Orion Junior High
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
7th Grade
2016-2017
English 7 This course is designed to develop proficiency in the mechanics of writing, and word processing, standard usage and grammar, vocabulary, listening and speaking skills, dictionary skills and using the library, and reading strategies. Outside reading and writing will be required each quarter.
Social Studies (Utah History) 7th grade students will study the significant events, people, cultural diversity, and issues that have influenced the development of Utah. Basic social science skills will be reviewed and taught in greater depth. The course will focus on the development of higher-level thinking skills, geography, history, political science, cultural values, economics and social interaction.
College and Career Awareness (CCA) Students will learn how to use computers, sewing machines, tools, cooking facilities, and will explore careers. It consists of one quarter each of 1) Business/Marketing 2) Technology Education 3) Family and Consumer Science 4) Careers. The business quarter will include computer spreadsheets, word-processing, slide-show presentations, marketing, and familiarize students with career opportunities in the business world. The Family and Consumer Science quarter will deal with consumer and occupational home economics in the areas of life skills, families, childcare, textiles, and food and nutrition. The technology quarter will introduce students to drafting, manufacturing, transportation, principles of flight, shop safety and construction, and careers in the technology areas. The Careers quarter will help students understand the importance of education and occupational decision making.
PE: Beginning Team Sports Activities (Co-ed) Students will develop lifetime attitudes regarding physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Students will learn basic skills in physical fitness through team sports, co-educational activities, and individual sports. Components of fitness are introduced as well as social interaction and sportsmanship.
Integrated Science 7 Seventh Grade Integrated Science focuses on the theme of structure. Physical, Earth, and Life science content are integrated in this course with two primary goals: (1) students will use science as a process of obtaining knowledge based on observable evidence, and (2) students will develop an understanding of structure as a general science concept common to all content areas. Hands-on, student centered activities with the student acting as the scientist is emphasized.
7th Grade Mathematics This course focuses on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships;(2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) 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 (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.
7th Grade Mathematics - Honors Same as 7th Grade Mathematics with additional depth and breadth on existing topics. District recommendation required.
2D Art I (Painting/Drawing) This semester course provides a basic foundation in drawing, design, composition, and the use of color. Students will explore a variety of media and produce their own artwork. In addition, they will learn about artists and artistic styles of the past as well as current trends.
3D Arts I (Arts & Crafts) Through a variety of mediums, student will work on projects with clay, paint, ink, tinfoil, paper, weaving, wire, beading and different adhesives.
Drama I This course is for the students who are interested in developing acting skills, stage presence, verbal, nonverbal, Interpersonal and group communication, public speaking, oral interpretation, facial gestures, and hand-body movements associated with drama. Students will prepare monologues, dialogues, pantomimes, skits, and speeches that will be performed for credit in the class. This course is offered to 7th, 8th and 9th grade students.
Basic Reading Skills For those students who need extra instructional time for basic reading and comprehension. This elective class is designed to help students improve their reading skills beyond what may be accomplished in the English classes. This course is recommended for struggling readers.
Advanced Reading This course is designed to perpetuate the love of reading and extend the reading skills of advanced readers, by offering a variety of new and challenging reading opportunities and text varieties. The course requires 50 A.R. (Accelerated Reader) points per quarter. This class is a single-enrollment opportunity—students may take the class only once during their junior high school years.
Keyboarding I Master touch operation on a computer with good techniques with secondary emphasis on speed and accuracy. This is an important literacy skill that is not taught at the high school. Future required courses have a prerequisite keyboarding speed of 35 wpm.
Music Appreciation Music history, world music, and general musical knowledge. Students will have a recital once a semester so you can see all that they have learned.
Titan Choir 7 (Full year and semester) This course is open to all students interested in learning to sing. This course will combine singing and basic music theory. Students will learn note names, counting etc. They will also learn to sing 2-part music.
Spanish I This is the beginning course in the Spanish language. Emphasis is placed on learning to speak Spanish along with some work in reading and writing the language.
German I This is the beginning course in the German language. Emphasis is placed on learning to speak German along with some work in reading and writing the language.
Band/Beginning (All Instruments) The fundamental of playing a musical instrument with an emphasis on good tone production and basic counting and fingering of notes. You must rent or own the instrument.
Orchestra/Beginning (Strings) This course is open to all students interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello or string brass. No previous experience is necessary. Students learn to produce a clear tone and count basic rhythms.
Skills for Success This course is structured time for homework and studying. Students will have the ability to access “My Student” and teacher blogs to ascertain missing/upcoming work and current grades. Students will also be required to maintain a planner and work quietly during the period. Brief study-skill
Lessons will be presented throughout the quarter.
Creative Writing Creative writing offers students an introduction to the form and tasks of narrative writing exclusively. The class is structured as an intensive workshop dedicated to both the study and craft of writing. Students will be encouraged to evaluate, edit, publish, and share their work with their peers.
Spanish Immersion
Spanish 7 Honors This course is designed to challenge students to encounter authentic texts published for native speakers. Students are asked to grapple with real world, complex issues centered around six interdisciplinary themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. This course will continue to build on previous years’ experience through the Weber School Districts Spanish Immersion program. This is a required class for students in Spanish Immersion Program.
Spanish Media & Culture This course builds skills in cultural-linguistic competencies necessary for successful communication with native speakers. Students utilize media and authentic text to learn about the diverse cultural products, practices and perspectives of countries.
To view the courses offered for all three grades at Orion Junior High, visit our website at www.orion.weber.k12.ut.us , click on the counseling department link to access the blog. Course descriptions are listed under registration tabs.