Grade 7

Hide All

Language Arts & Literature Hide

TEXTBOOKS

Discoveries in Literature, Warriner’s English Composition, and Everyday Words from Classic Origins Medieval literature from various sources, The Road to Memphis, Catherine Called Birdy, The House on Mango Street, Summer of My German Soldier, Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl, and The Red Pony, The Secret Life of Bees and Hope Was Here.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Review and master the parts of speech and develop vocabulary.
• Master sentence-structure and the ability to write creatively and academically.
• Understand plot, characterization, setting, point of view, and theme.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Paragraph construction, thesis statements, and the five-paragraph essay.
• The editing process from a rough brainstorm to a final product.
• Understanding of and appreciation of poetry.
• Studying the WWII era through literature.
• Personal writing with biography and expression through daily journals.

GRADING POLICY

Every assignment will have a point value. Quarter grades will be calculated by dividing the number of points received by the number of points possible in that grading period. Attendance, promptness, preparedness, appropriate conduct, and constructive class participation contribute to the final grade up to a maximum of 10%. Semester grades will be calculated by averaging quarter grades with the semester exam. There will be opportunities for extra credit throughout the year.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Students should expect to spend between thirty and forty-five minutes each night on reading and/or writing assignments for these classes. Long term projects are given with ample time for completion. Late work will be accepted with a penalty during the first semester. During the second semester late homework will not be accepted. Homework can be viewed on the Internet on the school website.

Mathematics Hide

TEXTBOOKS

CPM Foundations for Algebra, Year 2

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Develop computation skills using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers.
• Develop problem-solving skills, including the use of a problem-solving plan.
• Extend the understanding of geometric concepts and three-dimensional objects.
• Extend mathematical vocabulary.
• Understand the use of variables in problem solving.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Problem solving.
• Mathematical vocabulary.
• Real world applications of mathematics.
• Computation with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers.
• Relationships between fractions, decimals, and percents.
• Use and application of the Pythagorean Theorem.
• Understand circle graphs, bar graphs, and line graphs.
• Use of perimeter, area, surface area, and volume formulas.
• Solve simple algebraic equations.

GRADING POLICY

Grades are based on quizzes, tests, daily homework, class participation, and semester exams and projects.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is assigned nearly every day and class time is usually provided to start it.

Social Studies Hide

TEXTBOOKS

Across the Centuries.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Understand the impact that geography has on history.
• Develop critical thinking skills, writing skills and reading skills.
• Evaluate bias, synthesize information, and reflect on the significance of primary and secondary historical sources.
• Apply concepts such as “cause and effect” and “sequence of events”.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire.
• Byzantine Empire, Islam, the Early Middle Ages, and the High Middle Ages.
• Italian Renaissance and Northern Renaissance.
• Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
• Growth of Monarchies in England and the Age of European Exploration.
• Absolute Monarchy in France and The French Revolution.

GRADING POLICY

Students will be assessed on their in-class assignments, homework, quizzes, tests, projects, collaborative group work, participation, and major and minor homework. A straight point system will be used for every class assignment and major assessment. Quarter grades worth 45% each and a semester exam grade worth 10% will combine to form the overall semester grade. Students will receive grade printouts throughout the semester to monitor their performance.

HOMEWORK POLICY

When students are working on a long-term essay or project, their daily homework will be adjusted accordingly to allow more time for research and work. Students will be accountable for their homework assignments each day. No credit will be given on minor homework assignments if not complete at the start of the class period.

Science Hide

TEXTBOOKS

Prentice Hall Science: 1. Nature of Science, 2. Cells and Heredity, 3. From Bacteria to Plants, 4. Human Biology and Health, 5. Environmental Science

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Learn to ask good scientific questions
• Design and conduct scientific investigations
• Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret data
• Think critically and logically to make relationships between evidence and explanations
• Be able to communicate the key principles in each of the following key concepts
• Structure and function in living systems
• Reproduction and heredity
• Regulation and behavior
• Populations and ecosystems
• Diversity and adaptations of organizations

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• The Nature of Science
• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Plants
• Environmental Education
• Evolution
• Structure and Function of Living Organisms
• Environmental Science

GRADING POLICY

Quarter grades will be determined using the following grade breakdown:

• Exams and Quizzes – 35%
• Labs and Projects – 30%
• Class Work and Homework – 35%

Semester grades will be determined using the following breakdown:

• Quarter 1 Grade – 45%
• Quarter 2 Grade – 45%
• Semester Final Exam – 10%

HOMEWORK

Homework is designed to reinforce material covered in class and form a bridge between class and ‘real world’ science. Assignments range between 10-20 points each. Some homework will be small daily assignments and others will be more in-depth and require more time.

International Languages Hide

LATIN

TEXTBOOK

Cambridge Latin Course-Unit 1 and Unit 2 textbook and workbook.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Learn new grammatical structures and vocabulary.
• A more intensive working vocabulary.
• Conjugate irregular verbs.
• Learn new English words derived from the Latin vocabulary.
• Learn Roman history and culture, especially concerning Pompeii to the eruption
• of Vesuvius.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Continue to build a comprehensive understanding of grammar.
• Maintain the level of comfort in the use of grammar and its terminology.
• Develop an increased knowledge of English words derived from Latin roots.
• Develop reading comprehension through extended Latin passages..
• Create a Roman Banquet.
• Take the Introductory Level National Latin Examination in mid-Spring.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework equals 45% of each quarter grade, and will be assigned on average three times per week. Written homework will not be given over weekends with the exception of studying for tests and/or working on long-term projects. Students are encouraged to review grammar and vocabulary on their own each day for ten minutes.

GRADING POLICY

Homework = 35%; Tests = 25%; Quizzes = 25%; Projects = 10%; Participation = 5%.

FRENCH

TEXTBOOKS

Discovering French Bleu.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Review, reinforce and enhance grammatical structures and vocabulary.
• Extend oral and written expression.
• Use conversation, poems, songs, and exercises to increase vocabulary.
• Enhance reading and aural comprehension.
• Explore the interdependence of Francophone culture & language.
• Discover Francophone culture from the viewpoint of Francophone adolescents.
• Develop a more communicative approach to their French studies.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Review: days, months, basic regular and irregular verb conjugations, telling time, contractions and prepositions of place.
• Learning to give directions.
• The Imperativegiving commands.
• New verbs: prendre, comprendre, and apprendre, RE-verbs, pouvoir, voir, mettre, vouloir, croire.
• Negative expressions.
• Futur proche-Review
• Reflexive Verbs.
• Passé Composé with avoir and tre, regular and irregular verbs.
• Talking about school and school subjects.
• Long term thematic project.
• French idiomatic expressions.

GRADING POLICY

Class participation, self-motivation, attention and preparation are all taken into consideration for assessment. Quizzes and tests, both written and oral, are averaged quarterly. The semester examination is 15% of the semester grade, with the two quarters being 42.5% each.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Fifteen to twenty minutes a night (weeknights only) for independent review/drill on vocabulary or to complete a specific written assignment. Written assignments are generally a reinforcement of material introduced in class that day. There is usually also one long-term project per semester.

SPANISH

TEXTBOOKS

¡En español 1!

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Master new grammatical structures presented in this course.
• Enhance understanding of Spanish speaking countries.
• Gain confidence and fluidity in oral expression through active participation.
• Develop writing skills through regular writing assignments.
• Improve aural skills through audio programs and in class dialogue.
• Increase reading comprehension through selected readings.
• Build vocabulary.
• Solidify previously learned material through review and repetition.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Verbs: present and preterit -AR, -ER, and -IR conjugations, regular and irregular.
• Reflexives, Stem-changing verbs.
• Tenses: Present indicative, present progressive, immediate future, and preterit.
• Moods: indicative and imperative.
• Interrogatives, direct object pronouns.
• Vocabulary.
• Commands (Tú form), Directions.

GRADING POLICY

Class participation, self-motivation, attention and preparation are all taken into consideration for assessment. Quizzes and tests, both written and oral, are averaged quarterly. The semester examination is 15% of the semester grade, with the two quarters being 42.5% each.

HOMEWORK POLICY

A minimum of fifteen minutes a night for independent review/drill on vocabulary or to complete a specific assignment. Written assignments are generally a reinforcement of material introduced in class that day.

Religion Hide

TEXTBOOKS

Catholic Youth Bible, New Revised Standard Version

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Read the Gospels and Acts historically and spiritually.
• Reflect upon the teachings of Jesus and life today.
• Study the Early Church and the Institution of the sacraments.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the 7 sacraments of the Catholic Church today.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• The prophetic message of Jesus
• The response of a historical community
• Implications of following this message today
• Christian morality and social justice.

The subject will be engaged through PowerPoint presentations, film clips, dramatic and humorous enactments, various expressions of art and music, reflective writings, and interactive dialogue.

GRADING POLICY

40% Homework
25% Quizzes/Tests
20% Portfolio
15% Participation

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is assigned weekly and students will have approximately one week to complete an assignment. Student can anticipate spending about 1 – 1.5 hours per week on assignments.

Studio Art & Drama Hide

The seventh grade students participate in an Arts Rotation (one class per quarter) which covers studio art, art history, music, and theater/speakers.

Physical Education Hide

TEXTBOOKS

There are no required textbooks for this course.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Learn movement skills essential to lifelong participation in physical activity.
• Experience variety of games with rules and activity skills.
• Define and maintain individual physical fitness and wellness.
• Develop motor skills through exploration, practice and analysis of movement.
• Develop appropriate social behaviors during planned physical activity.
• Learn how to develop and maintain a positive self-image.
• Develop individual physical performance through setting realistic personal goals.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Cooperation and team games.
• Gymnastics stunts including tumbling and equipment use.
• Creative dance and square dance.
• Current Health Project.
• Hoops for Heart Program.

GRADING POLICY

Evaluations are based on participation in class, sportsmanship, positive attitude, effort, understanding of rules, and activities. Physical fitness tests will be administered to test skill, fitness improvement, preparation, listening, and following directions. If a student is not able to participate in P.E., she must bring a note from a parent. If she is going to miss more than one week of P.E., she must have a note from a doctor. Please be specific in your note. If your daughter is recovering from an illness, she might be able to participate in the less strenuous part of class.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Daily exercise. There will be a health assignment requiring current research.

Computer Studies Hide

TEXTBOOKS

There are no required textbooks for this course.

OBJECTIVE

The students will:

• Develop word processing and keyboarding skills.
• Learn to use application software for curriculum area projects.
• Evaluate Internet web sites for Social Studies informational content.
• Produce creative writing to publication standards.
• Type and edit their work.
• Have assignments typed and printed on time.
• Use spell check regularly.
• Follow instructions for typed work. (Fonts, size, layout etc.)
• Save all written work electronically, and as paper copy.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

• Powerpoint and Graphing Programs.
• Word processing and desktop publication.
• Web site research and evaluation.
• Keyboarding, skills and math practice programs.

GRADING POLICY

Grades are not given for computer work, per se. Students earn grades within core curriculum areas. Effort and attentiveness in the computer lab, attention to accuracy of word processing, and application use will be taken into account.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Students are expected to continue keyboarding practice (Alphasmart keyboards are available) and complete assignments not finished during computer lab class. They will need to schedule independent computer lab time outside class hours. Some typing can be continued on a home computer.