2023-2024 Patton Junior High Courses and Descriptions 

 

Career and Technical Education and Engineering

6th GRADE

PLTW: Design and Modeling

Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. Using design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.

 

7th GRADE and 8th GRADE

PLTW: Design and Modeling (recommended for students who have not previously taken this class) 6820

Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. Using design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.

 

PLTW: Magic of Electrons (1 semester) 53159

Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them.

 

PLTW: Medical Detectives (1 semester) 53063

Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

 

PLTW: Energy and the Environment (1 semester) 53049

Students are challenged to think big and toward the future as they explore sustainable solutions to our energy needs and investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the world. They design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption.

 

PLTW: Green Architecture (1 semester) 6834

Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In this unit, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s #D architectural design software.

 

PLTW: Automation and Robotics (1 semester) 71009

Students are given the opportunity to combine mechanisms with input and output devices to automate the mechanisms. Construction and programming skills are layered, and projects and the problem provide students the opportunity to connect their learning throughout the lessons in the unit. Students take on the role of interns and work in teams to identify design requirements and create prototypes to meet the needs of clients. They also explore different aspects of automation and robotics and experience how solving real-life problems involves the teamwork of mechanical engineers, software developers, and electrical engineers.

 

Broadcasting Technology (1 semester) 61051

Broadcasting Technology courses provide students with the knowledge and skills to produce television broadcast programs. Students prepare and produce short programs, learn the technical aspects of the operation, and how to evaluate programming and assess audience reaction and impact.

 

9th GRADE

PLTW: Engineering Essentials (2 semesters) 6828

Engineering Essentials is a full-year course designed to be a high school student’s first exposure to the PLTW Engineering program and is appropriate for students in grades 9-12. In Engineering Essentials, students explore the work of engineers and their role in the design and development of solutions to real-world problems. The course introduces students to engineering concepts that are applicable across multiple engineering disciplines and empowers them to build technical skills through the use of a variety of engineering tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), 3-D solid modeling software, and prototyping equipment. Students learn and apply the engineering design process to develop mechanical, electronic, process, and logistical solutions to relevant problems across a variety of industry sectors, including health care, public service, and product development and manufacturing.

 

Broadcasting Technology (2 semesters) 11051

Broadcasting Technology courses provide students with the knowledge and skills to produce television broadcast programs. Students prepare and produce short programs, learn the technical aspects of the operation, and how to evaluate programming and assess audience reaction and impact.

 

Fine Arts

Art (1 semester) 2370

The curriculum for Art education incorporates the four disciplines of Art: Aesthetics, Production, Art Criticism, and Art History. Students will acquire information about the foundations of art, elements of art, and principles of design.

 

Patton Singers (2 semesters) 7658

The main emphasis of this performance-based class is on group singing.  Solfege, harmony, diction, and vocal production will be emphasized.  The group will perform at school programs and community events.

 

Band (2 semesters) 7677

This class is designed for 7th-grade students who have previous experience in playing band instruments.  This is a performing class with the main emphasis on group performance.  Rhythm, embouchure development, and tone will be emphasized.  The group will perform at school programs and community events.

 

Drama 7 (1 semester) 2907

Drama (grade 7) enables students to express themselves through dramatic play and storytelling. Course content includes the use of movement, language, character, plot, and spectacle to portray imaginary or real experiences. As appropriate, students may focus on acting techniques and traditions, other aspects of drama (staging, lighting, costuming), or both. Specific course content conforms to existing state standards for grade 7. Students will learn about the history and elements of drama, Readers Theater, and the exploration and understanding of life through the study and performance of dramatic works. Coursework emphasizes the development of students’ ability to express themselves and establish personal criteria for the critical evaluation of drama activities.

 

This class does not fulfill an English course requirement.

 

Art (1 semester) 55154

The curriculum for Art education incorporates the four disciplines of Art: Aesthetics, Production, Art Criticism, and Art History. Students will acquire information about the foundations of art, elements of art, and principles of design.

 

Patton Singers (2 semesters) 7658

The main emphasis of this performance-based class is on group singing.  Solfege, harmony, diction, and vocal production will be emphasized.  The group will perform at school programs and community events.

 

Advanced Band (2 semesters) 7608

This performance-based class is for 8th and 9th-grade students with previous experience in playing band instruments.  This is a performing class with the main emphasis on group performance.  Individual rhythm skill, tone production, embouchure development, technique, and ensemble playing will be emphasized.  The group will perform at school programs and community events.

 

Drama 8/9 (2 semesters) 2900

Students will learn practical techniques for analyzing, evaluating, and improving speaking and listening skills.  They will develop introductory level mastery of speech communication modes such as verbal and non-verbal communication, group discussion, public address, oratory, and oral interpretation. Students will learn about the history and elements of drama.  Students should be academically strong to meet the challenges of the course objectives.

 

This class does not fulfill an English course requirement.

 

Art (2 semesters) 05154

The curriculum for Art education incorporates the four disciplines of Art: Aesthetics, Production, Art Criticism, and Art History. Students will acquire information about the foundations of art, elements of art, and principles of design.

 

Patton Singers (2 semesters) 7658

The main emphasis of this performance-based class is on group singing.  Solfege, harmony, diction, and vocal production will be emphasized.  The group will perform at school programs and community events.

 

Advanced Band (2 semesters) 7608

This performance-based class is for 8th and 9th-grade students with previous experience in playing band instruments.  This is a performing class with the main emphasis on group performance.  Individual rhythm skill, tone production, embouchure development, technique, and ensemble playing will be emphasized.  The group will perform at school programs and community events.

 

Drama 8/9 (2 semesters) 2900

Students will learn practical techniques for analyzing, evaluating, and improving speaking and listening skills.  They will develop introductory level mastery of speech communication modes such as verbal and non-verbal communication, group discussion, public address, oratory, and oral interpretation. Students will learn about the history and elements of drama.  Students should be academically strong to meet the challenges of the course objectives.

 

This class does not fulfill an English course requirement.

 

 

World Languages

Spanish 7 (1 semester) 9720

Spanish 7 introduces students to key thematic vocabulary and basic grammatical concepts in Spanish. The focus will be placed on a variety of topics, including the days, months, seasons, dates, questions, numbers, body, colors, and classroom supplies. Cultural elements are also highlighted in this course. 

 

Spanish 8 (2 semesters) 5620

First-year Spanish is an introduction to the simple structure of the Spanish language.  Students will be taught the basic skills of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural situations relative to the Spanish-speaking world.  Multicultural elements are interwoven through the study of the Spanish-speaking culture and the people who make up Hispanic societies worldwide.

 

Spanish I (2 semesters) 5670

Spanish I builds on the introduction to the simple structure of the Spanish language that has been taught in the previous years of Spanish.  Students will enhance their developing language skills with additional vocabulary and grammatical concepts as well as in-depth cultural exploration.  Both oral and written expression are necessary elements in learning a foreign language and will be stressed in the second year. 

 

Family and Consumer Science

Foods and Nutrition I (1 semester) 72202

In this semester-long course, students will learn the basics of how food supplies the nutrients every body needs, and how to make healthy food choices. Students will also be introduced to safe and sanitary food handling, proper use of kitchen equipment, and basic cooking techniques.

 

Foods and Nutrition II (1 semester) 72201

 

 

 

 

Language Arts

English/Language Arts 7th Grade (2 semesters) 2723

TEXTBOOK: Collections 7

Skills developed in our ELA curriculum build knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, students writing to sources using evidence from texts, and building reading and speaking skills through regular practice with complex text and its academic language.  This also supports students to perform better in all of their classes.  In the seventh grade, we improve the quality of writing, speaking and listening, and reading skills by employing real-world applications in our curriculum.  Instruction in this course is guided by the English/Language Arts Common Core standards.

 

English/Language Arts 8th Grade (2 semesters) 2820

TEXTBOOK: Collections 8

Skills developed in our ELA curriculum supports students to perform better in all of their classes.  In the eighth grade, we improve the quality of writing, speaking and listening, and reading skills by employing real-world applications in our curriculum.  Instruction in this course is guided by the Kansas English Language Arts Standards.

 

English/Language Arts 9th Grade (2 semesters) 2920

TEXTBOOK: Collections 9

Students will gain an understanding of literature, drama, fiction and non-fiction.   Students will also be able to look deeper into the literature by pulling out themes and relating those themes to their everyday lives.  In addition, students are prepared for mastery of Kansas English Language Arts Standards for college and career readiness.  The course also includes the writing process, vocabulary, grammar, and other communication skills through a variety of presentations and other assessments.

 

 

Mathematics

Core 7 Math: 7th Grade (2 semesters) 1727

In this course, emphasis is placed on the five mathematical domains of Number Sense, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, Ratios and Proportional Relationships, and Statistics and Probability as outlined in the Kansas Mathematics Standards.  Students will be asked to solve problems, use reasoning to defend answers, analyze and critique the work of others, and use models and tools strategically.

 

Core 8 Math: 8th Grade (2 semesters) 1835

In this course, knowledge is deepened on the four mathematical domains of Number Sense, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability and introduces the domain of Functions as outlined in the Common Core Standards.  Students will be asked to build on previously acquired math skills, and emphasis will be placed on reasoning abstractly and looking for and making use of structure.

 

Pre-Algebra: 9th Grade (2 semesters) 1640

This Pre-Algebra course increases students’ foundational mathematics skills and prepares them for Algebra I by covering a variety of topics, such as properties of rational numbers (i.e., number theory), ratio, proportion,  estimation, exponents and radicals, the rectangular coordinate system, sets and logic, formulas and solving first-degree equations and inequalities.

 

Algebra I (2 semesters) 1630

Students will explore concepts including Solving Equations and Inequalities, Linear Equations and Graphs, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Exponents, Polynomials, and Factoring/Radical Expressions and Quadratic Equations and Functions.  Additional topics may include Matrices, Rational Expressions, and Exponential and Logarithmic Functions.  Kansas Mathematics Standards and Eight Mathematical Practices will guide instruction for this course.\

 

Geometry (2 semesters) 1990

Teacher approval is required. Students will explore a variety of concepts, including Reasoning and Proof, Parallel and Perpendicular Lines, Congruency and Similarity of Figures, Properties of Polygons, Right Triangle Trigonometry, Area and Volume, Transformations, and Circles.  Kansas Mathematics Standards and Eight Mathematical Practices will guide instruction for this course.

 

Algebra II (2 semesters) 1991

Teacher approval is required. Students will explore concepts including Solving Equations and Inequalities, Linear Equations and Graphs, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Matrices, Polynomials and Radical Expressions, Quadratic Functions, Conic Sections, Rational Expressions, and Exponential & Logarithmic Functions. Kansas Mathematics Standards and Eight Mathematical Practices will guide instruction for this course.

 

Physical Education

Physical Education: 7th grade (2 semesters) 8723

This program emphasizes personal wellness/fitness, team sports, and health-related fitness. The wellness components utilize stair-steppers, aero-dyne bikes, aerobics, versa-climbers, and weight training. Interaction with others, development in leadership, sportsmanship, and cooperation are accomplished through team sports. Students learn the effects of bullying. They are educated about their heart rate and how to monitor it. These health topics are taught in conjunction with the wellness area over the course of two semesters.

 

Physical Education: 8th grade (2 semesters) 8872

The program emphasizes personal wellness/fitness, team sports, and health-related fitness. The wellness components utilize stair-steppers, aero-dyne bikes, aerobics, versa-climbers, and weight training. Interaction with others, development in leadership, sportsmanship, and cooperation are accomplished through team sports. A variety of health topics are discussed throughout the year, including things like heart rate and how to monitor it.

 

Physical Education/Health: 9th grade (2 semesters) 8920

This program emphasizes personal wellness/fitness, team sports, and health-related fitness. The wellness components utilize stair-steppers, aero-dyne bikes, aerobics, versa climbers, and weight training. Interaction with others, development in leadership, sportsmanship, and cooperation are accomplished through team sports. Health topics include cardiovascular fitness/endurance, muscular system, nutrition, CPR, substance abuse, human sexuality/AIDS, and stress management. These health topics are taught in conjunction with the wellness area over the course of two semesters. This fulfills one credit for high school graduation for Health and Physical Education.

 

Science

Science 7: 7th Grade (2 semesters) 4723

The course focuses on Life Science as outlined in the Next Generation Common Core Science Standards.  The curriculum is taught using a problem-based learning format that emphasizes the use and application of the scientific method and true research methodology to answer scientific questions as they occur in the real world.

 

Science 8: 8th Grade (2 semesters) 4820

The eighth-grade Physical Science course is designed to lay the foundation for physics, chemistry, biology, and scientific inquiry. Students will start the course by reviewing/expanding on their knowledge of the scientific method (Question, Hypothesis, Procedure, Observations (data collecting), and Conclusion (interpretation of results)). The use of laboratory equipment and safety will also be taught. Next, students will learn more about how the world around them works through physics.  Physics topics include motion, force, force in fluids, work, simple machines, energy, heat transfers, waves (sound & light), magnetism, and electricity. The chemistry portion will allow students to become more familiar with the Periodic Table of Elements, physical and chemical changes, covalent and ionic bonding, chemical reactions, and acidic and basic solutions. Next Generation Common Core Science Standards will guide instruction for this course.

 

Biology I: 9th Grade (2 semesters) 4990

Biology I is a freshman science class that will cover cell biology, evolution, and ecology.  Some of the topics covered will be biochemistry, cell structure, and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cell growth, and division, genetics, evolution, and ecology.  The topics will be looked at using the scientific method. Next Generation Common Core Science Standards will guide instruction for this course.

 

 

Social Studies

Social Studies 7: 7th Grade (2 semesters) 3723

In World Geography, students will study the geography, culture, and history of nations in North America, South America, and Western Europe.  Kansas History will include the study of native inhabitants of the land that was to become Kansas.  Also studied are major events, individuals, groups, innovations, and movements from the prehistoric days to the present.

 

Social Studies 8: 8th Grade (2 semesters) 3820

This course will examine important people, places, and events of the 19th century, beginning with the Jeffersonian Era and a review of the US Constitution.

 

World History: 9th Grade (2 semesters) 3920

The World History course covers significant global developments from prehistoric cultures to the twentieth-century nations. Placed within a geographic context, students will analyze cultures through the study of their economic, political, social, religious, and technological achievements. Students will be expected to work independently and in small group settings, conduct research; give oral presentations; complete written assignments; and develop their critical thinking skills.