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7th Grade Humanities Guide

1. Select your ELA options for 7th grade

As part of the English Language Arts curriculum in 7th grade, students will choose one specific topic for their 3rd trimester ELA learning.  The following options are available:

 

Dystopian Worlds

51035G070731 (Eng/Lang Arts 7 Dystopian Wlds)   Fascination with the end of the world is what it means to be human.  From apocalyptic natural disasters to man-made problems, nations have plans in place to overcome the seemingly impossible. But what happens when those plans fall through? What will society do? What would you do? Using Project Based Learning, find answers to these universal questions through the study of futuristic Dystopian Worlds, while making connections to our current day lives!

In this trimester long course, students will be exposed to a variety of reading and writing styles through the lens of Dystopian literature. In addition to reading and writing, students will collaborate, debate, and participate in a PBL!  By the end of the trimester, students will have used design and creative problem solving to meet grade level standards pertaining to ELA curriculum.  

 

Historical Stories
51035G070732 (Eng/Lang Arts 7 Hist Stories)
War is the one commonality that all countries and generations have experienced. Some find war a necessity, while others feel the cost of human life is too high. Learning what WWII was like from varying perspectives across the globe will inform us of what is right, wrong, or somewhere in between. 

In this trimester long course, students will be exposed to a variety of reading and writing styles through the lense of War. Students should be prepared to read, write, research, and speak about their chosen novels and texts. By the end of the trimester, students will meet grade-level standards pertaining to ELA curriculum. Students will create a choice-driven, individual culminating project to discuss themes related to War.

 

Spoken Word 51035G070733  (Eng/Lang Arts 7 Spoken Word)

"Those who tell the stories rule the world." 

--Hopi American Indian proverb

Through exploring stories, speeches, and poetry from around the world, learn the art of storytelling and what it means to captivate an audience. Become the voice of your generation!

In this trimester long course, students will be exposed to a variety of reading and writing styles through the lens of Spoken Word and how different cultures use oration. Students should be prepared to read, write, research, and speak about poems, short stories, speeches, and texts. By the end of the trimester, students will meet grade-level standards pertaining to ELA curriculum. Students will, at the end of the trimester, perform an original Spoken Word piece to varying audience sizes.  


2. Select your Electives for 7th grade Humanities

Students will select one course from each of the following categories:

  • Fine & Performing Arts - art, bands, orchestra, choirs
  • Health & Applied Arts - PE, family & consumer science, computers, tech ed
  • Communications - composition, creative writing, short stories
  • Language & Cultures - Spanish, French, cultures, world languages
a. Select one course from Fine & Performing Arts
Choir (3 Trimesters)
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55110G060824 55110G060834 Fee: $10.00 Choir is open to 7th and 8th grade students—no prior experience is needed.  Students learn to sing in a fun, energetic working environment.  Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, festivals, and contests.  Attendance at concerts and activities outside the regular classroom setting and school day are a part of being in the choir program.  Curriculum focuses on developing proper technique and singing skills in a variety of music styles. Students with more experience or who have been in choir at least one trimester may audition for Advanced Choir (see course description) in April, or toward their first trimester of Choir in the fall.  Students who elect to take choir as a year-long elective have the opportunity to audition for Jefferson County Honor Choir and Colorado Middle All State Choir. Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee.
Concert Band (3 Trimesters)
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Fee: $30.00 Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7th and 8th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.

Metal Jewelry (Creative Art Sculpture/Jewelry)

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Fee: $17.00

Students will learn how to saw, enamel, cold connect, polish, engrave and mold metal into jewelry pieces, working with nickel, copper and brass. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a portfolio list.  Students cannot repeat this class.


Orchestra (3 Trimesters)
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Fee: $30.00
Orchestra is a year-long elective open to students who have previous experience with a string instrument (i.e. violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano). Students who wish to begin a new instrument must discuss this option with Mr. Sudano and strongly consider private lessons. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, regional contests and an overnight trip every other year. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the orchestra program. Students must also be willing to practice consistently and improve fundamental skills on their instrument.

Visual Arts 1

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Fee: $10.00

This trimester class will focus on two- and three-dimensional art. Some of the projects will include drawing, painting or printmaking, ceramics/clay, sculpture, fibers and mixed media. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and the portfolio list. Because the projects change each year, students may repeat Visual Arts as 8th graders.



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b. Select one course from Health & Applied Arts

Applied Imagination 71049G070811

No Fee

Applied Imagination enables students to explore their passions, create a project to impact the world in some way, and share their learning.  Students will submit a project proposal, conduct research, blog about their learning process, create a product, and share their learning and experiences in a presentation at the end of the trimester.  Although Applied Imagination is open-ended and individualized, there will be checkpoints and due dates throughout the trimester. What do you want to learn?

 

Audio/Visual Production

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Fee: $3.00

Students will use the professional software Adobe Audition to edit and manipulate sound and Adobe Premiere for video editing.  Most projects will be group work. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a short projects list. Students cannot repeat this class.  The fee covers a pair of wired headphones that students will keep in class.

 

Digital Design 1

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Fee: $3.00

Students will use professional software the Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and Adobe In-Design for layout. Other topics will include copyright, career possibilities and digital citizenship. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a short projects list. Students cannot repeat this class. The fee covers a pair of wired headphones that students will keep in the classroom.

 

Engineering & Technology

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Fee: $15.00

Turn your dreams and ideas into real-world solutions as you put your imagination to work in Deer Creek's maker lab. Whether you are into building with your hands, making art, crafting or programming your interests drive the learning. Work in small groups or alone to solve real-world, community-based problems. Build and apply skills with high tech and classic tools from hand saws and drills to laser cutters, 3D printers and micro-controllers.

 

Exploring Computer Science

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No Fee

Knowing about computers has never been as important as it is today in the world of technology we’re living in!  In this class we’ll create unique websites, apps, and games while learning about programming, physical computing, and data.  Computers science opens allows us to be creative, communicate, solve problems, and have fun!

 

Family and Consumer Science

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Fee: $20.00

Family and Consumer Science is an activity-oriented class that focuses on helping students develop and apply important practical skills for independent living. There are four units during this class, Interpersonal Relationships, Child Development, Cooking and Sewing. Students will learn about the basics of child care, how to build healthy relationships, simple sewing skills, and how to practice kitchen safety and sanitation. During this class students will get the opportunity to take care of their own “egg baby”, work with sewing machines, and participate in cooking labs.

 

Fitness & Conditioning

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Fee: $11.00

Fitness & Conditioning primarily focuses on personal and physical wellness. Students will be provided an environment that includes teacher-led body weight exercises, cardio workouts, and an introduction to weight training. Game play and team sports may also be included to provide another outlet to improve the fitness level of students within the course.

 

Foods & Nutrition 

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Fee: $20.00

Foods & Nutrition is an introductory course in food preparation and nutrition. Throughout foods lab experiences, students will be learning the principles of cooking and preparing a variety of foods. Students will also learn the importance of healthy eating habits, safety and sanitation, measurement equivalents, and basic kitchen equipment use.  Students will also participate in a classroom food competition modeled after Chopped or Cupcake Wars.

History Alive

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No fee

History Alive gives students time to engage and participate in social studies simulations that cannot always be offered during regular social studies classes. Social Studies simulations could include Model UN, mock trials, mock congress, Nobel Peace Prize, civilization simulations, and virtual tours of historical sites and events. 

 

Horticultural Design

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No Fee

This trimester-long course introduces students to the art and science of growing plants, shrubs, trees, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Students learn then apply planting and growing methods including starting seeds indoors, propagation from cuttings, grafting, trellising and greenhouse techniques, soil development, and principles of sustainable agriculture. Depending on individual or small group interest, students will develop and implement one or more personalized projects. These interest-centered projects may range from planning and planting a vegetable or butterfly garden to designing an indoor green wall, houseplant arrangement or patio garden. The sky’s the limit! This course is offered in the Spring so projects are ready to take home at year’s end.

 

Physical Education for Girls (Specific Sports Activities)

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Fee: $11.00

This class is designed specifically for female students, offering a mix of both individual and team sports. Students will be provided a unique, gender specific, active learning environment that replicates the way athletics are played in high school. Students will play a variety of team sports that will include an introduction to the game, skill development and game play. In addition to team sports, students will learn about effective approaches to lifetime fitness, as well as how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Recreation Sports

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Fee: $11.00

This physical education class focuses on the skills and strategies of individual and dual sports such as badminton, pickleball, frisbee golf and park games, as well as an introduction to tennis and golf. In addition to games, students will get an introduction to a variety of lifetime fitness activities.

 

Robotics 

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No Fee

Robots are everywhere from our cars to our home, and it's important to understand how and why they work.  In this class we'll explore different types of robots and how to program them to perform tasks. We will follow the design process to design, build, and test robots to complete challenges and solve real-world problems.

Team Sports 

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Fee: $11.00

In Team Sports, students will be provided a competitive environment to learn, practice and perfect their skills in a variety of team based sports. The class will use the platform of team based athletics to help students work on their fitness, sport-based knowledge and sportsmanship. Sports to be played may include, but not limited to, soccer, volleyball, floor hockey, lacrosse, and flag football.

 

True Crime

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No fee

Do you sometimes wish you were a detective?  If words and phrases like mystery, crime, open case, and problem solving peak your interest, then True Crime is the elective for you!  Explore a variety of real world and fiction based crimes in the form of miniature PBLs, allowing you to become a detective and embrace your critical and creative problem solving skills. After studying mystery and crime, students will be able to create their own mysteries and bring them to life using skills that apply to reading, writing, forensic science, and art!  Study and solve true crime cases like a boss!  

 

Video Game Design 

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No Fee

Do you love playing video games and often wonder how they work?  This course will introduce the concept of game design. We'll learn how the structure, graphic design, and code all play a role in making a successful video game for any audience.
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c. Select one course from Communications

Creative Writing

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No Fee

The Creative Writing course provides students an opportunity to develop their technique and style in the genre of fictional writing. Assignments could include: fictional narratives, short stories, picture books, plays, and poetry.

Literature and Film

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Fee: $15.00

In this trimester course students will examine films with books as their source. Students will read a variety of texts including short stories and novels and then analyze the film versions of them. Parent permission is required to participate in this elective for PG-13 rated films.

Mythology & Folklore

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No fee

Mythology & Folklore gives students the time to read and write myths and folktales. Students will analyze and then write a wide variety of mythical genres that could include world mythology, folklore, fairy tales, legends, tall tales, and urban myths.

Short Stories

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No Fee

Short Stories gives students the time to read and write short stories. Students will analyze and then write a wide variety of fiction genres that could include mysteries, realistic fiction, fantasies, action/adventure, and science fiction.


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d. Select one course from Language & Cultures

French 1 (3 Trimesters)

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No Fee

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take French 2 in 8th grade or high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of French-speaking countries.

Spanish 1 (3 Trimesters)

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No Fee

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take Spanish 2 in 8th grade or high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

World Languages & Cultures

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No Fee

This exploratory language class will introduce students to French, Spanish, German and Mandarin Chinese. Students will learn basic greetings, numbers, colors, objects, people, animals and food as well as celebrations and customs of the people who speak the languages.



3. Select two additional courses to complete your 6 trimester elective requests.  They can be chosen from any of the above listed courses.


4. Select two alternate courses.  These are courses that may be scheduled if any of your original 6 elective requests cannot be scheduled. They can be chosen from any of the above listed courses, but not a duplicate of any of your 6 original elective requests.

5. The following courses require an application or audition.  If you are interested in any of these, you must complete the application/audition process described in the course description.  If accepted, each of these courses will replace one of your original 6 elective requests.

Advanced Choir 

Audition only

Fee: $10.00

Advanced Choir is open to students with vocal and performing experience at a more advanced level.  Students must be able to learn music at a faster pace and at the upper middle school/beginning high school level.  Students will continue to develop their vocal technique and musicianship at a higher level in this ensemble. Students will be considered for this ensemble based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: vocal skills, tone production, experience, musicianship, and maturity.  Auditions will be held the beginning of April for next year’s Advanced Choir. Additional auditions may be held during the year. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, festivals, and contests, and community performances beyond those offered for Choir. Attendance at concerts and activities outside the regular classroom setting and school day are a part of being in the choir program.  Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee.

Advanced Team Sports  Application required

Fee: $11.00

Advanced version of Team Sports. Students that have been highly successful and experienced in outside team sports, as well as previous Deer Creek PE classes, could participate in a more competitive environment with higher-level fitness expectations. In this course, more time will be spent on specific sports and the advanced competition strategies involved in each. Each sport will include a daily practice skill and strategy, as well as competitive league-based games with a playoff format included at the conclusion of each sport unit. The higher expectations, skill development and in-depth focus on strategy will provide a great introduction to prospective high school student-athletes. 

Publication: Yearbook

Application required

No Fee

In this two-trimester course, students will learn layout methods, graphic design, photography skills, and basic computer technology in designing the Deer Creek Yearbook. In addition, students will gain a foundation of basic journalism through researching, interviewing, and writing for publication. Interested students must complete an application form expressing their interest and applicable skills.

Symphonic Band

Audition only

Fee: $30.00

Symphonic Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an advanced level. Students must be able to perform music consistent with late middle school/early high school curriculum. Students will be considered for this ensemble based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to: playing ability, tone production, sight reading capabilities, access to private lessons, and instrumentation needs of the band. Auditions will be held during March for next year’s Symphonic Band. In order to meet instrumentation needs, additional auditions may be offered during the school year. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.
Food & Nutrition 7
7th & 8th Graders
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Fee: $20.00

Foods & Nutrition is an introductory course in food preparation and nutrition. Throughout foods lab experiences, students will be learning the principles of cooking and preparing a variety of foods. Students will also learn the importance of healthy eating habits, safety and sanitation, measurement equivalents, and basic kitchen equipment use.

Spanish 1
7th & 8th Graders
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No Fee

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take Spanish 2 in 8th grade or high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

Concert Band
7th & 8th Graders
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Fee: $30.00

Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7th and 8th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.

Concert Band
7th & 8th Graders
55102G060814
Fee: $30.00

Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7th and 8th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.

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