Math
Seventh grade math This curriculum is the next step in preparing middle schoolers for success in algebra and geometry in HS. The year begins with using decimals to solve real life problems, analyzing data, and using number patterns. Next we will review integers and get into equations and functions. Fractions and percents come next. We will solve more complex problems in seventh grade than in sixth grade math. Seventh grade math helps to solidify the concepts introduced last year. Proportional reasoning and ratios become clearer. Seventh graders also do a more thorough investigation of geometry's 2D and 3D figures at the end of the year.
PreAlgebra A few students are placed in PreAlgebra. The pace of this course is a rapid integrated transition to algebra and geometry. This course has students exploring the use of the tools of algebra, integers, and equations. The students are given problem solving activities and assignments that enhance concepts of factors, fractions, rational numbers, ratio, proportion, and probability. Linear equations, inequalities, and functions, initiate lateral thinking skills required for Algebra 1. We continue by applying algebra to geometry as the students apply newly learned skills to 2D and 3D figures. Finally, we extend the algebra learned into problems of statistics and probability.
Music
GRADES 7 – 8 PERFORMANCE CHOIR
GOAL 1 – SING ALONE AND WITH OTHERS , A VARIED REPERTOIRE OF MUSIC WITH PERFORMANCE AS THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE
* Sing at appropriate level
* Sing expressively and accurately with good breath control.
* Sing vocal warm-ups to develop breathing, diction, vowel shaping and coloring, ear training, phrasing and dynamics.
* Work on musical interpretation.
* Participate in small group voice lessons as time allows.
GOAL 2 – DEVELOP MUSIC LITERACY - ( READING BASIC MUSIC NOTATION AND TERMINOLOGY)
* Sight read and sing at appropriate developmental level.
* Identify, define and perform standard notation symbols.
GOAL 3 – DEVELOP PERSONAL SKILLS AND SELF-DISCIPLINE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE ONE'S PERSONAL BEST.
* Develop an attitude of excellence.
* Show respect, tolerance and concern for the teacher and members of the musical group.
* Exercise personal responsibility in care and use of one's voice.
* Demonstrate successful life skills ( i.e. Commitment, reliability, punctuality, teamwork, responsibility and leadership) through classroom,
rehearsal and concert etiquette.
GOAL 4 – EVALUATE MUSIC AND MUSIC PERFORMANCES
* Evaluate quality and effectiveness of their performances.
* Offer constructive criticism.
GOAL FIVE – PERFORM IN A WAY THAT DEMONSTRATES AN UNDERSTANDING OF PROPER VOCAL TECHNIQUE AND MUSICAL INTERPRETATION AND EXPRESSION
* Become comfortable and familiar with various forms of accompaniments. (Live accompanist, acappella, and background C.D.)
* Learn to experience the music on many levels
GOAL 6 – DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MUSIC AND THE OTHER ARTS
* Through music theater
* Through movement and dance (choreography)
GOAL 7 – UNDERSTANDING MUSIC IN RELATION TO HISTORY AND CULTURE
* Study and perform music from different cultures and historic periods.
Art
Art is taught by a teacher who has a B.S. degree in K-12 Broad Area Art Education. The students meet once or twice week for 40 minutes for the entire year.
Art in seventh grade centers on projects and art from other cultures. A few examples they will be learning about will be Native American Basketry, Oaxaca (Mexican) Animal Sculptures, Celtic Crosses, and Japanese Marbleizing and book binding. In Middle School our projects are more in-depth and detailed, so the students may only be working on and graded on one to three projects a quarter.
Computer Technology
Students meet second semester twice a week for 40 minutes. Computer Technology class is taught by a knowledgeable instructor who incorporates the use of technology while learning about other subjects. All students in the school have their own user log-on and e-mail address for educational purposes. The school had filtered high-speed internet for students to use for research and learning.
Computer class in seventh grade centers on social studies and advertising design. Students will choose a country to research and learn many aspects about. They will do research through books as well as the internet. The students then portray the head of the Board of Tourism in their country and have to design a Travel Brochure to entice and give information to tourists. These projects are rather in-depth and take most of each quarter. They will be turned in at the end of the quarters so there will be no mid-term reports on progress. Considering the amount of effort and time going into each project, high quality projects are required.
