SIX BLOCKS PER CYCLE
The 7th-grade curriculum builds on the work and foundations developed in 6th grade ELA by challenging students to apply reading strategies with greater independence while reading and analyzing more complex literature representing a variety of genres, cultures, and perspectives to meet grade 7 standards. In independent reading, book groups, short stories, and the study of two core novels, The Outsiders and Mississippi Trial 1955, students consistently apply strategies for the analysis of literary elements and the study of authors' craft. Through these literary studies, students will reflect on overarching essential questions: in what ways does our identity shape how we see ourselves and how others see us? What impact does this have on the ways that we interact with our world and understand and respect human differences? What does it mean to take a stand for ourselves and others? Writing instruction centers on the study of mentor texts as students practice and receive feedback during cycles of writing and publishing of real-world genres such as editorials, narratives, and memoirs, while also developing skills in writing multi-paragraph responses to literature incorporating text evidence from a variety of sources and well-developed analysis.
SIX BLOCKS PER CYCLE
Prerequisite: 021 MATHEMATICS 6 or a determination made by the WMS Mathematics Department from optional, alternate assessments.
The 7th grade curriculum relies on The Connected Mathematics Project curriculum (CMP3) to build a solid foundation in mathematics through problem-based learning. CMP3 is a comprehensive, integrated mathematics curriculum for middle school students whose approach emphasizes the active exploration of complex problems and the development of oral and written mathematical communication skills.
The primary focal points in grade 7 are the study of proportional reasoning, in both geometric and numerical contexts, and algebraic thinking and representation, built on the foundation laid in sixth grade. Units in plane and solid geometry and in statistics and probability give students experience with a multitude of additional mathematical topics such as similarity; volume and surface area; measures of variability;; the use of samples to draw conclusions about a population; and the probability of simple and compound events.
A rigorous curriculum is offered to all students within heterogeneous classes. Lessons, class work and homework, and assessments are differentiated as needed to ensure that all students are appropriately challenged. In the late winter, seventh-grade math teachers give their perspectives on the level of mathematics that will be optimal for the students in their eighth-grade year, based on their overall achievement, effort, and work habits exhibited in the seventh grade.
SIX BLOCKS PER CYCLE
This course follows Math 62 and is designed for those students in seventh grade who still need intensive skills practice and foundational building of important mathematical concepts. Emphasis is put on developing pre-algebraic skills and concepts to ready students for the study of algebra in eighth grade or at the high school. Placement in this course is by the recommendation of the classroom teacher in consultation with specialists, the school counselor, and parents.
SIX BLOCKS PER CYCLE
The seventh grade science curriculum is the story of life. While the curriculum centers around biology concepts such as ecology, human body systems, genetics and evolution, there is an emphasis on those Earth and space science concepts that impact our understanding of ecology, evolution, biodiversity and climate change. The study of global climate change and physical changes to the Earth are integrated into the ecology unit while the fossil record is a part of studying evolution. Similar to 6th grade, teachers use guided inquiry and project-based practices to bring the content alive. Students are expected to use science practices to collect evidence for each learning standard. Evidence comes from lab experience, models, simulations and animations. Students continue to develop their writing abilities by using the CER framework for scientific explanations and they continue to develop their non-fiction reading strategies.
SIX BLOCKS PER CYCLE
Early Civilization, Modern Connections, Part 2: This course continues the story from Grade 6 with a focus on other parts of the world. There will be units about Ancient China, Ancient Greece, East/West African Kingdoms and the Americas. Many of these civilizations are ones our students may know little about, so one goal of this course is to broaden students’ worldview beyond a traditional European lens.
Like our grade 6 course, Geography, research, reading, writing and presentation skills are infused within the classroom teaching and assignments. This includes an essay where students answer a question using a variety of historical documents as part of their supporting evidence. Whenever possible, students will be asked to compare challenges from the past to issues we are struggling with in the present. Lastly, we will also collaborate with the library department to build media literacy skills so that students have experience analyzing the trustworthiness of information and news they see online.
THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE
YEAR COURSE
Fitness: This course comprises three terms of fitness and one term of health. Activity modules stress the importance of lifelong fitness. Fitness instruction will emphasize self-assessment of health related components, supported by frequent use of the Middle School Fitness Center. Other major components of the program are developing personal fitness habits, strength training practices, aerobic activity, individual and team sports, and cooperative activities. Developing social skills, exhibiting appropriate behavior during physical activity and respect for diversity are important aspects emphasized during instruction.
Health - Changes, Challenges, and Choices: These modules provide students with an opportunity to acquire accurate health information and to develop lifelong healthy practices. The goal is to have students understand and act wisely on matters of health and safety. Students also practice applying problem solving and decision-making strategies to real life situations. The units of study are Substance Abuse Prevention and "Get Real" Sexuality Education Curriculum.