7th GRADE CORE COURSES
SOCIAL STUDIES
The 7th grade social studies curriculum will allow students to survey the major political, economic, social and cultural developments that characterized the period of the Renaissance through the Age of Colonialism.
Students will improve their map reading skills, interpret political cartoons, and use graphs, charts, and tables to draw conclusions. Economics features introductions to the factors of production, types of economic systems, types of businesses, fiscal and monetary policy, and supply and demand.
SCIENCE
The 7th grade science curriculum emphasizes life science. Specifically, heredity, ecology, and human biology. Environmental issues are defined through the teachings of specific climate zones, ozone awareness, and various types of pollutions.
We spend time discussing recent concerns, such as global warming, El Ninó, and ozone depletion. The world of technology is highlighted in the areas of space, computers and biotechnology.
We also take time to study issues of earth science such as; plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes. There is a brief section on oceanography, which is tied into an understanding of waves. All the areas of science are touched upon in the 7th grade, however life science is emphasized.
MATH/PRE-ALGEBRA
The Math 7 curriculum focuses on the following areas: addition and subtraction of expressions, multiplication and division of expressions, multiplication and division of decimals, graphing, statistics, geometry and measurement, addition and subtraction of fractions, multiplication and division of fractions, integers and rational numbers, ratio, proportion, percent, geometry, area, volume, algebra and coordinate geometry and probability.
Or
The Pre-Algebra 7 course is designed to cover the following general areas: basic concepts in algebra; addition, subtraction, multiplication, division in algebra; linear sentences; and lines and distance. The course covers basic math concepts such as fractions, decimals, and percents as does the regular math 7 course. It also explores variables and their many uses. After successful completion of this class, students will be ready for Algebra in eighth grade.
LANGUAGE ARTS/WRITING
This is a course that focuses on skills to improve written language. An emphasis is given not only to writing complete papers but also to spelling, proper grammar and effective writing techniques.
Students use the five-step writing process of prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, and publishing to produce descriptive, narrative, informative, and expository writing samples throughout the year. Assessment is done through the “6 Trait plus 1 Writing rubrics.
LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
This course is a required 7th grade core subject. Students will read short stories and novels from well known authors. Each story and novel focuses on grade level vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.
Students are also required to participate in the our reading program. Students will read one self-selected book from our library every six week grading period.
7th GRADE ENCORE COURSES
BAND
7th grade Band is an alternate day year long course open to all students. Students must take lessons from the director before being allowed to join, this normally takes place during summer school or during the school year. Attendance at band concerts is mandatory. Students will be given a music calendar the first week of school. All supplies such as reeds, oil, cleaning kits, lesson books etc., must be purchased by the individual musician. Band meets on alternate days and every other Friday throughout the school year.
CHORUS
Chorus is an alternate day year long class at the 7th grade level which teaches basic vocal technique. Students sing partner songs, rounds and 2 part choral music. The music used in class includes a variety of songs from different periods and cultures as well as seasonal music. All students are required to attend 2 evening concerts - one in December and one in May. Additional performance opportunities are available including District Solo and Ensemble Festival in March. Concert dress is plain white shirt or blouse and plain black slacks or skirt. Course meets on alternate days and every other Friday throughout the school year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education contributes to the total development of a student in the areas of cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and neuromuscular skills. Each student will work to gain knowledge, understanding, and the importance of life-long fitness through exposure to activities such as soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, softball, and speedball. The physical education program works to achieve positive sportsmanship, team-work, and cooperation among all students as part of social/emotional development. Each student is encouraged and given the opportunity to achieve his/her own potential. Physical education classes meet every other day and alternating Fridays for the duration of the school year. Students are responsible for bringing proper attire for class activities.
7TH GRADE EXPLORATORY PROGRAM
All Explorations are 6 weeks except for Spanish or French which are 12 weeks. Life Skills and French or Spanish is required.
PLUS
Students need to pick 3 other explorations .
•ART
Student work covers radial symmetric design, drawing with an emphasis on pencil shading, clay mini-sculpture construction and decorating, color mixing and practice emphasizing tints and shades. A cross-curricular unit has students designing and then painting the exterior of dragsters previously constructed and raced in the tech ed section of the exploration. Independent work on a computer graphics program is also included.
•LIFE SKILLS II
Life Skills covers both Human Growth and Development and AOD (alcohol and other drugs) issues. Human Growth and Development issues covered are: values (i.e. responsibility, respect, self-control/equality), biology, physical and emotional changes of puberty, teen pregnancy, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and dating issues. The AOD issues include alcoholism. Activities include: discussion, small group projects, role-play, and team building activities. Also G.R.E.A.T., which is a program designed to help middle school students become responsible members of their communities is part of this exploratory. Students learn how to resist pressures, resolve conflicts, and are shown how gangs impact the quality of their life.
•COMPUTER APPLICATION
Computer Applications grade 7, reviews and reinforces keyboarding skills with the skill building software. We also review word processing functions and create documents in Claris Works and create spreadsheets using simple formulas.
•TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING
This course is designed to introduce students to engineering and manufacturing. Types of occupations will be presented as part of the course offerings. A major part of the course is the study of how goods are turned into a product. Technical drawings, measuring, building a dragster, racing the dragster, and evaluating one's results are integral parts of the course. Emphasis will be placed on promoting positive cooperation between students, developing safe and orderly work habits, promoting creativity and self-confidence through accomplishment, developing the ability to perform sequential operations, and developing and promoting life skills.
•FAMILY/CONSUMER EDUCATION
Family/Consumer Education exploratory will have a variety of opportunities to explore concepts related to friends, family and foods. The course will provide information regarding the characteristics of true friends as well as how friendship qualities can be nurtured in others. The stages of the family life cycle will be examined as well as the work of the family. Positive eating habits to avoid heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes will be stressed. Students will become familiar with kitchen equipment, in addition to basic food preparation techniques. Simple lab experiences will be provided and students will plan/carry out an entertainment activity with emphasis on proper etiquette.
•FRENCH
The emphasis of this explore course is the first part of French I. The course will include both oral and written components of the French language as well as major cultural aspects. During this course students will review vocabulary acquired in the 5th and 6th grade exploratories and expand upon it by adding vocabulary and essential grammatical structures. Students will also be able to communicate about who they are, what they like and dislike, personalities and physical traits. They will learn culturally appropriate gestures and behaviors, traditions and celebrations of major French-speaking countries.
•SPANISH
As part of the Spanish I course, the focus is both the oral and written language, as well as an emphasis on Hispanic culture. During the year, students review vocabulary introduced in sixth grade and expand upon it by learning added vocabulary and grammar structures necessary to express who people are, where someone is from, and descriptions of personalities and physical traits. Students will also learn to tell time and discuss schedules as related to on what day and date an event falls. Culturally, students will be to learn and incorporate appropriate gestures and behaviors used which are common in Spanish speaking countries. Students will also be introduced to traditions as related to the Hispanic celebrations of Day of the Dead, the Posadas, Christmas, Carnival, Easter and Cinco De Mayo.
