7th Grade                         8th Grade                         9th Grade                         Electives

 

 

 

 

Kirkland Junior High School Course Requirements

 

All students are required to complete the requirements shown on the following chart:

 

                                                7th                    8th                    9th                    Number of

Subject                                    Grade              Grade              Grade              Years  

 

Language Arts                        1                      1                      1                      3

Social Studies                         1                      1                      1                      3

Math                                        1                      1                      1                      3

Science                                    1                      1                      1                      3

Physical Education                 .5                     .5                     .5                     1.5

Elective                                   .5                     .5                     .5                     1.5

Elective                                   .5                     .5                     .5                     1.5

Elective                                   .5                     .5                     .5                     1.5

 

 

7th GRADE REQUIRED COURSES

2008-2009

 

SEVENTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS/ UNITED STATES HISTORY- INTEGRATED BLOCK   GRADE SEVEN: FULL YEAR (TWO SEMESTERS)

 

The purpose of the block format is not only to integrate these two disciplines, but also to infuse them with appropriate elements from the arts. Seventh grade students examine United States history beginning with a review of the Revolutionary War, emphasizing the United States Constitution, westward movement, and the Civil War along the way, and ending with Reconstruction. The social studies curriculum is supported and enriched with literary works representing a variety of genres. A minimum of four major literary studies will be completed, drawing from titles such as Fever 1793, The Outsiders, Nothing but the Truth, Streams to the River, River to the Sea, and Nightjohn. The writing process and a variety of writing forms will be taught and practiced, with special emphasis on the five-paragraph essay. To support the writing process, vocabulary, grammar, and the conventions of language are taught and reinforced throughout the year. Students will engage in individual and small group projects that will require students to practice their ethical library and Internet research skills.

NOTE: For students desiring more challenge, alternate (not additional) challenge assignments have been developed to encourage performance that exceeds general curriculum expectations. These assignments are more complex and elaborate by design, offering students the opportunity to further cultivate critical thinking and problem solving skills and to demonstrate personal and creative growth. Any student may self-select to complete one or more challenge assignments. However, to receive the challenge designation on their report cards, students must complete ALL challenge assignments at an appropriate “honors” level.

 

MATHEMATICS

 

The Kirkland Junior High math curriculum is comprised of the following courses: Connected Math 7, Safety Net 7, 8 and 9, Connected Math 8, Discovering Algebra, Discovering Geometry, and Discovering Advanced Algebra.  These courses are consistent with the Lake Washington School District adopted curriculum and align with LWSD Curriculum Frameworks document and the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements.  Math is sequential and mastery of basic skills and concepts are essential to success in the next course.  Consequently, appropriate placement is important for success and is determined by multiple measures including: previous math courses, state test scores, and teacher recommendation.

 

NOTE: All Lake Washington Junior High mathematics courses are designed to teach and assess: 1) reading and writing of mathematical materials, procedures and explanations, 2) analyzing, displaying, reading, and interpreting data sets using graphs, charts, tables, and equations, 3) responding to short answer and extended response questions using WASL-like scoring guides, 4) and using calculators appropriate for each course.

 

CONNECTED MATH 7     FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)                                                        

This course is the district adopted curriculum for 7th grade students entering Junior High School.  The next course, after Connected Math 7, in the districts common course offerings for all junior high students will be Connected Math 8.  Connected Math 7 covers the topics listed below. Students learn to recognize and generalize patterns and relationships and apply this knowledge to increasingly more difficult problems. Units will cover: An Introduction to Algebra: variables, tables, graphs and symbols as representations; Similarity: similar figures with congruence as a special case; Proportional Reasoning: rate, ratio, proportion, and percent; 3-D Measurement: surface area and volume; Integers: operations with positive and negative numbers; Linear Relationships: expressed in words, tables, graphs and equations; Probability: expected value. Daily homework (up to 30 minutes) reinforces classroom lessons on concepts through review, skill practice, and projects demonstrating practical applications of math.  Differentiated assignments will be offered to “challenge” those students that are motivated to self-select more rigorous assignments. Each student needs to have their own scientific calculator (TI-30)

 

SAFETY NET 7 (Connected Math 7)  FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)

Placement: Students will be placed in this course based on WASL test scores. This course uses the district’s adopted curriculum materials of Connected Math 7 but may supplement using other materials as needed to meet student needs.  This course is designed to develop mathematical skills to a proficient level for students who have experienced difficulty grasping mathematical concepts.   This course will build upon skills in whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, measurement, probability and statistics.  The next course, after Connected Math 7, in the districts common course offerings for all junior high students will be Connected Math 8. Each student needs to have their own scientific calculator (TI-30)

 

 

 

 

 

DISCOVERING ALGEBRA    FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)                                                 

Prerequisites: At grade seven, placement in this course is based on an acceptable score on the Algebra Aptitude test, currently available WASL score, and teacher recommendation. Discovering Algebra provides a practical blend of technology-related and paper-and-pencil problem solving tools. Explorations and investigations emphasize symbol sense, algebraic manipulations, and conceptual understandings. Students make sense of important algebraic concepts, learn essential algebraic skills, and discover how to use algebra.  This course allows students to experience algebra as an activity and a process that encourages the use of multiple representations—numerical, graphic, symbolic, and verbal.  Topics in this course include: Graphing, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Functions, Exponents, Data Analysis, Proportional Reasoning, Probability, Systems of Equations and Inequalities.  This class requires proficiency, commitment, responsibility, and self-discipline.  Students should plan for up to thirty minutes of homework each day as well as scheduled time for special projects.   Each student is expected to have his/her own scientific calculator but will be best served if they have access to a TI-84 at home.

 

                                          SCIENCE

 

7th GRADE INTEGRATED SCIENCE I    FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)

This inquiry-modular-based science course builds on Physical, Earth and Life Science concepts and processes introduced in grades K-6.  Physical, Earth and Life Science are investigated with increasing depth where students plan and conduct their own procedures, devise their own data tables, analyze and communicate results they obtain. The Physical Science module, Energy, Machines and Motion, students investigate energy and the different forms it can take, how forces do work to change energy, how machines reduce the effort needed to do work, and how forces change the motion of objects. The Earth Science module, Catastrophic Events, allows students to experience phenomena, develop a better understanding of the causes and effects of natural events and how these events help shape our world. The Life Science module, Population and Ecosystems, introduces students to ecology where students research, analyze and investigate ecosystem interactions and food webs.  Students explore factors that limit population size, learn genetic mechanisms that determine traits of individuals in a population.

The process skills emphasized include measurement, lab safety procedures, experimental design, and data gathering. Through hands-on lab activities, class discussion, individual and group projects and activities, students investigate science topics relevant to their own lives within and build understandings for the Washington State Science Essential Academic Learning Requirements.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is designed to promote a level of fitness and appreciation for our physical potential. Physical Education classes are designed on a co-ed basis with activities taught in three-week units. At some time during the three years, each student will be exposed to as many sports and activities as we can possibly provide.

 



 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

GRADE 7: HALF YEAR (1 SEMESTER)

Physical Education is a one semester class in which effort, positive attitude, sportsmanship, and cooperation are taught through participation in team and individual sports. Each student’s grade will reflect his/her ability to meet specific individual goals and corresponding point values.  This method of evaluation allows each student to have control of his/her grade regardless of physical ability. Activities during the semester include: Softball, Floor Hockey, Track/Field, Basketball, Badminton, Speed-a-way, Table Tennis, and Body Conditioning. In Physical Education, students are required to dress appropriately and participate in class each day. The required uniform includes a KJH Physical Education T-shirt (which can be purchased in the main office for $5.00 each), shorts, socks, and tennis or athletic shoes. The school provides a combination lock and basket to secure clothing. All personal belongings should be clearly marked for identification. Special athletic equipment is provided by the school.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

In order to sign up for Special Education courses a student must currently be on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and be identified with a learning disability or handicapping condition in any of the following areas- Language Arts, Reading, Written Language, and or Math.  These courses will follow the general education curriculum with modifications and adaptations.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION LANGUAGE ARTS /READING

Grade 7, 8, 9: Full Year (2 SEMESTERS)

*FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY ON AN IEP*

Prerequisite:  Must be on an IEP, and identified with a learning disability or handicapping condition in the area of reading and written language. The course will follow the general education curriculum with modifications and adaptations. The class uses various programs that aid in increasing vocabulary, comprehension, and reading fluency. In addition, this course takes students through the writing process using the six traits of writing. Students will focus on the organization and conventions of their writing.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION WRITING / READING

Grade 7, 8, 9: Full Year (2 SEMESTERS)

*FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY ON AN IEP*

Prerequisite:  Must be on an IEP, and identified with a learning disability or handicapping condition in the area of organization and written language. Using the step -up- to writing approach, the class will analyze writing tasks, break these into small steps, teach the steps one at a time, and provide practice to become proficient writers.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION MATH

Grade 7, 8, 9: Full Year (2 SEMESTERS)

*FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY ON AN IEP*

Prerequisite:  Must be on an IEP, and identified with a learning disability or handicapping condition in the area of Math. The curriculum focuses on fundamental calculation reasoning and includes problem solving concepts, skills and strategies.

 

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