Life Science
Seventh grade science is designed to develop an awareness of living things, the processes of life, and the relationships among organisms.  A survey of the five kingdoms allows the student the opportunity to compare and contrast various organisms.  Concepts of life science are organized to meet the needs and interests of today’s student.  Current events are an integral part of the course, allowing for the development of both written and oral skills.  Students also engage in cooperative learning units on a regular basis to encourage the development of critical thinking skills.

Mathematics
Seventh grade math reinforces and promotes mastery of basic skills, utilizing whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ration and proportion, and basic geometry.  It focuses on how and why mathematical rules work, expands math vocabulary, and encourages logical and creative thinking.  Cooperative problem solving utilizing everyday situations shows relevance and application of mathematics to future course work and vocational choices.  Students who are recommended by their previous teachers, based on performance criteria, may take pre-algebra in seventh grade.  This course is designed to prepare the student for a continuous five-year secondary math sequence by introducing basic properties of numbers, integers, vocabulary, and problem solving skills.  While strengthening basic skills, students cooperatively create and solve equations logically, stressing how and why each step is necessary.  The primary emphasis of this course is to promote reasoning skills necessary for higher math.

Integrated Language Arts
Seventh grade reading has four components:  literature study, reading for enjoyment, reading in the content areas, and critical reading.  A variety of reading materials is used, including short stories, novels, plays, newspapers, and nonfiction articles.  Lessons will be taught on how to read school textbooks effectively and how to read and take notes from reference books.  Critical reading skills are taught through a study of propaganda techniques used in advertising.  The school librarian works closely with the reading teacher to develop in the students a love or reading and desire to make reading a lifelong habit.

Seventh grade language arts integrates reading and English.  The eight parts of speech are studied and practiced with the students’ writing.  Research, listening, and speakaing skills are developed throughout the year.  Students work on vocabulary development through reading and writing.

History and Geography
The Western Hemisphere.  Seventh grade students will begin the year with a unit on geographical terms and globe and map skills.  This quarter as well as the second and third will be devoted to the study of Canada and Latin America.  Although geography will be emphasized, history, culture, and economic activity of these areas will be included.

Foreign Language
An academic course designed to explain the basic language learned in sixth grade.  The proficiency-based content includes a review of the materials learned the previous year as well as new materials which make the seventh grade student able to deduct the meaning of English words from their foreign roots.

Health
Seventh graders will examine life-styles that all promote the quality and longevity of life.  Students will study nutrition, diet and exercise, heart disease, infection diseases, and AIDS.

Physical Education
Students in seventh grade will develop and display desirable social behavior in sportsmanship, cooperation, and competition.  Students will learn the health-related and skill-related components of physical fitness.  The children will evaluate their fitness levels, design an exercise program, and follow the program in a self-directed manner.   Students will develop skills in team, dual, and individual sports, along with the rules and game strategies.

Children will work independently at various stations.  They will also be prepared with their gym clothes and encouraged to use the showers.

Art
This course will consist of art problems designed to enable students to render design in two and three dimensions; create, glaze and fire a slab pot; learn to use color to create feelings and communicate ideas; render an architectural drawing which shows the understanding of terms and function; evaluate the contributions of artists in the heritage of architecture; and study the terms and artists necessary to understand the art heritage of sculpture.

Technology Education
Students will work the various technologies in a small group setting.  These will include but not be limited to: Computer Aided Drafting, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Simple Machines, Robotics, and Electronics.

Family and Consumer Science
The primary focus will be on nutrition and food preparation.  There will be an in-depth look at food choices.  Discussions will be held on the development of the adolescents.  Finally, a project will be completed using the sewing machine.