Course Title: English 7
All Year
Prerequisite: None

The focus of English 7 is to introduce and reinforce knowledge and skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Literature study and reading strategies will be introduced through selections from Elements of Literature anthology and will be applied when reading various novels. There will be an emphasis on narrative, expository, and descriptive writing. Students will continue to develop their vocabulary and spelling skills through Everyday Spelling. The study of grammar and writing mechanics will be incorporated throughout the various units.



Course Title: English 7D
All Year
Prerequisite: Identification in the Lincoln Public Schools Gifted Program or a combination of teacher recommendation, high achievement test scores, and performance.

Differentiated English 7 will introduce, master, and extend the knowledge and skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Literature study and reading strategies will be introduced through studying selections from Elements of Literature anthology and will be applied when reading various novels. There will be an emphasis on narrative, expository, and descriptive writing. Units of study will be selected and designed to encourage higher-level thinking by incorporating various learning strategies. In-depth study of themes and ideas and the more rapid pacing of the delivery of instruction will differentiate content. Students will continue to develop their vocabulary and spelling skills through Everyday Spelling. The study of grammar and writing mechanics will be incorporated throughout the various units.







Course Title: Math 7 - Passports (book 2)
All Year
Prerequisite: Passports (book 1)

The authors of Passport to Mathematics, Book 2, wrote this curriculum with several goals in mind. One goal was to help students learn to recognize and appreciate the vital role mathematics plays in the real world. A second goal was to help students understand the importance of patterns in mathematics. The third goal was to encourage students to reason and communicate with each other about skills and ideas in mathematics that lead to conceptual and computational development. And the ultimate goal was to give all students a solid foundation for exploring and understanding algebra and geometry concepts as students move from elementary to middle school to high school mathematics.

This course focuses on problem solving, number relationships, fractions, integers, data analysis, rations/proportions, percents, geometry, algebra, and probability. Units may include some special projects that are integrated with other subject areas.



Course Title: Math 7D - Gateways
All Year
Prerequisite: 1) Identification in the Lincoln Public Schools Gifted Program or
2) high MAT reading and math scores, performance, and teacher recommendation.

The textbook used for this course is called Gateways because it is an entrance into the world of algebra and geometry. This curriculum will build upon the student’s previous knowledge and will teach them enough mathematics so they will be well prepared to study Algebra I in eighth grade. Topics will include patterns, formulas/percents, measurements/estimation, ratios/proportions, data analysis, integers, geometry, algebra, real numbers and number theory.




Course Title: Elements of Math 7
All Year
Prerequisite: Permission

Elements of Mathematics 7 is the first of a four-year integrated sequence of courses for the highly motivated student with exceptional ability. Topics covered include: operational systems; integers; sets, subsets, and operations on sets; ordered n-tuples; mappings; rational numbers; decimals and applications of the rational numbers; introductory probability; and a rigorous study of logic. The emphasis in the course is on the theoretical foundations of mathematics. Class activities encourage student discovery of mathematical principles that require practice to master.






Course Title: Phys Ed 7
All Year
(alternate days)
Prerequisite: None

Emphasis is put on wellness, social skills and development of psychomotor skills in the activities taught. Students are tested and graded on these areas. There are (4) twenty-two day units taught: pickleball, aerobics, tumbling, and wheels. Students are evaluated regularly on their personal fitness through the Lincoln Public Schools fitness testing. They will set personal goals and keep a portfolio of their accomplishments throughout the year.





Course Title: Health 7
All Year (alternate days)
Prerequisite: None

Students in 7th grade study “Totally Awesome” Health. The units are supplemented with textbook and worksheets. Units of study throughout the year are: decision making, mental health, All Stars, alcohol and tobacco, physical fitness, family health (sex education), and disease. Many interdisciplinary units will be taught during the year as well. Students will have short quizzes over the topics studied and reading assignments. Most work will be completed in class. Each unit students will bring home a portfolio of their work samples.





Course Title: Science 7
All Year
Prerequisite: None

This science course is part of the new Middle Level Science Curriculum, Prentice Hall Science Explorer 2000 series. Course work includes topics in chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences, and environmental sciences. Class goals are to enhance thinking skills, develop a scientific vocabulary, improve middle students’ knowledge, teach safe laboratory procedures and realize how science relates to their lives.






Course Title: Science 7D
All Year
Prerequisite: Identification in the Lincoln Public Schools Gifted Program or a combination of teacher recommendation, high achievement test scores, and performance.

This science course is part of the new Middle Level Science Curriculum, Prentice Hall Science Explorer 2000 series. Course work includes topics in chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences (bacteria, plants), and environmental sciences. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher level thinking skills and participate in inquiry activities. An emphasis is placed on laboratory skills and lab safety.



Course Title: Social Studies 7
All Year
Perquisite: None

The 7th grade social studies class is designed to explore the history, cultures, and legacies of ancient civilizations. During the year, students investigate these civilizations through activities, research, and the use of technology. The social studies curriculum also focuses on incorporating cultural understanding by analyzing current world issues when appropriate.



Course Title: Social Studies 7D
All Year
Prerequisite: Identification in the Lincoln Public Schools Gifted Program or a combination of teacher recommendation, high achievement test scores, and performance.

Seventh grade differentiated social studies is an exploration in the aspects and cultures of ancient civilizations. The goals of the course focus on an introduction to cultures around the world before 1500 A.D. Along with studying the cultures and lifestyles of ancient people, social studies students develop skills in multicultural awareness, current world issues, and geography.







Course Title: Band 7
All Year
Prerequisite: None (Will involve extra work if there has been no previous experience)

Seventh grade band is a class that meets every day in two mixed instrument sections based upon team alignment and exploratory availabilities. Depending on enrollment totals, the classes may be taught by a two-teacher team, better enabling effective individual accountability, via playing tests, for continuous progress through a prescribed technical course of study including music reading (method book), specific instrument knowledge (expanded scales, ranges, rolls, rudiments), and tone production and control. Musical literature of varying styles and from a variety of historical periods will be experienced in small ensemble and full band settings. Performance opportunities will include fall and spring concerts and occasional assemblies, which are required, and a non-required solo/ensemble festival that occurs during second semester.



Course Title: Orchestra 7
All Year
Prerequisite: None (will involve extra work if there has been no previous experience)

Seventh grade orchestra is a class that meets every day as a large ensemble. Students will learn intermediate skills of left hand and bowhold technique including how to count more advanced rhythms, expand their dynamic range, shift into third and fourth positions and produce a more beautiful tone including the introduction of vibrato. Musical literature of varying styles and from a variety of historical periods will be learned in small ensemble and full orchestra settings. Performance opportunities will include fall and spring concerts, including one concert at East High School, and a solo/ensemble festival that occurs during second semester.



Course Title: Exploratory Art 7
9 Weeks
Prerequisite: None

In exploratory art a “hands-on” approach is used to explore a variety of art mediums and techniques. Drawing, painting, printmaking, pottery, basketry, jewelry, and calligraphy projects will be introduced as well as a community sharing art project. Art appreciation and art history will be emphasized from a multicultural perspective.



Course Title: Exploratory World Language 7
9 Weeks
(Spanish/French/German)
Prerequisite: None

During the nine week session, students will examine the topic of language awareness. Students will then apply this knowledge to the exploration of the Spanish, French, and German languages. Through this multi-lingual experience, students will recognize similarities and differences in spoken language, learn basic expressions and vocabulary, and become more aware of contemporary culture related to each language. Based on their individual experiences, students will assess their own interest in pursuing the study of a world language in the eighth grade.



Course Title: Exploratory Oral Communication 7
9 Weeks
Prerequisite: None

The oral communication skills course is part of the exploratory block. Oral communication introduces students to a broad range of communication processes basic to school and life experiences. Class experiences will include: interpersonal communication, small group discussion and presentations, nonverbal communication, and public speaking.



Course Title: Expl Family & Consumer Science 7
9 Weeks
Prerequisite: None

Students will explore and build from concepts and skills learned in sixth grade related to personal and family living. They will practice managing time, organizing materials and equipment, interpreting and following directions, and caring for self and others. This will be accomplished by involving students in learning activities from the following areas of emphasis: foods and nutrition, home and resource management, clothing, and human development. The intended outcome will be that the students will continue to develop responsible management, cooperation skills, and connections through interdisciplinary (math, science, reading) activities necessary for life long learning.






Course Title: Exploratory Industrial Technology 7
9 Weeks
Prerequisite: None

Focus is on student awareness related to the four industrial technology clusters: manufacturing, construction, communication, and transportation. The course is designed and instruction delivered in a manner which promotes the students’ basic awareness of and interest in the significance of technology to industry and society now and in the future. Students will participate in a variety of learning experiences which will combine problem solving, creative thinking, discussion and questioning, cooperative group effort, and “hands-on” activities.



Course Title: Exploratory Computers 7
9 Weeks
Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to expose students to computer basics ranging from word processing to a touch of multi-media. Students will explore the areas of Appleworks 5 including word processing, data base, spreadsheets, Paint and Draw. They will also focus on the Internet and network connections along with an integration of prior units. Students will produce evidence of computer knowledge and examples of the understanding of computer programs. Students will also be introduced to the area of multi-media use in the classroom focusing on the program HyperStudio.



Course Title: Exploratory Music 7
9 Weeks
Prerequisite: None

This course builds on musical concepts taught in 6th grade general music. Consideration is given to the special needs of the middle school changing voice. Exploration into developing performing techniques necessary for group participation on various instruments such as xylophones, dulcimers, guitar, and drumming ensembles is emphasized. The course deals with active rather than passive learning allowing students to choose the level of learning which will produce the most success.






Course Title: Exploratory Business 7
9 Weeks
Prerequisite: None

Students will explore and learn basic economic knowledge required for personal life skills and success in the business world through numerous hands-on activities. Learning areas include:
- human relation skills and goal setting
- economics
- business ownership
- entrepreneurship
- money management
- advertising and marketing
The class will conclude with a market simulation activity where students will organize, manage, and market their own products. After “Market Day”, students will determine profit or loss and evaluate their business decisions.



Course Title: Reading 7
Prerequisite: Three areas are used to determine placement in reading: teacher recommendation, grade performance, and MAT reading scores. A total MAT reading score below the 50th percentile as indicated by a three year trend in MAT reading scores will be used for placement.

Reading 7 will build reading comprehension by focusing on decoding strategies and critical reading skills. Students will practice distinguishing fact from opinion, drawing inferences, sequencing details, and predicting events. Students will engage in oral reading activities to improve reading fluency. This class will help students work towards gaining skills necessary for meeting district reading requirements.

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