SEVENTH GRADE
LANGUAGE ARTS and SOCIAL STUDIES:
Over the timespan of two years, 6th and 7th Grade students will be engaged in eight units of study with collaboration between Language Arts and Social Studies. The goal of this collaborative approach is to broaden students’ understanding of significant historical events by making history come alive through hands-on activities and the use of interactive learning tools.
The units of study are comprised of:
The Gilded Age
Progressive Era & Imperialism
World War I
Roaring 20’s and The Great Depression
World War II
The Cold War
The Civil Rights Movement
Modern America
As applicable, these units of study will be approached from a STEAM perspective as students will complete assignments in a variety of other classes. Students will be immersed in novel studies, interactive notebook activities, and will complete multiple writing assignments. Grammar and writing mechanics will be taught through mini-lessons in Language Arts. A great emphasis will be placed upon the stages of writing which includes prewriting, organization, writing, editing, and publishing a solid five-paragraph essay. Published works will be graded for content in Social Studies and writing mechanics in Language Arts. The novel studies for this year will include Code Talkers: A Novel About Navajo Marines of World War II, The Journey That Saved Curious George, A Night Divided, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, One Crazy Summer, and Towers Falling. These novels will allow the students to compare and contrast historical fact against fiction. The novel study will also include lessons on plot development, character analysis, theme, figurative language, and vocabulary. Short stories will be taught to provide opportunities to expose students to the elements of fiction. In addition to our emphasis on history, a poetry unit will be taught in the spring which will include a study of several poets and poetic devices. Additionally, students will participate in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Essay Contest.
MATH:
The pervading goals throughout the Middle School math program are the development of logical reasoning, problem solving, math application, and clear and convincing math communication. Seventh grade prepares students for further study of abstract thinking encountered in high school. Seventh grade students are placed in Pre-Algebra or Algebra I.
Pre-Algebra Concepts: Statistics/data, probability, operations with integers, variables, linear expressions, linear equations, inequalities, rational/irrational numbers, ratios/rates, application of percents, transformations, coordinate graphing, geometric shapes, and geometric properties.
Algebra I Concepts: Algebraic expressions, multi-step equations, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, functions, properties, operations with polynomials, lines and curves of best fit, probability, and statistics
SCIENCE:
LIFE SCIENCE: Equal time is given to classroom learning and lab work. Topics include characteristics of living things, origins of life, classification, cell structure, viruses, chemistry of life, cellular transport, energy processes, cell reproduction, DNA and RNA, genetics, bacteria, protists, fungi, invertebrates, chordates, vertebrates, and comparative anatomy.
SPANISH:
In Middle School Spanish classes, students read a variety of short chapter books in Spanish. These books are designed for the beginning learner and help students strengthen their comprehension of written Spanish. Each book is accompanied by vocabulary and grammar lessons that strengthen knowledge of the language while reinforcing reading and listening skills. Culture lessons and speaking practice are also integrated into the lessons with each book. Students are prepared to take Spansih II in high school after completing this course.
Students in Middle School classes have a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge through teaching others in our Study Buddy program. In 7th grade, they have an opportunity to travel to the Creative Learning Center in Bristol to teach mini-lessons there.
TECHNOLOGY:
Middle school students continue with keyboarding lessons until a minimum of 45 wpm is obtained. Students focus on utilizing appropriate technology and refining techniques to convey a message. This means students will choose an application that best suits an assignment: infographic, presentation (PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi), spreadsheet, word processing, etc. Emphasis is placed on creation that suits a particular audience. They are introduced to multi-faceted projects and exercises to develop abstract thinking skills as well as collaborative skills with others. Students are able to distinguish between copyrighted and public domain software and must be able to articulate both positive and negative aspects of computers and technology.
ART:
During the middle school years, students will develop their Studio Habits of Mind and will demonstrate how to use the tools, materials, and techniques of various media to make intentional choices in original art. Students will use size, placement, and overlapping to create depth and will experiment with tints and shades to create intensity. Characteristics of ancient art history periods and movements will be studied, as well as, contemporary artists.
MUSIC:
Middle School students have music once a week for the entire year. In this class they sing songs from various genres of music to learn concepts of music theory and to improve vocal technique. They also continue their study of terminology and advance their skills at reading music. The Sullins middle school student will enjoy taking ownership of their programs by taking part in the creative process of a program by writing a “Pop Opera.” He/She will develop acoustic performance skills by learning about “busking” in the Busking/Street Entertaining module. They will learn about the recording studio by visiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The Sullins graduate will leave with an appreciation of different composers of all genres, musical styles and develop their own “Giant Jam” session.
LIBRARY:
Seventh grade students are enrolled in a weekly class that deals with various skill building activities and skills needed in order to complete research projects. Students also continue in their development of study and organizational skills.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Middle school curriculum focuses on team sports, cooperation, team-building, and individual skills. Sports include volleyball, soccer, baseball,tennis, football, basketball, and hockey. Middle school students play hockey on rollerblades. Students participate in bi-annual fitness testing. Cross curricular projects include anti-tobacco posters in art and a language arts based research paper on famous athletes and their educations.