Here are the courses being offered for the 2026-2027 school year.
To view Course Selection Presentations, please click on the links below:
- 6th Grade Course Selection (Google Slide)
- 7th Grade Course Selection (Google Slide)
- 8th Grade Course Selection (Google Slide)
Updated 1/23/25
Course Levels
Core
These classes cover the core curriculum as outlined by the Utah State Board of Education. Students will learn to take notes, participate in class discussions, develop increased reading, writing and thinking skills as well as understand the content material specific to each subject. Core classes are usually smaller and provide more individual attention.
Honors
Those students who wish to have additional rigor and a quicker pace should enroll in honors classes. Students will be encouraged to involve cross-curricular topics and engage in originality and creative thought processes to demonstrate their understanding of the advanced curriculum they have been learning. Students can expect to have more homework than in a core class.
Gifted and Talented
Students must qualify for Gifted and Talented English through Granite School District testing. Classes are taught by teachers who have received their GT endorsement. The emphasis is on depth, complexity, acceleration, novelty, critical analysis and problem-solving. Students should expect more complex regular homework which will be graded on a GT standard. Students do not sign up for this class on the registration form. Those who qualify will be notified and placed automatically in this class unless parents request other placement.
6th Grade Required Courses
English 6
In this course, students will focus on developing and strengthening their literacy skills and the strategies necessary for effective communication at a grade appropriate level. They will improve their expertise in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language usage as described in the Utah State Core Standards.
Math 6
In Grade 6, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking.
Science 6
Sixth grade science provides a framework for student understanding of the cycling of matter and the flow of energy through the study of observable phenomena on Earth. Students will explore the role of energy and gravity in the solar system as they compare the scale and properties of objects in the solar system and model the Sun-Earth-Moon system. These strands also emphasize heat energy as it affects some properties of matter, including states of matter and density. The relationship between heat energy and matter is observable in many phenomena on Earth, such as seasons, the water cycle, weather, and climates. Types of ecosystems on Earth are dependent upon the interaction of organisms with each other and with the physical environment. By researching interactions between the living and nonliving components of ecosystems, students will understand how the flow of energy and cycling of matter affects stability and change within their environment.
World Studies
Sixth grade world studies is the study of people and places from a variety of historic eras, with connections from the past to the present whenever possible. Ancient civilizations provide a fundamental understanding of geography, anthropology, and economics, and students will learn about systems of governance, rights and responsibilities, and how citizenship has changed over time. Students will compare institutions common to all societies, such as government, education, and religious institutions. Standards reflect specific epochs of time: The Middle Ages and Renaissance, The Age of Revolutions, and The Modern World. The focus on these epochs allows students to explore ideas and concepts in depth, learning life lessons, problem solving, and making connections that will inspire and excite them for their lives to come.
Exploration Rotation– All 6th graders must take at least 1 of the exploration rotation courses. Students may take both.
Fine Arts Exploration- This class includes one quarter of Art, Social Dance, Theatre, Music
- Art-This course will introduce 6th graders to the making of art, understanding of art concepts, art history, and aesthetics (what is beautiful?). They will begin to develop skills in representing what they see, expressing themselves visually, and forming pleasing design. They will experience a variety of art media along the way.
- Social Dance– This is a fun active class for everyone. In this class, students will acquire physical, rhythmic and creative skills through dance activity. This course offers instruction in traditional and contemporary dance activities that students may use in life.
- Introduction to Theatre- The theatre class emphasizes speech techniques and oral presentation. Students are exposed to characterization, acting techniques and stage production while learning to appreciate the stage and developing interpersonal communication skills.
- Exploratory Music– Students will learn the fundamentals of music and apply them to a variety of choral singing. Through fun music students will learn to work together.
Foreign Language Exploration (FLEX)- (6th grade only) This class includes 1 quarter of French, Spanish, Chinese, 6th grade success
The Foreign Language Exploratory class is an interactive program for 6th grade students who are interested in learning another language. Students will be sampling three different languages and cultures: Spanish, French, and Chinese. Students will learn the alphabet, numbers, introductions, courtesies, parts of the body, colors, clothes, time, weather, family, friends, school objects, and survival expressions through activities, games, and songs. 6th Grade Success helps students manage relationships, stress, assignments and communications. Students will identify strengths and weaknesses.
7th Grade Required Courses
English 7
Students will gain skills and strategies necessary for proficient communication in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. English students will be expected to participate in class and complete a variety of reading and writing assignments.
Science 7
This course covers the state core curriculum based on the theme of structure. The course covers basic chemistry, cell biology, heredity, classification, and living things. Emphasis is on vocabulary development and learning the scientific method. The course is hands-on and lab-oriented, with an average of one to two lab experiences per week. Students will be required to work cooperatively in groups on hands-on activities. Homework is minimal, with most coursework being completed in class.
Math 7
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.
Math 7/8 Honors Compacted
Must pass qualifying exam. This option compacts two years of math courses down to one year. It is the preferred option for 7th grade students meeting the requirements for academic advancement by the math department. (This option will leave no gaps in learning concepts needed for future math courses.) Do not sign up for this class on the registration form. Students who pass the qualifying exam will be placed in the class.
Utah Studies- 1⁄2 year
The history of Utah is the major focus of the course. Students will study the historical successes and major issues that form and continue to form the social, economic, and political makeup of the people of Utah. In addition, students will be instructed in county and state government, Utah geography, and law related topics. Students will gain an understanding of their role as citizens of both Utah and the United States of America. Successful students will be expected to take Cornell Notes, write essays, analyze primary source history, participate in Socratic Seminars, and produce class projects.
Physical Education– 1⁄2 year
Physical education seeks to make students active players in life. It enables students to see the importance of proper nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dance (PE Credit)
This is a beginning dance class that will focus on flexibility, strength, motor skills and movement patterns. We will look at moving safely and efficiently while discovering the components needed to maintain a healthy level of fitness.
Health- 1⁄2 year
Health 1 is a course required of all 7th grade students. Instruction in personal health covers the following topics: life skills, positive and negative lifestyles, growth, development and maturation, disease, and first aid care.
Digital Literacy- 1⁄2 year
Digital Literacy is a required class that can be taken in 7th grade. This course is an introduction to computer literacy, an exposure to coding, and a foundational element of success in today’s technology-driven world. This course is intended for students to become functional with common application software, to understand basic computing fundamentals, to be introduced to introductory computer programming skills, and to develop ethics and appropriate behavior while using technology as a tool in the classroom and in life.
8th Grade Required Courses
English 8
Students will gain skills and strategies necessary for proficient communication in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. English students will be expected to participate in class and complete a variety of reading and writing assignments.
Math 8
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.
Honors Secondary Math 1
*Grades for this class will appear on high school transcripts and count towards graduation.
Students will deepen and extend understanding of linear relationships, in part by contrasting them with exponential phenomenon, and in part by applying linear models to data involving congruent figures to deepen and extend understanding of geometric knowledge. Algebraic and geometric ideas are tied together. Students will experience mathematics as a coherent, useful and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Honors students will represent quantities, model, and perform operations using vectors and use matrices to perform operations and solve problems. Honors students will represent quantities, model, and perform operations using vectors and use matrices to perform operations and solve problems.
Science 8
Integrated Science 8 will introduce students to the Physical Sciences, including properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonds and reactions, motion and forces, energy and heat, waves, light and optics, electricity and magnetism. Some attention will also be given to geology, plate tectonics, ecology, and, if time permits, astronomy. Learning objectives also include the development of critical thinking and the application of the scientific method to analyze, test and prove hypotheses and theories.
U.S. History
This course emphasizes the time frames from the early beginnings of the United States through Reconstruction. This class will include emphasis on basic social studies skills, the responsibilities of citizenship, economic factors which have influenced historical outcomes, and on major current events.
CCA Enterprises
Learn concepts associated with College & Career Pathways through simulations and project-based learning experiences. Explore career options based on interests, abilities, and skills. Develop workplace skills while running businesses. Experience guest speaker career presentations, career field trips, and more!
Elective Classes
Full Year Electives
Foundation Band (MP4)
This class is designed to help students develop a good foundation on their brass, woodwind or percussion instruments. This is for students who have had a year or less of experience on their instrument. No previous experience playing an instrument is necessary. Practice outside of class time and an instrument are required. Please consult with the teacher before choosing/purchasing an instrument.
Foundation Orchestra (MP4)
This class is designed to help students develop a good foundation on their string instruments. This is for students who have had a year or less of experience on their instrument. No previous experience playing an instrument is necessary. Practice outside of class required.
Cadet Band (MP4)
This class is designed to help students develop a good foundation on their brass instruments (trumpet, horn in F, trombone, euphonium, tuba). Please consult with the teacher before choosing/purchasing an instrument.
Cadet Orchestra (MP4)
This class is designed to help students develop a good foundation on their string instrument. It will be organized as a regular orchestra.
Concert Band (MP4) *Audition required
This is the advanced band of the school for advanced wind and percussion players.
Concert Orchestra (MP4) *Audition required
This advanced orchestra course is designed for students who are skilled string players.
Jazz Band (MP4) *Audition required
Offers experience in playing the more intricate and complex rhythms and harmonies characteristic of the jazz idiom. Sight-reading and improvisation skills are important in this class and will be developed. This class meets before school. Students must own or rent an instrument for instrumental music classes.
Dance Company- 7th & 8th grade *Audition required- Jan. 29th & 30th must attend both days
Prerequisite: Audition and Instructor’s Approval. Dance is an expressive and physical performing art form. Students will continue to build skills and knowledge of technique, improvisation, choreography, artistic expression, and working with others in an artistic way. Out of School rehearsals and performances will be required.
Concert Choir (MP4)
Hello! I’m Mrs. Hanson and I’ve been passionate about music for as long as I can remember. I’m thrilled to share that passion with you. If you’re someone who loves to sing, this is the class for you. This is our top choir class here at Wasatch and is perfect for the student who has sung in a previous choir and is able to sing on pitch, able to blend, has a citizenship grade of a 3 or higher and is willing to work hard, have fun, and help others along the way. Some of the exciting things you will be learning are:
- How to sing and harmonize like a pro in three parts and create beautiful music together.
- Shine on stage by practicing to perform at exciting school concerts, thrilling District Music Festivals, and prestigious invitationals.
- Unlock your musical potential by continual sight-reading skills, games to master Solfege, which all leads you in becoming a confident and expressive singer.
- You will find a safe place of belonging and make lifelong friends. Connect with other music lovers and build lasting friendships.
Learning performance skills is a lifelong skill that will boost your confidence, communication, and teamwork – skills that will benefit you throughout your life.
Yearbook- 7th & 8th grade *by application only
The yearbook class will put together and develop the school yearbook. Students practice language fundamentals and develop writing techniques appropriate to this genre while gaining skills in editing and proofreading. Students must apply to be in Yearbook by submitting an application to Mr. McGowan.
French 1 (MP4)
The objectives are to learn and practice skills to communicate with others of any language, understand the culture, and learn French with the immersion approach. *Grades for World Language classes will appear on high school transcripts but won’t be factored into their transcript GPA.
French 2 (MP4)
This course continues the development of speaking, listening, and reading and writing skills. Narratives and dialogues are used to teach structure and vocabulary. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections. *Grades for World Language classes will appear on high school transcripts but won’t be factored into their transcript GPA. Prerequisite: French 1
Spanish 1 (MP4)
Emphasis is placed on listening and speaking skills, though reading and writing are addressed. This course provides for the learning of dialogues, common words and expressions and basic language structure as well as oral practice of the language. *Grades for World Language classes will appear on high school transcripts but won’t be factored into their transcript GPA.
Spanish 2 (MP4)
This course continues the development of speaking, listening, and reading and writing skills. Narratives and dialogues are used to teach structure and vocabulary. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections. *Grades for World Language classes will appear on high school transcripts but won’t be factored into their transcript GPA. Prerequisite: Spanish 1
Mandarin Chinese 1 (MP4)
This is a beginner level Mandarin language class with an emphasis on speaking and listening skills. Students will learn standard pronunciation and tones through the Pinyin system. They will also be introduced to the basics of writing Chinese characters (simplified hanzi). *Grades for World Language classes will appear on high school transcripts but won’t be factored into their transcript GPA.
Mandarin Chinese 2 (MP4)
The second level Mandarin language class will continue the development of speaking and listening skills with increased involvement in reading and writing. Narratives and dialogues will be used to teach vocabulary and structure. Students will continue to learn common Chinese characters (simplified hanzi). *Grades for World Language classes will appear on high school transcripts but won’t be factored into their transcript GPA. Prerequisite: Chinese 1
Mandarin Chinese for Mandarin Speakers (MP4)
This course is for heritage and immersion Mandarin speakers and will focus on reading, writing, and typing Chinese characters. This class will prepare students for further Chinese courses offered at Skyline. The IB Chinese program requires reading and writing in Chinese characters. This course has a two-year curriculum; therefore, Wasatch students can attend in 7th and 8th grade to advance their Chinese skills. *Grades for World Language classes will appear on high school transcripts but won’t be factored into their transcript GPA.
Half Year Electives
Drama 6 (6th grade only) (MP4)
In this hands-on course students will dive into the creative aspects of what makes theatre so exciting! With an emphasis on imagination, students will explore acting and characterization, improvisation, voice work, emotional expression and technical theatre design processes. Students will work together as they rehearse and perform the 6th grade play. If you want to be in a play as a 6th grader, this is the class for you!
Theatre 1A (MP4)
This is a foundational theatre class where students will explore Ancient Greek theatre, Shakespeare, Commedia Dell’Arte, and Japanese theatre. Other things we’ll cover is improv, pantomime, voice work, and the theatre industry. Join this class if you want to understand the world of theatre better and become a more versatile actor.
Theatre 2A (Wasatch Theatre Company) (MP4) – 7th & 8th grade only
Ready to join the Wasatch Theatre Company? As a company member you will get to perform in the yearly full-length play. This is your chance to step into the spotlight, focus & strengthen your acting skills, and discover what really goes on behind the scenes. You’ll be part of producing the play from start to finish, yes, even deciding what play to perform! Come be part of the Wasatch Theatre Company legacy.
Art Foundations 1 – Beginning (MP4)
Emphasis is on understanding works of art, color and design theory, and developing basic skills in drawing. Students also increase their understanding of the ways line, shape, form, texture, value and color are used to apply the principles of art (unity, balance, contrast, emphasis, variety, movement). Students experiment with such media as pencil, ink, watercolor, crayon, clay, charcoal and chalk.
Advanced Art Foundations 2 (MP4) Prerequisite: Art Foundations 1
Instruction expands the concepts taught in Foundations 1 with emphasis on representative and interpretive drawing with further emphasis on color and design concepts, proportion, value, depth, and the use of creative expression as they apply to drawing landscapes, portraits, animals, cartoons, and manmade devices. Aesthetics, higher level thinking skills, divergent production, and art criticism are addressed as well. Students will do drawing, acrylic painting (still life and portrait), digital art, 2 clay vase projects, and screen printing t-shirts and hats.
Dance 1A (Beginning) (MP4)
This course builds dance knowledge and skills in technique, improvisation, choreography, artistic expression, performance, history, culture and life skills as well as injury prevention. Out of school rehearsals and performances may be required. No dance experience required. This course is a prerequisite for other dance courses.
Dance 1B (Beginning 2) (MP4)
This course builds on dance knowledge and skills acquired in Dance 1A. Students will learn more choreographic elements in individual, partner and group activities. Out of school rehearsals and performances may be required. Some dance experience required
Social Dance
This fun active class is for all students who want to learn dances from different cultures, contemporary dances, and traditional dances. In this class, students will acquire physical, rhythmic and creative skills through dance activity.
Dance (PE Credit) (MP4)
This is a beginning dance class that will focus on flexibility, strength, motor skills and movement patterns. We will look at moving safely and efficiently while discovering the components needed to maintain a healthy level of fitness.
Physical Education- 1/2 year
Physical education seeks to make students active players in life. It enables students to see the importance of proper nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Media Arts (MP4)
This class will explore the world of film and photography. Students will learn beginning skills in film making and create finished products for school wide viewing.
FACS Exploration
This course we will explore careers and skills in the following areas: family & human services, clothing & textiles, interior design & architecture, foods & nutrition, entrepreneurship, and childcare.
FACS A – Sewing/Interior Design (MP4)
This course introduces students to basic sewing and pressing equipment, textiles, and introductory level project construction techniques. Units on interior design, architecture and entrepreneurship will also be covered.
FACS B – Foods/Communications (MP4)
This course integrates the knowledge of nutrition and healthy lifestyle principles with food preparation. Units on entrepreneurships and interpersonal relationships and childcare will also be covered.
Exploring Technology 1
This is an activity-oriented course integrating math, science, and technology. Students will study engineering design, communications technologies and aerospace engineering. This is an exciting course that helps students relate technology to their lives in a project-based learning environment.
Exploring Technology 2
Builds off of Exploring Technology 1 and is another hands-on class designed for projects in the STEM fields.
Exploring Health Sciences
The course is an introduction class for 8th graders to explore professions in the Health Science pathway. Students will learn about body systems and dive deep into different career paths in the health care field. Some of the careers include data analysis, doctor, CNA, receptionists, nurses, medical assistants, and more.
STEM Concepts
A hands-on, project-based course that aids students in developing the ability to apply understanding of how the world works within and across the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), promoting abilities to better problem-solve, analyze, communicate, and understand technology.
STEM Flight & Space
We’re excited to offer this brand new course thanks to a grant we’ve received. If you’re interested in aerospace technology and engineering, this class is for you! Students will design, prototype, and test models to learn about flight and what it takes to travel and live in space. They will solve real-world aviation and space challenges and plan a mission to Mars.
Mixed Choir
Welcome to Mixed Choir, I am Mrs. Hanson. In Mixed Choir we get to do more than just learn how to sing notes, it’s about expressing ourselves, through music. We will learn to tell stories, convey emotions, explore different genres of music and connect with the audience through one evening performance for our friends and families. This is a semester class that will not only help you grow musically, but it will be a safe place for you to create friendships with other students who have similar interests. This is best said in the song “Sing” “Don’t worry “if you’re not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song” and join the Mixed Choir. We will learn, have fun, and grow together.
Guitar 1 (MP4)
Hey there, future Rockstars! Welcome to guitar class! Whether you’ve always dreamed of shredding like Van Halen or just want to learn a cool new skill, you’re in the right place. I am Mrs. Hanson and I have been playing guitar since I was 8 years old. In this class, we’ll explore the exciting world of guitar. This is a semester class that begins in the Fall. This is for the very beginner. Yes, someone who may have never held a guitar. We will learn how to hold the guitar, so it will sound and play at its best. We’ll learn some fundamental chords which are the building blocks of countless songs. We’ll practice smooth and rhythm strumming patterns to bring those chords to life. We’ll learn to read simple music sheets, helping you understand and play songs with greater ease. We’ll gradually build our skills by learning and playing some easy and fun songs. No experience necessary! We’ll start with the basics and gradually increase the difficulty. So, grab your guitar (or borrow one from a friend or the school), and let’s make some music!
Guitar 1.5 (MP4) *Prerequisite is Guitar 1
Welcome back, now that you have had a chance to learn some fundamentals and have been practicing I am sure you are seeing the joy that comes with practice, patience and the fun of performing. This Spring course takes you to a deeper understanding of playing the guitar, technique, building chord progressions and improvisation. All these skills are to continue to help you develop your musical skills and go on to study with a private teacher to keep improving upon all the fundamentals that you learned here at Wasatch Jr. High. Spring is a great time to share your skills and hold our annual Spring Concert where you will be performing at an evening concert along with the choir. Keep those skills progressing and come and join Spring guitar class. **Just a note, if you are interested in joining and have previous experience come and talk to Mrs. Hanson for more information. This may be the right class for you.
Peer Tutoring (MP4) for 7th & 8th graders – *by application only
Do you enjoy helping others? In this course you’ll help tutor students with disabilities and students at Upland Terrace Elementary. This is a great way to get involved, help our neighbor elementary school and make friends at Wasatch. At the end of this course, students will gain greater empathy and understanding for their peers.
