REQUIRED CLASS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

2005-06

  • LANGUAGE ARTS: Both 7 th and 8 th grade classes are literature based and thematically organized.   The program incorporates significant literary works and emphasizes not only the integration of thinking, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, but also an interdisciplinary integration with the social science curriculum.   Students encounter literature from many genres and read a mixture of both American and culturally diverse works.   Writing instruction follows the University of California Writing Project model stages from pre-writing through revision and ultimately publication.   Student assessment includes portfolios, oral presentations, and research-based projects.   Students will integrate technology through word-processing and Internet searches.

  • SOCIAL SCIENCE: Seventh grade students study World Cultures and Geography as they learn about Medieval and Early Times.   The goal is for students to learn about democracy, civic values, social participation, content knowledge, cultural understanding and skill attainment.   Study units include the growth of Islam, Sub-Sahara Africa, Japan, Imperial China, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, Age of Exploration, and the Enlightenment Period.   Eighth grade students study US History and Geography as they learn about growth and conflict, the goal being for students to learn about democracy, achieving cultural understanding, social participation, content knowledge, and civic values. Units include our Colonial Heritage, the American Revolution, the Constitution, the divergent paths of the American people (1800-1850), the Civil War, and   Industrial America.    

  • MATHEMATICS:   Using the California Mathematics Standards and IUSD Mathematics Standards as a guide, math education includes large mathematical ideas and their interconnections.   Problem solving and thinking skills are emphasized, and basic skills are maintained and applied as students are introduced to new concepts.   Technology is used as a tool to increase mathematical understanding.

    The 7th grade math courses include Introduction to Pre-Algebra 7 and Pre-Algebra 7.
    • Introduction to Pre-Algebra 7 is the first course of a two year program (Introduction to Pre-Algebra in grade 7, Introduction to Algebra in grade 8) designed to prepare students for high school Algebra I in ninth grade. This is the regular college preparatory sequence. The focus in Introduction to Pre-Algebra 7 is on conceptual understanding of algebra topics through developing critical mathematical thinking skills, analyzing and solving complex problems in realistic situations, and communicating mathematically.  
    • Pre-Algebra 7 is a one year program to prepare students for Algebra I in grade 8 with the student’s eventual goal being to complete a four year honors sequence of mathematics in high school.
    The 8th grade math courses are Introduction to Algebra 8 and Algebra 1 (a high school level course). A one-year course of honors high school geometry is available for students who demonstrate mastery of all prerequisite skills.
     
  • SCIENCE: The science program consists of units in life science, earth, chemistry, and physical science aligned with the state's science standards. The instructional emphasis is on science process skills, making the connections, and seeing the relationships between concepts and ideas. Teachers stress scientific thinking processes and strive to help students develop critical thinking skills with problem solving, decision making, and research and inquiry. Computer technology is used as a tool to support student projects and learning, and a science project is required. IUSD also requires one trimester of health education as part of the science curriculum.

  • PHYSICAL EDUCATION/FITNESS: The Physical Education program provides students an opportunity to participate in a variety of challenging activities in a structured, positive environment in which every student can experience success.   Instruction in individual sports and team sports assist students to develop character, sportsmanship, leadership, and individual skills.   Physical fitness and life-long fitness is emphasized, and the physical education program also incorporates health, wellness, and nutrition.

ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS  

  • EXPLORATORYELECTIVE WHEEL (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course in which students take each of the following three trimester classes.  
    Note:   All seventh grade students will be enrolled in this exploratory option unless another elective   is selected.

  • INTRODUCTION TO ART is a Trimester class that is part of the exploratory wheel.   This class offers an opportunity for students to discover, explore and experience a variety of art forms.   Students will learn the elements and principles of art, working with various media and techniques, including computers. Even if students do not consider themselves artists or have no intention of pursuing the study of art in their future career, knowledge of art forms and skills will broaden their experience and deepen their appreciation of the visual arts. Lab Fee: $25.00 includes all art supplies required for the studio projects which the student will take home.

  • BEGINNING SPANISH is a Trimester class which is a part of the exploratory wheel. Students are introduced to the basic elements of the Spanish language including days of the week, months of the year, reading a menu, and giving and following directions.   There is a focus on conversational Spanish and the culture of the people in Spanish speaking countries.   Oral and written presentations will be an important aspect of this class.   This class is an excellent precursor to Spanish 1, which is offered as an 8 th grade elective course and is equivalent to the first year of high school Spanish. For 8 th graders, this course can be a precursor to Spanish I in high school.

  • COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY is a Trimesterclass that is part of the exploratory wheel.   The course offers anopportunity for students to improve their technology skills.   Students will also learn a variety of different software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and drawing programs. Hardware fundamentals and Internet terminology are also integral to this class. In addition, students will create a web page using HTML coding.   Students will also use the Internet;   reviewing and adhering to school and district policies for computer use is part of this course.

  • EXPLORING ART: (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course in which students learn the basic skills and knowledge necessary to communicate in each art form, including clay. By experiencing various art activities, students will exercise their powers of observation, their problem-solving skills and their creative imagination. Integrating art and technology will be a key part of this class. The curriculum in this course is different from the trimester art class which is part of the exploratory wheel and is intended for students who already know that they enjoy art. Lab Fee: $25 per trimester for supplies for projects the students will take home.

  • CONCERT BAND: (Grade 7/8) The Concert Band class is a full-year course of study that offers instruction on piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion.   This class is open to any student who wishes to begin a new instrument as well as to students who want to better their skills.   There are three performances each year, and performing in the concerts is an integral part of the course.   A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use.

  • SYMPHONIC BAND: (Grade 7/8) The Symphonic Band is a one-year course of study for wind and percussion students whose playing is of the highest caliber.   It is open to all students who are interested in performing the most challenging music available to middle school students.   Class activities include performing in three concerts plus the IUSD Band Spectacular, IUSD Honor Orchestra audition preparation and performance at the Instrumental Music Festival.   Performing in concerts is an   integral part of the course. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use.
    Prerequisite:   SVMS Music Teacher Approval Required.

  • CONCERT ORCHESTRA:   (Grade 7/8) This is a full-year elective that offers instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass as well as a piano accompanist for performances.   This class is open to any student who wishes to begin a new instrument, or for students who want to better their skills.   The class performs at least three times duringthe year, and performing in the concerts is an integral part of the course.    A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use.

  • SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA:   (Grade 7/8) The Symphonic Orchestra is a one-year course of study for string students whose playing is of the highest caliber.   It is open to all students who are interested in performing the most challenging music available to middle school students.   This group will perform three concerts during the year as well as prepare students for the IUSD Honor Orchestra audition and perform at the Instrumental Music Festival. Performing in concerts is an   integral part of the coursework.   A limited number of school-owned instruments are available but most students will need to obtain their own.  
    Prerequisite:       SVMS Music Teacher Approval Required.

  • GUITAR:   (Grade 7/8) is a full-yearcourse open to all students who have an interest in playing the guitar. The
    Guitar class consists of students with varying abilities and experiences on the six-string classical guitar, including students who are repeating the course as advanced musicians.   Direct instruction is given, and due to the nature of the instrument, the students are encouraged to be self-directed and to explore the guitar at their own pace.   Students will study note reading, chord reading, music theory and tuning.   A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use.   Not recommended for students who need daily ongoing structured activities.  
  • CHORUS:   (Grade 7/8) is a full-yearcourse designed for the student who enjoys music as well as for those students with previous choral experience in elementary, middle school, community, local, or church choirs. Students will develop skills in vocal production, sight singing, rhythm, listening, good tone production, and stage presence. This is a performing group which will demonstrate their musicianship in performances and learn a variety of authentic musical literature which will include Classical, Folk, Spiritual, Broadway, Patriotic and Foreign Language.

  • MUSICAL THEATRE:   (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course designed for those who enjoy music while singing and acting.   Students will develop skills in acting basics, proper vocal production, public speaking and staging. Students will demonstrate their skills in two musical presentations and will have the experience of auditioning for roles.

  • SCIENCE WORKSHOP :   (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course for students who enjoy physical science and structural engineering.   This mostly hands-on class will focus on lab projects conducted by collaborative groups by students with a high interest in science.   Students will need to work well with other students.  
    Lab fee: $25   per trimester

  • SPANISH   1:   (Grade 8) is a full-year elective in which students attain proficient skill in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish.   Upon successful course completion, students may enroll in the second-year Spanish class at high school.  
    Prerequisite:       “B” or better in 7 th Grade Language Arts.

  • STUDENT AIDE: (Grade 8) This is a full year commitment. Students will assist in clerical tasks under the direct supervision of the teacher.    Students must be responsible and independent workers.  
    Prerequisite    :   Teacher approval required.

  • TECHNOLOGY: (Grade 8) is a full-year course which includes graphic design, digital photography, web page design, Photoshop, FrontPage, Dreamweaver and Flash.   The course is project-oriented, i.e. creating web pages and online portfolios.

  • VIDEO TECHNOLOGY/PRODUCTION: (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course focused on learning and utilizing the technology to create, produce, direct and edit short videos through hands-on learning.   Student learning activities will include montages, parodies, public announcements, commercials, interviews, industry standards and more.

  • YEARBOOK (Grade 7/8) is a full-yearcourse which includes the concepts of journalism and photojournalism.   Inthe first two trimesters, students will learn layout construction, article development, graphic design, time management, publisher requirements, and photo appreciation as they create the Sierra Vista yearbook.   During the third trimester, these concepts will be applied to other media which students will create, such as a student magazine.
    Prerequisite: “B” or “A” in Language Arts in every reporting period in grade 6/7 plus grade 6/7 Language Arts teacher recommendation.

  • GUIDED STUDY: (Grade 7/8) is a full-yearcourse designed for students who need additional academic support during the school day to be academically successful. The course emphasizes study skills, test-taking skills, time management, homework assistance, and effective use of the Student Planner. This course is not appropriate for students earning A’s, B’s, or C’s.   Prerequisite :Sierra Vista Administrator Approval.

NOTE:   DUE TO STAFFING, BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS AND SCHEDULING CONSTRAINTS, SOME OF THE ABOVE ELECTIVES MAY NOT BE OFFERED,   FEES MAY VARY, OR A STUDENT’S ELECTIVE CHOICES MAY BE LIMITED AND/OR DETERMINED BY ACADEMIC CLASS PLACEMENT.