7
TH
WEBBER MIDDLE SCHOOL
GRADE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
REQUIRED COURSES
English/Language Arts 7 (daily classes): Designed to help students express themselves more easily and
effectively through writing and speaking. The course includes study of the fundamentals of grammar, correct
usage, literature (short stories and the novel), and the process of writing (narration, description, and exposition).
Students focus on writing unified, coherent paragraphs and short essays which logically support a main idea by
using specific details. Students also have opportunities to write creatively. Interactive, online curriculum and
Springboard supports student learning in this course.
Pre-Advanced Placement English/Language Arts 7 (daily classes): Based upon the same curriculum and
standards as English 7, but is designed to emphasize the skills and habits that will be needed to take Advanced
Placement English courses and the Advanced Placement exam in high school. Students will be challenged with
literary comparison, composition, and the higher order thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
Course content is studied in depth, requiring student insight. Interactive, online curriculum and Springboard
supports student learning in this course. Teacher recommendations concerning work ethic and grades earned,
and either Proficient or Advanced CMAS and MAPs scores are required.
Science 7 (meets every other day): The second of three courses that meets the Colorado State and Poudre
School District Content Standards for Science grades 6 - 8. The major topics covered are: mixtures; genetics human biology from cells to systems; photosynthesis and cellular respiration; plate tectonics and geological
processes. The course is designed to incorporate inquiry based lab activities.
Pre-Advanced Placement Science 7 (meets every other day): Based upon the same curriculum and standards
as Science 7, but is designed to emphasize the skills and habits that will be needed to take Advanced Placement
Science courses and the Advanced Placement exam in high school. This is an advanced science course that
introduces students to basic chemistry, cytology, genetics, and geology. This course is coordinated with grade
8 Pre-AP Science.
Social Studies 7 (meets every other day): Teaches students how to organize and to analyze information about
several world cultures. Content emphasizes both physical geography skills and knowledge of the cultural
components of each area studied. Specific cultures from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America
will be investigated.
Pre-Advanced Placement Social Studies 7 (meets every other day): Based upon the same curriculum and
standards as World Geography 7, but is designed to emphasize the skills and habits that will be needed to take
Advanced Placement Geography courses and the Advanced Placement exam in high school. This Pre-AP course
will teach students how to organize and to analyze geographic information. The course content includes both
physical and cultural geography as well as analyzing human social organization and its environmental
consequences. Students need to be prepared to complete independent research and writing.
Math 7 (daily classes): To address common core standards, this course interweaves mathematical topics of
algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, number systems, and measurement. Connected Math 2 explores ratios
and proportions, similarity, the real number system, data and probability, linear relationships and inequalities,
and geometric measures. Upon successful completion, students will progress to Connected Math 3 or Algebra 1.
This course is designed for the majority of seventh graders.
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Math 7/8 (daily classes): To address common core standards, this course interweaves mathematical topics of
algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, number systems, and measurement. Connected Math 2 Accelerated
explores big ideas similar to those explored in Connected Math 2, such as ratios and proportions, similarity, the
real number system, data and probability, linear relationships and inequalities, and geometric measures.
However, students explore topics deeper and are exposed to more work with radicals, integer exponents, multistep linear equations, simple/informal geometric proofs, and transformations of geometric shapes. Based on
TCAP and MAPs test scores and teacher recommendation, this course is designed for the motivated math student
who completes all assignments, has excellent math skills, and is ready for an accelerated pace.
Algebra 1 (daily or every other day classes):
Concepts and skills are introduced contextually in algebraic,
graphic, numeric, and verbal forms. As a result, the student will be able to communicate mathematically, make
connections within algebra, and between algebra and other disciplines. To address district and common core
state standards, this course explores: linear, exponential, and quadratic relationships, multiple representations
of functions, rational and irrational numbers, the Pythagorean Theorem and radical expressions, polynomials and
factoring, descriptive statistics, inequalities, and systems of equations/inequalities. Algebra 1 taken before high
school is designed for accelerated middle school students. This course combines Connected Math 3 and Algebra
1 resources to allow students to take the equivalent of two courses in one year. This is a high school credited
course.
Physical Education 7: A semester course with activities designed around developing physical fitness and
wellness, desirable social traits, knowledge of a variety of activities and developing motor skill. Depending upon
which semester (fall/spring) a student is scheduled, the variety of core activities include soccer, volleyball, flag
football, basketball, softball, racquet skills, aerobics, fitness testing, track and field, and dance. This does not
preclude that a school site would teach, as deemed appropriate, supplementary activities that fit weather
conditions, class make-up and facilities.
Health 7: A semester course which covers an overview of the human body, disease, personal wellness, family
and peer relationships, bully proofing, drug use and abuse, and growth and development of the adolescent.
ELECTIVE CHOICES - YEAR-LONG
Concert Band: Emphasizes fundamentals such as technical ability, style, and tone production. A large quantity
of band literature of varying genres and difficulty is studied. Attendance at school concerts is required as part
of the student’s grade. This is an intermediate level course. Enrollment is by instructor approval or upon
successful completion of beginning band.
Concert Orchestra: Emphasizes fundamentals such as technical ability, style, and tone production. Students
will learn intermediate level skills on the violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp. A large quantity of orchestra
literature of varying genres and difficulties is studied. Attendance at school concerts is required as part of the
student’s grade. This is an intermediate level course. Enrollment is by instructor approval or upon successful
completion of beginning orchestra.
Concert Choir: A non-select mixed choir with no audition required. Choral literature of appropriate difficulty is
performed in preparation for advanced musical study in select groups. This is a performing group and attendance
at school concerts is required as part of the student’s grade.
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Select Choir “Velocity”: Participation requires high-level performance skills. The choir performs a variety of
significant choral literature representing several stylistic periods. This advanced group performs concerts in the
school and community. Students must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Choir. Placement is based on an
audition and attendance at school concerts is required as part of the student’s grade.
Jazz Winds Band: Open to all 2nd and 3rd year flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon and bass clarinet players.
Trap, bass, piano, and guitar players are also accepted by audition. Students must also be enrolled in concert
or symphonic band class. A variety of jazz literature is explored, including (but not limited to) rock, funk,
ragtime, blues, swing, contemporary, pop, and spirituals. Student must obtain instructor approval for entry into
class. This class meets on red days during zero hour. Concerts are combined with regularly scheduled band
performances and may also include festival and studio sessions during the day. Attendance at all concerts are
mandatory.
Jazz Band: Open to 2nd and 3rd year players by audition only. Students must also be enrolled in concert or
symphonic band class. Instruments include all saxophones, trumpets, trombones/baritones, electric guitar and
electric bass, trap/percussion, and piano. A variety of jazz literature is explored, including (but not limited to)
ragtime, blues, swing, contemporary, pop, Latin jazz, rock, funk, and spirituals. This class meets on black days
during zero hour. Concerts are combined with regularly scheduled band performances and may also include
festival and studio sessions during the day. Attendance at all concerts are mandatory.
Jazz Orchestra: Open to 2nd and 3rd year violin, viola, cello, string bass and harp players by audition only.
Trap/percussion, and piano players also accepted by audition. Students must also be enrolled in concert
orchestra or symphony orchestra class. A variety of jazz literature is explored, including (but not limited to)
ragtime, blues, swing, contemporary, pop, Latin jazz, rock, funk, and spirituals. This class meets on black days
during zero hour. Concerts are combined with regularly scheduled orchestra performances and may also include
festival and studio sessions during the day. Attendance at all concerts is mandatory.
German Level 1A: Students are introduced to vocabulary and structures during the first part of a two-part
course. Activities include dialogs, novice readings, listening selections, and written communication. Students
experience language through the study of cultures, while making connections and comparisons to their native
language and developing communication skills in the target language. The study of a world language prepares
students to compete in a global community!
Spanish Level 1A: Students are introduced to vocabulary and structures during the first part of a two-part
course. Activities include dialogs, novice readings, listening selections, and written communication. Students
experience language through the study of cultures, while making connections and comparisons to their native
language and developing communication skills in the target language. The study of a world language prepares
students to compete in a global community!
Yearbook: This yearlong course covers all phases of yearbook production. Students learn to design layouts, write
copy, organize materials, select photographs, and function as a cooperative member of a publications staff.
Required application is available on the Webber Middle School website or in the counseling office.
Reading Literacy 7: Designed for students who may have difficulty with middle school textbook reading
assignments and state Reading Proficiency tests. Emphasis is on reinforcement of basic reading skills, including
phonics, vocabulary knowledge, comprehension, and study-reading skills. Skill work will include pronunciation
fluency, reading for factual details, reading for themes and main ideas, summarizing, using text information to
draw conclusions and find supporting details, reading to form critical opinions, and reading for recreation.
The Colorado Basic Literacy Act requires special service in reading for students who have not been proficient or
advanced in prior years of PARCC state testing. In accordance with that law, 7th graders whose test records
indicate a need for such instruction will be registered for Reading Literacy 7. The small group class will provide
diagnosis and instruction aimed at improving reading fluency and comprehension, in preparation for our state
CMAS reading tests. If spring CMAS reading tests indicate growth to a proficient level, an adjustment in the
student’s schedule will be made.
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ELECTIVE COURSES - SEMESTER
Art 1: Develops the elements of art and principles of design. A wide variety of art activities are designed to
increase the student's knowledge of art media, techniques, terminology, and appreciation of aesthetics and art
styles. Critical thinking skills are emphasized as students do drawings, paintings, sculpture, and printmaking.
There is a fee for this class. ***
Crafts 1: This class is directed toward introducing students to three-dimensional methods of creating art. The
focus will be on mosaics. Students will explore the process of making mosaics using several techniques, including
glass, ceramics, paper, and cloth. Students will design and create individual projects made in various sizes based
on assigned themes. There is a fee for this class. ***
Art 2: Allows students to further develop their creative ideas and interests with more involved projects. A
greater emphasis is placed on art aesthetics and critical evaluation. Art elements and principles of design
continue to be reinforced as students are introduced to new art concepts, art history, media, and techniques.
Prerequisite: passing grade in Art 1. There is a fee for this class. ***
Digital Photography 1: Instruction in the art of creating and manipulating digital images. Students will explore
aspects of composition in capturing quality photographs based on elements of art and principles of design. A
variety of software applications will be used to produce desired artistic effects. Graphic applications as well as
career paths will also be studied. There is a fee for this class. ***
Jewelry: Students will observe and interpret metals and non-metals through experimentation. Planning of
designs, utilizing the skills of sawing, forging, cold connections, soldering, casting, surface enrichment, and other
beginning jewelry techniques may be explored. The history and aesthetics of jewelry will be studied. Wire,
metal (nickel, silver, brass, copper and sterling silver), wood, fibers and stones may be used. Design and
craftsmanship are emphasized. There is a fee for this class. ***
Pottery & Sculpture: Students will be introduced to three-dimensional methods of creating art. Students will
pursue individual interests in working with clay, glazes, and other sculptural media. The elements and principles
of three-dimensional design will be studied as they apply to functional and non-functional works of art. There
is a fee for this class. ***
Game Programming Digital Technology: Includes topics such as video game programming, digital video
production, advanced Web 2.0 technology, online collaboration, and geographic information systems (Google
Earth). A variety of computer science and technology careers will be explored.
Web Design/Computer Animation: Incorporates 21st century skills in a web design environment. Students will
work collaboratively to design and create innovative digital works. Units will include: web site design, graphics,
animation, data analysis, and marketing. Careers and life-long learning opportunities will be explored.
21st Century Media/Technology: This semester class will focus on ways to deliver information to the public such
as through the mediums of newspapers, television, websites, blogs, podcasts, and videos, including video
announcements. The course will guide students in the use of photography, computers, video equipment, and
other technology used to produce and communicate information.
Environmental Education - The Green Class: Centered on making a positive difference in ourselves and our
Webber community. The purpose is to take time each day to think about ourselves and how we can make Webber
a greener, more environmentally friendly place. Explores how our own personal choices affect our immediate
community and how we can take positive steps each day. Students will have the knowledge and skills to go out
into their own world and become leaders for change. Focus will be centered on redirecting Webber’s organic
waste stream by utilizing Vermiculture (worm-based composting) and hot composting. Explores aspects of proper
nutrition and the role of exercise and active consumerism has as a basis of a healthy lifestyle.
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Exploring Technology & Engineering Concepts: Explores the development of technology and how it is changing
our world. Students learn to use "tools of our time", including computers, shop tools and equipment,
transportation systems, production equipment, robots, wind tunnels and many other exciting high-tech items.
They explore the topics of invention, design, manufacturing, Lego robotics, transportation, communication, and
work on a different project related to the topic of study. ***
3D Modeling and Design: This elective allows students to learn how the design process works through engineering
and design activities. Drafting, both manual and computer-aided, will be examined. Through the use of the
fabrication lab, the learner will design and build projects. We will experiment with aerodynamics while designing
balsa wood race cars, and calculate the distance and velocity. By learning how to use a variety of drafting and
modeling programs, students will produce plastic models using a state of the art three dimensional printer. ***
Webber Aerospace Ventures in Education - WAVE: An elective adventure offered to 7th and 8th graders in the
technology lab. Students investigate many key elements of space exploration through activities that use
technology, science and math. Provides a unique opportunity for students to plan and run a simulated shuttle
mission; design, build and test their own rocket; explore space-related careers; study future trends in space
travel; learn to "fly"; develop a space experiment; and more.
Computer Graphics and Design: This course will focus on exploring and developing new skills in the application
of graphic designing for product creation. The students will learn about software tools and die cutting machinery
that will allow the creation of a variety of projects. Students will work with crafting vinyl, fabric paints,
cardstock, and other supplies. Projects will include creating original designs to personalize clothing, water
bottles, decals, notebook labels, and to make cards and banners. Students only need basic computer
experience. ***
Webber’s Extreme Makeover: Teen Room Edition: The beginning interior designer will learn to use space
properly, make space one’s own, design/discover inexpensive room enhancers, design/discover comfortable
room set ups, and create/assemble/construct simple home decorations and/or improvement projects.
Webber’s Project Runway: Teen Edition: The beginning fashion designer will discover the elements and
principles of design stay current on fashion trends and terms, learn the basics of sketching/design, and construct
a simple garment.
Creative Foods: This hands-on course develops skills in nutrition and wellness as well as food preparation. Areas
of study will include: food safety and sanitation, kitchen safety, food production, nutrition and wellness, meal
planning, and practical application with food labs. This course includes career exploration in the food and
hospitality industry. There is a fee for this class. ***
Outdoor Living: For students who enjoy and appreciate outdoor activities. Topics include Safe Outdoor
Living/Survival Skills, Environmental Ethics (Rules), Preparations for Outdoor Living, Recreational/Leisure
Choices, and Career Resources. Class activities will encourage the student to develop new interests for leisure
time. There is a fee for this class. ***
Musical Theater Production: An interdisciplinary class designed to develop skills in various aspects of producing
a major musical. It is open to students with a variety of interests including singing, acting, and dancing. Students
must be willing to sing solo material. Two dress rehearsals and one performance are required as part of the
student’s grade.
Introduction to Drama: Introduces students to basic performance skills in creative dramatics. Basic skills include
improvisation, interpersonal group interaction, character analysis and interpretation, expressive script reading,
memorization, and preparation. Development of these skills will culminate in a one-act performance.
Attendance at one dress rehearsal and performance after school is required.
Sign Language: Introduces students to the field of deafness and to sign language used by deaf people in the
United States. Course content includes ASL/PSE and units of study about deafness.
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Physical Education – Yoga: Yoga and mindfulness techniques are some of the best research-based ways to
manage stress and promote balanced health for the whole person. Students will be introduced to fun and
engaging yoga postures, which develop strength, balance, flexibility and overall body awareness. They will also
learn how stress affects the body as well as mindful awareness techniques for stress and anxiety management,
such as guided imagery, positive self-talk, and progressive muscle relaxation. Safety and self-respect are
stressed throughout the class.
Teacher Aide - All Positions: Students will assist teachers or office or media staff with a variety of tasks.
Students need to be knowledgeable in the teacher’s subject area so that they may truly be of assistance.
Teacher recommendation is required. Students will receive a grade of S/U (satisfactory or unsatisfactory).
***Supplies for these classes range from $5.00-$20.00 and fees are due at Webber at the start of each semester.
EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES - SEMESTER
WEB Leaders: Designed to teach students how to become more effective leaders. Explores leadership
characteristics, various decision-making processes and models of governing structures, as well as team building,
cooperative skill development and discussion skills. Students will take an active role in implementing school
related projects such as Unity and Red Ribbon week activities, planning spirit and all-school activities. As leaders
they will offer academic and social support to incoming 6th graders, work on community service projects, and
serve as role models to all students. Required application is available on the Webber Middle School website
or in the counseling office.
Severe & Unusual Weather: We will investigate severe storms including, but not limited to Tornadoes,
Hurricanes, Thunderstorms and extreme weather events. The focus will be on the most violent and severe
storms.
History of Rock and Roll: An introduction to the evolution of rock styles, contributions of important performers,
and musical techniques involved in the creation and performance of rock music. Students will be introduced to
the history of rock and roll music, as it evolved in the United States and spread throughout the world.
Intro to Electronics: In this class, we will explore how electronics work. After learning the basics of electricity
and electrical circuits, we will explore how to build and program electronics to carry out basic tasks. Students
will build circuits with Arduino microcontrollers and work to customize code to accomplish various tasks.
WONK Science: Spelled backwards is “KNOW” Science. Knowing and understanding our world through Science
will reveal solutions to today’s most pressing problems, including energy independence, and cures to diseases
that plague our world. WONK will support science classes by reinforcing the student’s ability to collect and
interpret data, draw conclusions supported by this data, practice important science skills with Virtual Labs and
Explorations. Additional skills we will practice and examine include: implementing the scientific method/asking
questions and making a plan to get answers, handling and caring for animals.
Girls in Science: Girls will explore challenging problems in the world and help find solutions through science.
GIS will reinforce the student’s ability to collect and interpret data, draw conclusions, and practice important
science skills. GIS focuses on asking questions and solving problems. We will work with animals and explore
topics in anatomy, genetics, DNA, and other student interests.
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Sports Reading: Uses the medium of sports to engage students in reading and writing activities. The students
will concentrate on improving their reading and writing skills using a variety of materials including newspapers
and magazines, short stories, novels and biographies. Students also learn about the history of sports, careers in
sports, and the impact of sports on society.
Creative Writing: Designed to help students improve their ability to express themselves through imaginative use
of the language. Students focus on improving their sense of observation in narrative and descriptive writing by
creating their own original short stories and poems.
Book Club: For those who love books, love to read books, and want to talk about books. The group will vote on
books to read, prepare reflective writing, and discuss the books. Students will be expected to read daily, either
the book club selection or their own personal book choice.
Brain Builders: Includes games and strategies to expand thinking skills and brain connections such as chess,
Sudoku, Lego robotics, logic puzzles, and society based computer games.
Board Games: This course provides students with complete understanding of the intricacies, aesthetics, and
cultural elements of the world of “gaming” through critical play, analysis, and discussions. A variety of game
formats will be considered in the course, including board games and card games. The main focus will be on
historical and economic games which reinforce social studies and mathematic standards.
Current Issues: Assists students to understand current local, state, national, and international issues and their
historical background. This understanding will provide an opportunity to develop reasoned opinions. The student
will develop an awareness of positions held by individuals and groups affected by issues.
Learn to Knit for Others: Designed to teach students how to knit and do a service learning project all in
one. Students will learn the basics of knitting: casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, and casting off. After becoming
proficient with these skills, students will make knitted items to donate to local families in need. If you have
previous knitting experience and want to move beyond the basics, you will have the opportunity to learn new
knitting techniques in this class. There is a fee for this class.
Jr. Forensics (Speech & Debate): A first semester only class designed to prepare students to compete in
Webber’s Junior Forensics Team. Students will be introduced to all areas of Junior Forensics competition
including debate, interpretive drama, humor, poetry and impromptu events in area tournaments. The National
Honor Society sponsors Junior Forensics, and students who chose to compete will travel to monthly tournaments
and will have the opportunity to gain points which can be transferred with them as they continue at the high
school level.
Military History and Technology: This class will encompass the following: military customs and courtesies and
tactics, world and US military history timelines, National Guard versus active duty, military leaders and other
significant individuals, significant military campaigns and events, military careers and opportunities, and military
technology (timelines and reasons why technology is used). If possible, a field trip to CSU for the ROTC program
or to Warren AFB in Cheyenne may be appropriate. Projects may include research of periods, battles, leaders,
and significant events, followed by presentations or role playing. We will make connections to cultures, impacts
on families, communities, and individuals. We will also explore why and when military is used, what is right or
wrong about those choices.
Mythology: This class emphasizes a multicultural approach to the study of mythology. We will be looking for
the universal themes from a variety of cultures’ mythologies, by exploring the similarities in creation myths,
stories about monsters, tricksters, heroes, floods, and the after-life. Units of study will include, but not limited
to, Greek mythology (including the Odyssey), Egyptian mythology, American mythology, and modern mythology
of the hero (such as Harry Potter).
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World Cultures: Explores the five themes of geography (location, place, human environment interaction,
movement, and region). Students will be involved in an in-depth study of the background of major historic and
artistic sites, basic economics, geography, language, foods, music, traditions, religions and current events of
countries students want to visit or to be visited on a spring and/or summer EF trip.
Minecraft EDU: Not for expert Minecraft players, this class will be a great opportunity to work on your teamwork
and cooperation skills, all while enjoying this popular computer game. Minecraft EDU will allow us to explore
worlds in the fields of geography, as well as build a working society. Students will help choose worlds they are
interested in exploring. Red days will be dedicated to Minecraft in the computer lab, while black days will be
research in the classroom.
Want to be a Millionaire? Designed to help middle school students become wise with their money both now and
in the future. Topics of study will include: career exploration and job skills, job interview and workplace
simulations, management of personal finances, introduction to credit cards and checking accounts, and becoming
a wise consumer.
Study Hall: In support of student success, study hall will provide class work time; planner checks; grade checks;
assistance with work; reading for assignments; and retaking tests or redoing assignments. We will have limited
space in study hall for the 2015-16 school year. If you are selected into a study hall, you are expected to work
on homework in a quiet and respectful manner. Teachers have the discretion to remove students from study hall
who are not using their time effectively. Required application is available on the Webber Middle School
website or in the counseling office.
Ed. 2/9/16
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