Language Arts 7 - 4070

The Clarke N. Johnsen Jr. High and Tooele County School Districts 7th Grade Language Arts curriculum has been designed using the standards established by the State Office of Education and the Common Core. Students will learn a variety of skills including reading and interpreting literature, argumentative and informative essay writing, basic grammar, and an appreciation of elements of poetry and drama. The 7th grade curriculum has been designed to be educationally appropriate, challenging, and interesting. (Full Year Class)

Language Arts 8 - 4080

The Clarke N. Johnsen Jr. High and Tooele County School districts 8th Grade Language Arts curriculum has been designed using the standards established by the State office of Education and the Common Core. Students will learn a variety of skills including reading and interpreting literature, argumentative and informative essay writing, basic grammar, and an appreciation of elements of poetry and drama. The 8th grade curriculum has been designed to be educationally appropriate, challenging, and interesting. (Full Year Class)

Math 7 - 5219

In 7th Grade Mathematics students will focus on developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three- dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and drawing inferences about populations based on samples. (Full Year Class)

Math 8 - 5217

In 8th Grade Mathematics students will focus on formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.  (Full Year Class)

Science 7 - 3200

In 7th grade, students will learn firsthand how science is a step-by-step, evidence-based process for learning about the natural world. Throughout this course, they will practice and hone their science skills by investigating the following topics: how forces affect matter, the Earth’s changing surface, the structure of living things, reproduction and the passing down of traits, and how populations of organisms change overtime. There is a fee for this class. (Full Year Class)

Science 8 - 3240

In 8th grade, students will value and use science as a process of obtaining knowledge based on observable evidence. In this course, students will study a variety of concepts, including physical and chemical changes in matter, ecosystems, photosynthesis and respiration, food chains and webs, relationships between organisms, rocks and minerals, changes to Earth’s surface, geologic time, simple machines, gravitational force, light and sound energy, and more. There is a fee for this class. (Full Year Class)

Utah Studies (7th grade) - 6100

Utah is a state diverse in landscape and people. This course is designed to help students understand the state of Utah at a deeper level by reviewing Utah’s early history and particularly emphasizing Utah from statehood to the present. Students will understand the interaction between Utah’s geography and its inhabitants, as well as the formative contributions of Native American Indians, explorers, and Utah pioneers. The course will also investigate relationships between government and the people of Utah, the many opportunities people have to make a living in Utah, the diverse nature of Utah’s people and cultures, and the impact of contemporary events on the land and people of Utah. The Utah Studies core is designed to meet the needs of a semester-length course.   (Half yr class)

U.S. History (8th grade) - 6121A,B

United States History for Grade 8 covers events and issues from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction and the western movement, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: exploration, colonization, Revolutionary War, constitutional issues, nation building, Civil War, Reconstruction, and western movement. Although the emphasis of this course is on the 18th and 19th centuries, additional content may be covered as time permits.  (Full Year Class)

College and Career Awareness (7th grade) - 8010

College and Career Awareness is a core requirement for seventh-grade students. Students need to be prepared with 21st-century skills for the future. This class explores careers and skills based in six CTE Pathways: Information Technology, Business and Marketing, Health Science, Family and Consumer Science, Agriculture, Engineering, and Technology. There is a fee for this class. (Full Year Class)

Digital Literacy (8th grade) - 8584

This course is an introduction to computer literacy. Students will have opportunities to use technology and develop skills that encourage creativity, critical thinking, productivity, and collaboration in the classroom and day-to-day life. Skills will be demonstrated by creating a project for a different content area. This course is aligned with national and international standards and the Utah Core to prepare students across multiple levels of skills. Students will complete this required course with a prerequisite to move into the high school Computer Technology course. (Half Year Class)

* A half year of physical education is required in 7th grade. Students can choose to take either beginning fitness or intermediate fitness to fulfill this requirement.

Beginning Fitness (7th grade) - 7600

Beginning Team Sports Activities is an entry-level course emphasizing beginner skills in a broad spectrum of activities in order to develop a foundation for future physical education classes. The course content is developmentally appropriate for seventh grade students who, in most instances, will be experiencing a formal physical education class for the first time. Students in Beginning Team Sports Activities are introduced to the elements of physical fitness and are responsible for learning the basic vocabulary. Pre and post fitness tests are appropriate, with results being used to provide personal information, individualize instruction, and indicate student improvement. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Intermediate Fitness (7th grade) - 7650

Intermediate Activities offers a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities that are increasingly complex in content, concept, and skill development and execution. Students continue to practice skills in modified form but begin to participate in regulation games with more complex playing environments than those experienced in Beginning Activities. Teams are kept small, allowing maximum participation and involvement by all students. Cooperative, as well as traditional sports activities, are included in the curriculum. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Health (8th grade) - 7100

Students will acquire knowledge, practice skills, and develop attitudes that can benefit them throughout life. Building a solid foundation of good literacy and decision-making skills can contribute to a variety of healthy choices for the self and others. The development of process, life skills, and attitudes has been incorporated throughout the entire curriculum.  (Half Year Class)

CLIMB (7th grade) - 0963

CLIMB is a required class for all students. In CLIMB class, students will watch the weekly announcements video and review rules and expectations. A weekly Principal's Principle video is shared with important information from our administration. Students will complete content-specific bellringers and be given time to make-up missing work and set goals. Counselors also use this class for regular classroom lessons. Second steps lessons are delivered weekly by the CLIMB teachers. (Full Year Class)

CLIMB (8th grade) - 0958

CLIMB is a required class for all students. In CLIMB class, students will watch the weekly announcements video and review rules and expectations. A weekly Principal's Principle video is shared with important information from our administration. Students will complete content-specific bellringers and be given time to make-up missing work and set goals. Counselors also use this class for regular classroom lessons. Second steps lessons are delivered weekly by the CLIMB teachers. (Full Year Class)

Family and Consumer Science (FACS) (8th grade only) - 8443

This fun course provides students the opportunity to develop skills related to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). Students will explore food and nutrition sciences, childcare, interior design, clothing and textile construction, fashion design and merchandising, consumerism, entrepreneurship, family relationships, personal responsibility, and career and job-related tasks. This course will strengthen comprehension of concepts and standards outlined in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Exploring Technology (8th grade only) - 8856

Do you like to design and build things? Then Exploring Technology is the class for you! In this class you will explore different areas of technology and then design and build projects that relate to those technologies. For example: using the concepts of simple machines and energy and power technologies, you will be challenged to build a car that will go the furthest distance powered by a single mousetrap.  Students will learn the safe operation of woodworking tools and machinery to complete the challenges/projects for this class. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Exploring Technology (7th grade only) - 8857

This class is designed for 7th grade students to introduce students to the world of woodworking through a blend of creative design and hands-on technical skill. Students will transform raw materials into functional projects while learning the fundamental principles of craftsmanship, safety, and problem-solving. Students will learn the safe operation of woodworking tools and machinery to complete the projects for this class.

(Half Year Class)

Creative Coding - 8700

Creative Coding through Games and Apps is a semester course for introduction to programming for the early secondary grades.  The course is designed to attract and reach a broad and diverse range of students, including those who may have never considered programming. Students learn how to code by using JavaScript block code and by designing, programming, and publishing computer games. An introduction to mobile apps is offered as well. Students will work in teams and on their own to learn to code by creating real products, sharing their work, giving & receiving feedback, and reflecting on concepts covered in class through short, daily writing assignments. Although previous coding experience is not required, good reading comprehension and problem-solving skills are helpful to student success. (Half Year Class)

Coding in Gaming 1 - 8701

A typical class will include approx. 30 minutes of direct and indirect instruction, 20 minutes of practice gaming time and 10 minutes of reflection each class. This course is broken into six units called "levels", each with a different focus such as video game history, player health, computer basics, coding in the gaming industry, and college & career opportunities. Gaming Concepts 1 focuses on the history of gaming, while gaming concepts 2 focuses on the technology and careers in the gaming industry. They DO NOT need to be taken consecutively as they are unrelated. (Half Year Class)

Art Foundations I - 1100

It is designed to provide an overview of Visual Arts while studying a broad variety of art tools and materials. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking, art related skills, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Drama - 1953

An introduction to drama and the theater including pantomime, theater games, improvisation, acting from scenes, voice training and stage movement. Emphasis in on acting, performing and developing confidence and self-esteem. The class is acting focused with a bit of technical theatre. This is a participation class.

Beginning Band Woodwind & Percussion - 1845

Beginning band students will learn to play a band instrument, i.e. flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and percussion. In this course, students will learn to exhibit proper playing habits, develop sufficient technical facility, and develop a proper concept of tone quality on their instrument.  The students will also continue to increase their music vocabulary, their sensitivity in intonation, and their accuracy in playing rhythms. Students will also build responsible rehearsal habits, and analyze music performances. There will be some evening concerts throughout the year. There is a fee for this class. (Full year class)

Intermediate Band - 1740

Intermediate band is for students who have successfully completed a year of beginning band or who have progressed beyond the beginning level.  Individual assessment may be used to place students in this class. In this course, students will learn to exhibit proper playing habits, develop sufficient technical facility, and develop a proper concept of tone quality on their instrument.  The students will also continue to increase their music vocabulary, their sensitivity in intonation, and their accuracy in playing rhythms.  They will also build responsible rehearsal habits, and analyze music performances.  There will be some evening concerts throughout the year. There is a fee for this class. (Full year class)

Advanced Band - 1650

Advanced band is for students who have successfully two years of band or who have progressed beyond the intermediate level.  Individual assessment may be used to place students in this class.  In this course, students will learn to exhibit proper playing habits, develop sufficient technical facility, and develop a proper concept of tone quality on their instrument.  The students will also continue to increase their music vocabulary, their sensitivity in intonation, and their accuracy in playing rhythms.  They will also build responsible rehearsal habits, and analyze music performances. There will be some evening concerts throughout the year. There is a fee for this class. (Full year class)

Beginning Chorus (7th-grade) - 1620

This is a Beginning Chorus for 7th Grade. Students are divided into 2 sections (soprano and alto) and learn to sing in 2 to 3 part harmony.  Although called “Beginning”, this course is for all 7th Grade, regardless of ability or prior experience.  Students learn rhythm reading, how to follow written music, and how to sing with correct tone and diction.  There is one evening concert per term where the students perform for their parents and guests the music they learn in class.  These concerts are required and are 20% of the term grade. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)                             

Chorus (8th-grade) - 1623 (1/2 yr), 1625 (full year)

This chorus is for 8th-grade girls and boys who love to sing.  Students can choose to be in the full-year or the half-year section of the class.  We build on the rhythms they learned in 7th grade, and continue to learn to read and follow written music.  Students are divided into Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and for those 8th grades whose voices are changing, Baritones.  The music this class sings is more difficult and complex than it is for the beginning choruses.   We also concentrate on singing with good tone and correct diction.  There is one evening concert per term where the students perform for their parents and guests the music they learn in class.  These concerts are required and are 20% of the term grade.  These classes may also be called upon to sing for other school events. There is a fee for this class. (Full or Half Year Class)

General Music - 1600

This class is for those students who need a Music or Arts credit but are not interested in playing an instrument or singing in any of the choruses.  Mostly for 7th Grade students, but occasionally 8th graders are included in this class as well.  This class concentrates on the mechanics of music (the written notes rhythm and some pitch) as well as Music History and Music Appreciation.  They will do research reports, learn about the instruments of the band and orchestra, study the different time periods and composers, and listen to a variety of music, identifying the elements of music.  These students are not required to perform, but they will be listening to many types of performances during this class. (Half Year Class)

Beginning Guitar - 1870

This is a half-year class. In this course students will develop their musical potential through studying the guitar.  This includes reading music, creating a beautiful tone, building technical skills, and forming responsible rehearsal habits.  Students will build their music vocabulary, their sensitivity in intonation, and their accuracy in playing rhythms.  They will also strengthen their listening skills through analyzing and evaluating musical performances. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Intermediate Guitar - 1873

This is a half-year class. Prerequisite for this class is Beginning Guitar. In this course, students will build on the skills learned in beginning guitar class. They will continue to read more advanced music notation, build tone and technical skills, and rehearse in small and large groups with other guitar students. They will also strengthen their listening skills through analyzing and evaluating musical performances. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Beginning Orchestra Violin/Viola & Cello/Bass - 1660

Beginning orchestra students will learn to play an orchestra instrument, i.e. violin, viola, cello, or string bass.  No musical experience is necessary.  In this course, students will learn to exhibit proper playing habits, develop sufficient technical facility, and develop a proper concept of tone quality on their instrument.  Students will build and expand their music vocabulary, their sensitivity in intonation, and their accuracy in playing rhythms.  They will also build responsible rehearsal habits, and analyze music performances. There will be some evening concerts throughout the year. There is a fee for this class. (Full year class)

Intermediate Orchestra - 1670

Intermediate orchestra is for students who have successfully completed one year of beginning orchestra or who have progressed beyond the beginning level. Individual assessment may be used to place students in this class. In this course students will continue to develop proper playing habits, sufficient technical facility, and a proper concept of tone quality on their instrument.  The students will also continue to increase their music vocabulary, their sensitivity in intonation, and their accuracy in playing rhythms.  They will also build responsible rehearsal habits, and analyze music performances. There will be some evening concerts throughout the year. There is a fee for this class. (Full year class)

Advanced Orchestra - 1671

Advanced orchestra is for students who have successfully completed two years of orchestra or who have progressed beyond the intermediate level.  Individual assessment may be used to place students in this class.  In this course students will continue to develop proper playing habits, sufficient technical facility, and a proper concept of tone quality on their instrument.  The students will also continue to increase their music vocabulary, their sensitivity in intonation, and their accuracy in playing rhythms.  They will also build responsible rehearsal habits, and analyze music performances. There will be some evening concerts throughout the year. There is a fee for this class. (Full year class)

DLI - Dual Language Immersion (Spanish and Russian)

DLI - Dual Language Immersion Program - These classes are ONLY for students who have been participating in a Dual Language Immersion Program in elementary school. The following classes are offered in continuation of the Elementary DLI Program and are required to continue in the DLI program. For more information regarding the DLI program please refer to our district website.

Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program Classes required

Spanish 3 DLI (full year class) - 4505

Spanish Culture & Media C (half year class) - 4502

Spanish Culture & History D (half year class) - 4503

Russian Dual Language Immersion Program Classes required

Russian 3 DLI (full year class) - 4560

Russian Culture & History C (half year class) - 4622

Russian Culture & History D (half year class) - 4623

Beginning Fitness - 7600

Beginning Team Sports Activities is an entry-level course emphasizing beginner skills in a broad spectrum of activities in order to develop a foundation for future physical education classes. The course content is developmentally appropriate for seventh grade students who, in most instances, will be experiencing a formal physical education class for the first time. Students in Beginning Team Sports Activities are introduced to the elements of physical fitness and are responsible for learning the basic vocabulary. Pre and post fitness tests are appropriate, with results being used to provide personal information, individualize instruction, and indicate student improvement. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Intermediate Fitness - 7650

Intermediate Activities offers a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities that are increasingly complex in content, concept, and skill development and execution. Students continue to practice skills in modified form but begin to participate in regulation games with more complex playing environments than those experienced in Beginning Activities. Teams are kept small, allowing maximum participation and involvement by all students. Cooperative, as well as traditional sports activities, are included in the curriculum. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Team Sports - 7761

Team Sports is an elective class for the student who wants to learn more in depth about fitness, individual sports and lifetime team sports. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class)

Advanced Weights (8th grade only) - 7750

We focus on beginning weight training and other strength exercises.  We cover fundamentals such as safety, proper technique, breathing, and recording.  We focus on most basic lifts but show variations of those lifts.  We also lift lighter weights and do more repetitions to help the development of technique. This is a co-ed class. There is a fee for this class. (Half Year Class) 

Creative Writing - 4021

Creative writing is a supplemental elective class to the required English langurge arts class. In creative writing, we write in various genres, mostly narrative. Some of our writing is focused on current writing contests, such as Scholastic Scope contests. Submitting to the contests is optional. We have at least one guest author present to us. We work through the writing process of drafting, peer review, revision, and editing, and on a volunteer basis, sharing/celebrating our writing with the class, with class feedback. Mostly, this class provides students with more opportunities to write and discuss texts of their choice than does the required English language arts class alone. (Half Year Class).

Counselor's Aide - 0640

This elective option is only available to 8th grade students who have demonstrated the 3 R's (responsibility, reliability, and respect). Students will support the school counseling department while maintaining a high standard of confidentiality. 

(Half Year Class)

Debate - 4990

This course focuses on the art of formal argumentation. Students learn to research, construct, and deliver effective oral arguments on a wide range of contemporary and philosophical issues. The curriculum emphasizes logical reasoning, information literacy, and the ability to view a single issue from multiple perspectives.

(Half Year Class)

Learning Strategies - 9469

This class provides students with a supervised, quiet environment dedicated to independent study and the completion of academic assignments. The primary objective is to allow students to manage their workload effectively during the school day. Students are expected to arrive prepared with necessary materials, including textbooks, Chromebooks, and current assignments. While non-instructional, this period encourages the development of self-discipline, time management, and organizational skills essential for academic success.

(Half Year Class)

Advanced Reading - 4024

This course is designed for students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in reading and wish to engage with complex texts at an accelerated pace. The curriculum moves beyond the "what" of a story to explore the "how" and "why," focusing on authorial intent, structural choices, and the socio-historical contexts of literature. Students will develop the "active reading" habits necessary for high school AP and IB programs, including annotation, Socratic discussion, and evidence-based literary criticism.

(Half Year Class)

Spanish 1A - 4811

This introductory Spanish course focuses on the development of beginning communicative skills in Spanish while fostering a better understanding of the culture(s) of people who speak different languages. Students will begin to use basic language structures to form simple statements and be exposed to cultural information from different countries. They will begin to focus on understanding the world around them both in the United States and throughout the world. They will begin to use language to talk about things happening in their immediate world and daily life activities, read material on familiar topics and write short, directed stories. The major means of communication between the students and the teacher will be in the target language. By the end of the class, students will be able to communicate in very simple terms in Spanish and understand the basics of the Spanish language. Lastly, an important component of language classes is the use of the language beyond the classroom in the real world. I ask that students find opportunities to use the language outside of class in their personal lives and to share those experiences with the class.

(Half Year Class)

Spanish 1 - 4800

Spanish 1 is an interactive, introductory course designed to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language and the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Middle school students will develop "Novice-level" proficiency in the four key areas of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

The primary goal of this course is to provide students with the "survival skills" needed to navigate basic social situations. By focusing on high-frequency vocabulary and essential grammar patterns, students will move from recognizing isolated words to creating original sentences and participating in simple conversations.

Language Arts Lab - 4475L A/B

This intervention course provides extra support to help students master the concepts and skills from their core language arts class. Students will receive targeted help with their classwork/homework. 

(Half Year or Full Year)

Math Lab - 5223L A/B

This intervention course provides extra support to help students master the concepts and skills from their core math class. Students will receive targeted help with their classwork/homework. 

Key Activities: Direct instruction, online practice (e.g., ALEKS or MathSpace), collaborative problem-solving. 

(Half Year or Full Year)

HOPE Squad - 9025

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health awareness program. This course is designed to empower "natural helpers" to act as the "eyes and ears" of the school. The primary goal of the Hope Squad course in to train students to recognize warning signs of suicide and mental health distress, provide initial support, and connect peers with trusted adults. It is not a counseling or therapy course; rather, it teaches students how to be a "bridge" to professional help.

(Half Year Class)

Publications (8th Grade Only) - 4940

Yearbook is a class that teaches students how to create, store, manipulate and transmit information. Students will put these skills to use by creating the school yearbook and also producing weekly "Morning Announcement" videos. Students will use digital cameras, video cameras, computers, and the associated software such as Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Elements to create the yearbook and announcements. General knowledge of computers, cameras, and photography is required. A 3.0 GPA or higher is required to participate in this class. Students must fill out the manditory application to be selected to participate in this class.

(Full Year Class)

Teacher's Aide (8th Grade Only) - 0600, 0600Y

To qualify for this elective option, student's must be in 8th grade and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must be responsible and be able to maintain high standards of confidentiality. Applications are required to participate as a TA.

(Half Year Class)

Outdoor Survival (8th Grade Only) - 9255

This course introduces students to the essential knowledge and hands-on skills required to stay safe and thrive in outdoor environments. Students will learn first aid, water purification, navigation, shelter buidling, fire safety, environmental ethics, and more through engaging lessons, practical activities, and group projects. Hands-on activities, group projects, and real-world scenarios will help students build confidence and teamwork.

(Half Year Class)