7th Grade Course Descriptions
Overview – At McPherson Middle School, 7th Grade students are enrolled in four (4) core classes, select three (3) elective courses each semester, and have Mentoring class twice a week.
Core Classes
English Language Arts (ELA)
Science 7
Social Studies 7
Mathematics
Elective Courses
Achievement Lab
Art 1 (2D Art)
Art 2 (3D Art)
Band II
Choir
Computer Applications I
Computer Applications II
Family and Consumer Science
Jazz Band
Leadworthy
Physical Education
Pops Choir
Power Up
Strength Power Speed
Strings II
Technology Explorations I
Technology Explorations II
Core Course Descriptions
English Language Arts (ELA)
This course will provide a program of study for all students in basic literacy skills based on Kansas College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy. Emphasis will be on basic literacy skills, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language.
Mathematics
Mathematics I - This math class focuses on connecting ratios and rates to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratios and rates to solve problems. Students also strengthen their understanding of multiplication and division of fractions and decimals. Students begin to develop an understanding of equations, expressions, rational numbers (which includes negative numbers), statistical thinking, and volume and surface area of prisms.
Mathematics II – Students in this course review basic operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, percents, geometry, measurement, and properties. Students are also introduced to integers, equations, and expressions. Topics presented are emphasized through problem solving. Students need to be self motivated with a good work ethic.
Pre-Algebra – Areas stressed are computations and equations involving the real number system. This is a Mastery class in which students are expected to meet mastery requirements for the district. This is a prerequisite course for Algebra. The student needs to be a good achiever and highly motivated.
Social Studies 7
Students study world geography, including the physical, cultural, and environmental aspects of the continents. A twelve-week study of Kansas provides an overview of famous people, important events, history, and geography of our state. Current events are incorporated through the use of the CNN “Newsroom” program.
Science 7
A general science class with an emphasis on life science. The major topics covered are growth and development, the structure of life, ecosystems matter and energy flow, organisms matter and energy flow, ecosystems relationships, biodiversity and humans, adaptations, and the history of life.
Elective Course Descriptions
Achievement Lab
(1 or 2 Semesters)
Grades 6-8
Prerequisite: Administration Approval
This course will offer students the opportunity to improve their academic success by providing a structured setting for homework completion, tutoring and study skills improvement.
Art 1
(1 Semester)
Grade 7
Students will study the elements and principles of design and focus on 2D media. Students will explore drawing with a grid, observational drawing, painting in acrylic and watercolor, mono printmaking and collage.
Art 2
(1 Semester)
Grade 7
Students will study the elements and principles of design and focus on 3D medias. Students will explore functional and sculptural ceramics, subtractive and additive sculpture, and fibers.
Band II
(Full Year)
Grade 7
Prerequisite: One year of experience playing a band instrument or consent of the instructor.
This class is for the band student with a minimum of one year playing experience. The course involves playing a musical instrument as part of a large group. Emphasis will be placed on playing techniques (i.e.-tone, balance, intonation, interpretation, theory and performance). Several evening performances are required for this class. Other performances will include contests, solo festivals and small ensemble opportunities. Students are responsible for securing an instrument and method book for the year. Instruments may be purchased or rented from a local music store.
Choir
(Full Year)
Grade 7
This course is designed to further develop the basic fundamentals of music gained in 6th grade. Students will learn to work in a group while developing their personal singing voice. This class is aimed toward developing student confidence and teamwork skills by facing musical challenges head on. Students will have numerous opportunities to perform through concerts and music festivals.
Computer Application I
(1 semester)
Grade 7-8
Emphasis will be placed on reviewing the proper techniques of keyboarding, the basic functions of Microsoft Word for Windows software, and production of business correspondence and documents. Students will also learn some of the fundamentals of the PowerPoint presentation software. Both programs will be useful throughout the student's school career and beyond.
Computer Application II
(1 semester)
Grade 7-8
Computer Applications II focuses on learning the advanced features of Microsoft Office and the basics of coding using code.org as a curriculum. Students will be required to complete daily assignments regarding different skills within these programs. At the end of each Microsoft unit, students will complete a unit project that measures their learning. This class will teach students computer skills that will benefit the student in the classroom and beyond.
Family and Consumer Science (FACS)
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
An in-depth exploration of the Human Services pathway. Study will be broken down into two semester courses. These courses will cover the following units of study: Unit 1: What is Family and Consumer Science; Unit 2: Careers and Exploring Careers; Unit 3: Relationships, Children, Managing Life; Unit 4: Child Development, Management, Technology & Environment; Unit 5: Clothing and Fashion; Unit 6: Housing and Interiors.
Jazz Band
(Full Year)
Grade 7-8
Prerequisite: One year of experience playing an instrument and consent of the instructor.
Jazz band is an advanced performance group for the student with at least one year of playing experience. The course involves playing a musical instrument as part of a jazz ensemble. Several evening performances are required for the class. An emphasis will be placed upon playing, listening to, and evaluating different styles of jazz music. Simultaneous enrollment in a fundamental performing ensemble is required. Students are responsible for securing an instrument for the year. All music and materials will be provided. An audition/skills test is required before enrollment.
Leadworthy
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
This course is to help develop critical, life changing skills for students. Those skills include taking personal responsibility, expressing themselves well and making good decisions when problems arise. The research based curriculum includes topics relevant to the needs of current students such as public speaking, goal setting, developing a healthy self-concept, making a good first impression, preventing bullying, self-control and empathy, public self versus private self, internal/external qualities of a leader and community service.
Physical Education
(1 or 2 Semester)
Grade 7-8
The basic concept of physical education is the development of the total person; physically, socially, and emotionally. This is achieved through team games, individual games, and skill development. Various activities are used to develop traits of self-confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility, and the aesthetic appreciation of grace and movement. Grading is done in three main areas: daily work, skill improvement, and written work.
Pops Choir
(Full Year)
Grade 7-8
Prerequisite: An audition and must be enrolled in a 7th or 8th grade vocal music class.
This group of 7th and 8th grade singers will perform music from different eras as well as different styles of music. The class will give the opportunity for students to sing solos, duets, as well as group pop songs. This class also focuses on independent singers with a stage presence.
Power Up
(1 or 2 Semesters)
Grade 7
Prerequisite: Administrative Approval
Targeted intervention in which students are initially tested and given a prescribed set of lessons - both online and directly taught - to improve their overall reading fluency and comprehension. Incorporates both reading and grammar together.
Strength Power and Speed (SPS)
(1 Semester)
Grade 7
Improve aspects of fitness that relates to athletic performance. This includes improving one’s strength, power, flexibility, speed, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, agility, and skill development. Reducing the risk of athletic injuries will also be emphasized. Our number one focus in middle school SPS is to create a safe environment. We will emphasize lifting technique, proper spotting technique, overall weight room etiquette, straight line running, change of direction, and explosiveness. At no time will we be maxing out (seeing how much total weight an athlete can lift) during the school year.
Strings II
(Full Year)
Grade 7
Prerequisite: Two years of experience playing a strings instrument or consent of the instructor.
This course continues to focus on developing technique and note-reading skills. More concert opportunities are given including contest. Various styles of music are introduced.
Technology Explorations I
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to explore many subjects in the content areas of technology, family and consumer science and science. Students work in a module for eight sessions, learning about a module topic using various types of technology. Some of the module topics available are: Applied Physics, Audio Broadcasting, Breakfast Nutrition, Creative Problem Solving, Electronics Engineering Bridges, Forensic Science, Interior Design, Flight Technology, Robots, Rocketry, Space and Weather.
Technology Explorations II
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
The concept behind the Technology Explorations II class is to give those students who enjoy working on their own, with guidance from computer software and the instructors, a chance to explore more module content than what they previously have. Hands-on projects, built by teams of students, will also be incorporated to enhance the problem solving skills of the students.
Mentoring
Personalized Learning Time(PLT)/Self-Directed Learning (SDL)
MMS utilizes a Self-Directed Learning (SDL) model throughout core content classes. Students will have additional work time for SDL during Personalized Learning Time (PLT) one day weekly during ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies as well as during the PLT hour on Tuesdays-Fridays. On Mondays during the PLT hour, teachers will utilize the time to conduct Second Step and Naviance lessons to their classes. A schedule will be provided for these lessons.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a defined as the weekly, one-to-one connection between a student and an assigned teacher in the school. The purpose is to have a weekly 10-minute check in, following a rigorous and customized process to assist students in setting goals, strategies, and reflection. The conversations can be generalized to assess how personal habits are helping/hindering academic, extra-curricular, and personal successes; as well as looking at where additional support may be needed to continue in the development of strong habits and meeting of academic outcomes.
Core Classes
English Language Arts (ELA)
Science 7
Social Studies 7
Mathematics
Elective Courses
Achievement Lab
Art 1 (2D Art)
Art 2 (3D Art)
Band II
Choir
Computer Applications I
Computer Applications II
Family and Consumer Science
Jazz Band
Leadworthy
Physical Education
Pops Choir
Power Up
Strength Power Speed
Strings II
Technology Explorations I
Technology Explorations II
Core Course Descriptions
English Language Arts (ELA)
This course will provide a program of study for all students in basic literacy skills based on Kansas College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy. Emphasis will be on basic literacy skills, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language.
Mathematics
Mathematics I - This math class focuses on connecting ratios and rates to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratios and rates to solve problems. Students also strengthen their understanding of multiplication and division of fractions and decimals. Students begin to develop an understanding of equations, expressions, rational numbers (which includes negative numbers), statistical thinking, and volume and surface area of prisms.
Mathematics II – Students in this course review basic operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, percents, geometry, measurement, and properties. Students are also introduced to integers, equations, and expressions. Topics presented are emphasized through problem solving. Students need to be self motivated with a good work ethic.
Pre-Algebra – Areas stressed are computations and equations involving the real number system. This is a Mastery class in which students are expected to meet mastery requirements for the district. This is a prerequisite course for Algebra. The student needs to be a good achiever and highly motivated.
Social Studies 7
Students study world geography, including the physical, cultural, and environmental aspects of the continents. A twelve-week study of Kansas provides an overview of famous people, important events, history, and geography of our state. Current events are incorporated through the use of the CNN “Newsroom” program.
Science 7
A general science class with an emphasis on life science. The major topics covered are growth and development, the structure of life, ecosystems matter and energy flow, organisms matter and energy flow, ecosystems relationships, biodiversity and humans, adaptations, and the history of life.
Elective Course Descriptions
Achievement Lab
(1 or 2 Semesters)
Grades 6-8
Prerequisite: Administration Approval
This course will offer students the opportunity to improve their academic success by providing a structured setting for homework completion, tutoring and study skills improvement.
Art 1
(1 Semester)
Grade 7
Students will study the elements and principles of design and focus on 2D media. Students will explore drawing with a grid, observational drawing, painting in acrylic and watercolor, mono printmaking and collage.
Art 2
(1 Semester)
Grade 7
Students will study the elements and principles of design and focus on 3D medias. Students will explore functional and sculptural ceramics, subtractive and additive sculpture, and fibers.
Band II
(Full Year)
Grade 7
Prerequisite: One year of experience playing a band instrument or consent of the instructor.
This class is for the band student with a minimum of one year playing experience. The course involves playing a musical instrument as part of a large group. Emphasis will be placed on playing techniques (i.e.-tone, balance, intonation, interpretation, theory and performance). Several evening performances are required for this class. Other performances will include contests, solo festivals and small ensemble opportunities. Students are responsible for securing an instrument and method book for the year. Instruments may be purchased or rented from a local music store.
Choir
(Full Year)
Grade 7
This course is designed to further develop the basic fundamentals of music gained in 6th grade. Students will learn to work in a group while developing their personal singing voice. This class is aimed toward developing student confidence and teamwork skills by facing musical challenges head on. Students will have numerous opportunities to perform through concerts and music festivals.
Computer Application I
(1 semester)
Grade 7-8
Emphasis will be placed on reviewing the proper techniques of keyboarding, the basic functions of Microsoft Word for Windows software, and production of business correspondence and documents. Students will also learn some of the fundamentals of the PowerPoint presentation software. Both programs will be useful throughout the student's school career and beyond.
Computer Application II
(1 semester)
Grade 7-8
Computer Applications II focuses on learning the advanced features of Microsoft Office and the basics of coding using code.org as a curriculum. Students will be required to complete daily assignments regarding different skills within these programs. At the end of each Microsoft unit, students will complete a unit project that measures their learning. This class will teach students computer skills that will benefit the student in the classroom and beyond.
Family and Consumer Science (FACS)
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
An in-depth exploration of the Human Services pathway. Study will be broken down into two semester courses. These courses will cover the following units of study: Unit 1: What is Family and Consumer Science; Unit 2: Careers and Exploring Careers; Unit 3: Relationships, Children, Managing Life; Unit 4: Child Development, Management, Technology & Environment; Unit 5: Clothing and Fashion; Unit 6: Housing and Interiors.
Jazz Band
(Full Year)
Grade 7-8
Prerequisite: One year of experience playing an instrument and consent of the instructor.
Jazz band is an advanced performance group for the student with at least one year of playing experience. The course involves playing a musical instrument as part of a jazz ensemble. Several evening performances are required for the class. An emphasis will be placed upon playing, listening to, and evaluating different styles of jazz music. Simultaneous enrollment in a fundamental performing ensemble is required. Students are responsible for securing an instrument for the year. All music and materials will be provided. An audition/skills test is required before enrollment.
Leadworthy
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
This course is to help develop critical, life changing skills for students. Those skills include taking personal responsibility, expressing themselves well and making good decisions when problems arise. The research based curriculum includes topics relevant to the needs of current students such as public speaking, goal setting, developing a healthy self-concept, making a good first impression, preventing bullying, self-control and empathy, public self versus private self, internal/external qualities of a leader and community service.
Physical Education
(1 or 2 Semester)
Grade 7-8
The basic concept of physical education is the development of the total person; physically, socially, and emotionally. This is achieved through team games, individual games, and skill development. Various activities are used to develop traits of self-confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility, and the aesthetic appreciation of grace and movement. Grading is done in three main areas: daily work, skill improvement, and written work.
Pops Choir
(Full Year)
Grade 7-8
Prerequisite: An audition and must be enrolled in a 7th or 8th grade vocal music class.
This group of 7th and 8th grade singers will perform music from different eras as well as different styles of music. The class will give the opportunity for students to sing solos, duets, as well as group pop songs. This class also focuses on independent singers with a stage presence.
Power Up
(1 or 2 Semesters)
Grade 7
Prerequisite: Administrative Approval
Targeted intervention in which students are initially tested and given a prescribed set of lessons - both online and directly taught - to improve their overall reading fluency and comprehension. Incorporates both reading and grammar together.
Strength Power and Speed (SPS)
(1 Semester)
Grade 7
Improve aspects of fitness that relates to athletic performance. This includes improving one’s strength, power, flexibility, speed, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, agility, and skill development. Reducing the risk of athletic injuries will also be emphasized. Our number one focus in middle school SPS is to create a safe environment. We will emphasize lifting technique, proper spotting technique, overall weight room etiquette, straight line running, change of direction, and explosiveness. At no time will we be maxing out (seeing how much total weight an athlete can lift) during the school year.
Strings II
(Full Year)
Grade 7
Prerequisite: Two years of experience playing a strings instrument or consent of the instructor.
This course continues to focus on developing technique and note-reading skills. More concert opportunities are given including contest. Various styles of music are introduced.
Technology Explorations I
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to explore many subjects in the content areas of technology, family and consumer science and science. Students work in a module for eight sessions, learning about a module topic using various types of technology. Some of the module topics available are: Applied Physics, Audio Broadcasting, Breakfast Nutrition, Creative Problem Solving, Electronics Engineering Bridges, Forensic Science, Interior Design, Flight Technology, Robots, Rocketry, Space and Weather.
Technology Explorations II
(1 Semester)
Grade 7-8
The concept behind the Technology Explorations II class is to give those students who enjoy working on their own, with guidance from computer software and the instructors, a chance to explore more module content than what they previously have. Hands-on projects, built by teams of students, will also be incorporated to enhance the problem solving skills of the students.
Mentoring
Personalized Learning Time(PLT)/Self-Directed Learning (SDL)
MMS utilizes a Self-Directed Learning (SDL) model throughout core content classes. Students will have additional work time for SDL during Personalized Learning Time (PLT) one day weekly during ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies as well as during the PLT hour on Tuesdays-Fridays. On Mondays during the PLT hour, teachers will utilize the time to conduct Second Step and Naviance lessons to their classes. A schedule will be provided for these lessons.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a defined as the weekly, one-to-one connection between a student and an assigned teacher in the school. The purpose is to have a weekly 10-minute check in, following a rigorous and customized process to assist students in setting goals, strategies, and reflection. The conversations can be generalized to assess how personal habits are helping/hindering academic, extra-curricular, and personal successes; as well as looking at where additional support may be needed to continue in the development of strong habits and meeting of academic outcomes.
