Grade 7

Faculty may make recommendations prior to and at the end of each course regarding a student’s beginning and continuation in honors courses.

 

English 7 is based on grammar and literature. Grammar emphasizes spelling/vocabulary skills, understanding sentences, parts of speech, capitalization, punctuation, and basic writing techniques. Literature includes reading and writing about poetry, short stories, and novels. A research paper is also required and is sometimes a student’s first experience in learning how to gather information from scholarly sources, compile the information into a logical sequence, and present the material in a clear manner. Students learn to cite sources, create a “Works Cited” page, and utilize the MLA format, all of which lays the foundation for their future academic papers.

 

Pre-Algebra or Pre-Algebra Honors assists students in their transition from fundamental mathematics to the study of algebra. Previous skills, concepts and problem-solving processes are strengthened. In addition, students will be learning to communicate number sense concepts using multiple representations to reason, solve multi-step problems, and make connections within the study of mathematics and across other disciplines. All students are required to have a TI-84+ graphing calculator.

 

Life Science 7 presents a study of organisms in relation to their environment with special emphasis on the comparison of single-cell life and complex organisms. Hands-on lab experiences are utilized to teach basic concepts.

 

Geography 7 focuses on the basic physical geography of the world's regions and includes the important historical events in the development of countries of the world.

 

Physical Education 7/8 focuses upon physical fitness. Students are required to purchase and to dress in approved physical education uniforms.

 

Concert Band students will be expected to participate in all concert band and pep band activities. Students will perform literature from all time periods with the appropriate technique, tone, articulation, phrasing and style. Students will learn more complex major/minor scales and chord progressions. In addition, students will increase their adeptness in sight reading and their ability to precisely match fundamental concepts with other band members. Students will prepare for the All-Midstate Honor Band auditions and will audition, if approved by director. Students will perform at a winter and spring concert, as well as a concert festival.

 

Schola Cantorum is available to students in grades 7-12 where they learn and executive proper singing technique and vocal health. Students perform literature from all time periods with the appropriate technique, tone, articulation, phrasing, and style. Students learn basic to intermediate music theory and increase their adeptness in sight reading and their ability to precisely match fundamental concepts with other chorus members. Students prepare for the MTVA Honor Chorus auditions and will audition, if approved by director. Students will perform at a winter and spring concert, as well as other concert venues.

 

Bible 7 - Life of Christ connects the Old Testament prophecies about Christ to the New Testament fulfillment of the prophecies in Jesus Christ. His life, miracles, parables, and character are taught with a personal challenge to grow in the likeness of Christ.

Theatre introduces students in grades 7-12 to the art of live theatre, helping to create an appreciation for theatre. Students participate in games, improvisation, and short scenes. They learn basic theatre terminology and theatre history (i.e. Greek, Shakespeare and Broadway musicals).

 

Introduction to Technology is a semester class designed to introduce digital citizenship and Microsoft Office Suite 2010. This is a project-based class where students will create a newsletter in Microsoft Word, a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, a multimedia presentation (“Project Me”) in Microsoft PowerPoint, and learn how to become a responsible citizen in a digital world.

 

Grade 8

English 8 focuses on literature, poetry, grammar, writing (essays, poems, research paper), spelling, vocabulary development, and reading.

 

Algebra I is the foundation for high school mathematics courses. It is the bridge from the concrete to the abstract study of mathematics. Topics include simplifying expressions, evaluating and solving equations and inequalities, and graphing linear and quadratic functions and relations. Real world applications are presented within the course content and students continue to use technology in their exploration of functions.All students are required to have a TI-84+ graphing calculator. (One credit)

 

Algebra I Honors extends and deepens the topics of the college-prep course. Problem solving skills necessary to be successful at mathematics competitions will be investigated on a regular basis. All students are required to have a TI-84+ graphing calculator. (One credit)

 

Physical Science is an introduction to physics and chemistry. Topics include: motion, light, sound, energy sources, measurement, the classification of matter, and both physical and chemical changes in matter. Laboratory skills are introduced in this course.

 

History 8 provides a chronological study of America and its people from the exploratory period to the present, including a special study of the Constitution, and culminating in a trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring semester.

 

Discovery 101 is a 

 

Bible 8 focuses on the final year of Jesus' ministry, His death and resurrection, the spread of the Gospel, and His second coming.

 

Physical Education 7/8 focuses upon physical fitness. Students are required to purchase and to dress in approved physical education uniforms.

 

Concert Band students are expected to participate in all concert band and pep band activities. Students will perform literature from all time periods with the appropriate technique, tone, articulation, phrasing and style. Students learn more complex major/minor scales and chord progressions. In addition, students increase their adeptness in sight reading and their ability to precisely match fundamental concepts with other band members. Students also prepare for the All-Midstate Honor Band auditions and will audition, if approved by director. Students will perform at a winter and spring concert, as well as concert festival.

 

Schola Cantorum is available to students in grades 7-12 where they learn and executive proper singing technique and vocal health. Students perform literature from all time periods with the appropriate technique, tone, articulation, phrasing, and style. Students learn basic to intermediate music theory and increase their adeptness in sight reading and their ability to precisely match fundamental concepts with other chorus members. Students prepare for the MTVA Honor Chorus auditions and will audition, if approved by director. Students will perform at a winter and spring concert, as well as other concert venues.

 

Theatre introduces students in grades 7-12 to the art of live theatre, helping to create an appreciation for theatre. Students participate in games, improvisation, and short scenes. They learn basic theatre terminology and theatre history (i.e. Greek, Shakespeare and Broadway musicals).

 

Latin I introduces the student to the Latin language, Roman culture and history, and mythology. Vocabulary building is also emphasized. (One credit)

 

Spanish I emphasizes grammar, verb conjugation, vocabulary, and sentence structuring. These points are combined to develop communicative skills and a cultural awareness of the Spanish culture. (One credit)