Skills Quest Student Workbook
7th Grade Resource Room
Skills Quest Daily Workbook
Name:
Date:
Period:
1
Station 1: Reading Comprehension Focus
Target Time: 15–20 Mins
The Mystery of the Singing Sands
Lexile Level: 7th Grade Informational
In roughly thirty deserts around the globe, travelers encounter a baffling phenomenon: towering sand dunes that produce eerie musical drones. Sometimes sounding like low-pitched organ pipes and at other times like buzzing bees, these sounds can echo across vast canyons for several miles. Marco Polo, writing in the thirteenth century, believed these acoustic desert tricks were phantom voices whispering to lure wanderers off safe paths.
Modern geophysicists have unlocked the real mechanics behind this wonder. The music occurs only when an avalanche of sand cascades down the dune’s steep slip face. For the dunes to "sing," three strict conditions must align: each sand grain must be remarkably round, completely free of moisture, and coated with a thin, glazed layer of silica. As millions of identical grains slide across one another simultaneously, their synchronized collisions generate acoustic pressure waves that resonate in the dry air.
1. What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Desert dunes sing because wandering travelers cause severe windstorms.
B. Singing sand dunes are created by synchronized sliding grains under strict physical conditions.
C. Marco Polo recorded the exact physics of desert sound waves in the 13th century.
D. Dunes only hum during heavy rainstorms when sand absorbs desert water.
2. In paragraph 2, the word acoustic most nearly means:
A. Visual
B. Extremely hot
C. Sound-related
D. Dangerous
3. Text Evidence: Name two physical conditions required for sand grains to create sound.
Condition 1:
Condition 2:
4. Contrast: How did Marco Polo's explanation differ from modern scientists?
Resource Room Focus: Reading & Context Clues Page 1 of 3
2
Station 2: Math Skills Mission
7th Grade Target: Integers, Unit Rates & Two-Step Equations
Calculators Allowed
Quick Reminder Strategy
Adding Integers: Same signs = add & keep sign. Different signs = subtract absolute values, keep sign of bigger number.
Subtracting Integers: "Add the opposite" (Keep-Change-Change). Example: \(5 - (-3) = 5 + 3 = 8\).
Part A: Integer Calculations (Show quick thinking)
Problem 1
\(-8 + 14 =\)
Problem 2
\(-6 - 9 =\)
Problem 3
\(12 - (-5) =\)
Problem 4
\((-4) \times 7 =\)
Problem 5
\(-36 \div (-6) =\)
Problem 6
\(-15 + (-7) =\)
Part B: Two-Step Equations (Show Steps)
Solve: \(3x + 8 = 29\) Subtract 8, then divide by 3
Solution: \(x =\)
Solve: \(\frac{m}{4} - 3 = 5\) Add 3, then multiply by 4
Solution: \(m =\)
Part C: Word Problem & Unit Rate
The School Book Fair: Maya bought 4 identical graphic novels for a total of $32.00.
A. Find the unit rate (cost per book):
Cost per book = $
B. How much would 7 books cost?
Total for 7 books = $
Resource Room Focus: Integers, Algebra & Rates Page 2 of 3
3
Station 3: Structured Writing Lab
Persuasive Quick-Write & Daily Resource Reflection
Writing Frame Provided
Prompt: The Ultimate Middle School Invention Goal: 4–6 Complete Sentences
Imagine you could invent one gadget or tool to help middle school students have a better school day (e.g., an automatic backpack organizer, homework proofreader, or noiseless hallway scooter). Convince your principal why your invention should be approved.
Claim Starters:
- My proposed invention is...
- Schools should invest in this gadget because...
Reason / Evidence Starters:
- One problem it solves for students is...
- For instance, during class time it helps by...
Your Draft: Write neatly on the lines below
Quick Edit Check: Capital letters End punctuation Clear main idea
Period Reflection & Effort Rating
How focused was I during today's resource period?
1 2 3 4 5 (5 = Star effort)
One thing I feel proud of completing today:
Resource Room Focus: Written Expression & Reflection Page 3 of 3
Substitute Master Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource • Substitute Plans
Resource Room Facilitation Guide
7th Grade Academic Support & Skills Enrichment Period
Period Duration 50–55 Minutes
Welcome & Overview for the Guest Teacher
Thank you for stepping in today! This resource period provides specialized, small-group academic reinforcement for 7th graders. The primary goals are building confidence, maintaining a calm routine, and completing the structured 3-page Skills Quest Workbook. Students thrive with positive reinforcement, clear time cues, and patient encouragement.
Recommended Period Timeline (50 Min Structure)
00–05 Mins Check-in & Warm-up
Attendance, distribute workbooks, set calm tone.
05–20 Mins Station 1: Reading
Read passage aloud or paired; answer Q1–Q4.
20–35 Mins Station 2: Math
Calculators permitted; independent or partner work.
35–50 Mins Station 3: Writing
Draft invention paragraph, self-check & exit log.
Standard Accommodations Matrix
- • Read-Aloud Support: Reading the passage or math word problems aloud to individuals or whole group is encouraged.
- • Calculators: Basic 4-function or scientific calculators are approved for all students on Station 2.
- • Chunking: Have students finish one station before previewing the next to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
- • Sensory/Brain Breaks: Students may request a 2-minute seated breather or stretch at their desk.
Whiteboard Agenda (Write on Board)
TODAY'S MISSION:
1. Name & Date on Skills Quest Packet
2. Station 1: Singing Sands (p. 1)
3. Station 2: Math Skills Mission (p. 2)
4. Station 3: Invention Paragraph & Rating (p. 3)
5. Hand in packet at the bell!
Neighbor Teacher: Ms. Davis (Rm 204) if any emergency arises.
Substitute End-of-Day Report Form
Stars of the Day (Helpful / Hard Workers):
Students Needing Follow-up Support:
General Notes / Pacing Observations for Regular Teacher:
Substitute Guide • Daily Protocols & Schedule Page 1 of 2
✓
Answer Guidance & Exemplar Key
For Skills Quest Student Workbook (Pages 1–3)
Teacher Reference Only
Station 1: Reading Comprehension Key
The Mystery of the Singing Sands
1. Correct: B (Singing sand dunes are created by synchronized sliding grains under strict physical conditions).
