Skip To Main Content

Incoming 2024-25 kindergarten families: Early registration is OPEN and runs through May 21. Register now.

Seventh Grade Elective Options

Elective Classes: All 7th grade students will take 2.0 units of credit from the following options:

Business, Marketing, and Information Technology .25 (Quarter)

Make a connection between computer science and entrepreneurship through marketing, app building, graphic design, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, and various tech tools. You will have the opportunity to create and develop your very own business idea. This course will help ignite your future in business and computer science. 

Engineering and Industrial Technology .25 (Quarter)

This nine-week class is an introduction to the hands-on activities and careers available in the field of Industrial and Engineering Technology. This course is based around the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives.

Experiencing Broadcasting and Video Technology .25 (Quarter)

This nine-week curriculum consists of the following units of study: analysis of television viewing, the use of production equipment, the creation of projects such as news reports, interviews, and music videos. The class provides students with an opportunity to create scripts and storyboards for productions. The students perform editing work as they create titles, use the video mixer, and add sound. As part of the curriculum, students will work in groups to create a weekly news show. Students in the class should expect to come in before and after school to complete projects.

Experiencing Family & Consumer Sciences .25 (Quarter)

In this nine-week course students will experience deeper opportunities to learn about interpersonal skills, such as peer pressure, conflict resolution, and stress management. Students will also be learning about basic babysitting skills, nutrition and kitchen equipment as they prepare various snacks and meals that they can use at home. Finally, students will also experience a deeper level of sewing skills by using the sewing machine to create a pillow.

Exploring Languages and Cultures .25 (Quarter)

Exploring Languages and Cultures is a quarter course that introduces the basics of the languages and cultures of French, German,  Spanish, and Chinese speaking countries. Students will learn some basic vocabulary of all four languages, and the geography, history and cultures of France, Germany, Spain, and China. Grades will be based on their tests, quizzes, homework, in-class  activities, and daily work. This class is highly recommended for students who are planning to take a Modern Language course in eighth grade. 

Exploring Speech & Theatre .25 (Quarter)

The Speech and Drama curriculum consists of the following units of study: communication speech process, listening, outlining, speech delivery, informative speeches, pantomime, staging, analyze plays, and perform plays. The curriculum provides students  with an opportunity to practice their oral and written communication skills. The projects in the class improve listening skills, increase  creativity and critical thinking skills, improve vocal expression and promote confidence in public speaking situations. 

Medical Detectives .25 (Quarter)

In the Medical Detectives unit, students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs such as measuring and interpreting vital signs, dissecting a sheep brain, investigating disease outbreaks, and exploring how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. 

7th Grade Art .50 (Semester)

This course is for students who enjoy creating and self-expression through hands-on art activities. Students will experiment with fundamental art concepts and techniques through the exploration of a variety of art materials.  Grades are based on mastery of art concepts per the art curriculum.

7th Grade Vocal Music .50 (Semester)

PREREQUISITE: 6th Grade Vocal Music. This 7th-Grade Music course expands knowledge and skills introduced in 6th-grade Vocal Music. The basic areas of focus are ensemble singing, music literacy, music appreciation, and one required performance. Students who show a desire to continue in Music are recommended for 8th Grade Vocal Music or Select 8th Grade Choir. Purchase of concert attire is required for this class. 

7th Grade Grade Select Choir .50 (Semester)

PREREQUISITE: Teacher Recommendation/Audition Process. This 7th-Grade music course expands the fundamental skills introduced in 6th grade. The basic areas of focus are ensemble singing, part-singing, music literacy, music appreciation. Students audition during their 6th-grade year for placement in this course. This class meets in place of 7th Grade Vocal Music and meets every other day alternating with PE to ensure yearlong skill-building in Choir. The 7th-grade select choir sings at formal concerts and performs for the community. These performances are a graded component of the course. Students who show a desire to continue in music are recommended for 8th Grade Vocal Music or Select 8th Grade Choir. Purchase of concert attire is required for this class. 

7th Grade Band (Full Year)

Prerequisites: Previous playing experience in this school district or consent of teacher following an audition This band is a full-year course that continues to develop the skills and proficiencies acquired in the earlier grades. Fundamentals are stressed with much time devoted to rhythmic skills, scales, dynamic contrast, intonation, ear training, breath control, musicality, articulations and music appreciation. Public performances are required. Placement is determined by director recommendation. Purchase of concert attire/uniform is required for this class. 

String Orchestra (Full Year)

PREREQUISITES: Previous playing experience in this school district or consent of teacher following an audition String students will have the opportunity to participate in string orchestra. Music theory, music history, string orchestra literature, rhythm, chords, and melody will be studied as related to playing a string instrument. Emphasis on intonation studies, vibrato, positions, and bowing techniques will help the string student to progress to senior high. Grade requirements will be based on skill  in producing the desired sound and improvement shown when needed. Practice is essential. Several concerts will be required  during the school year. Each student should be equipped with an instrument approved by the teacher. Private lessons are helpful  but not required. Purchase of concert attire/uniform is required for these classes. 

7th Grade AVID (Full Year)

This course is an introduction to the AVID philosophy. Students will participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization & reading as well as their academic growth. Students will engage in activities centered around exploring college & career opportunities, and building self-confidence and communication skills. Students will take an active role in their learning, understanding the roles of all members in assignments & collaborative lessons. Students will also develop skills regarding note-taking in relation to studying & test preparation.

Library Assistant .50 (Semester)

The major objective of Library class is to provide students with a foundation in library skills. Time will be devoted to specialized skills needed to work in the media center. Students will become proficient with circulation processes and with using the catalog for searching. They will also help students locate materials. Grades will be based on performance of assigned duties in the media  center and completion of individual projects. Library class can be taken during either the seventh or eighth grade year, but not both years. Students may sign up during spring enrollment and may pick up an application in the media center. The librarian will  determine final placement. Students should also choose an art or music class in the event they are not chosen to work in the library. 

Office Assistant (Must have filled out application) .50 (Semester)

Office Assistant classes offer an introduction to general office procedures and management for students with no previous training. The student will be introduced to general office procedures - operation of various office machines, filing, and miscellaneous school  errands. Grades will be based on student performance and attitude toward the assigned duties in the office. Office Assistants will  meet on alternate days of the week with Physical Education. On the days students are not in Physical Education class, they will  assume office duties. Students may sign up during spring enrollment. The principal will decide final placement. Students must  also choose an art or music class in the event they are not assigned to work in the office. *Office Assistants are not available at SLMS. 

Science Laboratory Assistant (Must have filled out application) .50 (Semester)

The science laboratory assistant classes offer an introduction to general laboratory techniques and organization. These students would be responsible for setting up and taking down labs, cleaning glassware and equipment, and maintaining an organized  stockroom. Students will also design, conduct and analyze scientific investigations. Grades will be based on performance of  assigned duties, completion of individual projects and attitude toward laboratory responsibilities. Science Laboratory Assistant class can be taken during either the seventh or eighth grade year, but not both years. Students will signup during spring  enrollment and may pick up an application from any science teacher. The lead science teacher will decide final placement. Students must also choose an art or music class in the event they are not chosen to work in the science laboratory.
 

Course Descriptions

Core Curriculum: 

All 7th grade students will automatically be enrolled in these classes.

Required Electives:

All students will take these electives.

Elective Options

Students select electives that equal a total of two units of credit.