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Humanities

What are the causes, experiences, and effects of war? This question underlies our study of the American Civil War that drives the social studies curriculum this module. Through whole class activities, reading Gary Paulsen’s historical fiction novel, Soldier’s Heart, and independent research projects that emphasize research skills, 7th graders will understand the United States fighting a war against itself. To deepen our thinking about our reading, 7th grade is also launching Book Clubs this module. In groups, students select, read, and discuss first short stories and then novels about characters dealing with difficulties. As they read, students prepare thoughtful responses to powerful passages, ask deep questions and practice meaningful discussion habits. In writing, we are emphasizing literary responses, in which students defend an idea (or thesis) about their book using quotations and other textual evidence. Additionally, students are focusing on strong sentence and paragraph structure.

Math

This module, we have explored shapes and developed our own formulas for calculating perimeters, surface area, and volume. Understanding how to use and substitute into formulas will be practiced. As the New York State Math Test is around the corner (March 10 & 11), we will be focused on covering the remainder of topics that the 7th grade will be tested on, while continuing to review material already covered. The goal of this module is to keep practicing what we've already learned and to integrate it into new material. We are hoping to keep building up our students’ confidence so that they will feel prepared and ready for test day! Once the test is over, we will continue our study of geometry to include scale factor and culminate the module in our dream apartment project, whereby the students will use many of the facets they have learned to create a map scale of their dream apartment.

Science

7th Grade Science Module 3: Microscopic Monsters, and Other Small Stuff!
In third module, 7th grade science is looking Small, Small, Small! This module, we investigate the microscopic world! We’ll be using the microscope to observe cells both living and preserved, predicting our genes, building DNA models, and probing our cytoplasm. We’ll be visiting the New York Hall of Science to learn about biological molecules and charting the process of human reproduction, and the New York Center for Space Science to learn about the Human Body in outer space. From cells to chromosomes to DNA, small things can be Big Deals!

Art

7th graders will receive art three days a week for half of the school year. We will be studying the Principles of Art: Balance, emphasis, rhythm, contrast, movement and harmony. Each project will work towards developing each student’s understanding of the principles artists consider when making a piece of art. For example, our opening project is an exploration of composition. We will look at how emphasis, balance and rhythm each effect a composition. The students will create a composition in oil pastels using either geometric or organic shapes in a design that expresses one of these terms.

Spanish

We are beginning this module with a review of Spanish. Students will also learn about Spanish-speaking countries and their influence in the world. In class, we will focus on honing conversational skills by giving students real-life situations. We will be using an array of authentic materials, of which I will provide photocopies, from textbooks to newspapers. Students will be able to develop their critical-thinking skills and make connections to their own academic subjects.

Technology

During third module Technology class, seventh grade students begin to build expertise in the applications they use in their academic work at TSMS. In a directed series of assignments and projects, students practice typing, learn how to properly format papers, create presentations, conduct Internet research, and write research papers. Additionally, students use our computer lab resources to express themselves creatively with graphic design, animation, game design, and basic web design. Overall, students are encouraged to experience the computer both as an academic tool and a venue for active self-expression. Students are encouraged to see themselves as active creators of computer and web based media, not as solely consumers.

Physical Education

The 7th grade students are being introduced to the game of volleyball. The instruction integrates skills like the serve, the overhead pass, and the forearm pass, along with vocabulary and rules designed to prepare the students to play. In addition, the students are exploring various modes of conditioning including aerobic (like jogging and jumping rope) and strengthening exercises (like push-ups).

Seventh Grade Curriculum Archive