Art
Junior High Art emphasizes art as a means to convey ideas. By using examples of art from around the world, students are encouraged to realize the importance of art in their daily lives. Areas of instruction include: The structure and language of art, the history of art, art influences on our culture, careers in art and art as expression. Junior High Art offers a discipline-based art approach.
Concert Band
The goal of the Band curriculum is to advance students' knowledge and understanding of music in the Band setting. Students will encounter practice and extend their knowledge of: Scales, Articulation, Composition, Music Theory, Music History, Advanced Rhythms, Intonation, Tuning and Music in Culture. Students will be required to complete projects, turn in a weekly practice card and to perform in the Fall, Christmas and Spring concert Performances.
Computer
The goal of the Junior High Computer Curriculum is to introduce the students to a variety of computer applications. Students will develop skills to create Power Point Presentations, write BASIC Programs, learn basic spreadsheet applications, and improve their keyboarding skills. Students will apply these skills in different areas across the curriculum (ex: create a power point presentation for English, History, and Science classes).
English
7th Grade
The goal of the 7th grade English curriculum is to introduce the development of fundamental writing skills, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete work at a higher level. Throughout the course of the year students are routinely exposed to the writing process, journals, vocabulary development, basic grammar and literature, including short stories, novels and poetry.
8th Grade
The goal of the 8th grade English curriculum is to continue development of fundamental writing skills, reading comprehension and critical thinking skills necessary to complete work at a higher level. Throughout the course of the year students are routinely exposed to the writing process, journals, vocabulary development, basic grammar and literature, including short stories, novels and poetry.
Creative Writing and Communication
This course gives students opportunities to develop their writing and communication skills. Unique writing experiences are enhanced by presentations in class. Skills in organization, coherence, spelling, and punctuation as well as skills in communicating are developed.
Health
The goal of the Health curriculum is to provide a solid foundation in three areas: Physical, Mental and Social. Students will be expected to understand how the body works, how the brain and nervous system work, and they will learn how to build positive relationships with others.
Mathematics
The following prerequisites have been developed by the Math Department for Junior High Math Courses:
Mathematics 7 -- No prerequisites
Pre-Algebra 7 -- Any student who meets two of the following criteria will be given the opportunity to take Pre-Algebra as a 7th grader:
- Maintains an overall average of 90% or higher in 6th grade mathematics.
- Achieves a 90% or higher on the Placement test.
- Receives a recommendation from their 6th grade teacher.
Pre-Algebra 8 -- Eighth grade students who have completed Mathematics 7 and/or are not taking Algebra I as eighth graders will take Pre-Algebra 8.
Algebra I -- 8th Grade--Any student who meets two of the following criteria will be given the opportunity to take Algebra I as an 8th grader if he/she:
- Maintains an overall semester average of 90% or higher in Mathematics 7 or a semester average of 75% in Pre-Algebra 7.
- Achieves a 90% or higher on the Placement test.
- Receives a recommendation from their 7th grade teacher.
To receive High School Credit and the Honors Diploma/Core 40 credit for 8th grade Algebra I, a student must commit to taking four years of high school math which would include Pre-Calculus or Calculus. Otherwise, Algebra I should be taken in the Freshmen year.
Any student who takes Pre-Algebra as a 7th grader and who does not maintain an overall semester average of at least 75% will be required to take Algebra I as a Freshmen.
Algebra II--9th Grade--Any student who maintains an overall semester average of at least 75% in 8th grade Algebra or who receives a recommendation from their 8th grade Algebra teacher will be given the opportunity to take Algebra II as a 9th grader.
Any student taking Algebra II as a 9th grader must demonstrate a commitment to take four years of high school math as indicated above.
Mathematics 7
The goal of Mathematics 7 is to prepare students for success in algebra and geometry. Students encounter, practice and extend their knowledge of mathematics in the following concept areas: Decimals, Statistics, Fractions, Integers, Percents, Equations and Functions, Proportions, Pre-Physics, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Preliminary Algebra and Geometry Problem Solving.
Pre-Algebra 7
The goal of Pre-Algebra 7 is to provide students with a solid mathematical background, skills and thinking processes necessary to successfully complete Algebra I in the 8th grade. Students practice and extend their knowledge in the following concept areas: Whole Numbers, Integers, Equalities and Inequalities, Fractions, Algebraic Tools and Problem Solving, Real Number Systems and Polynomials. A grade of C or better must be earned in this class in order to take Algebra I in the 8th grade. (Placement test, 6th grade math scores and teacher recommendation determine placement.)
Pre-Algebra 8
The goal of Pre-Algebra 8 is to provide students with a solid mathematical background, skills and thinking processes necessary to successfully complete Algebra I. Students practice and extend their knowledge in the following concept areas: Whole Numbers, Integers, Equalities and Inequalities, Fractions, Rational Numbers, Functions and Graphs, Ratios, Proportions and Percents, Statistics and Probability, Algebraic Tools and Problem Solving, Real Numbers, and Polynomials. (Placement test, 7th grade math scores and teacher recommendation determine placement.)
Algebra I--8th Grade *
2 Semesters - 2 Credits
Algebra I provides the opportunity for the development of algebraic skills and concepts necessary for higher level math classes. This course integrates geometry, statistics and probability. Reading and problem solving are an integral part of Algebra. Real life situations motivate algebraic ideas and provide the setting for practical applications of algebraic skills. Emphasis is placed on skill, carrying out various algorithms, developing and using mathematical properties and relationships, applying mathematics in realistic situations, and representing or picturing mathematical concepts. (Placement test, 7th grade math scores and teacher recommendation determine placement.)
* Algebra I--8th Grade is an accelerated class for high school credit.
Physical Education
The goal of the Physical Education curriculum is to provide lifetime knowledge of physical fitness and lifetime physical activities. Students will be expected to learn how to stay physically fit throughout the life cycle and to learn about physical activities in which they may participate throughout their life.
Religion
Starting in the 2000- 2001 school year, all students will be required to participate in a service program outlined here. Stewardship is a vital role in Christian education. It is an intricate part of putting into practice the teachings of Jesus.
Each grade level will be responsible for completing a specific amount of service hours per semester. The students will perform these service hours outside of the classroom setting. Failure to complete the required amount of service hours will result in a one-letter grade reduction on the student's religion grade.
7th and 8th grade students will be required to complete ten (10) service hours per semester. Five hours to be completed the first nine weeks of a quarter and the remaining five hours to be completed at the end of each semester. The students will be required to complete the hours as follows: Five (5) hours of service to Shawe, three (3) hours of service to their church and seven (2) hours of community service.
7th Grade
The goal of the 7th Grade Religion curriculum is to introduce the four pillars of the Catholic faith experience: Creed, Sacraments, Christian Living and Prayer. Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the need for their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as they look at examples of the Good News alive in their lives. Morality is introduced, as well as the concept of Scripture as Prayer. Students will study the significance of Church prayers and of praying alone or as a family. Social justice, peer pressure, conflict resolution, discrimination, prejudice and the role of the Ten Commandments in their lives are also a focus of the class. Completion of ten service hours per semester is also required.
8th Grade
The goal of the 8th Grade Religion curriculum is to provide a deeper understanding of the four pillars of the Catholic faith experience: Creed, Sacraments, Christian Living and Prayer. Students will learn about the Christian life; how to love and serve God; understand the centrality of the Eucharist; be introduced to the historical Jesus; and learn to use daily prayer to foster compassion and to practice loving actions. The month of October is set aside for an in-depth study of the Rosary, its history, prayers and Mary. Students begin to apply the Ten Commandments to basic morality, and learn to use morality as the basis of all decisions. Completion of ten service hours per semester is required.
Science
7th Grade
The goal of the 7th Grade Science curriculum is to assist students in understanding fundamental scientific laws and how they relate to humans. Students will encounter, practice and grow in knowledge in the following areas: The Natural World, Physical Laws, including Forces and Energy, Life at a Cellular Level, and the Human Organism. Students will become familiar with the scientific method and learn to construct and prove hypotheses, observe and record scientific data, and use simple laboratory instruments. Students will also spend a brief period of time working in and improving the Outdoor Lab.
8th Grade
The goal of the 8th Grade Science curriculum is to assist students as they grow in the knowledge of how humans are related to the surrounding world. Students will encounter, practice and gain knowledge in the following areas: Atoms and Molecules, Electricity and Magnetism, Changes in Life and Earth over Time, the Fluid Environment and Observing the World. Students will also spend a brief period of time working in and improving the Outdoor Lab. Continuing more complex laboratory work, students will practice forming their own hypotheses and observing and recording the results.
Social Studies
7th Grade
The goal of the 7th grade Social Studies curriculum is to introduce the students to World Geography and World Cultures in the Eastern Hemisphere. Students will be exposed to world religions, regional customs, economics and trade, historical events and alternative cultural belief systems. In addition, students will be introduced to cause and effect analysis, current events and research skills. Students are required to complete a historical research project using guidelines for Indiana State History Day, which have been developed by the Indiana Historical Bureau.
8th Grade--US History through 1877
The goal of the 8th Grade Social Studies curriculum is to introduce the unique history of the United States through the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, ending in l877. Students will study the significant themes, concepts and movements in our country's history, including the impact of geography, economics, ethnic and cultural diversity, and the contributions of individuals. Special attention will be paid to the formation of the Constitution and the development of our republican democracy. Students are required to complete a historical research project using guidelines for Indiana State History Day, which have been developed by the Indiana Historical Bureau.
Civics
This class stresses responsibility and citizenship through an introduction to government and the democratic process. Topics include government structure, the legislative process, court systems, and executive offices. There is a strong emphasis on being a responsible part of our nation, state, community, and school.
Study Skills
7th Grade--Study Skills I
This course is designed to encourage the 7th grade student to develop successful study strategies, confidence, and a greater sense of independence as he/she takes more responsibility for his/her learning. The skills will include note-taking, outlining, organization of materials, vocabulary building, goal-setting, reading comprehension, and test-taking skills.
8th Grade--Study Skills II
In this course the 8th grader will take a closer look at personal study habits, including time-management, critical thinking, advanced reading comprehension, and vocabulary building.
