7th Grade English Language Arts

The purpose of the ELA curriculum is to provide students with the reading and writing skills needed to become confident, independent readers and thinkers. Set classroom skills and techniques are used with the students to help them become confident in what they read and write. Plus, we want them to discuss and write about their thoughts on open and specific topics. The ELA department's goals are for students to leave the classroom confident in what they read, write, discuss, and share their thoughts on the topics. We aim to help students become more effective communicators by guiding them with organizing their ideas through written and verbal communication. Our classes will consist of grade-appropriate reading selections to increase comprehension at various reading levels. There is also a focus on expanding the vocabulary and reading stamina. The goal is that the students are ultimately successful in life and on all state tests.

7th Grade History (Ancient World History)

This course will explore important historic civilizations of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe from approximately 2000 B.C.E. to 1500 C.E. During their study of world civilizations, students will learn that each historical event is shaped by its geographic setting, culture of the people, economic conditions, government decisions, and civic action. Throughout this history course, students will begin to develop skills and understandings necessary for success in subsequent Social Studies courses.

7th Grade Math

CMP is a problem-centered curriculum promoting an inquiry-based classroom environment. Mathematical ideas are identified and embedded in a sequenced set of tasks and explored in depth to allow students to develop rich mathematical understandings and meaningful skills. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) and the Standards for Mathematical Practice are embedded within each problem.

The overarching goal of CMP is to help students develop mathematical knowledge, understanding, and skill along with an awareness of and appreciation for the rich connections among mathematical strands and between mathematics and other disciplines. Students will become better problem solvers and learn how to better cooperate with others.

CMP has high expectations of all students. All students are asked sophisticated mathematical questions and are expected to persevere in their explorations to these questions, looking for patterns, generalizing, validating, and sharing and critiquing each other’s work.

In the 7th grade, students will focus on proportional reasoning and linear relationships as shown through tables, graphs, and equations. Students will also work on various other topics in Number Sense, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, and Probability.

7th Grade Science

In 7th grade science we will cover a broad variety of scientific topics. We will investigate earth and space science, physical science, and life science.

While covering earth and space science, we will see how the movement of the sun, Earth, and moon influences tides, eclipses, and the moon phases.

We will be exploring physical science through much of the year. Topics we will cover while exploring include, conservation of mass, conservation of energy, energy transformations, and properties of matter at the atomic level.

In the middle of the year, life science will be our focus. You will get the opportunity to learn about how plants and animals rely on either cellular respiration or photosynthesis to obtain energy for their cells. You will also be able to investigate the various biomes on Earth.

Art 1

Art 1 is a semester-long course for 7th & 8th-grade students. This course incorporates various 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, and digital art forms. Art 1 is also a High School Graduation Credit course earned and a prerequisite course to take advanced art courses at the high school. This course is designed for students to explore art with an emphasis on control of art media, technique, and creativity. Students gain a deeper understanding of art concepts using the Elements and Principles of Design. This class encourages students to look at art analytically and to understand art concepts more thoroughly. This course not only opens the students’ eyes to artistic creation; it also gives them a better understanding of the art of others.

You can view the Art 1 Digital Art Gallery here.

Band

7th Grade Band is a beginning class for anyone interested in playing flute, oboe, saxophone, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, french horn, baritone, trombone, tuba, or percussion. No experience needed. The first semester will be all about the basics of playing and we will finish with our first concert in December. Second semester we will expand on the basics and focus on learning more notes and rhythms needed to play more challenging music. Students earn high school credit with this class.

Additionally, you can view a flyer with some frequently asked questions (FAQs) here.

Chorus

The goal for 7th Grade Chorus is to learn about the voice and how to sing with good posture and good tone. All students regardless of ability level will be able to learn about and develop their singing voice! We will also strive to build the basis of their sight reading skills. We will start the year with reviewing basic music terminology and notation and I will also be working to voice test the students. We will be singing various pieces of music mostly in English but branching off into Latin and other common languages.

Additionally, you can view a flyer with some frequently asked questions (FAQs) here.

General Music

Course description and video coming soon!

Orchestra

Orchestra is a unique opportunity to learn some of the oldest instruments in modern music. In Orchestra class, you will choose either violin, viola, cello, or double bass and learn how to play and care for your instrument. Throughout the year, you will learn different songs and pieces on your instrument, how to properly practice at home, and how to work as a team to create beautiful music. This is also a great place to meet new friends and play some awesome music! Every student who has been part of the Garfield Orchestra has said they have enjoyed the class and learned so much, even if they were only in it for a year.

Some skills you will learn over the course of the year will be:

• Performing on your chosen instrument with correct posture and technique

• Learning note reading

• Performing songs from different time periods from the 1700’s to today

• Playing notes on the D, A, and G strings of the instrument

• Performing melodies and harmonies as a full orchestra

• Learn about the stringed instruments’ role in music history

• Learn about different genres of music which incorporate the stringed instruments

• Playing music as part of a community

Additionally, you can view a flyer with some frequently asked questions (FAQs) here.

Coding

Introduction to Coding covers a basic introduction to the principles of programming, including algorithms and logic. Students engage in hands-on programming tasks in the Python programming language through the use of Code Combat and Java script through the use of Ozaria as they write and test their own code using the approaches real programmers use in the field. Also, students are asked to solve a challenge or complete tasks using Ozobots and code.org.

Digital Citizenship

Course description and video coming soon!

ERI (Enrichment, Remediation, and Intervention)

English Language Arts ERI

The purpose of the ERI class is to assist small groups of struggling readers with the tools needed to become independent grade level readers and thinkers. The ELA department's goals are to reinforce reading and writing skills to help struggling readers. Set classroom skills and techniques are used with the students to help them become confident in what they read and write. Plus, we want them to be able to discuss and write about their thoughts on the topics. The small class design is a purposeful way of helping students grow, be independent thinkers, analyze and evaluate different texts. There is also a focus on expanding the vocabulary and reading stamina of those struggling students. The goal is that the students are ultimately successful in life and on all state tests.

Math ERI

The goal of Math ERI (Enrichment, Reteaching, and Intervention) is to make one-on-one or two-on-one connections with targeted students on a consistent basis to support them with the math they are trying to learn in their math class. The small class design is a purposeful way of helping students grow, gain confidence, and become more critical thinkers in math.

During ERI, students may partner with the teacher or a peer tutor, preview/review CMP lessons, or work on assessment corrections. Some class time may be devoted to organizational skills. Students will also be working on their individual math pathways through a variety of online programs including ALEKS, Prodigy, and Khan Mappers.

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing.

In this Financial Literacy course, students will learn the basics of money management: budgeting, saving, debt, investing, and giving. This knowledge lays a foundation for students to build strong money habits early on and avoid many of the mistakes that lead to lifelong money struggles.

Throughout this course, the following topics will be covered:

• Financial Responsibility and Decision Making

• Careers

• Living Independently

• Sources of Income

• Buying a Vehicle

• Taxes

• Checking

• Savings

• Consumer Credit

• Paying for College

• Types of Credit

• Managing Credit

• Debt

• Investing

• Stock Market

• Insurance

• Budgeting

These financial literacy basics and skills will be learned through a variety of scenario-based activities allowing students to put their saving, spending, and financial planning skills to practice in a real-world context.

Health

During middle school, health class is worth a high school credit. For this reason, our curriculum requires that we cover the same material as the high school health class. This also means that if you pass health class here, you will not be required to take health again in high school. Because of these reasons, we will be discussing more mature material than health classes from previous years.

Topic Overview:

• Total Health

• Diseases

• Taking Charge of Your Health

• Mental Health

• Stress

• Mental Disorders

• Healthy Relationships

• Peer Relationships

• Violence

• Nutrition/Fitness

• Reproductive Systems

• Life Cycle

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

• Illegal Drugs

• STI’s, HIV/AIDS

• CPR/First Aid

• Organ Donation

Physical Education

Physical Education is a semester course in which students will participate in both large and small group physical activities. Examples include ultimate ball, basketball, soccer, volleyball. pickleball, and badminton. While playing these games, students will exhibit knowledge of the rules, apply strategies, and demonstrate proper sportsmanship. In addition, students will engage in personal fitness exercises designed to improve their individual performance and overall health. This course counts as high school credit.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Course description and video coming soon!

Speak Up

This class is a great way for students to grow in communication as well as writing skills.

I want to start by pointing your attention to Erik Palmer’s traits for effective public speaking. He has created the acronym PVLEGS. By all of us being uniform on these six traits, it will help us with our teaching and assessment of the class. It will also allow for a smooth transition between 7th and 8th grade as the same vocabulary will be used.

• P: Poise

• V: Voice

• L: Life

• E: Eye Contact

• G: Gestures

• S: Speed