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Note: Some of the information in this online course guide may be out of date.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:
Bob Mata, Program Director of Equity
Davenport Community Schools
1606 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
Telephone (563) 336-3805
matar@davenport.k12.ia.us
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
Language Arts
Language Arts is a year-long course that extends the language learning experiences of grade 7 by integrating listening, speaking, writing, reading, and viewing in the exploration of several universal themes. This course continues to include needed instruction in language skills, approaching writing as a process, journal writing, and the development of thinking strategies. In addition, students analyze and interpret literature and media, focus on expressive and expository writing--including the writing of an I-Search paper, and learn and practice formal group discussion techniques. Learning opportunities include individual and large and small group activities, teacher-directed and student-selected activities, and independent projects.
English Studies
This year-long course is designed to provide a unique challenge for selected participants. Students in this course will extend the 7th grade language learning experiences by integrating listening intently, speaking and writing persuasively, reading carefully, and thinking and viewing critically. Many components of the traditional eighth grade curriculum will be incorporated in this course: writing process, analyzing and interpreting literature and media, doing research and writing an I-Search paper, and learning formal group discussion techniques. Students will experience a faster pace, more in-depth writing and research, reading of full-length works, including classics, and responding using a shared inquiry method of discussion. Also, there will be an emphasis on oral and written communication, resulting in a formal oral presentation. In order to take this course students must have a strong language background, teacher recommendation, and parental approval.
Mathematics8th Grade Algebraic Thinking II
Students will continue to develop on-going algebraic concepts and skills associated with rational numbers and their properties. Equations, roots & operations with radicals, and 3-D Geometry are also covered. SOLVE influence is present and continues to impact student learning in understanding algebraic concepts. Students must meet the following DCSD math benchmarks: (1) Understands slope and y-intercept, write an equation in slope-intercept form, and graph the equation, (2) Understand and solve systems of equations involving substitution, and elimination using addition and multiplication, and can use systems to solve real-world problems, (3) Understand properties of 3-D figures and (4) Use content-specific tools, software and simulations (e.g. environmental probes, graphing, calculators, exploratory environments, web tools) to support learning and research. In addition to these benchmarks, students work on maintaining computation mastery. Students will also learn the use of scatter plots and box-and-whiskers along with data analysis.
Pre-Algebra
This course is designed to give students a background in some basic fundamental algebraic concepts. Some of the topics covered will be number expressions, formulas, number properties, real numbers, radicals, and equations and inequalities in one and two variables. Using equations in problem solving situations is taught throughout the course.
Science
Science Plus
Eighth grade science is the investigation of the principles, lab procedures and applications associated with physical science. This course provides students an opportunity to explore physical science through direct instruction, hands on activities, research and student inquiry. This is a one year course.
Social Studies
American Studies I
In this one year course, the student concentrates on six units of American History: (1)Colonization, (2)Revolutionary America, (3)Goverment; focusing on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, (4)Presidents, Policies, and Politics, (5)Reform Era, (6)Civil War
Health Education is a required course in Middle School. It is offered quarterly to all grade levels 6-8. The course objective is to promote life skills, knowledge of the human body, positive care techniques for teens and promotes healthy choices for a lifetime. The coursework targets the areas of personal hygiene, relationships, nutrition/eating disorders, puberty, human reproduction, first-aid/safety, disease education, substance abuse, and positive choice/goal setting skills.
Physical Education
All students shall take an active part in the physical education program. Classes will meet daily for a semester. 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. Parents may only excuse their child one time per quarter from P.E.
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, team sports, leisure activities, water safety, rhythm and dance, fitness activities.
2D - 32893
2D is a 7 1/2 week course. Students will learn about the art elements and principles of design and apply them to art projects. A variety of 2D materials will be used in this course including colored pencils, markers and paint.
3D - 32995
3D is a 7 1/2 week course. Students will learn about the art elements and principles of design and apply them to art projects. Students will model and construct forms using materials such as clay, paper-mache and cardboard.
Art 1
8th Grade Art is a semester art class. Students will learn about the art elements and principles of design and apply them to more in depth art projects. A variety of 2-D and 3-D materials will be used in this course and could include colored pencils, markers, paint, paper mache, clay and printmaking.
Art Advanced
Advanced 8th Grade Art is a yearlong class. Students will learn about the art elements and principles of design and apply them to more advanced art projects. A variety of 2-D and 3-D materials will be used in this course and could include colored pencils, markers, paint, paper mache, clay and printmaking.
Computer Education (7 Weeks)
The touch system is used to teach students how to use a computer keyboard efficiently. After the keyboard is learned, students will apply word processing skills to properly format letters, tables, memos and reports in MS Word. Students will learn computer and internet terminology. Also MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and Internet Explorer. This course is designed for any student who plans to use a computer for school or plans a career in which a computer is used. Computer Education, whether taken at the intermediate school or high school, is a prerequisite for enrollment in the following senior high courses: Business Computer Applications; Computer Programming Courses.
Careers
What should I be when I grow up? What is my back up plan if I don't make it as a famous artist, vocalist, or sports player? We will begin to explore the options for each student. First we will work on discovering who they are as they produce an autobiography that will help them see themselves and their areas of giftedness. We will also look at the cost of education and what makes a student successful as they go on to higher education. Exploring a few areas of career opportunities will be done through the internet and guest speakers and student produced classroom presentations. At the end of this semester long class we will have also covered many vocabulary words, how to register for colleges and technical schools, identifying one of 5 possible career paths that expands into 100's of job options, and the skills needed to make wise decisions.
(Students wishing to begin a four-year sequence in German may begin in the ninth grade.)
Spanish I
Spanish I offers the opportunity for students to experience a new language. Students learn to listen, speak, read, and write in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary and structure which is useful in describing situations in everyday life. Hispanic culture is also discussed. Spanish I is available to 8th graders and follows the same curriculum as the high school. Students will be required to spend time outside of school to complete homework and learn vocabulary words and grammar rules. Cost of the required workbook is approximately $15.
Spanish II
Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish II and broadens the study of vocabulary and structure. Conversation, reading, and writing are emphasized. Hispanic culture, customs and geography are also included. Spanish II is available to eighth graders who have successfully completed Spanish I. The workbook purchased for Spanish I is used.
French I
French I offers the opportunity for students to experience a new language. Students learn to listen, speak, read, and write in French. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary and structure which is useful in describing situations in everyday life. Francophone culture is also discussed. French I is available to 8th graders and follows the same curriculum as the high school. Students will be required to spend time outside of school to complete homework and learn vocabulary words and grammar rules. Cost of the required workbook is approximately $16.
French II
French I I is a continuation of French I. Conversational skills are expanded through additional study of structure and vocabulary. The student learns to speak French more fluently and continues to read and to develop written skills. French culture, customs and geography are also emphasized. French II is available to eighth graders who have successfully completed French I. The workbook purchased for French I is used.
All 8th grade students enrolled in Industrial Technology will build on their 6th and 7th grade Synergistic experiences. As in 6th and 7th grade the student directed module is delivered at self-sufficient workstations that accommodate everything students need to complete their activities. Activities include hands on as well as cooperative learning experiences. Activities are curriculum based, but give students an opportunity to explore on their own. Between each seven-day rotation students will have a discovery day in which among other things they will have the opportunity to share with other students activities they experienced in their previous labs.
8th Grade Band
This year-long elective course is a continuation of study in learning how to play a band instrument for experienced band students, and provides participation in an advanced group band experience. The development of the students’ music skills on their band instrument in preparation for high school band participation, and participation in a group band experience are the central goals of this course. Group rehearsals are held daily during school. In addition, each student receives an individual lesson once a week. All students must be prepared to provide their own instrument and accessories with the exception of certain specialty instruments that students may lease from the school district. Activities include: daily ensemble rehearsals, quarterly concerts, city-wide solo and band festivals, and a marching band experience that includes a parade and District-sponsored marching band exhibition held in the fall. Attendance at all concert presentations is required. Opportunities for select students to audition for acceptance in Honor Bands and Jazz Band are also available. The signature of the band director is required to enroll in Band.
8th Grade General Music
General Music meets for a six weeks during the school year. 8th Grade general music will continue in the study of music theory and appreciation of music from different eras, cultures, composers as well as continuing to enrich the student’s music performing skills.
8th Grade Chorus
8th grade chorus is a year long class that meets daily. The student will continue the development of four part choral singing and vocal techniques. These students also have the opportunity to audition for select extra-curricular groups, such as Show Choir and Vocal Jazz Choir. One third of the chorus grade is based on rehearsal skills, one third is based on written work and the other third is based on attendance at required choral performances. Special attire is required for concerts, which are scheduled during the evenings.
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.
Chorus (Opposite P.E.)
This course is an elective open to any eight grade students with an interest in singing in a group setting. This is a year long course that meets every other day opposite P.E. Development of four part choral singing and the continued development of proper vocal techniques are the central goals of this class. Students in this class can audition for show choir, the madrigal singers, and vocal jazz. Half of the grade is made up of rehearsal skills and the other is attendance at the required performance at the end of the semester.
(For more information on these and other extracurricular activities available at Williams, please visit our Activities page.