7th Grade Course Catalog for 2024-2025

CLASS NAME

DESCRIPTION

Academic Success 

The Academic Success elective is designed to provide general support in core subjects such as reading, writing, and math. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their academic classes while being supported by the Academic Success teacher.

Advanced Robotics

Teams of students will participate in friendly competition, engaging in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering as they construct and program a LEGO robot to accomplish missions in a robot game. Additionally, they will undertake a real-world research project as part of the challenge. Students in this class will also have the opportunity to participate in the First Lego League (RoboRAMS).  Students must have taken 6th grade STEM LAB, and an application is required. Class size is limited.  Click here to apply.

Agricultural Science - Animal Science

This is an academic class best suited for 7th and 8th grade students who want to learn about careers in agriculture while developing their public speaking skills.   Students will learn about and interact with animals as well as researching and applying methods for caring for, improving and managing different types of animals.  This course dives into the biology of animals, their care and habitats.  

Agricultural Science - Horticulture

Art 1

This is a year-long course in which students will explore and apply the Elements of Art through the development and analysis of works of art. This course revolves around project-based assignments related to contemporary, historical, social, and cultural issues and meets the eleven anchor standards of the California Visual Arts Standards. Written tasks are also regularly assigned to students through note taking (during lectures and demonstrations), project reflections, and other unit specific assignments. 

ASB

Students will develop leadership skills as they work together to plan and facilitate events and activities to share with the TPMS community. This class focuses on skills like public speaking, time management, and collaborative skills to benefit the greater TPMS community. (Application Required. ASB Applications will be available in March in room 911. Please select an alternative elective as well.)

AVID 7

Advancement Via Individual Determination – AVID is a nationwide program that prepares students for the rigor of college culture. The mission of AVID is to close the opportunity gap by preparing ALL students for college readiness and success in a global society. Students gain note-taking skills, writing and reading strategies, organizational preparedness, collaborative & leadership skills and build college and career awareness.  College tutors are employed to work with students twice a week during class. This academic elective is a year-long commitment.  

AVID Application LINKED HERE or Bitly: https://bit.ly/3wEuS29

AVID Flyer and Informational Video Link: CLICK HERE

Application and interview is required.  Class size is limited.

Band  

This course provides students an opportunity to play a musical instrument and perform as a group in one of the school bands.  Evening performances are required. Regular practice at home is essential.  Students must demonstrate a cooperative attitude, possess strong self-discipline for managing their own behavior and attain the skill level necessary to contribute to the band’s performance.  

Broadcast Journalism:

TPMS tv

Students in the broadcast journalism class (TPMS tv) will work in a collaborative environment to create a quality television program for the students at Twin Peaks.  Students will learn how to write, shoot, edit, and produce story segments.  This hands-on class provides students with a creative opportunity to develop their communication skills, learn time management and the fundamentals of broadcasting.

Click Here for the Broadcast Journalism Online Application

Application is required.  Class size is limited.

Communications Hub  

Students will have an opportunity to take 3 different 12-week electives with a Communications focus, and will stay in the Hub for a full year.  This is a 7th/8th grade course. Students can NOT repeat this course. 

Courses in this wheel include:

• Poetry Slam!:  Poetry Slam! is a vibrant and engaging poetry class designed specifically for middle school students to foster creativity, self-expression, and a love for language through the art of poetry. In this course, young poets will embark on an exciting journey, exploring various poetic forms, techniques, and themes to unlock their unique voices and cultivate a deep appreciation for the beauty of language.
• Public Speaking:  In this intro course, students will learn how to be great communicators and persuasive speakers. They'll practice giving speeches, learn to build strong arguments, and have exciting debates on important topics. This class isn't just about winning arguments; it's about becoming a more confident and effective speaker, thinker, and advocate. Get ready for a fun and valuable experience that will help you speak up and make a difference!
• Social Media Writing Studio:  This course is designed to introduce students to the world of creative writing and its various career paths. In this class, students will learn about different writing styles, genres, and techniques, and will explore their own unique voices as writers. Throughout the course, students will work on developing their writing skills through a variety of writing exercises, prompts, and projects. In addition to developing their writing skills, students will also learn about the various career paths available in the world of creative writing. This may include writing for film, television, and theater; writing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications; and writing for businesses, such as copywriting. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the world of creative writing and the many career paths available to them.  

Digital Media Production  

This course continues to build on the fundamentals of video production. (No previous experience is required.) Students will understand the importance of developing storyboards and scripts to focus their ideas before filming. They will be able to demonstrate the use of different camera shots, camera angles and camera movements to have a more cinematic feel to their video projects.  The students will develop their understanding of lighting and audio techniques to ensure a quality finished product that they can be proud of. Additionally, students will use Final Cut Pro X Editing Software (Industry Standard) to edit their videos. This class is designed for anyone looking for an exciting, hands-on environment where you will learn real-world video production skills.

Digital Photography

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the dslr camera and how you can go beyond simply taking snapshots but taking your photography skills to the next level. Students will learn the technical side of photography of framing, light, composition, depth of field, rule of thirds, exposure triangle, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, how to edit digital photos in Photoshop, and create a portfolio of their work.

Drama

Introduces students to the drama/theater experience. Students participate in improvisational reader’s theater, pantomimes, scene work and monologues. After learning the basics, students are cast in a fully produced play and will be expected to memorize their parts. Drama students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent for other students and parents/guardians. 

Graphic Design

In this year-long elective course, students will become familiarized with the design process while learning the basics of graphic design and digital illustration. They’ll explore various methods used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to visually communicate ideas and messages.  Through Project-Based Learning, students will develop their own portfolio of work while also making real-world connections to the professional industries that utilize these skills.

Inclusion Ambassadors

Twin Peaks Middle School is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students are valued and respected, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Inclusion Ambassadors is a course that empowers student leaders to become advocates for disability rights and inclusion. Through this course, students will:

• • Serve as peer buddies in the classroom.
  • Plan, participate in, and design inclusive spaces at school events.
  • Explore the history and current issues of disability rights and inclusion in society.

Office/Library Aide

Students will assist office or library staff with a variety of tasks, including: delivering messages, working on bulletin boards, supporting school-wide projects and initiatives, reshelving books, working on displays, and general book maintenance and care.  Staff assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department. Counselor signature required to enroll.

Orchestra

This course provides students an opportunity to play a stringed instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) and perform as a group in the school orchestra. Regular practice at home is essential in order to attain the skill level necessary to contribute to the orchestra’s performance.  Evening performances are required.

Peer Tutor

This course prepares students to be effective peer tutors. Participants will learn essential tutoring skills such as active listening, clear communication, and adapting to diverse learning styles. Recommended for students who love to assist others in a classroom setting, and who feel comfortable with a variety of content knowledge. Students will be held to high expectations and must maintain good academic, citizenship, and work habits in order to stay within the peer tutoring program (see GPA prerequisite). Through interactive sessions, students will develop the ability to support their peers academically while enhancing their own leadership skills.

​​PREREQUISITE: Minimum GPA of 3.0 required

Principles of Leadership

Science Wheel

Students will have an opportunity to take 3 different 12-week electives with a Science focus, and will stay in the Wheel for a full year.  This is a 7th/8th grade course. Students can NOT repeat this course. 

Courses in this wheel include:

• Food Science: Students will explore their sense of taste as they learn about many categories of food, including vegetables, fruits, milk & cheese, proteins, grains, and sugar. Students will practice proper measurement techniques and basic kitchen safety with simple cooking experiments. Students will learn about the importance of cleanliness and preventing cross contamination in the kitchen.
• Medical Detectives:  In the Medical Detectives elective class, students 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 a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.
• Zoology:  Do you love animals?  Zoology is all about the physiology, adaptations, and habitats of a wide variety of animals.  We'll learn about both land and ocean animals!

7th Grade PE Academy

An advanced PE class that focuses on competitive team sports, personal fitness, and weight training. Students in the PE Academy should exemplify good sportsmanship and positive behavior. Students interested in taking this course will need teacher approval from their current PE teacher.

Spanish 1

Spanish Level 1 is an introductory course designed for students with little or no previous experience in the Spanish language. This course focuses on building a strong foundation in basic communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through a variety of interactive activities, students will develop the ability to understand and produce simple spoken and written expressions in Spanish.

Spanish 1-2 

The Middle School Accelerated Spanish 1-2 course is designed for students who are eager to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and accelerate their learning journey. This course integrates the content of Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 into a single accelerated curriculum, allowing students to acquire foundational skills and progress rapidly toward higher proficiency levels. Strong academic study skills are encouraged for students enrolling in this course. Students completing this course with a “C” or better will be granted university world language entrance requirements, if the student completes at least one year in the same language in high school. This provides them with a head start in their academic pursuits.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers

This course is designed for native speakers of Spanish or Dual Immersion students who wish to deepen their understanding and mastery of the language. Through a variety of practical and theoretical activities, students will explore advanced aspects of grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and Spanish literature. The emphasis will be on developing both written and oral communication skills, as well as understanding and analyzing authentic texts. PREREQUISITE REQUIRED: Native Spanish Speaker or Dual Immersion Student

Speech & Debate  

In this year-long elective, students will have the chance to engage in speech and debate events that will build self-confidence and analytical skills in a fun, competitive environment. Students will gain a greater command of a room as they learn to speak with purpose in multiple speaking styles. Students will also engage in debates on real world issues that will challenge them to get fast on their toes, be prepared with evidence, and look for an opponent's weaknesses to secure a win for themselves and their team.  Students can NOT repeat this course. 

STEM Lab - Design & 3D Modeling / Architecture / Robotics

This hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) course is designed to introduce students to basic engineering concepts and principles through fun and engaging activities. The course is year-long, but the focus will change each trimester. Students can NOT repeat this course. In no particular order, students will study:  

• Design & 3D Modeling: Students are challenged and empowered to design, prototype, and test various projects. Students will learn the basics of 3d printing and laser cutting while developing a deeper understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives.
• ​Architecture:  Students explore the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and building as they design and build birdhouses, sheds, dream rooms, and tiny houses using Autodesk’s® Revit 3D architectural design software. 
• Robotics: Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world Projects.  Students will design and program mechanical toys, and a race car.

Yearbook

Yearbook students learn and work collaboratively using digital cameras, photo editing software and online design software to digitally produce a yearbook. Students learn and use writing skills, communication skills, and creativity to tell the story of our school year in an engaging way. In this college and career-ready course, students think critically to meet deadlines and track goals.

Click https://bit.ly/TPMSYearbookApplication or copy and paste into your browser.  Application is required. Class size is limited.