Seventh Grade Required Year-Long Classes This course is an introductory course that will lay the groundwork for student advancement into Algebra. The following is a sampling of what this course will cover… This course is a high school credit class designed to prepare students for advanced studies in math. Areas of study include investigating linear, rational, exponential, and quadratic equations using real numbers. Also included is graphing (both on a number line and in a coordinate plane), factoring, working with functions and probability, and statistics. All areas of study will be connected to real-world problem-solving. The student will: This course is designed for college-bound students who intend to enroll in Algebra II. This course is a high school credit course. It uses both plane and spatial objects to accomplish a sound development of logic. Students are given frequent opportunities to use definitions, postulates, and theorems to formulate proofs. A deep study of triangles and other polygons is included. A short time is spent on straightedge and compass constructions. The student will: Our 7th grade middle school language arts course utilizes the standards and benchmarks of the Iowa Core to develop essential reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening skills. These standards and benchmarks will be achieved through exposure to various forms of literature and informational text infused within units of study. Students will be involved in active exploration of reading and writing through personal, authentic opportunities to explore vocabulary, conventions, and craft within the Iowa Core standards. This two-period language arts course is differentiated through instruction that includes but is not limited to, increased rigor and appropriate pace for the learner. Seventh grade science in Waukee exposes students to content and concepts from the four areas of the Science Iowa Core Curriculum: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science. Students will use inquiry, collaborative practices, and creative problem-solving as they interact with the following units: 1) Force and Motion Students will explore each unit through the lens of a scientist and the natural phenomena that occur around them. In addition to science practices, students will interact with various scientific and engineering jobs. Concepts covered in the units include cause and effect, structure and function, patterns, scale/proportion/quantity, systems and systems models, energy and matter, and stability and change. In seventh grade, students will explore global perspectives on contemporary issues and worldwide interdependence. The interconnected world we live in today requires that Iowa students be well-educated about worldwide issues to cultivate diplomacy, effective citizenship, and global competitiveness. Students could examine challenges facing the world community such as hunger, population, conflict, global environmental challenges, human rights, poverty, energy scarcity, global health, education, immigration, globalization, and other political, economic, social, and ecological concerns. In seventh grade, students will explore physical fitness and set goals for personal growth designed to expand their foundation for a physically active lifestyle, adjusting to enhance their personal fitness. Students will be provided an opportunity to safely and respectfully participate in multiple movement opportunities and experiences including fitness concepts, lifetime fitness activities, and team/individual sports. This course meets every other day. Seventh Grade Required Non-Core Classes Students will engage their creativity, observation, problem-solving skills, and individuality through the process of planning, creating, and refining works of art. Students will enhance their understanding of how to use art techniques to communicate an idea with their audience through paint, clay, digital art, sculpture, and drawing. This immersive course will guide students through the exciting journey of discovering their interests, identifying their strengths, and exploring the myriad of career pathways available in today’s dynamic professional landscape. Students will gain insights into different career trajectories, job roles, and the skills required for success in each field. Family and consumer sciences is an exploratory course introducing students to a variety of skills, research, and knowledge that help them to make informed decisions about their well-being to achieve an optimal quality of life. The class practices these skills in areas including foods and cooking, textiles and sewing, child development, housing, design, and consumer financial choices. This unit begins with “What is Engineering?”, where students learn the steps of the Design Process and how to use the Design Process to solve problems. In “Measuring”, students practice using historical and current techniques for measuring in both metric and customary systems and are introduced to precision measuring tools. “Sketching and Dimensioning” teaches students to identify and create thumbnail, perspective, isometric, and orthographic sketches and to dimension them correctly. In “Designing for Production”, students use Autodesk® Inventor® to learn how to create 3D models on the computer. Seventh grade health focuses on helping students build the tools to make healthy lifestyle choices and how these choices impact them, their family, and their community. Units include Wellness and Goal Setting, Risky Behaviors and Influences, Mental and Emotional Health, Relationships and Decision Making, and a Student Interest Project. In 7th grade health, students will… This class will provide opportunities for performing in front of an audience and will be filled with acting and improvisation activities to help you develop your skills as a speaker and a performer. This is the perfect class for students who feel nervous while presenting as well as for students who are interested in acting performance. Seventh Grade Electives Enrollment in this year-long elective course is open to all Waukee 7th Grade students. This course is a continuation of skills and techniques learned in 6th Grade Band. The course focuses on proper playing technique on a chosen band instrument, tone production, reading of music notation and symbols, music composition, and proper ensemble performance practice. Grades will be based on periodic performance assessments. These may include scales, method book exercises, solo & ensemble literature, honor band audition material, and concert music check-off. In addition to the regular band program, students will have the opportunity to participate in honor band and solo/ensemble contests. Students interested in participating in jazz band must be enrolled in this band course. This course is designed to help any 6th or 7th grade student become successful with the basic skills needed to perform in a large-group Band ensemble. The objective of Band Basics is to help students gain enough skills to confidently perform in an ensemble with their grade-level peers. Students will engage in guided practice in the following areas: instrument position and posture, embouchure (mouth formation), breath support, music notation, rhythmic notation and steady beat, and note-reading in correlation with fingering/slide position recall. This course is designed for students who meet one or more of the following criteria: NOTE: This course is viable with a minimum of 12 students enrolled. If projected enrollment is lower, students may be moved to 6th or 7th grade Band and will receive differentiated support through lessons. Enrollment in this year-long elective course is open to all Waukee 7th grade students. Students will participate in a choral ensemble in which they will be learning techniques appropriate for the middle-level learner. Students will have the opportunity to sing a variety of choral literature during the school year and will be involved in two formal performances in which they will celebrate their skills and talents with the community. Students enrolled in curricular 7th grade choir are eligible to participate in additional co-curricular activities outside of the school day, such as show choir and honor choir(s); these opportunities may require an audition. Enrollment in this year-long elective course is open to all Waukee 7th grade students. Students will participate in a choral ensemble in which they will be learning techniques appropriate for the middle-level learner. Students will have the opportunity to sing a variety of choral literature during the school year and will be involved in two formal performances in which they will celebrate their skills and talents with the community. Students enrolled in curricular 7th grade choir are eligible to participate in additional co-curricular activities outside of the school day, such as show choir and honor choir(s); these opportunities may require an audition. Seventh Grade Course Descriptions
2) Force and Motion Internship
3) Magnetic Fields
4) Geology on Mars
5) Earth, Moon, and Sun
6) Microbiome
7) Metabolism
8) Metabolism Internship
9) Traits & Reproduction.
7th Grade Course Descriptions
Seventh Grade Required Year-Long Classes Seventh Grade Required Non-Core Classes Seventh Grade Electives Seventh Grade Course Descriptions
