Seventh-Grade Course Listings

Required Courses

ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Each seventh grader will take the following required courses.

7-8 Physical Education
PHY781 (first semester) and PHY782 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
REQUIRED ⬛7 ⬛8
⬜ PBLN 

By the end of Grade 8, the learner will apply tactics and strategies to modified game play; demonstrate fundamental movement skills in a variety of contexts; design and implement a health-enhancing fitness program; participate in self-selected physical activity; cooperate with and encourage classmates; accept individual differences and demonstrate inclusive behaviors; and engage in physical activity for enjoyment and self-expression.  Students may elect to engage in a fundamentals of training section that links to the high school's strength and conditioning courses.

English
ENG701 (first semester) and ENG702 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
REQUIRED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬛PBLN - ENG701p and ENG702p

Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking skill strategies are integrated to form a dynamic process-based program that explores relationships among and between the communication arenas. This integrated approach provides priority time for students to demonstrate their literacy growth, encourages students to assume responsibility and ownership for their own language learning, and provides opportunities for students to discover, explore, formulate, and evaluate ideas. Reading workshop, writing workshop, and traditional theme-centered projects integrating all content areas are significant components of the curriculum.

Seventh Grade Math — View the Math Pathways (PNG)   
MTH703 (first semester) and MTH704 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
REQUIRED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬛ PBLN - MTH703p and MTH704p

This two-semester course is aligned with the Seventh-Grade Iowa Core Math Standards. Seventh-Grade Math develops an understanding of (a) ratios with proportional relationships, (b) the number system (c)  expressions and equations. This course is a prerequisite for Pre-Algebra.

Pre-Algebra C (Advanced) — View the Math Pathways (PNG)   
MTH721 (first semester) and MTH722 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
REQUIRED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬛PBLN - MTH721p and MTH722p

This two-semester course is aligned to the Eighth-Grade Iowa Core Math Standards. Pre-Algebra topics include algebraic expressions, linear equations and systems of equations, functions, as well as geometric relationships of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures. This C-level course is an accelerated course designed to meet the learning needs of students who are proficient in their knowledge of the Seventh-Grade Iowa Core Math Standards. This course is a prerequisite for Algebra I C.  

Science
SCI701 (first semester) and SCI702 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
REQUIRED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬛PBLN - SCI701p and SCI702p

This course provides an integrated and balanced coverage of all science disciplines (physics, life science, earth science, chemistry) and sequences them so that the topics presented in each course build upon previously learned ideas. A unit on health is also included.

Social Studies
SOC701 (first semester) and SOC702 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
REQUIRED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬛PBLN - SOC701p and SOC702p  

The seventh grade social studies curriculum focuses on the study of contemporary global issues. Students will study human rights, the impact of power and different forms of government, migration and globalization, global conflicts, and modern technology's global impact. Students will engage in critical thinking, inquiry, analysis, and interpretation around these topics.

Exploratory Block of 12-Week "Wheel" Courses

ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Each seventh grader will take the following required courses.

Communication Media
COM701 | 12-Week Course
REQUIRED EXPLORATORY ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN    

This is a 12-week course designed to give students an introduction to public speaking, communication and drama. Students will learn about and explore how to communicate in today's world. Throughout this course, students will develop methods to overcome speaking anxiety, work successfully in a group setting, and be able to perform and analyze artistic work.

Health
HLTH701 | 12-Week Course
REQUIRED EXPLORATORY ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜ PBLN

This course is delivered in a skills based approach to creating or maintaining healthy lifestyles and conditions through the development of knowledge, attitudes, and especially skills, using a variety of learning experiences, with an emphasis on participatory methods.  Study will include personal and community health; mental, emotional, and social health; injury prevention and safety; nutrition and physical activity; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; growth, development, and sexual health. Central themes are the acceptance of personal responsibility for lifelong health, respect for and promotion of the health of others, an understanding of the process of growth and development, and informed use of health-related information, products, and services.

Visual Art
ART701 | 12-Week Course
REQUIRED EXPLORATORY ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜ PBLN 

This is a 12-week rotation for all seventh grade students. This introductory course helps develop an awareness and understanding of the visual arts, their function in society, and their impact on our daily lives. Art standards are taught through a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional media and techniques. Students will explore the areas of drawing, painting, and ceramics, as well as delve into digital graphics and photography. Students will develop skills with art-making and self-expression, along with exposure to art history and criticism.

Electives Courses

ALPHABETICAL ORDER

One music course is required. Requirement is waived if a student is enrolled in one of the recommended courses listed below based on teacher feedback. Spanish is NOT a required course.

Band
MUS701 (first semester) and MUS702 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
ELECTIVE ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN 

Students in band will have played previously on their instruments during 5th and 6th grade. Students who have not previously played an instrument and are interested in starting band can do so by making arrangements with the band director. During the year, the band will perform at various concerts. All band students will have an opportunity to audition for jazz band and will be expected to perform in solo and ensemble contests. Band meets every other day and is a one-year course.

Bass Clef Choir
MUS713 (first semester) and MUS714 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
ELECTIVE ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN  

The seventh-grade choir sings two and three-part music and is open to all students who enjoy singing. During the year the choir will present two concerts for the public. Attention is placed on basic music literacy. All choir members are eligible to try out for the show choir. Choir meets every other day and is a one-year course.

Computer Science
CSC101 (first semester) OR CSC102 (second semester) | One-Semester Course
ELECTIVE ⬛ 7 ⬛8
⬜PBLN 

Computer Science is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. Computer Science meets every other day and is a one-semester course.

Treble Clef Choir
MUS715 (first semester) and MUS716 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
ELECTIVE ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN  

The seventh-grade choir sings two and three-part music and is open to all students who enjoy singing. During the year the choir will present two concerts for the public. Attention is placed on basic music literacy. All choir members are eligible to try out for the show choir. Choir meets every other day and is a one-year course.

Orchestra
MUS821 (first semester) and MUS822 (second semester) - Indian Hills | Full-Year Course
MUS781 (first semester and MUS782 (second semester) - Stilwell | Full-Year Course
ELECTIVE ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN   

Students are provided large group, small group, and individual orchestra experience. Each student is also encouraged to audition in a combined junior high chamber orchestra. Individual or small group lessons are available to each student. The orchestra will perform at several concerts during the year. Orchestra meets every other day and is a one-year course.

Spanish 7
FRL701 (first semester) and FRL702 (second semester) | Full-Year Course 
ELECTIVE ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN

This is an introductory course.  Students will explore the Spanish language structure and cultures.  Spanish meets every other day and is a one-year course.  This course is recommended for students preparing to take Spanish I in eighth grade.

Courses Students Qualify For Based on School Feedback

ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Some students may qualify to take one or more of the following courses.

ESOL Programming Overview

ESOL Teachers, General Education Teachers, and Counselors work together to choose the appropriate ESOL support for English Language Learners. The team uses information such as length of time in the U.S. schools, scores on the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA21), and previous educational experiences.

ESOL (Everyday Support)
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬛8
⬜PBLN

This is an everyday language class for English learners. Students build background knowledge and vocabulary. Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This course may be in place of a regular English Language Arts class.  

ESOL (Every-Other Day Support)
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬛8
⬜PBLN

This is a language class that meets every-other day. Students build background knowledge and vocabulary. Students work on language skills with a focus on reading and writing in English. This course is in addition to a regular English Language Arts class.

ESOL Foundations (Indian Hills Only)
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬛8
⬜PBLN

ESOL Foundations helps English learners fill academic gaps from interrupted education specifically using math vocabulary and number sense skills. This class meets every day. English learners are also in a grade-level math class. Students receive targeted support at their level to build foundational skills. 

Newcomer Program (Indian Hills Only)
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬛8
⬜PBLN

The newcomer program is two classes that meet every day: Language development and Reading. Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. They develop their English vocabulary skills. ESOL teachers might also support students in other classes. 

GT Seminar
GT701 (first semester) and GT702 (second semester) - Indian Hills | Full-Year Course
GT781 (first semester) and GT782 (second semester - Stilwell | Full-Year Course
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN

The acronym for the Extended Learning Program (ELP) has often been confused with English Language Proficiency (ELP). In addition, Extended Learning Program is not a common title for gifted/talented programming and thus is often misunderstood. As a result, the Extended Learning Program (ELP) changed the program title to Gifted/Talented (GT). The change in title better aligns with state and national nomenclature and will be recognized widely.

The course title in grades 7-8 currently reflects the Extended Learning Program. The proposed course title, GT Seminar, will maintain consistency with the change in program title and reflect the nature of the course. As well, the change in course description will ensure alignment and maintain consistency 7-12.

Learning Lab
LLB701 (first semester) and LLB702 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN

The learning lab is a class designed to help and assist students who are struggling with academic success, organization skills, and assignment completion. Parents will be contacted to discuss this option after the school year begins if problems become apparent. The learning lab will become a closely supervised study hall with a small teacher to student ratio. The class meets every other day or every day, if needed.

Math Resource
MTH731 (first semester) and MTH732 (second semester) - Indian Hills | Full-Year Course
MTH781 (first semester) and MTH782 (second semester) - Stilwell | Full-Year Course
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN  

The purpose of this course is to provide students with additional direct instruction in math skills and strategies. Students will be assessed for problem areas, and review key concepts using a variety of strategies and methods. Enrollment is based on assessment scores and team recommendation. This course meets every other day. If it becomes apparent by the building administrator that the student has been inappropriately placed, an adjustment will be made.

Reading
RDG701 (first semester) and RDG702 (second semester) | Full-Year Course
QUALIFIED ⬛7 ⬜8
⬜PBLN  

The purpose of this class is to provide students with additional time to read and develop study skills and reading strategies useful for core subject reading. Enrollment is based on test scores and teacher recommendations. The class meets every other day all year. Students scoring an NSS score of 219 and below for 7th grade and 231 and below for 8th grade on the Reading section of the Iowa Assessments will be required to take this class if it can be fit into their schedule. If it becomes apparent by the building administrator that the student has been inappropriately placed, an adjustment will be made.