The outline of courses in this guide will provide students and parents with a basic description of each of the courses offered in seventh grade at Williams Intermediate School.
Careful selection of courses at registration time will help make the student's school year a successful one.
Note: Some of the information in this online course guide may be out of date. Please refer to your course guide provided at the time of course signup.
It is the policy of the Davenport Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum content and instructional materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and life styles open to women as well as men in our society.
Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, Title VI, or Section 504 may be directed to:
Program Director of Equity
Davenport Community Schools
1606 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
Telephone (563) 336-3805
or to the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 211 East Maple Street, 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319, or to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Kansas City, Missouri.
Language Arts
M10711 / M10721 Language Arts
Language Arts is a year long course that integrates listening, speaking, writing, reading and viewing and allows students to explore several universal themes. Students participate in oral and silent reading of varied types of literature; in personal, descriptive, and narrative writing; in journal writing, and in varied listening, speaking, and viewing activities. Instruction in language skills, in approaching writing as a process, and in thinking strategies is also integrated into this course. Learning opportunities include individual and large and small group activities, teacher-directed and student-selected activities, and independent student projects.
M14719 Health Education
Health Education is a required semester course for seventh grade students. The objective of this course is to develop and promote good health habits and sound health attitudes based on accurate information. Health areas that will be covered are Food and Nutrition, Environmental Health, Safety and Survival Skills, Consumer Health, Health Resources, Family Life (Human Growth and Development), Substance Abuse Prevention, Prevention and Control of Diseases, Current Crucial Health Issues (Contemporary), Emotional and Social Health, and Personal Health. Current Health problems will be discussed to help develop a better understanding of the healthier attitudes towards personal health practices.
M20711 / M20721 Algebraic Thinking I-A
Students will develop concepts and skills associated with real numbers and their properties, linear equations, inequalities, polynomials, rational numbers, roots and operations with radicals and the beginning of quadratic equations. Each key unit in Algebraic Thinking IA will be carefully crafted to help students make the connection necessary in the Creative Representation Application model. Proper pace will provide adequate time and ample practice for true sill acquisition.
Prerequisite: Algebra Preparatory I
M23711 Physical Education
All students shall take an active part in the physical education program. Classes will meet two or three times per week. Students who temporarily cannot participate actively in the program must present a written excuse from a parent or a doctor. In matters of extended illness written excuse from a doctor is required. If an absence of more than six weeks is anticipated, the student will be scheduled into adaptive physical education, if possible.
Handicapped students who are unable to participate in regular P.E. class will be assigned to an adaptive (modified) physical education class.
Students are expected to have a change of clothing for participation in the vigorous physical education activities. Students are also encouraged to have warm clothing for cool weather conditions. Towels for showers are furnished and each student is encouraged to shower after every activity.
Students will participate in varied activities, such as soccer, speedball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, recreational games, tumbling, tennis, track and field, rhythmic activities, softball, wrestling, golf, and physical fitness activities.
M17711 / M17721 Science Insights
Science Insights allows the student to experience all areas of science such as earth, physical, and general content science but has an emphasis on life science, including the human body. Much of the work is done in a laboratory using hands-on student activities. Student projects are integrated into the curriculum.
M27711 / M27721 Global Studies
This one year course concentrates on area studies. Each unit is a geographic approach focusing on the area's culture, climate, environment, economics and government. A detailed overview of map and globe skills initiates the course at the beginning of the year.
The TAG program is designed to meet the unique needs and interests of the identified gifted and talented students.
Students who qualify for the program will have the opportunity to participate in enrichment learning opportunities. Options may vary in individual buildings. Enrichment options will include applications of critical and creative thinking skills in a variety of student self-selected learning activities. Curricular offerings may include state or national competition activities, classes emphasizing advanced course content, and/or independent study.
Students enrolled in the enrichment option will meet with the TAG a minimum of one period per week for the duration of any particular activity. Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of two projects per year to remain in the TAG program. No grade of credit will be earned through the enrichment option.
In buildings offering an accelerated humanities or science/math class for gifted, teacher recommendation is a prerequisite for student enrollment. Students who participate in the accelerated option will be scheduled daily and receive English, science or math credit.
Art 1 Grade 7 (M32711 M32712)
This course
explores important aspects of visual arts in everyday life. It includes study
and application of the Elements and
Principles of Design, as well as the history of art.
Illusion of depth will be studied
through creative problem solving.
(Students wishing to begin a four-year sequence in German may begin in the ninth grade.)
M41751 Exploratory Spanish
Exploratory Spanish is a one semester course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of the written and spoken language. Students will learn simple vocabulary and phrases: greetings, colors, numbers, weather, body parts, animals, descriptive words, and location words. This will not replace the high school level Spanish I but is designed to be an introductory course for students who are not yet ready for the more academically advanced Spanish I. Students will be required to attend regularly, participate orally both individually and in groups, do individual projects/presentations and do assigned class work. The emphasis will be on oral language.
120111 Spanish I
Spanish I offers the opportunity for students to experience a new language. Students learn to listen, speak, read, and write Spanish. Cultural aspects are also introduced. Cost of the required workbook is approximately $12.00. Spanish I is available to 7th and 8th graders, however foreign language classes taught in the middle schools follow the same curriculum as the high school courses. Independent study and daily homework is required. A student must have a grade of "C" or better in Language Arts to sign up for this class.
120511 French I
French I offers the opportunity for students to experience a new language. Class is conducted so that each student uses French orally and in reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on learning vocabulary and structure which is useful in describing situations in everyday life. French culture related to the topics of study is also introduced. Cost of the required workbook is approximately $11.00. French I is available to 7th and 8th grade students. A student must have a grade of "C" or better in Language Arts to sign up for this class.
(A material fee will be charged. Charges will vary according to project selected.)
M42007 / M42008 Practical Arts
These elective courses provide two semesters of Practical Arts, which include nine weeks of Family and Consumer Sciences and nine weeks of Industrial Technology each semester. The student may elect to take one semester or a full year during either the seventh or eight grades for a total of two semesters. Students will explore several different subject areas and develop basic skills while working with various tools, machines and materials.
M42007 Practical Arts: Exploring Foods, Child Care, Wood Fabrication, and Metal Fabrication (FWM)
Exploring Foods - The students will study the basic food groups necessary for good health and will practice introductory cooking skills. (Approx. 7 weeks)
Child Care - Students will study the basic developmental stages of young children and their care. (Approx. 7 weeks)
Wood Fabrication - Students will learn how to cut, shape, smooth, join, and finish wood to produce one or more useful, pleasing wooden items. (Approx. 4 weeks)
Metal Fabrication - Students will learn how to use tools to measure, cut, bend, solder, rivet, and otherwise fasten sheet metal and heavy metal and will form one or more small metal items. (Approx. 4 1/2 weeks)
M42008 Practical Arts: Sewing, Relationships, Drafting and Graphics, Energy and Power (SDE)
Sewing - Students will learn how to operate a sewing machine and become skillful using basic sewing equipment and terminology. Each student will construct two or more projects. Students will be required to furnish or purchase all necessary materials to complete course requirements. (Approx. 5 weeks)
Relationships - Students will study interpersonal relationships within and outside the family, with an emphasis of developing a healthy self image and improving communication skills. (Approx. 4 weeks)
Drafting and Graphic Communications - Students will learn to sketch simple objects and to make multi-view drawings. Students will also learn to use a simple printing press, make a photograph, and make a silk screen and a computer printout. (Approx. 4 1/2 weeks)
Energy and Power - Students will learn about electricity and how to make it do what they want by building a small electrical item. They will also learn about solar energy and wind energy and will take a model airplane apart to learn how gasoline engine works. (Approx. 4 1/2 weeks)
M11051 Blue Band
This program is a continuation for all wind and percussion players who started their training at the grade school level. The Band meets daily and, in addition, all members receive one individual lesson each week. Training includes individual instruction, marching band, concert band, ensemble training, and solo preparation. Participation includes marching events, city-wide solo and band festivals, school assemblies, elementary promotion concerts, and public concerts. The signature of the band director is required to enroll in Band.
M11091 White Band
This program is a continuation for wind and percussion players who have not quite achieved the Concert Band level. Strong emphasis is placed on improvement of tone, technique and rhythm. The band meets daily and performs during the school year at various school functions. Each student receives and individual lesson once a week. (White Band available only at Sudlow, Williams, Wood, and Walcott)
M11771 Orchestra
This program is a continuation for all string players who started their training at the grade school level. The string orchestra meets daily and all members receive one individual lesson each week. Training includes individual instruction, string orchestra, full symphonic orchestra, ensemble training, and solo preparation. Participation includes seasonal strings and full orchestra public concerts, all city solo and orchestra festivals, school assemblies and elementary promotion concerts. Even though most string players start in earlier grades, beginners are welcome at the seventh or eight grade.
M40709 Exploratory Reading Opposite P.E.
The purpose of this two-quarter course is to enhance reading comprehension skills and foster a lifelong love of reading as the student reads literature from a variety of genre. During each themed session, the student will be reading both teacher-selected and self-selected materials and responding to it through journals, literature groups, class discussions, and independent projects. This exploratory course is designed for any student who likes to read or wants to improve his or her reading skills. This course meets opposite P.E.
M40009 Reading
The purpose of this semester course is to enhance reading skills and develop a lifelong love of reading as the student reads a variety of fiction and and nonfiction materials. This thematic reading course has four major elements: 1) Group reading of teacher-selected materials; 2) lessons related to the development of specific reading strategies which will foster reading ability in content-area reading; 3) student-selected reading under the direction of the teacher; and 4) responding to reading through journals, discussion groups, and independent projects while keeping a personal reading log.
M11711 Exploratory Chorus
Seventh grade choir is a year long optional class that meets every other day against P.E. The student will continue with the study of reading and writing music, enhanced by the study of the voice and proper vocal techniques. These students also have the opportunity to audition for the Vocal Jazz Choir, the Show Choir, and The Madrigal Singers, which are two select extra-curricular groups. One third of the grade is rehearsal skills, one third is daily written work, and the other one third is from a required choral performance. Special attire is required for the concert.
(For more information on these and other extracurricular activities available at Williams, please visit our Activities page.
MUSIC
Jazz Band
This group meets before school and is open to saxophones, trumpets, trombones, percussion, piano, and electric bass players. Students must be enrolled in white or concert band.
Show Choir, Madrigal, Vocal Jazz
Show Choir, Madrigal, Vocal Jazz, and various honor choirs are open by audition for any 7th or 8th grader enrolled in choir. Some costuming requirements are necessary to be purchased. All selected students are required to attend out of school rehearsals and performances as scheduled by the director.
ATHLETICS
Practice for boys and girls who wish to participate in athletic events will be held after school. Actual times are to be announced by the coaches. A current physical examination/parent permission card must be presented to the coach by all students who which to participate in a sport. This examination must be conducted by a licensed physician. You may contact your physical education teacher for more information and physical examination forms. The sports offered for intermediate students are:
Basketball 7,8 Boys and Girls
Football 7,8
Swimming 7,8 Boys and Girls (eastside and westside)
Track 7,8 Boys and Girls
Volleyball 7,8 Girls
Wrestling 7,8