Driscoll Middle School

DRISCOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL

7th GRADE COURSE INFORMATION

2006-2007

A student will be able to pick from the following options when he/she is choosing electives.

Any student involved in and committed to a U.I.L. Band, Choir, or Orchestra

class may sign up for Spanish or German in lieu of P.E.

Option 1	One full year elective with one full year of P.E
Option 2	Two semester electives with one full year of P.E.
Option 3	One full year elective with one semester elective and a half year with P.E.
Option 4	Band, Choir, or Orchestra with Spanish or German, and no P.E.

NOTE: Students who do not demonstrate mastery of the Math Texas Assessment of Knowledge and skills (TAKS) may be placed in an academic support course. This course will be taken in place of the elective.

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

FULL YEAR COURSES

ENGLISH 7 Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)	English Pre-AP is a rigorous college preparatory course based on a set of content-specific strategies designed to introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods that prepare students for success when they take Advanced Placement and other challenging courses in high school. Added to this specialized curriculum (Advanced Course of Study) are advanced grammar and logic, including – but not limited to – inference and generalization; literature of various genres, periods, and cultures; multi-paragraph essays for a variety of purposes and audiences; oral presentations and listening skills; study skills; and research involving documentation. A key component of the course is the Junior Great Books Program, which promotes Shared Inquiry discussions of both literature and nonfiction with multiple levels of meaning. English 7 Pre-AP is designed for students interested in developing advanced language arts skills.

MATH 7 Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) Algebra	This course emphasizes pre-algebra skills and concepts such as variables, writing and solving equations, and problem solving. The full range of topics needed for the successful study of pre-algebra in seventh grade is covered in this course. To be successful in this course, students must have a firm foundation in the operations of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.

ADVANCED BAND	Advanced band placement in one of the three performing bands will be determined by ability. The directors, based on auditions and past performance, will decide placement. Instruction will be geared to improve the individual’s playing proficiency through the performance of various types and styles of music in many different settings. The bands will always strive for the highest quality performance. Students will provide their own instruments although the district does provide certain high-cost instruments.

BEGINNING BAND	Beginning band classes, although mainly a 6^th grade elective, are offered to 7^th grade students. No previous musical experience or instruction is required for participation in beginning band. The class concentrates on the mastery of fundamentals that will serve as the foundation for participation in the advanced bands at Driscoll. The directors approve the choice of instrument after considering the student’s preference, physical characteristics, and need for the instrument in the band. A thorough orientation of all the instruments and a trial attempt on the part of the student to produce a sound precedes the granting of the instructor’s approval. Enrollment will be limited in some of the more popular instrument classes. The school district provides larger, high cost instruments, such as oboe, bassoon, French horn, baritone, and tuba. The individual must provide other instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. There are many options available in regard to purchase or rental of smaller instruments.

Girls’ Choir –7	The 7^th Grade Girls’ choir is a non-auditioned choir open to any interested 7^th grade girl who would like to sing. Skills in music theory, vocal technique, ensemble singing and sight-reading are stressed. All styles of music are performed including sacred, secular, and choreographed selection in concert programs. Opportunities for personal achievement are encouraged with participation in the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest and TMEA Region 12 Honor Choir activities. Group achievement is stressed in Concert and UIL Contest activities.

BOYS CHOIR - 7	The Driscoll Boys’ Choir is a non-auditioned choir open to any interested 7^th or 8^th grade boy. Male choir members are considered vocal athletes who train and develop their singing skills whether or not a “voice change” has begun. Skills in music theory, vocal technique, ensemble singing and sight-reading are stressed. All styles of music are performed including sacred, secular, and choreographed selection in concert programs. Opportunities for personal achievement are encouraged with participation in the NEISD Solo and Ensemble contest and TMEA Region 12 Honor Choir activities. Group achievement is stressed in Concert and UIL Contest activities and by joining the Mixed Choir (boys and girls) who meet either before or after school for additional ensemble experience. Required uniforms are rented for the year. Attendance at four evening concerts and some after school rehearsals are also required. At the end of the year, students are encouraged to join the 8^th grade choir; recommendations are given.

Orchestra I - (Beginning Orchestra)	Students may choose to play one of the following string instruments: violin, viola, cello, or string bass. This class provides students with the opportunity to begin their musical experience; no previous musical experience is necessary. Students will learn the fundamental skills of playing a string instrument as well as learn to read music. This orchestra class performs in several concerts throughout the year and members have the opportunity to also participate in the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest.

ADVANCED Orchestra II	Advanced Orchestra placement in one of the three performing orchestras will be determined by ability. The director, based on auditions and past performance, will decide placement. Classes will focus on higher level of performance and ensemble techniques, while working on a variety of music and musical styles. All members will have the opportunity to participate in several extra-curricular musical activities, such as Region Orchestra, UIL Orchestra Contest, and the NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest.

SPANISH IA or GERMAN IA	Spanish IA or German IA are seventh grade classes, which prepare students for Spanish IB in the eighth grade. Emphasis will be placed on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills for the target language, as well as related inter-cultural awareness. Intensive study is required. Students who successfully complete both classes, Spanish IA and IB or German IA and IB, will earn a high school credit. Those students will also be prepared for Spanish II or German II in high school

ART	Seventh grade art defines a variety of concepts directly related to the art elements and principles through the Exploring and Understanding Art textbook and experiences with media and tools in design, drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture, fiber-art, photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated art; analyzes technological, historical, and cultural influences on artwork; and evaluates artwork through discussion and critique.

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

ONE SEMESTER COURSES

Exploratory Home Economics (Foods)	This exploratory home economics course offers students the opportunity to explore many things about themselves, discover the importance of family relationships, and learn some tips for planning for the future. Emphasis is on communicating and getting along with others, accepting responsibility, becoming aware of resources, making decisions, caring for children, staying healthy, personal appearance, managing time, and possible career choices. Through meal planning and learning to use recipes to prepare food, students will learn to: measure, mix, cook, and serve food with special emphasis on good nutrition to maintain well ness and healthy lifestyle.

Exploratory Home Economics (CLOTHING0	The exploratory home economics course offers students the opportunity to learn how to have a neat, attractive appearance, develop good grooming skills, select and care for clothing, and learn the basics of planning a clothing budget. They will be introduced to beginning techniques of clothing construction and have the opportunity to use sewing machines and other equipment to make something they can wear. Also included are some activities that focus on selecting and maintaining a pleasant and comfortable home, child development and baby-sitting. Students may be asked to provide some supplies for “take home” projects.

Exploring Manufacturing Technology	This is an exploratory course designed to investigate the types of activities performed in the construction industry. Through laboratory experiences, students explore the skills and technologies of this industry. Content includes the application of technology; the design of products and services; emerging and innovative technologies; safety and maintenance of technology; codes, laws, and standards; marketing; and technology-related career explorations. Activities may include designing and drafting, manufacturing parts, using tools and machines, and planning a manufacturing project.

Exploring CONSTRUCTION	This is an exploratory course designed to investigate the types of activities performed in the construction industry. Through laboratory experiences, students explore the skills and technologies of this industry. Content includes the application of technology; the design of products and services; emerging and innovative technologies; safety and maintenance of technology; codes, laws, and standards; marketing; and technology-related career explorations. Activities may include building models of buildings, using construction tools and machines, and designing and building simple structures.

ART	Seventh grade art defines a variety of concepts directly related to the art elements and principles through the Exploring and Understanding Art textbook and experiences with media and tools in design, drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture, fiber-art, photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated art; analyzes technological, historical and cultural influences on artwork; and evaluates artwork through discussion and critique.

SPEECH COMMUNICATIONS	This class offers the student an exciting opportunity to develop better communication skills with others and in front of an audience. Activities include radio and television news casting, informative and persuasive speaking, oral interpretation, Reader’s Theater, and a unit of play productions. Students are encouraged to participate in Speech and Theater Festivals and school entertainment programs.

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