Lincoln Middle School

MATH 7: This course is aligned to the 7th grade Common Core State Standards for math with an emphasis on the following: (1) analyzing and representing proportional relationships, (2) performing rational number arithmetic, and (3) solving two-step equations and inequalities.

MATH 7/8: This class is offered to qualifying grade 7 math students who have successfully completed Math 6/7 in 6th grade. The instructional time during this class will focus on 8th grade math standards. Additionally, we will complete coverage of the 7th grade math standards (those not covered in Math 6/7). See descriptions regarding Math 7 in this course description and Math 8 in the 8th grade elective form course description.

This class is designed to provide students with an integrated approach to learning language arts and literature. This program will emphasize effective communication through reading, writing, speaking, and listening as the students better understand themselves and others. Organization, study, and keyboarding skills will be reinforced throughout the year. In addition to the literature anthology, the students will read The Outsiders and the graphic novel March as special literary units.

This course will cover world societies from 476 CE to 1450 CE. Societies covered will include European, Middle Eastern, and African kingdoms. Additionally, this course includes exposure to Washington State History (WSH). Successful completion of WSH will comply with the Washington State High School Graduation Milestone requirement.

Seventh-grade science is a year-long, lab-based course covering the three branches of science: Physical, Life and Earth & Space. Physical Science involves chemistry and how atoms are the building blocks of everything on Earth. Life Science explores microscopic cells and macroscopic ecosystems. Earth Science investigates how humans affect those ecosystems. While learning the science behind those topics, we strengthen our Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) including making observations, interpreting data and asking questions. These are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards as adopted by Washington State.

The purpose of Fitness, Movement, Sport and Health at Lincoln Middle School is to create a safe environment for students to take positive risks, demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of activities that promote healthy and fit lifestyles, and to understand the benefit of purposeful movement. Students will also learn accurate health information that encourages positive life choices and influences, and demonstrate growth in their knowledge, understanding, and application of the Washington State Physical Education and Health Education Standards and important concepts.

This class focuses on leadership attributes that can be identified, modeled, and taught. The class is primarily experiential-learning-based and emphasizes the importance of communication, character, personal growth, and building strong relationships and teams. Students will plan assemblies, fundraisers, and other school activities based on their interests. Class participants must be able to work independently in a manner that appropriately represents Spartan student leaders.

(1st semester only) This course is designed for hands-on learners who like to explore and create. This semester, we will continue to learn about the Art Elements and build our knowledge of the Principles of Design and Composition. Students will work with a variety of materials such as wood, fabric, recycled materials, collage, and more. Topics may include public art, music and visual art, environmental issues, social issues, and more. Students will develop works that help them explore their world and their creative expression.

(2nd semester only) This course is designed for students who like to explore and create while learning drawing and painting techniques. Students will continue to learn about the Art Elements and build knowledge of the Principles of Design and Composition. Students will work with a variety of drawing, watercolors, and acrylic paint mediums. Topics will include basic color theory, color mixing composition, and visual communication.

(1st semester only) Students are challenged to creatively use sensors and actuators to develop systems that interact with their environment. Designing algorithms and using computational thinking practices, students will code and upload programs to microcontrollers that perform a variety of authentic tasks. This course will broaden students’ understanding of computer science concepts through meaningful applications. Students will work in teams and work through a simulation related problem involving wearable technology, interactive art, or a mechanical device. *Pathway to HS courses in Digital Electronics and Computer Science

(1st semester only) Students will be provided opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students learn to use methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will understand how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observation. In a simulation, teams will design a toy or game for a child with cerebral palsy, fabricate and test the design, and make necessary modifications to optimize the design. Students will design bridges, and model using 3D software, and print designs using 3D printers.

*Pathway to Woodshop, Drafting, Metals

Students will develop skills within automation and robotics to improve daily life. Students investigate mechanical systems, motion, transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students will learn about gear ratios and block-based coding to create robotic machines. Using the VEX Robotics platform, students design, build, and program real-world devices, such as a food dispenser, a robot pet companion, and a transport system.

*Pathway to robotics club (SEL)

(2nd semester only) Students will play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect sheep brains, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. Students will also explore a unit on forensic science performing hands-on analysis, utilizing field-based tools to solve a simulated mystery case.

*Pathway to Biology, Veterinary Science, Health Sciences

(2nd semester only) This Course will integrate Art, Computer Science, and Technology Skills. Students will learn the 8 elements of design, 12 principles of design, basics of industrial and graphic design, and fashion art. Students will use software including Adobe Express, Pixlr, and Canva to create business logos, fashions design, and presentation boards.

*Pathway to Fashion and Digital design, Digital Media, Art.

Year-Long Course

Concert choir offers students choral advancement in vocal production, rhythmic style, and ensemble performance skills. For skill advancement, first year Concert Choir students are assessed on concepts that extend from 6th grade choir; second year Concert Choir students are assessed on concepts that extend from their first year. Second year students leave well-prepared to move on to the high school level. A wide selection of choral music is used throughout the year, some of which involves student input. Performances include evening concerts, festivals, and school assemblies.

**STUDENTS WHO OPT TO JOIN JAZZ CHOIR, WHICH MEETS BEFORE SCHOOL, ARE REQUIRED TO ENROLL IN THIS CLASS.

Year-Long Course

This class is for continuing string players, and performance is the primary emphasis of the course. Rhythm, music reading and coordination, ensemble, a range of new keys, and responsible group membership are emphasized. Performances include fall, winter, and spring concerts as well as in-school assemblies and music festivals/trips. Participation in the “Disney & Desserts” fundraiser in the fall is also encouraged.

Year-Long Course

This class continues the goals and objectives of the sixth-grade band. Students will learn advanced concepts regarding tone production, rhythm, intonation, musical styles, and technical aspects of the instruments. This class is for continuing band students (no beginners), and performance is the primary emphasis of the course. Performances include fall, winter, and spring concerts as well as in-school assemblies and music festivals/trips/parades.