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
ELECTIVE COURSES
2008-2009
All Junior High Students in the LWSD are required to complete one semester elective in the area of The Arts and one semester elective in the area of Life Skills. Students may take these two semester electives any time during their three years at Kirkland Junior High. Classes that meet these requirements are noted in the course catalog. (*A) Arts, (*LS) Life Skills.
FINE ARTS
All courses in Kirkland Junior High's art program are organized to develop the student's skills in the following five areas: art production, visual awareness, art history, art criticism, and art appreciation. Ninth grade students may satisfy the .5 credit high school Fine Arts graduation requirement with any of the Art classes.
GENERAL ART (*A) GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
You too can be an artist!!!!! Students will complete projects with an emphasis on creativity, imagination and the elements of design. A variety of projects will expand student talents, resourcefulness, and abilities. Projects such as watercolors, pastels, drawing, cartooning, print making, collage, and multi-media will be explored. We will learn from the great artists of the past and apply that knowledge to our own work. If you want to experience a wide variety of art, this class is for you. There is a $5.00 fee for this class.
DRAWING AND PAINTING 1 (*A) GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Discover and develop the artist in you! Modeling (shading with respect to a light source) and color theory are emphasized in drawing and painting projects. Linear and atmospheric perspective techniques are also taught to create an illusion of depth in any subject matter. Proportion of facial features and rotation of the human head is explored and applied to portraits. Learn to create animals, fantasies, abstract art, architecture, and other subjects of your choice. Art history is included. Decorate your walls with your own creativity! There is a $5.00 fee for this class.
DRAWING AND PAINTING 2 (*A) GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This class is for students
POTTERY (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Discover the magic of clay!
Students will learn what this ancient and versatile material can offer an artist
both in its durability and in its beauty.
Students will use slab, press-mold, and coil construction to create
several projects including a mask, a mug, a flower vase, a picture frame and
other projects. We will also explore firing and glazing techniques.
There is a $15.00 lab fee for this course.
PERFORMING ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS
Here at KJH, we offer a variety of performing arts courses that build confidence, poise, self expression, leadership and team building skills. Our music program supports learning at all levels, from beginning to advanced musicians. Students who are interested in trying out a new instrument or pursuing their American Idol dreams may enroll in the following courses: Drum Class, Chorus, Cadet Band, and Guitar. If you are a musician who has had previous experience please read the following course descriptions to find the class that best suits you. Ninth grade students may satisfy the .5 credit high school graduation requirement (for Fine Arts) with any music course. If you have any questions about course enrollment, please contact Mrs. Darcy Morrissey dmorrissey@lwsd.org or Mr. Michael Lundquist mlundquist@lwsd.org
CADET BAND (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is appropriate for students who have previously participated in an elementary band or who would like to Start Playing a band instrument! Students of any grade level, who would like to start playing an instrument, may enroll with teacher permission. Intermediate concert music and instrumental technique will be emphasized as a means for developing the ability to think and learn, as well as to communicate and collaborate. Regular practice and concert attendance are required. If the student needs to rent an instrument from the school, a fee of $50 is required.
CONCERT BAND (*A)
GRADE 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
Members in this group should have
previously participated in the cadet band, or should be selected by director
permission. This band is limited according to instrumentation. Advanced concert
music and instrumental technique will be emphasized as a means for developing
the ability to think, learn, communicate and collaborate. Regular practice and
concert attendance are required. A fee of $50.00 is required for school provided
equipment.
JAZZ BAND (*A)
GRADES 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is a daily class that meets before school and is taken for credit. Membership in this class is by instructor permission, and is open to eighth and ninth grade saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, bass, guitar and drum set. This class does not begin meeting until after the first week of school.
DRUM CLASS (*A) GRADE 7, 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This class is open to all students, whether they are drummers who have prior experience in band or those who are interested in learning how to play drums and other instruments in the percussion section. This is available to all students with instructor permission. Any student that has band experience should take this course in order to develop skills and technique as a percussionist. Drummers will take this class instead of band, though the drum class will perform with the Cadet and Concert Bands at all Band concerts. Any student who does not have previous band experience, or who would like to start playing drums or any other percussion instrument may take this class with instructor permission. This class emphasizes the development of musicianship, drum technique, ensemble collaboration and performance, as well as learning in a fun and active atmosphere. Instruments covered in this class include: snare drum, drum set, marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, cymbals, timpani, gong, as well as varying other auxiliary instruments. This class will explore music in the following styles: Band, Jazz, Rock, African Drumming, Latin Drumming, Funk, and Classical.
ORCHESTRA (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
String players with one or more
years experience are welcome in this class. Concert music and string technique
will be emphasized as a means for developing the ability to think and learn, as
well as the ability to communicate and collaborate. Regular practice and concert
attendance are required.
GUITAR (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This
class is for the beginning guitarist. In this class, the student will learn how
to apply basic musical concepts, such as rhythm, harmony and melody, to the
guitar. At the end of this class you will be able to read and play basic chord
symbols and melodies. Students will provide their own
classical guitar for this class although a limited number of guitars are available
from the school for student loan at a fee of $25.00, (first come first serve).
ADVANCED GUITAR (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This course is designed for the Advanced guitarist. Participation in Beginning Guitar is a prerequisite for Advanced Guitar unless student can demonstrate sight reading skills and beginning theory. Teacher permission is required. Concert attendance is required. Students will provide their own acoustic guitar for this class although a limited number of guitars are available from the school for student loan at a fee of $25.00, (first come first serve).
CHORUS (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is designed for
beginning singers. The course will emphasize vocal production, beginning theory,
sight reading, and performance. Concert attendance is required.
SELECT CHOIR (*A)
GRADES 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is designed for the
advanced singer. Participation in the Chorus class is a prerequisite for Select
Choir unless student can demonstrate basic sight reading skill, beginning
theory, and vocal ability. Teacher
permission is required. Concert attendance is required.
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DRAMA (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Like to Act? Want to be a star?
This class is for students who enjoy performing in front of peers. It is
designed to help students express thoughts, feelings and ideas through various
learning experiences. Students will participate in individual and group
exercises with monologue, improvisation, story telling, skits and much more!
Ninth grade students will satisfy the .5 credit high school Fine Arts
requirement with Drama.
TECHNOLOGY
The broad goal of Business
Education/ Technology is to provide training with computer and design skills
relevant to the personal needs of the junior high student.
COMPUTER APPLICATION
SKILLS (*LS) GRADES: 7, 8,
9: (1 SEMESTER)
This introductory computer class will focus on learning how to use the computer more creatively and efficiently. The student will learn keyboarding skills and advanced techniques with all applications in the Microsoft Suite such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, and
PhotoDraw. Students will also learn research skills involving the Internet and other electronic databases, and learn how to apply such skills to their other classes. This class is a prerequisite to any advanced computer class listed below.
ADVANCED COMPUTERS
-INTRODUCTION TO WEB DESIGN (*LS)
GRADES: 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Prerequisites: Computer Application Skills or teacher approval.
This course covers a wide variety of topics to extend what was learned in the introductory computer applications class. We will cover advanced techniques in office, databases, web development, hardware, the Internet, and 3D modeling. Topics of special interest to advanced students may also be covered with approval of the instructor. This is a project-based course, with students working both individually and in groups.
MULTIMEDIA
PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES (*LS)
GRADES: 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Prerequisites: Computer Application Skills or teacher approval.
This class will focus on the independent production of audio and video projects. Students will learn digital photography and video camera techniques, editing, storyboarding, and authoring to videotape, DVD, and the Internet. Audio production will cover recording techniques, sound for video, audio editing, and authoring to a CD. Students need to be extremely self motivated and be willing to work alone and in a variety of different groups. Communication and presentation skills will be emphasized. There will be a $10.00 lab fee for this class. Materials: (not required – to be used at selected times throughout the semester: video Camera (digital or analog), digital camera, headphones, microphone, and portable tape recorder.
FLASH COURSE (*LS) GRADES:
8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Prerequisites:
Computer Application Skills or teacher approval.
This class is designed for students with a strong background in Microsoft Applications, including file structure knowledge, shortcut key commands and paperless file submissions. As a class we will explore a variety of applications of Flash. This course will differ from Multimedia classes in that there will be more individual projects to complete, very few group projects. Thus, some students that work better on their own will have opportunity and motivation to take FLASH as far as they can. Assignments for this course will include: movie projects with FLASH, web design, cross-disciplinary assignments, technical instructions, and multimedia animations. These assignments will be assessed for artistic design and informative content, as well as completing the stipulated requirements.
DIGITAL PHOTO
EDITING AND DESIGN FOR MULTIMEDIA (*LS)
GRADES 7, 8, 9 (1 SEMESTER)
Prerequisites: Computer
Application Skills or teacher approval
Students will learn the art of digital photography and digital image art. Time permitting students will also use these media types for credits in videos and images for DVD products. Students will be exploring logos, branding and current media technology for mass production as well. Students will be expected to take photos during the semester at after school activities so there will be some time outside of class as an expectation. Students can also expect to contribute to the Yearbook design as well. This geared toward enhancing abilities to use digital cameras during action photos, using the rule of thirds, lighting, and other advanced skills for photography.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Industrial Technology Education
gives students an introduction to today’s technology.
It provides an opportunity to learn the safe and proper use of hand
tools, power equipment and other instruments used in our society to plan,
develop and produce goods and services. Any Industrial Technology class taken
during the 9th grade year will satisfy .5 credit of the Occupational
Education requirement for High School graduation
WOODS I and II
(*LS)
GRADES 7, 8, 9 (1 SEMESTER)
Prerequisite:
Woods I.
This
one-semester course will teach students to work safely with wood and a variety
of power tools. Students will learn
shop safety and have the opportunity to build projects of their choice with
specific attention to design and project planning i.e. CO2 cars.
This class taken during the 9th grade year will satisfy .5
credit of the High School Occupational Education requirement for graduation.
There will be a $15.00 lab fee.
WOODS III (*LS)
Grades 8, 9 (1 SEMESTER)
Prerequisites: Woods II and Woods I.
This one-semester course will teach students to work safely with wood and a variety of power tools. Students will learn shop safety and have the opportunity to build a piece of furniture with specific attention to design and project planning. There will be a $15.00 lab fee. There is an additional charge for a piece of furniture.
WORLD LANGUAGES
World language courses offered at Kirkland Junior High are high school level classes. We follow the same curriculum and pace and use the same materials as the high school. Students who select these courses need to have a strong grasp of the English language and possess solid study skills. World language students must commit to a minimum of thirty minutes of homework a day. This work will include both written assignments and daily study. Beginning and continuing courses in French and Spanish encompasses the basic skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will develop an appreciation of other cultures through increased global awareness.
FRENCH I (*LS)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course emphasizes
pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. A study of the
culture and geography of French speaking countries is included, as well as
experiences with typical French foods and films.
Students who select
this course need to have a strong grasp of the English language and possess
solid study skills. This course meets the
requirements for high school French I. * Please note- we may not offer French
III here at KJH in the future. It will be the responsibility of the
parent/guardian to arrange transportation for their student to Lake Washington
High School, to accommodate the world language sequence their 9th
grade year.
FRENCH II (*LS)
GRADES 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is a continuation of
French I. Students
FRENCH III (*LS)
GRADES 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is a continuation of
French II. Additional emphasis is on conversation and writing. We will review
and build on grammar learned in French II. In addition, students focus on
learning new tenses and sentence patterns. Students work toward conversational
fluency in French. Students should have a grade of “C” or above in French II.
This course meets the requirements for high school French III. * Please note- we
may not offer the third year of the program here at KJH.
It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange
transportation for their student to
SPANISH I (*LS)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course emphasizes
pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. A study of the
culture and history of Spanish speaking countries is included, as well as
experiences with typical Spanish foods and films. This course meets the
requirements for high school
SPANISH II (*LS)
GRADES 8, 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is a continuation of
Spanish I. Students
SPANISH III (*LS)
GRADE 9: FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
This course is a continuation of
Spanish II. Additional emphasis is given to conversation and writing. We will
review and build on grammar learned in Spanish II. In addition, students focus
on learning new tenses and sentence patterns. Students work toward
conversational fluency in Spanish. Students should have a grade of “C” or above
in Spanish II. This course meets the requirements for high school Spanish III. *
Please note- we do not currently offer the third year of the program here at
KJH. It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange
transportation for their student to
PHYSICAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES
PEAK PERFORMANCE (*LS)
GRADES 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This class will expose students to body conditioning, weight training, proper nutrition, anatomy
and CPR. Emphasis will be put on proper use of all weight room equipment, stretching and
exercise techniques. The class will examine the life long effects and the benefits of exercise on
the heart. The class will individualize goals based on student need or activity.*
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE (*A)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This class is appropriate for dancers with or without any formal training. We will be working in
our dance studio to develop movement skills. Included will be many types of dance: ballet,
jazz, hip-hop, ballroom and even square dancing! Students will choreograph their own dance.
This is a performance class! Dance history will be introduced, as well as dance appreciation,
through watching dance performances of peers and professionals. This class is not a substitute
for the required P.E. class.*
TEAM SPORTS (*LS)
GRADES 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This class does not replace the
required P.E. class, but is intended to be taken for further development of the
required skills in soccer, speed-way, softball, flag football, basketball, team
handball, floor hockey and volleyball.*
*The required uniform includes a
KJH Physical Education T-shirt (which can be purchased from the ASB window in
the main office for $5.00 each), shorts, socks, and tennis or athletic shoes.
HEALTH / FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE (*LS) GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This course will focus on age appropriate health and wellness topics. The content within this course would follow an adapted format of the “Ten Traditional Health Topics” in conjunction with the seven health topic recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This class will also integrate many other content areas, such as English, Math and Science. Topics to be covered: Mental and Emotional Health, Growth and Development, Nutrition, Personal Health and Physical Activity, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, Communicable and Chronic Diseases, Consumer and Community Health, Environmental Health, Injury Prevention and Safety.
SPEECH AND LITERACY
SPEECH AND DEBATE (*LS)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
This class is an introduction to public speaking, speech forms (persuasive, informative, and extemporaneous), debate, and speech critique. Students will learn how to effectively argue, persuade, and inform. Speech techniques and different forms of speaking will also be introduced. Students will also learn techniques for group conflict resolution, non-verbal skills, interpersonal communication skills, and listening skills.
NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION (*LS)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Students in newspaper will be
responsible for producing the school's newspaper, The Panther Press.
They will be involved in all stages of news production: story writing,
editing, computer layout, distribution, and editorial policy. Emphasis will
be placed on First Amendment rights and the increased
responsibility and self-motivation required in newspaper
production. Students must be willing to commit to time after
school, if necessary, to make deadlines, and be committed to high-quality
writing. High grades in LA or LA
teacher recommendation are strongly encouraged.
OTHER ELECTIVES
LEADERSHIP
(*LS)
GRADES 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Choose to be a leader! This class offers students an
opportunity to learn a variety of leadership styles and communication skills.
Students will participate in different school and community groups. A key
component to this class will be community service learning activities. Students
are expected to demonstrate exemplary behavior in and out of the classroom.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS – LA / SS, TUTORIAL
GRADES 7, 8, 9; FULL YEAR (2 SEMESTERS)
Content parallels the general
education of 7th, 8th and 9th grade courses.
Students will practice oral English skills through pronunciation
activities and oral presentations.
Vocabulary and spelling words will be given in weekly grammar lessons.
Students will develop reading comprehension skills through daily silent
reading, content based books, newspapers and other literature.
The 6+1 traits and writing process is used to assist students in written
communication. Eligibility for this class is determined by teacher and
counselor.
IN CLASS – PEER
TUTOR (*LS)
GRADE 7, 8, 9: (1 SEMESTER)
Prerequisite:
Teacher signature required
Peer Tutor is a one semester class for responsible students willing to be a positive role model and assist students in their classes. Students will be placed in classes according to their academic strengths.
IN CLASS - MATH
TUTOR (*LS) Grade 8, 9: (1
SEMESTER)
Prerequisite:
Math teacher’s signature required
Math Tutoring is a one semester class that gives
students the opportunity to help other students in math by assisting in a Math
class. Open to Discovering Algebra,
Discovering Geometry and Discovering Advanced Algebra students.
Ninth grade tutors can earn an occupational credit.
If you have trouble with homework, testing, and organization, this course will help you be a more successful student. Students will learn study skills to help with testing and homework while organizing time and materials. Peer tutors will act as study partners and will model their own “secrets to success.” Take a step toward a flourishing future; learn the skills you need to succeed. Student (tutees) work with a student (tutor) who is in 8th or 9th grade, has a 3.2 GPA or better and has been recommended by a teacher to be a peer tutor. The supervising teacher monitors and instructs study skills and strategies as tutors and tutees work together on assignments and organization.
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