WORCESTER CENTRAL SCHOOL JUNIOR HIGH GRADES 7 & 8

Junior High School is a time of transition between elementary and high school. It is a time when students develop a greater awareness of their abilities, aptitudes, interests, and attitudes. The faculty and staff of Worcester Central School strive to assist students in this transition in their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. Students in 7th and 8th grade are affected by the new Regents Action Plan. The course requirements are:

               
Knowledge obtained from grades 7 & 8 is needed to pass NYS exams given in high school. Regents Competency Tests (RCT) will be phased out and replaced by Regents exams. The Preliminary Competency tests (PCT) in Reading and Writing are given in ninth grade but are based on minimum competencies learned in K-8. The RCT and Regents exams are:

RCT in Math or Math Course 1 Regents - This exam, based on competencies learned in grades K-9, is given at the end of 9th grade. The Math Course 1 Regents exam is given at the end of 9th or 10th grade and is required for students entering 9th grade in 1997.

RCT in Science - This exam is based on the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade curriculum consisting of life, physical and earth sciences. A regents exam will be required of all students entering 9th grade in 1999.

RCT in Global Studies - This exam will be given to 10th graders in June, 1989 based on the 9-10th grade social studies curriculum. A program evaluation test in social studies will be given each May to eighth graders. A regents exam in Global Studies will be required for all students entering 9th grade in 1998.

RCT in American History and Government - This exam will be given to 11th graders upon completion of the class. A regents exam in American History and Government will be required for all students entering 9th grade in 1998.

RCT in Reading and RCT in Writing - These exams are given at the end of 11th grade. A Regents exam will be required for all students entering 9th grade in 1996. JUNIOR HIGH COURSE DESCRIPTION

Art 7
1/2 year

This course is designed to: stimulate growth of esthetic awareness, develop art skills, encourage creative and critical thinking and to foster individual personal expression. The art elements, space, color, shape, line, texture, and the principles of design- balance, unity, variety, emphasis and movement, form the basic subject matter for creative projects in this course. Students are encouraged to experiment with and develop skills in the use of various art media- paint, graphics, craft materials etc. Each student is expected to complete the assigned exercises and projects. Each is planned to help students understand the basic elements and design principles of art and the relationships among them. Students are required to maintain a sketch pad.

English 7
1 year

This course is a comprehensive study of the English language, concentrating on developmental skills (spelling, grammar, vocabulary), appreciation of literature, including the basic elements of fiction and nonfiction. Study skills are stressed, reading improvement, composition practice, oral interpretation, and discussion techniques are also included.

English 8
1 year

A continuation of English 7 with more emphasis on the composition process, to include samples in a composition portfolio. Literature study is supplemented with historical novels to enhance American history material covered in Social Studies 8.

Junior High Developmental Reading
2 x per week

Students are selected on the basis of scores achieved on 6th grade PEP tests, and/or standardized tests given at the end of each year. Designed to improve reading and testing skills, to instill confidence in the students reading ability, and to monitor individual progress.

French 8
1 year

This course is the introductory portion of the Regents sequence in French based on the N.Y.S. syllabus Modern Language For Communication. It is the first half of level one of checkpoint A. Students are exposed to all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), with the emphasis on listening and speaking. Students will work with approximately half of the communication topics of the state syllabus, developing vocabulary and structures necessary to communicate in the framework of these topics. Students will also be exposed to the culture, history and civilization of the many countries of the French-speaking world.

Health 7
1/2 year

Health 7 is designed to help the student develop health concepts which are meaningful and relevant to the personal and social needs of our times. Basic skills, such as communication, goal-setting, decision-making, refusal skills and stress management are covered. Topics covered are: mental and social health, human anatomy, reproductive health, nutrition, alcohol and other drugs, communicable diseases and AIDS, personal safety and first aid, consumer health, and environmental health. It is hoped that students can make wise decisions due to increased knowledge about health issues.

Home and Career Skills 7
1/2 year

The student will analyze the decision making process and its appropriate use in the home, school, and career situations. Through learning the decision making process students will recognize that making a decision involves many factors such as values, goals, standards, and resources. The course will also focus on self-awareness and how it relates to an adolescents decisions regarding personal environment and their relationships. Emphasis is places on responsibility and the effect each persons behavior has on the whole.

Home and Career Skills 8
1/2 year

This course is designed to help students understand the process of career planning. A variety of career options will be discussed. Students investigate careers of personal interest. A career project based on students self awareness, aptitude, and personal values is required. The knowledge and skills needed to make effective decisions in real life situations related to nutrition, food preparation, money management, consumerism, and clothing management is covered. A sewing project is used to develop simple sewing skills.

Library and Information Skills 7 & 8
1 period each week

Students are required to have the equivalent of one period per week instruction in library and information skills. Library instruction is to be integrated with classroom instruction in every subject. Skills taught or reviewed include use of card catalog, Dewey Decimal system, reference books, Readers Guide, Magazine Article Summaries, and computers. All skills will be applied to various research projects.

Mathematics 7
1 year

The objectives of this course are to reinforce the basic skills and understandings achieved on the elementary level and to build upon them to achieve proficiency in pre-algebra concepts. Subject matter covered will be: computation with whole numbers; computation with decimals; computation with fractions and with mixed numbers; percentage; ratio and proportion; geometry; measurement; graphing; number theory; probability and statistics; integers; problem solving. Calculators are not used on a daily basis.

Mathematics 8
1 year

This course aims to build upon skills and understandings achieved in the 7th grade. It develops basic skills and concepts for algebra. Subject matter covered is: computation with whole numbers; computation with decimals; computation with fractions and mixed numbers; percentage; ratio and proportion; geometry, measurement, graphing; number theory; probability and statistics; integers; problem solving. Calculators are not used on a regular basis.

Music 7 (Music in Our Lives)
1/2 year

As presently offered, this course consists of a hands-on experience with a variety of folk instruments. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace to become proficient as possible during one semester for which they must take the course. This course is designed to give students, who are not otherwise musically involved, the opportunity to develop their understanding of the elements of music. They will explore different styles of music, have hands-on experiences with instruments and will be exposed to some of the techniques used in music composition. It is not intended to make superior musicians of them, but rather to help them learn and enjoy, and possibly perform, a wider range of music than would otherwise have been likely.

Physical Education 7 & 8
2x per week

The seventh and eighth grade physical education program stresses the encouragement of physical fitness and the instruction of specific knowledge and skills necessary to enjoy sport activities. The activities participated in are: soccer, flag football, speedway, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, European team handball, square dancing, badminton, softball and tennis. A physical fitness principles unit is also included.

Science 7
1 year

Science 7 is an introduction to life science. The life activities are covered in relationship to humans as well as to lower animals and plants. Science study skills are emphasized. Note taking is required and students are graded on notes. Students are expected to learn study approaches and to learn how to apply them to the biological material. Students will perform lab investigations responsibly and write up formal lab reports for them.

Science 8
1 year

Physical Science is a required course, scheduled at the eighth grade level. This course provides a background study of energy and its effects on matter. Broad areas of study include: mechanics, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, nuclear energy and the nature of matter. The course emphasizes the use of hands-on problem solving for students to apply their knowledge rather than just memorize information.

Social Studies 7
1 year

This course is the first of a two year chronologically organized history of the United States with a parallel study of New York State integrated throughout the program. Social history will be emphasized and the histories of Canada and Mexico will be included at appropriate points. Grade 7 will conclude with a study of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Social Studies 8
1 year

This course is the second of a two year chronologically organized history of the United States with a parallel study of New York State integrated throughout the program. Social history will be emphasized with great focus on the people who shaped American History and culture (the histories of Canada and Mexico will be included at appropriate points). Grade 8 will begin with a review of grade 7 and will pick up at the Civil War and progress to the present. The impacts on U.S. development of geography and environment will also be vital parts of the 8th grade course of study.

Technology 7
1/2 year

Introduction to Technology, Part I, is a course of study designed to enable seventh grade students to understand the concepts that underlie technological systems. Students will learn about the influence of technological systems on their total lifestyle, including home, school, and the world of work. The course of study is for children generally between 11 and 13 years of age. In this course, students learn about the social forces that make technology such a pervasive part of our lives. Three aspects of technology are these studies: biologically related technology, information/communication technology, and physical technology. Students participate in hands-on experiences in each area. Students further their understanding of technology as they study the ways that human beings combine the resources of technology to create technological systems. Solving technological problems and using systems theory as a tool for analysis are key thrusts in Part I. Part I ends with students learning about the human and ecological impacts of technology.

Technology 8
1/2 year

The first half of the Technology syllabus (mods T-1 to T-5), introduced students to the pervasive nature of Technology, and the ways in which various technological systems have been designed to satisfy peoples needs and wants. The second half of the Technology syllabus (mod T-6 to T-10), addresses additional generic technological concepts, focusing on technical processes, the methods that people can use to control them, technological career opportunities, and other personal and societal implications of technology. Applications of the computer related to information processing, process control and communications are integrated within student activities. The major outcome of this portion of the Technology program would be an ability for students to synthesize and apply their new technological literacy to the solution of problems through the design, development, operation, and maintenance of systems in each of the three technological categories studied in 7th grade.

ELECTIVES

Junior Band
1 year

Jr. Band is designed to offer 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to develop musical ability on an instrument and those academic skills that go along with such abilities. This course strives to develop a sense of self-discipline and working together as a group. Weekly lessons, rehearsals, and all performances are mandatory.

Junior Chorus
1 year

Jr. Chorus is open to all 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in performing in a choir. Members are required to attend all concerts, rehearsals and other engagements. Jr. Chorus is strongly recommended for students who wish to participate in Sr. High Chorus.

Junior High Computers
1/2 year

This course is an elective for 7th and 8th grade students. Its goal is to help students become proficient in the use of the computer as a tool. It will help students in keyboarding, word processing, databases, spreadsheet and graphics. Various assignments will be given that go along with assignments that they would get in other curriculum areas. A major part of the students grade will be keyboarding skills.

8th Grade Art
1 year

The major focus in 8th Grade Art will be the development of media skills through two-dimensional and three-dimensional art activities. The students will be given an opportunity to grasp the feel of art and to experience the excitement and satisfaction of individual creative expression. This course will help the students appreciate the vision, the skill and the achievement of artists through direct contact with the various forms, dimensions and media of the visual and plastic arts. Students will work with pencil, ink, scratch art paint, papier-mâché, possibly plaster, clay and a variety of other media, as time allows.
 

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