St. Philip the Apostle School - Curriculum Guide

Grade Seven

 

RELIGION
Eighth 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, especially Confirmation
   ·  service and responsibilities
   ·  morality
   · Church teachings and life choices

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, Explorations in Literature.

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:

   · analyze plot, characterization, setting, point of view and conflict from different genres
   · distinguish among genre
   · extrapolate and use various literary devices
   · apply word analysis and vocabulary skills

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

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

LISTENING/SPEAKING
Eighth 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:
   · use presentation skills appropriate to the situation and audience
   · participate in small & large  group discussion and presentations
   · express ideas clearly when speaking
   · read fluently with expression
 
TECHNOLOGY & REFERENCE SKILLS
Eighth grade students will study, retain and use information from a variety of sources. 

Students will:
    · gather  and evaluate materials from several  sources
    · research topics using key word searches
    · demonstrate proper Internet etiquette
    · use appropriate graphing tools to present data in a multimedia presentation
    · use peripherals to produce a product
    · create actions in a multimedia presentation

MATHEMATICS
Eighth grade students acquire a knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the textbook Glencoe: Algebra I, or Merrill: PreAlgebra: Transition to Algebra, extended activities, and hands on experiences. The publisher offers information and activities at their website http://www.glencoe.com/sec/math. .

Students will:
  · use powers and scientific notation
  · use formulas, expressions, equations, functions
  · use ratio, proportion, percent and probability in various applications
  · graph and analyze data
  · multiply, add, subtract and divide algebraic equations and inequalities
  · solve quadratic equations and radicals
  · add and subtract polynomials
  · find and interpret the slope of a line
  · use measures of central tendency to describe data

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 to study Physical science
  · use appropriate strategies to find solutions to design problems including technology to report on success
  · Read and understand the Periodic Table
  · identify and classify the six simple machines
  · apply Newton's laws of motion
  · interpret and classify chemical reactions
  · distinguish properties of acids, bases, and solids
  · develop solutions for global changes
  · describe forces, events and processes that affect the Earth
  · discuss the effect  and influence of policy and ethics in science and technology

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

The focus will be:
 · U.S. History
 · Illinois constitution / U.S. Constitution
 · U.S. role in global affairs
 · economic and social systems
 · political systems and Catholic teachings

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In eighth 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 eighth grade, students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms.

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

MUSIC
In eighth 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
   · analyze the impact of contemporary  music on lifestyles and life choices

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
Eighth 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