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Section VII - Courses of Study (7-8)
ENGLISH • LANGUAGE ARTS
Language Arts 7 A/B
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This course will expose students to both fictional stories and non-fiction articles. This course will enhance students’ ability to comprehend and develop inferences towards the content of their reading assignments. It will expose students to authors’ intent and literature concepts. Each lesson will develop and increase students’ terms and vocabulary. An aspect of grammar will be introduced and students will implement their knowledge in their own writing. A fictional novel will accompany this course that will utilize the students’ imagination and creativity. At the end of each unit, students will have an opportunity to incorporate what they have learned in their writing. Students will also read the novels A Wtinkle in Time, A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Wide Window, and A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
Language Arts 8 focuses on improving students’ ability to apply key concepts of literature to their reading assignments in order to gain further insight and knowledge. The skills acquired throughout this course will not only enhance their reading experience and improve writing skills but will also prepare them for high school level English. Students taking this course will be able to explore a grand diversity of literary experiences. This course offers a mixture of concepts that will aid students in continuing to develop reading, writing and analytical skills. They will read the historical fiction novel 11,000 Years Lost throughout the first semester and Turnabout throughout the second semester.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This Language Arts course is designed to teach the student to become a more successful reader through conceptual development of some key literary devices, like story conflict, main ideas, author’s viewpoint, comparing and contrasting, cause and effect, and idioms. Students will interact with their reading selections by learning to become active readers and develop critical thinking skills. They will apply these newly learned skills to their assignments and their reading of the Norton Juster novel, The Phantom Tollbooth, and Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This course emphasizes developing background information, acquiring reading skills, comprehension, and moving beyond a textbook to think critically and make new connections. Students will be exposed challenging activities that stimulate reading comprehension and critical thinking. Students will also be reading the novel Among the Hidden and Beyond the Mango Tree to further develop their reading skills.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
Poetry offers a comprehensive study of the poetic form, elements of poetry, key literary genres, poem types as well as influential poets throughout the ages. Students will develop their ability to read and analyze poetry and decipher all varieties of poetic language. They will explore the historical origins of poetry in the English language that incorporates poets of the British Isles as well as North America. Students will write down a poetry log throughout the course where they can express their personal opinions about the poems they read. They will be able to write a thoughtful critical essay by the end of the semester that will demand the ability to incorporate their poetry learning into a detailed analysis of a poem or poetry subject.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This English course may fill either an elective requirement or meet the needs of a general requirement for Limited English Proficiency students. Students learn various skills in this class, including how to use the library and dictionary, read a newspaper for content and useful information, use telephone directories, read maps, deposit money and write checks. Students also learn about following instructions, answering questions regarding social security, filling out tax and voting forms, completing a job application and understanding the vocabulary of employment forms.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course focuses students on improvement of their reading comprehension, writing skills and research skills. Students learn study techniques, such the format of a textbook; organizing ideas and separating fact from opinion; setting goals for themselves; recognizing main ideas and supporting ideas, note taking, outlining and summarizing as well as test taking strategies.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
The major emphasis of this course is to continue the work of Reading Development A to improve the student’s reading comprehension and increase their vocabulary. The course teaches students improved methods for word recognition and it expands their vocabulary. It also helps students to comprehend main themes and ideas, to identify sequence of events, to note significant details and to use alphabetical order. It employs writing skills that reinforce reading performance. Particular emphasis is placed on the reading and thinking skills needed for success in subject matter courses. Students are introduced to reading for pleasure.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
The focus of this course is on the development of writing and composition skills, teaching appropriate vocabulary usage, research skills, paragraph formation and letter-writing styles. This course may fill part of the 7th or 8th grade general English requirement.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
In this course, students learn about different parts of sentences such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions and apply them to their writing assignments. There is a test for each of the first three units; for the fourth and fifth units students must write a 2-3 page story and research paper applying what they have learned.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
Intro to Grammar is designed to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Students will be exposed to and learn to master parts of speech, sentence structure, phrases and clauses, modifiers, and punctuation. Students will also learn the functions of verb tenses, direct and indirect objects, and object complements. This course will help to teach students how to become better writers through numerous exercises that increase their knowledge and skills of certain grammar and mechanical concepts.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
In this course the student will read five novels: The Westing Game, The Catcher in the Rye, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The House of the Scorpion, To Kill a Mockingbird. Each unit will look at the important events in the novel that shape the characters, theme, and setting. The student will also relate the themes of the novel to their life.
MATHEMATICS
Basic Math A/B
Length of Course: 10 Credits
These courses are self-paced and the student will work through the following topics: the four operations for whole numbers, fractions, decimals, rounding off, estimation, percent, equation, ratio and proportion, graphs, square roots, units of measure, basic formulas, geometric shapes and the Pythagorean theorem. The objective of these courses is to prepare students to move on to Pre-Algebra.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This course uses the Pre-Algebra curriculum. This course helps to build students’ foundational skills for entry into the Algebra course. It begins with a review of integers and the order of operations. Students are then introduced to variables and simple equations as well as solving application problems. Emphasis is then placed on solving problems with fractions with application to basic geometry. Other concepts covered include solutions of decimal problems, an introduction to a three-dimensional surface area (volume), and comprehensive work with percents and measurement systems. The course concludes with the product rule, power of exponents, and multiplying polynomials. Students who complete these courses should then enroll in Algebra I.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
These first-year Algebra courses are for students who have a strong foundation in Mathematics and are ready for a high school Algebra I course. Students will review real numbers and order of operations and then begin a complete study of Algebra topics.
Length of Course: 20 Credits
This extended 2-year Algebra course begins with a review of essential and fundamental Algebra concepts. This includes understanding the use of variables and exponents, as well as properties of real numbers, and solving linear equations and inequalities. Students will then learn to graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables along with determining the slope and equations of lines. They move onto subtracting, multiplying and dividing polynomials as well as the quotient rule and scientific notation. Students begin the second half of the course with factoring. This includes understanding how to factor and apply it to everyday life. You will also learn how to manipulate rational expressions, explore complex fractions, solve rational expression and understand direct and indirect variations, and solve linear equations. Finally, students move into a review of graphing, key terms and line equations. The units include the applications of linear systems, solving linear inequalities, equations, inequalities and absolute value. This course concludes with graphing quadratic equations and functions. SCIENCE
Physical Science 8 A/B
Length of Course: 10 Credits
These courses provide a survey of the physical and earth sciences. Students will study a variety of subjects pertaining to various sciences such as geology, physics and chemistry. These courses investigate the chemical and physical properties of matter, chemical interactions, atomic structure, thermodynamics, forces, motion and energy, sound, light, magnetism, electricity and heat. The courses will include both text study and virtual laboratory experiences using CD-ROMS and the Internet.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
In S Physical Science 8, students begin with an introduction of the definition of physical science. Matter is discussed in detail along with density. Students delve into the structure of atoms and chemical formulas formed from the atoms. Once the formulas have been discussed, the student moves onto metals, nonmetals and radioactive elements that are created using the formulas. Compounds and mixtures are then discussed and the bonds that hold them together. Then students move onto chemical reactions, acids and bases. Force is discussed and how it affects everything from gravity to water pressure. Students delve into motion and Newton's Laws. Then the student moves onto energy and force. Heat is studied as both lack of and effects on air, solids and how it causes movement. S Physical Science concludes with lessons on light and its spectrums.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
In these courses students will learn about the scientific method, cells, basic characteristics and needs of all organisms, the organization of living things into kingdoms, genetics, plant and animal life, the development and function of organ systems in animals, especially humans. Students will also explore ecological principles including biomes, food chains and webs and evolution. This course will include both text study and virtual laboratory experiences using CD-ROMS and the Internet. SOCIAL STUDIES
World History 7 A/B
Length of Course: 10 Credits
The first part of the course covers from the beginnings of the Roman and Byzantine Empires to the rise of Japan as a civilization. The students will study the growth of Islam and the great cultures that grew from the Muslim religion, the rise of sub-Saharan civilizations and their interaction with Europe and the Middle East cultures, and the development of the early Chinese civilizations such as the Mongols and the Mughals. The second part of the course covers from Medieval Europe to the Age of Enlightenment hundreds of years later. Students will learn about the feudal system in both Europe and Japan, the corruption of the Catholic Church and the religious factions that sprang up as a result of this. This course uses the Across the Centuries textbooks.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This course will cover the basic concept of the beginnings of America and how the United States began to develop as a nation. Students will learn about events that led to the Revolution, what happened after the revolution, and how an American culture blossomed due to its independence. The second part of the course discusses the rise of America following the Revolutionary War, how the Articles of Confederation failed and the Constitution succeeded, the concept of manifest destiny and how it affected American policy for decades. It will discuss how industrial growth in the North affected the slave system in the South and how this created tension between the two sides. This course will detail the Civil War and important battles that would affect the outcome of the war. This course uses the Call to Freedom textbook.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course is an introduction to the physical variation on the earth’s surface as it can be applied to the study of history and other social sciences. It is the study of humankind’s relation to the environment. Course topics include land forms, bodies of water, map projections and symbols, altitude, longitude and latitude, climate, plant and animal life, population density, natural resources and features, natural and man-made boundaries, as well as instructions about economic, cultural and political geography. Principles learned will be applied in studies of several regions.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
The major emphasis of this course is the study of physical, cultural, economic geography, geopolitics, demography and ecology. The course focuses on reading comprehension skills in understanding materials relating to demography, the environment and geography in general and on writing skills in analyzing the relationship of physical geography to the human environment.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
These courses meet the US History requirement for students with limited English proficiency. The emphasis of the courses is an overview of the history of the United States. They begin with an examination of events that shaped this nation such as exploration, establishment and expansion, struggles to keep the nation united, economic and industrial growth and the role of the United States today. The courses also include a study of U.S. History through the use of maps. The textbooks used are America’s Story and American History Through Maps.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
These courses fulfill the 7th grade World History requirement. They are designed to give students both a historical outlook and a contemporary view of the world, starting with the earliest-known cultures and including comparison and contrast of societies and major events that have influenced the world. Students will become more knowledgeable about significant historical events, ideas and forces that have shaped and are yet shaping our world. The second semester course is based on regional studies of the continents of the world and the people who inhabit them. Emphasis is on the reasons that cultures have developed in specific areas including physical, cultural and economic. This course combines to use the Geography and You and the World History and You textbooks.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course emphasizes significant political, social and economic developments in the Spanish, Mexican and American periods of California history. Beginning with the study of Indian tribes who lived in California and the early explorations by Spain and Mexico, students learn how California was settled and later joined the United States. Reading assignments for this course include The Shirley Letters and Ramona.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This unique course details the lives and times of some of the most famous Americans of the 20th Century. Students will learn about various historical figures from public service, sports, arts and entertainment, business, and science and medicine. The student will explore the life of each person and learn how their dreams, their successes, and their failures helped to invigorate, inspire, and advance the American Dream during different phases of the 20th century. HEALTH
Health 7-8
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course introduces concepts about health issues, develops student attitudes toward their health and the general well being of their surroundings and teaches skills that lead to effective decisions on individual, family and public health. Overall, students learn about the methods and importance of maintaining their own physical, mental and emotional health. TECHNOLOGY
Computer Literacy
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course introduces students to basic skills with computer operations. Students learn about word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, and use of email and the World Wide Web. It is a hands-on course. Students who do not have access to a computer at home will be able to use the student computers in the center.
Physical Education 7 A/B
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This course is an elective program that allows students to select activities that will familiarize them with activities suitable for lifelong recreation and physical fitness. Students must perform at least thirty minutes of an activity for it to count and no more than two hours may be claimed per day. A total of 50 hours must be performed to complete the course. As well as the hours of activity, the course requires the completion of a research report, and ten sport or nutrition related articles. Students must write summaries on each article. This course can only be taken once a semester.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
This course is an elective program that allows students to select activities that will familiarize them with activities suitable for lifelong recreation and physical fitness. Students must perform at least thirty minutes of an activity for it to count and no more than two hours may be claimed per day. A total of 50 hours must be performed to complete the course. As well as the hours of activity, the course requires the completion of a research report, and ten sport or nutrition related articles. Students must write summaries on each article. This course can only be taken once a semester.
Leadership/Career Development 7-8
Length of Course: 2.5 Credits
This seminar is conducted for all new students to help them set life goals and determine a plan of action for achieving them. Students work to improve their self-esteem and become more self-motivated. The course is designed to assist the students to grow in the ability to make decisions and to appreciate their strengths and skills in the junior high/middle school environment.
Length of Course: 2.5-5 Credits
This course helps students explore careers and begins the process of determining career areas that they are interested in further exploring. There are ten career areas that students will explore - Careers in the World of: The Trades, Technology, Sales, Entrepreneurs, Health Care, Offices, Sports and Entertainment, Environmental Sciences, The Government and Homemaking, The primary text for this course is the Globe Fearon series called Careers and Opportunities.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course will discuss health issues and concerns of students. Students will examine topics the impact and influence of food choices and practices of good nutrition, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the impact and importance of calories, the dangers, effects, and treatments of eating disorders, safety issues, and basic first aid in the kitchen. Students will also explore the different parts of any given recipe, which includes language and the methods of measuring out ingredients. Students will expand on the notion of creating a meal that has appeal, limited to resources available to students and the luxury of convenience foods. Students will learn smart shopping, shopping with a plan, creating a shopping list, ways to save money, reading the labels on the food products, and understanding the Universal Product Code. They will also discuss food groups and the four food groups from the Food Pyramid Guide. Students will also study the types of dairy products, cultured products, frozen dairy desserts, cheeses, and butter. Lastly, the students will discuss and explore how to buy, store, prepare, and cook meats, fish, poultry and desserts.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
Arts and Crafts begins by focusing on the elements of art and the color wheel. Students eventually progress to learning about the principles of art and how to apply them to various works of art. Students will learn about various artists and their crafts, and students will mimic some of the art styles by creating artwork of their own throughout each unit. Students will learn how to critically analyze various pieces of famous artwork. By the end of the last unit, the student will have gathered a portfolio of artwork which they will share with their instructor for evaluation.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course explores a variety of techniques, materials and visual exercises that will provide the student with a solid background for most art courses where the ability to draw is essential. Students will learn techniques to produce 120 different sketching projects while maintaining a drawing journal throughout the course. The textbook for this course is Draw Squad.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This course consists of a sequence of drawing exercises giving you the opportunity to explore the art and craft of cartooning and develop creative solutions for the many inherent challenges of the art form. This course is particularly designed for students who really enjoy drawing. The text for this course is Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cartooning But Were Afraid to Draw; there is also an art material kit that supports this class.
Student Assistant 7-8
Length of Course: 5 Credits
Student Assistants serve teachers and other staff members by providing clerical and instructional assistance in the centers. Teacher permission is required and students must complete training as required by the Director of Educational Operations. Students falling behind in their schoolwork will need to take a break from this course until their other studies have improved. Student Assistants must demonstrate responsibility, maturity and integrity in their relations with students and adults. Students will earn 5 credits upon completion of 60 hours.
Length of Course: 5 Credits
This semester-long course provides a detailed introduction to photography and the technical elements required to be a successful photographer. Students will be able to differentiate between the different types of cameras available whether it is a single lens reflex camera that uses 35mm film or a compact digital camera. They will understand the importance of framing shots and recognizing good composition. They will come to appreciate the critical importance of proper lighting, exposure, aperture, film speed, focal length and shutter speed. They will combine technical know-how with creative thinking to experiment with portraits, themes and special effects. This course will offer students the opportunity to take a great variety of photographs themselves and work towards a final portfolio that will help determine their course grade. Students use the textbook Starting Photography by Focal Press.
Length of Course: 10 Credits
A student who wishes to complete a special independent project, which cannot be completed in a regularly scheduled course, may apply to enroll in Independent Project. An application with a description of the project and approval of the Instructor and Area Supervisor must be completed before enrollment will be permitted. The project must include at least 12 hours of work per unit. Students may earn variable credit but may not earn more than 5 credits per semester course. | |