7th Grade Curriculum

Core Subjects 

Math 7

Through the Math 7 course, students are provided opportunities to fine-tune their mathematic skills and gain a more in depth knowledge of mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies.  Math 7 will introduce students to pre-algebra topics and guide learners to understand and solve more complex math problems and equations.  Throughout the first semester, students will study integers, rational numbers, equations, inequalities, ratio, rate and proportion, and percent.  During the second semester, students will continue to build on mastery of math concepts, including geometry, area, surface area, volume, probability and analyzing data. 

Advanced Math 7

Students recommended for advanced math will be introduced to the same mathematical concepts as Math 7 students, but will delve deeper into multi-step equations and inequalities, as well as begin learning about linear equations in one variable. Students in advanced math 7 will move to algebra 1 in the eighth grade after successful completion of advanced math 7. Advanced math placement is based on demonstrated math skills and proficiency and faculty recommendations.

The TFS Middle School Math curriculum includes various opportunities for students to participate in interdisciplinary activities that are designed to reinforce the use of math in other subject areas.  Students will also be provided math experiences that will help them further understand mathematics and mathematical concepts as they relate to real life and the world outside the classroom.

World History 7

In seventh-grade World History, students have the opportunity to explore the major events that have led to the world in which we presently live.  As students progress through the school year, they will explore the first civilizations, ancient Egypt and the Ancient Israelites.  They will then delve into a unit in which they will learn about Ancient Greeks and Greek Civilization including Greek Philosophy and Alexander the Great.  They will also increase their knowledge of Early India and China including the dynasties and the various religions.  This will lead into exploring The Rise and Fall of Rome, Roman Civilization and the Rise of Christianity.  During the second semester of 7th grade, World History students will learn about the Middle Ages, Feudalism, The Renaissance and Reformation, The Age of Exploration, The Scientific Revolution, The French Revolution, Napoleon and the Industrial Revolution.

This course will incorporate research, writing, and exploration through virtual field trips, projects and discussions throughout the year.  As these important events, periods and cultures are explored, Seventh Grade students will begin to recognize how the past has contributed to the present and how it will continue to affect the future. 

Life Science 7

This Life Science course provides students with a foundational understanding of life and life’s functions.  The course will begin with a study of cells and how they are the building blocks of all living things.  During the first semester, students will learn about the structure and function of plants.  The study of plants will include a gardening project designed to enhance their knowledge of how plants grow and how they contribute to our earth.  Students will then begin the study of animal cells, simple organisms and DNA.  Students will be introduced to the topics of genetics and heredity as they apply to both plants and animals.  During the second semester, Life Science 7 will focus on The Animal Kingdom and classification of animals, ecology and Human body systems. 

Life Science is a very hands-on, active course that will involve extended use of the outdoor classroom and will utilize virtual field trips.  Activities provided to enrich learning experiences will include dissections, projects, and research to gain a deeper understanding of all living things.

English 7

English 7 increases students’ knowledge of literature and writing, expands their vocabulary and encourages discussion and higher-order thinking.  The first semester includes an in-depth unit in which students will gain a deeper understanding of the writing process.  This unit will consist of creative and narrative writing, expository writing and personal writing or writing for enjoyment.  The English 7 course also explores the power of the spoken word through a unit designed to explore the many aspects of public speaking.  This unit will incorporate other subject matter as students learn about famous speakers and their words.  During second semester students will participate in a study of poetry which will include modern and classic poetry.  Students will also participate in creating and reciting poetry.  The study of literature will follow the study of poetry.  Students will explore Folklore, great writers of the past and current literary pieces. 

Throughout the course, students will experience great opportunities to explore and analyze literary pieces, participate in projects and exercise their own creativity through writing and speaking.

Exploratory: Art

Ancient/Medieval

Students will study a variety of ancient/medieval artists and art techniques, including:

  • The Renaissance - painters and sculptors. Independent design idea related to math and science.
  • Relief sculpture - historical study of tiles and other relics of the Medieval Period as well as reproduction pieces and faux finish to create a Green Man (woodman).
  • Water paints - the unicorn, introduction to water paint focusing on original unicorn depictions in tapestry
  • Printmaking - the study of medieval motifs, borders and imagery
  • Drawing - architectural elements and design breakthroughs during the Renaissance Period. Math and Science are integrated into balanced use of tools associated with architecture. Perspective drawing and elevation drawing.
  • Madrigal - During terms that the seventh grade is performing a madrigal, the art class will dedicate one project towards the collective seventh-grade production, learning prop and set-building techniques.

Mask making

During this nine-week introductory course, students will be encouraged to build a preliminary mask study in paper products experimenting with armatures and paper as a medium. Students will create masks that reflect character, spirit, and emotion through both research and experimentation in 3D design. Students will create a visual research project to represent genres of masks and explain the multiple uses of masks. As a final project, the students will select a classroom focus and create masks reflective of that choice.

Exploratory: Intro to Broadcasting

Introduction to broadcasting is a course providing students with a general overview of what broadcasting is all about. This class is designed for students who are interested in media, mass communications and video production.  Throughout this course, students will learn about basic equipment, job responsibilities for broadcast productions, safety, vocabulary relevant to the broadcasting industry, lighting, recording, editing and professional ethics.  Students will have hands-on experience with creating, editing, critiquing and presenting short productions.  Students who complete this class and determine that they have an interest in broadcasting may later choose to participate in the Broadcast/ Production class that is an intermediate level class designed to further enhance students’ knowledge of the broadcasting industry.

Exploratory: Chorus

Chorus is offered to aspiring singers regardless of their previous choral experience. The course explores choral music from a wide variety of cultures and time periods through study and performance. The curriculum emphasizes the basics of vocal technique, sight-reading, music theory and music history. Students will have opportunities to participate in various Honor Chorus events and audition for GMEA All-State Chorus. In addition to concerts held on campus throughout the year, performances at local nursing homes and community events will also be scheduled. Chorus and Drama classes will combine to present special shows: 7th grade will perform 2 madrigal/dinner theater shows and 8th grade will perform a Broadway Jr. musical.

Exploratory: Drama

In this course, students will experience and participate in many types of oral presentations and theatrical performances. Aspects of stagecraft such as movement, voice, timing, teamwork, costumes, prop and set design will be explored. Class assignments will be a combination of practiced performances, improvisational games, and speaking on given topics.

Exploratory: Physical Education

Physical Education is designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, self-motivation, self- discipline and increased development of body movement and athletic ability.  Students are beginning to mature in their ability to perform various athletic tasks and movements.  In this course, students will demonstrate more mature motor movement, perform more complex rhythmic skill and apply movement forms to developing motor skills.  Along with athletic skill and increased motor skills, Physical Education focuses on good sportsmanship, building students’ confidence in their abilities and their willingness to try new things. Students will also improve their fitness levels through cardiovascular conditioning, general body strength and flexibility.

Physical Conditioning

This conditioning class will be organized and systematically planned to provide students the opportunity to efficiently develop themselves in the following "health and skill related" fitness components:

Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Flexibility, Body Composition, Agility, Balance, Power, Reaction Time, Coordination, Speed.

Exploratory: Foundations in Reading

In this elective, students will read and discuss the current 2018-2019 Junior Tome nominees (your summer reading choices), as well as prepare projects for TomeCon 2019.  Students will also create review questions for the Tome Reading Bowl and prepare for reading bowl tests and quizzes.  For more information on Junior Tome Society and TomeCon 2019, please visit www.tomesociety.org.