Grade 7 Curriculum

English Language Arts

ELA Core Standards Overview

Cite several sources of specific evidence from a piece when offering an oral or written analysis of a book, essay, article, or play
Analyze works of fiction to see how events advance the plot and how setting shapes the characters
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a nonfiction work and analyzing how the author takes a position different from other authors
Organize and focus his or her own writing, including supporting statements and conclusions with evidence and showing that the evidence is accurate and reliable
Conduct research in response to a specific question by drawing on evidence from several credible literary or informational sources to support an analysis or reflection
Avoid plagiarism and following a standard format for citations (e.g., footnotes, bibliography)
Evaluate a speaker’s key points and reasoning, asking questions, and stating his or her own well supported ideas in discussions
Present claims and findings to others emphasizing main points, making eye contact, speaking loudly enough, pronouncing words clearly, and using formal English when the situation calls for it
Using common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to defining the meaning of a word (e.g.,

semi-, semiannual, semicircle)

Mathematics

Expressions and Equations

Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions
Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations

Ratios and Proportional Relationships

Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems

The Number System

Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers

Statistics and Probability

Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population
Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations
Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models

Geometry

Draw, construct and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them
Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area, and volume

Science

Science is a way of knowing, a process for gaining knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Students will participate in a hands-on active curriculum where they "do" science, not simply read about science to emphasize the importance of science in their daily lives. Students will work through the scientific process by observing, inquiring, questioning, formulating and testing hypotheses, and analyzing, reporting and evaluating data. The emphasis of seventh grade science is natural science.

Science Methods

Experimental Design
Study of measuring systems
Students participate in data collection, graphing/technology of their findings
Students learn and participate in laboratory techniques
Using SI units
Conversions

Characteristics of Living Things

The Origin of Life
Needs of Living Things
Chemistry of Living Things

Cells

Cell Theory
Structures and Function of Cells
Cell Processes
Cell Growth and Division
Cell Specialization

Genetics

Probability
DNA
Chromosomes
Inherited Traits
Adaptability

Plate Tectonics

Plate Tectonic Theory
Convection
Plate Boundaries

Volcanic Activity

Volcanic structures
Magma Types
Types of Volcanoes

Earthquakes

Stress and Strain
Faults
Related Technology

Mountain Building

Crust and Mantle Relationships
Convergent-Boundary Mountains
Types of Mountains

Weather and Erosion

Paleontology: Prehistoric Life/Plan and Animal Adaptations/Taxonomy

Geologic Eras
Darwin's theory of natural selection
Index fossils
Radioactive dating
Comparison of mammal and marsupial evolution
Defining plant and animal adaptations
Color and light absorption
Structural , behavioral, physiological adaptations
Habitats
Seven Kingdoms

Human Body Systems

Understanding of the skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, nervous and endocrine systems, reproductive and immune systems
Cells: observe and describe cellular structures and functions

Earth Materials and Chemistry

Describe the structure of matter in terms of atoms and molecules
Accurately measure the characteristics of matter in different states
Investigate the motion of particles
Understand the relationship between properties of matter and Earth's structure
Mass, volume, and density measurements
Minerals
Internal structure of the earth
Pressure and temperature

Atmosphere and Weather

Composition and structure
Temperature, pressure, density and movement of air
Factors of weather
Cloud formation and humidity
Air masses and fronts
Climate types
Climate

Ecology II

Ecosystems
Biomes
Succession
Carbon cycle
Understanding global changes and personal impact and responsibility to the environment

Social Studies

Students will study physical and cultural geography for the first semester. The areas of emphasis are the United States Europe and the Middle Eastern countries. Students will study European history for the second semester. The areas of emphasis are the Russian Revolution, WWI, WWII, current political and physical country boundaries, and the current political climate.

Geography

Investigate the areas of the world through the approach of the five themes of geography: location, place, human/environment interaction, movement and region
Investigate the areas of the world describing its culture, climate, physical features, history, trade, transportation and economics

European History

European History studies including the events leading up to, during, and as the result of the Russian Revolution
European history studies: WWI, WWII, cultural, political, economic changes leading up to, during, and as the result of these wars

Religion

Religion is an integral part of the entire school day. Through religious education, students' experiences of living and learning achieve their deepest meaning. Relationship to Catholic theology and worship will enhance the spiritual life of all the students. Seventh grade theology is a rotating curriculum shared with the eighth grade year.

Church History

The human search for meaning and purpose
Faith
The early Church
The persecuted Church
The Roman Church
Medieval/Reformation Church
The Modern Church

Introduction to Sacred Scripture: The New Testament

The Gospels
The Letters of Paul
St. John/Revelation

Sacraments, Worship and Prayer

Sacraments of Initiation
The Eucharist
Penance
Anointing of the Sick
Matrimony
Holy Orders
Rites of Holy Week

The Apostolic Creed

Understanding the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church

Morality

Introduction to Sacred Scriptures: The Hebrew Scriptures