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Middle School Course Descriptions

7th Grade Required Courses

A grade level appropriate exploration of reading, writing, and inquiry.

In 7th Grade Mathematics students will focus on developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three- dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

The seventh-grade SEEd standards look for relationships of cause and effect which enable students to pinpoint mechanisms of nature and allow them to make predictions. Students will explore how forces can cause changes in motion and are responsible for the transfer of energy and the cycling of matter. This takes place within and between a wide variety of systems from simple, short-term forces on individual objects to the deep, long-term forces that shape our planet. In turn, Earth’s environments provide the conditions for life as we know it. Organisms survive and reproduce only to the extent that their own mechanisms and adaptations allow. Evidence for the evolutionary histories of life on Earth is provided through the fossil record, similarities in the various structures among species, organism development, and genetic similarities across all organisms. Additionally, mechanisms shaping Earth are understood as forces affecting the cycling of Earth’s materials. Questions about cause and effect and the ongoing search for evidence in science, or science’s ongoing search for evidence, drive this storyline.

This course is an introduction to computer literacy. An understanding of ethics and use of operating systems, information resources, and electronic mail is included. Skills will be demonstrated by creating a project for a different content area.

Core-required 7th grade class that provides introductory instruction in team sports and physical fitness activities.

An advanced course in reading, writing, and inquiry.

7th Grade Mathematics Honors students will focus on developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three- dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and drawing inferences about populations based on samples. The Honors course includes extra depth and additional topics.

Core class for 7th grade students.  It is designed to help students understand the state of Utah at a deeper level by reviewing Utah's early history and particularly emphasizing Utah from statehood to the present.      

The Technology, Life, and Careers (TLC) core course is an integrated exploratory program. The purpose is to allow students to be involved in activity-centered lessons which explore careers, utilize technology, and develop beginning skills. The course introduces students to career exploration and selection processes and provides information regarding additional courses and training related to the students' career fields of interest. The applied technology areas of agriculture, business, family and consumer sciences, health science and health technology, information technology, marketing, economics, and technology education are explored. The overall goals of TLC focus on 1) Self-Knowledge, 2) Education and Occupation Exploration, and 3) Career Planning.

8th Grade Required Courses

A grade level appropriate exploration of reading, writing, and inquiry.

In 8th Grade Mathematics students will focus on formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

The eighth-grade SEEd standards describe the constant interaction of matter and energy in nature. Students will explore how matter is arranged into either simple or complex substances. The strands emphasize how substances store and transfer energy which can cause them to interact physically and chemically, provide energy to living organisms, or be harnessed and used by humans. Matter and energy cycle and change in ecosystems through processes that occur during photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Additionally, substances that provide a benefit to organisms, including humans, are unevenly distributed on Earth due to geologic and atmospheric systems. Some resources form quickly, allowing them to be renewable, while other resources are nonrenewable. Evidence reveals that Earth’s systems change and affect ecosystems and organisms in positive and negative ways.

Introductory required core class providing opportunities for students to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for practicing lifelong, health enhancing behaviors.

An advanced course in reading, writing, and inquiry.

8th Grade Mathematics Honors students will focus on formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. The honors course includes extra depth and additional topics.

Core course. Fulfills the requirements for Social Studies 8th grade students. United States History covers events and issues from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction

Core-required 8th grade class that provides advanced instruction in team sports and physical fitness activities.

9th Grade Required Courses

A grade level appropriate exploration of reading, writing, and inquiry.

Students in Secondary Mathematics I will deepen and extend understanding of linear relationships, in part by contrasting them with exponential phenomenon, and in part by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Students will use properties and theorems involving congruent figures to deepen and extend understanding of geometric knowledge. Algebraic and geometric ideas are tied together. Students will experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

This course includes the topics of ecosystems, cells, heredity, diversity, organ systems and evolution. Students will explain biological ideas or concepts in their own words relate them to other topics and apply them in new contexts.

Exploring Computer Science is an 1 semester course designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus the conceptual ideas of computing and help students to understand why ceratin tools or langauges might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of Exploring Computer Science is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the cotext of problems that are relevant to the lives of today's students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits if computers and societal and ethical issues.

An advanced course in reading, writing, and inquiry.

Students in Secondary Mathematics I Honors will deepen and extend understanding of linear relationships, in part by contrasting them with exponential phenomenon, and in part by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Students will use properties and theorems involving congruent figures to deepen and extend understanding of geometric knowledge. Algebraic and geometric ideas are tied together. Students will experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Honors students will represent quantities, model, and perform operations using vectors and use matrices to perform operations and solve problems.

The theme for Earth Science is systems as an organizing concept to understand life on Earth, geological change, and the interaction of atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Earth's place in the universe, internal structure, atmospheric processes, and resources are explored to help students understand how Earth science interacts with society.

Fulfills the requirements for Social Studies secondary students. The course will include map skills with physical and human geography essentials. Though it can be a semester course, it is recommended to be a year long course.

This semester class offers students instruction in lifetime activities and fulfills one P.E. requirement for high school graduation. Individual, dual, and team sports activities are included, with the emphasis on activities offering lifelong participation opportunities. 

World Languages

Emphasis placed on speaking skills through reading and writing are addressed. This course provides for the learning of dialogues, common words and expressions and basic language structure as well as oral practice of the language in skits, poetry, dialogues and readings.

Emphasis placed on speaking skills through reading and writing are addressed. This course provides for the learning of dialogues, common words and expressions and basic language structure as well as oral practice of the language in skits, poetry, dialogues and readings.

This course stresses reading, writing and speaking skills as well as he use of more elaborate grammar structures. Aural comprehension, oral practice, culture and history of a country are emphasized as they relate to the reading program.

This course continues the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Narratives and dialogues are used to teach structure and vocabulary. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections.

This course continues the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Narratives and dialogues are used to teach structure and vocabulary. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections.

Intervention / SPED Courses

A course to help struggling readers in middle and high school.

This course is designed to provide specialized instruction for targeted, individualized education goals for students with disabilities.

This course does not meet mathematics requirements for graduation. Math lab is a supplemental math class where students are given learning opportunities within a variety of levels of the Common Core State Standards Mathematics curriculum.

This course does not meet mathematics requirements for graduation. Math lab is a supplemental math class where students are given learning opportunities within a variety of levels of the Common Core State Standards Mathematics curriculum.

Elective Courses

Secondary 7th and 8th Grade Visual Art Standards. This course is designed to provide a broad overview of some basic visual art skill using different art mediums, related materials and concepts. Foundation I should emphasize exposing students to fundamental observational drawing and shading skill. Basic design principles (positive/negative space, repetition, balance, emphasis and unity) are integrated into drawing techniques, collage, printing and sculptural processes. Painting media should be used to demonstrate understanding of color theory. Each concept taught should cultivate higher-level thinking, art history and aesthetics comprehension. 

Secondary Visual Art Level 1 Standards. This entry level High School course is centered on the development of observational skills needed in rendering the illusion of 3D forms on a flat surface.

Secondary Visual Art Level 1 Standards. Prerequisite: Foundations I or Drawing I. This High School level course is centered on using color to define form and create textural illusions in wet media. Studio processes should focus on learning medium specific techniques of both transparent and opaque paint. Composition, design principles and art history should be emphasized throughout the course.

Secondary Visual Art Level 1 Standards. This course provides an overview of basic design principles and introduction to fine crafts, their media and the cultures they represent. Students will develop basic understanding of media specific technical skill working with mixed media (macram, hooking, soft sculpture, wood carving, Origami, kite making, mosaics, masks and Indian bead weaving etc.)

Level 1 Secondary Dance Standards. Semester course, may be followed by Dance IB. A beginning level dance course that builds dance knowledge and skill with a focus on dance as an art form.

7th-8th or Level 1 Secondary Theatre Standards. There are two basic goals in theatre education: finding meaning in works of theatre art through the study and appreciation of theatre as an art form, and constructing meaning in works of theatre art through the study and skill development of theatre techniques in the creation of that theatre art. This is the entry-level course that introduces these two concepts. No prerequisite course is required.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 1. Provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument in a large ensemble band setting. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Choir Music Level 1. This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through singing in a choral mixed ensemble. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 1. Provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play orchestral string instruments. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 1. Provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play a percussion Instrument. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 1. Beginning study of playing Guitar and/or Piano. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

A class that produces a newspaper.

High School class taken for elective credit only after core-required P.E. classes are completed.

Typically older students working with younger students to support academic success. Also includes peer mentoring.

Beginning course for non experienced programmers. Students learn and practice coding using python programming language.

Secondary Visual Art Level 1 Standards. Prerequisite: Foundations I, II or Drawing I. This High School course is designed to provide an overview of traditional art media and new electronic or computer generated media used in modern communications.

Secondary Visual Art Level 2 Standards. Prerequisite: Drawing or Foundations I. This intermediate course is designed to provide a more technical visual art skill experience using 2D art related materials and concepts. Should emphasize studio production in exposing students to complex structural drawing, color schemes, compositional devices and design principles. The goal of the course is to create pieces for exhibition or portfolio purposes.

Secondary Visual Art Level 2 Standards. Prerequisite: Painting I. This course can be structured as an intermediate course that builds on the medium specific (transparent or opaque) painting techniques learned from Painting I or the curriculum can emphasize just transparent (watercolor) painting. The goal of the course is to create pieces for exhibition or portfolio purposes.

Level 2 Secondary Dance Standards. Semester course, may be followed by Dance IIB. An intermediate level dance course that builds on the dance knowledge and skill studied in Dance IA & IB with a focus on dance as an art form.

Level 2 Secondary Theatre Standards. Prerequisite: Theatre Foundations I. Adds depth and breadth to the concepts introduced in Theatre Foundations I through the study of dramatic unity, comparison and integration of art forms, analysis and critique of performance, and understanding of context and the effect of history and culture on character action.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 2. Prerequisite: Band I equivalent or audition. Further develops and refines core concepts and fundamentals introduced in Beginning Band. Students participate in a large ensemble band. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Choir Music Level 2. Prerequisite: Choir I equivalent or audition. Provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through singing in a choral mixed ensemble. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 2. Prerequisite: Orchestra I equivalent or audition. Provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play orchestral string instruments. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 2. Prerequisite: Band I equivalent or audition. Further develops and refines core concepts and fundamentals introduced in Beginning Band--Percussion. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

Secondary Instrumental Music Level 2. Prerequisite: Guitar/Piano I or equivalent. May require a workbook and/or CD. This course is designed to provide guitar or piano students with more advanced training. Must include all four strands: Create, Perform, Respond, Connect.

A class that produces a newspaper.

Intermediate course (Prerequisite Intro to Python 2) for non experienced programmers. Students learn and practice coding using python programming language. 

Exploring Technology is a comprehensive, action-based, course that introduces students to technology and its impact on society. Student will develop problem-solving skills, improve awareness for College & Career Readiness (CCR), and build understanding of the relationship between science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Emphasis is placed on broad exploration in cooperative activities rather than individual skill development and projects. Students will explore Engineering and at least three of the following seven technology areas: 1) agriculture & biotechnology, 2) construction, 3) energy & power, 4) information & communication, 5) manufacturing, 6) medical, and 7) transportation.

An introductory course focused on robotic technologies and what it means to be living in an automated world. Students will gain an understanding of how robotic technologies impact the environment, society, and the economy. Student will develop a foundation in essential abilities and attitudes in connection with math and science skills that will in turn expand their opportunities in the world of automation.

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