English 7
Students will work to improve as readers, writers, listeners and speakers. This is achieved through the students' participation in the writing process to create paragraphs, essays, short stories and poems. Various genres of literature are explored through reading, writing and discussion; we read myths, folktales, short stories, poetry, and novels. Students work daily on such skills as increasing vocabulary, editing writing, recognizing and using literary techniques, and using standard English grammar in speech and writing.
Social Studies 7
Seventh grade Social Studies introduces students to the study of US History. The five (5) Main topics covered will be Native American Civilizations, The American Revolution, The US Constitution, Jacksonion Democracy, and Manifest Destiny. Students will be required to do reports on Native Americans and Famous Americans from history.
Math 7
This course will prepare students for algebra and geometry at the high school level. Students will be introduced to integers, variable expressions, coordinate graphing, and geometry. In addition to weekly quizzes, students will be required to keep a daily notebook and complete several extended tasks/projects.
Science 7
Science 7 is designed to give students in 7th grade a hands-on learning experience in the life sciences. Students will learn about the structures and functions of living organisms and how they interact with their environment. This course will stimulate student's interest in the living world around them, as well as help prepare them for the Science 8 NYS Assessment the following year.
Technology 7
This is 1/2 year required course offered to seventh graders. This course covers five constants. They are: Systems of Technology, Mathematics Concepts, Science Concepts, Safety and Health, and the Development of Psychomotor Skills. The course is offered either every day for twenty weeks or every other day for a full year. A 1/2 unit is earned after successful completion of this course.
Home & Career Skills 7
Home & Career Skills is offered at Arkport Central School for 20 weeks in the 7th grade. This is a very practical and hands-on course, focusing on the students themselves, their families, and the community in which they live. The following topics are a part of the program: taking a look at one’s self, managing one’s life, study skills, family relationships, leadership, community, career, shopping, budgeting, nutrition, basic kitchen skills, and basic food preparation. Special activities include creating personal shadowboxes, performing five (5) hours of community service, presenting a family project of choice, either an interview, biography, or family tree, writing a research paper on a career, and the opportunity to execute several cooking projects which culminate with a recipe book designed by the class. A notebook with table of contents is required that must stay up-to-date and complete. There are chapter tests along with a final exam. Interactive learning and group projects keep the students interested and the level of learning high.
English 8
Eighth grade is a skill-building year. Emphasis is upon writing, public speaking, and reading comprehension. Students are also required to keep a journal. At the end of the year students will be required to take the New York State 8th Grade Writing Test (ELA-8).
Social Studies 8
This class is a chronological study of the United States from 1850 to the present.
Major topics include:
Sectionalism and the Civil War
The Big Business Era
The Progressive Era
American Foreign Policy
The Great Depression and the New Deal
World War II
The Cold War Era
1990's and current events
Math 8
This course is designed as a prerequisite to Integrated Algebra for students in the eighth grade. The curriculum encompasses Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry at an introductory level. Integrated Algebra-8 This course is designed for 8th graders who are part of our accelerated program. This course has the same standards as the Integrated Algebra course.
Spanish 8
This is a topic-based course, which employs basic vocabulary to build a foundation for future study and communication. Students will be introduced to Hispanic culture. This course will require the student to complete the textbook Spanish is Fun. There will be periodic quizzes, a mid-term and final exam. This is a prerequisite for Spanish I.
Physical Science 8
Physical Science is the study of matter and energy. The approach of this course emphasizes everyday applications of physical laws. Upon completion of this course a student should be prepared for Regents Level Science. Units of study include:
Physical Science Basics
Energy and Motion
The Nature of Matter
Kinds of Substances
Interactions of Matter
Waves, Light and Sound
Electricity and Energy Resources
Technology 8
This course is a 1/2 year course offered to all eighth graders. This course offers five constants. They are: Awareness of Human Elements of Technology, Societal Implications, Communications Skills, Career Related Information, Creative Problem Solving, and Transfer of Learning. The course is offered all year with attendance every other day. 1/2 unit will be awarded for successful completion of Technology 8.
ELECTIVES
Jr. High Chorus
Students enjoy singing through active participation in this choral program. Chorus will acquaint you with a wide variety of music. Major concerts are given in December and May. Many opportunities for solo work and accompanying are available throughout the year.
Jr. High Band
The Band rehearses three days a week and evenings during the 4th quarter. Its members are exposed to a wide range of literature. Each member receives a group or individual lesson per week. The Band performs in the fall, Christmas, and Spring Concerts, and finishes off the year with marching in pageants and parades.