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Secondary
Education
SIXTH GRADE Reading 6 Students learn to use and apply basic reading skills in a variety of genre. Emphasis is placed on monitoring comprehension and critically analyzing text. English 6 Students will further develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills by a wide variety of reading and writing experiences. Students will continue to use the six traits (ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, and conventions) to compose, revise, and evaluate their written work.
Math 6 Math 6 is the study of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals and fractions; measurement; graphing; statistics; geometry and problem solving. Students are also introduced to percents, ratio and proportion, and one-step equations. Challenge Math 6 In Challenge Math, students will study addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, fractions and integers.
They will also study one-step equation solving, problem solving, statistics,
ratio, proportion, percent, and 2- and 3-dimensional geometry. This course
consolidates the arithmetic of previous grades and prepares students for Pre-Algebra Prealgebra In Pre-Algebra students will study number theory, operations
with rational numbers, scientific notation, solving one-step and multi-step
equations and inequalities, statistics, ratio, proportion, percent, geometry
and coordinate graphing. This course prepares students to take Algebra.
Science 6 Sixth grade science shows the connections between earth, physical, chemical and life sciences. Students will explore and find answers to the following questions. What is this stuff called matter? How do I make solutions? What are acids, bases and salts? What is a living organism?
Social Studies 6 This course introduces students to world cultures by tracing the growth of civilization. Students compare and contrast political, economic and social institutions of both ancient and modern civilizations to understand and appreciate the ways of life that differ from our own. Emphasis is on the eastern hemisphere and early civilization. Students will also evaluate the influence of geography on peoples through a focus on map and globe skills.
Physical Education 6 The 6th grade physical education program is co-educational. This course provides students opportunities to gain knowledge and skills necessary to maintain lifelong participation in physical activities. Sixth grade physical education emphasizes continued development of skills and lead-up games in a variety of lifetime activities with a concentration on individual physical fitness.
Art 6 This quarter course introduces students to the Elements of Art through two-dimensional and three-dimensional experiences. Students will also learn to look at, understand, and appreciate the influences of art from different historic times and cultures.
Band 6 Sixth grade band is a continuation of the instrumental music studies begun in 5th grade. In addition to improving individual playing skills, students will begin to learn group playing techniques. Every band student will learn proper rehearsal behavior (attentiveness, respect, good posture, etc.), three major and three minor scales, the chromatic scale, fundamentals of music theory, tone production, breath control, and the importance of practicing for improvement. Percussionists will learn 10 rudiments. Students are required to turn in weekly practice records and perform at all scheduled concerts. Orchestra 6 Sixth grade orchestra is a continuation of instrumental music studies begun at the elementary level for violin, viola, cello or bass players. Sixth grade orchestra students will expand their musical knowledge and perform pieces with accuracy and expressiveness. Students will develop musical skills including tone production, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and bowing styles. Emphasis will also be given to the development of individual playing skills including tuning, shifting, vibrato, and major and minor scales. Students will begin learning rehearsal procedures and ensemble techniques. This is a graded course that meets both semesters with a mandatory concert attendance requirement. Vocal Music 6 This course introduces students to many different aspects of music including choral performance (includes required concert participation) and vocal production; music theory and history; listening techniques and music appreciation. These studies will prepare and assist in developing the student’s abilities for future music classes/ensembles and his/her role as a music consumer.
Family & Consumer Sciences 6 Students in this course will be introduced to the area of Family & Consumer Sciences. During the quarter, they will complete activities related to self, peer relationships, babysitting, nutrition, food preparation, textiles, clothing, and design. Students will be asked to provide the supplies for sewing projects they will take home.
Computers 6 This quarter course is designed to provide students with an exploratory experience in the world of computers. It provides a review of keyboarding skills; work with an integrated software package incorporating word processing, data base, and spreadsheet; use of the internet; and multimedia software that integrates text, graphics, sound, and video. Ethical use of computer systems and software is stressed at all times. This is a nine-week course and is required of all students.
Industrial Technology 6 Industrial Technology is a nine-week required course that introduces students to several areas of technology. Each area is called a Mission. Twenty missions are offered (see list below), of which students will complete 10. Paired students work for three days on each Mission. Each day, students read a Mission Briefing, answer questions about the reading, then complete a "hands on" activity. Creative problem solving is taught through Discovery Day activities that occur between each Mission.
*Required Missions
SEVENTH GRADE
Reading 7 Students learn to use and apply higher level skills in a variety of genre. The course will focus on monitoring comprehension and critically analyzing nonfiction and technical text. English 7 Students will continue to develop and improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The six traits (ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, and conventions) will be used to revise and improve their writing.
Math 7 In Math 7, students will study addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, fractions and integers. They will also study one-step equation solving, problem solving, statistics, ratio, proportion, percent, and 2- and 3-dimensional geometry. This course consolidates the arithmetic of previous grades and prepares students for Pre-Algebra. Prealgebra In Pre-Algebra students will study number theory, operations
with rational numbers, scientific notation, solving one-step and multi-step
equations and inequalities, statistics, ratio, proportion, percent, geometry
and coordinate graphing. This course prepares students to take Algebra. Algebra Algebra is a course designed for those students who have mastered
the basics of arithmetic and pre-algebra, and who understand mathematics in
a more abstract form. This is a typical first-year algebra course.
Science 7 Seventh grade science shows the connections between earth, physical, chemical and life sciences. Students will explore and find answers to the following questions. How can I tell if something is a force? What can these forces do to the earth? What is the basic unit of life? How do cells do their jobs?
Social Studies 7 This course helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Units in psychology and sociology emphasize the development of skills in responsibility, communication, building self-confidence, decision making and goal setting. Students will also investigate physical geography, climate, economy, political situations and demographics of countries in the western hemisphere and the South Pacific. The importance and understanding of current events will be emphasized throughout the year.
Physical Education 7 Seventh grade physical education is a co-educational course designed to expose students to a variety of team and individual activities. The purpose of the 7th grade program is to provide students continued opportunities to develop skills and individual fitness through physical activity.
Art 7 This is a quarter course in which students continue to explore the Elements of Art through two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Students will learn to interpret and evaluate art in various historical and cultural contexts.
Band 7 Seventh Grade band is a yearlong course open to students who have successfully completed the objectives of sixth grade band or the equivalent, possess a desire to play band literature, and improve their level of musical performance. Students will continue the learning of basic music skills: music theory, notation, sight reading, rehearsal procedures, and the importance of practicing for improvement. Students are required to learn a minimum of five major scales, five minor scales, and the chromatic scale. Percussionists are required to learn a minimum of 14 rudiments. Band is a graded course. Students are required to turn in home practice/assignment cards and perform at all scheduled concerts. Additional opportunities such as solo/ensemble clinics and honor bands exist for students at this level Orchestra 7/8 Seventh and eighth grade Orchestra is a course open to all students with previous experience on a string instrument. The major emphasis of 7th and 8th grade Orchestra is rehearsing and performing as an orchestra. The students will continue to develop musical skills including tone production, pitch, rhythm, major and minor scales, shifting and vibrato. This is a graded course with mandatory concert attendance required. Vocal Music 7 This course is designed to continue the development of the student’s vocal production and choral performance (includes required concert participation); the student’s knowledge of music theory and history; the student’s listening techniques; and the student’s music appreciation skills. These studies will prepare and assist in developing the student’s abilities for future music classes/ensembles and his/her role as a music consumer.
Family & Consumer Sciences 7 Students in this course will continue to gain knowledge and skill in the area of Family and Consumer Sciences. Opportunities will be provided to learn more about being a responsible family member, food preparation, healthy eating habits, and using textile and technological equipment. Students will be asked to provide the supplies for sewing projects they will take home. Health 7 The health curriculum is designed to provide information to seventh graders about healthy lifestyles. Emphasis is placed on information and the positive choices they can make to promote good health, now and throughout their life. Health class focuses on personal wellness, stress management, diseases, nutrition, physical fitness, drug misuse and abuse, and body systems.
Computers 7 This quarter course is designed to provide students with an exploratory experience in the world of computers, building on previously acquired skills. Students will experience a variety of digital processes used with computers. The course includes work with an integrated software package incorporating word processing, data base, and spreadsheet; use of the internet; and multimedia software that integrates text, graphics, sound, and video. Ethical use of computer systems and software is stressed at all times. This is a nine-week course and is required of all students.
Industrial Technology 7 Seventh grade Industrial Technology is a nine-week required course in exploring technology through "hands on" activities. There are 27 courses, called Modules, of which students complete four (see list below). Paired students work for seven days in each module. In addition to the "hands on" module activities, students complete a pre-test, 12 research challenges and a post-test. Each student will be assessed three times during each module, demonstrating to the instructor concepts learned and projects completed. Creative problem solving strategies are taught during Discovery Days, which occur between each Module rotation. Seventh Grade Modules (Students select 4)
EIGHTH GRADE
English 8 Students will continue to improve their reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills. Students will continue to use the six traits of writing (ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, and conventions) to improve their personal writing.
Prealgebra In Pre-Algebra students will study number theory, operations with rational numbers, scientific notation, solving one-step and multi-step equations and inequalities, statistics, ratio, proportion, percent, geometry and coordinate graphing. This course prepares students to take Algebra. Algebra Algebra is a course designed for those students who have mastered
the basics of arithmetic and pre-algebra, and who understand mathematics in
a more abstract form. This is a typical first-year algebra course. Geometry The student will learn traditional geometric facts, applications
of those facts, and the axiomatic method used to derive those facts.
Science 8 Eighth grade science shows the connections between earth, physical, chemical and life sciences. Students will explore and find answers to the following questions. What is an electric force? Does magnetism affect electricity? What is this thing called an atom? What is a chemical reaction? What are some differences between a solid, liquid and gas? How do I fuel my body?
American History 1776-1914 Eighth grade American History consists of a chronological approach emphasizing the social and political impact on the development of the United States. This course begins with a review of English colonization, the American Revolution and the United States Constitution. A detailed study of the United States from 1776 through 1914 then follows. Included within appropriate context will be units of study about Nebraska history and Native Americans. Special emphasis will be placed on geographical concepts, current events, writing and interdisciplinary units. In the ninth grade, students will continue the study of the United States from 1914 to the present.
Physical Education 8 The 8th grade physical education program is designed to expand the student’s exposure to team and individual activities with a concentration on individual fitness. This program emphasizes application of skills and sport knowledge through game participation.
Drawing Drawing is a quarter elective course. Students will concentrate on a variety of drawing media and techniques to further their cultural and visual arts awareness. The Elements and Principles of Art are emphasized. Painting Painting is a quarter elective course. Students will study Color Theory and the Elements and Principles of Art. They will learn a variety of painting media and techniques. Students will also explore cultural and historical art awareness. Pottery/Sculpture Pottery/Sculpture is a quarter elective course. Students will study the Elements and Principles of Art and will work with a variety of three-dimensional media and techniques. Students will also interpret and evaluate different cultural and historical uses of three-dimensional art. Printmaking/Fibers Printmaking/Fibers is a quarter elective course designed to introduce students to a variety of printing processes and fiber construction. Students will be exposed to a variety of artists, cultures and media.
Band 8 Eighth grade band is a year-long course open to students who have successfully completed the objectives of seventh grade band or the equivalent, possess a desire to play advanced band literature, and improve their level of musical performance. Students will continue the learning of basic music skills: music theory, notation, sight reading, rehearsal procedures, and the importance of practicing for improvement. Students are required to learn a minimum of seven major scales, seven minor scales, and the chromatic scale. Percussionists are required to learn a minimum of 17 rudiments. Band is a graded course. Students are required to turn in home practice/assignment cards and perform at all scheduled concerts. Additional opportunities such as solo/ensemble clinics and honor bands exist for students at this level. Orchestra 7/8 Seventh and eighth grade Orchestra is a course open to all students with previous experience on a string instrument. The major emphasis of 7th and 8th grade Orchestra is rehearsing and performing as an orchestra. The students will continue to develop musical skills including tone production, pitch, rhythm, major and minor scales, shifting and vibrato. This is a graded course with mandatory concert attendance required. Choral Music 8 Eighth grade Choir is a performance oriented course (includes required concert participation) which develops the student’s ability to sing three- and four-part choral literature. There will be a continued emphasis on vocal production, theory and sight reading. Participation in 8th grade choral music is a firm building block for successful participation in the various high school choral ensembles and lifelong involvement in music.
Foods (AMS, KMS, NMS, RMS) Sportswear (KMS, NMS, RMS) Know Your Self
Industrial Technology 8 Eighth grade Industrial Technology is a quarter long elective course in exploring technology through "hands on" activities. A student may elect to take up to two quarters of eighth grade Industrial Technology. There are 27 courses, called Modules, of which students complete four each quarter (see list below). Paired students work for seven days in each module. In addition to the "hands on" module activities, students complete a pre-test, 12 research challenges and a post-test. Each student will be assessed three times during each module, demonstrating to the instructor concepts learned and projects completed. Eighth graders cannot take the same modules they had in seventh grade. Creative problem solving strategies are taught during Discovery Days, which occur between each Module rotation. Eighth Grade Modules (Students select 4 each quarter)
Foreign Language Survey Foreign Language Survey gives eighth graders a unique opportunity to spend nine weeks studying each of three languages: French, German and Spanish. These quarter classes provide a basic introduction to each language. Students participate in many activities related to the language and the lifestyle of each foreign culture. As with any language course, some memorization is necessary. Students will demonstrate learning through various activities and projects. French I, German I and Spanish I Identified eighth grade students are eligible to enroll in one of three full-year language courses. Students are introduced to the four basic skill areas of speaking, writing, reading and listening in the foreign language. Cultural aspects are also included. These classes involve frequent homework requiring good memorization and spelling skills. Assessment is done through both oral and written responses. After successful completion of the first year program, students will be recommended for appropriate placement in a second year program at the ninth grade level.
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM
Airplanes and Rockets This course explores the principles of aeronautics and astronautics. The students learn the history and principles of flight. Building and flying styroflyers and rubber powered aircraft puts these principles to practical use. In astronautics the students become aware of man’s first attempts at rocketry, NASA’S projects - Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, the Shuttle, and Skylab - are studied. Model rockets are built and launched by the students to reemphasize the concepts of rocketry. A student’s grade is based mainly on participation and following directions. Challenge Science Journey through all fields of science! Explore your world and apply the scientific method with classroom investigations and expeditions to the outdoor classroom. Links to science-related careers will be emphasized and discussed with guest lectures. (Challenge Level class - register by invitation only) Computers 8 This class will use a variety of programs to produce multimedia presentations. The students will have the chance to use the following programs and equipment: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Hyperstudio, digital cameras, scanners, video cameras, and videotape. Computer Web Design This nine-week course will concentrate on learning web programming using Claris Home Page software. Students will learn scripting and how to use the internet as a research tool. They will create advanced computer graphics, maintain the AMS web page, and create their own "offline" web project. Journalism Journalism students will study and write four types of stories: news, editorials, reviews, and features. Other areas studied will include interviewing, advertising, and information-gathering. One newspaper per quarter will be produced by the students. Students should have received a 1 or 2 in seventh grade English. Leadership Leadership is the student’s opportunity to discover the kinds of leadership strengths that he already has and how to develop other skills that will make him an even better leader. Students will learn about leadership styles, project planning, assertiveness, decision-making and problem solving, and different ways to effectively communicate. They will practice these skills in school and/or community projects. Students are graded on class participation, worksheets, and special projects such as taped extemporaneous speeches and role-playing activities in the classroom. Money Matters Want to know how to cope with life’s realities? This course deals with balancing a checkbook, budgeting, renting an apartment, buying an automobile, discounts, taxes, interest, and more. The students develop math skills and an understanding of the economic principles of the above topics. Mysteries Students will explore different aspects of the mystery from reasoning and listening to looking for relevant clues. Activities will include reading several short mysteries, books by Agatha Christie and other mystery writers, and watching detective movies including Sherlock Holmes. There will be the possibility of participating in a Clue tournament as well as writing and acting out a mystery. This class holds the possibility of lots of fun and adventure. See the U.S.A. Do you like to travel? Join us as we journey through the various regions of the United States. Nebraska and Washington, D.C. will have top billing on our tour. You will work with maps, view films and slides of historic sites, look at geographical trivia, and even plan your own trip. Technology and Engineering The students will experience hands-on activities: building kites, paper capers, hang gliders, wind wheels, Lou-Vee air car and other challenges. Theater Arts Theater Arts students will study the history of theater and drama. They will study, practice, and perform various forms of drama such as pantomime, monologues, improvisations, and puppetry. Students will participate by reading several plays and presenting a short play for others. Students will provide their own props and costumes and make the scenery for the play. You and the Law Order in the court! This class will explore the basics of law and how it affects us. Students will learn about criminal law, civil law, juvenile law, the court systems, criminal justice and criminal justice. We hold a mock trial and visit the Douglas County Court house. Current events involving the law also will be discussed.
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM Add Motion Web Design Yearbook This elective meets everyday all year. Students are responsible all aspects of putting together the school yearbook. Jobs include identifying pictures, laying out pages, helping select which pictures go in the yearbook, meeting deadlines, and selling yearbooks. Seventh grade team teachers must approve this selection.
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM Computer Literacy Computer Literacy is an extension of the skills learned in 7th grade. The concepts of word processing, database, and spreadsheets are reviewed. New topics include using spreadsheets to make graphs, combining a database with a word processor to print form letters, and using the clipboard. If time allows, students will create a project using the Hyper Studio program. Current Events Students will take a close look at top weekly news events through a combination of CNN News, Scholastic Magazine, and the Omaha World Herald. Discussion, planned activities, and worksheets act as supportive curriculum. Exploring Career Paths This course will assist students with decisions regarding educational career choices that will prepare them for their future. Students will identify interest areas, explore clusters of occupations, practice interviewing, learn positive job skills, and interview members of the community about their careers. Exploring a variety of career options will assist students as they develop their educational plans for high school and beyond. Problem Solving Through Technology This is a nine-week elective course that focuses on maximizing student creativity and problem solving skills. Students will engage in a variety of activities ranging from construction to creative writing.
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM Computers This graded class meets every day for one semester. This course builds on the computer skills learned in seventh grade. Students will do all of their research on the internet using Netscape. Projects will be developed using HyperStudio, and Microsoft Office. The final project is creating a personal home page for the internet. This course is designed to learn how to find and appropriately use the resources available on the World Wide Web.
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM Computers Students will develop an acceptable use policy for internet use and learn how to use Netscape software to search the World Wide Web. The students will search for information related to curriculum integrated projects. They will do some HTML authoring to put their own homepage on the classroom intranet. Yearbook The yearbook staff is made up of 20 eighth grade students. Students apply for these positions. These students should have ability in writing articles, drawing, arranging pictures, or using a camera. The yearbook contains every Russell student’s photograph, any special event, and most athletic teams. Yearbook meets as a class, daily, during the first semester. The second semester Yearbook meets as a club (once per week or more to complete deadlines for publication). Elective Study Hall Selected students have the opportunity to choose to take a study hall instead of an elective class. This study hall would enable students who take Chorus to still have a study hall in their schedule. The study hall can be for one or more quarters. This study hall will be a QUIET study hall: students will be expected to have work with them each day as they enter the classroom. EarthKAM Students use images of the Earth taken from space to better understand the complex nature of our planet. The course features an integrated curriculum with emphasis on geography, computer technology, meteorology, and teamwork. Training prepares students for participation in an EarthKAM mission. During the mission students accept control of a camera on board a shuttle, select targets, and capture their own images of the Earth. The images are retrieved via the internet, undergo image processing/annotation, and are uploaded to the NASA archives at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Drama Students will read a play and analyze the main characters. They will compare and contrast their first impressions of the play with a modern interpretation of it. They will also perform monologues and dialogues in order to practice various acting skills. Reading Reading is a quarter long class designed to develop and enhance the reading comprehension and word analysis skills of students. A wide variety of literature will be read, but special emphasis will be placed on teaching strategies to help students better understand their social studies and science texts. Students will be placed in this course based upon academic need. |
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Administrator Site Last Updated: 11/22/04 |
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