• 7th Grade Course Descriptions

    Language Arts:

    Students in seventh grade language arts engage in rigorous application and reinforcement of grammar skills, as well as fine tuning writing techniques. Students will compose essays that in which they will support their points with evidence from various genres or informational texts. Students complete a full research paper. Reading includes varied genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and informational text. Vocabulary study incorporates both traditional, grade-appropriate words and Greek morphemes. Use of technology, as well as intentional emphasis on 21st century skills and digital literacy, is woven into the program of study.

    Our course offerings include: Language Arts, Honors Language Arts, CLUE English, Language Lab

    Math:

    7th Grade Pre-Algebra

    In seventh grade math, students will use problem solving strategies and technology to master TCAP skills and state standards for the seventh grade.  These skills include working with rational numbers and percents, solving equations, working with proportions, understanding geometric figures, and using techniques of statistics and probability.  Students will also begin to look at linear and nonlinear functions and how those apply to real world scenarios.  Students will be expected to persevere in problem solving, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as outlined by the Common Core State Standards.

    7th Grade Algebra I Honors
    Algebra I is an honors level and high school level math course that uses problem solving situations, physical models and appropriate technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student reasoning.  The course begins with the study of sets and logic and ends with solving rational expressions.  Word problems are deeply embedded within the course and students use algebraic concepts in order to solve them.  Problem solving and making mathematical connections to real world problems are critical to a student’s success in this course.  Concepts emphasized in the course:  solving equations and inequalities, solving linear equations and inequalities, writing equations and graphing linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, statistics and probability, factoring, quadratic equations, radical and exponential equations and rational expression.  Students will be expected to persevere in problem solving, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as outlined by state standards. 

    Our course offerings include: Pre-Algebra, Honors Pre-Algebra, Honors Algebra I (HS Credit), Math Lab

    Honors Algebra I enrollment is determined by a placement test.

    Science:

    Students will be introduced to the study of cells, photosynthesis, respiration, heredity, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, motion, force, work, and simple machines.  Students will sharpen their scientific inquiry skills and explore technology and engineering using the following methods: participating in many hands-on laboratory activities in order to make proper observations and draw conclusions for themselves, investigating multiple solutions to scientific questions and problems, identifying and testing the best solutions, and appropriately communicating their findings to a specific audience such as fellow students, teachers, or parents.

    Our course offerings include: Science, Honors Science

    Social Studies:

    Seventh grade students will explore the social, cultural, geographical, political and technological changes that occurred after the fall of the Roman Empire and in Medieval Europe. Students will also study the period from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century, including the Middle East, Africa, China, and Japan, but with a heavier emphasis on western civilization in Europe during the Renaissance and Reformation. Students will compare and contrast the history and geography of civilizations that were developing concurrently throughout these continents during medieval times. They will examine the growth in economic interactions among civilizations as well as the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. Seventh grade students will end the year by examining the Meso-American and Andean civilizations, and the age of European explorations. Appropriate informational texts and primary sources will be used in order to deepen the understanding of how these civilizations influence the modern world.

    Our course offerings include: Social Studies, Honors Social Studies

    World Languages:

    Our course offerings include: Exploratory Chinese, Exploratory French, Exploratory Spanish, Honors Spanish I (HS Credit)

    HS Credit classes are by application only.

    Fine/Performing Arts:

    Our course offerings include: Art, Creative Dramatics, 7th/8th Performance Band, Percussion, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Tenor/Bass Choir, Soprano/Alto Choir, Chorale, Intermediate Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra

    Creative Dramatics: In this performance-based class, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of theatre arts. Students will use theatre games and various creative drama techniques to help lose inhibitions and gain trust in themselves as well as others in their groups. Students will learn and use drama/theatre vocabulary in class discussions to promote overall literacy. Students will exhibit and reinforce their skills through individual and group presentations, performances, and script writing.

    Exploratory Courses:

    Our course offerings include: Computer Science, Creative Writing, Facing History & Ourselves, Health, Physical Education

    Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO): FHAO is a worldwide organization which believes the bigotry and hate that we witness today are the legacy of brutal injustices of the past. Facing our collective history and how it informs our attitudes and behaviors allows us to choose a world of equity and justice. Facing History's resources address racism, antisemitism, and prejudice at pivotal moments in history in order to help students connect choices made in the past to those they will confront in their own lives. Independent research studies show that experience in a Facing History classroom motivates students to become upstanders in the communities, whether by challenging negative stereotypes at the dinner table, standing up to a bully in their neighborhood, or registering to vote when they are eligible. 

    Physical Education: Physical Education classes are designed to practice and develop skills through a variety of activities that will help students maintain fitness throughout their life. Students will learn fun and structured movement activities. These activities will benefit regular exercises that can be provided for a person's mental, physical, and social health.