Mathematics:

The Emek math department is designed to produce students with strong higher-order thinking and problem solving skills, who are able to communicate in the language of mathematics, and are willing to take educational risks and try alternative approaches to problems.  Our students learn how to work successfully in both individual and cooperative situations.

The math curriculum is aligned with California and Common Core standards.  It focuses on teaching concepts, computation, and problem solving with an emphasis on advancing study skills so that students learn how to become effective students of mathematics. The students engage in concept-based learning and utilize manipulatives and coursework to solidify conceptual understanding and master computational skills. Lessons take into consideration students’ learning styles and the instruction is differentiated to provide opportunities for accelerated students who need an extra challenge as well as extra help for those students in need of assistance.

The math department works as a team, providing a department-wide, integrated framework for optimum instruction for all of our students. Teachers plan together and share ideas. Grade level teams agree to the pacing and topics to be covered, projects, assessments, and grading rubrics, thereby aligning the classes.

Humanities:

The Middle School Humanities program integrates the study of literature, history, and writing to help students develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. While history and literature are taught as separate courses, students make meaningful connections between historical events, literary themes, and the human experience.

Sixth-grade students study the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome, as well as the Holocaust. Literature selections include The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, which explores figurative language, wordplay, and symbolism, and The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen, which examines themes of identity, memory, resilience, and the importance of remembering the Holocaust.

Seventh-grade students examine the Medieval world, Elizabethan England, the Renaissance, and the Holocaust. Literary studies include The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, which develops students’ skills in inference, problem-solving, and character analysis, and The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood, which complements the study of Elizabethan England and introduces students to the language and culture of Shakespeare’s era.

Eighth-grade students study United States history, including the American Revolution, Westward Expansion, the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, and the Holocaust. Students read The Notorious Benedict Arnold and Which Way to the Wild West? by Steve Sheinkin, using historical documents and primary sources to deepen their understanding of American history.

All students read sections of Long Journey Home by Sol Teichman, allowing them to explore the experiences of a Holocaust survivor and Emek founder. Poetry study is incorporated at every grade level, helping students develop an appreciation for figurative language, literary analysis, and diverse voices.

The Humanities program encourages students to become thoughtful readers, effective writers, informed historians, and engaged citizens.

Science:

At Emek, our science instruction cultivates and builds upon students’ curiosity and sense of wonder. It effectively engages students in enjoyable learning experiences through lab work and demonstrations. In a world of rapidly expanding knowledge and technology, students gain the important scientific and technological skills they will need to understand and function responsibly and successfully in the world.

 Our science curriculum is organized into three main courses that align with the California State Standards: Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.  The Earth science course covers topics including rocks and minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion, oceans, weather and climate.  The Life science course delves into the areas of cell biology, genetics, and the structure and function of living systems.  The Physical science class includes the ideas of physical and chemical changes, mixtures and solutions, states of matter, motion, gravity, energy and heat.

Every science course offered at Emek includes an investigation and experimentation component.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and follow the steps of the scientific method in conducting their experiments.  They utilize appropriate tools and technology to perform tests, collect data and communicate their results.

Click here to view our Complete General Studies Curriculum Guide for 6th through 8th Grade.