Course Descriptions GRADE 7
Instructional focus: Students will work individually, as well as in small and large groups. They will be involved in hands-onexperiments, dissections, investigations, model design and creation, engineeringprocess, observations, data collection and analysis.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE
United States Studies 7
[ full year ] Major outcomes:
• Grade seven features history as the lead discipline
• The interdisciplinary“ studies” approach is further enhanced with important government, citizenship, economics, and geography content that round-out the study of United States history
• Learn about people, issues and events of significance to this nation’ s history from1800 to the current era of globalization
• Examine the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and Supreme Court decisions for their lasting impact on the American people
Projects, activities, etc.: Students create and use detailed maps of places in the United States and conduct historical inquiry on a topic in the nation’ s history Instructional focus: Instruction is presented in a variety of ways: class discussion, smalland large group activities, simulations, and the use of technologies.
REQUIRED ELECTIVES ARTS COURSES
Students must choose 2 of the 3 art areas
MUSIC Can choose 1 as an arts choice
Beginning Band 7
[ arts elective, every other day ] students who did not take band in grade 6 Major outcomes:
• Learn the beginning elements of playing a band instrument
• Produce a characteristic tone and perform in an ensemble
Projects, activities, etc.: Perform in concerts and independent practice Instructional focus: Group instruction Instructional Sequence: Upon completion of course, students would enroll in Band 8.
Band 7
[ arts elective, every other day ] Prerequisite / Selection process: Band 6 or teacher permission Major outcomes:
• Increase understanding of tone quality, intonation / pitch, rhythm / meter, technique, and interpretation.
• Expand instrumental skills playing music from many historical periods and styles
• Learn improvisation skills Projects, activities, etc.: Perform in concerts and independent practice Instructional focus: Group instruction.
Choir 7
[ elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Learn to use the elements of quality singing
• Sing and perform a variety of styles of music
• Increase understanding of tone quality, intonation / pitch, rhythm / meter, technique, and interpretation.
• Develop vocal skills and musicianship
• Collaborate as an ensemble to prepare and perform music
Instructional focus: Group instruction
Beginning Orchestra 7
[ arts elective, every other day ] Intended audience: students who did not take orchestra in grade 6 Major outcomes:
• Learn the beginning elements of playing an orchestra instrument
• Produce a good tone and perform in an ensemble
Projects, activities, etc.: Perform in concerts and independent practice
Instructional focus: Group instruction Instructional Sequence: Upon completion of course, students would enroll in Orchestra 8.
Orchestra 7
[ arts elective, every other day ] Prerequisite / Selection process: Orchestra 6 or teacher permission Major outcomes:
• Increase understanding of tone quality, intonation / pitch, rhythm / meter, technique, and interpretation
• Introduction to orchestra ensemble playing with an emphasis on the bow stroke and fundamentals of music
• Learn improvisation skills Projects, activities, etc.: Perform in concerts, create an original composition, and independent practice Instructional focus: Group instruction.
VISUAL ARTS
Art 7
[ visual arts elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Focus on American art. This class explores American art and artists.
• Expand the understanding of the foundations of art, with a focus on revision and creation of an artist statement
Projects, activities, etc.: Activities may include working with a variety of materials in clay, sculpture, painting, drawing, crafts, and design. Instructional focus: Instruction includes teacher-guided art demonstrations, individual and / or group art projects, and opportunities for reflection and revising artwork.
MEDIA ARTS
Technology Education 7
[ media arts elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Produce various items by using computer generated graphic designs and CAD drawings
• Increase technological literacy and
16 Middle School Registration Guide