Curriculum Objectives

English Language Arts

Focus of Study

Grade Seven students will be exposed to a variety of genres, including:

• Historical Fiction
• Expository Nonfiction
• Realistic Fiction
• Narrative Nonfiction
• Biography / Autobiography
• Science Fiction
• Drama
• Poetry

In exploring these different writing styles, students will identify and describe:

• Cause and Effect
• Character Development
• Drawing Conclusions / Inferences
• Plot Analysis
• Setting Analysis
• Compare and Contrast
• Author’s Purpose
• Sequence
• Fact and Opinion
• Theme
• Main Idea and Details
• Generalization

Method of Study

Grade Seven will explore a variety of genres through the use of novel study. Over the course of the year, students will read approximately eight novels together as a class. In addition, students will read approximately sixteen novels independently.

In addition to this strong literary focus, students will also study grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills with the intention of using these skills to describe what they read and think.

Mathematics

Focus of Study
Students in Grade Seven follow a course of study to prepare for Algebra. Pre – Algebra topics include:

• Algebraic Reasoning
• Beginning Algebra
• Decimals and Repeating Decimals
• Number Theory
• Fractions
• Measurement
• Integers
• Inequalities
• Ratios and Proportions
• Percents
• Perimeter, Circumference, and Area
• Volume and Surface Area
• Probability Statistics

Method of Study

The Grade Seven math program will employ a variety of materials in order to solidify mathematical concepts. Students will participate in class and individual problem solving activities. Students are expected to have a high level of independent computation skill is used to design and investigate larger math projects, often connected to science and social studies content areas. Students will not use a textbook. Instead they will use projects and problem solving activities to explore math topics. In addition, students will begin learning how to use a scientific calculator to study more advanced math concepts.

Science

Focus of Study

The Grade Seven Science Program will focus on life science. Topics will include:

• The Parade of Life: Monerans, Protists, Fungi, and Plants
• The Parade of Life: Animals
• Cells: Building Blocks of Life
• Heredity: The Code of Life
• Evolution: Change Over Time
• Ecology: Earth’s Living Resources
• Human Biology and Health
• Exploring Planet Earth

Method of Study

The Grade Seven Science Program will combine content study with a strong emphasis on experimentation and investigation skill. Process Skills include:

• Observing
• Communicating
• Classifying
• Measuring
• Predicting
• Using Numbers
• Constructing Models
• Inferring
• Interpreting Data
• Hypothesizing
• Identifying and Controlling Variables
• Defining Operationally
• Designing Investigations
• Experimenting

Social Studies

Focus of Study

The focus of the Grade Seven Social Studies program will be Business and Economics. This focus will tie in closely with our Math and Science programs in order to create an integrated real world problem solving environment. Topics will include:

• Banking
• Stock Market Analysis
• Business Models and Problems
• International Economic Systems
• International Economic Organizations
• Business Ethics
• Life Skills
• Inventions and Inventors

Method of Study

Students will complete projects and give presentations on various aspects of the program topics. These projects will always include a strong math or science focus in order to reinforce these skills and connect them to real world applications. Students will engage in extensive research and writing in order to demonstrate their understanding.

Elective Enrichment Classes

In addition to the regular subject classes, students will be able to choose from a variety of elective classes which suit their personal interests. These classes might include special topics in Computers, Dance, Music or Art. These classes allow students to explore their own interests with specialized teachers. The types of activities offered will depend on student interest and staff availability.