Religion

In seventh-grade religion the focus is on the life and teachings of Jesus.  The Scripture that serves as a theme statement is Jesus’ question to his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”  Students learn about the historical Jesus and the Christ of their faith.  The Gospel of Luke is the primary source because of its focus on inclusion and social justice.  The culmination of this study is a dramatization of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday for the whole school community. Students also study The Acts of the Apostles to learn about how early Christians lived out their faith and spread the Good News. The importance of studying Scripture with both mind and heart is emphasized throughout the year.

Literacy

Students in grade seven are introduced to a variety of literature and taught reading strategies to apply to various texts. Lessons about literary elements are taught in the context of the novels the class is reading.  Teachers in each subject area work with classes to develop the skills necessary to read for understanding in the different genres their class experiences.  Throughout the year, as students read diverse material, they are also learning to write in varying modalities.  As writing progresses, students will be able to write a solid, five paragraph essay which includes a thesis statement, introductory paragraph, proper transitioning, and conclusion. Students will continue to focus on the stages of the writing process.

Math

An area of focus for this year will be the idea of math as a language.  The numbers, letters and formulas that make up mathematics is a unique language that must be translated in order for understanding to occur.  To help us in this endeavor we will work with math vocabulary, and learn to write and talk in math language.  Equally important is to learn to change math speak into normal everyday language.  For note takers, we will keep a detailed notebook with examples and practice problems.  For visual learners, we will post a word wall and have drawings and formulas posted throughout the classroom.  We will work in groups to support each other and give ourselves a chance to talk about what we are doing.

Science

During the first trimester, the 7th-grade curriculum focuses on body organization and structure, including homeostasis, types of tissues, an organ systems overview, structure and function of the skeletal system, muscular system, and integumentary system.  Additional systems of the body studied include: the structure and function of the circulatory system, lymphatic system and respiratory system.  Furthermore, students will design and conduct their own scientific investigations to participate in the annual ASB science fair.

The second term will target the Foss Human Brain and Senses kit to learn about the structure and function of the nervous system.  Students also examine the structure and function of the endocrine, digestive and urinary systems.

In the third trimester, students will work with laboratory tools and techniques to test food using indicators to determine acid, vitamin C, fat, and sugar content (Foss Nutrition kit).  They will use knowledge and nutritional information from product labels to plan and evaluate menus.  They explore the relationship between the foods they eat and personal health.  Additionally, and time permitting, students will study the reproductive system, immune system, and cellular biology.

Social Studies

The seventh graders begin their year learning about the five themes of geography to build a foundation for the rest of the year.  Using  a wide variety of resources, the students then focus on a large span of history. This begins in the ancient Americas, and continues all the way to modern historical events.  These topics are the starting place for research projects and essay writing throughout the year.

Spanish

Students learn the Spanish language through conversation, literature, skits, art, music, and games. We build vocabulary and grammar as well as learn the geography and culture of Latin America . The focus is on comprehension, a strong emphasis on pronunciation, and building confidence in speaking Spanish.

Art

Middle-school students have one trimester of art as part of the fine arts curriculum. In their Thursday art classes, students develop their creative skills and their techniques in a positive atmosphere.  Drawing is the foundation of the program.  Students use basic and advanced art materials, develop their skills and techniques for creating quality work, learn central principals and elements of art, and develop their own aesthetic awareness and appreciation.   

Drama

Seventh-grade students focus on understanding the theatrical process of taking an idea, character and/or story, and bringing it to life on stage using a variety of techniques and methods. We continually build on our performance skills working on various activities and projects throughout the trimester.  Students discover the world of William Shakespeare by studying his life, colorful characters and masterful plays.

Music

Looking at the history of the two most authentic forms of American music is the focus in seventh-grade music.  One trimester is spent discovering jazz and one trimester is focused on the roots of rock music in the fifties and sixties.  The emphasis is on understanding and appreciating the musical, cultural, and historical importance of these forms of American music.  Connections are made to the evolution of the civil rights movement as well as connections to the elements of music within each genre.  People who made significant contributions to jazz and rock music are an integral part of these “survey” classes.

Physical Education

The goal of the 7th-grade physical education program is to introduce students to concepts and skills they can carry through life.  We will accomplish this by exposing students to many individual, dual, and team experiences throughout the year. These experiences will be creative non-threatening small group drills, modified games and all active delivery systems.