Current Events Program Goals and Objectives
Grade Level 7

About the Current Events Program
The Current Events Program teaches students about the dangers of the loss of biodiversity to human health and gives them a chance to learn about population growth, climate change, air and water quality, waste disposal and energy consumption in fun and engaging ways. We want students to understand that everything they throw away goes somewhere and that every action they take affects something else. We want them to know what they can do to conserve our environment, and in doing so, our way of life. But most importantly, after learning about the threats to our global environment, we want students to feel empowered, not afraid. Because of the complex and scientific nature of this program, we are offering these brand new classes only to groups of students 6th grade and older.

Main Curriculum Area: Science
Other Curriculum Areas: English
Grade Level: 7

Primary Goals and Objectives:
These objectives will be covered during all Current Events Program classes. Some objectives are more specific to one habitat than another, so if your schedule does not allow you to take all offered classes, or if there are particular objectives that you want to make sure we cover, please let us know what your specific needs are.

Science Competency
Goal 2		 The learner will build an understanding of cell theory.

Objectives
2.04 Relate disease to biological hazards:
  • Pollen.
  • Viruses.
  • Bacteria.
  • Parasites.
English Competency
Goal 1		 The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

Objectives
1.03 Interact in group settings by:
  • responding appropriately to comments and questions.
  • offering personal opinions confidently without dominating.
  • giving appropriate reasons that support opinions.
  • soliciting and respecting another person's opinion.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • analyzing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
  • examining changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • determining how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
English Competency
Goal 2		 The learner will synthesize and use information from a variety of sources.

Objectives
2.01 Respond to informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
  • summarizing information.
  • determining the importance of information.
  • making connections to related topics/information.
  • drawing inferences.
  • generating questions.
English Competency
Goal 3		 The learner will refine the understanding and use of argument.

Objectives
3.02 Use the problem-solution process by:
  • analyzing problems and solutions within various texts and situations.
  • utilizing the problem-solution process within various contexts/situations.
English Competency
Goal 4		 The learner will refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate text and multimedia.

Objectives
4.01 Analyze the purpose of the author or creator by:
  • examining any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, or propaganda techniques.
  • exploring and evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.

4.02 Develop (with assistance) and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of the communication by:

  • drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information.
  • considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions.

4.03 Develop the stance of a critic by:

  • considering and presenting alternative points of view or reasons.
  • remaining fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
English Competency
Goal 6		 The learner will apply conventions of application of grammar and language usage.


Objectives
6.01 Model an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression by:

  • determining the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words using context clues, a dictionary, a glossary, a thesaurus, and/or structural analysis (roots, prefixes, suffixes) of words.
  • extending vocabulary knowledge by learning and using new words.