7th Grade Curriculum
Reading
Comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking of the following: Treasure Island, Red Badge of Courage, The Aeneid, King Arthur, April Morning.
Language Arts
Parts of speech, verb conjugations, synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, vocabulary, dictionary marks, sentence analysis, diagramming, punctuation. Spelling involves the words from Rice University’s 450 Most Often Misspelled List. In addition, the Carden™ spelling workbook covers antonyms, homonyms, synonyms, and verb tense. Students practice penmanship with paragraphs on the 50 States. One poem per month is studied and memorized.
Composition
Creative expression through journal entries
Six book reports of books at least 200 pages in length
Six short story reports
Nine current event summaries
Carden™ composition forms
Poetry
Famous quotations writing prompts
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra: Discussion, critical thinking, note-taking, practice and review are emphasized. Includes ratio, proportion, graphs, graphing coordinates, measurement, powers, roots, bases, percent, solving for unknowns, absolute value equations and graphs, inequality equations and graphs.
Science
Biology: Cells, genetics, evolution, plants and animals, the human body systems.
History
Study of U.S. History from the revolution through the Civil War, including a study of the Constitution of the United States.
Geography
Canada -- first semester
Central America and Mexico -- second semester
Review of continents and United States
Map Skills
Music
Theory and singing are twice weekly, with emphasis on performance skills and poise. Appreciation of the classic composers and American music is stressed. Students perform in two productions each year with Seventh grade students taking leading speaking roles.
Art and Art Appreciation
Classical artists are studied. Students work with lines, texture, color, and design with projects of various mediums. Art class meets twice weekly.
French
Formalized course in French grammar, vocabulary, and culture through listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Latin
Latin grammar and vocabulary emphasizing Latin roots of the English language. Ancient Rome and Roman mythology are introduced.
Speech & Debate
Students learn basic forms of forensics and public speaking including demonstration, narrative, and persuasive speeches.
Physical Education
Middle School students wear PE uniforms. The class involves structured games, a rigorous exercise program, and mile run. The students strive for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Sportsmanship is stressed. The class is held four days a week.
Computer
Middle School students have Computer instruction twice a week for 45 minutes. The students learn keyboarding, power point, web design, and spread sheets.
