REQUIRED COURSES:

1. Pre-Algebra I, Pre-Algebra II, Algebra I, Geometry

2. Language Arts 7

3. Science 7

4. Social Studies 7

5. Physical Education/Health 7

ELECTIVE COURSES:

1. Beginning Band 7 (all year)

2. Intermediate Band 7 (all year)

OR Exploratory Classes (Semester-long):

1. STEM 7

2. Citizenship Education (Introduction to Leadership) 7

3. Introduction to Spanish 7

4. Art 7

***Athletic Academic Eligibility (Requirements at WMS)

Academic eligibility requirements for middle school students who wish to participate in Madison County High School athletics are:

1. All athletes must pass 3 out of 4 classes per semester to become eligible to participate in sports

2. Middles school students must also pass 3 out of 4 classes, for the semester to remain eligible to play a sport.

It is important for students to perform well in the classroom if they have a desire to participate in a sport.

REQUIRED COURSES:

*Student placement will be determined by standardized test scores and teacher recommendation.

PRE-ALGEBRA I:

The seventh-grade standards place emphasis on solving problems involving consumer applications and using proportional reasoning and gaining proficiency in computation with integers. Students will gain an understanding of the properties of real numbers, solve 1-and 2-step equations and 1-step inequalities, and use data analysis techniques to make inferences, conjectures, and predictions. Two and three-dimensional representations, graphing transformations in the coordinate plane, and probability will be extended. Students will use concrete materials and appropriate technologies such as calculators, computers and videos. However, facility in the use of technology shall not be regarded as a substitute for a student’s understanding of quantitative concepts and relationships or for proficiency in basic computations. Problem solving has been integrated through the six content strands.

PRE-ALGEBRA II:

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra and based on standardized test scores.

This course reviews and/or extends concepts and skills learned in previous grades and new content that prepares students for more abstract concepts in algebra and geometry. Students will gain proficiency in computation with rational numbers (positive and negative fractions, positive and negative decimals, whole numbers, and integers) and use proportions to solve a variety of problems. New concepts include solving two-step equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations, visualizing three-dimensional shapes represented in two-dimensional drawings, applying transformations to geometric shapes in the coordinate plane, and using matrices to organize and interpret data. Students will verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem and resresent relations and functions using tables, graphs and rules. Students will use concrete materials and appropriate technologies such as calculators, computers, spreadsheets and videos. However, facility in the use of technology shall not be regarded as a substitute for a student’s understanding of quantitative concepts and relationships or for proficiency in basic computations. Mathematics has its own language and the acquisition of specialized vocabulary and language patterns is crucial to a student’s understanding and appreciation of the subject. Problem solving has been integrated throughout the six context strands.

ALGEBRA I:

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra and based on standardized test scores.

This is the fundamental course for any study of advanced mathematics. The topics include polynomials, solving equations, functions, graphing, exponents, and beginning statistics. This course will involve extensive use of the graphing calculator. An SOL test will be taken at the end of the course.

LANGUAGE ARTS 7:

Students will continue to develop oral communication skills by using grammatically-correct language and appropriate vocabulary, focusing on the effects of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in oral presentations. Students will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of informational texts such as newspapers, magazines, and other print media. Knowledge of both print and non-print media and its impact on public opinion will be introduced. Vocabulary study will continue with applying understanding of word origins and word parts, as well as context clues, to determine word meaning and increase word knowledge. Students will also utilize research techniques and technology to gather, organize, and communicate information while properly citing reference materials. Students will study and discuss a variety of fiction, narrative non-fiction, and poetry to enhance their ability to understand and appreciate literary elements such as figurative language, word choice, and imagery. Students will incorporate written composition skills to produce engaging and creative narrative, persuasive, and expository pieces. This class will ask students to respond to higher order questions through inquiry based applications. This class will be an audited class with a pass/fail grade. Preparation for the Standards of Learning Test at the end of the year will also be part of this course. Daily homework should be expected.

SCIENCE 7:

Students will understand concepts of change, cycles, patterns and relationships in the living world. The focus will be on cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, the history of life on Earth involving classification and ecosystems. In addition, students will investigate and understand the relationships between ecosystem dynamics and human activity with relation to environmental problems and finding solutions. When applicable, labs (observations, demonstrations and investigations) will be related to each chapter individually, with appropriate use of microscopes.

SOCIAL STUDIES 7: U.S. HISTORY 1865 to Present:

Students will continue to use skills of historical and geographical analysis as they examine American history since 1865. The standards for this course relate to history of the U.S. from the Reconstruction era to the present. Students continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics and geography within the context of United States history. Political, economic and social challenges facing the nation after the civil war will be examined chronologically as students develop an understanding of how the American experience shaped the world political and economic landscape. Students will use primary sources, maps, video, books, the internet and other resources to complete class activities, assignments and projects.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7:

Students will improve their fitness level in the four main areas of physical fitness: Cardiovascular endurance, Abdominal strength, Upper body strength, and Flexibility. Students will demonstrate positive attitudes toward classmates and good sportsmanship towards teammates, opponents, and officials. Dressing out daily will promote student's responsibility and good personal hygiene. Students will also participate in various sports and games such as team handball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, backyard games, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, whiffle ball, basketball, and track and field. Throughout the course health education will be incorporated. Along with understanding how physical activity can greatly benefit one's life, students will also learn the importance of making healthy decisions. Some of the topics include nutrition, physical activity, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, using medicines wisely, building character, building healthy relationships, body systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory), mental and emotional health, conflict resolution, violence prevention, safety.

ELECTIVE COURSES:

BEGINNING BAND 7:

Students will learn the basics of playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. No previous experience is necessary. They will be expected to practice at home on a regular basis in order to master the fundamentals of their instrument. The band will perform beginning level music of various styles, and will put on two evening concerts for friends and family. This is a year long class that meets every other day.

*In order to select an instrument to play for this class, interested students and parents should come to “Instrument Selection Night” in late April.

INTERMEDIATE BAND 7:

In Intermediate Band, students will continue to expand upon the skills they acquired in Beginning Band. Students are expected to practice at home on a regular basis in order to reach a high level of musicianship. The band will perform music at an intermediate level, which will include more complex rhythm, time and key signatures, as well as require an extended range to the higher and lower limits of their instruments. Students will perform at least two concerts through the year for friends and family. This is a year long course that meets every other day.

**Teacher recommendation required to sign up for 7th Grade Band.

STEM 7:

In this semester long class students will be introduced to the Engineering Design Process. Students will learn about the different careers they can pursue in the STEM field. They will learn about the following careers/programs:Nanotechnology, Flavor Chemistry, NASA and Space Exploration, Robotics, 3D printing, Architecture and Google SketchUp. Students will also conduct a college research project to find a college that specializes in a career that interests them. They will learn information about that college so they have the knowledge about what steps they will need to take to enter the workforce in their career field of choice.

Also, similarly to the 6th grade Intro to STEM class, in this class each student will work in a group to complete a national STEM challenge. Students will submit a project in a national challenge in hopes that they gain national recognition for their knowledge and skills. The students will investigate infrastructure service providers in Madison County for real life exposure and hands on projects.

INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH 7:

This course will focus on building the student’s Spanish vocabulary, adding verbs and working on communicating in full sentences. Topics include describing people, parts of the body, clothing, the community and sports. We will also be studying many aspects of the customs and culture of the Spanish-speaking world, with a special focus on the great pre-Columbian civilizations of the Inca, Maya and Aztec.

BUSINESS 7:

Students design, establish, and operate a small-group or class business, producing a service or product that meets an identified school or community need. Emphasis is placed on the introduction and application of business terminology, basic entrepreneurship concepts, and fundamental business principles. Basic academic skills (mathematics, science, English, and history/social science) are integrated into this course.

ART 7:

During the semester, students will explore new cultures and art styles. Students will create Cubist paintings, Mandalas, Optical illusions, Weaving and so much more. Students will primarily work with colored pencil, but will sometimes work with marker or paint. Students will learn 10 artists over the course of the semester and be tested on them at the end of the semester.