MNVS Online Middle School Courses*
*Available for full-time students only
Language Arts
Description is coming soon.
Description coming soon.
English 7A -English is the study of the creation and analysis of literature written in the English language. In English 7A, you will explore different elements of fiction such as theme, characters, setting, and plot. You will also improve your writing by developing skills required for academic writing. You will evaluate how change affects society and an individual’s personal growth by analyzing various informational texts. In addition, you will conduct a group discussion on the topic of change. In the latter part of the course, you will examine various poetic devices and elements of drama. You will also compare a dramatic text to its film version. In the final unit, you will analyze elements of writing such as tone, audience, purpose, and structure in informational texts.
English 7B – English is the study of the creation and analysis of literature written in the English language. In English 7B, you will analyze the literary elements of point of view and conflict in literature. You will study the features and techniques of persuasive writing. You will evaluate the use of the literary element of conflict in informational texts. In addition, you will learn about the main characteristics of public speaking and deliver a persuasive speech. In the latter part of this course, you will investigate the topic of identity in literature. In the final unit, you will read novels and explore various literary elements
English 8A – English is the study of the creation and analysis of literature written in the English language. In English 8A, you will explore the features of different forms of literary writing such as diaries, memoirs, informative essays, and fictional narratives. You will also improve your writing by learning about persuasive writing techniques. You will compare and contrast a literary piece across different mediums, including drama. You will engage in a dramatic reading of poetry and learn how to give multimedia presentations. In the latter part of the course, you will analyze informational texts to understand the history of the Civil War. You will also analyze various types of literary works to better understand literary elements such as point of view, conflict, theme, structure, and setting.
English 8B – English is the study of the creation and analysis of literature written in the English language. In English 8B, you will analyze nonfiction texts to explore what they reveal about the process of growing up. You will also analyze elements of poetry such as theme, structure, meter, language, and sound to help you read poems and compose a poem of your own. You will read novels and analyze their literary elements and their use of literary devices. In the final unit, you will reflect upon and evaluate certain aspects of your past, present, and future while reading Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.
Mathematics
In Math 6A we will expand on what we’ve learned in elementary school about numbers and operations. The course will start by taking a closer look at the relationship amongst fractions, decimals and percents, including locating on a number line, comparing and converting between the three forms. Next we’ll explore the concept of Prime Factors along with Greatest Common Factors and Least Common Multiples. Ratios and rates are discussed for the first time in our math careers and we will take a look at how those relate to fractions and percents. Using some of our skills learned from earlier in the semester we then look at operations between fractions, decimals and percents. Finally the course wraps up by relating these topics to the real world with story problems, problem solving and estimating.
In Math 6B we go away from Numbers & Operation and explore different areas of math including Algebra, Geometry & Measurement, and Data Analysis & Probability. In Algebra we introduce the concept of variables, mathematical properties, and how to solve equations containing variables. Geometry & Measurement explores how to find perimeter, area, and volume of unusual shapes. Geometry & Measurement also looks at angles along with converting and estimating measurements. The class closes by discussing Data Analysis & Probability where we go over sample spaces and calculating probability of events.
Mathematics is the study of the patterns around us. Using the tools in this course, you will learn more about how to solve problems using expressions and equations. When you understand how to work with numbers in equations, and how to manipulate equations, you can more easily solve problems you encounter in everyday life.
Mathematics is the study of the patterns around us. In this course, you will learn more about geometry, statistics, and probability. Geometry is a branch of mathematics that uses formal methods of thinking to show relationships between points, lines, surfaces, and solids. Statistics and probability are closely related subjects. In statistics, you will practice collecting and analyzing numerical data to make decisions. Probability is the study of the likelihood that an event will occur. Knowing more about these three disciplines will help you solve problems you encounter every day.
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses symbols in place of numbers to describe and generalize relationships. In Algebra 1A, you will explore relationships between mathematical quantities, how to reason with equations and inequalities, graphing, and functions. You will build on your knowledge of variables, exponents, expressions, and algebraic terminology by applying algebra to real-world situations.
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses symbols in place of numbers to describe and generalize relationships. In Algebra 1B, you will extend ideas to learned in Algebra 1A to factor and perform operations on polynomial expressions containing more than two terms. Many of the equations that you solved in Algebra 1A were linear, or proportional. In Algebra 1B you’ll solve quadratic equations. In quadratic equations, the highest power on a variable is 2. You’ll study the parabola, a conic section defined by a quadratic equation. You will also look at the algebra of working with radical signs exploring the inverse relationship between squaring a number and taking its square root. These algebraic concepts prepare us with applications to Geometry such as with the Pythagorean Theorem and working with Parallel and Perpendicular lines. Finally, you’ll study statistics as you interpret the shapes of data distributions and delve into correlation and causation.
Sciences
In Middle School Earth Science you will study the natural world. During semester A, you will first explore the formation of the universe and our solar system all the way through the formation of the Earth. You will learn about what makes up the universe, including galaxies, stars, nebulae, our solar system and other planetary systems.
In Middle School Earth Science you will study the natural world. During semester B, we will study many of the processes that occur on Earth. You will learn about rocks, minerals and the rock cycle. You will learn about the processes of the water cycle. You will learn about the many processes in the atmosphere, including weather and climate change. Finally, you will learn about where natural resources come from and how they are used.
Middle School Life Science A introduces scientific investigations, methods, observations, and communication, followed by the study of the cell, cell transport, metabolism, division, and reproduction, molecular biology, DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics, human genetics, and biotechnology. With that understanding, it covers the sometimes touch topic of Darwin’s theory of evolution, natural selection, evidence of evolution, and speciation. The semester ends covering the single-celled organisms and also fungi.
Middle School Life Science B studies different kinds of plants (including vascular seedless, non-vascular seedless, gymnosperms, and angiosperms), and discusses reproduction, plant hormones, and tropism. The is followed by studying animal behaviors and the various forms of animals (invertebrates and vertebrates) along with Human Biology. The semester ends by introducing ecology including discussions on biomes, populations, ecosystems, pollution, resources, and energy.
In MS Physical Science you will study the nature of matter and energy. During semester A, you will explore the nature of matter and energy through chemistry. You will learn about the fundamental building blocks of matter and the chemical composition and properties of substances.
In MS Physical Science you will study the nature of matter and energy. During semester B, you will explore the nature of matter and energy through physics. You will learn about the different forms of energy and the applications they have in science and industry. You will also study forces and the effect a force has on an object’s motion. The course will end with learning and doing a project about the relationship between science and engineering.
Social Studies
US History is the study of the events, people, and culture of the United States over time. In American History A, you will learn about the process of historical inquiry, review the events and principles behind the founding of the United States, and then apply historical inquiry to analyze societal issues, trends, and events from the Industrial Revolution through the Gilded Age. You’ll explore timelines to gain an understanding of how events link to each other, and you’ll analyze historical documents for a firsthand sense of how events unfolded. You’ll also gather evidence from relevant documents and historical texts in order to develop credible explanations of events in US history. You’ll then use that evidence to evaluate change and continuity over time by writing essays and creating presentations about broad periods of historical development.
US History is the study of the events, people, and culture of the United States over time. In American History B, you will apply historical inquiry to analyze societal issues, trends, and events of US history from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. You’ll explore timelines to gain an understanding of how events link to each other, and you’ll analyze historical documents for a firsthand sense of how events unfolded. You’ll also gather evidence from relevant documents and historical texts in order to develop credible explanations of events in US history. You’ll then use that evidence to evaluate change and continuity over time.
Minnesota is a land with a rich history spanning back much farther than its statehood. In this course, we will examine the geography and early history of Minnesota. In addition, we will examine the state government and how Minnesota is run.
This course takes a look at the place we all call home: Minnesota. First we will learn about Economic Development and Industrialization. Next, we continue our historical adventure with the Great Depression and World War II. Then we’ll explore the Cold War era, the Civil Rights Movement, as well as Contemporary Minnesota. We will also learn about the economics of Minnesota, and create a blueprint for managing a budget and investigating potential careers.
Geography is the study of where things are in the world. It is important to know why people settled where they did: sometimes this is for weather-related reasons, and sometimes it’s because of bountiful natural resources nearby. In this course, you will learn about these special features which drive economic development and form the locales where people settled.
Geography is the study of where things are in the world. It is important to know why people settled where they did: sometimes this is for weather-related reasons, and sometimes it’s because of bountiful natural resources nearby. In this course, you will learn about these special features which drive economic development and form the locales where people settled.
PE/Health Education
This course provides students with a basic understanding of fitness and nutrition. Students will learn about exercise safety, team and individual sports, nutrition, and the importance of staying active throughout their lifetime. Students conduct fitness assessments, set goals, develop their own fitness program, and participate in weekly physical activity.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of fitness and nutrition. Students will learn about exercise safety, team and individual sports, nutrition, and the importance of staying active throughout their lifetime. Students conduct fitness assessments, set goals, develop their own fitness program, and participate in weekly physical activity.
This course provides students with an overview of individual sports. Students learn about a variety of sports, yet do an in-depth study of running, walking, strength training, yoga, Pilates, dance, water sports, and cross-training. Students learn the history, rules, and guidelines of each sport, and practice specific skills related to each sport. Students also learn about the components of fitness, FITT principles, benefits of fitness, safety and technique, and good nutrition. Students conduct fitness assessments and participate in weekly physical activity.
Life Skills. This course allows students to explore their personality type and interests, as well as refine important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, including personal nutrition and fitness skills, time and stress management, communication and healthy relationships, goal setting, study skills, leadership and service, environmental and consumer health, and personal finances. In addition, students will explore possible colleges and careers that match their needs, interests, and talents.
Middle School Health. Aids students in creating a foundation of personal health. Beginning with properly defining health, this course then builds upon basic health practices to emphasize the importance of balance. Attention is given to each of the six dimensions of wellness; namely, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental. Students are taught the skills necessary to improve every aspect of health. They are also encouraged to reflect upon their own personal wellness each week.
Fine Arts
Description is coming soon.
In this course you will learn about the elements and principles of Art. Additionally, students will consider what the artist is trying to communicate and create their own opinions on works of art.
In this course you will review the basic features of art, explore the art of photography, encounter forms of animation, investigate aspects of graphic design, study facets of architecture, and observe alternative art forms.
This music class is for students in grades 6–8. This one semester course teaches musical knowledge and skills, while aligning to National Music Standards. The course challenges the student to improve listening, notation, analysis, and composition skills. With visual, audio, and interactive technologies, the course provides a unique learning experience for the student.
Electives
Creative Writing is designed for students to gain experience in three genres: short story, poetry, and creative non-fiction. The course includes analysis of literary models (professional writings in each genre), exploration of theme and genre, and development of creative writing style, skills, and techniques.
Description is coming soon.
Description is coming soon.
Description is coming soon.
This course is designed to enable middle school students (Grades 7–8) to develop the critical skills and knowledge that they will need to choose and plan for a successful career.
This one-semester elective course is intended to introduce you to computer applications and technology used in careers. In this course, you will look at word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation programs and explore how computer applications and technology can be used to assist you.
This music class is for students in grades 6–8. This one semester course teaches musical knowledge and skills, while aligning to National Music Standards. The course challenges the student to improve listening, notation, analysis, and composition skills. With visual, audio, and interactive technologies, the course provides a unique learning experience for the student.
Description is coming soon.
Our flexible curriculum gives you access to a comprehensive course selection designed to meet state standards. A counselor partners with you and your parents to develop the right educational plan to meet your needs and increase your success in the future.
*Courses are subject to availability.
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PSEO Options
PSEO The post-secondary enrollment options program is available either part or full-time to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students need to qualify in order to participate. Requirements vary from school to school. Students need to check with the colleges for applications and deadlines.
OCHS Options
OCHS is a state funded program that provides qualifying high school students with the opportunity to earn post-secondary education credits online while still completing high school. Courses are taught through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MnSCU).