This is an outline of the basic academic content each child will be taught during Grade Seven. The curriculum is designed to meet the unique intellectual, physical, psychological, and social needs of the early adolescent.

At the middle school level most teachers work as a member of a predetermined team to help plan and implement the total curricular offerings. There are curricula for all subjects at the middle school level. Each child may also have experience in library skills, assemblies, seasonal school-wide functions, clubs and organizations, contests, and on intramural teams. Some students may also participate in special education programs, counseling programs, and/or gifted education programs to help them develop their skills.

Each teacher approaches the curriculum in a unique way. This capitalizes on the individual strengths and interests of the professional staff.

Communication Arts

The Seventh Grade Communication Arts class is a required, full-year course. The class will focus on the total writing process with grammar, mechanics and spelling being reviewed. The writing process will include effective sentences, descriptive and narrative paragraphs, and at least one longer composition. Students will read and study a variety of literary forms, including the novel, short stories, poetry and drama. The class will include at least one formal oral presentation. In addition, MMAT objectives will be taught and tested.

Social Studies

Seventh Grade Social Studies is an overview of world history from prehistoric to Renaissance and Reformation eras. Students study the effects of the past on the present through the study of archeology, anthropology, geography, economics, history and political science. The study of history and its effects on the people of the world will help the student gain a greater undertanding of the world we live in today.

Science

Seventh Grade Life Science focuses on the development of an understanding of life science topics and current scientific research. Emphasis is placed on the application of the scientific method and laboratory skills. Content areas include:

• scientific tools
• laboratory techniques
• the cell and life processes
• animal phyla
• plant structures and function
• the human body
• heredity
• environmental science
• technology and society.

Experimentation will be an integral part of science instruction and process skills will be stressed. Students will be prompted to question, investigate, explore and hypothesize. Activities may include the construction of models and/or the use of manipulative, interactive and physical materials.

Mathematics

Students are enrolled in Mathematics classes based on former performance, aptitude, and developed skills. These classes range from basic Mathematics to Pre-Algebra.

Physical Education (Alternate Days)

Seventh Grade Physical Education is a progressively planned co-educational program in lifetime sports. Content will include large and small group games, skill drills, individual sports activities, and related life-time sports.

Reading (Alternate Days)

Seventh Grade Reading is a required course that meets on alternating days with Physical Education throughout the school year. The student will practice previously acquired reading skills with a variety of reading materials continuing their development of skills in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary and study skills. Motivation to read for enjoyment will be emphasized. Students will participate in silent reading during regularly scheduled blocks of time. Class time will be set aside to facilitate the use of the library media center.

PROGRAM 1

1. Art - Seventh Grade Exploratory Art, a nine (9) week required course, involves the student in the basics of two-dimensional and three-dimensional areas. Drawing, painting, printmaking and design will be stressed through various media methods in the two-dimensional area. The three-dimensional area will be studied through constructing creative 3-dimensional objects using a variety of materials.
2. Family and Consumer Sciences - Seventh Grade Family and Consumer Sciences is a nine (9) week exploratory course that introduces the student to a variety of basic family and consumer skills including;
   • career exploration
   • clothing care and needlecraft
   • nutritious food preparation
   • personal care
   • human relationships
   Laboratory experiences and hands-on activities will emphasize the practical application of life skills.
3. Technology Education - Provides students with an introduction to a variety of technology-based skills. Students will learn through hands-on, applied activities as they explore fiber optics, laser light, robotics, electronics, avionics, video production, etc.
4. Music - Seventh Grade General Music is a nine (9) week course required of all seventh grade students who are not enrolled in band, orchestra or choir. Classes meet every day. Students will explore a variety of contemporary and traditional music from the following three cultural areas: North America, Africa and Asia. In addition to examining non-Western musical instruments, forms and terminologies, there will be equal emphasis on understanding the functions and social contexts of which musical performance is a part.

PROGRAM 2

1. Intermediate Band - Intermediate Band is a year long course open to students with one or two years playing experience or by recommendation of another director. Emphasis is placed on classroom participation. Students will continue to study correct instrumental techniques and music fundamentals.
2. Concert Band - Concert Band is a year long course designed for students who have already played an instrument for two years. Students will continue to develop instrumental techniques, skills and musicianship. Along with these individual goals, students will be able to reinforce their abilities to function as contributing members of a musical ensemble. The physics and disciplines necessary for marching band performance will be addressed.

PROGRAM 3

Concert Choir - Concert Choir, Grade Seven, is a year long in-depth study of choral music with emphasis on proper vocal techniques, performance skills and music fundamentals. Basic skills will be developed in sight reading, aural and written theory and expressive interpretation of dynamics. Students will be challenged through a diverse choral repertoire and will perform music idioms with respect to cultural and historical intentions.

PROGRAM 4

1. Junior Orchestra (Alternate Days) - Junior Orchestra is a year long class for seventh grade students who have completed Beginning Strings. Emphasis will be on note reading and ensemble playing. Some performances are required.
2. Intermediate Orchestra - Intermediate Orchestra is a year long course for seventh grade students with one or more years playing experience. Students will continue their study of correct instrumental technique and music fundamentals. Several performances will be required.