. Students engage in a variety of texts in real-world, academic, and disciplinary contexts. Students sustain and build mastery of language applications and discipline-specific practices. Students generate questions for research and use, discuss, analyze, and curate texts to explore a question or topic. Students study major authors and works of one period of English and American literary history, including key themes and stylistic features.	All the above AND 9th Grade Expectations... Use knowledge of texts’ distinct disciplinary, personal, or technical purposes to aid comprehension. Assess the impact of context and language on a text’s reception by the audience. Synthesize information from a variety of credible sources. Analyze the effectiveness of a text’s organizational structure. Craft and organize texts using an appropriate structure for mode, genre, purpose, and audience. Analyze how the use of figurative and rhetorical language contributes to the development of meaning, tone, or mood. Examine an archetypal story, myth, event, or figure as it is represented in two or more different time periods. Identify and discuss major authors and works of one period of English and American literary history, including key themes and stylistic features. Use literary devices, figurative language, rhetorical language, and/or rhetorical appeals to create a variety of effects for an intended purpose and audience. Use analytical findings to support a research question or thesis, citing the sources of quoted, paraphrased, and summarized ideas in MLA format.	New Georgia K-12 ELA Standards AND a blend of Grade 8 and 9 Expectations MCS Gifted Standards

Social Studies 8

	Experience	Depth of Knowledge and Rigor	Standards
On Level	Students study the geography, history, government, and economics of Georgia. Students examine Georgia’s role in the history of the United States. Instruction includes inquiry learning, small group instruction, and other hands-on experiences.	Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary for 8th Grade Social Studies. Analyze primary and secondary sources. Explain and describe historical events, economic concepts, government functions, and geographic regions and features.	8th Grade Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence
Honors	All the above and... Learning experiences include field trips and project-based learning. Writing across the curriculum.	Students demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary for 8th Grade Social Studies. Analyze primary and secondary sources. Students analyze and evaluate historical events, economic concepts, government functions, and geographic regions and features.	8th Grade Social Studies Georgia Standards of Excellence MCS Gifted Standards