Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves
7th Grade Program of Studies

Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves

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Required and Elective Courses for 7th Grade Students
Timberstone offers a 7 period day, plus a 25 minute A+ class at the end of the day.  Listed below are the five required courses, as well as the full list of electives offered to 7th grade students. Students may select two electives from the options below. Please note that some students are recommended for certain electives based upon their individual needs. 	

Required 7th Grade Courses	Elective Options	
1.	English/Honors English
2.	Math I,  II/ Honors Math
3.	Science/ Honors Science
4.	Social Studies/Honors Social Studies
5.	7th Grade Rotation
1.	Information Technology (1 Quarter)
2.	STEM Applications (1 Quarter) 
3.	Integrated Health & PE (2 Quarters)	•	Recommended Reading 7 (May be required)
•	Interactive Reading
•	Exploratory Spanish/French/Art/Music
(1 Quarter of each)
•	Band 
•	Choir
•	Orchestra

The Timberstone “I Will Pledge”
I will not tease, harm or threaten others
I will not start or spread rumors
I will treat others the way I want to be treated
I will look for the good in other people
I will not do what is popular, but what is right

	

Timberstone Junior High Course Descriptions	
ENGLISH 7
English is a comprehensive course of study. Students focus on and read grade and ability level texts-both contemporary and classic-in a range of genres.   Students follow the writing process steps to produce arguments, informational texts, and narratives. They work to ensure that development, organization and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Vocabulary, grammar, and research lessons are included in reading and writing instruction. Speaking and listening skills are also addressed to ensure that students are working towards college and career readiness. Students may use technology to publish their work.

HONORS ENGLISH 7
(Teacher recommendation required)
Honors English is a comprehensive course of study. This class offers depth, complexity, variety, and accelerated pacing appropriate to advanced learners. Students develop skills in analysis, interpretation, oral communication, vocabulary, and research.  In addition, students read classic and contemporary literature and challenging informational texts in a range of genres. Deeper analysis is required during the writing process as students produce arguments, informational texts, and narratives with enhanced complexity--all while still ensuring task, purpose, and audience. Students use technology to publish their work.

MATH 7 I and II                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The curriculum is organized around mathematical “big ideas”. Clusters of important, related mathematical concepts, processes, ways of thinking, skills, and problems solving strategies are studied with the development of deep understanding as the goal.  Instruction emphasizes inquiry and discovery of mathematical ideas through investigation of rich problem situations. This year’s units develop understanding of: number systems, ratio and proportions, geometry, probability and statistics, linear functions and symbolic relationships.  
HONORS Math 7
(Teacher recommendation required)
The curriculum emphasizes significant connections among various mathematical topics.  Connections between mathematical ideas and “real world” problems offer students opportunities to apply their skills and revisit prior concepts.  Students grow in their abilities to engage in mathematical discourse and to reason effectively with classmates.  Students are expected to be able to develop strategies and have insightful conversations of inquiry to discover mathematical ideas through the investigation of rich problem situations.  Student materials are organized into units, each of which focuses on a core set of important, related mathematical ideas.  This year’s units develop understanding of: number systems, ratio and proportions, geometry, probability and statistics, linear functions and symbolic relationships.  7th grade Math Honors is a prerequisite for 8th grade Honors Algebra placement and is designed for students with strong basic math skills and exceptional abstract thinking skills.
SCIENCE 7                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The seventh grade science course is aligned to Ohio's revised Academic Content Standards emphasizing the grade band theme, Order and Organization. This curriculum focuses on helping students use scientific inquiry to discover patterns, trends, and relationships that are related to the studies of earth, space, physical, and life sciences. Students will explore the topics of: Cycles and Patterns of the Earth and Moon; Conservation of Mass and Energy; and Cycles of Matter and Flow of Energy. Emphasis on laboratory safety and scientific processes such as conducting scientific investigations, developing laboratory measurement skills, analyzing and interpreting data, and thinking logically and critically are woven throughout these areas of focus. 

HONORS SCIENCE 7
(Teacher recommendation required)
Honors Science 7 offers a 7th grade science curriculum with depth, complexity, variety, and accelerated pacing appropriate to advanced learners. The curriculum focuses on helping students use scientific inquiry to discover patterns, trends, and relationships that are related to the studies of earth, space, physical, and life sciences. Students will explore the topics of: Cycles and Patterns of the Earth and Moon; Conservation of Mass and Energy; and Cycles of Matter and Flow of Energy. Emphasis on laboratory safety and scientific processes such as conducting scientific investigations, developing laboratory measurement skills, analyzing and interpreting data, and thinking logically and critically are woven throughout these areas of focus. 
SOCIAL STUDIES 7	
This course covers several areas of world history.  Emphasis is placed on understanding ancient historical events and the culture of the civilizations being studied throughout the year.  Students will develop an awareness of how civilizations functioned, flourished, and eventually declined, as well as become aware of the contributions these ancient people have given to the development of Western Civilization.  The units covered will expose students to a variety of cultural experiences and knowledge from ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, and global exploration. 

HONORS SOCIAL STUDIES 7                                                                                                                                                                                                    (Teacher recommendation required)                                                                                                                                                                               Honors Social Studies 7 is designed for the advanced and/or gifted 7th grade student who has a strong interest in the field of World History and plans to pursue Honors and/or AP social studies courses in high school. Student collaboration utilizing developmentally appropriate inquiry-based learning, problem solving, project-based learning, lectures, discussions, and debates, Honors Social Studies 7 provides areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. Honors Social Studies 7 utilizes a number of informational sources, both print and digital, to illustrate the aftermath of events ranging the Eastern Hemisphere ranging from topics of the ancient empires (Greek, Roman, Islamic, Chinese, and Japanese), the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and global exploration. An in-depth study of primary sources will capture the geographic reasons for the movement of people, products and ideas, political implications, and the economic effects of the empires/regions of the ancient civilizations in preparation for the rigor of Honors World Studies. 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 7 (1 Quarter)                                                                                                                                                                                           In this course students will learn Microsoft Word and Google tips and tricks to enhance word processing skills; graphics, borders, tables, as well as other tools to be incorporated. MLA style formatted documents will reinforce Language Arts skills. Students will create professional PowerPoint and Google slide show presentations incorporating sound, transition, and animation. Students will learn the basics of spreadsheets and develop good search techniques for the internet. In addition students will be working in Google Documents and files, as well. The class will lay the foundations and get a more detailed look at coding and the steps for creating in addition to different styles of coding.
STEM 7 (1 Quarter)                                                                                                                                                                                                               Students will have the opportunity to explore various STEM topics and career fields related to STEM in a lab based environment. Topics include computer aided design, 3D printing, Alternative energy, Electricity, Robotics, and others.
INTEGRATED HEALTH and PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7 (2 Quarters)                                                                                                                                          This course will result in a combined Health and PE grade. Students will experience an integrated course of PE and Health.  Emotional and mental health, living a drug free life, and improving healthy behaviors will be explored.  Shorts, a T-shirt, tennis shoes and socks are required.  Sweat suits may be worn on cooler days.  Emphasis is placed on fitness, skills, and team sports.  Areas covered include physical fitness, soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, and track and field.  Grading for PE. is based on dress, participation, and effort. Students physically unable to participate in physical education should have a letter from their doctor explaining their limitations.
RECOMMENDED READING 7 (Full year, May be required) 
Interactive Reading addresses key concepts in reading literature and informational text. Students read narratives including short stories and novels. They read informational texts including magazine and newspaper articles. Students learn and practice reading skills to improve their overall fluency and comprehension. Test taking techniques help students to prepare for assessments. This class best supports students who need additional reading assistance.

ELECTIVES:
EXPLORATORY ROTATION (A rotation of Art, Music, French and Spanish as listed below)
ART 7 (1 Quarter)
Seventh grade art is all about color!  We will look at various artists as inspiration. Students will refine their
drawing skills by using contour line and one point perspective. They will delve into color theory while creating with clay, paint, paper-
mache, oil pastel, marker, and colored pencil. In class participation, projects, and proper studio conduct are the basis for grading.
GERNERAL MUSIC 7 (1 Quarter)
This course is designed to introduce students to the development of Western art music beginning with the Medieval period and extending through the Contemporary period. Students will explore history, participate in group work projects, and make connections to the music they love to listen to today.

EXPLORATORY FRENCH & SPANISH (1 Quarter of each)
Exploratory French and Spanish are nine week courses offered to 7th grade students to introduce them to the various aspects of world languages.  Basic pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and conversation are covered.  Values and life-styles of the people of the French and Spanish speaking world are also introduced.
INTERACTIVE READING 7 
This class, for the reading enthusiast, is reading intensive.  You will read fiction, non-fiction, dramas and more.   In high school prep reading, we are encouraging you to continue your passion for books.  Assessments will include discussions, text evaluation/analysis, projects, and presentations.  If you love reading, you’ll love this class!

BAND 7
This ensemble meets daily throughout the year. Rehearsals center around continued musicianship learned in 6th grade, incorporation of solo/small ensemble work, and preparation for various performances. Evaluation of progress is based upon participation, playing tests, and improvement of performance skills demonstrated by the student throughout the grading periods. Attendance at performances is required. Prerequisite is enrollment in 6th grade band or approval of the director.
CHOIR (7th and 8th Grade)
The Timberstone Choir meets daily throughout the year. Students will spend rehearsals developing their singing voice, learning how to read choral music, and preparation for various performances. Students will sing music from a variety of cultures, languages, and time periods. Evaluation of progress is based upon participation, singing tests, and improvement of performance skills demonstrated by the student throughout the grading periods. Attendance at performances is required.

ORCHESTRA 7
Rehearsal fundamentals, scales, rhythms, positions, and vibrato are taught to prepare junior high students for the high school orchestras.  A variety of music is performed ranging from pop to the classics.  Concerts are performed throughout the year.  Attendance at performances are required.  Prerequisite is enrollment in 6th grade orchestra or approval of the director. 	

	

Timberstone Junior High Schedule Change Policy	
Many factors are taken into consideration when planning class schedules to create a successful school experience for students. Students should be careful in their initial course selections and adhere to these choices. Changes in schedules can cause many difficulties for the individual student as well as for the master schedule. However, occasionally a change in an individual student’s schedule may become necessary. For a parent-approved schedule change to be considered, you should see your counselor prior to the closing of the current school year or set an appointment for the month of August. Space availability and appropriate balancing of classes may impact these requests. Requests for specific teachers will not be honored.