Grade 7 Curriculum

The Good News in Education

Teachers:

Mrs. Phelan — Religion, Math
Mrs. VanIderstine — Religion, Science
Mrs. DeBruler — Math, Science
Mrs. Salek — Geography
Mrs. Wick — Reading
Mr. Murphy — Language Arts
Mrs. Rensch — Reading, Language Arts

Expectations of Seventh Grade Students:

This list is not all-inclusive, but does include some expectations that the teachers consider especially important.

Come to school resting and well-nourished, dressed in the proper uniform, homework completed, and demonstrate a positive, ready-to-learn attitude.

Organize books, binders, folders, pencil case, and and other materials needed for classes. Attend each class with all required materials. Carry a silent reading book to all classes.

Utilize personal classroom space efficiently. Belongings should be stored in the student’s desk, and assigned shelf at closet areas. It is the responsibility of each student to help keep the homeroom neat and well-organized.

Line up and travel quietly to and from classes and while moving from place to place on school and church grounds.

Show respect for school property and the personal space of all students.

Use an Assignment Notebook in all classes. Write down all assignments immediately and use the notebook as an organizational tool for daily and long-term planning. Parents should be able to look at their student’s Assignment Notebook and clearly understand assignments.

Practice self-discipline and self-control. This includes respecting the space and property of other students, courteously listening to others without interruption, requesting permission to speak by first raising a hand, and staying on task in order to complete activities and assignments. A high standard of classroom behavior will be expected. Parents will be contacted if a student needs to improve behaviorally.

Complete assignments on time. Late work that is accepted by the teacher after the due date will receive a lowered grade.

Complete assigned jobs and duties in a cheerful, responsible fashion. A student’s service to the school includes a recycling duty, a classroom job, assisting in Liturgy, and recording homework assignments for an absent classmate.

Inform the homeroom teacher of any change in the regular mode of transportation home. A dated note, signed by a parent, is required.

Students may be responsible for two forms of School/Home communication:  Friday Folders and the Thursday Messenger. Friday Folders and student work need to be returned to school the following school day with a parent signature. The Thursday envelope must be returned in order for the family to receive the following week’s news.

Actively participate in classroom prayer, Liturgies, and prayer services. The Religion effort grade on the report card is partially determined by the student’s participation in prayer. We expect all students to sing, respond to the celebrant, and exhibit a respectful, reverent posture during school Masses and other occasions for prayer.

Practice good manners and social skills. Teachers, other adults, and classmates should be addressed by their proper names. Greeting people in the hallways, for example, is a common courtesy. Saying “please” and “thank you”, and not interrupting two adults in conversation are also the sorts of manners the students should model.

Lunching daily with classmates provides additional opportunities to appreciate the uniqueness of each person. Students are encouraged to select a variety of lunch partners, include everyone, and refrain from developing what might be considered “exclusive” groups of cliques. Kindness toward all is expected. Students clean their own eating areas daily after lunch is completed.

All students need to take their Gym clothes home after P.E. class on Friday, wash them, and bring them back to school for P.E. classes on the following Wednesday. Good personal hygiene is encouraged every day! 

Teachers plan lessons on a weekly basis. They may not be prepared to give assignments to students who leave on unscheduled vacations during the regular school year. The standard rule is that students will complete any required assignments when they return to school (within the same number of days that they were absent).

Religion Curriculum – Grade 7:

A variety of teacher resources and student materials are utilized. Seventh and eighth grades work from the Christ Our Life series published by Loyola Press. The title of the seventh grade’s primary textbook is Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Curriculum includes:

• The Beatitudes
• Confirmation (Formation begins in Seventh Grade)
• Friendship with Jesus
• Jesus’ Life and His Word
• Fruits of the Holy Spirit
• Jesus and His Apostles
• Parables
• Miracles
• Walking with Jesus in a Vocation:  Matrimony and Holy Orders
• The Rosary
• Scripture Studies
• Eucharist and the Liturgy
• Jesus in the Gospels
• Jesus’ Compassion:  Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
• The Catholic Church:  A Timeline of People and Events

Various forms of evaluation include:

• Quizzes
• Group projects
• Mass participation and active participation in other forms of prayer
• Tests
• Memorization of prayer
• Skits and plays

Other expectations: 

• Students will work cooperatively in groups formed within their homeroom and between the two seventh grade homerooms
• Students will participate in activities with their second grade ‘buddies’ during the school year
• Students will be proactive in regard to their own faith formation and will responsibly commit to service within their school, parish, and community.

Geography Curriculum – Grade 7:

Map Skills will include use of political and physical science maps as well as specialty maps. Students will be held responsible for the identification of countries and capitals as well as specific physical features in the study of:

• Latin America
• Europe (both Western and Eastern)
• Asia and the Pacific, and
• Africa

We will be zeroing in on one region every quarter after starting each quarter with several specific map skills.

The text also practices reading skills in every section including:

• Setting a purpose for reading
• Comparison and Contrast
• Cause and Effect
• Previewing the lesson, and
• Making Predictions

We will continue using a variety of note-taking skills. At the beginning of each section, the text suggests an appropriate method for that section. They will include:

• A variety of graphic organizers (webs, Venn diagrams, charts, and tables)
• Time lines
• Outlines

Each student will be required to do one project each quarter. Some will be individual and some small group.

Assessments will consist of correcting homework, review questions, section quizzes (frequently), tests, and projects. Since this is a new series, timing for tests is currently unknown, but major tests will still be preceded by at least five days notice.

Science Curriculum – Grade 7:

Life Science:

• Human Nutrition
• Plant and Animal Cells: Structures, Functions, Processes, and Energy
• Genetics – The Science of Heredity
• Classification of Living Things
• Viruses and Monerans
• Protists and Fungi
• Invertebrate Dissection - Earthworm

Physical Science:

• Motion
• Forces
• Work and Machines
• Six Flags Great America:  Math and Physics Day

Science Practices, Technology & Society:

• Scientific Method, Measurement, and Process Skills
• Technological Design:  Rube Goldberg and Newton Scooter
• Accepted Science Practices
• Infectious Diseases

Student Evaluation and Assessment:  

• Class Participation and Daily Work
• Homework
• Quizzes and Test
• Individual and Cooperative Group projects
• Research Projects

Expectations of Science Students

• Develop organizational skills through the daily use of an indexed Math/Science binder.

• Be prepared for class. Bring all necessary books and materials.

• Participate during class discussions and lessons.

• Incorporate SJS Standards for Written Work.

• Demonstrate and enthusiastic, proactive attitude toward learning.

• Use good study skills and assume responsibility for tracking daily homework assignments as well as long-term projects.

• Identify and use the steps of Scientific Method.

• Responsibly use tools and equipment to accurately measure and record data.

• Critically read, comprehend, paraphrase, and notate science literature.

• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow students during group assignments, labs and activities.

• Be aware of the role of Science and Technology in contemporary issues that involve ethical and moral decision-making.

• Value life and responsibly care for their bodies through good nutrition, adequate exercise, plentiful sleep, and avoidance of risky behaviors that threaten their health and wellness.

• Appreciate all of God’s creation and act as good stewards of the Earth.

Literature Curriculum:

A diverse selection of literature will be used to enhance student development of higher level comprehension and inferential thinking. Skills will develop and improve as students are presented with the following focus:

• Evaluating fact, opinion and bias
• Identifying myths and fables
• Analyzing style and purpose
• Understanding elements of plot
• Understanding the author’s purpose in various literary forms
• Identifying characteristics of fantasy and legends
• Applying word analysis and vocabulary skills

• Students will apply acquired skills to one or two novel studies.

Vocabulary:

Vocabulary is a weekly part of Reading class. We will usually cover a unit every two weeks. A bi-weekly test is given, as well as unit work in the consumable text. Each lesson has twenty words, and unit reviews occur after every third and sixth unit.

Each unit contains:

• An introductory lesson (word list, definitions, pronunciations, and parts of speech)
• Completing the Sentence
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Choosing the Right Word
• Vocabulary in Context

Unit reviews include many of the same categories and also examine related words and building with classical root words.

The purpose of the Vocabulary Workshop program is to strengthen the students’ vocabulary in reading and writing. Students are encouraged to put these words into everyday use.

The students will be given an additional 10 basic words on their spelling vocabulary test that they will be required to spell accurately in their daily work.

Reading – 7th Grade:

• To read selections in different genres that develops understanding of fiction, non-fiction, drama, folktales, myths and poetry
• To learn a variety of reading strategies for literal comprehension including prediction, visualization, connection, questioning, clarifying and evaluating
• To recognize and discuss literary elements:
• Plot
• Theme
• Characterization
• Conflict
• Setting

 

• To increase vocabulary
• To respond to independent reading assignments through a variety of activities:
• Readers response journals
• Story maps
• Puppet shows
• Timeline illustrations
• Comic strips
• Interviews
• Etc.

Language Arts – SJS Middle School:

Grade 6 Language Arts:

• Basic parts of speech, grammar, punctuation
• Sentence structure and type of sentences
• Paragraphing
• Introduce five paragraph essay
• Single Page Research Paper
• Oral Skills

Grade 7 Language Arts: 

• Parts of Speech, Grammar, Phrases, Clauses
• Complex Sentence Structure and Type of Sentences
• Five Types of Writing
• Five Paragraph Essay
• Three Page Research Paper
• Oral Presentation

Grade 8 Language Arts Block Schedule:

• Integration of Classic Literature and Writing
• Literary Analysis
• Book Reports
• Downriver, A Christmas Carol, The Diary of Anne Frank, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo & Juliet, Short stories
• Refinement of the Five Paragraph Essay
• Proficiency in the Five Types of Essays
• Vocabulary
• Speech, Listening Skills

All students are required to retain all written work in their writing folder. This will remain in the classroom. Please contact the teacher if you would like to review your student’s work.

Math Expectations & Requirements:

All students are expected to be organized, with homework, handouts, etc. kept in the appropriate section of their binder or expandable. Notes should be taken in their math spiral notebook. Students should come to class prepared with all of their materials and a willingness to participate in the daily lessons.

All students are required to complete homework assignments. Work must be shown to receive full credit for any assignment. Assignments that are conscientiously completed and turned in on time will receive five points of out five for their grade. Some work that is incomplete will receive three or four points out of five. If a student does not understand a homework assignment, the teacher must be notified before class begins. Extra help and time will then be discussed. Homework may also be graded as a quiz.

Quizzes are given frequently along with various types of tests that will evaluate progress and assess mastery of concepts as they are learned. Additional standards for written work include neatness, papers with proper heading, use of pencil (no pens allowed), and statement answers for work problems.

The teacher is available to help students who need assistance. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for clarification or help when necessary. Oral participation will greatly enhance your child’s understanding.

Expectations for Math Class

• Come to class with all materials and ready to participate.
• Have a proper heading on all papers.
• Complete all work legibly, in PENCIL, and on time.
• Copy original problem (some exceptions).
• Number problems vertically.
• Skip lines between problems.
• Box your answer.
• For fill in the blank questions, write only word answer.
• Homework is completed on loose leaf in your expandable or binder.
• NO WORK, NO CREDIT!!  Show work by the problem.

Showing work:	Not Showing work:
2  23 x39 207 690 897	23 x39 897	23 39 207 690 897

• Retakes available for most quizzes and tests of 82% and below. You must notify the teacher and schedule a time within one week.
• “Pop” quizzes may be given.
• Daily notes are required in a spiral notebook.
• Date the page.
• Copy notes and problems from the board/overhead.
• Add your notes from the book and homework.
• Do no skip pages.
• If a test of quiz is given, write the date then “test” or “quiz”.
• Any homework assignment can be collected as a quiz.
• Homework is graded on a 5 point scale:
• 5 points:  All work shown; all problems attempted/completed properly
• 4 points through 1 point:  Various reasons
• 0 points:  NO WORK
• Sentence answers for word problems.

 

Illinois State Goals for Mathematics

The state goals for math (State Goals 6,7,8,9,10) with their respective standards, are:
State Goal 6:  Demonstrate and apply a knowledge and sense of numbers, including numeration and operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), patterns, ratios and proportions.

• Learning Standard A:  Demonstrate knowledge and use of numbers and their representations in a broad range of theoretical and practical settings.
• Learning Standard B:  Investigate, represent and solve problems using number facts, operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and their properties, algorithms and relationships.
• Learning Standard C:  Compute and estimate using mental mathematics, paper-and-pencil methods, calculators and computers;
• Learning Standard D:  Solve problems using comparison of quantities, ratios, proportions and percents.

State Goal 7:  Estimate, make and use measurements of objects, quantities and relationships and determine acceptable levels of accuracy.

• Learning Standard A:  Measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods.
• Learning Standard B:  Estimate measurements and determine acceptable levels of accuracy.
• Learning Standard C:  Select and use appropriate technology, instruments and formulas to solve problems, interpret results and communicate findings.

State Goal 8:  Use algebraic and analytical methods to identify and describe patterns and relationships in data, solve problems and predict results.

• Learning Standard A:  Describe numerical relationships using variable and patterns.
• Learning Standard B:  Interpret and describe numerical relationships using tables, graphs and symbols.
• Learning Standard C:  Solve problems using systems of numbers and their properties.
• Learning Standard D:  Use algebraic concepts and procedures to represent and solve problems.

State Goal 9:  Use geometric methods to analyze, categorize and draw conclusions about points, lines, planes and space.

• Learning Standard A:  Demonstration and apply geometric concepts involving points, lines, planes and space.
• Learning Standard B:  Identify, describe, classify and compare relationships using points, lines, planes and solids.
• Learning Standard C:  Construct convincing arguments and proofs to solve problems.
• Learning Standard D:  Use trigonometric rations and circular functions to solve problems.

State Goal 10:  Collect, organize and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability.

• Learning Standard A:  Organize, describe and make predictions from existing data;
• Learning Standard B:  Formulate questions, design data collection methods, gather and analyze data and communicate findings.
• Learning Standard C:  Determine, describe and apply the probabilities of events.