Main Course Selection Page | Required Course List | Elective Courses
SHOULD YOU TAKE HONORS CLASSES?:
Honors classes cover very similar material and are basically the same except the class progresses faster and there are no peer tutors or adult aides to help students. Most students who take Honors classes have done very well in their previous classes and feel confident that they are self motivated to complete work and do not need much assistance.
7th GRADE REQUIRED COURSES
LANGUAGE ARTS
7th Grade Language Arts – Designed for grade level instruction in reading comprehension, writing, methods of inquiry, and the process, skills, and strategies of effective communication.
7th Grade Language Arts Honors – This course is similar to 7th Grade Language Arts, but is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction.
7th Grade ALPS Language Arts Honors – This course, based on the 7th grade Utah English Language Arts Core Standards, is a combination of Honors Language Arts and Honors Reading. It is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction. Emphasis is added on depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking.
DIGITAL LITERACY/KEYBOARDING
Digital Literacy/Keyboarding (required to be taken either 7th or 8th grade. 0.5 credit) – VIDEO OVERVIEW – This class is really two courses combined into one. The first half is Keyboarding, an unarguably necessary skill for all students. This skill is not taught in any other course and is not offered after the 8th grade. Students are taught proper technique which will make them more efficient typists and help them continue to gain higher speeds even after the class is over. The second half is Digital Literacy, which focuses on understanding how computers are built, what they do, and how to use them properly in a home, work, and social setting. These are essential life skills that the state of Utah has recommended (but not required) all students to take by the end of 8th grade. This is a semester class.
READING
7th Grade Reading – This course is designed for students requiring basic instruction with targeted reading intervention in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reading skills to assist striving readers with literary, informational, and functional texts. Students may take a test during the summer if they would like to demonstrate proficiency. Please contact Ms. Elisabeth Thomas or Ms. Patricia Bronson. (Anyone not meeting Reading Requirements will be placed in Reading for either a semester or a full year depending on testing recommendations.)
MATH
The 7th Grade Math and 7th Grade Math Honors cover very similar material and are basically the same except for the speed and support that is offered. 7th Grade Math goes a little bit slower, there are peer tutors and an adult aide in each class to help students, and there is time built into the calendar to help students who may have struggled in the past. This class is designed so that students who need and want help can get help. Students who achieve a 95% test average in 7th Grade Math can qualify for honors math in 8th grade.
7th Grade Math Honors goes a little faster than 7th Grade Math. There are no peer tutors or adult aides in these classes. Most students who take 7th Grade Math Honors have done well in math and they have usually been proficient on benchmark and year end tests. Students who take 7th Grade Math Honors are normally motivated to do well and do not require much assistance. Students in honors math need to maintain a 90% test average to qualify for honors math the next year.
8th Grade Math Honors is only for very advanced students. These students have passed the district placement test or they have enrolled in an 8th Grade Math Prep class for 7th graders which is taken over the summer. Students who take 8th Grade Math Honors usually love math, they already know how to show work to solve algebraic equations, and they like working hard to figure things out. Students in 8th Grade Math Honors as a 7th grader need to maintain a 95% test average to qualify for Secondary Math 1 Honors in 8th grade.
Still not sure? Check out this document for even more on how to choose a math class.
SOCIAL STUDIES
7th Grade Utah Studies/Literacy Skills (Year Long) – This is a year-long class which combines Utah Studies with Literacy Skills. Students will explore the complex history of Utah, with examples of creativity, sacrifice, conflict, innovation, inequity, compromise, and leadership. Students will also learn about Utah’s diverse physical geography, encounter Utah’s economic systems and dynamics, and explore local and statewide political systems. The reason this class is a year instead of one semester is because we spend more time focusing on strengthening students reading and literacy skills. We will read 2 novels during the year. Many of the assignments focus on building their literacy skills. Students need a strong literacy background to succeed in all of their classes, and this course will help to do that.
7th Grade Utah Studies (Semester) – Students will learn about Utah’s diverse physical geography, encounter Utah’s economic systems and dynamics, and explore local and statewide political systems. The Utah Studies standards are based on four social studies disciplines: history, geography, economics, and civics.
7th Grade ALPS Utah Studies (Semester) – Students will learn about Utah’s diverse physical geography, encounter Utah’s economic systems and dynamics, and explore local and statewide political systems. The Utah Studies standards are based on four social studies disciplines: history, geography, economics, and civics. ALPS students will be taught with an added emphasis on depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking.
SCIENCE
7th Grade Integrated Science – This class will focus on the theme of “structure”. Life, physical, and earth science contents are integrated in a core curriculum. The standards to be taught relate to matter, structure of earth’s crust and interior, structure of cells and organisms, reproduction and heredity of organisms, and classification schemes.
7th Grade ALPS Integrated Science – This class will focus on the theme of “structure”. Life, physical, and earth science contents are integrated in a core curriculum. The standards to be taught relate to matter, structure of earth’s crust and interior, structure of cells and organisms, reproduction and heredity of organisms, and classification schemes. ALPS students will be taught with an added emphasis on depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking.
FITNESS (All fitness classes require that you provide your own lock and a grey shirt with your last name written on the back in 2″ letters)
7th Grade Fitness – This physical education course develops a solid foundation in skills and competencies. Students are still mastering basic manipulative skills, and are ready to engage in lead-up games and drills that provide a progression toward participation in regulation or advanced play. Students will apply skills in modified games, and may be introduced to regulation rules and game play. Instruction includes an introduction to training principles and activities that can enhance health-related fitness as students pursue personal fitness goals.
Yoga – This class focuses on structural alignment, increase of strength and flexibility. It will deepen a student’s awareness of breath and the role it has in generating energy and stamina in one’s mind and body. The course will also incorporate techniques for stress relief, and enhance one’s physical performance by teaching students how to connect breath, organ systems, physiology and anatomy all together.
Dance 1 – A course offering basic dance technique, fitness fundamentals, movement qualities, and rhythm, with an emphasis on creativity, sequencing, and problem solving. Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade.
COLLEGE AND CAREER AWARENESS
CCA/CTE – 7th Grade students will take 4 quarter classes of CTE (career and technical education). Information, Technology, Business, and Family and Consumer Science classes allow students to be involved in activity-centered lessons, which utilize technology, develop beginning skills, and explore careers.
SPANISH DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
Spanish DLI 3H 7th Grade – For Dual Immersion Students Only (students who have completed an elementary dual language immersion program.) This course begins preparation for the Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish exam. It is designed to teach advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course content includes the development of more abstract vocabulary, literature, speaking, conversations, and composition.
The culture and media class is recommended, but not required for DLI students in 7th grade.
8th GRADE REQUIRED COURSES
LANGUAGE ARTS
8th Grade Language Arts – Designed for grade level instruction in reading comprehension, writing, methods of inquiry, and the process, skills, and strategies of effective communication
8th Grade Language Arts Honors – This course is similar to 8th Grade Language Arts, but is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction.
8th Grade ALPS Language Arts Honors – This course, based on 8th Grade Utah English Language Arts Core Standards, is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction. It follows the same course as 8th Grade Language Arts Honors, but with an added emphasis on depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking.
DIGITAL LITERACY/KEYBOARDING
Digital Literacy/Keyboarding (required to be taken either 7th or 8th grade. 0.5 credit) – VIDEO OVERVIEW – This class is really two courses combined into one. The first half is Keyboarding, an unarguably necessary skill for all students. This skill is not taught in any other course and is not offered after the 8th grade. Students are taught proper technique which will make them more efficient typists and help them continue to gain higher speeds even after the class is over. The second half is Digital Literacy, which focuses on understanding how computers are built, what they do, and how to use them properly in a home, work, and social setting. These are essential life skills that the state of Utah has recommended (but not required) all students to take by the end of 8th grade. This is a semester class.
READING
8th Grade Reading – This course is designed for students requiring basic instruction with targeted reading intervention in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reading skills to assist striving readers with literary, informational, and functional texts. tudents may take a test during the summer if they would like to demonstrate proficiency. Please contact Ms. Elisabeth Thomas or Ms. Patricia Bronson. (Anyone not meeting Reading Requirements will be placed in Reading for either a semester or a full year depending on testing recommendations.)
MATH
8th Grade Math is taken by most students who took 7th Grade Math. 8th Grade Math is similar to 8th Grade Math Honors but it does NOT include honors topics. 8th Grade Math goes a little bit slower and focuses on essential skills. Students who achieve a 95% test average in 8th Grade Math can qualify for honors math in 9th grade, but they may need to study a few additional topics over the summer.
8th Grade Math Honors is taken by students who did exceptionally well in 7th Grade Math (regular or honors). This course covers all the topics of 8th Grade Math along with a few honors topics that prepare students for future math classes. Students who take 8th Grade Math Honors are usually motivated to do well, they enjoy math, and they do not require much assistance. Students in honors math need to maintain a 90% test average to qualify for honors math the next year.
Secondary Math 1 Honors is only for very advanced 8th graders. Students who take this class did exceptionally well in 8th Grade Math Honors as a 7th grader. Students who take this class love math and they enjoy working hard to figure things out. Students in Secondary Math 1 Honors as an 8th grader need to maintain a 95% test average to qualify for Secondary Math 2 Honors in 9th grade.
SOCIAL STUDIES
US History – This course includes events and issues in the United States history from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries. Topics include, but are not limited to, American Indian life, European exploration and colonization, the Revolutionary War, constitutional issues, nation building, expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of each period’s key historic, geographic, economic, and civic concepts by applying those concepts to complete cognitively rigorous tasks.
US History Honors – This course is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction. Students will study events and issues in the United States history from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries. Topics include, but are not limited to, American Indian life, European exploration and colonization, the Revolutionary War, constitutional issues, nation building, expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of each period’s key historic, geographic, economic, and civic concepts by applying those concepts to complete cognitively rigorous tasks.
8th Grade ALPS US History Honors – This course is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction. Students will study events and issues in the United States history from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries. Topics include, but are not limited to, American Indian life, European exploration and colonization, the Revolutionary War, constitutional issues, nation building, expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of each period’s key historic, geographic, economic, and civic concepts by applying those concepts to complete cognitively rigorous tasks. The ALPS course is designed with an added emphasis on depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking.
SCIENCE
8th Grade Integrated Science – This class focuses on the interaction of matter and energy in nature. This is explored through an integration of chemistry, physics, biology, and geology The standards to be taught relate to chemical and physical changes, energy and waves, matter and energy cycles, and geological processes.
8th Grade Integrated Science Honors – This course is similar to 8th Grade Integrated Science, but is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction. This class focuses on the interaction of matter and energy in nature. This is explored through an integration of chemistry, physics, biology, and geology The standards to be taught relate to chemical and physical changes, energy and waves, matter and energy cycles, and geological processes.
8th Grade ALPS Integrated Science – This class focuses on the interaction of matter and energy in nature. This is explored through an integration of chemistry, physics, biology, and geology The standards to be taught relate to chemical and physical changes, energy and waves, matter and energy cycles, and geological processes. The ALPS course is designed with an added emphasis on depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking.
FITNESS (All fitness classes require that you provide your own lock and a grey shirt with your last name written on the back in 2″ letters)
8th Grade Fitness – This physical education course continues developing a solid foundation in skills and competencies. Students are still mastering basic manipulative skills, and are ready to engage in lead-up games and drills that provide a progression toward participation in regulation or advanced play. Students will apply skills in modified games, and may be introduced to regulation rules and game play. Instruction includes an introduction to training principles and activities that can enhance health-related fitness as students pursue personal fitness goals.
Yoga – This class focuses on structural alignment, increase of strength and flexibility. It will deepen a student’s awareness of breath and the role it has in generating energy and stamina in one’s mind and body. The course will also incorporate techniques for stress relief, and enhance one’s physical performance by teaching students how to connect breath, organ systems, physiology and anatomy all together. If choosing 8th Grade Fitness as your approved Fitness class, you can still opt to also have Yoga, as an elective.
Dance 1 – A course offering basic dance technique, fitness fundamentals, movement qualities, and rhythm, with an emphasis on creativity, sequencing, and problem solving. Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade. If choosing 8th Grade Fitness as your approved Fitness class, you can still opt to also have Dance 1, as an elective.
Dance 2 – Prerequisite: Dance 1 or Instructor approval – This course is designed to develop dance technique, flexibility, and coordination, with an emphasis on creativity and artistic composition. Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade. If choosing 8th Grade Fitness as your approved Fitness class, you can still opt to also have Dance 2, as an elective.
Advanced Dance – Prerequisite -Instructor approval – A full year course designed to enhance and develop all aspects of dance technique and composition, emphasizing creativity and artistic choreographic skills. Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade. This is a full year class. If choosing 8th Grade Fitness as your approved Fitness class, you can still opt to also have Advanced Dance, as an elective.
HEALTH
Health – This course develops the skills necessary to improve the quality of life by helping students to cope with and solve problems, develop a positive self-image, and make healthy decisions. Students will explore positive lifestyles, disease prevention, emergency procedures, media literacy, and alcohol and drug abuse prevention.
SPANISH DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
Spanish DLI 4H 8th Grade – For Dual Immersion Students Only. This course continues preparation for the Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish exam. Specifically designed as the middle school pathway for students who have completed an elementary dual language immersion program, it is designed to teach advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course content includes the development of more abstract vocabulary, literature, speaking, conversations, and composition.
The DLI culture and media class is recommended, but not required for 8th grade DLI students.
9th GRADE REQUIRED COURSES
LANGUAGE ARTS
9th Grade Language Arts – Designed for grade level instruction in reading comprehension, writing, methods of inquiry, and the process, skills, and strategies of effective communication.
9th Grade Language Arts Honors – This course is similar to 9th Grade Language Arts, but is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction.
9th Grade ALPS Language Arts 10 Honors – This course is designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction. It follows the same course as 10th Grade Language Arts Honors, but with an added emphasis on depth, complexity, creativity, and critical thinking. This class accelerates students and puts them on the track to take AP English courses in high school.
MATH
Secondary Math 1 is taken by most students who took 8th Grade Math. Secondary Math 1 is similar to Secondary Math 1 Honors but it does NOT include honors topics. Secondary Math 1 goes a little bit slower and focuses on essential skills. Students who achieve a 95% test average in Secondary Math 1 can qualify for honors math in 9th grade, but they may need to study additional topics over the summer.
Secondary Math 1 Honors is taken by students who did exceptionally well in 8th Grade Math (regular or honors). This course covers all the topics of Secondary Math 1 along with honors topics that prepare students for high school honors classes. Students who take Secondary Math 1 Honors are usually motivated to do well, they enjoy math, and they do not require much assistance. Students in honors math need to maintain a 90% test average to qualify for honors math the next year.
Secondary Math 2 Honors is only for very advanced students. Students take this class if they did exceptionally well in Secondary Math 1 Honors as an 8th grader. Students in this class are usually preparing for college level math. Students who take this class love math and they enjoy working hard to figure things out. Students in Secondary Math 2 Honors as a 9th grader need to maintain a 95% test average to qualify for Secondary Math 3 Honors in 10th grade.
SOCIAL STUDIES
9th Grade World Geography – The study of physical and human characteristics of the Earth’s people, places, and environments.
9th Grade AP Human Geography – This college level course covers the nature and perspectives of geography, population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, agriculture and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, and cities and urban land use. University credit can be earned with a successful performance on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
FITNESS (All fitness classes require that you provide your own lock and a grey shirt with your last name written on the back in 2″ letters)
Participation Skills and Techniques – This course focuses on demonstrating the ability to plan and implement different types of personal fitness programs, demonstrate competency in lifetime activities, describe key concepts associated with successful participation in physical activity, model responsible behavior while engaged in physical activity, and fill a need for self-expression, challenge, social interaction and enjoyment.
SCIENCE
9th Grade Honors Biology –This biology Core includes three major concepts for instruction. 1. The structures in all living things occur as a result of necessary functions. 2. Interaction of organisms in an environment are determined by the biotic and abiotic components of the environment. 3. Evolution of species occurs over time and is related to the environment in which the species live.
9th Grade Earth Systems – The theme for Earth Science is systems as an organizing concept to understand life on Earth, geological change, and the interaction of atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Earth’s place in the universe, internal structure, atmospheric processes, and resources are explored to help students understand how Earth Science interacts with society.
SPANISH DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
AP Spanish DLI 5H 9th Grade – For Dual Immersion Students Only. The focus of this advanced course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish exam they will take this year. This course is structured around a balanced approach to the three modes of communication –presentational, interpretive and interpersonal. Cultural comparison, stimulating readings, persuasive essay practice and class discussions are used to teach structure and vocabulary. Designed to teach advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course content includes the development of more abstract vocabulary, literature, speaking, conversations, and composition.
The DLI culture and media course is only recommended for 9th graders if they have not completed 4 semesters of the class as a 7th and 8th grader.