Core Courses
Course #270 – 7th Grade Systems and Cycles
Students in grade 7 focus on systems and cycles to build a systems perspective using their understanding of structures and elements developed in earlier grades. A focus on systems requires students to interpret information and apply concepts and skills in the broad context of the discipline, and thus make connections between different domains of knowledge. Standards in grade 7 highlight interdisciplinary connections within and across domains since most natural and designed systems and cycles are complex and interactive. Students begin a process of building expert knowledge, moving from a more concrete to an abstract perspective and creating a foundation for exploring cause and effect relationships in more depth in grade 8. They haveexperience in observing structure of cells, body systems, matter, the Earth, measuring changes in energy, and applying these ideas to systems and cycles that span domains.
Course #280 – 8th Grade Physical Science
Grade 8 students use more robust abstract thinking skills to explain causes of the more complex phenomena and systems. Many causes are not immediately or physically visible to students. Students wrestle with the "why" of science, to deal with unseen mechanisms at work, to make predictions about future events, and to explain patterns. In grade 8 these include, for example, causes of seasons and tides, causes of plate tectonics and weather or climate, the role of genetics in heredity and natural selection, and understanding interactions of atoms and molecules (from a more general particulate model in prior grades). Being able to analyze phenomena for evidence of causes and processes that often cannot be seen, and being able to conceptualize and describe those, is a significant cognitive transition for students in grade 8.
Course #072
This course provides 7th grade students with an instruction and support in their development of strong executive functioning and independent time management skills. Students will use the content from their core classes to develop the ability to manage long-term assignments, self-advocacy and clarification communication skills. Development and management of the Seventh Grade Science Fair projects as well as 7th Grade Math Geometric Explorations are foundation units for the course, the Middle School Team will work with students to help them identify specific content or assignments for which they need assistance and those they can complete independently. Teachers will help students develop the skills to access content specific assistance.
Course #271 – Science Explorations and Computer Literacy (7 - Not Offered 15-16)
This class will spend the first quarter helping the seventh grade transition from the sixth grade. Students will strengthen their organizational, test taking, and study skills, as well as discovering ways to alleviate anxiety. Through a middle school science fair project, students will run their own scientific investigations using the scientific method or use the engineering design process to build a prototype. This course will concentrate on strengthening their research skills, learning how to use noodle tools, and work on their keyboarding skills through project-based learning and connect math with the real world and everyday life.
Course #281 – Science Explorations and Math Connections (8 - Not Offered 15-16)
This is a full year course which starts off with a focus on mathematics. This course will provide reinforcement for number sense and operations, measurement and problem solving techniques relative to eighth grade standards. Foe the second part of the year, the class will focus on different topics in science; from oceanography to meteorology and subjects in between. The science topics will include hands on investigations, multimedia presentations and documentaries, and a creative view on the sciences.
Course #845 – Building For Tomorrow (Grade 7)
This STEM course is a combination of science, math, technology, and engineering. Student will explore how technology supported activities can make mathematics both engaging and understandable. Through project based learning, students will use the engineering design process to discover manufacturing, communication, transportation, and bioengineering technologies, and the importance of sustainability. The culminating project of this course will be the 7th Grade Science Fair.