uses word processing and desktop publishing programs to develop language and writing skills
creates and works with a file using a simple database program
uses a basic program to develop typing skills
Library Skills
makes comparisons between contemporary and classical uses of space and structure and relates these uses to the needs of various cultures
produces spatial designs to demonstrate that space can be defined
demonstrates knowledge of color theory
observes and produces visual patterns having distinct rhythms/speeds
recognizes and identifies the contributions of artists from diverse cultures
Art
makes comparisons between contemporary and classical uses of space and structure and relates these uses to the needs of various cultures
produces spatial designs to demonstrate that space can be defined
demonstrates knowledge of color theory
observes and produces visual patterns having distinct rhythms/speeds
recognizes and identifies the contributions of artists from diverse cultures
Communication Arts and Reading
participates in debates, dramas, video presentations, interviews, and other oral language activities
appreciates literature written by authors from various cultures, and describes cultural differences and similarities in the works
interprets figurative speech in poetry and other literature (e.g. simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification)
evaluates own written work for clarity of ideas, correctness and variety of language and sentence structure, appropriateness of form, and accuracy of information
Health and Physical Education
relates fitness, endurance, muscular strength to efficiency in daily tasks
participates in culminating activities and team tournaments, including noncompetitive and competitive play
appreciates and understands the importance of mental health and family living including sex education, drug and substance abuse, alcohol, smoking, disease prevention and control, consumer health, safety and first aid, and environmental and community health
Home and Career Skills
(60 classes in 1/2 year or 120 classes in full year is required in either seventh or eighth grade)
develops skills that lead to effective decisions, problem solving, and management in the home, school, community, and workplace
studies personal development and relationships to others
learns about responsible management of personal and family money, nutrition, clothing, personal environment, and consumer choices
plans for high school, examines careers, and is introduced to world of work
Mathematics
uses Pythagorean theorem to measure distances involving perpendicular lines
develops and use formulas for volume
explains "rational" and "irrational" numbers
writes simple computer programs
Science
studies underwater topography and the natural resources of the oceans
learns the elements of weather: temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, air pressure, solar radiation, cloudiness, precipitation, air masses, and fronts
understands the observable effects of the Earth's motions, such as: day and night, phases of the moon, seasons, tides, eclipses, and Coriolis effect
studies the Solar System
learns about space programs, their benefits, spin-offs, and burdens
Second/Foreign Languages
(Second language study usually begins at the sixth or seventh grade and continues into high school through various
checkpoints in the way to fluency)
Checkpoint One
understands simple statements and questions
holds a conversation using questions and answers
understands simple short, general messages
writes a paragraph or short composition about himself or herself
becomes aware of and better understands other cultures
Checkpoint Two
understands short conversation about everyday situations
begins to carry out a conversation using limited vocabulary
reads and understands simple stories
writes simple notes, letters, and short reports
continues to increase awareness of, begins to appreciate, and develops greater understanding of other cultures
Checkpoint Three
understands the important points of discussion of familiar topics
initiates and holds a conversation in which more complex ideas are expresses
reads and understands more sophisticated stories
writes short letters and notes that native speakers of the second language are able to understand
respects, appreciates, and becomes more knowledgeable about other cultures
Social Studies
understands the development of the countries of Canada and Mexico and their impact upon the development of the U.S., including the Spanish-American War, World War I, The Great Depression,
World War II explains the causes and results of World Wars I and II and their impact on the U.S. and its diverse population
understands the causes of the Great Depression and its impact on diverse groups of Americans
traces the Cold War and implications for the U.S.
discusses the Civil Rights Movement and the Women's Liberation Movement and how they affected all Americans
Technology Education
learns to plan ahead and design solutions to problems, using the 7 resources of daily life: humans, information, materials, tools and machines, energy, capital, and time
applies math, science, and other academic skills to problem solving