Exploratory Arts - Grade 7

Art

The Middle School Art program consists of a one-marking-period course in which students at each grade level will study line, shape, form, color, art criticism, appreciation and careers. Projects in design, drawing, collage, painting, printmaking and sculpture will become more complex as the student progresses through grades six, seven and eight.

The student will develop the ability to create two and three dimensional images, utilize design concepts and begin to understand the relationship between the use of tools, techniques, materials and the visual statement. They will use an art vocabulary and begin to observe, analyze and understand visual expression. They will be made aware of careers in the visual arts.

Communication and Control Technology

Communication and Control Technologies is a marking period course that will explore control and communication systems.  This course is designed to develop students’ problem solving, technological and computer literacy skills. Students learn to work cooperatively in groups; apply the design loop to problems; construct design portfolios.  Lab activities require students to collect and organize data, construct prototypes-models, develop and present documentation.   Students explore the use of simple machines, design and problem solving strategies, graphic communications, verbal communications, robotics and promote within the student a spirit of cooperation when working as a part of a group.

Computer and Financial Literacy 7

Computer and Financial Literacy Grade 7 is a marking period long exploratory arts course which will develop students’ computer skills. The major units of study are: word processing, database, spreadsheet, multimedia, Internet/Web design, and desktop publishing. The curriculum will include incorporation of subject area curriculum, Internet research skills and safety.

Dramatic and Performing Arts

The Dramatic and Performing Arts program is designed to acquaint students with the performing arts through dramatic interpretation of literature. Students will develop self-confidence, work with others cohesively, use imagination to express thought and feeling, obtain increased awareness of the world around them, and improve their concentration skills. Basic acting skills such as improvisation, pantomime, characterization, preparing a role and stage movements will be introduced. Students will identify elements in a script and recognize those elements of a script related to characterization. Class activities will include informal acting experiences and classroom presentations.