Course Description

Current 7th Graders, please follow this link to complete your course request by February 10.

Current 6th Graders, please follow this link to complete your course request by February 10.

Algebra:

Algebra is the basis for all higher mathematics; it provides the skills which are necessary for the study of advanced mathematics. It deals with the fundamental processes used in solving the various types of equations.

Social Studies:

We will start the year with the turn of the century in the Progressive Era and end the year with the Vietnam War Era. Through these topics students will engage in current events, public speaking, academic writing, use of primary and secondary sources, and forming viewpoints on controversial topics. Passing the United States and Illinois Constitution Tests are a requirement for promotion to high school.

Reading:

This class is designed to help students create their own identities as readers. To improve as independent readers, students will learn and practice reading strategies, new vocabulary, idioms, and literary terms. Students will experience and analyze a variety of literary genres.

Science:

Within the eight grade science curriculum, students are engaged in various hands-on STEM activities as they investigate physical science concepts within the units of Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, Weather, Forces, Energy, and Waves.

Writing:

English provides students with foci in usage, writing, research, formal analysis, and public speaking. Students will write multi-paragraph pieces in the genres of narrative (both fiction and nonfiction), poetry, and editorial. At least one editorial will require students to research and analyze both print and electronic sources with the final written product published in Modern Language Association format with correct in-text citations. Concepts in both revision and self-editing are stressed.

Math:

The math course emphasizes a variety of topics: number skills and theory, rational numbers and properties, measurement, problem solving using various approaches, geometry, area of regular and irregular figures, patterns used in mathematics, statistical graphs, variables, and one-step and two-step equations.

Reading:

Reading provides an appreciation and understanding of literary terms and genres as they relate to short stories and novels read and discussed within the classroom. Vocabulary skills are enhanced through the use of words of the week. Students practice independent reading and reading strategies to build not only comprehension and fluency, but a passion for reading.

Science:

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned curriculum Disciplinary Core Ideas to be covered this year:

• Life Science
• Earth and Space Science (in relation to the impact on living things)
• Engineering, Technology and Application of Science

Students will implement and build on what they have learned in prior years about the scientific method. Earth science topics include a study of Earth’s water and local implications due to changes in water distribution and pollution. Life science topics include the classification of living things beginning with an overview of the bacteria kingdoms, protist and fungi kingdoms, as well as a more in depth study of the plant and animal kingdoms.

Social Studies:

In seventh grade social studies, students will study the history of the United States from exploration and colonization through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The focus is on understanding cause and effect, the relationship between past and current events, and the fundamental concepts of civics. Students will engage in simulations, role play, and research-based debate. This course places special emphasis on analyzing primary source documents, evaluating information for bias and accuracy, written and oral communication, and working cooperatively with others.

Writing:

Students will focus on a variety of writing styles and genres with an emphasis on persuasive writing. Students will use their voice to make writing impactful and purposeful as they learn to expand on the knowledge that was gained in the previous years.

Math:

Mathematics is designed to transition students successfully into the middle school mathematics environment. Students will focus on improving their problem-solving skills as well as their mental math, estimation, and computation skills. The course curriculum includes performing basic operations of the number system using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Students will be provided with a solid foundation in understanding and applying ratios and rates, algebraic thinking, data analysis, the coordinate plane and Geometry. Students will increase their understanding of the course material by participating in homework, classwork, quizzes and tests.

Reading:

Reading class focuses on building students' reading abilities, including fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Students learn and apply reading strategies throughout the year. The heart of the program is the students' independent reading, which allows them to select and read books of their choice.

Science:

The science curriculum starts with a review of the scientific method with a focus on analyzing data to build skills. First semester includes the life science units of ecology and biomes. Second semester focuses on Earth and space science units including geology, natural selection and astronomy. All units follow the NGSS standards and more details can be found on the 6th grade science website - https://sites.google.com/columbia4.org/koch-home-page/home

Social Studies:

The social studies curriculum concentrates on the history and geography of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The year begins with the Old Stone Age and ends in current times. Extended units include Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, revolutions and wars.

Writing:

Students will work with the parts of speech, sentence structure, grammar, and paragraph development in this class. Vocabulary will be integrated into class each week. Students will also compose a number of assignments in a variety of writing genres with an emphasis on basic structure and formatting of essays which includes multi-paragraph assignments.

Math:

Math allows students to build on their basic math skills while pushing them towards higher order and critical thinking. Units such as multiplying and dividing decimals, working algebraic expressions, and finding the perimeter, area, and volume of different shapes supplement daily skills such as place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Throughout the school year, fifth grade students become more in tune with their number sense and mathematical confidence.

Reading:

Reading consists of strategies and skills that will improve student comprehension. Throughout the school year, students will implement these skills while reading short stories, novels, and self-selected books. These skills and stories help instill the love of reading.

Science:

In science class, students will be engaged in learning and immersed in hands-on science labs and activities. To help reinforce science concepts, vocabulary, and skills, students will experiment using a variety of lab equipment and materials. Seven major units of study will be covered in fifth grade science class. These units include: scientists at work (study of the scientific method, metric measurement, and engineering design), matter and its interactions, transfer of energy and matter through organisms in an ecosystem, motion, forces, and interactions, earth and human activity, earth's place in space, and earth's systems (geosphere (rock/land), biosphere (living things), atmosphere (air), and hydrosphere (water).

Social Studies:

The major focus is the study of history and how it relates to the United States. Students will learn geography skills and apply these skills through simulations that foster a “real life” situation. Students will review all that they have learned about Native Americans and how they interacted with each other before and after the invasion of European explorers. Students will learn about exploration of the new world, and how the United States changed as migration took place and colonization began. Students will examine events that shaped our country such as the French and Indian War and the American Revolution as well as how our government was created. This course is designed as an opportunity for students to engage in the past and work towards exploring the story of our country.

Writing:

The writing curriculum focuses on the writing process along with parts of speech and grammar. Students will write daily and learn to improve their writing with elaboration, sentence variety, word choice, voice, and conventions. Various writing purposes will be explored through assigned pieces including poetry, business letters, mysteries, descriptive writing, fables, research papers, and magazines.

7th and 8th grade students have the option of picking elective classes. This short video will outline the different classes available. A written description of each class will follow the video.

Band

Band is an elective course for students in eighth grade who have participated in band during their seventh grade year. In eighth grade band, students will perform exciting music with other accomplished musicians. Performance opportunities include a marching band performance at Six Flags - St. Louis, three formal concerts, the ‘Scenes’ movie concert, a concert for Eagleview Elementary students and playing with the CMS Eagle Pep Band. Participation in Solo and Ensemble contest in February is encouraged; students may choose to perform a solo or a duet, trio or as part of a small ensemble. Students are also encouraged to audition for the ILMEA All-District Band in the fall, and participate in the CMS Percussion Ensemble during second semester. An extensive study of scales, percussion rudiments and rhythms is taught at this level, and Italian Terms are studied and applied. Completion of this course will provide a strong foundation for band in high school. Band grades are determined by quarterly assignments and attendance at required performances outside of the regular school day. A $20 fee applies to this class.

Biotech

Biotechnology is integral in finding ways to fuel the world, feed the world and heal the world. This is a dynamic, rapidly changing industry that has an exciting future with almost unlimited job opportunities. The purpose of this course is to explore and cultivate interest in the world of medicine, agriculture, engineering and science. Students will be given the opportunity to learn how science affects our lives through food, medicine, and natural resources. Students participating in this comprehensive introductory class will engage in classroom and laboratory experiences designed for basic understanding, introductory skill development, science literacy, critical thinking, and personal development. Furthermore, students will explore and evaluate many of the diverse career opportunities in the field of biotechnology. While not a prerequisite, this course will give students a solid background for future course options at CHS. A $20 fee applies to this class.

Chorus

Chorus is an elective course open to all students who desire the opportunity to sing in a large choral ensemble. The chorus sings three-part music with the women divided as Soprano and Altos and the men singing Tenor or Alto depending on what is most comfortable for their voice. The objectives of the choral program is to provide students an opportunity to enjoy choral music through active participation, to acquaint students with a wide variety of quality choral, solo, and ensemble literature, to serve and represent the school in public performances, and to develop the personal character traits of leadership, poise, and dependability. There are four required concerts during the school year. The first three concerts are primarily comprised of 3 part choral music covering a variety of genres, while the final concert is a themed concert consisting of primarily popular music chosen by both the students and the instructor. This final concert gives students a chance to sing not only in the choir, but in smaller groups, and as individual soloists. During the year, there are also many optional performance opportunities for students to participate in, such as ILMEA District Festival, IGSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest, and performing "God Bless America" at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. Completion of this course will provide a strong foundation for chorus in eighth grade and High School. Chorus grades are determined by quarterly assignments, weekly participation points, and attendance at required performances outside of the regular school day. A $20 fee applies to this class.

Creative Art Comprehensive A

Building on their fifth and sixth grade exploratory art experiences, Creative Art Comprehensive A students will learn the seven basic elements and the eight principles of design in this full year course. Through the use of diverse media, students will identify elements and principles in the artwork of others and become familiar with using them in their own artwork. The course is made up of studio projects (ceramics, drawing, painting, composition, and design), written work, art appreciation, and art history. Students will be encouraged to use art as a form of problem-solving, creation, and self-expression. This class will be a strong foundation for Creative Art – Comprehensive at CHS. Creative Art Comprehensive A will mainly consist of seventh grade students, however, it is offered to eighth grade students as scheduling allows. A $20 fee applies to this class.

Creative Art Comprehensive B

Building on the Creative Art Comprehensive A experience, students spend a full year studying, identifying, and using artistic elements and principles in composition and design. Importance will be placed on developing an advanced understanding of the language, tools, methods, and materials of the visual arts through studio design problems where drawing (especially drawing from observation), design, painting, and sculpture are emphasized. Students in this course will concentrate on development of their individual artistic style. Creative Art Comprehensive B students will become more aware of the arts of the past and the importance of art in life. Upon successful completion, with an 80% or higher grade in Creative Art Comprehensive B, students may be recommended for an advanced art class at the high school (Creative Art–Drawing/Painting AND/OR Creative Art–Sculpture). A $20 fee applies to this class.

Digital Media Technology A

In this year long course, students will advance their computer science and multimedia production skills. Students will focus on the problem-solving process including algorithms, the input-output-store-process model of a computer, how computers help humans solve problems, and they will create their own app proposal to solve a problem. In addition, students will create websites using HTML and CSS inside Code.org’s Web Lab environment. Students will learn the JavaScript programming language while developing animations and games. This course will continue to expand knowledge of advanced features of word processing, multimedia design, and desktop publishing using Microsoft software, Google Suite, and a variety of Web 2.0 tools. Students will learn the basics of image editing, 3D design tools, and video editing software. Upon successful completion of this class, students will be ready to continue their technology study in Digital Media Technology B the following year. Upon successful completion, with an 80% or higher grade in Digital Media Technology B, students may be recommended for an advanced technology class at the high school.

Digital Media Technology B

Building on their Digital Media A experiences, Digital Media Technology B students will continue to develop their computer science and multimedia production skills. Students transition away from thinking about computer science as a tool to solve their own problems and begin to examine the broader social impacts of computing. Students will identify a need, prototype an app of their own design using Javascript and Code.org’s App Lab, and test their solutions with real users to get feedback. Using Code.org’s App Lab environment, with the Adafruit Circuit Board/Circuit Playground, students will design and prototype an innovation of their own design using the circuit board. SketchUp, a 3d modeling program will allow students to design 3D models, and students will test their movie making ability with the help of Adobe Premiere. Throughout the course, Microsoft software, Google Suite, Photoshop and the Internet will be used to assist in the creation of projects. Upon successful completion, with an 80% or higher grade in Digital Media Technology B, students may be recommended for an advanced technology class at the high school.

German IA

German IA is an introductory course where students learn to communicate in German through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. During class, they will actively listen, respond through actions and practice language skills through role-play, question-answer, conversation, and content-based activities. While learning to use the language, they will also be learning about the culture and countries of German-speaking people. The students will take part in authentic conversations with native German speakers. This course will cover objectives aligned to each of the five goal areas of the national standards for foreign language learning: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. This class will be a strong foundation for German I at CHS. German IA will mainly consist of 7^th grade students, however, German IA is offered to 8^th grade students as scheduling allows. A $9 workbook fee applies to this class.

German IB

German IB is designed for students who have successfully completed German IA in 7^th grade and wish to continue learning to understand, speak, read, and write the language. During class, they will actively listen, respond through actions and practice language skills through role-play, question-answer, conversation, and content-based activities. Students will continue to learn to learn the language and the culture and countries of German-speaking people. The students will take part in authentic conversations with native German speakers. There will be opportunities for growth provided in each of the five goal areas of the national standards for foreign language learning: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. We will be using a workbook and a variety of other video, audio and print materials. We will also take advantage of any opportunities to communicate with native speakers and search for information via the Internet. Upon successful completion, with an 80% or higher grade in German IB, students will be ready to continue their study in German II at the high school. A $9 workbook fee applies to this class.

Spanish IA

Spanish IA is designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language. From the start, the skills of listening and reading will be emphasized, along with students actively participating in question-answer practice and short role-plays. Students will acquire reading skills by reading short stories, and will acquire writing skills by practicing to write in a variety of situations and from various perspectives. Cultural topics will introduce students to the life of people in countries where Spanish is spoken. Up-to-date printed visual and audio materials, presenting an authentic view of the language and culture, will be used. This class will be a strong foundation for Spanish I at the high school. Spanish IA will mainly consist of seventh grade students, however, Spanish IA is offered to eighth grade students as scheduling allows.

Spanish IB

The Spanish IB course is designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish IA and wish to continue learning to understand, speak, read, and write the language. As in Spanish IA, the emphasis is on learning to communicate with students participating in more question-answer practice, conversation, and role-playing. Students will also continue to practice reading skills by reading short stories and a novel, and will continue to practice writing skills by practicing to write in a variety of situations and from various perspectives. Students will increase their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, as well as their knowledge of life in countries where the language is spoken. A variety of up-to-date materials will be used. At the end of Spanish B, students will be recommended for either Spanish II-honors, Spanish II-reg. or Spanish I based on student proficiency levels and teacher recommendation.

Band

Band is an elective course for students in seventh grade who have participated in band during their sixth grade year. In seventh grade band, students will perform exciting music with other accomplished musicians. Performance opportunities include a marching band performance at Six Flags - St. Louis, three formal concerts, the ‘Scenes’ movie concert, a concert for Eagleview Elementary students and playing with the CMS Eagle Pep Band. Participation in Solo and Ensemble contest in February is encouraged; students may choose to perform a solo or a duet, trio or as part of a small ensemble. Students are also encouraged to audition for the ILMEA All-District Band in the fall, and participate in the CMS Percussion Ensemble during second semester. A more detailed study of scales, percussion rudiments and rhythms is taught at this level, and Italian Terms are studied and applied. Completion of this course will provide a strong foundation for band in eighth grade and high school. Band grades are determined by quarterly assignments and attendance at required performances outside of the regular school day. A $20 fee applies to this class.

Chorus

Chorus is an elective course open to all students who desire the opportunity to sing in a large choral ensemble. The chorus sings three-part music with the women divided as Soprano and Altos and the men singing Tenor or Alto depending on what is most comfortable for their voice. The objectives of the choral program is to provide students an opportunity to enjoy choral music through active participation, to acquaint students with a wide variety of quality choral, solo, and ensemble literature, to serve and represent the school in public performances, and to develop the personal character traits of leadership, poise, and dependability. There are four required concerts during the school year. The first three concerts are primarily comprised of 3 part choral music covering a variety of genres, while the final concert is a themed concert consisting of primarily popular music chosen by both the students and the instructor. This final concert gives students a chance to sing not only in the choir, but in smaller groups, and as individual soloists. During the year, there are also many optional performance opportunities for students to participate in, such as ILMEA District Festival, IGSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest, and performing "God Bless America" at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. Completion of this course will provide a strong foundation for chorus in 8^th grade and high school. Chorus grades are determined by quarterly assignments, weekly participation points, and attendance at required performances outside of the regular school day. A $20 fee applies to this class.

Creative Art Comprehensive A

Building on their fifth and sixth grade exploratory art experiences, Creative Art Comprehensive A students will learn the seven basic elements and the eight principles of design in this full year course. Through the use of diverse media, students will identify elements and principles in the artwork of others and become familiar with using them in their own artwork. The course is made up of studio projects (ceramics, drawing, painting, composition, and design), written work, art appreciation, and art history. Students will be encouraged to use art as a form of problem-solving, creation, and self-expression. Upon completion of Creative Art Comprehensive A, students will be prepared to continue their study of visual art in Creative Art Comprehensive B the following year. Upon successful completion, with an 80% or higher grade in Creative Art Comprehensive B, students may be recommended for an advanced art class at the high school. A $20 fee applies to this class.

Digital Media Technology A

In this year long course, students will advance their computer science and multimedia production skills. Students will focus on the problem-solving process including algorithms, the input-output-store-process model of a computer, how computers help humans solve problems, and they will create their own app proposal to solve a problem. In addition, students will create websites using HTML and CSS inside Code.org’s Web Lab environment. Students will learn the JavaScript programming language while developing animations and games. This course will continue to expand knowledge of advanced features of word processing, multimedia design, and desktop publishing using Microsoft software, Google Suite, and a variety of Web 2.0 tools. Students will learn the basics of image editing, 3D design tools, and video editing software. Upon successful completion of this class, students will be ready to continue their technology study in Digital Media Technology B the following year. Upon successful completion, with an 80% or higher grade in Digital Media Technology B, students may be recommended for an advanced technology class at the high school.

German IA

German IA is an introductory course where students learn to communicate in German through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. During class, they will actively listen, respond through actions and practice language skills through role-play, question-answer, conversation, and content-based activities. While learning to use the language, they will also be learning about the culture and countries of German-speaking people. The students will take part in authentic conversations with native German speakers. This course will cover objectives aligned to each of the five goal areas of the national standards for foreign language learning: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Upon successful completion of German IA, students will be ready to continue their foreign language study in German IB the following school year. With an 80% or higher grade in German IB, students will be ready to continue their study in German II at the high school. A $9 workbook fee applies to this class.

Spanish IA

Spanish IA is designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language. From the start, the skills of listening and reading will be emphasized, along with students actively participating in question-answer practice and short role-plays. Students will acquire reading skills by reading short stories, and will acquire writing skills by practicing to write in a variety of situations and from various perspectives. Cultural topics will introduce students to the life of people in countries where Spanish is spoken. Up-to-date printed visual and audio materials, presenting an authentic view of the language and culture, will be used. Upon completion of Spanish IA, students will be ready to continue their foreign language study in Spanish IB the following school year. At the end of Spanish B students will be recommended for either Spanish II-honors, Spanish II-reg., or Spanish I based on student proficiency levels and teacher recommendation.