7th Grade

The seventh grade course of study will enable students to experience an appreciation for the humanities; i.e., music, painting, sculpture, literature, architecture, archeology, law, philosophy and ethics.  Student centered simulation activities are incorporated to help students understand the connection between the ancient world and their own life experiences.  A variety of historical literature is used to augment the study of History, and serves to support literacy across the curriculum.

8th Grade

The eighth grade study of American History is aligned to the California content standards and will begin with an introduction of the ideas, issues and events resulting in the founding of the United States.  A variety of teaching methodology and differentiated instruction will be used to explore our nation’s history including; the American Revolution, The Constitution, Manifest Destiny, The Civil War and Reconstruction, and The Rise of Industrial America.  A variety of historical literature is used to augment the study of American history.

Math 1

The fundamental purpose of Math 1 is to formalize and extend mathematics learned in Math 7/8. This course includes standards from the conceptual categories of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Math 1 content standards provide students the opportunity to experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

The fundamental purpose of Math 1 is to formalize and extend mathematics learned in Math 7/8. This course includes standards from the conceptual categories of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Math 1 content standards provide students the opportunity to experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

This course will also provide students the opportunity to use the learned standards and practices to develop an appreciation for mathematics as it applies to their lives. Math 1 will give students the foundation for success in high school and college classes.

Math 7

Math 7 is based on the California Common Core State Standards and Standards for Mathematical Practice. Math 7 blends the discovery of concepts with direct instruction. Emphasis in Math 7 will support three major principles:

• Focus: Instruction is focused on grade level standards.
• Coherence: Instruction will build on concepts learned in previous grades.
• Rigor: Instruction will encourage students to think critically, creatively, and more flexibly.

This course will provide students the opportunity to use the learned standards and practices to develop an appreciation for mathematics as it applies to their lives. Math 7 will also give students the foundation for success in high school and college classes.

Math 7 focuses on ratio, proportional relationships, the number system, expressions, equations, geometry, statistics, and probabilities.

Students will:

• Analyze proportional relationships
• Perform rational number operations
• Generate equivalent expressions
• Solve problems using linear equations and inequalities
• Understand geometric relationships
• Solve problems involving angles, surface area, and volume 

Math 7/8

Math 7/8 is an accelerated math course based on the entire seventh grade California Common Core State Standards and approximately the first half of the eighth grade California Common Core State Standards. The Standards for Mathematical Practice will also be emphasized. Math 7/8 blends the discovery of concepts with direct instruction. Emphasis in Math 7/8 will support three major principles:

• Focus: Instruction is focused on grade level standards.
• Coherence: Instruction will build on concepts learned in previous grades.
• Rigor: Instruction will encourage students to think critically, creatively, and more flexibly.

This course will provide students the opportunity to use the learned standards and practices to develop an appreciation for mathematics as it applies to their lives. Math 7/8 will also give students the foundation for success in high school and college classes.

Math 8

Math 8 is based on the California Common Core State Standards and Standards for Mathematical Practice. Math 8 blends the discovery of concepts with direct instruction. Emphasis in Math 8 will support three major principles:

• Focus: Instruction is focused on grade level standards.
• Coherence: Instruction will build on concepts learned in previous grades.
• Rigor: Instruction will encourage students to think critically, creatively, and more flexibly.

This course will provide students the opportunity to use the learned standards and practices to develop an appreciation for mathematics as it applies to their lives. Math 8 will also give students the foundation for success in high school and college classes.

7th Grade

Seventh grade Science instruction is aligned to the California content standards and includes the study of: cell biology, genetics, evolution, earth science, structure and function in living systems, physical principles in living systems and investigation and experimentation.  These studies will be accomplished through a balance of direct instruction, group discussion, laboratory experiments, textbook readings, library research projects, model building, written assignments and assessments.  Science and Language Arts/History teachers work collaboratively to integrate the study of a variety of topics throughout the year which concurrently meet content standards for respective curricular areas: e.g.; research papers, oral presentations, persuasive debates, and writing works are expected outcomes.

8th Grade

Eighth grade Science instruction is aligned to the California content standards and includes the study of: motion, forces, structure of matter, Earth and the solar system, reactions, chemistry of living systems Periodic Table, density and buoyancy, and investigation and experimentation.  Using a method of inquiry, and a process called the “Scientific Approach”, students will conduct experiments that will help develop and reinforce important study skills including: organization, observation, recording, analyzing data and communication.  Physical Science students are encouraged to build an interest in investigation of their surroundings, to probe, to ask questions, to seek answers, to evaluate, to solve problems and to think critically.  Student projects during the year may include: model building, research projects, Science Fair projects and various other inquiry based learning experiences.