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Seventh Grade Curriculum Overview

 
Language Arts
In seventh grade language arts, students will read independently for extended periods of time using complex texts. They will analyze texts thinking about literary devices and elements that the author uses to create meaning. They will further identify and evaluate the differences between fact and opinion, bias, conflict, perspective, and author’s use of imagery, symbolism, and other forms of figurative language. Students will apply objective criteria for evaluating texts.
Students will analyze the meanings of complex words by using their knowledge of roots and affixes, as well as assigned academic vocabulary. Additionally, students will work on grammar through focused, intentional study and use. Vocabulary and grammar will be taught through direct instruction, practice, and integration in writing.
In seventh grade, students will hone their prewriting strategy skills based on specific audiences and/or purposes. They will revise their work using collaboration, conferring, and self-evaluation. They will edit for language conventions such as syntax and word usage. Students will develop skills in writing for various formats, including expressive and informational pieces; however, there is a specific focus on argument as they are responsible for writing argument for the diocesan, seventh grade, writing test.
 
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum is organized into five strands: (1) number and operations; (2) measurement; (3) geometry; (4) data analysis and probability; and, (5) algebra. Problem-solving strategies are embedded into each of the 5 strands.
The students are placed into ability levels, typically Pre-algebra or Algebra.
  • The Pre-Algebra class is designed to provide students with a balanced approach to mathematics; including: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, and adaptive reasoning skills. The ability to think from the concrete to the abstract is stressed. The basics from the previous years are now put into application with higher-level order thinking.
  • In the Algebra class, students experience an articulated, coherent sequence of content that incorporates all of the student's knowledge from the previous grades. Students use multiple representations to communicate conceptual understanding. The content moves from concrete thought to abstract thinking, preparing the student for the higher levels of mathematics in high school.
Social Studies
Students will continue to expand upon the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired in the sixth grade examination of early civilizations. Seventh graders study the world from the Age of Exploration to contemporary times in order to understand the implications of increased global interactions. The focus will remain on the discipline of geography by using the themes of location, place, movement, human-environmental interaction and region to understand modern societies and regions. This course will guide students through patterns of change and continuity with a focus on conflict and cooperation, economic development, population shifts, political thought and organization, cultural values and beliefs and the impact of environment over time. Through an investigation of the various factors that shaped the development of societies and regions in the modern world and global interactions, students will examine both similarities and differences. A conscious effort should be made to include an integrated study of various societies and regions from every continent (Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americans and Australia).
The standards are organized around five strands: history, geography and environmental literacy, economics and financial literacy, civics and governance and culture. The strands should not be taught in isolation, but woven together in an integrated study that helps understand the world in which we live. Additionally, the course includes two types of essential standards – one that identifies the skills that students should master during the course of the year and another that identify the knowledge and understandings. The skills should be taught within the context of applying knowledge and understandings to a study of the modern world.
 
Science
This course brings students through the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Life Science. This consists of various biological concepts dealing with ecology, cells, genetics, biotechnology, diversity among living things, and human anatomy and physiology. While learning and exploring these concepts, students will also learn how to apply the scientific method through various class activities and laboratory experiments (both hands on and virtual). In addition to the Life Science curriculum, each student will participate in our school’s annual Science Fair. Students will conduct research on a life science topic of their choosing, formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyze results, create data tables and graphs, and discuss conclusions. Student will type a formal research paper and create a display board for the Science Fair that takes place in March.
 
Religion
The seventh grade studies the New Testament. The Gospels are the central focus seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament studied last year. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the writings of St. Paul are studied closely. A parables project is part of the year and much journaling and reflection is done.
 
Spanish
In this course, students will continue to examine the culture of the Spanish speaking world. Topics include: greetings and expressions of courtesy, classroom objects and commands, numbers, house, family, animals, occupations, food, art, body and health, clothing, time, colors and music. Resources include: Spanish language textbook-Realidades Level 1, worksheets/handouts, teacher prepared materials and audio-visual aids.
 
Art
Seventh grade art focuses on multi-cultural art and design. Students will explore art from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Africa, Australia, and China. They will discuss themes and characteristics of art from the various countries studied and interpret these styles in their own work. They will understand the influence art has on society and how art represents various societal themes and issues. They will discuss how art reflects the geography, resources, and cultures of different regions and compare and contrast similarities and differences in the artwork of different cultures.
 
Music
Students will continue their music history journey to the Romantic and Post-Modern period of music. They will learn connections to popular music, as well as the current performance styles influenced by this time period. Students will also learn advanced performance styles for vocal singing, as well as posture for performance. Seventh graders will also learn more concepts in recording technology. There will be a performance in the Christmas Musical, as well as 2 student led masses.
 
Health/PE
Seventh grade students apply similar concepts from one sport or movement setting to another. Students can observe another individual's performance and notice key elements for success. At this grade level, students participate in physical activity both in and out of school while maintaining a healthy level of fitness as their bodies grow and change. Their knowledge of safety and the ability to manage their own behavior is reinforced. Instruction is directed more toward encouraging the incorporation of physical activity into a daily routine and less toward fundamental skill development.
 
Technology/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
In the STEM program seventh grade students take a STEM class that is focused on building problem solving skills and engineering concepts. Science and math concepts from other classes are also closely integrated into the hands on projects students do within the STEM class. Different forms of engineering are examined as students complete projects independently and in groups. Students will develop skills in problem solving, inquiry based learning, collaborating, and real world application using technology.
 
Miscellaneous
The class trip to Earthshine Discovery Center takes place at the beginning of the seventh grade year. It is a team-building experience that engages the students to work together and form friendships for the year ahead. Various activities are planned to foster the students to work together over the three day trip. Besides this trip being one of the most memorable in their K-8 years, the students learn more about themselves in this formative time of their lives.