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Gilson JH Academic Classes:

7/8 Academic Support This class is designed to support the students' classes through tutoring and study skills development. Students bring their assignments and other schoolwork to this class for support.

7/8 Algebra I This course is to prepare students to continue their studies in mathematics (Geometry and Algebra II) to help students to organize their thoughts to solve mathematical problems that everyone needs from day to day. Emphasis is on problem solving and applications.

7/8 Basic Math This class encompasses the contents of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimal fractions, and common fractions. However, the lessons go beyond the topics of arithmetic to include foundational topics of geometry, measurement, algebra, number, and scale/graph reading. Ratios, proportions, and percents are also included.

7/8 Geometry This course includes the development of Euclidean Geometry as a formal theory. Congruence, similarity, Pythagorean Theorem, circles and arc-angle relationships, constructions, and introduction to coordinate geometry will be studied.

7/8 Intermediate Math This class encompasses the contents of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimal numbers. The lessons extend these topics to fractional word problems, prime factorization, ratio, proportions, rates, scientific notation, and percents. Rules for solving simple algebraic equations, perimeter and area of various polygons are also introduced.

7/8 Intro to Algebra This class is designed to provide guidance for a full year of practice in the fundamentals of arithmetic, while basic abstractions of beginning algebra are introduced. The following is emphasized: reading numbers written in numerical form and translating numbers in numerical form to word form, conceptualization of area, volume, and perimeter, problems dealing with percents and fractional parts of numbers, simple concepts in algebra including equations, ratios, and proportions, integral exponents and roots, combinations of negative and positive numbers.

7/8 Math Lab This class is designed for the student that is well below average in mathematical ability. It encompasses the contents of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, decimal fractions and common fractions. However, the lessons go beyond the topics of arithmetic to include foundational topics of geometry, measurement, number, and scale/graph reading. Ratios, proportions, and percents are also included.

7th Geography World Geography is designed to build upon geographic concepts and skills acquired at earlier grade levels. This course will help students discern the global patterns of physical and political characteristics such as earth- sun relationships, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, landforms, climate, population, transportation, communication, economic linkages, and political boundaries. Regions selected for study will include case studies from each continent. These studies should be set in their regional context and exemplify important geographic concepts or problems. This course is intended as a basis for the subsequent social studies requirements in junior and senior high school.

7th Language Arts Students learn the art of writing through the use of interesting topics and genres. Grammar, mechanics, sentence structure, and usage are taught within the context of the writing whenever possible. Types of writing include short stories, essays, poems, reports, and one large I-search paper complete with note cards and documentation. 7th Life Science This course is a study of life forms. The students study the five kingdoms: monerans, protists, fungi, plants and animals. The human body's various systems and heredity are studied. We also include man's interaction with his environment including ecology, biomes, pollution, and land charges. We concentrate on collection, observation, and the use of the scientific method to classify and study life.

7th Physical Education Fitness unit that teaches cardio respiratory performance, internal training, aerobic movement, improving body tone, weight training, isometrics and flexibility. Fitness tests will be given three times throughout the school year. Major units taught are: badminton, basketball, dance, flag football, soccer, softball, swimming, whiffle ball, cross-country skiing, and volleyball. Minor units taught are: bowling, floor hockey, jumping rope or fencing, pickleball, speedball, team handball, ultimate frisbee and various other recreational games.

7th Reading These courses are designed to increase reading interest and ability among 7th graders by developing skills in the following areas: Vocabulary, spelling, viewing, library, writing, reading variety, fluency, and comprehension. This is accomplished by introducing students to different types of literature and text, a variety of authors, writing journals, book reports, video presentations and weekly testing in vocabulary, spelling, and reading fluency.

8th Earth Science This is an introductory course in earth and space sciences. Students will become familiar with the scientific process through readings and lab activities and will develop scientific reasoning skills. Students will explore earth history, earth composition, and forces acting to change the earth's surface, the oceans, the atmosphere and earth's relationship to its neighbors in space. Study of the earth will include factors that make the planet inhabitable and past, present, and future consideration of earth's resources.

8th Language Arts This course reviews basic grammar structures and parts of speech. The student improves writing skills through creative writing, narratives and practical situations. During the second semester the student will research a topic, write a documented term paper on the topic, and present an oral interpretation of that paper.

8th Physical Education The 8th grade course consists of the same activities (see 7th grade) with the addition of a weight-training course. The 8th grade will also do activities in the personal fitness program" Looking Good Feeling Good" which includes fitness activities and videos.

8th Reading These courses are designed to increase reading interest and ability among 8th graders by developing skills in the following areas: Vocabulary, spelling, viewing, library, writing, reading variety, fluency and comprehension. This is accomplished by: Introducing students to different types of literature and text, a variety of authors, writing journals, book reports, video presentations, and weekly testing in vocabulary, spelling and reading fluency.

8th U.S. History-Civics Building on the district fifth grade curriculum of early U.S. history, this course will provide a general overview of the United States' history with an emphasis on the 20th century. Significant events, critical movements and people of various backgrounds that made up the American culture will be introduced. The course will help students gain a greater understanding of the United States and its role in the world today. By studying the political, social, and economic dimensions of the United States' history, the students should begin to make links between the past and the present. When appropriate, studies incorporating geography will be used as well. As an introduction to basic civic responsibility this course will introduce the students to the principles of American government and the source of these principles, the Constitution. The student will learn basic government terminology, understand the basic organization of our government, and explain his/her understanding of the responsibilities and rights as a citizen.

7th-8th Art This one semester course is designed to provide students with a basic review of art mediums and techniques. Upon completion students should have a better understanding and appreciation for visual art and therefore make more valid decisions about their future in art.

8th Grade Computer Applications This one-quarter course will reinforce correct keyboarding techniques and will, as its primary objective, teach students the fundamentals of word processing using Microsoft Works on both the IBM and Macintosh systems.

7/8 JH Band This course is intermediate training through group (and some individualized) instruction. It will acquaint students with the skill of contributing to large group musical workings through preparation of band literature of various styles. Students increase individual concepts of tone control, nomenclature and musical awareness with required performances that include major concerts, solo and ensemble concerts.
7/8 JH Choir Junior high choir is a performance-based class, developing good group choral skills, and teaches the basic mechanics of proper vocalization. The primary focus is on intonation, enunciation, part work, and showmanship. The class is used as a foundation for practical application in solo work, duets, and small ensembles.

7th Keyboarding/Study Skills Students in this class will complete units on alphabetic and numeric keyboarding. Emphasis will be on technique and proper form. Students will work also on accuracy and speed building. This course is part of the seventh grade rotation. Students will complete this study on IBM computers. This class is designed to include skills useful in the study of almost every subject. These skills are study skills, learning skills and processing skills. They are processes that help students organize and direct the effort they invest in learning; and their use results in students becoming more effective and efficient learners who are more in charge of their own learning.

Academic Assistance The class is designed to support the students' classes through tutoring and study skills development. Students bring their assignments and other schoolwork to this class for support. Students will also work on advancing toward mastery of their personal individual education plans.

Journalism In journalism, 7th and 8th grade students are responsible for creating a student newspaper and the Junior High yearbook. The focus is on writing skills, use of technology, and desktop publishing skills.

7th Woods Students will construct eight to ten small projects using hand and power tools. Students will demonstrate a knowledge of measurements, squaring, varnish, oil and paint finishes, sand paper grit and identifying soft and hard woods. This course is designed to give students exploratory ideas related to technology.

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