Grade 7

Math

Pre-Algebra

This course is designed as a preparation for a comprehensive algebra curriculum. Beginning with an evaluation of algebraic expressions and integer operations, the students will be introduced to the concept of variables and their uses in our world. As the year progresses, our Pre-Algebra students will investigate algebraic equations and inequalities, including those involving decimals and fractions, exponents, ratios and proportions, and linear functions and their graphs. Developing a strong understanding of Number Sense will be emphasized throughout the year. The students use the Prentice Hall text, Pre-Algebra.

Algebra 1

This course is a comprehensive Algebra I course. It assumes that the students have the prerequisite knowledge of operations with whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals and percents. It emphasizes solutions of single variable equations, systems of linear equations in two variables, basic operations with polynomials, factoring, and the solution of quadratic equations using various methods. Considerable focus will be placed on multiple representations of these solutions, especially graphs. Students will become familiar with handheld technology tools, like the TI-83/-84 family of calculators. We employ the Prentice Hall text, Algebra I.

Science

Form I Earth Science opens with the boys measuring heat and thermal energy and understanding how it affects Earth’s atmosphere. These topics serve as a foundation for the students to explore weather patterns and climate, oceanography and general hydrology. The course then examines Earth’s geology including formation of rocks, the existence of dinosaurs, and the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes. The course wraps up with a detailed survey of topics in astronomy beginning with our solar system, and ultimately the greater universe. Throughout the year, the boys will engage in active learning and problem solving of several current environmental issues.

In this course, the boys have the opportunity to explore topics that are sometimes overlooked in science curricula. By the end of the year, they boys will have acquired skills in research, measurement and other laboratory techniques, organization, note-taking, cooperative and inquiry-based learning. Technology is frequently used for assignments and laboratory activities, as well as tolls for research, presentations, and documentation. This course also aims clear up many of the misconceptions that the boys have regarding many of Earth’s natural processes. Most importantly, Form I Earth Science exists as a learning environment that is enjoyable and challenging, and its purpose is for the students to complete the year with new skills and the ability to process and understand new content in their scientific studies to come.

Social Studies

U.S. History

This course focuses on the major economic, political, and social trends in U.S. history from the 1850s (Pre-Civil War) to the late 1900s. In addition, current events are examined and students are encouraged to relate these events to historical situations. Study strategies are included in the curriculum to promote more effective learning. A variety of teaching methods (e.g. debates, various group projects, mock trial, webquests, stock market project, etc.) are employed to foster creative thinking and active engagement with the course material.
 

English

Form I English centers on the reading and writing process. Specific reading and writing strategies and skills are taught in mini-lessons and students utilize them in whole class and independent activities and assignments. Thoughtful literacy is emphasized as students learn how to talk and write about texts and then practice these skills in partnerships, small groups and literature circles. Formal research writing, personal and expository essays allow students to make connections between the texts they read and the world in which they live.

Foreign Language

In Middle School we begin with the instruction of Spanish and Latin in the Prima Lingua class in sixth grade.Students then decide in seventh-grade whether to continue with Spanish or Latin.

Latin

Form I Latin examines the linguistic, cultural and historic traditions of the Greco-Roman civilizations as they complement, influence and contrast with others through time. Elements of language, grammar, tense and case formation, syntax and translation are the prime focus of study.Since Latin is a basic constituent of the English and other modern languages, there is an emphasis on Latin roots and their derivatives.The Latin curriculum includes aspects of Roman history, daily life, geography, literature, art, architecture, culture and mythology, giving context to the stories and passages presented for translation.Greek and Roman gods, mythical monsters and simple love myths are points of focus.Students learn to read Latin as the language and literature of a vibrant people and explore how it lives on through the ages, even in their world today.The Form I student should master the equivalent of a semester of a strong high school Latin I course. He uses a Latin I text which he will continue to use in Form II. Supplemental texts and materials provide practice and enrichment.

Spanish

During seventh and eighth grade, students receive a solid foundation in the structure of the Spanish language as well as an understanding of the cultural background of the many Spanish speaking countries.On the introductory level there is an emphasis on basic vocabulary and fundamental grammatical concepts.The students of Spanish should be able to engage in an easy conversation, speaking in complete and grammatically correct sentences.They are also able to read easy texts, summarize them in their own words and narrate a story in front of the class.We use BUEN VIAJE as a textbook to study all the grammatical concepts and to read easy passages.In addition we study some readers with stories and fables the boys are familiar with:The Dschungelbook, The turtle and the hare, Goldilocks etc.

Visual Arts

Drawing

The seventh grade boys take part each year in an extended unit on drawing from life with an emphasis on direct observation. This unit includes an in depth study of contour, gesture, a variety of mark making, value, composition, and perspective. 

2-D and 3-D

The seventh grade artists work throughout the course on drawing, painting and printmaking. Students spend this term practicing their drawing techniques, refreshing their knowledge of color theory and being introduced to several forms of printmaking. Pattern, design, symmetry, balance, scale and perspective are all topics of discussion throughout the course as drawings and paintings are produced. As a way to experience the many ways to create an image the students learn how to transform their drawings into printed form. Some of the various printmaking techniques that are taught are; mono prints, block and linoleum cut printing, and a final silk-screen printing project on tee shirts.

Design and Multimedia

Seventh grade boys will spend a portion of the year working with intermediate multimedia concepts.They will study contrast and value, composition (i.e. rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing) in photography. The boys will also work on several animation projects using stop motion, and Adobe Flash. They will also work with Adobe Photoshop during a unit on graphic design.

Drama

This course of study is cross-curricular with their Form I English class. The class’s goal is to enhance the student’s knowledge of literary terms and begin to read some classic and modern plays from diverse playwrights. They will learn the elements of play writing and work on creating their own original play.

Each play will then be read, shared and peer edited. The top plays will be performed during third trimester in class, produced in a fall production the following year and/or entered in the Philadelphia Young Playwrights Festival.

Music

Students continue to refine their music literacy skills in the music technology lab and through their study of guitar. The focus of their study is melody and harmonic accompaniment. In the lab students harmonize, arrange, compose and orchestrate music using standard musical forms. They study the basics of music theory and harmony as they learn to play and accompany melodies on the guitar.

Students learn to read a guitar chord chart, and to accompany folk songs using a variety of major and minor chords. They play melodies by reading guitar tablature notation. Special attention is paid to ensemble work, including unison playing as well as playing solo with accompaniment (lead and rhythm guitar). Repertoire for the seventh grade guitar study is selected from folk, classical and popular genres.

Health and Physical Fitness

Boys are taught skills, provided drill work, and have the opportunity to play the following: touch football, soccer, cross-country, floor hockey, basketball, wrestling, track and field, baseball, and lacrosse.

The Presidential Fitness Program is administered during the Fall and Spring semesters of each middle school year. The "Presidential Award" is given to those students who score 85% or above in all tests. The "National Award" recognizes those boys scoring 50% or above in all tests. Parents will receive individual fitness profiles from curl-ups (abdominal strength), shuttle run (quickness and speed), one-mile run/walk (endurance), pushups (upper body strength), and V-sit reach (flexibility).