SEVENTH GRADE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

7th GRADE MATHEMATICS

 

                Mathematics for the 7th grade is intended to reinforce and promote mastery of the skills previously taught, introduce new concepts, and prepare students to transfer this knowledge to real life situations. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratio proportions, basic geometry, and statistics. The course will include an introduction to basic Algebra. Problem solving strategies will be stressed throughout the course. The course will incorporate and review the topics needed on the district and/or state mandated tests.

 

7th GRADE MATH/ENGLISH ENRICHMENT

 

                In English, the curriculum focuses on the continuing development of students’ reading skills. Students will seek to improve their present abilities to adjust and adapt reading skills for academic and personal reading. Students are given an introduction to the various literary genres, fiction and non-fiction. Students read for various purposes, such as main ideas, inferences, information, and literary analysis.

 

                In Mathematics, enrichment topics will be covered with our students that may not be able to be covered in the regular seventh grade curriculum for mathematics.  A focus will be on activities to reinforce what is learned in the regular math class, in addition to various GEPA preparation materials.

 

This course will stress necessary skills and problem solving for the seventh grade Terranova Test.  *****This course meets on alternate days and will meet for approximately 18 weeks.  The course is supplemental to the seventh grade course in which all New Jersey State Core Standards are met.

 

7th GRADE ENGLISH

 

                Seventh grade English provides the foundation for the development of language skills. Likewise, directed lessons in the developmental reading and critical thinking skills, and practice in various types of writing are essentials of the course. The steps in the writing process are developed along with an understanding of the structure of the paragraph. Students are given a comprehensive review of grammar and an introduction to the various literary genres. Word study is also an integral aspect of the course.

 

7th GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES

 

                Seventh Grade Social Studies consists of an overview and survey of World History and World Cultures/Civilizations. In addition, an introduction to the study and understanding of the various social studies subject areas is undertaken to secure a strong foundation for future social studies study.

 

7th GRADE SCIENCE

 

                The seventh grade science curriculum is an integrated science curriculum. It begins with an introduction to the Scientific Method to give students an understanding of how scientists attempt to solve problems. This course teaches the student the use of the Microscope as a scientific tool. The course continues with the study of the characteristics of living things. The curriculum includes the study of plant and animal cells, and bacteria, viruses and fungi. The environment is also studied showing the interaction of living things with their environment. Life functions and structures of the human body are studied as well. The course concludes with an introduction to Chemistry. Careers in the science field are discussed throughout the course.

 

7th GRADE PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

 

                The 7th grade Physical Education Course is designed to develop student knowledge, attitudes, and skill competencies in target goal areas of physical fitness and wellness, sports education, creativity and problem solving. Through participation in a comprehensive, personalized approach to fitness, students will learn concepts and techniques of assessment and prescription as they relate to stress management, and physical training.

                The 7th Grade Health Program covers the physical, mental, and social dimensions of health. The emphasis is to promote the development of important health concepts, health attitudes, interests, and values, and healthy decision-making and behavior choices. Some of the topics covered are feelings, hygiene, drugs, body systems, diseases, safety and the environment, nutrition,  weight control and stress management.

 

7th GRADE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

 

                Seventh grade Skills Development curriculum focuses on the continuing development of students’ reading skills. Students will seek to improve their present abilities to adjust and adapt reading skills for academic and personal reading. Students are given an introduction to the various literary genres, fiction and non-fiction. Students read for various purposes, such as main ideas, inferences, information, and literary analysis.

 


 

7th GRADE CHOIR

 

                This course is designed to teach the following:

·          Develop an awareness of the aesthetic value of musical blend, balance, style,

and phrasing of the individual voice in its relation to the entire group.

·          Develop an understanding of appropriate audience behavior.

 

Choir is scheduled during the lunch period.  Students attend lunch for half of the period and choir for the remaining half period.

 

7th GRADE CYCLE COURSES                (Students take one cycle course each marking period)

 

                Music  – The purpose of the 7th grade music cycle is to develop the students’ aesthetic sense through singing, visual awareness, movement, listening skills, and instrumental performance, while developing the ability of students to work together artistically to achieve a common goal. Students will explore various kinds of music, as well as study the popular music of America’s past to present.

 

                World Language – Exploratory French  - The introduction to French course is given to each student in the seventh grade for one marking period.  The focus is placed on listening and speaking rather than on reading and writing French.  Correct pronunciation is emphasized and oral communication between the teacher and the students and among the students themselves is encouraged.  There is a range of basic topics presented including simple greetings, counting, weather expressions, telling time, and so forth.  In addition, cultural aspects of French speaking nations are introduced.

 

                Keyboarding –  An introduction to keyboarding skills necessary for the student’s career at our school.  The training prepares them for the next cycle course to be taken in the eighth grade which expands into word processing and computer applications.

 

Graphic Communication Arts –  Our newest course offering, also being made available to seventh graders as part of the Cycle Program.   Students will be introduced to a course which combines computer skills and art.  This introduction will assist students in making choices during their high school career as regards elective subjects.  Plans will progress through the year to increase possibilities for our students in grades 9 thru 12. 

 

 

ADDITIONAL COURSES THAT MAY BE TAKEN IN 7TH GRADE

 

English as a Second Language (ESL)              - See High School English Department

 

Basic Skills Instruction

 

                Basic skills instruction in English and/or mathematics is for students who were identified by the district and/or state mandated tests as below proficient in language arts, mathematics or both. Throughout the year students will work on the NJ Core Standards. The English portion will focus on revising, editing, writing strategies and persuasive reading. The mathematics portion will stress problem solving techniques.

 

COIN -  (Cooperative Occupational Interactive Network) This course is a 10 week preliminary to the program for eighth graders.  Students will explore career opportunities using on-line resources.  They will research career options, explore educational levels needed for the career, review salary projections, and explore advancement opportunities.  In addition, students will engage in resume writing and take part in mock job interviews.