Seventh Grade Course Descriptions
Seventh Grade Course Descriptions
This course is designed to explore various forms of communication: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Students will first learn the elements of what makes a good fiction and nonfiction narratives. They will write a personal narrative end-of-the-unit writing assessment. Students will learn to evaluate arguments and will then develop convincing arguments of their own. They will examine multiple sources and write their own argumentative letter. Expository writing and research skills are assessed when students evaluate sources, choose relevant evidence, and practice paraphrasing information. They will practice writing in MLA format and using reliable sources. Finally, students will practice analysis skills as they read poetry, speeches, short stories. They will write literary analysis essays and participate in group discussions.
In the seventh-grade science course, students will work to develop an understanding of earth, physical and life sciences. We start the year in our physical science unit with an emphasis on chemistry and the Law of Conservation of Matter. Moving on to the second unit, students will learn about Earth’s systems and how Earth has shaped and changed over time. Finishing the year, the topic will cover ecosystems and human role in sustaining them. Students will be expected to participate in experiments, activities, large and small group discussions, and to complete individual assignments. Students will be exposed to several types of technology as they explore scientific issues and will read about current scientific trends. Through their participation in these activities, students will become confident in their abilities as scientists and develop an appreciation for the natural and physical worlds in which they live. Students’ problem solving abilities will be strengthened and they will be better able to understand and adapt to the changing world around them.
In seventh-grade math, students will expand their mathematical knowledge through a series of engaging and foundational units. The course begins with Rational Numbers, where students deepen their understanding of positive and negative numbers, followed by Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities to build strong algebraic reasoning skills. Proportional Relationships and Percents help students solve real-world problems involving ratios and percentages. Angle Pair Relationships and Geometry units introduce students to concepts like scale drawings, area, and volume. The course also covers Probability, where students predict outcomes, and Data and Statistics, where they analyze data and interpret results. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving, this course prepares students for higher-level math and practical applications in everyday life.
This is an accelerated math class offered to seventh grade students who have met enrollment criteria. Students will expand their mathematical knowledge through a series of engaging and foundational units. The course begins with Rational and Real Numbers, where students deepen their understanding of positive and negative numbers, followed by Expressions, Linear Equations, and Inequalities to build strong algebraic reasoning skills. Proportional Relationships and Percents help students solve real-world problems involving ratios and percentages. Geometry units like Transformations, Pythagorean Theorem, and Angle Pair Relationships introduce students to concepts like scale drawings, area, and volume. Through a cooperative classroom environment with hands-on activities and problem-solving, this course allows students to be actively engaged in their learning.
The 7th grade World History course examines the great world civilizations of antiquity and the middle ages. Students will build upon geographical skills while acquiring new skills and knowledge necessary to understand and analyze the rise and fall of civilizations and evaluate their legacies. Six foundational power standards are used to guide and assess student learning while introducing and preparing them for future coursework in high school social studies: 1) Geographical Studies, 2) Economic Concepts, 3) Continuity and Change, 4) People, Groups and Cultures, 5) Government Systems, and 6) Communication Skills.
This course is designed to assist students in developing physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. Physical education and health are taught in alternating daily classes in gymnasium and classroom settings. Health related topics include body systems and problems associated with each system and the reproductive systems. Cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, and flexibility are the focus of physical education.
Band
This beginning band class is designed to give students who are participating in band and play the instruments of flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion a chance to dive deeper into their specific instruments. Students in this class will focus on the building blocks of woodwind or brass and percussion instruments, such as techniques specific to these instruments. Students will learn how to read music and work together as a team to perform in small ensembles throughout the class period. Students will perform in at least three concerts: a winter concert, spring concert, and 8th grade promotion ceremony. Students will also have the opportunity to perform at Six Flags in the springtime. Limited school instruments are available, personal instruments are preferred and the band director will assist in acquiring those instruments.
Mixed Chorus (6th - 8th Grade)
Do you like to sing? This is the class for you! Students in Chorus will grow as musicians through participation in choral rehearsals, performances, and artistic reflection. Through study of choral repertoire, students will cultivate healthy singing technique, build musical literacy, create musical performances and deepen their understanding of musical connections in their lives and in the world around them. Performance in two yearly concerts is mandatory. Other opportunities for performance will be made available as special activities are planned.
Industrial Technology
Do you like to build and create things with your hands? Then Industrial Tech is the class for you! In this class you will learn about hand and power tools we use to construct the world around us. We will explore the materials we use to build as well as the tools and machines we use to shape those materials into products we use daily.
Innovators and Makers (PLTW)
Computer Science for Innovators and Makers teachers students that programming goes behind the virtual world into the physical world. Students are challenged to creatively use sensors and actuators to develop systems that interact with their environment. Design algorithms and using computational thinking practices, they code and upload programs to microcontrollers that perform a variety of authentic tasks. This course broadens students' understanding of computer science concepts through meaningful applications. Teams select and solve a personally relevant problem related to wearable technology, interactive art, or mechanical devices.
Mixed Media Art
This art elective for seventh graders will explore art creation through the use of a variety of art media, methods, and techniques. Students will explore the elements and principles of design to create successful pieces of art. Students will create two-dimensional and three-dimensional works using various media, such as pencil, paint, pastel, clay, found objects, etc. In this course students will also be introduced to the works of noted artists or art movements as they relate to projects the students are creating. 7th graders may take this course again to build upon skills and techniques used the previous semester or year.
Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS)
Students enrolled in 7th Grade Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences will develop leadership skills for family, career, and community life. This course will help prepare students for career exploration as well as multiple roles as individuals and family members. Students will explore the importance of values, decision making, consumer skills, personal and family relationships, parenting, nutrition, and career exploration. Some specific areas covered will include consumer skills, basic hand sewing skills, clothing care, beginning food preparation, and nutritious food choices. The practical application of life skills will be emphasized with lab experiences and hands-on activities in each area.
Medical Detectives (PLTW)
Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks.