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[ 7th Grade | 8th Grade | 9-12 Courses]
ENGLISH (7) In the seventh grade, the curriculum focuses on vocabulary and writing skills, applied grammar and literature. Literature consists of poetry, plays, short stories, and novels. The vocabulary study is taken from the literature read in class, and novels. The second semester vocabulary is taken from Wordskills and utilizes a weekly lesson and quiz. One quarter is devoted to writing and applied grammar. Students may utilize the computer lab for this quarter and use process writing to write on a variety of topics. LIFE SCIENCE (7) The main topics covered in Life Science are the human body—its systems and cell functions--and the characteristics and grouping of living things. In the study of cells, students will examine the structures and processes in the cell and relate them to everyday activities. All students will be required to develop a scientific experiment dealing with living things in which they practice using the scientific method. TEXT: Life Science, Holt-Rinehart-Winston, 2001 MATH 7 Materials needed: Basic operations
calculator. The student will build understanding of fundamental
mathematics concepts from concrete manipulations to pictorial representations to
abstract symbols. Ample effective practice and
real-life problem solving situations give the students the
reinforcement they need to maintain their basic mathematics
facts and number theory. The student will develop a
process approach to problem solving as they learn
mathematical computation with whole numbers, decimals,
fractions, and percents. Measurement begins with
English and Metric conversion continuing through geometry
ideas of points, perimeter, area and volume.
Pre-Algebra topics of statistics, probability,
integers, variables and equations are also included as
a preparation for high school mathematics. SOCIAL STUDIES (7) The curriculum for seventh grade social studies is based on world geography. Students will learn the five themes of geography and use them as they explore the world and its people. Students will utilize their textbooks as well as the Internet, library, and current periodicals. A portion of the class will also be spent examining the history and geography of Nebraska. PHYSICAL EDUCATION (7) During seventh and eighth grade physical education, there
will be units in flag football, track, basketball, soccer, bowling, ultimate frisbee,
wrestling and weight training. Rules, field or court dimensions, skills, and strategy will be
covered in the sports units. Weightlifting is included during this time, because at this age
students can show the greatest improvement in strength, size, and quickness. *Fitness
testing will be done in the fall MUSIC VOCAL MUSIC (7, 8) Junior High Vocal Music is a class for 7th and 8th grade students. The focus of the group is on performance. Students will learn basic knowledge of healthy singing, confidence in the ability to perform, and an appreciation of various forms of music. The group will perform at concerts, clinics, and various other scheduled events. BAND (7, 8) During their two years in Junior High Band, third year
and level three objectives are taught as listed in instrumental curriculum guide.
Competition, creativity, and self-discipline begin to become more important at this
level. Enjoyment and pride are instilled from performing good music well and being able to
take a few trips (ex. marching competitions, jazz competitions, when available). Three to BLOCK CLASSES ART (7) This course introduces the student to the various art media, tools and techniques with both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects. Activities include problems in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, design, art history and art appreciation. An overview of careers in art is provided through homework assignments. AGRICULTURE (7) In this nine weeks class, students will learn the
concepts and skills necessary for agricultural literacy. Skills and concepts in class will involve the
importance of agriculture, growing plants, Care for animals, agricultural and non-food
agricultural products, and communication skills. HEALTH (7) Course Objectives/CLE's The main focus during the nine week class will be All-Stars. All-Stars is a program that give students a chance to think about their future, challenge their beliefs, and encourage healthy and lifelong behaviors. A unit on bullying will be included in this course. INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY (7) This class has a nine week introduction course of
beginning drafting. Some of the areas that are covered at this level are: basic techniques of
drafting, tool skills, basic knowledge of lines, multi-view drawings, history of drafting
and why it is important. This provides students with an introduction into training and
experience to meet these needs KEYBOARDING (7) The students are taught to operate the microcomputer
using proper techniques and to plan and organize typewritten material in an orderly and
acceptable business-like format. The typewritten materials include one-lines sentences and paragraphs using the alphabetical and numerical keys. Students will compose sentences and paragraphs while reviewing grammar rules. PowerPoint will also be introduced. Students will compete a small project using it. GUIDANCE/CAREERS (7) Course Objectives/CLE's This nine week course covers topics such as self exploration, character development, self concept, conflict solving and goal setting. There is also the introduction of the Nebraska Career Connections and exploration of the program and its Kuder testing programs including the Kuder Career test and the Kuder skills test. Through cooperation with the career cluster, the goal is to establish a personal portfolio and continue career exploration. SPANISH (7) Seventh and eighth grade students take 9 weeks of Spanish. During
the class students will be introduced to the Spanish language. Basic Spanish grammar,
vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are emphasized. FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE (7) This semester class meets for 18 hours and is focused on an introduction to foods and nutrition. The semester starts with students learning about MyPyramid and the nutrients. Then students get to step into the kitchen to learn about food safety, kitchen safety, kitchen equipment, grocery shopping, lab planning, and basic etiquette. Foods labs will be interspersed throughout the semester.
ENGLISH (8) In the eighth grade, the curriculum focuses on vocabulary, writing skills, applied grammar, and literature. Literature consists of poetry, plays, short stories, non-fiction and fiction. Emphasis is placed on reading comprehension, elements of literature, and figurative language. Vocabulary study is taken from the literature read in class and focuses on definition and usage. The second source for vocabulary development is taken from the Wordskills workbook utilizing a weekly lesson quiz. The vocabulary study is spread over the course of the school year. Along with vocabulary, spelling is taught utilizing placement tests, pretests and post-tests. Much of the curriculum is state standards assessment driven with special attention given to descriptive writing in preparation for the statewide writing assessments. Other course work involves a review of library skills and resources, notetaking, listening, oral presentation and writing conventions. TEXT: EARTH SCIENCE (8) Earth Science exposes students to a variety of topics dealing with the earth and its surroundings such as astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography. Earth structures are discussed including rocks, minerals, and the internal workings of our planet. The care and preservation of our planet is stressed. All students are required to develop a scientific experiment dealing with earth science related topics in which they practice using the scientific method. TEXT: Earth Science, Holt-Rinehart-Winston, 2001 MATH (8) Math 8 is required of all 8th grade students not taking
Pre-Algebra or Algebra I. The content of this course includes the basic operations using
whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Also covered are the areas of solving
equations, problem solving, estimating, geometry, measurement, ratios, percent, statistics,
probability, integers and graphing equations. OR (Parental Permission/Recommendation of Math
Instructor) The student is expected to work out daily assigned
problems and exercises. The content of this course includes modern mathematics,
terminology, making and using formulas, simple equations, directed or signed numbers,
computing with polynomials, problems solved by equations, irrational numbers, real
numbers, inequalities, systems of SOCIAL STUDIES (8) The curriculum for eighth grade social studies is based on United States history. Students will examine the history of the U.S. and learn how it grew into one of the most powerful nations on earth. Students will study significant events focusing on the; Colonial Period, Revolutionary War, forming of the Constitution, Civil War, involvement in World War I and World War II and a brief overview of current events. There will be a major project each quarter. PHYSICAL EDUCATION (8) During seventh and eighth grade physical education, there
will be units in flag football, track, basketball, soccer, bowling, ultimate frisbee,
wrestling and weight training. Rules, field or court dimensions, skills, and strategy will be
covered in the sports units. Weight lifting is included during this time, because at this age
students can show the greatest improvement in strength, size, and quickness. *Fitness
testing will be done in the fall MUSIC VOCAL MUSIC (7, 8) Junior High Vocal Music is a class for 7th and 8th grade students. The focus of the group is on performance. Students will learn basic knowledge of healthy singing, confidence in the ability to perform, and an appreciation of various forms of music. The group will perform at concerts, clinics, and various other scheduled events. BAND (7, 8) During their two years in Junior High Band, third year
and level three objectives are taught as listed in instrumental curriculum guide. Competition, creativity, and self-discipline begin to become more important at this
level. Enjoyment and pride are instilled from performing good music well and being able to
take a few trips. Three to four concerts are performed and trips are taken when
possible during Junior High Band. BLOCK CLASSES ART (8) This course encourages further exploration of the basic concepts, materials and techniques encountered in seventh grade art. These areas include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, design, art history and art appreciation. An overview of careers in art is provided through homework assignments. AGRICULTURE (8) Course
Objectives/CLE's KEYBOARDING (8) The students complete a check-writing packet that teaches
the skills necessary to maintain a personal checking account--from opening an
account to making deposits, writing checks and reconciling the bank statements. The students are taught to operate the microcomputer using
proper techniques and to plan and organize typewritten material in an orderly and
acceptable business-like format. The typewritten material includes: memo’s, letters, and reports. Students will also be introduced to spreadsheets. They will practice writing formulas and produce charts. GUIDANCE/CAREERS (8) Course Objectives/CLE's This nine week course includes personal exploration and goal setting and continued career exploration through the Nebraska Career Connections program. Students will also take the Caps, Cops, and Copes test in preparation for the career exploration day at Northeast Community College. Autobiographies, and other writing assignments, as well as interviewing and resume writing will help establish understanding of the need for lifetime employability and career awareness. HEALTH (8) Course Objectives/CLE's The focus of health during this year revolves around several units such
as drugs, alcohol, WAIT Training (abstinence based sex education), death & dying, and stress. Field trips and speakers
may be used during this time. INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY (8) This is a 9 week course dealing with mass production. The student will issue stock, buy raw material and form their own company. Area's of study include job interview, drafting, man's history of industry, product design and many other area's that relate to industry. SPANISH (8) Seventh and eighth grade students take 9 weeks of Spanish. During
the class students will be introduced to the Spanish language. Basic Spanish grammar,
vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are emphasized. FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE (8) Required purchase: Sewing Project Materials |
