Communication 7 is a nine-week course that was created to address two main English curricular areas: Speaking, Listening and Viewing and Media Literacy.

Course Objectives

SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING
At the end of the course students will be able to…

1. Participate in and follow agreed-upon rules for formal and informal discussions in large and small groups.
2. Apply listening rules that maximizes retention of information.
3. Orally communicate information, opinions, and ideas effectively to different audiences for a variety of purposes.
4. Perform expressive oral readings of prose, poetry, or drama.

MEDIA LITERACY
At the end of the course students will be able to…

1. Identify distinctions in how information is presented in print and non-print materials.
2. Evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information found on Internet sites.
3. ​​Make informed evaluations about television, radio, newspapers and magazines with regard to accuracy of information, the purpose of the selection, what bias may be present, what the message is, and who is the target audience.

Communication 8 is a nine-week course that was created to address two main English curricular areas: Speaking, Listening and Viewing and Media Literacy.

Course Objectives

SPEAKING, LISTENING AND VIEWING
At the end of the course students will be able to…

1. Actively listen and comprehend messages.
2. Participate effectively in group meetings. (pair, small, and large group)
3. Analyze a speaker's argument.  Determine the position statement, supporting points, type of reasoning, supported or unsupported evidence, intended audience and effectiveness of argument.
4. Distinguish between speaker’s opinion and verifiable facts and analyze the credibility of the presentation.
5. Orally communicate information, opinions and ideas effectively to different audiences, adjusting delivery and language for intended audience and purpose.
6. Apply self-assessment criteria to prepare and give oral presentations.

MEDIA LITERACY
At the end of the course students will be able to…

1. Critically analyze the message in different media including:  advertising, news programs, web sites, and documentaries.
2. Evaluate the content and effect of persuasive techniques used in print and broadcast media.

In English 8 students continue to develop their reading and writing skills through work that focuses on answering these essential questions:

• What are some definitions of family?
• How does the environment impact me and the world around me?
• How has the violation of human rights impacted the world around me?
• Is it our differences or similarities that matter most?

In addition, 8th grade English builds upon and extends students’ literary analysis skills from seventh grade by using more complex text and writing assignments.

Our world is changing fast. There's always a new and improved gadget to help us keep in touch and stay organized. We're bombarded by messages about what to eat, how to exercise, and what products to buy. As we approach adulthood, how do we learn the skills and savvy to make the right choices?
 

The implementation of our STEAM program allows students the opportunity to learn through real-life applications. Students become engaged in hands-on projects where problem solving, collaboration, and the results of their efforts make the lessons more relevant than a textbook alone ever could.  Students create real things that “matter".                   

7th Grade FACS will focus on the following areas:

Foods and Nutrition
Students will understand nutrition principles and practice food preparation techniques that will keep them healthy for life.

Child Development
Students will learn to care for children, parents/caregivers/babysitters, need to understand how they grow and develop.

Consumer Studies
Students will learn be an informed consumer, you need to manage money, consider all resources and analyze consumer products.

Interpersonal Relationships and Career Awareness
Student will understand oneself can lead to better decision making and a sense of well-being in order to choose and be happy with a career.

8th Grade FACS will focus on the following areas:

Foods and Nutrition
Students will learn that taking responsibility for one’s own health is an essential step towards developing and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Finance
Being independent does not mean being alone.  Your goal should be to develop to your fullest potential in order to contribute to your family and society, while also understanding what they provide for you.

Interpersonal Relationships And Career Goal Exploration
Career exploration helps you identify and explore your career options, so that you can wisely plan for your future education and work experiences.

Interior Design
Living spaces should be managed to meet physical, emotional and social needs by applying the elements and principles of design.

Gateway To Technology’s (GTT) cutting-edge program addresses the interest and energy of middle school students, while incorporating national standards in mathematics, science, and technology. GTT is "activity oriented" to show students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems in units of study. There are currently four instructional units that excite and motivate students to use their imaginations and teach them to be creative and innovative, while gaining the skills they need to develop, produce, and use products and services.

The Gateway To Technology 7 program for seventh graders focuses on showing - not telling- students how engineers use technology to solve everyday problems. The course is comprised of two units that focus on the development of stronger math, science, and technology problem solving skills. Through the Design and Modeling unit students will use geometry, problem-solving, teamwork and project management skills to design and develop product prototypes. Through the Science of Technology unit students design and build projects that teach the principles of motion, such as weight support and energy absorption. These units prepare the students for the elective Gateway to Technology course offered at the 8th grade level.

The Gateway To Technology 8 program for eighth graders focuses on showing - not telling- students how engineers use technology to solve everyday problems. The course is comprised of two units that focus on the development of stronger math, science, and technology problem solving skills. Through the Science of Technology unit students design and build projects that teach the principles of motion, such as weight support and energy absorption. Through the Automation & Robotics unit the student will acquire the knowledge and skill to solve engineering problems.  These two units help prepare the students for the elective Introduction to Engineering offered at the 9^th grade level.

In Health 7 we will explore a variety of health topics that are very real to 7^th grade students.  Some of the topics that we will learn about may have an impact on a 7th graders personal life in the future, may have happened in the past or is happening now in the present.  Promoting healthy and safe behaviors among students is an important part of the fundamental mission of the Mankato Area Public Schools Health Education.  We aim to provide young people with the knowledge and skills they need to become healthy and productive adults. 

Units Include:

Health and Wellness
Personal Safety
Tobacco, Alcohol and other Drugs
Sexual Health

Personal Health and Wellness
Overview of Health Education
Teen Health Risk Behaviors
Values
Decision Making
Goal Setting

Mental Health
Recognizing Signs of Stress and Personal Stressors
Constructive Ways to Deal with Stress
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Warning Signs of Depression
Sources of Help in Dealing with Depression
Eating Disorders

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug
Physical Effects of Drug Use
Psychological Effects of Drug Use
Social Effects of Drug Use
Refusal Skills

Human Sexuality I
Prevention of STDs, including HIV/AIDS
Abstinence
Contraception
Fetal Growth and Development
Birth of a Baby

Human Sexuality II
Defining Sexuality
Identifying Values Concerning Sexuality
Abstinence
Resisting Pressure to Sexually Active
Guidelines for Healthy Relationships
Guidelines for Dating
Consequences of Teen Pregnancy

 
Mankato West Choir performance

Orchestra
Orchestra is available to students who play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). The groups meet in large group rehearsal, and also receive a small group lesson once a week. The orchestras perform main concerts during the year. The orchestra may also participate in field trips, or play in the community or at other events.  Students who are new to the district, or who haven’t been a part of the string program should contact the director when registering for the orchestra.

Band
Band is available to students who play a wind or percussion instrument.  The bands meet in large group rehearsals, and also receive a small group lesson once a week.  The bands perform main concerts during the year. Students often have the opportunity to perform in ensembles, festivals, talent show and in state and/or regional honor bands in the winter or spring.  Students who are new to the district, or who haven’t previously been a part of the band program should contact the director when registering for band.  Some band students may also participate in Jazz Band. 

Choir
Choir is available to students who like to sing.  The students meet in large group rehearsals during the week. Through rehearsal and performance of a variety of choral music, students learn to develop artistic expressiveness, self-confidence, and the joy of working together and achieving goals. The choirs participate in main concerts per year.  In addition, students have the opportunity to perform in the State Honors Choir or at the regional honor choir festival. Students may also participate in field trips to sing in the community or at other events.

Mankato Area Public Schools physical education program is designed with both the physical and cognitive development of the student in mind. It focuses on the development of motor skills, strength, cardiovascular fitness, aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, and flexibility while the student is involved in activities that develop creative thinking, problem solving and appropriate social behavior. Physical education serves a unique purpose in providing students with knowledge, skills, and fitness that will empower them to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Monday- Weight Room
Tuesday- Games/Activities
Wednesday- Games/Activities
Thursday- Games/Activities
Friday- Pool

The core Physical Education 8 curriculum includes individual and team sports, dance, fitness activities, fitness testing, and self-improvement activities. In each unit, lifetime fitness activities will be incorporated on a regular basis. During your child’s experience in physical education, he/she may be involved in the following activities: Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, Flag football, Tchoukball, track & field, Fitness/Weight lifting, Swimming/Water activities, Volleyball, and recreational activities.

Sample Weekly Rotation:
Monday – Moving Mania
Tuesday – Team Day
Wednesday- Work up skills & teams play
Thursday – Pool Day
Friday – Fitness Weight Room Day (Weight room or body weight workout)

Schedule – 8^th grade PE will alternate quarters with Health. 1^st and 3^rd Quarter student will have PE and 2^nd and 4^th student will have Health. 

United States Studies 7 follows the new Minnesota Department of Education Social Studies Standards for the 7^th Grade. The course covers US history, geography, and economics from 1800 – to the present day.

Global Studies 8 students will explore geography and contemporary world history by using geographic information from print and electronic sources. They will analyze important trends in the modern world such as demographic change, shifting trade patterns, and intensified cultural interactions due to globalization. Students participate in civic discussions on contemporary issues, conduct historical inquiry and study events over the last half century that have shaped the contemporary world. They will analyze connections between revolutions, independence movements and social transformations, and understand reasons for the creation of modern nation states. Students will also learn that governments are based on different political philosophies and serve various purposes. By learning economic principles of trade and the factors that affect economic growth, students understand why there are different standards of living in countries around the world.