Bennion Jr High
Course Catalog
2024-2025
Required Core Classes
English (6th, 7th, & 8th Grades)
Science (6th, 7th, & 8th Grades)
Math (6th, 7th, & 8th Grades)
Social Studies (6th, 7th, & 8th Grades)
For each core class there is the option of core, honors, and GT:
Honors classes are:
- Recommended by the previous year’s teachers
- Taught at a quicker pace, there is an expectation of accelerated learning
- Higher level of reading, more writing, and more independent projects
- Lexile and HMI Reading Scores are taken into consideration
- Less prompting from teachers to turn work in on time
- Grading rubric is more difficult than core classes
- To be recommended, previous year’s PBLs should be:
- 3 and above to enter English/Social Studies/Math Honors
- 2.5 or above to enter Science Honors
Gifted and Talented (GT):
- Students qualify for GT classes by taking district GT tests
- GT is for students with an outstanding academic ability, advanced vocabulary and generally read significantly above grade level
- Once a student is in GT classes, they will remain in them unless parent/guardian requests, in writing, that the student be removed
- If you would like more information on the GT Program and/or GT testing, please access the district GT website: graniteschools.org/curriculuminstruction/gifted-talented/
- Students who are testing for placement for next year will be notified by May of their placement
Other Required Classes
Reading/Writing (7th Grade) semester REQUIRED
This class helps students increase their HMI Growth score, vocabulary, organize their thoughts, learn how to utilize different types of texts in the academic setting, and improve their writing skills. It helps prepare students for high school, AP, and College classes. It helps students with success in all their classes.
Health I (7th grade) semester REQUIRED
Health I is required by the state of Utah and is the prerequisite for Health II in high school. Students will learn about how the body systems work and interact with each other, illnesses, healthy lifestyles, how alcohol, tobacco and other drugs impact the body, and first aid care.
Digital Literacy (7th grade) semester REQUIRED
This class is required by the state of Utah. Students will learn how to be good digital citizens, manage their computer files and computer skills that will help them in their academic, professional and personal lives. Students will explore technology and develop skills in computer basics, Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint, database, email, digital citizenship, and photo and audio editing.
PE (7th and 8th grade) semester REQUIRED
One semester of PE is required in both 7th and 8th grade. Students in PE learn about and participate in soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, running, capture the flag, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, and cardio days.
College & Career Awareness (CCA) (8th Grade) full year REQUIRED
This class allows students to gain interest and explore different career paths. This class introduces student to the 13 career pathways; Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Arts, Audio/Visual Technology & Communication, Business, Finance, & Marketing, Education Training, Engineering & Technology, Health Sciences, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security, Manufacturing, and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics.
College & Career Readiness (6th, 7th, & 8th grade) full year REQUIRED
This is a Canvas course on every student’s schedule as a 0-period class. The purpose for this course is for the counseling center to get information and resources to the students.
Electives
Full Year Electives
Cadet Band
This is a beginning band class, no experience needed. In this class students play wind, brass, and percussion instruments such as the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and drums. Students will learn how to read music and how to play the instrument of their choice. Students will perform during the school year. Parents and guardians will be responsible for renting the instrument the student plays.
Concert Band
*Prerequisites: read music and had Cadet Band or 2+ years of lessons*
This is a more advanced band class. Students will learn harder music and perform more during the school year. Parents and guardians will be responsible for renting the instrument the student plays.
Cadet Orchestra
This is a beginning orchestra class, no experience needed. Students will learn how to play string instruments like violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students will learn how to play their instrument of choice, how to read music, and perform during the school year. Parents and guardians will be responsible for renting the instrument the student plays.
Concert Orchestra
*Prerequisites: read music and had Cadet Orchestra or 2+ years of lessons*
This is a more advanced orchestra class. Students will learn harder music and perform more during the school year. Parents and guardians will be responsible for renting the instrument the student plays.
Spanish 1 (7th & 8th Grade)
This class is an introduction to the Spanish language for those who have no prior experience with spanish. Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar. They will practice speaking, listening, reading and writing in Spanish. Students will also be introduced to different aspects of Spanish and Latino culture. This class will go on students’ permanent high school transcript. It is recommended students be receiving 3s or better in English before taking a World Language class.
Spanish 2 (7th & 8th Grade)
*Prerequisite: Spanish 1*
Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1 in learning how to speak, understand, read and write Spanish. Students will expand their vocabulary and practice using Spanish through speaking and writing. Students will also continue to learn different aspects of Spanish and Latino culture. All World Language classes go on students’ permanent high school transcript.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers
*Prerequisite: Speaking Spanish in the home or attended Spanish Dual Immersion*
This class is for students who speak Spanish at home but do not have experience reading and writing in Spanish and want to learn more Spanish. This class has a specific vocabulary for students to improve their knowledge of Spanish and students will learn to read and write in Spanish. Students will complete advanced speaking, listening, reading, and writing assignments to make their Spanish language skills more complete. All World Language classes go on students’ permanent high school transcript.
Chinese 2 DLI
For 6th Grade students in the Chinese Dual-Immersion program.
Chinese 3 DLI
For 7th Grade students in the Chinese Dual-Immersion program.
Chinese 4 DLI
For 8th Grade students in the Chinese Dual-Immersion program.
DLI Culture
*Prerequisite: Current DLI student*
Students will learn about cultural, social, political, and economical aspects of China. It is offered every year and can be taken for a semester or full year. It is recommended for students planning to take AP Chinese.
Half-Year Electives
Art Foundations 1
Art Foundations teaches about the following elements of art; shape, form, space, texture, value, and color. In this class students will learn basic drawing and painting skills. They will also start 3D designing and using clay. This class is required before taking all other art classes.
Intermediate Art
*Prerequisite: Art Foundations I*
Intermediate Art builds on the skills from Art Foundations I and adds new skills and different materials. Students will do some drawing, painting, a bit of 3D design, and claymation.
3D Design
*Prerequisite: Art Foundations I*
3D Design is a class where you will use unusual art materials to create art such as toothpicks, soap, wire, paper mache, plaster, and so much more! This class requires good problem solving skills, dedication to trying new things, and patience.
Drawing
*Prerequisite: Art Foundations I*
This class will teach students the basics of composition, shading, perspective drawing, and much more. Students use a variety of mediums like charcoal, pastels, and colored pencils.
Ceramics
*Prerequisite: Art Foundations I*
In Ceramics students will learn the fundamentals for hand-building ceramics and trying out different painting techniques to finish their work. Students will create slabs, coils, and pinch pots.
Mixed Chorus 1
This class is for students who love to sing or want to learn how to sing. It is a beginning level choir class. Students will learn how to sing, how to read rhythms and music, and students will perform twice during the semester. Performing in two evening performances is mandatory.
Mixed Chorus 2
*Prerequisite: Mixed Chorus 1*
This class is considered an advanced choir class. Students will learn harder rhythms, more advanced music, and perform 3-4 times per semester. Experience is needed and attendance at two evening performances is required.
Dance 1A
This class is an exploration into different styles of dance including Jazz, World Dance, Hip Hop, Modern, and Ballet. At the end of the semester students have the opportunity to perform in the dance concerts.
Dance 1B
*Prerequisite: Dance 1A*
This class dives deeper into different styles of dance through technique and exploration projects. Dancers learn about the elements of dance. They have the opportunity to choreograph their own dances. This class is a great way to get ready for Dance Company.
Theater 1A
This is an introductory class and students will develop characters and learn how to portray them on stage. They will use both improv and scripts and act with fellow performers on stage. Students will learn about color, costumes, props and understand their meaning and impact on the performance. They will participate in designing the sets for the plays. Activities may include monologues, improv, skits, pantomime, and lots of games and activities.
Theater 1B
*Prerequisite: Theater 1A*
This class builds on the skills of Theater 1A. Students will learn about form and structure and how to establish and perform a strong character. They will perform in front of their peers. They will learn makeup, costume, and set design. They will tackle projects like Shakespeare, monologues and group scenes. They will learn about directing and what it means to be in charge of others on stage. They will create larger pieces, take and give feedback on projects and perform in character with others. This is for students who are ready to be given constructive feedback on how to improve and build their performance skills.
Word Processing
This class enhances touch keyboarding using correct technique. Students will learn basic Word Processing features like creating a document, saving/opening documents, cut/copy/paste, print, and file management.
STEM
STEM is a project based class where students will use the engineering design process to work through problems and see what it would be like having a career in science, technology, engineering, or math. Projects include 3D printing, straw rocket launching, computer coding, robots, magnetic levitation, and building flashlights. This class is a hands-on class and students will have a difficult time making things up at home. Students will be expected to work collaboratively as well as independently on projects.
Exploring Business and Marketing
Students will get an introduction to the business and marketing pathway. Topics include accounting, stock market, business basics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and employability. Projects include creating a business and selling a product to Bennion students to see what it takes to run a successful business.
FACS Exploration A
Students will explore skills in interior design, clothing/textiles, fashion design, merchandising, entrepreneurship and career related skills. Students will rotate through these four sections of the class; sewing, fashion, interior design, and business.
FACS Exploration B
Students will explore and develop skills in food and nutrition sciences, childcare, consumerism, entrepreneurship, family relationships, personal responsibility, and career and job-related tasks.
Other Full Year Classes
Dance Company
*Audition Only*
Dance company members choreograph dances for dance concerts and learn dances from professional dancers/choreographers. There are many performance opportunities during Winter and Spring concerts, basketball games, the District Dance Concert, and the Granger Benefit Concert. There is a fee for Dance Company. Students must have a GPA/CPA of 2.7+ to audition and must maintain a GPA/CPA of 2.5+.
News Crew
*Teacher Approval/ GPA & CPA of 2.5+*
Students will work closely as a team, learn how to write a news script, operate a camera, and edit the news. Students will go to events, interview people, and film special features for announcements. Students will create news for the Bennion YouTube Channel. Students will record school events and sometimes leave other classes (with Press Passes). Students will need to make up for all work missed.
Stage Crew
*Teacher Approval/ GPA & CPA of 2.5+*
Students will learn how to manage the auditorium, sound, lighting, and music systems during performances. Students will learn how to safely climb and transport sets, props, and costumes up and down the ladders and onto the catwalk as needed. Students will learn how to manage the front of the stage and backstage. They will build and create props and sets, and paint the backdrops. They will run all aspects of the end-of-year musical. Students must be able to attend after school rehearsals and performances. Strict adherence to national safety protocols for both themselves and others is required and constantly enforced. Students who violate these policies will be dropped from the class.
Student Government
*By Election*
If you like being a leader, consider running for student government. There are six senators per grade and six Student Body Officers. Student Government helps the school run events and activities in order to make Bennion a fun place. They help with assemblies, Spirit Week, lunch activities, fundraisers, and announcements. Student leaders are elected so if you are interested be sure to go to the information meetings. A 2.8 GPA and 3 CPA is required to be eligible and remain in good standing.
Peer Leadership Team
*Application and Approval*
PLT is for students who want to help Bennion succeed, are good role models for the rest of the students, and are committed to BJH being a fun and safe place. PLT members will help run school activities, work at the ROAR store, do news stories for the announcements, help teachers and perform in assemblies, and complete flag duty. Students interested in becoming PLT members must attend the information session and fill out an application. The application will be vetted by advisors for approval and entry into the class.
Jazz Band
*Prerequisite: Concert Band/Audition*
Jazz Band meets before school and is considered an Advanced Ensemble. In Jazz Band students build on the skills learned in concert band and apply them to Jazz music. It is a fun group to play with! If you love music and you love to play your instrument, come play with us! This class is noted as “Period 0” and meets from 6:40am-7:30am.
Library TA
Students will learn library skills and help with running the library. They will also get to do fun things like book reviews and library activities. Students will earn a grade in this class. They must be able and willing to follow directions and work independently.
Counseling Center TA
Students learn how to give good customer service. Students will assist with check ins/check outs, answer phones, deliver items to students and teachers, help with filing, and assist with general clerical duties. Must have good grades and attendance.
Wheel Electives (6th grade only)
Exploratory Art
6th Grade Art gives students a chance to experience beginning art methods and materials. Students will learn about the Elements of Art and how to apply them to beginning assignments. Materials could include colored pencils, paint, paper arts, scratchboard, and beginning clay projects.
Exploratory Theater
Students will be allowed to try out different aspects of theater like learning about the stage and auditorium, how to speak in front of others, and creating and performing short pieces of pantomime, monologue, shadow box, radio theater, and a puppet show.
Exploratory Music
This class is for 6th grade students who love to sing, or want to learn how! This is a choir class where we will learn how to sing, how to read and sing rhythms, how to read music, and have a lot of fun. We will perform at the end of the quarter. No experience needed. Performances and concerts are a required part of this class.
Exploratory FACS
Students will receive instruction in food preparation, family life, interpersonal relationships, housing and interior design, sewing production, and fashion. Many opportunities for hands-on projects.
Exploratory PE
Students in PE learn about and participate in soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, running, capture the flag, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, and cardio days.
Exploratory Word Processing
This class enhances touch keyboarding using correct technique. Students will learn basic Word Processing features like creating a document, saving/opening documents, cut/copy/paste, print, and file management.
Exploratory STEM
STEM is a project based class where students will use the engineering design process to work through problems and see what it would be like having a career in science, technology, engineering, or math. This class will be an introduction for students who want to try something new and get an idea of what projects we do in the 7th and 8th grade class. Some projects include 3D printing, coding games, and solar ovens.
Exploratory Dance
Exploratory dance briefly explores different styles of dance throughout the quarter. Students will learn and demonstrate new techniques, as well as create their own dances. They will learn to respond and connect with dances from different cultures through movement, videos, and live performances.
