Junior High Course Offerings

MAPLETOWN JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

Junior High Course Offerings

Junior High Course Offerings

7th Grade

Course Title / PSSA Math 7
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: The seventh grade mathematics course continues to augment the skills set forth in the sixth grade mathematics curriculum by providing additional instruction in number theory, fractions, proportions, ratios and percents. In addition to these skills, a seventh grade student will also be given the opportunity to apply real life concepts in linear expressions, early algebraic ideas as well as geometric principles. These skills will prepare the student for future mathematics courses and will ensure a strong algebraic foundation.

Course Title / Pre-Algebra
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / Student must be recommended for placement by their 6th grade math teacher or administration.

Course Description:The students taking this course will have the opportunity to enhance their sixth grade skills by continuing lessons based on number theory, fractions, proportions, ratios and percents. Although this course mirrors that of Math 7, it will also provide the student the opportunity to study deeper in the Algebraic components of mathematics while allowing them to practice higher order questions. Maintaining a curriculum that will prepare them for future classes, advanced math 7 will provide for the student many opportunities that will deepen mathematical concepts.

Course Title / Reading 7
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to advance literacy acquisition by developing strategic reading skills necessary to access and process explicit and embedded information in academic texts. Using a literature-based text, students will focus on areas of vocabulary, characterization, plot, conflict, resolution, and theme. These skills will be worked on through independent, small group and whole class experiences. They will also utilize writing skills in response to textual information. Many opportunities for oral reading will be provided to enhance fluency and comprehension. The span of genre used for instruction includes novels, short stories, essays, poetry and expository texts. Students are required to read independent books each nine-week grading period as part of the Accelerated Reader Program. Monitored technology is utilized to provide a wide choice of independent reading while individualizing the instructional format.

Course Title / ELA 7
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This course is designed to enhance and strengthen students’ reading and basic writing skills. Curriculum will focus on comprehension, interpretation, and basic analysis of various types of reading throughout the content areas. Vocabulary, spelling, and grammar enrichment as well as public speaking skills will supplement the key components of the course. Students will prepare for the challenges of higher-order thinking necessary to meet success in their current and subsequent academics. Writing will include critical analysis, argumentative (persuasive) and expository elements as well as an introduction to research.

Course Title / World History 7
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This course is designed to bring together the study of human and physical geography along with World History from beginnings to 1500. Emphasis is placed on the 5 themes of geography as applied to the different regions of the world. The students will be involved in experiences that will help them understand and appreciate the interrelationships between people, places and environments. These concepts will be directed through the application of map skills, current events and the study of specific areas in North, South and Central America, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Pacific Island.

Course Title / Life Science 7
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This course will introduce students to selected topics in Biology. Students will review the scientific process, cells, heredity and genetics, kingdoms of living things, and relationships of living things with their environment. Students will gain experience in lab activities with a focus on the scientific method, making predictions, and data analysis.

Course Title / Life Science Lab 7
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: The primary objective of this course is to give the student a basic understanding of science in general and the life sciences in particular. The course will focus on the fundamental concepts of living organisms and then look more specifically at microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans. Various methods will be used in teaching this class including lecture and note taking, audio-visual aids, performance-based assessment, and laboratory activities.

8th Grade

Course Title / PSSA Math 8
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Math 8 is a demanding course, which requires determination. Topics include but are not limited to the following: rational and irrational numbers, sets of real numbers, properties of exponents, scientific notation, computation, proportional relationships, finding slopes of equations, unit rate, not proportional relationship, properties of translations and dilations, geometry concepts, and writing equations. Math 8 is designed to help the student prepare for Algebra 1.Sample Topics: real numbers, exponents, scientific notation, proportional and nonproportional relationship and functions, solving equations, systems of equations, Transformational Geometry, and Measurement Geometry.

Course Title / Algebra 1
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Algebra is a complex course, which requires determination and demand. Topics include but are not limited to the following: square roots, brief statistics, the solving of equations/inequalities/systems, finding the percent of change, factoring polynomials, properties of exponents and radicals, simplifying expressions utilizing factoring, producing equations of lines, and graphing/solving functions. Students that complete this course will take the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam at the conclusion of the course. It should be noted this grade is not factored into the student’s final course grade.Sample Topics: numbers and expression, equations and functions, linear relationship, exponential relationship, statistics and data, polynomial expression and equations, functions and modeling.

Course Title / Reading 8
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description:This course extends the instructional design of Reading 7. It is designed to cultivate critical literacy skills so that students reach their maximum potential in all areas of learning. Using a literature-based text, students will focus on areas of vocabulary, characterization, plot, conflict, resolution, and theme. These skills will be worked on through independent, small group and whole class experiences. They will also utilize writing skills in response to textual information. Many opportunities for oral reading will be provided to enhance fluency and comprehension. The span of genre used for instruction includes novels, short stories, essays, poetry and expository texts. Students are required to read independent books each nine-week grading period as part of the Accelerated Reader Program. Monitored technology is utilized to provide a wide choice of independent reading while individualizing the instructional format.

Course Title / ELA 8
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This course continues to center on the development of communication skills through the integration of literature (vocabulary, reading, responding), writing (composing, grammar, mechanics, spelling), speaking, and listening. Eighth-grade English strives to improve both oral and written communication through various research pieces and analytic writing. Special emphasis is placed on the process of writing, literature, language, and preparation for standardized testing.

Course Title / Writing 8
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Students will explore strategies involving patterns and procedures to meet success by utilizing the writing process to produce varied types of writing. They will read developmentally appropriate texts of all types and write sentences that develop into paragraphs and essays in the informative, persuasive, and narrative modes of writing. The Domain Scoring Rubric used on the PSSA writing tests will be introduced.

Course Title / 8th Grade Civics
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint middle school students with the governmental system under which they live. Specifically, the course covers a foundation of the American system of government through growth, adaptation, and innovation. It is a study of the role of citizenship, American foreign policy, major global events and the constitution. Students will learn the functions of the legislative branch, executive branch, and the judicial branch. Comparative political and economic systems will be studied as well as the operation of state and local governments. A study of United States government is heavily emphasized in the course.

Course Title / Physical Science 8
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This course provides opportunities for students to develop concepts basic to understanding the chemical structures of matter, forms of energy, introductory principles of physics, introductory principals of astronomy, the fundamentals of magnetism and electricity, and the physical processes of the Earth and its materials. Critical thinking, analysis and application of student-developed data are skills that are exercised.

Course Title / Physics Lab 8
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Eighth Grade Physics is a course designed to introduce middle school students to the most basic science, Physics. This course will examine the theories of Physics with a very small dependence on the mathematics involved. The student will learn how to apply the simple theories presented to everyday life. Forces, motion, matter, sound, and light are just some of the terms that will be described in this course. Through lecture, readings, simple math problems, and laboratory activities, the student will gain an understanding of Physics in the real world.

Health/Physical Education

Course Title / Health7
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: The purpose of this class is to teach students the principles of healthy living. Important topics include: body systems and nutrition, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, environmental and community health, health information service and products, substance abuse and prevention strategies, personal health and hygiene, safety, and healthy eating habits. Through these topics of study, students will explore ways to become healthier individuals, both mentally and physically.

Course Title / Health 8
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: 8th grade health is a continuation of 7th grade health with an increase and more in depth focus on healthy living and wellness, communication skills, mental/emotional health, first aid skills, CPR, human growth and development, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Course Title / Physical Education 7/8
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This seventh and eighth grade course is designed to facilitate students in improving their quality of life through regular physical activity. Students will learn the psychological, cognitive, and affective aspects of physical fitness and sport through both individual and team activities. A strong emphasis is placed on each student attaining a healthy level of personal fitness. In addition, a knowledge and appreciation of lifetime activities and sports is encouraged

Family and Consumer Sciences

Course Title / Family and Consumer Science Grade 7
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description:This course section is divided into 4 categories in which we will spend approximately 2 weeks on each. Section 1 will cover communication, community involvement, relationships, and family relations. The 7th grade will also participate in a “Flat Stanley” project which will focus on culture and geography. Section 2 is child development, in which students will learn about the developing baby. Section 3 is based on advertising and consumerism. Section 4 is food and nutrition in which students will learn about the food pyramid, healthy eating habits, and manners. There will be some light cooking in the class. Students will also be constructing a sewing project. All FCS classes will be graded using various methods, such as hands on activities, group work, testing, homework, in-class activities, vocabulary skills, and projects.

Course Title / Family and Consumer Science Grade 8
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description:This course section is divided into 4 categories in which we will spend approximately 2 weeks on each. Section 1 will cover family and community involvement. Section 2 is child development in which students will learn about caring for the newborn baby and about child safety. Section 3 is writing checks, deposit slips and balancing a checkbook. Section 4 is food and nutrition in which students will learn about food safety and how to read labels. There will be some light cooking in the class. Students will also be constructing a sewing project. All FCS classes will be graded using various methods, such as hands on activities, group work, testing, homework, in-class activities, vocabulary skills, and projects.

Art Education

Course Title / Art 7
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description:This course is an introductory class that will be the first course students are assigned in our art program Students will be exposed to both 2D and 3D projects in accordance with Pennsylvania State Standards. Students will develop fundamental knowledge and skills that will be built upon in future art classes.

Course Title / Art 8
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Art 8 will expand upon the skills introduced in Art 7. Students will continue to expand their knowledge on 2-D and 3-D projects while being introduced to new art techniques that will be the foundation of skill sets for high school art electives.

Technology/Computer Education

Course Title / Introduction to Mechanical Drawing 7
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description:This course offers an introduction to many of the tools, materials, and techniques of the architectural drafting industry. Utilizing design techniques, students will gain applicable skills beginning with drawing basic shapes, then advancing to 3D computer aided drafting. Students will begin this course with traditional hand drafting methods and tools, then progress to drawing both real life and fictional objects using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software.

Course Title / Introduction to Construction Technology 8
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: This class introduces the student to the tools and techniques of the construction industry. The units of study cover safety, hand and power tools, traditional joinery, various styles of framing, cabinetry, finishing, welding, forging, foundry, and more. Students will be exposed to the varied kinds of tasks encountered in the modern construction trade and learn the skills necessary to cope with the demands of home ownership.

Course Title / Practical Applications for the Computer
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .25
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Practical Applications for the Computer is designed to teach word processing, spreadsheets, and publishing and presentation applications. This is done through the use of Microsoft Office programs. Students learn the basic features of each program.

Foreign Language

Course Title / Spanish Exploratory 7
Term Offered / 1 Quarter
Credit Value / .5
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Students will be introduced to the Spanish language and will explore key aspects of Spanish culture including customs, traditions, holidays, and food.

(Optional) Music Education Pathway

Course Title / Band
Term Offered / 1 Semester
Credit Value / .5
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Band is for students that have an aspiration to play an instrument such as a wind or percussion. This course provides students with the opportunity to perform on their instruments and improve their ability to read note pitches and rhythms, create an appropriate tone, build technical skills, build listening skills through ensemble/small group playing, and develop responsible rehearsal habits. During the first quarter, the class will focus on marching band literature. During the rest of the year, concert band literature will be the focus. Since this is a performance based class, all performances will be required. Performances will be football games, parades, concerts, and other public performances.

Course Title / Chorus
Term Offered / 1 Semester
Credit Value / .5
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: Chorus is open to any student that enjoys singing. It will provide students with an opportunity to build their singing skills through participation in the school choir, some examples of topic and skills covered include but are not limited to breath support, vocal production, and pronunciation. The ensemble will explore a wide range of music including classic choir literature, pop, patriotic, contemporary, and world music. Since this is a performance based class, all performances will be required. These performances will include concerts and other small performances.

Senior High Course Offerings

English Language Arts Offerings

Course Title / ELA 9
Term Offered / Full Year
Credit Value / 1.0
Prerequisite(s) / None

Course Description: In this course, students will cultivate critical thinking skills through the study of literature. Exploration will include both fiction (short stories, plays, novels) and nonfiction (essays, speeches), and students will examine the use of literary elements and analyze texts through discussion and written response. Grammar skills including parts of speech, punctuation, and sentence structure will be reviewed and reinforced through various modes of writing (narrative, expository, persuasive, literary analysis.)