St. Philip the Apostle School - Curriculum Guide

Grade Seven

 

RELIGION
Seventh graders will learn through Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.  Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in Religion, but also in all learning. The focus is on:

   · God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
   · planning, assisting in liturgy and other forms of  worship
   ·  the sacraments
   ·  service
   ·  church history
   ·  morality
   ·  universality of the church
   ·  major church documents

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
The Language Arts Program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and  the study of literature.  The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively. The skills acquired and understood are applied and reinforced in all content areas. The textbook used for reading is Scott Foresman, Discoveries in Literature, as well as selected novels.

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

   · identifying plot, characterization, setting, point of view and conflict from different eras
   · analyzing style and purpose
   ·  analyzing character conflict
   · understanding the author's purpose in various literary forms
   · identifying purpose of various forms of figurative language
   · apply word analysis and vocabulary skills

 WRITING
 Seventh grade students use writing to convey meaning applying classroom instruction in grammar, spelling, mechanics and process.

Students will:
   · use the steps of the research process
   · write a research paper
   · construct an outline
   · use the writing process including pre-writing, revising, peer editing, and final draft
   · write in multiple forms
         narrative, expository, persuasive and description essays
   · write in a variety of creative modes

LISTENING/SPEAKING
Seventh grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. 

They will:
   · demonstrate presentation skills
   · participate in small & large  group discussion and presentations
   · express ideas clearly when speaking
   · read fluently with expression
 
TECHNOLOGY & REFERENCE SKILLS
Seventh grade students will study, retain and use information from a variety of sources. 

Students will:
    · gather materials from several sources on various  topics
    · define a research topic through key word searches
    · evaluate sources of information for accuracy
    · apply proper keyboarding skills
    · use appropriate graphing tools to present data  
    · use peripherals to produce a product
    · create a multimedia presentation

MATHEMATICS
Seventh grade students acquire a knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the textbook   Merrill: PreAlgebra, or Heath: Math Connections along with extended activities, and hands on experiences.

Students will:
  · know and apply decimal notation
  · use powers and scientific notation
  · use formulas, expressions, and equations
  · use ratio, proportion, and percent in various applications
  · use problem solving strategies
  · graph  and analyze data
  · solve equations using order of operations including exponents
  · find area, perimeter of 2-D and volume of 3-D figures
 · measure in customary and metric systems
  · recognize and identify characteristics of lines, angles, polygons and 3-D figures

SCIENCE
Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to  understand science in the physical and natural world. Students identify problems, formulate and test hypotheses and evaluate experimental results.
Students will:
  · use inquiry skills
  · explain design problems and use appropriate methods  to find solutions
  · classify organisms based on  traits
  · identify and determine how cellular life processes are accomplished
  · describe and compare development of plant and animal life
  · describe basic life functions, respiration, reproduction, nutrition and digestion
  · identify the effects of policy and ethics on science & technology

 

SOCIAL STUDIES
Seventh grade students prepare for their role as informed citizens in a democratic society.

The focus will be:
  · Five Themes of Geography as they pertain to the eight world regions
 · Emphasis on geography, people, economy,  government, art, and recreation

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In seventh, students learn and explore factors that affect a healthy lifestyle.

Students will:
 · develop and maintain muscle strength, cardio-respiratory endurance and flexibility
 · use rules, offensive and defensive strategies in cooperative sports and games
 · demonstrate sportsmanship in sports and games
 · demonstrate safe participation in exercise and sports

ART
In seventh grade, students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms.

Students will:
 · use elements and principles of art to express ideas
 · interpret artistic products and experiences using appropriate vocabulary
 

MUSIC
In seventh grade, students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music.

Students will:

 · sing in groups
 · recognize characteristics of a variety of  musical compositions
 ·  explore the origin and history of music
 ·  read and understand notated music

 

REPORTING

A report of student progress will be distributed approximately half way through each quarter.

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in early November, but can be requested at any time.

Students will receive a report card at each of the four marking periods.

HOMEWORK
Seventh grade students will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as for the completion of special projects.

PARENTS CAN HELP BY

·          Modeling active participation in weekly liturgy, daily prayer and service.

·          Being supportive of teachers and policies.

·          Showing an interest in homework, while encouraging student independence.

·          Limiting extracurricular activities that interfere with schoolwork.

·          Staying in touch with the school