GRADE 7 Course Description
JACKSON MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE
Science Fiction
[ JMS only ] [ elective , every other day ] Intended Audience : Students interested in improving reading / writing , and / or scientific inquiry Major Outcomes : In this course students will :
• Examine the genre of science fiction alongside the non-fiction science that creates worlds and situations that can ’ t happen yet , and might never happen , but deal with the world we live in today .
• Increase knowledge of history and nature of science through scientific inquiry .
• Create print and non-print texts for different audiences and purposes .
• Write effectively using the writing process ( prewriting , drafting , revising , editing , publishing ).
Projects / Activities : Students will examine versions of science fiction in print and nonprint . Projects include inventing an item to be used in the future , designing a future society , researching a current problem in our world and proposing a solution in a presentation . Students will create their own science fiction writing piece . Discussions and presentations will be used to analyze science fiction . This course is designed for those who are already science fiction fans , as well as those who want to improve reading and writing skills . There will be opportunities for creative and analytical work . Through reading , writing , and viewing science fiction , students will be prepared to tackle tomorrow ’ s problems . Instructional Focus : Students will improve reading and writing skills in connection with scientific inquiry . Science fiction writes about tomorrow , but talks about today and this course will equip students with knowledge to better understand our world .
• Develop skills in listening , speaking , media literacy , and pursuasive presentations .
Projects / Activities : Book clubs , persuasive writing assignments , research to support reading and writing , persuasive presentations , and independent reading . Instructional Focus : Teachers will create daily reading , writing , and discussion activities as students explore thematic units . Language work will be embedded within authentic reading , writing , and speaking experiences . Teachers will offer multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning .
Middle School Registration Guide 19