Middle School Curriculum Seventh Grade

• English
• Foreign Language
• Industrial Technology
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education & Health
• Reading
• Science
• Social Studies

English

AIMS: To develop fundamental skills in language mechanics and expression as well as reading comprehension, interpretation, and analysis.
CONTENT: Literature, grammar, spelling vocabulary, and writing.

Foreign Language

AIMS: This course is designed to provide students with an idea of what studying a foreign language entails, to develop study skills for success in learning a foreign language, to introduce students to the cultures of the Hispanic and Francophone worlds, and to encourage students to see themselves as members of a global community.
CONTENT: The study of Latin and its influence on English, French and Spanish; basic vocabulary in French and Spanish and development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills; study of Hispanic and Francophone cultures.

Technology Education

AIMS: To begin the students' orientation and exploration into the world of technology. The technology of our complex society can be divided into five systems: manufacturing, construction, communications, energy and power, and transportation. The seventh grade program will focus on manufacturing and communications.
CONTENT: Laboratory and personal safety, care and use of tools and machinery, planning of activities, problem solving, metal forming, fastening, and finishing. Basic principles of foundry, molding, and metal casting technology. Basic drafting, visualization of drawings, use of instruments, and blueprint reading will enable the students to communicate their ideas to others.

Mathematics

NOTE: Upon recommendation of the sixth grade math teacher or the 5th grade teacher for those select few 6th graders who will take the course.

AIMS: To reinforce skill and accuracy in computing; to learn concepts that will prepare students for Algebra I.
CONTENT: Mathematical symbols; signed numbers; operations with polynomials; first order equations and inequalities; products and factors; operations with fractions; functions, relations, and graphs; powers and roots; systems of open sentences in two variables.

Grade 7 - PreAlgebra 7
Year course--5 periods per week

Prerequisite: Math 6

AIMS: To further develop skill and accuracy in computing; to learn concepts that will begin to prepare students for Algebra I.
CONTENT: Mathematical symbols; signed numbers; first order equations and inequalities; products and factors; operations with fractions; powers and roots.

Music

AIMS: To provide a basic music education for all pupils and to assist them in their vocal development.
CONTENT: Singing, music reading, listening, composing and performance.

Grades 6, 7, 8 - Junior Orchestra
Year course (Meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

AIMS: To provide a setting in which ensemble skills can be developed and performance opportunities made available; to promote an interest in orchestral music through the study of a wide range of musical styles; to broaden the student's understanding and appreciation of orchestral music.
CONTENT: A wide range of orchestral music is presented with emphasis on the works of the master composers.

NOTE: Open to all interested students. Beginning students can be accommodated, although the usual background involves previous string study in grades 4, 5, and 6. Out-of-class practice is required.

Grades 6, 7, 8 - Junior Band
Year course (Meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

AIMS: To develop performance skills and provide a positive playing experience for students; to promote an understanding of music styles and heritage.
CONTENT: Music from lesson books, technique methods, literature from popular, modern, and classical sources.

NOTE: Open to all students, beginning and advanced; the usual training involves studying an instrument in grades 4, 5, and 6. Out of class practice required. One or two after-school rehearsals each week during marching band season are required. Performances are also required.

Physical Education & Health

AIMS: Teaching of basic skills; limited team and individual competition; knowledge and application of rules; group-coordinated activities and mass games.

Reading

AIMS: To orient students to the reading habits and skills that are necessary for high school subject area learning. Some typical concerns to be addressed are: how to organize for studying each subject, how to approach the reading of each subject, where to go for help, how to concentrate, etc. Reading is not being treated as a subject, but rather as a means by which students may learn. It develops skills that they use to learn in all other high school subject area classes.
CONTENT: The teaching plan includes development of skills in: word identification-pronunciation, vocabulary for meaning, comprehension, and study skills. Also, much attention will be given to the promotion of positive reading attitudes and interests.

Science

AIMS: To help students develop an understanding of man and his interaction with the biosphere including the physical principles operating in the world.
CONTENT: To teach the use of scientific methods and equipment to solve problems; to impart knowledge of basic concepts in ecology, cell biology, plant anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, human anatomy and physiology, energy, molecular interaction, simple machines, sound, heat, electricity, force and work, light, and the earth and its environment.

Social Studies

AIMS: The seventh grade focuses on prehistory through the Renaissance, utilizing this time period to cover people and regions that are predominantly found in the Eastern Hemisphere. Though the regions differ in size and type, they provide the information necessary to place them in the context of the six strands of social studies, which are: